Ram Akella currently serves as the NJEDA’s Executive Vice President for Innovation Impact. Ram joined the NJEDA in November 2022 to oversee all clean energy, venture funds, and innovation products, including direct investments in emerging companies and strategic innovation centers in the State of New Jersey. Ram was also pivotal in the establishment of the New Jersey Green Bank, a subsidiary of the NJEDA formally established in Spring of 2024 that is dedicated to facilitating an equitable energy transition in the State through climate-related investments and financing products. Prior to joining the NJEDA, Ram was Managing Partner and Founder of Phoenix Capital Partners, a merchant banking boutique. During the same time, he was Managing Partner of ra Ventures, an early-stage venture fund in deep tech, battery technology, and climate technologies. Ram started his career in investment banking at various firms working in mergers & acquisition.
