Meta Platforms is acquiring the AI startup Manus for over $2 billion. Manus, based in Singapore and founded by Chinese entrepreneurs, specializes in advanced AI technologies. The deal follows Manus's recent efforts to secure funding at a similar valuation just before Meta approached them. The startup's CEO, Xiao Hong, will report to Meta's COO, Javier Olivan, once the acquisition is finalized. Manus gained attention earlier this year for an AI agent that can generate detailed research reports and create custom websites. This technology utilizes models from companies like Anthropic and Alibaba. The startup previously released DeepSeek, an AI model that impressed many in Silicon Valley with its capabilities and efficient use of computing resources. Meta's move signals a strategic push into the competitive AI market, aiming to strengthen its position against rivals like Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, who already have established AI tools like Copilot.