AI startup Manus resumes independent operations after China blocks Meta's $2 billion acquisition

Singapore-based AI startup Manus formally resumes independent operations on September 1, 2026, after Beijing blocked its $2 billion acquisition by Meta Platforms. The deal, announced on December 29, 2025, collapsed in April 2026 when China's National Development and Reform Commission ordered the parties to withdraw it. The separation requires Manus to erase certain user data to comply with regulatory controls, highlighting intensifying US-China competition over sensitive AI technologies.

Manus independent operations resumption

• ▪Singapore-based AI startup Manus formally resumed independent operations on September 1, 2026, following the collapse of its acquisition by Meta Platforms.
• ▪Launched in March 2025, Manus develops autonomous artificial intelligence agents capable of performing complex tasks such as web research and report writing.
• ▪The founding team of Manus will continue to lead the Singapore-based artificial intelligence startup as an independent agent lab.
• ▪Manus launched a restoration portal to help users restore data after temporary access interruptions caused by the separation from Meta Platforms.
• ▪Manus required users to back up data generated on or after December 29, 2025, to comply with regulatory requirements during its separation from Meta Platforms.

China blocks Meta acquisition

• ▪The proposed acquisition of Singapore-based artificial intelligence startup Manus by Meta Platforms faced regulatory scrutiny in both China and the United States.
• ▪China's National Development and Reform Commission ordered Meta Platforms and Manus to withdraw their $2 billion transaction in April 2026.
• ▪Meta Platforms announced its proposed $2 billion acquisition of Singapore-based artificial intelligence startup Manus on December 29, 2025.
• ▪Chinese authorities investigated whether Meta Platforms' acquisition of Manus complied with national regulations governing foreign investment and technology transfers.

Cross-border AI technology controls

• ▪The collapse of the Meta-Manus acquisition could set a precedent for global deal-making involving Chinese-founded technology startups.
• ▪Beijing has tightened regulatory controls around technology exports and cross-border transactions involving sensitive technologies like artificial intelligence.

US-China AI talent competition

• ▪China and the United States are increasingly competing for artificial intelligence talent, computing hardware, and data as the global AI race intensifies.
• ▪Artificial intelligence startup Manus was originally founded in China in 2022 before subsequently relocating its headquarters to Singapore.

Meta AI capabilities expansion

• ▪Meta Platforms has been exploring strategies to build a subscription business around advanced artificial intelligence agents and assistants.
• ▪Meta Platforms planned to integrate Manus' technology into consumer and enterprise products to compete with OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic.