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.
China can block citizens from leaving over national security or tech export violations
China has implemented new border regulations that limit citizens' ability to exit the country. These measures target illegal practices that pose risks to national and industrial security, particularly amidst competition with the US. Additionally, foreigners submitting misleading visa details could be banned from entry. However, the government emphasizes that these updates will not hinder the travel plans of typical tourists.
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.
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.
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.
How Manus Skills Make AI Agents Actually Useful
Manus AI has launched Manus Skills, a public framework that distinguishes between the decision-making of AI agents and their execution. Manus Skills enhances AI systems' flexibility, scalability, and maintainability by establishing reusable, standardized capabilities that agents can call upon dynamically. The method enhances coordination within intricate workflows and indicates a wider transition to agent-based AI aimed at practical application instead of solely isolated testing.
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.
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.
What to know about Manus, China's latest AI assistant
A powerful new AI tool Manus is making waves in China, fuelling hopes that it could replicate the success of DeepSeek, which earlier this year rattled the global tech industry with its state-of-the-art chatbot. - Whether Manus can achieve mainstream success like DeepSeek will depend on its ability to scale to meet demand, RSIS's Harjani told AFP. But Manus is unlikely to be the next DeepSeek as they are different types of AI applications, he added.
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