AI agent startup Manus has raised more than $500 million in its first funding round since its planned acquisition by Meta was unwound. 

The financing gives the China-founded, Singapore-based company fresh capital as it resumes independent operations and competes in the rapidly growing AI agent market.

Manus’ parent company, Butterfly Effect, said the funding round was jointly led by Boyu Capital and IDG Capital. Existing investors, including Tencent, HSG, formerly known as Sequoia China, and ZhenFund, also participated. 

The company has not disclosed its latest valuation. However, reports last month suggested the funding could value Manus at around $4 billion, roughly twice the value attached to Meta’s proposed acquisition.

The latest funding comes months after Chinese authorities forced Meta to unwind its planned acquisition of Manus. Meta had agreed to acquire the AI startup for more than $2 billion, but Beijing ordered the deal to be reversed in April amid growing concerns over foreign investment in Chinese companies developing advanced AI technology.

Following the breakup, Manus resumed independent operations in August. The company also said it had to delete some user data as part of the separation from Meta. Its return to the fundraising market suggests that investors continue to see commercial potential in AI agents despite regulatory challenges and rising competition.

Manus develops general-purpose AI agents that can handle tasks such as research, automation and other real-world activities with limited human involvement. The company recently launched Manus 2.0 and introduced Cue, a standalone personal AI agent designed to carry out tasks across services, including communication and payments within user-defined limits.

The startup is now facing stronger competition from major technology companies. Meta has launched its own personal AI agent, Muse, while other AI companies are also developing systems that can perform multi-step tasks on behalf of users.

Manus’ latest funding gives it additional resources to expand its products and workforce. The company said it plans to continue hiring in both domestic and international markets as it builds its independent business.

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