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Ultrawealthy families are pouring billions into private credit and real estate, but cutting back on early-stage startups
Business Insiderยท 2025-10-22 14:08
Core Insights - Wealthy families in North America are shifting their investment strategies from high-risk startups to private credit and real estate, with private markets now making up 29% of their portfolios [1][3]. Investment Trends - The North America Family Office Report 2025 indicates that private markets account for approximately $62 billion of the $215 billion managed by North American family offices [3]. - Private credit, direct private equity, and real estate are expected to see increased allocations in 2025, driven by higher interest rates offered to borrowers in private credit [5][4]. Real Estate Focus - Real estate remains a favored investment, with about 75% of family offices holding real estate assets, particularly in industrial and logistics (30%) and residential housing (23%) [6]. Venture Capital Decline - There is a notable decline in early-stage venture investing, which has fallen from its previous top position due to poor performance and disappointing returns from private equity and venture capital [12][13]. Shift in Investment Objectives - A significant shift towards stability is observed, with 48% of family offices prioritizing liquidity improvement and 33% aiming to de-risk their portfolios for 2025 [15]. - Average return expectations for 2025 have decreased to 5%, down from 11% in 2024, with 15% of family offices now anticipating negative returns [16].