Board of Directors
Dr. Rajendra Singh
Chairman
Dr. Singh is the principal owner and Managing Director of Telcom Ventures, LLC, an investment firm specializing in telecommunications and related information technologies, and founder of LCC International, Inc., one of the largest wireless telecommunications engineering consulting firms in the world. He has co-founded numerous successful domestic and international wireless operators and was an early stage investor in XM Satellite Radio and Aether Systems. Dr. Singh received a B.S. from the Indian Institute of Technology, earned his M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Maine and holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University.
Jim Fleming
Jim Fleming focuses on investments in communications services, primarily in the wireless, telecom, satellite, and media sectors. He is currently a Director of Presidio, The Tennis Channel, Tristar and Extenet. He previously held board seats with Nuvox Communications (acquired by Windstream), TVCC and CCTV (acquired by Light Squared), Mobile Satellite Ventures, XM Satellite Radio, ICG Communications (acquired by Level 3 Communications), Taqua (acquired by Tekelec), WCS Wireless (acquired by NextWave Wireless), and WNP Communications (acquired by XO Communications), and has worked closely with a number of former Columbia portfolio companies including Digital Television Services (acquired by Pegasus Communications) and NeoWorld (acquired by Nextel). Jim received his B.A. from Stanford University.
Mark McDowell
Mark McDowell is the co-founder of Acta Wireless, an early stage investment firm focused on the wireless industry. Mark has over 20 years’ experience in the wireless industry as a wireless operator, entrepreneur and investor. He has been part of the founding management team of four companies, including Invertix, a pioneer in wireless instant messaging and presence, and Telecorp PCS, which was acquired by AT&T Wireless Services. Earlier in his career, Mark was as a manager at MLJ and was instrumental in the launch of the first PCS network in the United States. Mark served as an officer in the United States Air Force during the first Gulf War. He is currently Chairman of Acta Consulting and serves on the boards of the Mobile Giving Foundation, LaunchBox Digital, mphoria and CardStar. Mark holds BSEE and MSEE degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Monish Kundra
Monish Kundra joined Columbia capital in 2008 and focuses on investments in the wireless communications industry, including investments in spectrum, wireless services, wireless infrastructure and satellite communications. He is currently a Director of Local Media TV Holdings, LLC. Prior to joining Columbia Capital, Monish was Senior VP of Corporate Development for Mobile Satellite Ventures, where he was responsible for leading both the company's spectrum coordination initiatives and strategic partnerships. Prior to Columbia Capital, Monish held positions in private equity with Madison Dearborn and as an executive with broadband and wireless service providers. Monish holds a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. degree from the Wharton School.
Serge Martin
Serge Martin is Executive Vice President of Telcom Ventures LLC. Serge formerly was a partner with Squire Sanders & Dempsey LLP where he provided general corporate and transactional counseling, particularly to clients in the communications, energy, technology and transportation industries. He focused his practice on US and international corporate matters, including finance, mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. Serge also formerly served as general counsel to Ryder Truck Rental, Inc. He currently serves of the boards of directors of a number of technology and communications companies, as well as those of The Florida Venture Forum and of the Ryder System Federal Credit Union. Serge graduated from the Berklee College of Music with honors, earned his JD from George Washington University and has completed The Wharton School’s Executive Program in Finance.
Gary Parsons
With over 35 years of leadership experience building innovative wireless and wireline networks, Gary has founded five early-stage ventures that led to $1Bn or greater enterprise value. Best known as the founder of XM Satellite Radio, Gary stepped down last year as Chairman of the combined Sirius XM Radio. He was also founder and former Chairman of SkyTerra Communications and TerreStar Networks and, along with Dr. Singh, is recognized for pioneering the concept of hybrid terrestrial use of satellite spectrum (ancillary terrestrial component technology). Prior to founding XM Radio, Gary was EVP of MCI Communications. He holds a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Clemson University and an MBA from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.
Ganesh Pattabiraman
With over 14 years of experience in technology development and management, Ganesh currently holds 7 patents; former Product Manager of Qualcomm’s LBS Products; Director of Product Management at Mobio; responsible for deployment and commercialization of LBS & other applications to major BREW Operators. Ganesh holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a Masters in Electrical Engineering from George Mason University.
