The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is making a USD5 million equity investment in Glory Ventures Investments Fund III to support early-stage companies developing technologies for green and technology-enabled infrastructure across emerging Asia. The investment further advances AIIB’s Venture Capital Investment Program for Green and Technology-Enabled Infrastructure.
Managed by Glory Ventures, a Shanghai-based venture capital firm, the fund targets early-stage startups developing deep technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, with a focus on digital infrastructure, sustainable energy and climate solutions, and smart transport and mobility.
The transaction demonstrates how multilateral development banks can work alongside private capital to address financing gaps for early-stage technology companies. AIIB’s investment is expected to help mobilize additional private capital while expanding financing opportunities for innovative businesses in sectors critical to sustainable infrastructure development.
Beyond financing, AIIB will support the fund manager in strengthening its environmental and social management system and advancing a gender-lens investment strategy. The Bank also facilitates knowledge sharing through its InfraTech Portal to promote good practices and innovation.
“Venture capital plays an important role in scaling technologies that address infrastructure and climate challenges,” said Kim-See Lim, AIIB’s Chief Investment Officer, Public Sector (Region 1) and Financial Institutions and Funds (Global) Clients. “AIIB is pleased to partner with Glory Ventures to expand financing for innovative entrepreneurs and strengthen the pipeline of technology solutions that support sustainable development across emerging Asia.”
Jerry Bai and Eric Yang, founding partners of Glory Ventures, said: “Technologies originating in China in areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainable energy and smart mobility are increasingly contributing to innovation globally. We believe continued engagement with international capital and markets is essential to helping both Glory Ventures and our portfolio companies remain globally competitive.”
One example is LEAPTING, an early-stage portfolio company of Glory Ventures, whose Automatic Navigation PV Module Mounting Robots have been deployed in India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Australia, Azerbaijan and other markets, demonstrating the potential for technology developed in Asia to support infrastructure development globally.
About AIIB
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is a multilateral development bank dedicated to financing “Infrastructure for Tomorrow,” with sustainability at its core. AIIB began operations in 2016, now has 111 approved members worldwide, is capitalized at USD100 billion, and is AAA-rated by major international credit rating agencies. AIIB collaborates with partners to mobilize capital and invest in infrastructure and other productive sectors that foster sustainable economic development and enhance regional connectivity.
About Glory Ventures
Glory Ventures is a Shanghai-based venture capital fund manager focused on early-stage technology companies. Since its founding in 2015, the firm has invested in deep-technology sectors, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, sustainable energy and smart mobility. It currently manages four RMB funds and three USD funds and has invested in more than 120 startups, over 40 of which have become leaders in their respective industries. Glory’s investment strategy focuses on hardware and software innovations that support low-carbon development and improve resource efficiency.
