"Manus" Seeks to Raise $500 Million at $4 Billion Valuation

Chinese AI startup Manus in talks to raise $500 million at up to $4 billion valuation

Chinese artificial intelligence company Manus is reportedly in discussions to raise $500 million in a new funding round at a valuation of as much as $4 billion after resuming operations as an independent firm. The round is said to include interest from strategic and financial investors, with potential participants named as IDG Capital, Boyu Capital and battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), alongside existing backers Tencent, HSG and ZhenFund.

"[Users] needed to export their data and create backups of it, as it was required to delete data generated after Meta's acquisition, in order to 'comply with regulatory requirements in certain jurisdictions,'" the company told users during its split from Meta.

Manus, which develops AI agents and tools for chat, coding and content creation, surged into public view after a viral demonstration of its AI-powered agent. In mid-2025 the company moved its staff to Singapore and in December 2025 announced a $2 billion acquisition deal with Meta. The transaction was later blocked by Chinese authorities amid concerns over talent outflows and potential conflicts with export controls and foreign investment rules.

Following the blocked deal, early investors and backers reportedly helped Manus buy back shares at a valuation of roughly $2 billion as part of a disentanglement process from Meta. The company then informed users that data generated after the intended acquisition would have to be deleted to meet regulatory demands, prompting users to export and back up their information.

• Funding target: $500 million
• Potential valuation: up to $4 billion
• Earlier acquisition agreement: $2 billion with Meta (announced December 2025)
• Reported annual recurring revenue at time of Meta deal: above $100 million
• Potential investors named: IDG Capital, Boyu Capital, CATL; existing investors include Tencent, HSG, ZhenFund

Manus offers a suite of AI products—chatbot and coding tools that accept natural-language instructions to build apps and websites, design presentations and produce videos—positioning itself in the same competitive landscape as companies such as OpenAI, Lovable and Replit. Tech reporting on the firm highlights that its tools enable users to build software and content with natural-language prompts.

Company statements this month indicate Manus has resumed independent operations with its founding team continuing to lead the business. As part of its next-stage planning, Manus is reportedly considering restructuring ahead of a possible initial public offering in Hong Kong.

Investor interest from heavyweights such as CATL and established venture firms would give Manus a mix of strategic and financial support ahead of any IPO. The proposed $500 million raise at a $4 billion valuation—if completed—would roughly double the buyback valuation reported after the failed Meta transaction, reflecting renewed investor confidence in the startup's prospects despite regulatory headwinds.

Outlook: Manus faces several key milestones and challenges in the months ahead. Completing a large funding round and any subsequent restructuring for a Hong Kong IPO would require navigating ongoing regulatory sensitivities, solidifying revenue growth beyond the previously reported annual recurring revenue of more than $100 million, and maintaining product momentum against well-funded international competitors.