Cristina Cruz, Chair of the IE Center for Families in Business, moderates a discussion on the role of Family Offices in fostering entrepreneurship at South Summit

Cristina Cruz, Director of IE Center for Families in Business, moderated a dynamic discussion on the role of family offices in fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem as part of the LP Forum at the South Summit.

The panel featured Owen Reynolds, Principal at TEKLAS Ventures; Ignasi Botet, Managing Director at Inderhabs Investments; Marcos Harguindey, Partner at Alanza Capital; Xavi Adserà Martínez, Head of Development at Adequita Capital; and Lucas de la Vega, Investment Director at Actyus (Andbank Group).

Key takeaways from the discussion include:

• Family offices are not just financial backers but integral players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• They offer flexibility, a hands-on approach, and a long-term vision that translates into patient capital, significantly enhancing the success of startups and the broader entrepreneurial community.
• Main challenges include the need for a staged approach to direct investment. Starting by investing alongside others allows family offices to learn and avoid common mistakes.
• A significant point raised was the importance of professionalizing investments. By adopting practices similar to other VC investors, family offices can enhance their credibility and effectiveness in the market.