# Xiao Hong (Red Xiao)

> Xiao Hong, known as Red Xiao, is the co-founder and CEO of Manus AI and founder of Butterfly Effect. A 2015 software engineering graduate of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, he built WeChat tools at Nightingale Technology before starting the AI assistant Monica and general-purpose agent Manus. Manus returned to independent operations in September 2026 after its acquisition by Meta was unwound.

- **Role:** Co-founder and CEO at Manus AI
- **Organizations:** Manus AI, Butterfly Effect, Monica, Nightingale Technology, Unique Studio
- **From:** Ji’an, China
- **Nationality:** Chinese
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
- **Known for:** Co-founded Manus, which reported passing $100 million in annual recurring revenue eight months after launch., Founded Nightingale Technology and built the WeChat productivity products Yiban Assistant and Weiban Assistant., Founded Butterfly Effect and developed the Monica AI assistant.

## Career timeline

- **2013** — Built a simplified dormitory electricity-balance checker with automatic email reminders at HUST.
- **2015** — Graduated from HUST and founded Nightingale Technology, which developed Yiban Assistant and Weiban Assistant.
- **2016** — His team won first prize at a PingWest hackathon with Yiban Assistant and received ZhenFund backing.
- **2022** — Founded Butterfly Effect, focusing on AI applications; developed Monica.
- **2025-03** — Manus launched publicly as a general-purpose AI agent.
- **2025-12** — Manus reported over $100 million ARR and announced its acquisition by Meta.
- **2026-09** — Manus formally resumed independent operations, with its founding team continuing to lead; launched Manus 2.0.
- **2026-10** — Manus parent Butterfly Effect raised more than $500 million; Manus announced an OPPO collaboration.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Manus, which reported passing $100 million in annual recurring revenue eight months after launch.
- Founded Nightingale Technology and built the WeChat productivity products Yiban Assistant and Weiban Assistant.
- Founded Butterfly Effect and developed the Monica AI assistant.
- Led a team that won first prize at a 2016 PingWest hackathon.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — October 13: Manus announced a collaboration with OPPO to integrate its capabilities into AI Mind Pilot.
- **2026-10** — October 8: Butterfly Effect announced more than $500 million in funding, led by Boyu Capital and IDG Capital.
- **2026-09** — September 28: Manus launched version 2.0 with Cascade, Studio, Cloud Computer, Automations and Cue.
- **2026-09** — September 1: Manus formally announced resumed independent operations under the founding team.

## Links

- Website: https://redxiao.me/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/red-xiao-9ab9a5165
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/Red_Xiao_

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/xiao-hong
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23