Family Office

Definition

A family office is a private organization that manages the wealth, investments, and financial affairs of one or more high-net-worth families. Family offices may make direct investments in private companies, functioning as buy-side participants in M&A transactions alongside PE firms and independent sponsors.

Context

Chris Reilly's pre-VRA background included principal investing at a family office, as discussed in Ep. 23. Family offices are also mentioned as capital providers in the lower middle market deal ecosystem.

Related Terms

• Private Equity — a related but distinct category of institutional buyers
• Buy Side — family offices are buy-side participants
• Centers of Influence — wealth advisors who serve family offices are key COIs