Family offices are increasingly bypassing traditional venture capital funds to invest directly in AI companies. Investors are shifting toward secondary market deals to acquire shares in established startups, seeking faster returns compared to long-term commitments.
Data from the 2026 UBS Global Family Office Report shows that alternative investments now account for 42% of the average family office portfolio. This trend follows a period of market volatility where total deal activity reached its lowest point in a decade by early 2025.
Investors are specifically targeting high-profile AI firms like Anthropic and OpenAI. Advisors report significant demand, with some clients looking to deploy between $50 million and $100 million into individual secondary market stakes despite concerns over high valuations.
A February 2026 report from J.P. Morgan Private Bank indicates that 65% of global family offices plan to prioritize AI investments. These entities managed $5.5 trillion in 2024, with projections suggesting this figure will reach at least $9.5 trillion by 2030.
