Hosted by Connect Group, this premier event offered family office owners and their management teams a platform to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and explore actionable strategies to overcome common challenges faced by their businesses.

Under the theme of "Investing for the Future: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges" the forum delved into various crucial topics, including investments, governance, succession planning, next-generation leadership, impact investing, and philanthropy. A diverse lineup of esteemed speakers and insightful sessions contributed to the event's success.

The Family Business: Managing Relationship Dynamics, Understanding the Rising Generation, and Dealing with Transition

Dr. Sonja Kissling, a renowned Family Business Advisor and Attorney, skillfully moderated a panel discussion featuring industry experts. The panelists included Eric Sarasin, Chairman of The Singularity Group and Member of the Board at 1875 Finance; Meher Pudumjee, Chairperson of Thermax Ltd; and Kydd Boyle, Co-Founder of Horizons Community. The session shed light on crucial aspects such as improving family dynamics, establishing effective governance structures, nurturing trust and communication, and managing the transition process.

Family Office Venture Investing

This session brought together distinguished professionals in the field of venture capital, including Guy Vande Vyvere, Managing Partner of Vybros NV; Angela De Giacomo, Chief Investment Officer of Evalue Family Office; Vishal H. Kewalramani, Founder, Chairman & CEO of The Valkin Group; and Dr. Udo Bröskamp, Founder, MD & Owner of Schumpeter Ventures. The panel explored topics like direct and co-investing versus fund investments, accessing the best deals, competing in a rapidly emerging market, and identifying promising sectors and markets.

The Future of Food

Moderated by Baldwin Berges, Investment Strategist, this session delved into the challenges and opportunities in the global food industry. The panelists included Christina-Anne Kyosti, Chairwoman of ViaTalenta Group; Stephen Lawrence, Chairman & CEO of Sadel Group; and Fernando Russo, Founder of Meraki Impact. The discussion touched upon meeting global food demands sustainably, food innovation and technology, strategic investment opportunities, and fostering collaboration for sustainability and resilience within the food system.

Making Sense of Impact Investing

Kieron Boyle, CEO of the Impact Investing Institute, expertly moderated this panel, featuring Dr. Alexander Domin, Partner & Co-Head of Trill Impact Ventures; Giorgiana Notarbartolo Di Villarosa, Impact Investor; Frank Tobé, Board Member of DOB Equity; and Lucy Hambro, Co-Founder of THE ARK. The session explored the implementation of impact investing within family office portfolios, the possibility of achieving attractive financial returns, overcoming challenges such as greenwashing and impact measurement, and the symbiotic relationship between impact investing and philanthropy.

The World Family Office Forum | Europe 2023 sincerely thanks all the sponsors, speakers, and delegates who contributed to its success. Their invaluable insights, expertise, and commitment to driving positive change within the family office ecosystem were instrumental in making this event a resounding success.

Connect Group extends its deepest gratitude to the sponsors who supported the forum and made it possible to deliver such an impactful event. In conclusion, the World Family Office Forum | Europe 2023 provided an exceptional platform for like-minded professionals.