Manus AI: The $500 Million Startup Revolutionizing Everyday Tasks with AI Technology

Major Funding for Manus AI

The Chinese startup behind Manus AI has successfully secured a $75 million funding round led by the US venture firm Benchmark. This significant investment has quintupled Manus AI's valuation to nearly $500 million. The company, known as Butterfly Effect, plans to use this capital to expand its services into new markets including the US, Japan, and the Middle East.

Innovative AI Solutions

In March, Manus AI showcased a general AI agent capable of performing various tasks such as screening resumes, creating travel itineraries, and analyzing stocks based on simple commands. Notably, they claimed that their service outperformed OpenAI's Deep Research in several areas. This has attracted attention as numerous companies, including ByteDance and Baidu, are now developing their own competing AI platforms.

Autonomous Technology

Manus co-founder and chief scientist Ji Yichao asserts that their product is “truly autonomous.” A viral video demonstration has generated significant interest, similar to the buzz created by DeepSeek, another Chinese startup that made headlines with its innovative yet affordable AI model. However, initial user feedback has been mixed, with some praising it as groundbreaking, while others feel it’s still half-finished.

Competitive Pricing

To attract users, Manus has introduced a subscription model priced at $39 per month, with a premium option at $199. This pricing strategy aligns with offerings from OpenAI’s ChatGPT Pro, but is viewed as aggressive given that the service is still in its testing phase.

Previous Investments

Before this funding round, Manus AI raised over $10 million from various investors, including Tencent Holdings Ltd. and notable venture capital firms like ZhenFund and HSG, previously known as Sequoia China.