The Asian Development Bank’s venture capital fund, ADB Ventures, has invested in Georgian agricultural technology startup TelAgri, marking its first investment in Georgia, Central Asia and the South Caucasus. The startup uses artificial intelligence and satellite data to help banks assess agricultural risks and make more informed lending decisions.
TelAgri CEO and co-founder Irakli Chikava said the company is developing an “agri-lending engine” that converts agricultural data into financial forecasts. This allows banks to focus on farmers’ financial capacity and credit histories, while TelAgri evaluates farm productivity and agricultural risks. The technology also enables lenders to monitor loans after they are issued.
Chikava said ADB’s investment brings not only funding but also international validation and access to regional banking networks. The bank has already helped TelAgri establish connections with financial institutions in Central Asia, including opportunities to present its technology in Turkmenistan. ADB Chief Investment Officer Tato Tsintsadze said the deal could open doors for other Georgian startups by demonstrating the potential of the country’s technology sector.
ADB Ventures prioritizes startups with regional scaling potential that address practical challenges, particularly in climate technology, sustainable development, agritech and fintech. Tsintsadze said TelAgri addresses a major barrier to agricultural financing: the lack of reliable, up-to-date data that makes it difficult for farmers to secure loans. He emphasized that the bank focuses not only on financial returns but also on maximizing positive development impact.
