Meta Platforms Inc. has just unveiled its acquisition of the Singapore-headquartered AI startup Manus in a deal valued at $2 billion. Since its launch this spring, Manus has rapidly ascended to prominence, asserting that its technological capabilities outperform those of OpenAI's Deep Research model. Prior to this acquisition, Manus had successfully navigated through multiple rounds of financing, drawing in renowned investors like Tencent and ZhenFund. Despite Bloomberg casting doubts on its pricing strategy, Manus has managed to amass millions of users and boasts an annual recurring revenue surpassing $100 million. The crux of Manus's value proposition rests in its well-established, profitable AI products, which serve as a reassuring counterbalance to concerns surrounding Meta's substantial investments in AI. Following the acquisition, Manus will continue to operate autonomously, with its AI technology slated for integration into Meta's three flagship platforms. Notably, the founding team of Manus hails from a Chinese background, and its parent company was initially established in Beijing, a fact that has ignited controversy and drawn criticism from U.S. lawmakers regarding the investment. Meta has clarified that post-acquisition, Manus will sever all ties with Chinese investors and cease its business activities in China.