Manus AI Achieves $500 Million Valuation

Chinese startup Manus AI has successfully raised $75 million in its latest funding round, significantly enhancing its market presence. Led by Benchmark, a prominent venture capital firm, this investment has increased Manus AI’s valuation to around $500 million.

Manus AI aims to create general-purpose AI agents designed to handle a variety of digital tasks efficiently.

This fresh capital will allow Manus to pursue international growth, setting its sights on key markets including the United States, Japan, and the Middle East.

What Manus AI Offers

Manus is focused on creating AI agents capable of accomplishing day-to-day digital tasks, such as scheduling meetings and managing emails. In March, the company introduced a demo of its AI assistant. While some users encountered inconsistencies, others recognized its potential usefulness.

Following the demo, Manus rolled out subscription plans starting at $39 per month for basic access. For users needing more advanced features, the premium plan is priced at $199 monthly, catering to a range of consumer needs.

A Valuation Jump

Prior to this funding round, Manus had secured just over $10 million, with previous backers including Tencent and HSG (formerly Sequoia China). The new investment represents a fivefold increase in the company’s valuation, highlighting rapid growth and investor confidence.

Who’s Behind the Investment

This latest funding round was spearheaded by Benchmark, a firm renowned for supporting major tech companies like Uber and Twitter. Alongside Benchmark, existing investors Tencent and HSG continue to play a significant role, which combines both local and international investment perspectives. This diverse investor base enhances Manus’s capacity for expansion.

Challenges Still Remain

Despite the promising demo, Manus AI’s assistant has faced mixed reviews. Users reported bugs and slow response times, indicating areas that need improvement. For Manus to thrive on the global stage, enhancing the reliability and functionality of its products will be crucial.