Manus AI: A Rising Star in the AI Agent Startup Scene
Manus AI has been making waves in the tech world, securing a substantial $75 million investment in a recent funding round led by Benchmark, valuing the company at half a billion dollars.
However, there are reports that this investment is now facing scrutiny from the U.S. Treasury Department due to concerns about compliance with regulations surrounding investments in Chinese companies.
Benchmark’s legal team has defended the investment by stating that Manus AI does not develop its own AI models but instead acts as a platform for existing ones. Additionally, they argue that Manus AI is not based in China, as it is registered in the Cayman Islands, a common practice for Chinese companies looking to access foreign capital.
Despite Benchmark’s stance, the investment has drawn criticism from industry insiders, including Delian Asparouhov of Founders Fund, who questioned the consequences of such actions.
Requests for comments from Benchmark, Manus AI, and the Treasury Department have gone unanswered at this time.