Washington, Jan 2 (NationPress) Global family offices are increasingly shifting their focus to India as a significant long-term investment hub. This trend is fueled by entrepreneurship led by the diaspora, advancements in technology, and India's growing prominence in the global economy, according to the organizer of the world's largest and most exclusive family wealth gathering.

India is becoming a primary interest for affluent investors looking beyond conventional markets, especially as Indian-origin entrepreneurs who have established businesses overseas are starting to reinvest their capital and expertise back into the country. Anthony Ritossa, founder of the Global Family Office Investment Summit, shared this insight during an interview with IANS.

After the recent summit held in Miami, Ritossa noted that his initiative, which began in 2016 with just 60 attendees in Dubai, has blossomed into a vast network of family offices, entrepreneurs, business magnates, and members of royal families.

“It was a modest gathering initially,” he remarked, adding that the summit series has “snowballed” and now attracts delegates from across the globe. As Chairman of the Ritossa Family Office, Ritossa is recognized as a key influencer and impact investor.

The Global Family Office Investment Summit now takes place in cities such as Dubai, Miami, Monaco, Riyadh, and various locations along the French Riviera, assembling decision-makers in what Ritossa describes as a “safe harbor environment.” He mentioned that Miami Mayor Francis Suarez has referred to the conference as “a bridge between the US and the Middle East, with Miami and Dubai serving as the gateway cities.”

Ritossa explained that the family office community operates differently from traditional venture capital, both in terms of mindset and investment timeframe. “Family office investment capital is typically more permanent and is focused on a much longer-term horizon,” he stated, contrasting it with venture capital funds that usually function on shorter cycles.

Historically, family offices have been early adopters of emerging sectors. The summit introduced Bitcoin as a potential investment about eight years ago, when it was valued at around $3,000, along with discussions on blockchain and artificial intelligence. “We have dedicated panel sessions on digital assets and AI for the past eight years,” he remarked, emphasizing that AI is now a mainstream focus but has long been part of family office dialogues.

Currently, family offices are interested in areas such as AI, data centers, defense technology, longevity healthcare, and real estate development. Ritossa highlighted that defense technology is experiencing rapid growth, with some investors suggesting it is expanding even faster than the AI sector.

Regarding the overall investment landscape in the United States, Ritossa noted that Middle Eastern family offices have maintained a positive sentiment throughout President Donald Trump's second term. He pointed to public announcements regarding substantial investments, including commitments to US data centers, which have encouraged further private-sector involvement.

India was a focal point of discussions at the summit, with investors emphasizing the significance of the Indian diaspora. Ritossa identified a growing trend where Indian entrepreneurs who have built unicorns internationally are returning to India to establish new ventures and incubators. “They're moving back to India and applying what they’ve learned to create a new breed of entrepreneurial incubators,” he stated.

Ritossa characterized India as “a colossal growth engine” with a “highly educated population,” noting that numerous family offices are seeking ways to ensure India's representation in their investment portfolios.

According to Ritossa, the summit series has facilitated over $4.5 billion in investments and transactions over the last decade, with approximately 9,800 delegates participating in events globally. He mentioned that a single company secured a $300 million commitment during the recent Miami conference.

The summit aims to expand to new locations, including Bahrain under the auspices of its royal family and is exploring opportunities in Morocco. Additionally, Ritossa mentioned that the platform is increasingly focusing on philanthropy and impact investing, including charity dinners and personal contributions to humanitarian causes.

Over the past decade, family offices have emerged as a powerful force in global finance, managing generational wealth and often operating beyond the restrictions faced by institutional funds. Their growing interest in India aligns with New Delhi’s efforts to attract long-term foreign capital, especially in technology, infrastructure, and innovation-driven sectors.