Wealthy families, through their family offices, are demonstrating a growing appetite for direct investments in artificial intelligence (AI) companies. This trend sees them increasingly acquiring existing shares in private companies from current shareholders or engaging in direct deals, rather than investing via traditional venture capital funds.
Djoann Fal, an advisor at Atlas Capital, noted that family offices are prioritising AI deals that offer the potential for significant returns over a shorter timeframe. This shift is occurring despite concerns about potentially inflated valuations and pricing within the AI sector.
According to the UBS 2026 Global Family Office Report, alternative investments, which encompass private equity, venture capital, and private credit, now account for 42% of the average family office portfolio. This report surveyed 307 family offices globally with an average net worth of $2.7 billion. A J.P. Morgan Private Bank report from February found that 65% of global family offices intend to prioritise AI investments.
Maximilian Kunkel, chief investment officer at UBS Global Wealth Management, stated that AI is seen as a powerful long-term growth opportunity. Bruce K. Lee, founder of Keebeck Wealth Management, observed that family offices are willing to take on risk to avoid missing opportunities in the AI market, even as some acknowledge the possibility of a bubble.