The co-founders of Manus are exploring options to unwind a controversial acquisition by Meta Platforms after pressure from Beijing, including raising about $1 billion from external investors to buy back the Chinese-founded AI company, according to people familiar with the matter. Founders Xiao Hong, Ji Yichao and Zhang Tao are discussing financing at a valuation matching at least the roughly $2 billion Meta paid for Manus. Plans under consideration include restructuring Manus as a Chinese joint

The co-founders of Manus are exploring options to unwind a controversial acquisition by Meta Platforms after pressure from Beijing, including raising about $1 billion from external investors to buy back the Chinese-founded AI company, according to people familiar with the matter. Founders Xiao Hong, Ji Yichao and Zhang Tao are discussing financing at a valuation matching at least the roughly $2 billion Meta paid for Manus. Plans under consideration include restructuring Manus as a Chinese joint venture ahead of a potential Hong Kong IPO. Discussions remain preliminary, and challenges include separating Manus’s AI technology from Meta’s systems after integration.