OPENAIR
EQUITY PARTNERS
Capital for connecting people and things to achieve transformational results
Our Portfolio
C2FO is the world's only global, collaborative exchange for working capital. Participants are buyers and suppliers who use the market to increase profit, and accelerate cash flow between themselves. C2FO is Collaborative Cash Flow Optimization. Learn more
CommerceSignals is a real time exchange for transactional data. CommerceSignals allows businesses to optimize and monetize their data assets through a real time exchange platform that provides a marketplace for buyers and sellers based upon relevance and use. Learn more
Gift Card Impressions (GCI) is the leading Gift Card packaging and merchandising solutions provider. They build customized solutions to deliver strategically focused; brand-differentiating concepts that drive incremental gift card sales by making your products stand out at 3rd party point-of-purchase, in your stores and online. GCI’s solutions make the gift-giving occasion more memorable and personalized using the latest technologies to appeal to all five senses! They provide the most strategic, innovative and cost-effective solutions to achieve your specific objectives. Gift Card Impressions…where innovation meets gifting. Learn more
Gogo (IPO 2013) turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hotspot with true inflight Internet access. Passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, can surf the Web, check e-mail, instant message, access a corporate VPN and more. Gogo Inflight Internet is available on all AirTran Airways and Virgin America flights, and select Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways flights. Learn more
HYLA Mobile, formerly eRecyclingCorps, is one of the world’s leading providers of products and services that capture, extend and optimize the life and value of used mobile devices. The company is transforming the wireless ecosystem by helping consumers realize and immediately take advantage of the residual value of used devices and providing a reliable and responsible way of collecting, processing and distributing used mobile phones. Learn more
InSequent provides a SaaS mobile marketing solution for Local/SMBs. The platform converts existing desktop websites into mobile optimized versions in under 1 minute just by entering your URL. The included Content Management System contains simple-to-use tools to edit your content with little to no technical skill necessary. Along with total website management there is a complete SMS suite for customer engagement, keywords, short codes, QR Codes, Mobile Coupons, opt-in widgets and much more. A truly turn-key platform designed for local business to quickly and easily get mobile and engage with customers on the largest channel there is. InSequent sells direct and through channel partners such as ReachLocal, McClatchy, Digital First Media and others. Learn more
Main Street Data is an agriculture data analytics company that has the largest and highest quality data set of corn, soybean and wheat yield, as well as related naturally-occurring variables at the granular resolution of 150 square feet. Through data science and machine learning, the company creates tools to help farmers optimize production and maximize the price received for their crops. Learn more
Pepper has created a simple yet powerful operating system and service delivery platform for the IoT, offering partners a world-class user experience coupled with an extensible architecture. Combining a comprehensive service delivery platform and a unique flexible tile-based software framework, Pepper provides enterprise partners the ability to launch scalable IoT products, experiences and services. Pepper enables options which range from basic single-function solutions, to rich, sophisticated systems that seamlessly orchestrate many connected end-points, services, and integrations. Learn more
RedStone Logistics is a unique, third-party logistics company specializing in Logistics Management Services, RedStone Logistics serves the full spectrum of the transportation element the supply chain: small package, less-than-truckload, truckload, expedited shipments, even air shipments. Learn more
Store Financial (acquired by Emerchants 4/28/16) is an innovator of electronic card payment programs that processes about $2 billion in B2B payments each year. The company delivers private-label payment card solutions to some of the largest corporate brands around the globe. We manage more than 650 payment programs including incentive, loyalty, gift and disbursement programs for more than 450 brands in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Store Financial enables redemption, controls the use and automates settlement of funds without the need for POS integration or IT development. We issue payments in four currencies: USD, CAD, EUR, and GBP. Our onsite technical and customer service teams offer support in five languages, with 24/7 support in English and French. Learn more
Zave Networks (acquired by Google 9/2/11) offers a revolutionary technology point-of-sale platform that for the first time ever connects digital marketing and advertising with physical in-store sales, delivering on the promise of "clicks to bricks." Zave's unique platform enables marketers, retailers, and product manufacturers to create, distribute, and process digital coupons, promotions, and incentives real-time at the point of sale in a way that's convenient and simple for consumers. Retailers and manufacturers are able to measure, in real-time, the effectiveness of their efforts, including which of their promotions is leading to actual retail sales. Zave Networks is the first solution that closes the redemption loop, allowing for unprecedented marketing insights and optimization. Learn more
As mobile data usage proliferates, carriers are faced with a key challenge: how to extract revenue from mobile data usage. Lack of visibility into what mobile users are doing with data, which applications are being consumed and how usage correlates with user demographics and location have made it impossible to build actionable user profiles. Zettics (a merger between Ground Truth and Umber systems) provides the first, intelligent monitoring and analytics solution that works across applications, devices, networks and locations. It provides a clear, accurate and ongoing picture of mobile data usage. Learn more
Zubie is a mobile and Internet services company focused on maximizing connected-car capabilities for consumers and businesses. The company, formerly known as GreenLight Connectivity Solutions, was formed in 2012, and is headquartered in Charleston, SC, with offices in the Minneapolis area. Learn more
Our Team
Ron LeMay
Managing Director
Scott Ford
Managing Director
Lance LeMay
Managing Director
Kathy Walker
Managing Director
Valerie Smith
Executive Assistant
Holly O'Keefe
General Counsel
Ron LeMay serves as Managing Director and Co-Founder of OpenAir Equity Partners as well as Chairman of many of its portfolio companies. OpenAir Equity Partners specializes in “Internet of Things” and related data science investments with portfolio companies that focus on connected car, home, aircraft and ag machinery businesses.
