The U.S. Treasury Department is taking a closer look at Benchmark’s recent $75 million investment in Manus, a Chinese AI startup known for its innovative approach to AI agent solutions. This funding round, which pushed Manus’s valuation to $500 million, has come under scrutiny to ensure it meets the 2023 U.S. restrictions on financial ties with Chinese companies.
Benchmark’s legal advisors point out that Manus doesn’t develop its own AI models but instead builds a wrapper around existing technologies. Its incorporation in the Cayman Islands—a familiar setup for Chinese companies courting foreign investment—adds another layer to the discussion. Meanwhile, Delian Asparouhov from Founders Fund has raised concerns on social media, reminding us that financial moves like these can have broader geopolitical implications.
No additional comments have been offered by Benchmark, Manus, or the Treasury Department at this time. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by these regulatory twists and turns, know that you’re not alone—keeping up with tech policy can sometimes feel like decoding a secret language.
