AI Startup Manus Valued at $500M Because Why Not? Benchmark Throws Money at the Wall to See What Sticks

In a shocking turn of events that absolutely no one saw coming, Chinese AI startup Manus has been valued at a cool $500 million after Benchmark, in a fit of what can only be described as "VC FOMO", led a $75 million funding round. Because, you know, the world definitely needs more AI agents that can probably "disrupt" something, somewhere, somehow.

According to sources who prefer to remain anonymous (aka Bloomberg), Manus plans to use this mountain of cash to expand into new markets like the U.S., Japan, and the Middle East. Because if there's one thing these regions are lacking, it's definitely more AI startups with vague value propositions and even vaguer revenue models.

But wait, there's more! Manus is rumored to be working on "cutting-edge" AI tools that will "revolutionize" the way we... do things. What things, you ask? Well, the company's website is as clear as mud on that front, but rest assured, it's going to be "game-changing".

In related news, Benchmark's investment strategy was revealed to involve a dartboard, a blindfold, and a desperate hope that at least one of their bets will pay off before their LPs start asking too many questions.

Meanwhile, in a parallel universe where sanity prevails, economists are scratching their heads trying to figure out how a company with no clear path to profitability is worth half a billion dollars. But hey, who needs profitability when you have "vision" and "potential", right?

As Manus joins the ever-growing list of overvalued AI startups, one can't help but wonder: is there a bubble? Or is this just the new normal where money grows on trees and common sense is outlawed? Only time will tell, but until then, let's all enjoy the ride and maybe, just maybe, "disrupt" something along the way.