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Billionaire Profile
James Scapa
Global Rank
#2388

Image: James Allan  | CC BY-SA 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

James Scapa

CEO, Software
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.733B
Estimated based on Software stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
69
Source
Software
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

James Scapa is a prominent figure in the technology industry, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership. With a net worth of $1.7 billion as of March 2024, Scapa's wealth stems primarily from his work in the software sector. He is the founder and former CEO of Altair Engineering, a global leader in computational intelligence software. His career spans over 35 years and is marked by significant achievements in the fields of product development, high-performance computing, and data analytics. Scapa is a graduate of Columbia University and the University of Michigan, and is known for his strategic vision and commitment to innovation.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

James Scapa was born in New York to parents who were Holocaust survivors. He graduated from Columbia University with a degree in mechanical engineering and later earned an MBA from the University of Michigan. This educational background provided a strong foundation for his career in the technology industry.

Rise to Success

In 1985, Scapa co-founded Altair Engineering with two colleagues. He served as Chairman and CEO from the company's inception until 2025, when it was acquired by Siemens for nearly $10 billion. Under his leadership, Altair grew to become a global technology company. In 2017, he took Altair public.

Key Business Strategies

Scapa's leadership style is characterized by innovation, broad communication and smart risk-taking. He emphasized the importance of honesty and clear communication. He focused on distributing equity to employees, creating many millionaires within the company. Scapa also stresses the importance of seeing opportunities and the future driven by math and algorithms.

Philanthropy

In 2018, Scapa and his wife, Sally, endowed the James and Sally Scapa Professorship of Innovation and Fellowship of Innovation at Columbia Engineering. This initiative supports outstanding faculty and graduate students, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the university.

Career Milestones

1985

Founded Altair Engineering

Co-founded Altair Engineering, a global technology company providing software and cloud solutions.

2017

Took Altair Public

Led Altair through its initial public offering.

2025

Altair Acquired by Siemens

Altair was acquired by Siemens for nearly $10 billion. Scapa walked away from the all-cash deal with $1.9 billion before taxes.

2025

Co-founded Escape Investment Management

Launched a new family office focused on investing in cutting-edge technology innovation.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

James and Sally Scapa Professorship of Innovation and Fellowship of Innovation

$XB

Endowed the James and Sally Scapa Professorship of Innovation and Fellowship of Innovation at Columbia Engineering to support faculty and graduate students.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"I have a sense of the opportunity being so large. Math and algorithms are going to drive all the decisions of the future, so I think we were sort of a rocket sitting on the launching pad."

Leadership Principles

Honest Communication

Advocates for broad communication within the company to foster transparency.

Innovation and Adaptability

Embraces change and encourages doing things differently to stay competitive.

Employee Empowerment

Distributes equity to employees to foster a culture of ownership and success.

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