MANUS FUNDING
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.
Agentic AI startup Runable raises $21 million from Susquehanna, Nexus Venture Partners
Founded in 2025 by Umesh Kumar and Saksham Sarda, Runable allows users to build websites and applications with databases, payments, and other infrastructure, and then use the same platform to market and operate those businesses.
Flipkart faces sellers' heat; Zetwerk IPO gets Sebi nod
A sellers' body has filed a complaint against Flipkart, alleging unfair business practices. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
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.
Chinese billionaire overhauls AI startup after warning on Manus
Following Meta's Manus acquisition fallout, MiroMind founder Chen Tianqiao is implementing strict firewalls between his Chinese and US businesses. This move, driven by regulatory scrutiny, aims to prevent cross-border data and personnel movement, creating a necessary compromise in the current geopolitical climate.
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.
Shots fired in the AI war: US and China clash over code and control
The US-China AI rivalry has intensified, moving beyond innovation to a battle for talent, IP, and strategic tech. China's blocking of Meta's Manus acquisition and US policy shifts on AI development techniques highlight direct government intervention. This escalating technological competition carries significant global implications as both nations redefine control over AI's future.
After TikTok deal, Chinese companies search for a new global path
The outcome of a fractured TikTok underscores the difficult choice facing Chinese technology companies with global aspirations. In the United States, they must contend with shifting geopolitical fault lines, drawn-out legal battles and mistrust of any company with Chinese roots. Alternatively, they could chart a different international path -- one with potentially less hassle but without access to the world's largest economy.
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.
AI upstart Manus starts text-to-video service to take on OpenAI
Manus, an AI upstart known for its human-like AI agent, has launched a text-to-video generation feature, challenging established players like OpenAI and Chinese tech giants. This new capability allows users to create structured video stories from text prompts in minutes. With early access for paid subscribers, Manus enters a competitive market poised to disrupt entertainment, education, and marketing industries.
OpenAI leads surge in business AI adoption, Ramp AI Index reveals
OpenAI leads enterprise AI adoption, according to the Ramp AI Index, but Chinese AI company Manus AI is quickly gaining ground. The index, tracking real corporate spending, reveals a surge in AI usage among businesses. While foundational models dominate, specialized AI tools like Turbopuffer and Jasper are experiencing rapid growth, indicating a shift towards tailored enterprise solutions.
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.
China's Zhipu AI launches free AI agent, intensifying domestic tech race
The product, called AutoGLM Rumination, can perform deep research as well as tasks including web searches, travel planning, and research report writing, CEO Zhang Peng said at a lunch event in Beijing.
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