A conversation with Manus AI's cofounder and CPO Tao Zhang

Virtual sandbox gives AI autonomous 'hands'

Manus provides each AI session with its own cloud computer (virtual machine), allowing it to browse, write code, manage files, and execute tasks independently without local safety constraints or constant human permission.

Transparency builds trust through visibility

The interface displays every action the AI takes—opening browsers, writing Python, accessing files—so users can observe the process and build confidence in autonomous operations.

Asynchronous execution enables true autonomy

Because Manus runs entirely in the cloud, users can close their laptops after assigning tasks and receive notifications upon completion, eliminating the need to babysit the AI or repeatedly click 'accept' buttons.

Prompts replace interfaces as the new PRD

In AI products, conversation becomes the interface, making prompt engineering the equivalent of UI/UX design where product managers craft the experience through text rather than mockups.

Prototype-first workflow reverses traditional sequencing

The team uses Manus to build fully functional prototypes (complete with frontend, backend, and AI capabilities) before engaging engineers for productionization or designers for polish.

Targeting non-technical 'long tactical users'

Rather than competing for engineers who already have Cursor and Devin, Manus focuses on average users who lack technical backgrounds but need AI to execute complex, multi-step tasks autonomously.

Global expansion at 100 employees

Manus opened offices in Tokyo and San Francisco immediately after launch to engage face-to-face with international users and understand local business cultures rather than remaining a 'cloud-only' company.

Physical co-location drives innovation

Product managers, engineers, and researchers sit together in the same physical space to enable rapid experimentation through daily 'small talks,' avoiding the silos that slow down traditional departmental structures.

Authentic demo video generated 3.5M signups

The viral launch was a self-shot screen recording created in six days for $0, demonstrating real use cases like resume screening and coding rather than polished marketing, leading to 2 million waitlist signups in the first week.