High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and family offices in Central and Eastern Europe are influential players in the investment landscape—much like underground rivers, shaping the financial ecosystem in ways that are not always immediately visible. We know they exist and play a significant role, yet their exact movements and allocation strategies remain largely uncharted.
These difficulties in understanding what they like and how they operate can be addressed, but it requires alignment among key organizations that can navigate the private capital ecosystem and challenge prevailing assumptions.
To shed light on this subject and provide data-driven insights, The Recursive is conducting a study, supported by ROCA Investments and Vertik Group. This initiative aims to deliver:
- A comprehensive understanding of investment patterns among HNWIs in CEE;
- Analysis of emerging trends in high-potential investments and portfolio management strategies;
- An overview of the available private capital within the CEE region;
- Data on HNWI investment preferences and expected returns by asset class.
To ensure accuracy and depth, the study employs a mixed-method research approach, including:
- Quantitative Research: A targeted survey directed at both HNWI investors and asset managers, including family offices, banks, Big 4 firms, and other asset management entities.
- Qualitative Research: In-depth interviews with HNWIs and asset managers to gather nuanced perspectives.
- Desk Research: Leveraging public information and partner databases for filling in potential information gaps.
Beyond the initial sponsors, ROCA Investments and Vertik Group, the success of this report is further strengthened by a network of strategic partners such as FBN Bulgaria, Endeavor Greece, and others, who are helping to disseminate the survey and connect with private investors, family offices, and other key players.
“An investment ecosystem starts with its investors and understanding where we are is essential for proper strategies to empower its growth. This is exactly what Money in Motion research is set to do in a transparent way for all active actors. We’ve done a similar research 2 years ago in Romania and it has been incredibly insightful. As we learn more and more that the VC/PE ecosystems in each CEE country are too small to be taken into consideration by global markets, we haven’t thought twice before jumping on the opportunity to partner up with The Recursive team and help reveal these insights at the regional level,” shares Alexandru Bogdan, CEO of ROCA X.
The ultimate goal is to foster a connected private investors’ community, bringing together banks, asset managers, portfolio managers, venture capitalists, wealth consultants, and family offices. By facilitating knowledge exchange and access to investment opportunities, this initiative aims to channel more growth capital into the regional innovation ecosystem, ultimately strengthening the investment landscape in CEE.
“In a rapidly evolving investment landscape, data-driven insights are critical for the entire ecosystem—from investors and companies seeking funding to intermediaries, consultants, and investment platforms. Understanding how different investor categories allocate or plan to allocate capital, their risk appetite, and preferred asset classes enables better alignment between available private wealth and high-potential investment opportunities. We believe the Money In Motion project will play a key role in mapping these trends across CEE, providing clarity on investment directions and strengthening the connection between capital and innovation,” believes Daniela Aldescu, Partner at Vertik Group.
To learn more or explore collaboration opportunities, contact the project’s manager Amaliya Abbas at [email protected].
