About us

XO. Capital Partners was founded on a clear premise: strong investment strategies deserve strong representation.

After many years in institutional asset management and fund distribution, we recognised a growing need — for clarity, focus, and trusted access. While many fund managers compete for attention, only a few offer truly differentiated approaches. And while institutional investors face no shortage of options, they increasingly value selectivity, transparency, and strategic alignment.

Our role is to bridge that space.

As a specialised distribution partner, we support a small number of carefully selected investment managers in presenting their strategies to institutional investors in the German-speaking markets. We focus on long-term partnerships — grounded in a deep understanding of the product, a strong alignment of interests, and consistent execution.

The founders bring diverse professional backgrounds that complement each other effectively in day-to-day collaboration. Carsten brings decades of experience advising companies on strategic matters, while Carlos focuses on the placement and management of investment funds within complex regulatory environments. Together, we offer more than access — we deliver context, credibility, and continuity.

Carlos Böhles is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of XO. Capital Partners GmbH, bringing nearly three decades of experience in the asset management and financial services industry to the firm. 

Before taking on his role at XO. Capital Partners GmbH, Carlos Böhles served as Head of Institutional Business for Germany and Austria at Schroder Investment Management. In this position, he was responsible for overseeing the institutional business and contributed significantly to the tenfold growth of Assets under Management.

He led a team across Germany and Austria and was a member of the European Institutional Management Team, collaborating on cross-border strategic initiatives and integration projects.

Prior to his tenure at Schroders, Carlos Böhles held senior positions at Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers, where he worked closely with leading institutional investors in Germany and Europe and supported major primary and secondary capital market transactions. His early international training at Lehman Brothers in New York and London provided him with a broad foundation in sales, trading, and research.

Carlos Böhles holds a Master of Science in International Political Economy from the London School of Economics and a Master of Arts in Philosophy, History, and Islamic Studies from Heidelberg University. He is also a Certified European Financial Analyst (CEFA).

Through XO. Capital Partners GmbH, Carlos Böhles and his team support asset managers and investors with targeted distribution strategies, market access, and strategic consulting — offering a practical, experienced, and results-oriented partnership to meet today’s complex industry demands.

What inspired the name XO. ?

In the context of the U.S. military, an XO, or Executive Officer, serves as the second-in-command within a unit, such as a battalion or company. The XO operates as the primary deputy to the commanding officer, ensuring the seamless execution of strategic directives and overseeing daily operations.

The key responsibilities of an XO include managing logistics, resource allocation, operational planning, and interdepartmental coordination. Acting as a critical enabler, the XO ensures that the unit runs efficiently and adheres to established standards and policies. Additionally, the XO frequently bridges communication between the commander and the broader team.

In terms of competencies, an XO must exhibit exceptional leadership, organizational skills, and strategic foresight. The role demands decisiveness and adaptability, as the XO often assumes command in the commander’s absence. This position embodies operational excellence and strategic support, a concept that directly inspired the ethos of “XO. Capital Partners” in empowering both, senior management as well as the organization, to achieve optimal performance.