Family offices are increasingly looking to invest directly in start-ups rather than through investment in venture capital (VC) firms. The shift is happening because of multiple reasons. Next-generation scions of wealthy families are conversant with how the start-up world works after they have spent time in Silicon Valley; start-up investment is rising to 10-15 per cent of family offices' portfolios from single digits; and they do not want to share gains of investment with VC firms. "While earlier they would prefer to invest in this asset class via venture capital (VC) funds as LPs (limited partners), now they are making direct investment in start-ups.
DO: Whether or not your business has suffered losses, now is the time to optimise resources, cut back on unnecessary expenditure and spend every penny cautiously. DON'T: If there is a cash crunch, don't rush to fire staff. Instead, weigh in other options that will protect the interest of both the company and the employees. Must Read Advice from Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, MD, 9unicorn.