WSJ Tech News Briefing

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Meta Buys AI Startup Manus

Date: December 30, 2025
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing covers Meta’s high-profile acquisition of AI startup Manus, major fundraising activity in the renewable energy and tech IPO sectors, and how the evolving role of AI is transforming enterprise solutions. The show spotlights innovations and market shifts in the tech industry, with focus on Asia-based companies and the expanding influence of artificial intelligence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Meta Acquires AI Startup Manus

• Meta Platforms has agreed to acquire Manus, a Singapore-based AI company founded by Chinese entrepreneurs.
• Deal Size: Over $2 billion ([00:40]).
• Manus specializes in:
  • Deep AI research
  • Performing tasks for paying users
  • Previewed an AI agent in March capable of:
    • Producing detailed research reports
    • Building custom AI models using technologies from Anthropic and Alibaba ([00:50]).
• Strategic Impact:
  • Strengthens Meta’s position in the rapidly growing AI agents sector.
  • Signals Meta's ongoing bets on advanced, work-specific AI solutions.

Julie Chang [00:42]: "Meta is closing the deal at more than $2 billion. Manus previewed an AI agent in March that was capable of producing detailed research reports and building custom with AI models developed by companies such as Anthropic and China's Alibaba."

2. Octopus Energy Spins Off Kraken Technologies

• Octopus Energy (UK) will spin off its Kraken Technologies utility management platform.
• Valuation: $8.65 billion ([01:24]).
• Kraken:
  • AI platform used by global energy retailers
  • Raised $1 billion in its first standalone funding round
• IPO Forecast:
  • Analysts predict the spin-off is a precursor to an IPO, with valuation potential up to $15 billion ([01:34]).

Julie Chang [01:29]: "Octopus raised $1 billion in its first standalone funding round for Kraken. The separation... is seen by analysts as a precursor to a likely initial public offering, where they say it could be worth as much as $15 billion."

3. Chinese Tech Companies Ramp Up IPOs

• Three Chinese tech firms (an AI developer, a chip provider, and a surgical robot company) plan to raise a collective $1.19 billion through Hong Kong IPOs ([01:42]).
• Sector Trend:
  • Highlights intensified competition among Chinese AI startups.
  • Signifies Hong Kong as a leading venue for tech IPOs in 2025.
• Market Data:
  • As of November, IPO fundraising in Hong Kong more than tripled compared to the previous year ([02:10]).

Julie Chang [01:46]: "Chinese AI startups have accelerated their efforts to go public and tap capital markets for funding amid intensifying competition in the AI sector."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Meta’s Acquisition Goals:

  Julie Chang [00:49]: "The deal would help Meta cement its position in the product segment of AI agents."

• On Market Dynamics:

  Julie Chang [01:52]: "Hong Kong has been one of the world's most active listing venues this year, according to Hong Kong Exchanges and clearing."

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:31–01:16] — Meta’s acquisition of Manus, details, AI agent product highlights
• [01:16–01:39] — Octopus Energy’s Kraken Technologies spin-off and fundraising
• [01:39–02:16] — Chinese tech firms’ impending IPOs, Hong Kong’s market performance

Additional Context: AI Shaping Enterprise Needs

Book-ending the episode are remarks about evolving expectations in the business tech procurement sector and the central role of AI in streamlining complexity and supplier management.

Unattributed Speaker [00:00]: "We realized that businesses and organizations of all sizes really wanted the same things that consumers did... They wanted that delivery experience that they get from Amazon in their personal lives. So they really wanted the Amazon experience, but for work."

Unattributed Speaker [02:29]: "The need has never been larger and greater to use AI. Trying to manage that and reduce complexity. It is a fundamental sea change that is happening."

Summary

This Tech News Briefing delivers fast, insightful coverage of Meta’s $2B Manus acquisition, the strategic spin-off of Kraken Technologies by Octopus Energy, and the intensifying race among Chinese tech firms to secure capital through Hong Kong’s flourishing IPO market. Each story highlights the growing significance of AI across industries and underscores how Asian startups and global tech giants are jockeying for leadership in next-generation business solutions.