Family offices amplify investments, focusing on innovation and wide-ranging sectors in February

In February, family offices notably increased their investing efforts, executing at least 48 direct transactions, which is double the amount documented in January. As reported by exclusive Fintrx data, a private wealth intelligence service, these affluent organizations took daring steps in various industries, ranging from biotech to eco-friendly materials, showcasing their expanding interest in innovation and enduring prospects.

In February, family offices significantly ramped up their investment activities, completing at least 48 direct deals—twice the number recorded in January. According to exclusive data from Fintrx, a private wealth intelligence platform, these high-net-worth entities made bold moves across a variety of sectors, from biotech to sustainable materials, demonstrating their growing appetite for innovation and long-term opportunities.

Leading the charge were some of the most active family office investors, including Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective and Li Ka-shing’s Horizons Ventures. Their involvement in several high-profile funding rounds, alongside other prominent family offices, underscores the unique role these investors play in shaping emerging industries. With their ability to take calculated risks and support unconventional ideas, family offices are increasingly distinguishing themselves from traditional venture capital firms.

Emerson Collective, led by Laurene Powell Jobs, captured attention last month by joining a $700 million fundraising campaign for X-Energy, a nuclear reactor startup backed by Amazon. This daring initiative emphasizes the increasing focus on cleaner energy alternatives and illustrates the readiness of family offices to invest in groundbreaking technologies. Likewise, Li Ka-shing’s Horizons Ventures co-led a $112 million fundraising event for the Australian health tech firm Harrison.ai, shortly after investing in Owlstone Medical, a diagnostics startup.

Another key participant, Soros Capital—managed by Robert Soros, son of billionaire George Soros—contributed to a $350.7 million funding round for Eikon Therapeutics. Guided by former Merck research head Roger Perlmutter, the drug discovery firm is working on therapies for cancers like melanoma and prostate cancer. These transactions demonstrate a focused strategy by family offices to synchronize their investments with pioneering progress in healthcare and sustainability.

Another notable player, Soros Capital—run by Robert Soros, son of billionaire George Soros—joined a $350.7 million funding round for Eikon Therapeutics. Led by former Merck research chief Roger Perlmutter, the drug discovery company is developing treatments for cancers such as melanoma and prostate cancer. These deals reflect a targeted approach by family offices to align their investments with groundbreaking advancements in healthcare and sustainability.

European family offices focus on deep tech and sustainability

Several traditional European family offices also took noteworthy actions in February, concentrating on deep tech and sustainable innovations. Famille C, associated with the heirs to the Clarins cosmetics legacy, invested in Spore.Bio, a French startup focused on rapid bacterial testing for quality assurance. Concurrently, First Kind, an investment firm linked to the Peugeot automotive lineage, joined Spore.Bio’s $23 million Series C round, indicating trust in the startup’s capacity to transform industrial practices.

In another remarkable transaction, Kirkbi, the Danish family office associated with the Lego empire, supported Tidal Vision, a biotech firm located in Washington state. Tidal Vision converts crab and shrimp shells into chitosan, a biodegradable and non-toxic compound used in everything from water filtration to fireproofing. This investment underscores the growing interest in sustainable materials and circular economy solutions among family offices.

An alternative strategy to venture capital

A different approach to venture capital

Benkirane noted that family offices frequently offer a more adaptable and cooperative viewpoint compared to top-tier venture capital firms, which may have stringent expectations. “When you present something outside the conventional framework, many VCs lose interest,” Benkirane remarked. Contrarily, Smedvig Ventures concentrated on comprehending MarketLeap’s hybrid revenue model, which mixes monthly fees with profit-sharing to assist brands in expanding their online sales.

Although collaborating with a family office might not offer the brand recognition of top VC firms, Benkirane feels the compromise is valuable. “It’s not about the prestige of your backer—it’s about their readiness to stand by you in challenging times,” he stated. “Family offices generally invest in fewer companies annually, enabling them to devote more attention to their portfolio.”

While partnering with a family office may lack the name recognition associated with leading VC firms, Benkirane believes the trade-off is worthwhile. “It’s not about the prestige of your investor—it’s about their willingness to support you when things get tough,” he said. “Family offices tend to invest in fewer companies each year, which allows them to dedicate more attention to their portfolio.”

The increase in family office investments signifies their expanding impact within private equity and venture capital spheres. Unlike conventional investment firms, family offices handle the fortunes of wealthy families, frequently emphasizing long-term prospects that resonate with their values and interests. This adaptability enables them to investigate unconventional ideas and sectors that might be ignored by bigger institutional investors.

In February, family offices showcased their capability to pinpoint and back breakthrough startups across diverse sectors. From nuclear energy and healthcare to sustainable materials and e-commerce, their investments are influencing the future of industries vital to tackling global issues. By championing daring concepts and fostering innovation, family offices are establishing a distinct position in the investment world.

Simultaneously, the customized approach of family offices attracts entrepreneurs who are looking for more than just financial support. Their focus on collaboration, patience, and flexibility makes them appealing partners for startups aiming to grow without the limitations of traditional venture capital. “Family offices are often more open to unconventional thinking,” Benkirane remarked. “They offer a level of dedication and insight that’s difficult to find elsewhere.”

At the same time, the personalized approach of family offices appeals to entrepreneurs seeking more than just financial backing. Their emphasis on collaboration, patience, and adaptability makes them attractive partners for startups looking to scale without the constraints of conventional venture capital. “Family offices are often more willing to think outside the box,” Benkirane said. “They bring a level of commitment and understanding that’s hard to find elsewhere.”

As family offices persist in broadening their footprint in private markets, their impact as principal catalysts of innovation is becoming more apparent. The February uptick in investment activity underscores their capacity to adjust to evolving market dynamics and seize new prospects. By concentrating on sustainability, technology, and healthcare, family offices are strategically placed to influence the future of the most significant industries.

In the future, their impact is expected to increase as more affluent families realize the potential of direct investments to protect and expand their wealth. By upholding a long-term outlook and adopting a collaborative strategy, family offices are demonstrating their ability to provide value not only to their portfolio companies but also to society at large.

Looking ahead, their influence is likely to grow as more wealthy families recognize the potential of direct investments to preserve and grow their fortunes. By maintaining a long-term perspective and embracing a collaborative approach, family offices are proving that they can deliver value not only to their portfolio companies but also to society as a whole.

In an investment landscape often dominated by short-term thinking, family offices offer a refreshing alternative—one that prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and meaningful partnerships. As February’s activity demonstrates, their unique approach is driving transformative change across industries, paving the way for a more dynamic and inclusive future.