MENLO PARK, Calif. — Meta, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, agreed to buy fast-growing artificial intelligence company called Manus. The deal is estimated to be worth more than $2 billion, making it one of Meta’s largest purchases ever.
Manus is a company based in Singapore This makes intelligent computer programs known as programs that operate autonomously. These programs can perform tasks on their own, such as researching, planning, and writing code, without a person guiding each step.
The startup was originally founded by Chinese entrepreneurs but moved its headquarters to Singapore earlier this year. Manus says millions of people and businesses are already using its AI services.
According to reports, Manus reached over $100 million in annual sales just months after its launch, demonstrating how quickly the company is growing.
Meta said it would add Manus’ technology to its own products. This means that Manus AI tools could potentially help people using Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Meta AI.
Meta also said that the Manus team would join his company, but Manus would also continue to serve customers as a separate department.
Meta said it would end all Chinese ownership and operations for Manus once the sale was completed.
This purchase shows how big tech companies are working to improve artificial intelligence tools for billions of users around the world.