James Carlson

James Carlson is a Senior Manager at Bain & Company, based in San Francisco, California. He specializes in the Private Equity and Technology practices, with a focus on growth equity and software solutions. Throughout his career at Bain, he has assessed over 50 software assets across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare IT, and cybersecurity, and has led strategy and pricing engagements for technology clients.1

Educational Background

James holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor's Degree in Economics with a Minor in Mathematics from Dartmouth College. His academic journey began at Crystal Springs Uplands School for high school.1

Career Progression

Before becoming a Senior Manager, James advanced through several roles at Bain, starting as an Associate Consultant Intern and progressing to Senior Associate Consultant and Manager. He briefly left Bain to work at a software startup before returning to complete his MBA.1 His experience also includes an internship in Business Operations at MobilizeAmerica and roles that involved research and finance, such as working as a Research Assistant at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business and internships at Bridgewater Associates.

Recognition

In 2023, James was awarded the Polaris Award by Bain's San Francisco office for his contributions to coaching and mentorship within the firm.1

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional life, James is an avid cyclist, often exploring the Bay Area's climbs and trails.1