AI STARTUP MANUS
China blocks SoftBank's $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB Robotics
China has blocked SoftBank’s $5.4 billion acquisition of ABB’s robotics business, disrupting the Japanese group’s AI-powered robotics expansion. The intervention highlights Beijing’s growing scrutiny of cross-border deals involving strategically important technologies.
China's new export curbs draw a line around its AI crown jewels
The draft rules, released on October 16, distinguish between foreign customers using Chinese AI services and foreign companies obtaining the models, data or expertise needed to operate or reproduce them independently.
China's new export curbs draw a line around its AI crown jewels
The draft rules, released on October 16, distinguish between foreign customers using Chinese AI services and foreign companies obtaining the models, data or expertise needed to operate or reproduce them independently.
Cash-strapped China targets offshore wealth with new tax
China has introduced a 20 percent tax on dividends and interest from offshore trusts to combat a fiscal deficit. Wealthy citizens must settle these taxes by Thursday within a 90-day transition period. This measure aims to reclaim billions of dollars held overseas and bolster the economy amidst ongoing financial challenges. Officials emphasize the importance of these taxes in keeping capital within China for technological advancement.
Manus raises more than $500 million after Meta exit
Manus, the AI startup formerly under the umbrella of Meta, has achieved a remarkable funding milestone, securing over $500 million in its latest financing round. This pivotal moment occurred after the company unhinged from Meta due to a recent reversal of acquisition. The round saw support from Boyu Capital and IDG Capital among other existing investors.
Manus eyes $4 billion value in first round since Meta breakup
The planned $500 million financing round is set to close soon and would make the agentic AI pioneer China’s most valuable startup in its field, according to people familiar with the matter.
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AI startup Manus resumes independent operations after China blocks Meta’s $2 billion deal
Manus has now resumed independent operations after the regulatory intervention in the deal. The company informed users about data backups needed for its separation from Meta. This development follows Beijing's tightened controls on technology exports and cross-border transactions.
AI startup Manus to resume independent operations as deal with Meta unwinds
"As part of our transition back to independent operations and to comply with regulatory requirements in specific jurisdictions, data generated by certain users on/after December 29, 2025" will be deleted later this month, Manus said in a statement.
ETtech Explainer: How the Meta-Manus deal came apart, and Tencent moved in
Chinese regulators ordered Meta to reverse its $2 billion acquisition of the company. Tencent is working with Manus' early investors, including ZhenFund and HSG, to buy the company back from Meta for at least $2 billion.
Global Market | Tencent explores stake in AI Startup Manus after China challenges Meta deal: Reports
Tencent is in talks to become the largest shareholder in AI startup Manus as investors seek to buy back the company from Meta after Chinese regulators ordered the US tech giant to unwind its $2 billion acquisition. The proposed deal would reshape Manus' ownership amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of cross-border AI investments.
Tencent in talks to become AI startup Manus' largest shareholder
Tencent, together with Manus' original investors, including ZhenFund and HSG, are planning to buy the company back from Meta for no less than $2 billion, said one of the sources and a third person briefed on the matter.
China’s Meta backlash renders Manus model ‘officially dead’
Beijing's order for Meta to unwind its $2 billion takeover of AI startup Manus signals a new era of regulatory scrutiny for China's tech industry. The move highlights Beijing's determination to prevent sensitive technology transfer to geopolitical rivals, forcing entrepreneurs and investors to re-evaluate global expansion strategies and corporate structures.
Blocking of Meta's AI startup buy raises risk for cross-border China tech deals
China has blocked Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus. This move signals increased risk for global investors in advanced tech firms linked to China. Beijing is safeguarding strategic assets. The decision discourages stake or asset transfers by Chinese firms to foreign entities without approval. This is a warning for entrepreneurs and investors navigating US-China tech competition.
How China block of AI deal could stop 'Singapore-washing'
China has blocked Meta's acquisition of Singapore-based AI firm Manus, signaling a crackdown on "Singapore-washing." This move, aimed at preventing the outflow of critical AI talent and technology, suggests Beijing is scrutinizing companies that relocate abroad to bypass national regulations. The decision highlights China's growing assertiveness in the global AI race.
Meta to backtrack acquisition of AI firm Manus after China block: report
Meta is reportedly reversing its acquisition of AI startup Manus. China has banned the deal, citing national security. The AI agent was founded in China but is now based in Singapore. Meta stated the transaction complied with law. Analysts had warned of regulatory issues amid US-China tech rivalry.