Ron’s unique expertise in the wireless industry has helped place OpenAir Equity Partners portfolio companies at the forefront of transformation. Previously, Ron served as President – COO of Sprint. As the first employee and CEO of Sprint PCS, Ron guided the company from start-up to $10B in annual revenue faster than any company in U.S. history. He also served as CEO of Japan Telecom, where he orchestrated the company’s turn-around and successful sale to SoftBank. In addition, Ron is a Co-Founder of GoGo Inflight Internet Services, the leading broadband in-flight Internet service. Ron currently serves on the boards of GoGo Inflight Internet Services, Zubie, and Hyla Mobile, and has served on 8 public company boards and numerous private company boards over the last 20 years.
A native of Arkansas, Ron attended Southern Arkansas University where he earned a bachelor’s degree and was named Outstanding Business Student. He also attended the University of Arkansas School of Law where he graduated with honors. Ron and his wife reside in Kansas City and spend time enjoying their seven grandchildren.
Kathy Walker is a managing director at OpenAir Equity Partners and serves on both public, private and not for profit boards. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Adtran, Pepper, as well as Zubie. In addition, she is the President of the Board of Trustees at the Missouri School of Science and Technology as well as a member of South Dakota State University’s Council of Trustees. She is also a board member for the NACD Heartland Chapter and serves as chair of the programming committee.
With over 25 years of technology experience in the communications sector and 9 years of board service in public and private companies, Ms. Walker is a well-regarded expert in technology based services and enjoys the challenges of supporting early stage firms in the mobility, IoT and data analytics space. Her extensive career in telecommunications spanned many technology introductions and included roles that were both strategic and operational. Her final role at Sprint was the combined responsibilities of both Chief Network Officer and Chief Information officer.
Ms. Walker is a graduate in Civil Engineering from South Dakota State University and holds her Master of Science in Engineering Management from Missouri S&T. She resides in Olathe, KS.
Lance is a seasoned and respected investor in the technology and innovation space. He is the founder of October Capital, a privately funded venture firm that invests primarily in innovative, technology-enabled businesses. Lance possesses an operational expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and collaborative approach that make him stand out as a leader in the venture capital market and causes him to be a highly-sought-after board member. Known for his hands-on leadership style, Lance has mentored numerous successful entrepreneurs and management teams. Among Lance's accomplishments:
- Founder and Managing Partner of venture investment firm, October Capital
- Leader of 9 of the 12 investments made by October Capital
- Held numerous active board seats and currently maintains several including Hyla Mobile, Main Street Data, Zubie, and Pepper
- Possesses deep network of operators and influencers
- Expert board management experience and capabilities across multiple industries
Additional Experience
In his role as an investor and board member during the past 10 years, Lance has assisted management teams in developing and fleshing out ideas and innovative solutions across a range 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.
As an advocate of entrepreneurship and venture investing, Lance is an oft-requested speaker and panelist. He has worked diligently for more than 10 years to stimulate innovation in the Midwest through entrepreneurship and venture investment. Lance holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Kansas. He lives in Kansas City with his wife and five children, including two sets of twins.
