WSJ Tech News Briefing · Friday, September 18, 2026
AI startup Manaas is reportedly in talks to raise approximately $500 million at a valuation of around $4 billion, with an eye on a potential public listing in Hong Kong. This comes after the company severed ties with Meta, whose $2 billion acquisition was blocked by Chinese regulators over national security concerns. Manaas develops AI agents capable of complex tasks, such as generating research reports and presentation slides.
“Finally, AI startup Manaas is raising money and exploring a potential public listing in Hong Kong after severing ties with Meta.”
“The company is in talks with IDG Capital and Boyu Capital to raise about $500 million in a funding round that would value the startup at around $4 billion.”
“It recently resumed independent operations after Chinese regulators blocked its more than $2 billion acquisition by Meta over national security concerns.”