Meta Platforms is set to acquire enterprise-focused artificial intelligence startup Manus AI in a transaction valued at around $2.5 billion, including employee retention packages, according to people familiar with the deal. The acquisition underscores the soaring valuations of fast-growing AI companies as global tech giants race to commercialise agent-based artificial intelligence.

Manus AI was valued at approximately $500 million in May, when it raised $75 million in a Series B funding round. Since then, the company has reportedly crossed $100 million in annual recurring revenue within months of launching its product, making the reported acquisition price a striking example of how rapidly AI-driven startups are scaling.

Founded with roots in China, Manus AI is now headquartered in Singapore. Following its latest funding round, the company relocated its roughly 100 China-based employees, a move that helped ease geopolitical and regulatory concerns as it expanded its global footprint.

The startup develops a general-purpose AI agent designed to autonomously handle a range of enterprise tasks, including market research, coding, data analysis and résumé screening. Unlike traditional chatbots or workflow automation tools, Manus AI’s platform is built to operate across multiple business functions. The product is sold on a subscription basis to corporate clients.

If completed, the acquisition would mark Meta’s first major push into enterprise AI services. It would position the company more directly against rivals such as Microsoft, Google, Salesforce and OpenAI, all of which are aggressively investing in AI agents for business use.