Family offices are increasingly turning to evergreen funds and holding company structures as they seek stability and long-term growth.
Unlike traditional investment vehicles, these structures offer unique advantages, including tax efficiency, flexibility in reinvestment, and the ability to hold assets indefinitely.
As family offices adapt to the complexities of modern wealth management, evergreen funds are becoming an integral part of their strategy for sustained wealth preservation.
The Rising Popularity of Evergreen Funds
Evergreen funds have emerged as a favored structure among family offices due to their inherent alignment with long-term investment objectives.
Unlike closed-end funds, which operate on a fixed timeline, evergreen funds allow family offices to retain assets over extended periods.
This approach minimizes the pressure to exit investments prematurely, enabling capital to compound uninterrupted.
Additionally, holding company structures are gaining traction. These allow family offices to pool assets under a single umbrella, streamlining governance and providing a more strategic framework for decision-making.
The appeal lies in their ability to support multi-generational wealth planning while maintaining operational flexibility.
Key Benefits for Family Offices
The adoption of evergreen funds and holding companies offers several distinct advantages:
1. Tax Efficiencies: These structures provide significant tax benefits, such as deferring capital gains taxes and allowing profits to be reinvested internally. This creates opportunities for tax-advantaged growth, particularly for family offices focused on long-term wealth creation.
2. Stability and Strategic Alignment: Evergreen funds and holding companies align closely with the investment horizons of family offices, which often span decades. By reducing the need for frequent transactions, these structures promote stable governance and ensure that investment decisions reflect overarching family goals.
3. Access to Patient Capital: Businesses seeking long-term partnerships are drawn to the flexibility of these models. For family offices, this means access to high-quality investment opportunities, particularly in sectors like founder-led companies, sustainable ventures, and private markets.
These benefits not only optimize returns but also support the mission of preserving wealth across generations.
Flexibility for Long-Term Growth
One of the most compelling aspects of evergreen funds is their adaptability.
Unlike traditional private equity funds, which typically adhere to a 7-10 year lifecycle, evergreen structures allow family offices to stay invested until the timing for an exit is optimal.
This flexibility aligns with the unique dynamics of family offices, which often prioritize steady growth over short-term gains.
Furthermore, the ability to customize governance within these structures ensures alignment with family values and priorities.
Whether focusing on philanthropic endeavors, legacy investments, or innovative asset classes, evergreen funds provide a versatile platform for achieving diverse objectives.
A Subtle Shift in Strategy
The shift toward evergreen funds and holding companies reflects a broader evolution in family office investment strategies.
By focusing on long-term stability and operational flexibility, these structures cater to the specific needs of family offices, offering a sustainable framework for managing wealth.
As family offices continue to embrace these models, their ability to maintain resilience and achieve multi-generational goals will be strengthened.
Collaborative advisors with expertise in fund structuring play a quiet yet impactful role in this transition.
With their support, family offices can navigate the intricacies of establishing evergreen funds or holding companies, ensuring alignment with tax, governance, and investment objectives.
By leveraging such expertise, family offices can unlock the full potential of these innovative structures while preserving their financial legacy for generations to come.
Cover image by Sketchepedia on Freepik
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This article is part of the Family Offices and the Future of Private Markets 2025 series.
Insights into the Shifting Dynamics of Family Offices and their Private Investments by Bastiat Partners and Kharis Capital.
Articles in this series:
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Family Offices and the Future of Private Markets 2025
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The Shift to Evergreen Funds: How Family Offices Are Extending Investment Horizons
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Exploring Niche Investments: Family Offices Tap Into Non-Traditional Asset Classes
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Family Offices and the Power of Networks: Why Strong Relationships Are Key to Deal Flow
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Navigating Liquidity in a Tight Market: Family Offices and Innovative Exit Strategies
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Private Equity Gains Momentum: Family Offices Double Down on Direct Investments