Manus, the intelligent agents startup acquired by Meta for approximately $2 billion at the end of December 2025, will become independent again following an order from China’s NDRC, the powerful economic planning authority. The regulator invoked foreign investment regulations to force both parties to unwind the deal, targeting « Singapore-washing », the practice of relocating a company abroad to circumvent Chinese rules. As a result, data from certain users in specific jurisdictions will be deleted on August 23-24, 2026. The three cofounders of Manus are reportedly seeking to raise approximately $1 billion to repurchase the company at a valuation equivalent to the amount paid by Meta. The company then plans to reorganize as a Chinese joint venture followed by a possible listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, which is experiencing a prolific period for artificial intelligence companies.
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