James 'Jim' Ralph Scapa is an American businessman, the self-made billionaire Founder and former Chairman and CEO of Altair Engineering (NASDAQ: ALTR), a global leader in computational intelligence software (simulation, HPC, and AI). Born circa 1957, his career is rooted in engineering and technology consulting.

Scapa holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University (1978) and an MBA from the University of Michigan (1981). His career began as a computer engineering consultant for General Motors (GM), where he identified a structural gap in the market for sophisticated engineering software.

• Altair Engineering (Founder & Former CEO): The core private asset, a global leader in computational intelligence software for engineering simulation, HPC, and data analytics. Acquired by Siemens in March 2025.
• Engineering Focus: His success is built on his belief that Math and algorithms are going to drive all the decisions of the future.
• Academic Background: He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
• Exit/New Venture: Following the acquisition, he co-founded Escape Investment Management, a family office.

James Scapa left his job at General Motors to start Altair Engineering with two coworkers in 1985. His strategic genius was focusing on creating sophisticated software that enabled customers to enhance product performance, compress development time, and reduce costs across diverse industries (automotive, aerospace, life sciences). The company successfully executed its IPO in 2017 and grew to serve over 16,000 customers globally.

The pinnacle of his financial career was the acquisition of Altair by Siemens in March 2025, a major milestone for the company and a significant wealth event for Scapa (he owned 24 percent of Altair's shares). Following the acquisition, Scapa co-founded Escape Investment Management, a family office focused on investing in cutting-edge technology innovation. He retains a large stock holding and remains a key figure in the technology sector.

James Scapa's social impact is structural, stemming from Altair's role in providing essential computational intelligence software that accelerates product development and reduces costs for global manufacturers. His work drives industrial efficiency across the world's largest engineering firms.

His personal philanthropy supports various educational and community initiatives, reflecting his strong ties to Columbia University (serving as a Trustee). His career is a testament to the profitability of disciplined software development and strategic alignment with the engineering needs of the automotive and aerospace industries.

James Scapa maintains the professional, composed style of a technology executive. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored suits. His aesthetic reflects stability and intellectual authority, rooted in his commitment to mathematics and algorithms.

Residing in Atherton, California, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to software innovation, investment strategy, and the long-term pursuit of cutting-edge technology.