James Howe is a Managing Director with FOCUS Investment Banking, where he advises private equity firms, private credit managers, and alternative asset sponsors on capital formation, investor relations, and strategic fundraising initiatives.

With more than 25 years of experience in private capital markets, James has built a distinguished career helping investment managers raise capital across private equity, private credit, real assets, co-investment vehicles, and special situations. He has worked closely with institutional investors, family offices, endowments, foundations, pension plans, and other sophisticated limited partners to develop and execute fundraising strategies.

Prior to joining FOCUS, he was a founder of the UBS Private Equity Placement Group and worked in both in-house private equity roles and in an advisory agent capacity. James also founded and led an independent private capital advisory firm, partnering with emerging and established investment managers on fundraises, strategic investor outreach, and capital formation initiatives. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles in private fund advisory, investor relations, and fundraising, earning a reputation as a trusted advisor and relationship builder within the alternative investment community.

He also served as an active-duty U.S. Naval Officer.

James holds the FINRA Series 24, 63, 79TO, 7, and SIE licenses. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Arts from Georgetown University.

Outside of work, James is an active tennis player and skier and writes, records, and mixes music in his home studio.