Ryan Akong
About Ryan Akong
Ryan Akong is an Associate Counsel with a background in political science and English literature. He advises startups on intellectual property protection and governance, drawing on extensive experience in legal and compliance roles across various organizations.
Current Role at Aterian
Ryan Akong serves as Associate Counsel at Aterian, a publicly traded company on NASDAQ under the ticker ATER. He has been in this role since 2021, working in the New York City Metropolitan Area. In this position, he provides legal advice and support, focusing on corporate governance and compliance matters.
Education and Expertise
Ryan Akong earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and English Literature from City University of New York-Queens College, studying from 2006 to 2010. He furthered his education at Brooklyn Law School, where he obtained his Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree from 2014 to 2016. His academic background supports his expertise in legal matters, particularly in intellectual property and governance.
Professional Background
Ryan Akong has a diverse professional background. He began his career as an intern at the Ford Foundation in the Democracy, Rights, and Justice Unit from 2009 to 2010. He then worked at The CityKids Foundation, Inc. as a Development Associate from 2010 to 2013. He gained significant experience at KPMG US, where he held various roles, including Senior Associate in Risk Management & Compliance from 2018 to 2021 and Associate in Independence: Risk Management from 2016 to 2018. He also worked as a Legal Intern at McCormick & O'Brien LLP from 2015 to 2016 and served as an EEO Intern at the City of New York's Department of Homeless Services in 2014.
Advisory Role and Client Engagement
In his current role and previous positions, Ryan Akong advises startups on protecting intellectual property and drafting governance documents. He is experienced in working with clients to navigate business and legal challenges. His passion lies in helping founders and entrepreneurs achieve their personal and professional goals, reflecting his commitment to supporting the growth of new ventures.