Board Advisory
Perry LaForge
Perry has worked with high-tech firms for over 35 years, is known for growing companies, building business partnerships and being a driving force behind the expansion of wireless communications. Instrumental in Qualcomm’s launch (starting in 1988) and the introduction of CDMA, 3G/4G LTE digital cellular, he secured initial funding, developed markets, built manufacturer support and led the standardization and evolution of 3G/4G. This work has been chronicled in the book, “The Qualcomm Equation”.
In 1993 he founded the CDG which he chaired for 20 years, an association of over 150 wireless operators and manufacturers that introduced pioneering concepts such as mobile GPS, over the air activation, etc. In that role he assisted in the development of wireless markets from China to Africa.
He also founded InOvate, a venture fund backed by Sequoia, Charles River Ventures, Cisco and others, inCode Telecom Group (sold to Verisign), co-founded Kodiak Networks (sold to Motorola Solutions) and was a seed investor and advisor/board member in FiberTower (IPO), Danger (sold to Microsoft); Signalsoft (to Openwave), Bitfone (to HP) and WiChorus (to Tellabs). He was also and investor, advisor/board member to FusionOne (sold to Synchronoss) and Transaction Wireless (sold to First Data).
Frank Cotroneo
Former CFO of MasterCard, H&R Block, Acxiom, COO & CFO NetSpend, and Aspen Group.
Experienced C-Suite Executive with a demonstrated history of success in building and reengineering businesses in the Financial Services, Payments, and Fintech industries. Skilled in Business Strategy, Financial Planning and Analysis, Business Valuation, Mergers & Acquisitions, Process Improvement, Leadership Development, and Business Development. Success as a Business leader and advisor at the board and C-suite level.