Private markets: new horizons for family capital
In recent years, ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families worldwide are increasingly exploring private markets — including private equity, venture capital, real estate, infrastructure, and private credit. These private-market investments provide opportunities for long-term growth, portfolio diversification, and higher returns, while allowing families to align capital with their values and strategic vision.
The growing interest in private markets
Traditional portfolios, centered on public equities and bonds, often face market volatility, economic cycles, and short-term fluctuations. In response, many UHNW families are turning to private markets for stability, diversification, and control.
According to industry research, private markets — once reserved for institutional investors — are now a strategic choice for family offices and high-net-worth investors, offering access to exclusive investment opportunities.
Higher returns and diversification potential
Private-market assets historically deliver superior returns compared to public markets. Long-term studies indicate private equity achieves an average annualized return of ~12%, versus ~7–8% for public equities.
Additionally, private investments often exhibit low correlation with public markets, creating a resilient and diversified portfolio. Families can access growth in companies, infrastructure projects, and niche sectors not available on public exchanges — capturing the illiquidity premium for long-term commitments.
Aligning investments with values
Private markets offer UHNW families the opportunity to invest according to their values. Younger generations, in particular, prioritize:
• Sustainable and impact-driven projects
• Innovative technology and healthcare startups
• Investments that reflect family legacy and long-term vision
This approach transforms capital into an active instrument for purposeful investment, combining financial returns with societal and strategic impact.
The role of professional wealth managers
Investing in private markets requires expert guidance, including deal sourcing and due diligence; risk assessment and portfolio structuring; horizon and liquidity planning
Professional wealth managers and family-office teams enable families to navigate complex private-market opportunities, ensuring alignment with investment goals while mitigating operational challenges.
“Families think in decades, not quarters — which is why private markets fit their investment horizon naturally.” — Konstantin Koziar, Head of Brokerage
Direct participation and key considerations
Private-market participation offers families unique advantages compared to passive public-market investments. Through direct engagement, families can:
• Influence business strategy and governance
• Engage directly with entrepreneurs and management teams
• Strengthen emotional and strategic connection to their investments
At the same time, private markets involve certain trade-offs, including illiquidity and long lock-up periods, higher fees, operational complexity, and limited transparency. However, innovations such as secondary markets and structured investment vehicles are increasing flexibility, making private-market investments more accessible and adaptable for multi-generational family portfolios.
Direct engagement not only fosters long-term insight and active stewardship but, when managed carefully, balances the inherent challenges of private investing, creating resilient and strategically aligned portfolios.
Private markets: more than just returns
Private markets enable families to preserve, grow, and purpose-align their wealth, combining financial performance with responsibility and influence. This approach supports legacy building, strategic engagement, and long-term portfolio resilience.
Wise Wolves Corporation: your gateway to private markets
At Wise Wolves, we provide access to top-tier private-market opportunities, including private equity, venture capital, and infrastructure, through partnerships with leading global funds, including Silicon Valley innovation hubs.
We handle full-service infrastructe, execution, custody, and reporting, allowing families to benefit from private markets without operational complexity. Our expertise empowers UHNW families and family offices to strategically invest, engage with their capital, and build wealth aligned with values.
Disclaimer. All investments contain risk and may lose value. Investors should consult their investment professional prior to making an investment decision. This material contains the current opinions of the author but not necessarily Wise Wolves Corporation and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This material is intended for informational purposes only. Forecasts, estimates and certain information contained herein are based upon proprietary research and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission.
