BioAge Labs

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a multilateral development finance institution dedicated to promoting economic growth, social progress, and poverty reduction in the Asia and Pacific region. Established on December 19, 1966, under Japan's leadership, the ADB is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and comprises 67 members, including 48 regional and 19 non-regional countries. The ADB's primary mission is to foster economic growth and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region, aiming to build a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable region while eradicating extreme poverty. The bank's operations align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on key areas such as education, health, transport, energy, finance, and climate change. Financial Assistance and Services: - Loans: Both sovereign and private sector - Grants: For specific development projects - Technical Assistance: Enhancing member countries' capacities - Equity Investments: In private sector and public-private partnership projects - Cofinancing Operations: Mobilizing resources from various sources The ADB's operational structure includes the Board of Governors as its highest policy-making body, with powers delegated to the Board of Directors. Japan and the United States are the largest shareholders. Key Activities and Initiatives: - Policy dialogues and advisory services - Private sector development support - Public-private partnerships - Crisis response (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic support) As of 2020, the ADB reported an overall portfolio of US$116.5 billion and awarded 6,931 development contracts valued at US$10.3 billion. In 2021, the bank committed nearly US$13.5 billion to help its developing member countries address the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. The ADB collaborates with other international financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, to achieve its development goals in the Asia-Pacific region.

Zepto is an Indian quick-commerce company that has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2021. Founded by childhood friends Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, the company has revolutionized grocery delivery in India with its innovative approach. ### Business Model and Operations Zepto operates on a "dark store" model, utilizing micro-warehouses strategically located in urban areas to enable fast and efficient delivery. The company's average delivery time is approximately 8 minutes and 47 seconds, achieved through AI-powered inventory management and order fulfillment systems. As of August 2024, Zepto operates over 250 dark stores across ten metropolitan areas in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The company has expanded beyond groceries to offer coffee and ready-to-eat food delivery through its Cafe division, as well as launching Bloom, a platform for farmers to manage food production and distribution. ### Funding and Valuation Zepto has secured significant funding through multiple rounds: - Pre-seed round: $730,000 (January 2021) - Series A: $60 million (October 2021) - Series C: $100 million (December 2021) - Series D: $200 million (May 2022) - Series E: $200 million (August 2023) - Series F and follow-up round: Over $1 billion (2024) The company's valuation exceeded $5 billion following its 2024 funding rounds. ### Customer Base and Additional Services Zepto primarily targets busy individuals aged 18-35 in densely populated urban areas. The company offers competitive pricing, consistent delivery times, and a user-friendly app. In addition to its core grocery delivery service, Zepto has introduced a paid membership program, which had over 4 million subscribers as of April 2024. ### Challenges and Workforce While Zepto has achieved remarkable success, it has faced criticism regarding the treatment of delivery workers and concerns about app design practices. The company employs over 3 million gig workers, contributing significantly to India's delivery sector workforce. Zepto's rapid growth and innovative approach have positioned it as a major player in India's quick-commerce industry, despite challenges and intense competition in the market.

The African Development Bank (AfDB), also known as the Banque Africaine de Développement (BAD), is a multilateral development finance institution dedicated to promoting economic and social progress in Africa. Established in 1964, the AfDB has grown to become a crucial player in Africa's development landscape. ## Mission and Structure The AfDB's primary mission is to contribute to the economic development and social progress of its regional member countries (RMCs) by promoting public and private capital investment in projects and programs that enhance economic and social development. The AfDB Group consists of three main entities: 1. African Development Bank (AfDB): The parent organization, providing financing for public and private projects and programs. 2. African Development Fund (ADF): Established in 1972, it offers concessional financing to low-income RMCs. 3. Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF): Set up by the Nigerian government in 1976, it co-finances programs with the AfDB and ADF. ## Membership and Funding The AfDB has 81 member countries, including 54 African countries (regional members) and 27 non-African countries (non-regional members). The bank's resources come from subscriptions by member countries, borrowings on international capital markets, loan repayments, and income. With a AAA rating from major financial rating agencies, the AfDB can secure funds on favorable terms. ## Key Focus Areas The AfDB concentrates its efforts on several critical sectors: - Infrastructure Development: Transport, energy, and water systems - Regional Economic Integration - Private Sector Development - Governance and Accountability - Skills and Technology - Gender Equality - Environmental and Climate Initiatives ## Governance and Impact The AfDB is governed by a Board of Governors, with each member country represented by a Governor and an Alternate. The Board of Directors, elected by the Board of Governors, is responsible for the bank's general operations. Since its inception, the AfDB has financed over 2,885 operations, totaling $47.5 billion, significantly contributing to Africa's development through various projects and initiatives. The African Development Bank continues to play a vital role in shaping Africa's economic landscape, fostering sustainable development, and improving the lives of millions across the continent.

TPG Inc., formerly known as Texas Pacific Group and TPG Capital, is a leading global alternative asset manager with a rich history and diverse investment strategies. Founded in 1992 by David Bonderman, James Coulter, and William S. Price III, TPG has grown from its first office in San Francisco to a global entity managing approximately $239 billion in assets. TPG operates through several distinct investment platforms: - TPG Capital: Large-scale control-oriented private equity investing ($73 billion AUM) - TPG Growth: Growth equity and middle market private equity investing ($27 billion AUM) - TPG Impact: Private equity focusing on societal and financial outcomes ($25 billion AUM) - TPG Angelo Gordon: Global credit and real estate investing ($88 billion AUM) The firm invests in a wide range of industries, including consumer/retail, media and telecommunications, industrials, technology, travel, leisure, and healthcare. TPG has a strong presence in emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America. TPG's portfolio includes over 300 active companies across more than 30 countries. Notable transactions include Continental Airlines, Burger King, and Petco. In 2023, TPG acquired Angelo Gordon to expand its credit and real estate capabilities. Led by CEO Jon Winkelried since 2021, TPG is known for its culture of innovation, organic growth, and collaboration. The firm became publicly listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol TPG in January 2022. Recent developments include raising $7.3 billion for its Rise Climate fund in 2022, focusing on climate investments as part of its Impact strategy. TPG's approach is characterized by its principled focus on innovation, organic growth, and a collaborative culture, positioning it as a significant player in the global alternative asset management landscape.