What is a Family Office? 5 things you should know

It is normal for one of the first questions an entrepreneur asks when considering the possibility of growing through external financing or selling their company to be "Where can I obtain that funding?" One of the next questions is likely to be, ‘What is a family office?’

Family offices are private wealth management advisory firms that serve high net worth investors and are responsible for the comprehensive management of a single family's wealth. They offer a comprehensive outsourced solution for managing the financial and investment affairs of wealthy individuals or families. 

The purpose of a Family Office is to preserve or increase the family's wealth through financial and tax efficiency, channelling all wealth management through a company focused on protection and growth. 

Therefore, the three main functions of a Family Office are as follows: 

• Wealth management 
• Asset growth
• Family relations: tax and legal advice 

5 things you should know about a family office

• Types of Family Offices 
• Advantages and disadvantages of a Family Office 
• When is a Family Office appropriate?  
• Family Office vs. Risikokapital oder Private Equity  
• Case of success: Yukon Capital, the Rubiralta family's tech family office

Types of Family Offices

• Single-family Family Office: they manage the assets of a single family group and are used in cases where there are very large assets. Some of the world's most renowned fortunes have already set up their own Family Office. 

• Multifamily Family Office: these occur in cases where the family wealth, although substantial, is not large enough for the Family Office to devote itself exclusively to it.

Advantages and disadvantages of a Family Office

When is a Family Office appropriate?

Family offices have become more active in company acquisitions in recent years, as they can be a more attractive alternative for certain business owners compared to other types of investors (Private Equity, Venture Capital, Business Angel, etc.) thanks to its distinctive characteristics:

1. Family offices do not have a deadline before leaving the company, so they maintain their investment for a longer time horizon. This strategy is a A good option for business owners who do not want to completely disengage from the start., but rather have a clear preference for continuing to grow their business alongside new partners.
2. Family offices are generally not interested in replacing management, so the owners can retain equity and continue to lead once a large part or all of its business has been monetised.
3. Generally, family offices invest in companies within industries they are familiar with, which adds value in terms of experience, influence, and connections within that sector.
4. Family offices typically take a more flexible approach to supervision.

Family office vs Venture Capital or Private Equity

Case of success: Yukon Capital, the Rubiralta family's tech family office

In an ecosystem where many family offices follow traditional wealth preservation models, Yukon Capital stands out for its active focus on technology, co-investment and social purpose. Founded by the Rubiralta family (linked to the Werfen industrial group), this Barcelona-based family office has built up a professional structure in just a few years that is capable of competing in dynamic sectors such as technology, prime real estate and impact investing.

Origin and investment philosophy

Created in 2019, Yukon Capital was founded with the aim of structuring long-term family wealth under professional governance and with an intergenerational vision. Far from the passive model of many family wealth management companies, it is committed to direct and active management of its resources, with three main strategic pillars:

• Direct investment and co-investment in technology
• Property management in prime locations
• Social investment projects with measurable impact

The combination of these three lines makes Yukon a benchmark for the new generation, where profitability, purpose and strategy coexist.

Commitment to technology: from Wallbox to Typeform

One of Yukon's hallmarks is its commitment to the technology sector. Unlike other family offices that delegate investment to external funds or vehicles, Yukon participates directly or through co-invests in high-potential technology companies.

Its most notable investments include:

• Wallbox: an electric vehicle charging solutions company, founded in Barcelona and currently listed on Nasdaq. Yukon was one of the early investors in one of the most promising start-ups in the electric mobility sector.
• Typeform: interactive form platform in SaaS model, used globally and backed by funds such as Accel and Index Ventures. Yukon participated in its growth from the early stages.

This approach not only allows Yukon to diversify its exposure, but also to position itself as a relevant player in the European entrepreneurial and technological ecosystem..

Strategic real estate: prime locations and professional management

In addition to its technological side, Yukon maintains a strong real estate investment line through its vehicle. Monterri, specialising in high-value assets in prime locations.

Among its recent operations are:

• Sale of commercial premises at Paseo de Gracia nº44 (Barcelona), for around 20 million euros.
• Sale of assets on Calle Serrano (Madrid), generating net returns of around 3%.

These transactions reflect active asset management based on asset rotation, long-term valuation and local knowledge of the real estate market.

Social purpose and family governance

Yukon Capital integrates a firm commitment to social investment into its management model, especially in projects related to health, children and social inclusion. This translates into philanthropic initiatives and collaborations with third sector entities, aligned with the values of the founding family.

In terms of governance, Yukon has implemented a structure that combines an active family council, succession protocols and a professional team that ensures continuity and rigour in decision-making.

A replicable and professionalised model

With over €1.2 billion under management, Yukon represents the new paradigm of Spanish family offices:

• Professional,
• Technologically oriented,
• Diversified,
• With a strong commitment to social issues.

His model offers a clear roadmap for other business families. who seek to evolve their wealth management from informal structures to institutionalised models with a focus on impact.