CNBC, in collaboration with Fintrx, has analysed the single-family offices making the most startup investments this year. The study highlights the top 10 family offices, which together completed over 150 investments in 2024, spanning sectors like biotech, energy, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence.
The list, a first-of-its-kind, includes prominent names such as Bernard Arnault’s Aglaé Ventures, Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective, and Peter Thiel’s Thiel Capital. It also uncovers less-known but influential players in venture capital, demonstrating the growing role of family offices in private markets.
Maelstrom Tops the List
Maelstrom, the family office of BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes, leads with 22 startup investments this year, primarily in blockchain technologies such as Cytonic, Magma, and Term Labs.
Other Key Players
Second on the list is Motier Ventures, headed by Guillaume Houzé of the Galeries Lafayette family. Founded in 2021, Motier has made 21 investments this year in areas including AI and blockchain. Notable deals include investments in French AI startup Holistic AI and Paris-based Flex AI.
Tied for third are:
- Atinum Investment: A South Korean family office focused on software and AI.
- Hillspire: Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s office, known for its AI and energy sector bets.
- Emerson Collective: A key player in diverse sectors.
Family Offices’ Growing Influence
Family offices are becoming major forces in venture capital, contributing nearly a third of startup funding in 2022, according to PwC. A UBS report reveals AI as the top investment priority for 2024, with 78% of family offices planning AI investments within the next few years.
Balancing Risk and Opportunity
While some family offices, like Hillspire and Aglaé Ventures, employ teams of experts to evaluate tech deals, others rely on partnerships with venture capital funds to navigate complex markets. This approach mitigates risks, such as overextending investments in volatile tech startups, which have faced declining valuations and reduced exit opportunities.
As these offices continue to leverage their capital and networks, they are not only funding innovation but also using startups as learning platforms to inform larger business decisions. The evolving dynamics of family office investments underscore their growing sophistication and influence in the startup ecosystem.
