Chinese AI startup Manus is currently in talks to raise $500 million in a new funding round. The company is seeking a valuation of $4 billion as it returns to operating as an independent entity.
Potential investors in this round include IDG Capital, Boyu Capital, and battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology. Existing backers such as Tencent, HSG, and Zhenfund are also participating in the discussions.
The company is reportedly exploring a restructuring plan to prepare for a potential IPO in Hong Kong. This follows a period of separation from Meta, which included a share buyback at a valuation of approximately $2 billion.
In mid-2025, Manus relocated its staff to Singapore and announced a $2 billion acquisition deal with Meta. The deal was later blocked by Beijing regulators, citing concerns over export controls and foreign investment rules.
Manus provides AI agents and tools for coding, design, and content creation, competing with firms like OpenAI and Replit. At the time of the Meta acquisition attempt, the startup reported annual recurring revenue exceeding $100 million.
