Ryan Rakestraw
About Ryan Rakestraw
Ryan Rakestraw is a Director at Temasek in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on venture capital investments in food and agriculture startups.
Current Role at Temasek
Ryan Rakestraw serves as a Director at Temasek, a global investment company headquartered in Singapore. He operates out of the San Francisco Bay Area and focuses on venture capital investments in food and agriculture startups. His role involves identifying promising companies and teams that can address global food and agriculture needs through innovative technologies and business models. This aligns with Temasek's broader mission to support sustainable and profitable solutions in various sectors.
Previous Experience at Monsanto Company
From 2015 to 2018, Ryan Rakestraw held the position of Venture Principal at Monsanto Company in Saint Louis, MO. During his three years at Monsanto, he was involved in venture capital activities specific to the agricultural sector. His responsibilities included scouting and evaluating investment opportunities that could enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Academic Role at Olin Business School
Between 2014 and 2018, Ryan Rakestraw was an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis. In this role, he imparted financial expertise to students, leveraging his experience in entrepreneurship and venture capital. His teaching contributed to the academic community by providing real-world insights into financial practices and investment strategies.
Educational Background
Ryan Rakestraw has a robust educational background with degrees in engineering and business. He earned his MBA with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Finance from Washington University in St. Louis - Olin Business School in 2013. He also holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University, completed in 2009. Furthermore, he achieved his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 2006. This combination of technical and business education equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of technology and finance.
Focus on Sustainable Agriculture
Ryan Rakestraw's investment strategy emphasizes sustainability in global agricultural production. He seeks to support startups working on innovative solutions to improve nutrition and the sustainability of food production systems. His long-term investment horizon enables him to back ventures across various asset classes, geographies, and sectors, aiming to foster improvements in agriculture through technology and new business models. His approach aligns with global efforts to address food security and sustainability challenges.