About Us
Cleanhill is an innovative investment firm partnering with energy transition businesses
Our history and approach allow us to be innovative partners in building the next generation of energy hardware and service businesses
Entrepreneurial
As founder-owners ourselves, we understand the determination and vision required to build and scale a successful business
Aligned
Our team is deeply aligned with the success of our portfolio companies, offering ongoing strategic guidance, resources, and support to help them reach their full potential
Solution Provider
We are known for our ability to think outside of the box, finding creative financing solutions to meet the evolving needs of our partners
Experienced
We understand the world of electrons and molecules. We bring knowledge, relationships, and bespoke capital solutions to drive results for our portfolio companies
PARTNERSHIP APPROACH
We empower leaders to advance their businesses
We customize our solutions and style to support the specific needs of each business and team
People
We identify and cultivate top-tier leadership talent to drive success
Capital Structure
We leverage our capital markets expertise and industry relationships to unlock the most cost-effective sources of capital
Operations
We partner with you to implement best practices for operational and financial processes
Strategy
We help teams navigate the complexities of the energy transition, offering guidance on the ever changing regulatory and market landscape
Our Portfolio
FTC Solar
Founded in 2017 by a group of renewable energy industry veterans, FTC Solar is a global provider of solar tracker systems, technology, software, and engineering services. Solar trackers significantly increase energy production at solar power installations by dynamically optimizing solar panel orientation to the sun. FTC Solar’s innovative tracker designs provide compelling performance and reliability, with an industry-leading installation cost-per-watt advantage.
EPC Power
EPC Power creates innovative power conversion products that are stable, powerful and smaller than you ever thought possible. EPC’s field of excellence is the development of globally competitive high power density electrical conversion systems with a power range of several kilowatts to 200 megawatts. Based in San Diego, EPC Power engineers and manufactures fully functional designs, prototypes, production hardware, and commercialized power electronics technology for use around the world.
cleanjoule
CleanJoule is the world’s leading innovator of superior, alternative fuels for the aviation, aerospace, and defense sectors. CleanJoule’s novel process transforms abundant and flexible feedstocks into domestically produced fuel that improves the performance of existing commercial aircraft, military platforms, and rocket launches. CleanJoule is a team of passionate and creative engineers, scientists, and visionaries focused on unlocking the next era of flight through energy solutions that provide the scalability, reliability, and performance that these industries require.
jule
Founded in 2009, Jule meets the challenges of an ever-increasing demand for power by providing innovative energy solutions for long-term sustainability. It specializes in smart Energy Management and Battery Storage Systems, while providing integrated DC fast charging technology, supplying communities and businesses with convenient, multi-faceted electric infrastructure. Their solution does not require additional grid infrastructural upgrades while also mitigating demand charges, making it a versatile solution capable of addressing today’s largest barriers to electrification.
Our Team
Our team brings together private equity investment and operational expertise in energy technology and infrastructure
Rakesh Wilson
Managing Partner
From 2009 to 2019, Rakesh was a Senior Partner at Apollo Global Management. While at Apollo, Rakesh led several investments in the energy private equity sector and served on the investment committee for a number of Apollo funds.
Prior to joining Apollo, Rakesh was with Morgan Stanley’s Commodities Division in the principal investing group. Rakesh began his career at Goldman Sachs in equity research and then moved to its investment banking division, in New York and Asia.
The funds where Rakesh held leadership positions have invested several billion dollars in the energy value chain. Rakesh has served on the board of more than ten public and private companies. Rakesh graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and received his MBA from INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France.
Ash Upadhyaya
Managing Partner
At Centerbridge, Ash invested across the energy sector. Prior to Centerbridge, Ash was a Director at KKR from 2011 to 2017. While at KKR, Ash led and co-led investments in the energy private equity sector and worked in New York and Asia.
Prior to KKR, Ash was an investment professional at Natural Gas Partners. Ash began his career as an engineer at Royal Dutch Shell working across the globe. During his career, Ash has invested across the energy value chain and led operational and financial turnaround of businesses.
Ash has served on several company boards. Ash brings a hands-on operational approach and insight into the diligence and execution of investments. Ash has engineering degrees from Stanford University and University of Mumbai and an MBA from Stanford University.
Jessica Chamoun
Vice President
At PSE&G, she worked in Asset Management, planning and designing natural gas infrastructure to integrate new customers and maintain system reliability.
Prior to that, she worked in Project Management and Construction, modernizing PSE&G’s electric transmission system and managing generation interconnections. Jessica received an engineering degree from Rutgers University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Will Goodman
Vice President
Will graduated from Yale with a B.A. in Economics.
Ronit Ganguly
Associate
Ronit graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a B.S.B.A in Finance.
