Capital Generation Partners

Company Profile

Capital Generation Partners (CapGen) is a London-based private investment office that offers investment management, direct investment and real estate investment services to UHNW families, charities and endowments.

The boutique firm, which operates out of Mayfair and has around 40 employees, oversees nearly $4 billion in assets (as of summer 2023) for around 20 families.

CapGen has developed a business that is highly tailored to UHNW clients, with experience across a wide range of asset classes including public equities, alternative investments, private equity, private placements and real assets. 

History

CapGen was established in 2006 by founding partners Khaled Said, Charlotte Thorne and Ian Barnard. It has its roots in Said Holdings, a single family office started by self-made billionaire and philanthropist Wafic Said – Khaled’s father and the man who gave his name to Oxford University’s business school.

The trio had worked together advising on the investments of the family office and decided to establish their own firm, informed by their buy-side experience, and open it up to other families. According to the firm, their goal was to merge the high level of service common to family offices with the investment excellence associated with institutions.

Senior leadership

Chairman: Michel de Carvalho

Managing Partner: Khaled Said

Founding Partner: CEO: Ian Barnard

Founding Partner: Charlotte Thorne

Chief Investment Officer: Robert Sears

Private client services

CapGen’s aim is to fulfil the full spectrum of institutional client needs, from sophisticated investment strategies to reporting across multiple jurisdictions, currencies and structures. 

Looking after large pools of capital for families, endowments and individuals, the firm advises across a full range of asset classes – from fixed income to real assets – and on portfolio management matters such as treasury management, corporate governance and custodianship.

Portfolio management

According to CapGen, they are often treated as an in-house investment office, plugging into a family’s existing team to advise on investments or carry them out as a discretionary partner. Their core principles for portfolios are: ‘purposefully distinctive’, ‘nimble and dynamic’ and ‘built to last’.

Direct investment

CapGen supports families who prefer active ownership and a hands-on approach of investing directly in companies. They will advise through the entire lifecycle of an investment, from due diligence to management to exit. Members of the firm also serve as advisers, strategists and board members within those companies.

Real estate

The firm can help clients acquire, manage, develop and exit direct real estate investments, sourcing and managing the purchase of property – from standing investments to development opportunities.

Location

London