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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

Mar 16 · linkedin

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.

#startups #angelinvestors #venturecapital

Feb 4 · linkedin

When most people think of #blockchaintechnology they think of #cryptocurrencies, which are going through a horrible #cryptowinter. But #blockchains are just #digital ledgers that can be used in other types of transactions, such as #realestate. The #tokenization of real estate interests is one sunny feature of #blockchain #innovation, which firms are already using, like AKRU.

Using #blockchaintechnology in real estate transactions can decrease the time and costs of closing such transactions and opening access to real estate investments. How? Firms like AKRU break up the ownership of real property into #tokens, which are then sold at a fraction of the real estate's cost. An investor can purchase one or more tokens to own a fraction of the real property. In return, the token holder receives income and capital gains on the #investment if the property is later sold. A secondary market for the tokens may also develop, which would allow an investor to sell its tokens to a new investor.

Related Questions

What are some notable projects Bo James Howell has worked on at FinTech Law Firm?
How did Bo James Howell transition from the SEC to founding his own law firm?
What specific areas of fintech does Bo James Howell specialize in?
Can you provide examples of Bo James Howell's contributions to the fintech industry?
What makes Bo James Howell a thought leader in fintech and regtech?
Bo Howell
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Location

Cincinnati, Ohio, United States