China’s Manus raises over $500M in first funding round since split with Meta
Chinese AI startup Manus has raised over $500 million in its first funding round following the termination of its $2 billion acquisition deal by Meta. The company is now focusing on independent operations and the development of its AI agent ecosystem.
Why it matters
The funding highlights the intense competition for AI talent and resources between China and the West, as well as the resilience of Chinese AI firms despite geopolitical pressures.
Chinese AI lab Manus’ parent company, Butterfly Effect, said on Thursday in a WeChat post that it has raised more than $500 million, the company’s first funding round since Meta was forced to call off its $2 billion acquisition of the startup.
Boyu Capital and IDG Capital led the funding round, and existing shareholders Tencent, HSG (formerly known as Sequoia China), ZhenFund and others also participated. The AI company said it will continue hiring both at home and abroad.
Manus did not disclose its valuation, but it was last month said to be in talks with investors to raise $500 million at a $4 billion valuation.
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