MANUS AI STARTUP
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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