The future is clear: Just as Private Equity and Venture Capital reshaped public markets,?Family Offices will transform the private markets—forever.
Founder & CEO, Diamond Wealth | TIGER 21 Chair, Family Office & Chicago | Founder, Host & CEO, Family Office World Media | Member, Multiple Advisory Boards | University of Chicago Family Office Initiative I TEDx Speaker
???At my recent lecture at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, I shared a thesis that underscores a monumental shift in the world of private markets: ?? Family Offices are poised to disrupt Private Equity and Venture Capital. Let me set the stage. Today, there are roughly?15,000 family offices managing over $10 trillion globally.?We’re at an inflection point, much like the mid-to-late 1980s when Private Equity and Venture Capital disrupted public markets. Now, Family Offices stand ready to disrupt the disruptors. Here’s why: ?? The Private Equity Model: Predictable, But Flawed Private Equity firms typically acquire companies, hold them for 3–5 years, and sell them. This cycle isn’t inherently bad—it’s simply how these firms are structured and incentivized. However, this model creates friction: 1??. High transaction costs?from frequent buying and selling. 2??. Disruption to the businesses?as they adapt to new owners every few years. 3??. Short-term horizons?that prioritize immediate returns over long-term growth. Over two decades, a single business might change hands 3–5 times. With each transaction, the business incurs more friction, taxes, and upheaval. ? Enter Family Offices: A Better Way Forward Family Offices, on the other hand, leverage a unique advantage:?patient capital.?Unlike Private Equity or Venture Capital firms, they aren’t bound by the constraints of short-term compensation models. Instead, Family Offices can: ? Buy and hold businesses?for 20+ years. ? Allow investments to compound?over time. ? Focus on long-term value creation?rather than quick exits. This patient approach results in significantly better outcomes. By eliminating the friction of constant transactions, Family Offices can foster stability and growth within the companies they own. ?? Why This Matters This doesn’t mean Family Offices will replace Private Equity or Venture Capital. Both will remain vital in the broader financial ecosystem. But Family Offices are uniquely positioned to disrupt these industries because of their ability to operate with?permanent capital. They aren’t incentivized to "flip" companies. Instead, they’re focused on?maximizing long-term returns?and creating?enduring value.?As more businesses recognize the benefits of this model, we’ll see a fundamental shift in how private markets operate. The future is clear: Just as Private Equity and Venture Capital reshaped public markets,?Family Offices will transform the private markets—forever. ?? What are your thoughts on this shift? #familyoffice #familyoffices #harvard