Dr. Akkaraju did his graduate studies at Stanford University, where he received his M.D. and a Ph.D. in Immunology and he received his undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Computer Science from Rice University. Dr. Akkaraju also serves as a Director of Seattle Genetics, Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Versartis and aTyr Pharma. Previously, Dr. Akkaraju served as a director on the boards of Barrier Therapeutics, Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, ZS Pharma, Synageva Biopharma Corp. and Amarin Corporation plc. Dr. Akkaraju founded Samsara BioCapital in 2016. His vast experience in the industry includes being a general partner at Soffinova Ventures, Managing Director of New Leaf Ventures, Managing Director of Panorama Capital LLC, a partner at J.P Morgan and senior management at Genetech.