SALT Voices: Stergios Voskopoulos | Chief Executive Officer, Kanoo Capital

TL;DR

Family offices in the Middle East are shifting towards a more strategic and active approach to investment, focusing on sectors such as logistics, healthcare, education, cybersecurity, and sustainability.

Transcript

this is Natasha D'Souza reporting for salt voices and I'm here at salt Abu Dhabi with stereos West's Capo's the CEO of Khurana capital good to have you with us sir yes thanks for having me now you were just on a panel talking about different you know tactical approaches that can be happening within investment specifically you represent a CEO of Kan... Read More

Key Insights

• 🙃 Family-owned businesses are the main source of private capital in the Middle East.
• 🎁 The region's young population and strategic location present opportunities for innovation and growth.
• 🧑‍💼 Family offices are shifting towards an active approach to investment to support long-term growth.
• 🎓 Sectors like logistics, healthcare, education, cybersecurity, and sustainability are of particular interest.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do family offices view investment opportunities in the Middle East?

Family offices in the Middle East consider family-owned businesses as the primary investment opportunities. They see the region's potential for growth and innovation and are actively looking for partnerships and acquisitions to expand their portfolios.

Q: How do family offices balance wealth preservation and growth?

While some family offices prioritize wealth preservation, many are adopting an active approach to investment. They are bringing in outside management, partnering with experts, and exploring new sectors and geographies to ensure long-term growth.

Q: What sectors are family offices interested in investing in?

Family offices in the Middle East are particularly interested in sectors like logistics, healthcare, education, cybersecurity, and sustainability. They aim to build businesses that can remain for the long term and have a positive impact on society.

Q: How has the perception of investment in the Middle East changed in recent years?

Despite past events that created uncertainty, such as the global financial crisis, family offices now see the region's investment environment as positive. They believe a careful approach, emphasizing corporate governance and compliance, can lead to successful investments.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Middle East has a long history of family-owned businesses, which serve as the main source of private capital in the region.

• The region's young population and strategic location provide opportunities for innovation and growth in sectors like logistics, healthcare, and education.

• Family offices in the UAE are increasingly looking to invest in homegrown businesses to support long-term growth and diversify their portfolios.