Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s reshaping industries, workflows, and daily life. At the forefront of this revolution stands Xiao Hong, the visionary founder of Manus, a groundbreaking universal AI agent that’s redefining what autonomous systems can achieve. Born in 1992, Xiao Hong is part of a new generation of tech entrepreneurs who are not only technically adept but also globally minded, agile in innovation, and deeply committed to democratizing AI.
Unlike traditional AI tools that require constant human input, Manus operates as a self-directed agent capable of thinking, planning, and executing complex tasks independently. This leap forward positions Manus as one of the most anticipated AI developments of the decade, drawing comparisons to—and even surpassing—products from established players like OpenAI.
From Enterprise Tools to AI Innovation
Xiao Hong’s journey into the AI space began long before Manus. After graduating from Huazhong University of Science and Technology with a degree in Software Engineering, he founded Nightingale Technology in 2015. There, he launched two successful B2B productivity tools: Yiban Assistant and Weiban Assistant. These platforms empowered enterprises to streamline operations and engage millions of end users, eventually serving over 2 million business clients.
The success of these tools didn’t go unnoticed. Major investment firms, including Tencent and ZhenFund, poured hundreds of millions of dollars into Nightingale Technology, validating Xiao Hong’s ability to build scalable, high-impact software solutions. But his ambitions didn’t stop there.
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Pioneering the AI Browser Revolution with Monica
In 2022, sensing the transformative potential of large language models, Xiao Hong founded Butterfly Effect and introduced Monica, an AI browser extension that quickly gained traction overseas. By integrating cutting-edge models like Claude 3.5 and DeepSeek, Monica enabled users to summarize content, draft emails, and automate research—all within their browsers.
Monica’s rapid adoption—surpassing one million users—demonstrated Xiao Hong’s knack for identifying market gaps and delivering intuitive, powerful tools. More importantly, it laid the foundation for his next ambitious project: a fully autonomous AI agent.
Introducing Manus: The World’s First Universal AI Agent
Manus isn’t just another AI chatbot or plugin. It represents a paradigm shift in how humans interact with machines. The name “Manus,” derived from the Latin word for “hand,” complements the philosophy of Mens et Manus—“mind and hand”—symbolizing the fusion of intelligence and action.
In its debut demo, Manus showcased an unprecedented ability to:
- Interpret high-level user goals
- Break them into actionable steps
- Navigate digital environments independently
- Execute multi-stage tasks across platforms
Whether it’s booking travel, analyzing market trends, or managing project timelines, Manus operates with minimal supervision. Its performance on the GAIA benchmark, a rigorous test for AI agents, outperformed comparable offerings from OpenAI, highlighting its superior reasoning and task-completion capabilities.
This isn’t automation—it’s autonomy.
A New Generation of AI Leadership
While DeepSeek, led by Liang Wenfeng (born 1985), made headlines in early 2025 with explosive growth, Xiao Hong has carved a distinct path. At just seven years younger than Liang, he embodies a new wave of 90s-born tech leaders who are more globally connected, product-focused, and agile in execution.
Industry analysts note that Xiao Hong doesn’t just replicate the successes of his predecessors—he evolves them. His work reflects a deep understanding of user behavior, system architecture, and the ethical implications of AI. Moreover, his commitment to open innovation sets him apart.
Open-Source Vision and Democratizing AI
One of Xiao Hong’s most compelling commitments is his plan to open-source parts of the Manus model. This move could accelerate AI development worldwide by enabling developers, researchers, and startups to build upon a robust foundation.
By lowering barriers to entry, Xiao aims to prevent AI from becoming a tool controlled by a handful of tech giants. Instead, he envisions a future where intelligent agents are accessible, transparent, and collaboratively improved—a true public good.
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The Global Demand for Manus
Currently in closed beta, Manus has already generated massive global interest. Invitations to test the platform are highly coveted, with developers and enterprise teams from Silicon Valley to Berlin vying for early access. This demand underscores not just the product’s potential but also the trust placed in Xiao Hong’s leadership.
The success of Manus isn’t just about technology—it’s about timing, vision, and execution. In a crowded AI landscape, it stands out by focusing on real-world utility, user autonomy, and long-term sustainability.
Core Keywords Driving the Future
The rise of Manus and Xiao Hong highlights several key trends shaping the future of AI:
- Universal AI agent
- Autonomous AI
- AI productivity tools
- Open-source AI
- Next-generation entrepreneurs
- GAIA benchmark
- AI democratization
- B2B AI solutions
These keywords aren’t just buzzwords—they represent measurable shifts in how businesses and individuals will leverage AI in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes Manus different from other AI assistants like ChatGPT or Claude?
A: Unlike conversational AI models that respond to prompts, Manus is a universal autonomous agent capable of initiating and completing complex tasks independently—without step-by-step human guidance.
Q: Is Manus available to the public yet?
A: Manus is currently in closed beta. Access is limited to select testers, though the team plans to expand availability in the near future.
Q: Will Manus be open-sourced?
A: Yes—Xiao Hong has announced plans to open-source parts of the model to promote transparency and collaborative development in the AI community.
Q: How does Manus perform on industry benchmarks?
A: Manus has outperformed leading models on the GAIA benchmark, particularly in multitasking, reasoning, and real-world task execution.
Q: What industries can benefit from Manus?
A: Potential applications span finance, healthcare, logistics, education, and software development—any field requiring complex decision-making and workflow automation.
Q: How does Xiao Hong’s background influence his approach to AI?
A: With roots in enterprise software and a proven track record in B2B product development, Xiao combines technical depth with practical usability, ensuring Manus solves real problems at scale.
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Writing the Future with Mind and Hand
Xiao Hong’s story is more than a personal success—it’s a symbol of China’s rising influence in global AI innovation. From launching enterprise tools to pioneering autonomous agents, he has consistently stayed ahead of the curve.
As Manus evolves from beta to mainstream adoption, it may well become the blueprint for how humans delegate cognitive labor in the digital age. And at its helm is a 90s-born entrepreneur who believes that true progress comes not just from intelligence—but from action.
In the race to build the future of AI, Xiao Hong isn’t just participating—he’s leading.