In blocking Meta-Manus’ $2 billion AI deal, China is trying to stem brain drain
China's NDRC has blocked Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI firm Manus, citing "laws and regulations." This move signals Beijing's intent to prevent the outflow of its top AI talent and technology, even after companies "Singapore-wash" to access foreign capital.
China orders Meta to unwind $2 billion buy of AI startup Manus
China's top economic planner has blocked Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus, citing a prohibition on foreign investment in the project. The National Development and Reform Commission has ordered the parties involved to withdraw the transaction, following earlier reports of travel restrictions on two cofounders.
China bars Manus cofounders from leaving country as it reviews sale to Meta: Report
China has restricted two cofounders of artificial intelligence startup Manus from leaving the country as regulators review whether Meta's $2 billion acquisition of company violates the country's investment rules, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.
China deepens review of Meta’s landmark $2 billion Manus buyout
Chinese officials had begun looking into whether the December takeover of the agentic AI startup violated tech export or national security regulations. The central issue is whether Chinese technology or user data could have been compromised or shared with an American company. Regulators are now also investigating potential violations of rules governing cross-border currency flows, tax accounting and overseas investments, people familiar with the matter said.
China probes Meta’s $2 billion AI deal amid reports that its highest-paid employee Alexandr Wang finds Zuckerberg’s micromanagement ‘suffocating’
Zuckerberg vs. Wang amid China probes Meta: China is investigating Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus. This probe examines potential violations of laws concerning overseas technology transfers. The investigation adds to challenges for Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. He is investing heavily in artificial intelligence. Internal leadership issues are also surfacing. Alexandr Wang, a key AI hire, reportedly finds Zuckerberg's control stifling.
China is investigating Meta's latest AI acquisition
China is investigating whether Meta's acquisition of the artificial intelligence startup Manus violated its laws on technology exports and outbound investment. Those rules say that the Chinese government must approve the export of certain technologies, including interactive AI systems.
China reviews Meta's purchase of AI startup Manus: FT
Chinese authorities are reviewing Meta’s acquisition of AI startup Manus for possible breaches of technology export rules, the Financial Times reported. Officials are assessing whether moving Manus’ staff and technology to Singapore and the consequent sale to Meta required an export licence. The review is at an early stage and may not lead to a formal investigation, but could still affect the deal.
Big Tech’s AI shopping spree in 2025: Who bought what
This year's AI sector saw a surge in high-profile acquisitions, with companies prioritising talent acquisition through strategic moves like Google's Wiz acquisition and Meta's investment in Scale AI. OpenAI also made significant moves, acquiring io for $6.5 billion and Statsig for $1.1 billion, signaling a push into consumer hardware and application development.
Meta to acquire Chinese startup Manus to boost advanced AI features
Meta is acquiring Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus. This move aims to speed up the integration of advanced AI across Meta's platforms. Manus develops a general-purpose AI agent capable of independent task execution. Meta plans to operate and sell the Manus service. It will also be integrated into Meta's consumer and business products.
Manus AI launches monthly subscription plans, mobile app for iOS users
The Beijing-based autonomous AI agent has rolled out a $39 per month plan called Manus Starter and a $199 premium option named Manus Pro, the latter matching OpenAI's ChatGPT Pro. The membership service is still in the beta testing stage and is, therefore considered quite competitive.
Beijing boosts AI startup Manus, as China looks for the next DeepSeek
Since China's DeepSeek shocked Silicon Valley by releasing AI models comparable to its U.S. competitors but developed at a fraction of the cost, Chinese investors have been on the lookout for the next domestic startup with the potential to upend the global tech order.
OpenAI launches new developer tools as Chinese AI startups gain ground
AI agents are designed to independently execute complex real-world tasks without direct human intervention, while API is a strings of code which enables standardized communication, data exchange and functionality between software components.
Debut of Manus AI digital assistant from China causes stir
A new Chinese artificial intelligence agent billed as able to work independently from humans has sent insiders buzzing -- some with concern and others with disappointment. "We see it as the next paradigm of human-machine collaboration, and potentially a glimpse into AGI," he said, referencing general artificial intelligence that aims to think the way humans do.
Meta's winning streak erased as AI rivalry and recession fears hit hard; stock falls 4%
Meta stock dropped over 4 percent on Monday, erasing gains from its record 20-day winning streak. The decline comes amid growing recession concerns following Donald Trump’s comments and rising competition from China’s Artificial Intelligence assistant, Manus. Analysts are assessing the impact of this new AI challenge on Meta’s massive investments in artificial intelligence.
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