The benchmark for Chinese teams going global: started as a browser extension, leveled up into a phenomenon-level AI agent
$75M round led by Benchmark
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Butterfly Effect (a Chinese team) started with Monica, an AI browser extension that built up a massive user base. In early 2026 they launched Manus — the world's first phenomenon-level AI agent product. Invite codes were nearly impossible to get, the waitlist topped 2.6 million people, and the company landed a $75M round led by famed Silicon Valley VC Benchmark at a $500M valuation.
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