Manus AI, an AI platform, has transitioned from an invite-only model to public registration.

This change follows a US$75 million funding round that valued the company at US$500 million.

The AI platform, created by a team of entrepreneurs from China, was initially launched in March with a wait-list system.

The funding round was led by Benchmark Capital, a US-based firm.

Manus AI has also announced a one-time bonus of 1,000 credits for new users.

Additionally, 300 credits will be added daily to free accounts, as noted on its website.

🔗 Source: South China Morning Post

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Cross-border tech investments face increasing regulatory hurdles

The US Treasury’s review of Benchmark’s $75 million investment in Manus AI highlights the complex landscape facing cross-border technology investments today 1.

This scrutiny occurs despite Manus AI’s clear commercial appeal, having reached a $500 million valuation with backing from major investors including Tencent, ZhenFund, and HongShan Capital 2.

The review represents a growing pattern of regulatory oversight for foreign investments in sensitive technologies, particularly between the US and China, potentially affecting future capital flows in the AI sector 3.

Similar reviews have become increasingly common since 2022, when the US government expanded its focus on outbound investments that might transfer sensitive technologies to strategic competitors.

The situation illustrates how venture capital firms must now navigate geopolitical considerations alongside traditional investment criteria when funding promising technologies across borders.

2️⃣ AI startups evolve user acquisition strategies to balance exclusivity with growth

Manus AI’s transition from an invite-only model to public registration with a credit system follows a proven tech industry playbook for scaling user bases 4.

Recent Manus developments