Family offices are increasingly placing artificial intelligence at the center of their investment strategies, favoring direct stakes in high-growth private companies over traditional long-term venture capital fund commitments.
The shift reflects a desire for greater control, faster deployment of capital and targeted exposure to companies already demonstrating commercial momentum. Instead of investing through broad portfolios managed by external funds, many wealthy families are pursuing individual opportunities through direct investments and secondary market transactions.
A growing pool of private capital
According to Deloitte, family offices managed an estimated $5.5 trillion in wealth in 2024, with that figure projected to reach at least $9.5 trillion by 2030. This expanding capital base is giving private investors greater capacity to participate in large technology rounds and acquire shares from existing holders.
UBS found in its 2026 Global Family Office Report that alternative assets, including private equity, venture capital and private credit, account for 42% of the average family office portfolio. The report surveyed 307 family offices globally, each with average net worth of $2.7 billion.
AI stands out because it combines long-term technological potential with a rapidly developing commercial ecosystem. Investors are especially drawn to established private AI businesses with customer adoption, revenue signals and clear infrastructure demand.
Secondary deals gain momentum
Secondary transactions have become a preferred route for investors seeking access to private AI leaders without committing capital to a broad, multi-company fund. These deals can offer ownership in more mature businesses while allowing family offices to concentrate their investment choices.
Demand has been particularly strong for shares in companies such as Anthropic and OpenAI, which remain among the most closely watched names in private technology. Advisors report growing interest from investors prepared to make sizeable allocations to AI-focused opportunities.
A separate report from J.P. Morgan Private Bank indicated that 65% of global family offices plan to prioritize AI investments, even as they maintain diversification across regions, currencies and asset classes.
The trend highlights how family offices are evolving from passive capital providers into more active participants in the innovation economy. As AI adoption expands across industries, this direct-investment approach could help shape the next generation of privately funded technology leaders.
