A remarkable change is emerging in the world of corporate finance: family offices are increasingly establishing themselves as key players in SME financing. This opens up new and promising prospects, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
A paradigm shift in the financing landscape
Traditionally, access to capital for SMEs was closely linked to banks and their loans. Now, family offices are also emerging as active investors. According to a report by Preqin, they were the largest investor group in private markets in 2024.
Family offices with a strong entrepreneurial DNA in particular offer not only capital, but also valuable expertise and extensive networks. They make long-term commitments and can provide strategic support to companies in growth phases – a clear advantage over traditional bank loans.
Advantages of an entrepreneurial family office
- Industry knowledge and expertise using IT as an example: Family offices with a focus on IT often have in-depth knowledge and experience in the industry. This helps them understand the specific challenges and opportunities of the IT world and effectively support companies.
- Long-term perspective: Unlike short-term investors, family offices focus on sustainable growth strategies. This fits well with the goals of medium-sized IT companies that want to continuously drive innovation.
- Network and partnerships: Entrepreneurial family offices often bring along extensive contacts that provide access to new markets, technologies, or strategic partners. These networks can be crucial in accelerating a company’s growth.
- Flexibility in financing: Unlike banks or large institutional investors, owner-managed family offices can tailor their financing structures to individual needs. This enables customized solutions that are precisely tailored to the needs of the company.
- Support for digitalization and AI transformation: Many medium-sized IT companies face the challenge of supporting themselves and their customers in the digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence. Family offices with IT expertise can provide not only financial but also operational support in this area.
Private equity as a complementary financing partner
In addition to family offices, private equity funds also play a central role in financing established, fast-growing medium-sized companies. Both partners strive to play an active role in the company’s development. For IT companies, for example, which often operate in a dynamic market environment, this can be an ideal opportunity to gain not only financial resources but also strategic support.
Why Germany remains attractive
The innovative strength of SMEs, combined with a strong technological base, makes the region particularly attractive to investors (we reported). Many companies are also facing a generational change, which encourages them to consider new financing models. Family offices can play a decisive role here by providing capital and at the same time helping to shape the transition without compromising the corporate culture.
Opportunities and challenges
The growing importance of family offices brings many advantages. It offers companies an opportunity to diversify their financing base and benefit from long-term partnerships. This is especially true when the investor fits in with the company’s own goals and values.
A notable trend can be seen in the structure of investments: while the number of deals in the private market sector remains high, the total value has fallen significantly since 2020. This suggests that investors are increasingly making smaller, targeted investments—a development that benefits medium-sized companies.
Conclusion: Shaping the future strategically
Family offices and other alternative financing partners offer medium-sized companies an opportunity to survive and grow in a highly competitive market. The key is to choose a solution that fits the company’s philosophy and opens up long-term prospects.
Working with family offices could make all the difference for many companies—as strategic partners who contribute not only capital, but also expertise and networks. Medium-sized companies that seize these opportunities could secure a decisive competitive advantage.
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