Manus original investors plan to buy back AI firm from Meta for US$2 billion: report

businesstimes.com.sg Jun 19, 2026

Manus original investors plan to buy back AI firm from Meta for US$2 billion: report

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 19, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Early investors in AI startup Manus, including HSG, ZhenFund, and Tencent, are planning to buy the company back from Meta for US$2 billion, according to a report by The Information. This move comes after China ordered Meta to unwind its acquisition of Manus amid tightening scrutiny of US investment in Chinese startups developing advanced AI technologies. Manus has grown significantly since the Meta deal, with its annualised revenue run rate surging to between US$400 million and US$500 million.

💡 Why It Matters

· The reversal of the Manus deal highlights China's growing assertiveness in regulating foreign investment in its tech sector, particularly in AI.
· By allowing early investors to buy back the company, Beijing is effectively setting a precedent for joint ventures and local listings, which could reshape the landscape for global AI startups operating in China.

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