Tencent is negotiating to lead a consortium of original investors to buy back AI startup Manus. This move would position the Chinese tech giant as the company's largest shareholder. The transaction is expected to value Manus at no less than $2 billion.
The buyback follows a Beijing order for Meta Platforms to unwind its planned $2 billion acquisition of Manus. Authorities cited national security grounds for blocking the Meta deal. Initial Chinese backers, including HSG and ZhenFund, will rejoin the ownership group to reclaim control.
Manus develops AI agents designed to autonomously perform complex tasks. The startup recently relocated its headquarters from China to Singapore. It currently reports significant revenue growth. This development highlights escalating geopolitical tensions and China's focus on securing strategic technology assets.