Meta’s $2 Billion Manus Deal Causes Customer Concerns
Meta’s $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus at the end of last year aimed to scale the startup’s AI agent services for businesses. The company said it would expand the technology to many more clients.
However, some existing Manus customers are unhappy with the deal. They have started moving to other platforms, reflecting skepticism toward Meta’s approach in the competitive AI market alongside OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic.
What Manus Offers
Founded in China in 2022 and later moved to Singapore, Manus develops general-purpose AI agents. Its first agent can handle tasks like market research, coding, and data analysis.
Seth Dobrin, CEO of Arya Labs, said Manus was his favorite AI platform. But his company stopped using it after Meta took over. Dobrin said he trusted Manus’ original terms of service but does not trust Meta. “I’m legitimately sad that this has happened,” he told CNBC.
Dobrin cited concerns about Meta’s data practices, saying he does not want to engage with a company that might use personal data against users.
Mixed Reactions Among Startups
Karl Yeh of consulting firm 0260.AI also stopped using Manus. He advised clients to do the same. Yeh said there is uncertainty about whether Meta’s data policies will apply to Manus and how the startup fits into Meta’s AI roadmap.
Some competitors see temporary benefits. Flo Crivello, CEO of Manus rival Lindy, noted a short-term “halo effect” after the acquisition announcement. Awareness of agentic AI platforms rose, and small businesses began exploring the technology.
Meta’s AI Strategy and Enterprise Challenges
Meta has invested heavily in AI, spending over $14 billion in June to hire top engineers and secure stakes in other startups. However, unlike OpenAI, Google, or Anthropic, Meta lacks a clear long-term enterprise strategy.
Meta’s AI costs are expected to rise. Its stock has fallen 17% since CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s October earnings call. Analysts predict Meta could spend over $100 billion on AI in 2026.
Outside AI, Meta has struggled to gain traction in enterprise tools. Workplace, Portal, and Workrooms have been discontinued. Large regulated enterprises tend to rely on OpenAI or Anthropic models, often through Microsoft or Amazon cloud services.
Bright Spots: WhatsApp for Business
Despite challenges, WhatsApp remains a strong business product. Meta acquired it in 2014 for $19 billion. The platform helps companies communicate with customers efficiently. Analysts estimate WhatsApp for Business could generate $40 billion in revenue by 2030.
Meta CFO Susan Li highlighted progress on business AI tools designed to help companies generate leads and drive sales.
