The Chinese AI model developer "Manos" has relocated its headquarters to Singapore to facilitate access to Nvidia chips amid U.S. export restrictions to China. Zhang Tao, co-founder and head of product at Manos, revealed at the SuperAI conference in Singapore that the company now operates globally from Singapore, with additional offices in Tokyo and California. This move aims to help Manos tap into U.S. customers and funding more easily, especially as the company faces challenges acquiring advanced Nvidia chips due to tightening U.S. regulations and scrutiny over its ties to China.
Despite Manos’ rapid growth and recognition as a leading Chinese AI innovator, the company has seen its monthly active users decline from 20 million in March to 10 million in May, amid rising competition from major Chinese tech firms such as ByteDance and Baidu. These competitors have launched rival AI products, including ByteDance’s "Coz Space" and Baidu’s "Agent Builder." Meanwhile, Manos’ parent company, Butterfly Effect, remains headquartered in China, reflecting a broader trend of Chinese AI startups seeking international bases like Singapore or the U.S. to navigate geopolitical tensions and access global markets.