Meta Platforms has announced the acquisition of the artificial intelligence startup Manus for $2 billion (€1.7 billion), aiming to enhance its services on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. According to the official statement, Meta plans to keep Manus as an independent product, allowing it to continue operating and marketing its technology separately. Founded in China and currently based in Singapore, Manus gained notoriety in March after presenting an AI agent capable of competing with the latest advancements from DeepSeek. The startup is backed by prominent investors such as Tencent, ZhenFund, and HSG, according to Bloomberg. Unlike traditional virtual assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, AI agents represent a significant evolution: they can execute complex tasks from a single instruction, from organizing complete trips to managing schedules and coordinating contacts, acting as true automated personal assistants. Meta, like other major tech companies in Silicon Valley, is engaged in an intense race for leadership in artificial intelligence, investing billions in infrastructure, talent, and development, having shifted focus from its metaverse ambitions. Currently, Meta has already integrated its own chatbot, Meta AI, into its main social platforms. The parent company of Manus, Butterfly Effect, was founded in China and later moved to Singapore. In early 2025, it raised funds with a valuation close to $500 million in a round led by Benchmark, a U.S. venture capital firm. Manus achieved annual revenues of $125 million at the beginning of this year through the subscription sale of its AI agent to businesses. For Meta, this acquisition represents an opportunity to immediately monetize its investment in artificial intelligence. (Source: eleconomista.es)