ADB Ventures

ADB Ventures, established in January 2020, is the corporate venture arm of the Asian Development Bank, based in Manila, Philippines. It is a non-sovereign platform designed to support and invest in early-stage companies that offer technology-enabled solutions contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Asia and the Pacific. ADB Ventures aims to scale up climate solutions in emerging Asia by backing bold technology startups with transformative solutions that impact society and the environment. They focus on investing in areas such as climate solutions, sustainable agriculture and food, sustainable mobility and supply chains, and cleantech and clean energy​​​​.

ADB Ventures operates with two main funding mechanisms:

ADB Ventures SEED Program: This program provides grant funding to technology startups that are at the pre-revenue stage. These startups are typically in the process of developing their products or services and are not yet generating significant income. The SEED program aims to support these early-stage companies in overcoming initial financial hurdles, enabling them to reach the market and begin scaling their operations. The grants are designed to assist in product development, market testing, and other critical early-stage activities.

ADB Ventures Equity Fund: This fund is dedicated to providing equity financing to more mature startups that are already generating revenue and are poised for significant growth. The Equity Fund targets companies that have a clear and demonstrable impact on sustainability, climate change mitigation, and other key development areas in Asia and the Pacific. By investing in these companies, ADB Ventures aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies and solutions that can drive sustainable development across the region.

Their investment strategy emphasizes backing startups that have the potential to scale sustainably, deliver measurable impact, and address critical challenges in sectors such as clean energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and climate tech. Through these funds, ADB Ventures not only provides financial support but also aims to catalyze additional investment into the region's most promising sustainable startups, leveraging the Asian Development Bank's network and resources to maximize the startups' growth and impact potential​.