Scott is a knowledgeable and connected wireless investor, with more than 16 years of wireless operating experience. Prior to joining OpenAir, he served as founder and general manager of Sprint Nextel Ventures, the company arm tasked with seeking out and securing high-potential ventures and investments. With 11 years of Sprint leadership in venture capital, business development, sales, and marketing roles, Scott is considered a wireless industry influencer, with a solid record in leading dozens of wireless market business deals, partnerships, and investments. Among Scott's accomplishments:
- Founder and General Manager of Sprint Nextel Ventures, Sprint's corporate venture capital unit
- Leader for wireless data business development efforts at Sprint, directing a team responsible for discovering, executing, and managing hundreds of partnerships delivering greater than $1B in contract value
- Manager or contributor in the launch of major technology partnerships across mobile video, music, content, search, location, and commerce
- Principal negotiator executing the first U.S. wireless music deals with major record labels
- Graduate of the prestigious Kauffman Fellowship through the Center for Venture Education
- Desert Storm Veteran, who flew more than 300 combat hours (3,000 total) aboard Nave P-3C aircraft
Additional Experience
Scott is recognized in the wireless industry as a knowledgeable investor with the rare combination of carrier-side innovation expertise and a solid venture and start-up market reputation and network. Scott has been selected by the CTIA - The Wireless Association® to serve on its VC Innovation Council. He and other select venture industry experts liaise with CTIA on wireless innovation trends, best practices, and global developments that are affecting investment choices, as well as the impact they are having on the wireless industry.
Scott's passion for mobile technologies and innovation was first formed during his 5 years as a Naval Aviator, where he operated sophisticated airborne electronic warfare equipment that was truly evolutionary. In addition to the Kauffman Fellowship and extensive electronics and technology training in the Navy, Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Human Relations from MidAmerica Nazarene University.
Scott sits on the boards of several OpenAir portfolio companies, including Pepper, Gift Card Impressions, and Zubie (observer).
Valerie joined OpenAir in 2004 and brings over 28 years of experience in Office Management and Administrative Support. In addition to performing general office functions, she is also instrumental in the processes of bookkeeping, purchasing, and payroll. Prior to joining OpenAir, Valerie spent three years as a Regional Administrative Assistant at Central Locating Systems, where she worked with programmers to help design and test a wage review tracking system for the entire company. After implementation of the system, she held training sessions for corporate employees. She was responsible for the compilation of various performance reports, working with 41 districts for the procurement of daily and weekly reporting data. Valerie spent two years at Harte-Hanks Corporation as Sr. Administrative Assistant/Business Development, where she was responsible for the preparation of presentations, meetings, and RFPs. She also managed an account review process and had one employee reporting to her. Valerie began her Administrative career as an Executive Assistant/Office Manager at Mar-Kay Plastics in 1988, where she spent over nine years performing many HR tasks including interviewing, hiring, conducting orientations, entering payroll, and tracking wage reviews. She was the editor and publisher of the company's monthly newsletter and she organized company-wide functions for over 400 employees. She also assisted in formulating product quotes, was responsible for all advertising/editorials in trade magazines, and had two direct reports.
Valerie has one adult son and currently resides in Lee's Summit, MO. In her free time, Valerie is a founder/organizer for a social group consisting of over 200 members and enjoys volunteering for the Special Olympics.
Holly is an accomplished attorney specializing in complex deals involving venture capital funds and start-up companies. She joined OpenAir and its sister fund, October Capital, in 2000 and acts as General Counsel for 12 investment funds focusing on technology-enabled businesses. In addition to her extensive legal expertise, Holly manages all of the finances for each of the investment funds. Her years of experience in the legal and financial industries allows Holly to provide creative solutions to the investment funds and their portfolio companies as they turn innovative ideas into viable and prosperous businesses. Among Holly’s accomplishments:
- Lead attorney in the formation, initial funding and follow-on funding of dozens of emerging technology companies including Zave Networks, Inc. which was sold to Google Inc.
- Lead attorney in the formation and funding of 12 investment funds and acting General Counsel to each investment fund
- Counsel to boards of directors regarding fiduciary duty issues, strategic issues and executive compensation and termination
- Representation of numerous public companies, including Sprint and Cerner Corporation
Additional Experience
Prior to joining the venture capital world full-time in 2000, Holly was an attorney at Stinson Leonard Street where she spent many years working in mergers and acquisitions, public and private placement of securities and private financing. It was at Stinson that Holly developed her passion for working with early stage companies and venture capital financing.
Holly attended the University of Iowa where she earned her B.A. in Finance and her M.B.A. She earned her J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law where she graduated with honors. Outside of work, Holly dedicates all of her time to her husband and four children and to fundraising for A Kids’ Brain Tumor Cure Foundation to find a cure for pediatric brain cancer.
News
Bank of America Merchant Services and Commerce Signals Team Up
Smart devices aren't so bright when it comes to security
Pepper teams with Switzerland cyber security expert to combat 'terrifying' IoT threats
GXPI-led $3.25M deal pushes Kansas City IoT firm Pepper over $15M investment mark
Main Street Data harnesses precision with Validator ag data tool
KC's Gift Card Impressions Sells to Atlanta Company
