Butterfly Effect, the parent company of AI-agent developer Manus, has raised more than $500 million in its first funding round since ending a planned acquisition by Meta. Boyu Capital and IDG Capital led the investment, with Tencent, HSG, ZhenFund and other existing shareholders participating.
Manus did not disclose its valuation. The company had reportedly sought $500 million at a $4 billion valuation, but that negotiating target does not establish the final terms. It says the new capital will support hiring in China and other markets.
The startup moved staff to Singapore in 2025 and announced a $2 billion sale to Meta that December. Chinese authorities ordered the transaction unwound in April amid concern about losing AI talent and research. Manus resumed independent operations in August and said the separation required deletion of some user data.
Manus offers a chatbot and tools for building apps, websites, presentations, designs and video. Its newer Cue product gives personal agents email addresses, phone numbers, wallets and computers, with user-defined payment limits. The large round restores an independent funding path, while potential plans for a Hong Kong listing remain reported considerations rather than a confirmed transaction.