Chinese AI startup Manus discusses raising $500 million — TechCrunch
Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus is discussing raising $500 million at a $4 billion valuation after resuming independent operations. TechCrunch reports, citing The Wall Street Journal and anonymous sources.
Potential investors and IPO
According to The Wall Street Journal, potential participants in the new funding round may include IDG Capital, Boyu Capital, and battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology. Existing Manus investors Tencent, HSG, and Zhenfund may also join the round.
The company is also reportedly considering restructuring to prepare for an initial public offering in Hong Kong. Manus did not respond to a request for comment on the potential fundraising.
Separation from Meta
Manus gained popularity after demonstrating its AI agent last year. In mid-2025, the startup moved employees to Singapore, and in December of that year announced a $2 billion deal with Meta. At that time, the company’s annual recurring revenue reportedly exceeded $100 million.
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Beijing blocked the deal amid growing concerns over the outflow of Chinese AI specialists and researchers to the West, citing possible violations of export controls and foreign investment rules. After that, Manus began separating from Meta, while the company’s early investors and other financial partners reportedly helped buy back its shares at a valuation of about $2 billion.
In August, Manus told users that they needed to export and back up their own data. The company explained this by the need to delete data created after Meta’s acquisition in order to comply with regulatory requirements in certain jurisdictions. This month, the startup announced the resumption of independent operations and said that the founding team would continue to manage the company.
Manus offers a chatbot, tools for vibe coding, creating apps and websites, designs and presentations, as well as video generation and a browser assistant.
