Deckmetric
    Risk & Returns

    Family Office

    "Preserve wealth, generate returns"

    Family offices invest multi-generational wealth with a focus on capital preservation alongside returns. They evaluate startups through a risk management lens, looking for clear governance, sustainable business models, and well-defined exit paths. Unlike traditional VCs, they often prefer less dilutive structures and longer time horizons.

    Founded
    Various
    Location
    Global
    AUM
    $6T+ (collective)
    Stage
    Series A to Growth

    "We're patient capital. We care about sustainable value creation, not just the next funding round."

    FOI
    Family Office Investor
    Anonymous

    Key Investment Principles

    Capital Preservation

    Protecting principal is as important as generating returns.

    Governance Quality

    Professional management and clear governance structures are essential.

    Exit Clarity

    Understanding the path to liquidity before investing.

    Relationship Focus

    Family offices often invest in founders they trust personally.

    What They Look For

    • Clear path to profitability or sustainability
    • Strong governance and board structure
    • Defined exit strategy or liquidity path
    • Risk mitigation strategies
    • Sustainable business model (not dependent on constant fundraising)
    • Experienced management team
    • Alignment on time horizon (often longer than VC)

    Red Flags

    • Unclear path to profitability
    • Poor governance or founder control issues
    • No defined exit strategy
    • High burn without revenue visibility
    • Lack of risk management approach
    • Inexperienced management team
    • Misaligned time horizons

    Scoring Dimensions

    Risk Profile
    30%

    Downside protection and risk mitigation strategies

    Path to Profitability
    25%

    Clarity on sustainable unit economics

    Governance Quality
    20%

    Board structure and management experience

    Exit Clarity
    15%

    Defined liquidity path and timeline

    Founder Trust
    10%

    Personal credibility and relationship quality

    Investment Profile

    Ideal Founder

    Experienced operator with track record, focused on building sustainable business

    Typical Check Size

    $500K-$20M (direct), larger in co-investments