Primary Partner Profiles

Ronald T. LeMay, Chairman

A pioneer and respected leader in the wireless industry, Ron brings more than 36 years of carrier-side operating experience as a former executive at AT&T, Sprint, and Southwestern Bell. He is eminently qualified to recognize, as well as contribute to, innovation and to understand the opportunities, intricacies, and challenges of applying technology successfully in the marketplace.

  • Employee #1 and CEO of Sprint PCS
  • President and COO of Sprint Corporation
  • Orchestrated turn-around and sale of Japan Telecom as CEO
  • Managing Director of OpenAir Equity Partners, since 2011
  • Current board of director memberships: Allstate (ALL), Gogo Inflight Internet, Imation (IMN), eRecyclingCorps and MachineryLink

Additional Experience

Ron was employee number one and CEO of Sprint PCS which, under his direction, generated $10B in annual revenues faster than any US company has before or since. Ron is the current chairman of Gogo Inflight Internet, the leading broadband inflight Internet service that will revolutionize inflight communications. After leaving Sprint in 2003, he joined Ripplewood Holdings as an Industrial Partner and orchestrated the turn-around (as CEO), and subsequent sale of Japan Telecom, generating outstanding returns to Ripplewood investors.

Ron is a highly sought after board member for both public and privately-held companies and currently sits on the boards of Allstate (ALL), Imation (IMN), Gogo Inflight Internet, eRecyclingCorps and MachineryLink.

A native of Arkansas, Ron attended Southern Arkansas University where he earned a bachelor’s degree and the University of Arkansas School of Law earning a JD. Ron and his wife reside in Kansas City and spend time enjoying their 6 grandchildren – including two sets of twin girls.

Lance T. LeMay, Founder & Partner

Lance is the founder of October Capital, a privately funded venture capital firm who has primarily invested in innovative, technology enabled businesses. He is also a Managing Partner at OpenAir Equity Partners, a new venture capital and private equity firm solely focused on the wireless, communications and mobile Internet sectors. His operational expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and collaborative approach make Lance stand out as a leader in the venture capital market and cause him to be a highly sought after board member. Known for his hands-on leadership style, he has mentored some of the most successful entrepreneurs and management teams.

Lance is currently a director of MachineryLink, the leader in fractional leases of agricultural equipment and operator of the world’s largest fleet of harvesting combines.

  • Founder and Managing Partner of venture investment firm, October Capital, since 1999
  • Managing Director of OpenAir Equity Partners, since 2011
  • Led 9 investments
  • Held numerous active board seats and currently maintains two including eRecyclingCorps. and MachineryLink
  • Deep network of operators and influencers
  • Expert board management experience and capabilities across a diversity of industries

Additional Experience

In his role as investor and board member during the past 10 years, Lance has assisted his management teams in developing innovative solutions across a diversity of industries including web-enabled enterprise services, mobile commerce, agricultural equipment services, digital media and advertising, publishing, logistics, wireless services, and financial services. Lance is known for his passion for early stage innovation, his ability to collaborate with entrepreneurs, and his willingness to work actively to help build businesses. Lance has served on the board of 9 portfolio companies and currently sits on the board of two companies including eRecyclingCorps. and MachineryLink.

As an advocate of entrepreneurship and venture investing, Lance is a frequent speaker and panelist. He has worked diligently for over 10 years to stimulate innovation in the Midwest through entrepreneurship and venture investment in the region. Lance holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Kansas. Lance lives in Kansas City with his wife and 4 daughters, two sets of twins.