In today’s competitive investment landscape, gaining access to private wealth—especially from Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), family offices, and institutional investors—is more challenging than ever. But for those who’ve studied the art of high-level networking and investor relations, there is a method to the complexity.
Enter Felix Honigwachs, a seasoned strategist and trusted advisor in the world of private capital. With decades of experience connecting entrepreneurs, fund managers, and innovators to some of the world’s most exclusive sources of capital, Felix Honigwachs offers valuable insight into what it really takes to unlock the doors of private wealth.
In this guide, we explore Felix Honigwachs’s approach to accessing UHNWIs, family offices, and institutions—and why relationships, reputation, and real value are at the heart of it all.
Understanding the Private Wealth Ecosystem
To access private wealth successfully, it’s important to understand the structure and mindset of your target investors. According to Felix Honigwachs, many people underestimate the differences between institutional investors, UHNWIs, and family offices—and often take a one-size-fits-all approach, which rarely works.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- UHNWIs are individuals with more than $30 million in investable assets. They often invest directly into companies, funds, or real estate but require personal connection and absolute discretion.
- Family offices are private firms that manage wealth for one (single-family office) or multiple families (multi-family office). They’re focused on wealth preservation, succession planning, and impact investing.
- Institutional investors such as pension funds and endowments operate at scale and demand operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and extensive due diligence.
Each of these entities plays by a different set of rules—and as Felix Honigwachs explains, tailoring your approach is essential to earning their trust and their capital.
Felix Honigwachs’s 5-Step Approach to Accessing Private Wealth
1. Start with Credibility
The number one factor that determines whether UHNWIs or institutions will engage with you is credibility. Felix Honigwachs stresses that you must position yourself as a knowledgeable, trustworthy professional long before you ask for an investment.
That means:
- Having a strong digital presence (LinkedIn, website, press mentions)
- Sharing thoughtful, value-driven content
- Building a track record of integrity and transparency
Reputation travels fast in wealth circles. Felix Honigwachs emphasizes that one bad impression can close more doors than you realize.
2. Leverage Warm Introductions
A cold email rarely works in this space. Instead, Honigwachs advises using strategic warm introductions—through wealth advisors, lawyers, accountants, or other trusted gatekeepers.
These introductions carry weight because:
- They signal pre-vetting and trust
- They open a personal, rather than transactional, line of communication
- They help avoid the “sales pitch” trap
According to Felix Honigwachs, building relationships with connectors is just as valuable as building relationships with the capital holders themselves.
3. Add Real Value Before Asking for Anything
Many founders and fund managers make the mistake of pitching before they’ve earned attention. Honigwachs’s approach is different: give before you ask.
This might include:
- Sharing an exclusive market insight
- Offering a strategic introduction
- Presenting a unique deal or structure relevant to the investor’s thesis
Felix Honigwachs believes that when you lead with value, you naturally build trust and interest—two pillars of any investment relationship.
4. Respect the Long Game
One of the biggest takeaways from Felix Honigwachs’s philosophy is patience. Wealthy investors don’t rush. They take time to get to know the people behind the pitch, assess risk carefully, and often wait to see if you follow through on what you say.
That’s why consistent follow-up, regular updates, and maintaining presence without pressure are key. Honigwachs advises:
- Scheduling informal check-ins
- Sending quarterly performance or business updates
- Keeping communication personal, not sales-driven
This long-term mindset often leads to larger, more committed investments down the line.
5. Tailor the Pitch and Presentation
You only get one chance to impress a sophisticated investor. Felix Honigwachs underscores the importance of customizing your presentation to the specific type of private wealth you’re approaching.
Key elements include:
- Professional, branded pitch decks with clear structure
- Data-driven insights, not hype
- Detailed risk management strategies
- Clear exit or ROI scenarios
For family offices and institutions especially, showing that you’ve done your homework on their strategy and values can make all the difference.
Final Thoughts from Felix Honigwachs
The world of private wealth is about more than just numbers—it’s about people, trust, and aligned interests. Whether you’re looking to raise capital for a fund, startup, or investment vehicle, your approach matters.
Felix Honigwachs offers a roadmap that works because it’s based on real human behavior, not theoretical tactics. His career proves that successful capital raising isn’t about chasing money—it’s about earning access through reputation, relationships, and relevance.
If you’re serious about accessing private wealth, take a page from Felix Honigwachs’s book: play the long game, build real value, and let trust do the heavy lifting.
