Family Offices as a key investor in the deep tech sector

• Investment Areas of Family Offices

Family Offices are increasingly redefining their investment strategies, moving beyond traditional, predictable asset classes. Capital maturity, a long-term investment horizon and a high degree of decision-making autonomy make them natural investors for projects in the fields of deep tech, defence tech and dual-use technologies. This trend, strongly present in global markets, is now also finding real expression in Poland.

• Investments in the defence sector and dual-use technologies sector

Investments in the defence sector and the dual-use technologies sector, both in Poland and globally, are currently reaching record levels. Investment activity in this area is gaining significant, multidimensional momentum. This trend is currently being leveraged by a broad spectrum of investors, ranging from institutional investors (specialised sector-focused funds), through PE/VC funds, to strategic investors (including those from the defence sector). This enormous investment potential, particularly in terms of potential rates of return, has also been recognised by leading Family Offices.

• Investments in deep tech, defence tech, dual-use technologies and the space sector

There is no doubt that innovative Family Offices are currently focusing, among other things, on projects in the areas of deep tech, defence technologies, dual-use solutions, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity solutions.

This approach naturally directs the attention of investment teams to such areas as space technologies, quantum technologies, robotics, AI and cybersecurity, including the ability to build the resilience of businesses, particularly those operating critical infrastructure, against digital threats and acts of sabotage.

Moreover, the dynamic investment trend also covers such areas as data centres, electromobility-related infrastructure and energy storage. These sectors offer excellent investment opportunities for Family Offices, which may become involved, among other things, in investments in areas such as data centres, BESS and charging infrastructure.

There is no doubt that leading Family Offices may serve as one of the catalysts for the creation and development of breakthrough technologies.

The involvement of Family Offices in deep tech and sensitive technology sectors requires not only investment vision, but also conscious management of regulatory, transactional and geopolitical risk. Appropriate legal structures, compliance with foreign investment control regimes, export control regulations and compliance rules constitute a key element of a safe and effective entry into these areas. A properly designed legal and investment strategy enables Family Offices not only to protect their capital, but also to actively participate in the development of technologies of strategic importance and long-term value.