Meta to Acquire Autonomous Agent Pioneer Manus in Strategic AI Power Move

A New Chapter for Autonomous Agents: Meta Snags Manus

In a move that highlights the shifting focus from simple chatbots to truly "agentic" systems, Meta Platforms Inc. announced on Monday that it has agreed to acquire Manus, a high-profile startup based in Singapore. Manus gained international attention earlier this year for its autonomous AI agent—a digital assistant capable of planning and executing complex, multi-step tasks with minimal human intervention. While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the acquisition is being viewed as a significant "talent and tech" grab for Mark Zuckerberg’s empire as it races to stay ahead of rivals like OpenAI and Google.

Manus isn't just another interface for a large language model. Developed by the team at Butterfly Effect Technology, the startup burst onto the scene in March 2025, quickly distinguishing itself with an agent that can navigate the web, use a virtual browser, and even handle financial transactions or deep market research. Unlike traditional AI that requires constant prompting, Manus is designed to take a goal—like "find me a house in London under a certain budget and summarize the local school ratings"—and work on it in the background until the job is done.

Why Manus? The Rise of the Agentic AI

The acquisition comes at a time when the industry is pivoting toward "agentic AI"—systems that don't just talk, but actually do things. Meta’s interest in Manus stems from the startup’s unique multi-agent architecture. By using specialized sub-agents for planning, execution, and verification, Manus has demonstrated an ability to handle real-world complexity that often stymies general-purpose models. According to industry reports, Manus was already on a tear before the buyout, boasting an annual revenue run rate of over $125 million and a user base in the millions.

Meta intends to fold the Manus team and technology into its broader AI efforts. The goal is clear: to provide businesses and consumers with agents that can handle everything from customer service and lead generation to personal travel planning directly within apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. "We believe the next era of AI is about agency," a Meta spokesperson noted during the announcement. "Manus has built one of the most capable systems for turning intent into action."

A Strategic Move for Global AI Dominance

Interestingly, while Manus is headquartered in Singapore, its roots are deeply tied to the Chinese AI ecosystem. The startup was founded by veteran developers who previously worked on popular tools like Monica. This acquisition allows Meta to absorb some of the world's most efficient AI engineering talent, particularly those experienced in "scaffolding"—the process of building the logic and tools that allow a language model to interact with the world. You can find more details on Meta's current AI trajectory on their official newsroom, where they frequently outline their long-term vision for open-source and integrated AI.

For the broader market, this deal is a signal that the "war for agents" has officially begun. As startups like Anthropic and OpenAI release their own "computer use" and "operator" features, Meta's acquisition of a proven, revenue-generating platform like Manus gives them a significant head start. It isn't just about having a smarter chatbot anymore; it's about who owns the digital workers that will eventually run our daily errands and business workflows.

What Happens Next?

For current Manus users, the transition is expected to be relatively smooth. Meta has stated it plans to continue operating and selling the Manus service for the time being, while simultaneously scaling the technology to reach its billions of global users. The 100-strong Manus team in Singapore will remain a key hub for Meta’s engineering efforts in the APAC region. As we move into 2026, expect to see the "Manus" DNA appearing in Meta AI’s ability to book appointments, shop for you, and manage complex projects without you ever leaving your chat thread.