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Artificial intelligence

Treasury's Latest Moves: Fast-Track for Foreign Investors and Outbound AI Investment Inquiry

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is making significant moves in the context of foreign investment and national security, announcing its intent to launch a Fast Track Pilot Program under the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for foreign investors and reviewing a $75 million investment by Silicon Valley firm Benchmark Capital in Manus AI, a Chinese-linked startup. The Fast Track Pilot Program aims to facilitate greater investment in U.S. businesses from allies and partners while ensuring the identification and address of national security risks. The review of Benchmark's investment in Manus AI raises questions about the enforcement of the Outbound Investment Security Program (OISP) and the balance between promoting technological innovation and protecting national security.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced its intent to launch a Fast Track Pilot Program under CFIUS for foreign investors, aiming to facilitate greater investment in U.S. businesses from allies and partners.
  • The Fast Track Pilot Program will involve a "Known investor portal" to collect information from foreign investors in advance of a filing, potentially benefiting certain investors.
  • Treasury's enforcement of the OISP through the review of Benchmark's investment in Manus AI highlights the complexities of assessing national security risks in outbound investments.
  • The review of Benchmark's investment in Manus AI raises questions about the company's status as a Chinese-based entity and its compliance with the OISP notification requirement.
  • The case has significant implications for future outbound investment strategies, reviews, and national security policy, potentially setting an important precedent.
  • The Proskauer Antitrust Team is closely monitoring the development of the Treasury's OISP and will continue publishing guidance and updates based on the Department's next steps.

Statistics:

  • $75 million: the amount invested by Silicon Valley firm Benchmark Capital in Manus AI, a Chinese-linked startup.
  • 2025 May 8: the date Treasury announced its intent to establish a fast-track process to facilitate greater investment in U.S. businesses from allies and partners.
  • 2025 May 8: the date Treasury announced the press release regarding its intent to launch the Fast Track Pilot Program for Foreign Investors.
  • 20th Street NW: the location of Proskauer Rose LLP's office in Washington, D.C.
  • 212-969-3000: the phone number for Proskauer Rose LLP's office in New York.
  • 212-969-2900: the fax number for Proskauer Rose LLP's office in New York.
  • 6/3/2025: the date the sources were accessed.

Sources:

  • 1. Trump Administration issues America First Investment Policy - Insights - Proskauer Rose LLP. Accessed 6/3/2025.
  • 2. Treasury Probes Benchmark's Investment in Chinese-Linked AI Startup Manus. Accessed 6/3/2025.
  • 3. U.S. Department of the Treasury issues final regulations implementing Executive Order 14105 Targeting Tech Investment in China - Insights - Proskauer Rose LLP. Accessed 6/3/2025.

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