BEIJING – The co-founders of Manus are exploring options to fulfil Beijing’s demand to unwind a controversial takeover by Meta, including raising about US$1 billion (S$1.3 billion) from external investors to buy back the Chinese-founded AI operation. Manus’ three founders – Mr Xiao Hong, Mr Ji Yichao and Mr Zhang Tao – are in discussions about a round of funding at a valuation that would at least match the US$2 billion Meta paid to acquire the agentic AI outfit, according to people familiar with the matter.The founders may chip in with their own money to finance the rest of the transaction,...