Launch Capital
March 24, 2026
The short answer: A family office is a private firm that manages and invests wealth on behalf of one or more families. Founders should pitch one when the office invests directly in companies at their stage and sector, and when its style of patient, hands-on capital suits their plans.
Families that have built significant wealth, often through a business sale or a long-running company, frequently set up a dedicated team to manage it. That team may handle investments, tax planning, philanthropy and administration. Some family offices invest only in public markets and real estate. Others also back private companies directly, and those are the ones relevant to founders.
Single-family offices serve one family. Multi-family offices serve several. Their investing habits vary widely, so treat each one as an individual investor rather than a category.
A venture fund raises money from outside investors and must return it within a set period, which shapes how it picks companies and when it wants an exit. A family office usually invests its own capital, so it can often be more flexible on timing and structure. That does not make it easier to convince. It simply means the decision process and the goals may look different.
A family office can be a strong fit if your company already has traction and needs growth capital to scale, if you value an investor who has operated businesses, or if your plan does not fit a typical fund's timeline. It can be a weaker fit if you need a large syndicate, a formal follow-on programme or a very specific brand name on your cap table.
Do your homework first. Look for offices that have invested in your sector, and ask other founders about their experience. Many family offices are quiet and do not advertise, so warm introductions from lawyers, advisors and other founders often matter.
Keep the first message short and specific. Say what you do, how the business is performing, what you are raising and what the money will achieve. Explain why you are writing to them in particular. Be ready to discuss governance and reporting, because families often care about clear communication and alignment on values as well as returns.
If an office is interested, expect questions about your team, your numbers and how you handle risk. Have your financials and cap table ready. Terms should be reviewed by a qualified lawyer who handles private financings.
Launch Capital is a Toronto venture capital firm and family office that provides growth capital to Canadian technology companies. We are operators who have built and exited companies ourselves. If you are building something real, send us your pitch.
