Chinese artificial intelligence startup Manus AI has raised $75 million in fresh funding led by Benchmark, reaching a reported valuation of approximately $500 million. Manus specializes in developing software tools centered on AI agents, which automatically perform various tasks.
According to sources familiar with the deal, Manus will use the new capital injection to expand its presence beyond China, targeting new markets such as the United States, Japan, and the Middle East. The funding round significantly boosted the startup’s valuation, marking a fivefold increase from its previous valuation. Earlier, Manus had raised more than $10 million in funding from investors including Tencent and HSG, previously known as Sequoia China.
The startup first attracted attention in March after introducing a demonstration of its general-purpose AI agent. However, independent tests indicated the AI agent didn’t fully live up to the initial marketing claims. Following its demo release, Manus transitioned to a paid subscription model, offering packages ranging from $39 to $199 per month.
