Manus Founders Seek $1B Raise to Unwind Meta's $2B AI Acquisition
Manus's co-founders are planning to raise roughly $1 billion at a valuation matching Meta's $2 billion purchase price to repurchase the Chinese AI unit. Beijing has mandated the unwinding of the takeover, prompting founders Xiao Hong, Ji Yichao and Zhang Tao to explore external funding.
1. Beijing Orders Manus Takeover Reversal
Chinese authorities have demanded that Meta Platforms divest Manus, citing concerns over foreign control of sensitive AI technology. The directive requires the acquisition to be undone to comply with national security and regulatory standards.
2. Manus Founders Eye $1B Buyback Round
Founders Xiao Hong, Ji Yichao and Zhang Tao are in talks to secure about $1 billion from external investors. They aim for a valuation at least matching the $2 billion Meta paid, ensuring sufficient capital to reacquire the AI unit.
3. Implications for Meta Platforms
If the deal is reversed, Meta would divest a key AI asset and potentially record a loss or write-down. The move underscores regulatory risks in global AI acquisitions and may influence Meta's future cross-border investment strategy.