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Bo Howell
Fintech Founder and Lawyer
Bo James Howell is a seasoned securities lawyer, entrepreneur, and founder of FinTech Law Firm.24 With over 15 years of experience in corporate and securities law, Howell has established himself as a prominent figure in the intersection of finance and technology.13
Professional Background
Howell's career spans various roles in the financial and legal sectors:
- Founder and Managing Partner at FinTech Law Firm, specializing in technology and financial services24
- Former Chief Compliance Officer for SEC-registered investment advisers, investment companies, and broker-dealers1
- Worked at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in the Division of Investment Management1
- Served as lead in-house counsel at a Fortune 500 asset manager1
- Held a director position at a leading fund administrator1
Education and Certifications
- J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law, magna cum laude1
- Master's in Finance from the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University1
- Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Washington State University, magna cum laude1
- Certifications in Digital Assets and Blockchain, and Designing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Products1
Expertise and Innovations
Howell is recognized for his expertise in:
- Fintech and regtech
- Blockchain technology
- Artificial intelligence in compliance and law practice1
He has successfully launched technology startups and is considered a thought leader in these areas.1
Current Focus
As of January 2025, Howell continues to lead FinTech Law Firm, leveraging his extensive experience in securities law and technology to provide specialized legal services in the rapidly evolving fintech sector.24
Highlights
Crafting a Winning Strategy for Fundraising
In Part 3 of our three-part series on raising capital for startups, we discuss winning strategies for closing your round. In Part 2, we discussed the stages of a startup's lifecycle, including pre-seed and seed rounds. In Part 3, we reviewed the key differences between angel and venture capital investors. Now we discuss best practices, whichever path you choose.
Building Relationships Early
Start engaging with potential investors before you need the capital. Establishing relationships early can pay dividends when you start your official fundraising round.
While building your relationships, identify which investors best fit you. Don't go for the investor who has always lost money, they won't invest. Avoid one-hit wonders, you'll never repeat. Choose investors who have seen the best and worst of investments; they are your ideal investors.
Market Research and Validation
Thorough market research and validation are critical. Demonstrating a clear understanding of your market, customer needs, and competitive landscape can significantly boost your credibility with investors.
Market research and product-market fit are more important than your pitch deck. Stop spending energy on making a perfect deck; just answer these five questions.
Who are you (be authentic)?
Why are you doing this (tell your story)?
Where has the company been, and where is it going?
When will you become profitable?
How will achieve profitability?
The Importance of a Data Room
Prepare a comprehensive data room with all relevant documents, including financial statements and projections for the next two years, market and competitor analysis, formation and other legal documents, key customer and contract lists, and more. This transparency can build trust and expedite the due diligence process.
Strategic Outreach
Tailor your outreach to the right type of investor for your stage of growth. Personalize your communication and leverage warm introductions whenever possible. When possible, leverage referrals from other groups of investors. They carry weight with investors. If using cold emails, be succinct and attach your deck. Let the investor decide if they want to meet with you.
Persistence and Resilience
Fundraising is often a numbers game that requires persistence. Be prepared for rejections and use them as learning opportunities to refine your approach. Seek a hard "no" or "yes," not a soft maybe. Even if an investor says yes, keep them warm until you receive the funds. If they say no, ask why and use that feedback to improve your next pitch.
Conclusion
Navigating the fundraising landscape requires a strategic, informed approach, especially for pre- and seed-stage startups. Understanding the differences between angel investors and venture capital and a well-prepared strategy can significantly enhance your chances of securing the capital necessary to fuel your startup's growth.
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