Meta Platforms Inc. has agreed to acquire Manus, a Singapore-based artificial intelligence startup that builds AI agents for small and mid-sized enterprises, thereby marking a major step in Meta’s strategy to convert its extensive AI investments into near-term business returns.
This transaction comes as Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg increasingly places artificial intelligence at the core of Meta’s corporate agenda, while the company accelerates efforts to develop commercially viable products on top of its expanding AI infrastructure. Although the companies did not disclose the financial terms, Manus contributes a rapidly growing subscription-led business that, in turn, offers Meta immediate monetisation potential.
Earlier this year, Manus reported an annual revenue run rate of approximately $125 million, largely driven by strong demand from businesses that rely on its AI agent to automate routine tasks. Specifically, the platform enables users to provide simple instructions to an AI assistant that can screen resumes, create travel itineraries, and conduct stock analysis, among other functions.
“Joining Meta allows us to build on a stronger, more sustainable foundation without changing how Manus works or how decisions are made,” said Xiao Hong, CEO of Manus.
Moreover, the company raised capital earlier this year at a valuation close to $500 million, with backing from multiple investors, including US-based venture capital firm Benchmark.
Overall, the acquisition underscores Meta’s broader push to move beyond consumer-facing AI features and into enterprise-focused tools, as the company seeks to justify its substantial spending on data centres, chips, and large language models. By integrating Manus’ subscription-driven AI offerings, Meta secures an established revenue stream and gains a strategic foothold in the rapidly expanding market for AI agents designed for everyday business applications.
