FOA NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
2015 PALM BEACH
FORUM DIGEST
INTRODUCING THE FOA
KNOWLEDGE CENTER
FOA IGNITE STARTUP PITCH
PANEL LAUNCHES IN APRIL
Thought Leadership in Palm Beach
Timely Keynote on Cuba by Former Mission of the US Interests Section in Havana
P
alm Beach was the perfect backdrop to
March’s Investment Forum, where FOA
member families mingled with invited firms to
discuss topics from family office affairs to a
range of leading edge fields.
Attendees were treated to a special keynote
address “The Future of Investment, Philanthropy,
and Travel in Cuba,” by John Caulfield the recently
retired Chief of Mission of the US Interests Section
in Havana Cuba. Given recent political and social
events in the area, the discussion triggered a
lively discussion. Caulfield emphasized that until
the introduced legislation that would repeal the
economic embargo on Cuba passes, investment
opportunities will be limited to Cuba’s nascent
private sector. He stressed that even if the US
law changes, “Cuba remains a very restrictive
environment for foreign investment” but areas
of opportunity will likely focus on agriculture,
tourism and real estate development.
FOA NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
Caulfield urges informed investment in the area
and notes that Americans may not take advantage
of greatly streamlined procedures for obtaining
permission to visit Cuba.
“A worthwhile, fun and informative experience.
The quality of the attendees was as advertised,
and the more intimate “fireside chat” speaking
sessions made for a much more interactive and
conversational presentation. We met and engaged
with a number of families over the course of this
event, most of whom are potential new investors
with our firm...a valuable use of our time and efforts.
- Jeff Serra, President, Serra Management (SFO);
and Co-Founder and CEO of Vida Capital, Inc.
Audience questions focused on the entrepreneurial
spirit of Cubans and potential for investment in
startups when the political landscapes becomes
friendlier. Caulfield noted the ingenuity of the
Cuban people and his hope that this sector would
indeed offer future potential. Caulfield welcomes
additional questions from the discussions that
were triggered at the Investment Forum and can
be contacted through FOA.
“The FOA Investment Forum in Palm Beach at the
Breakers is a very differentiated and distinguished
event. It combines an investment-centric agenda
with a diverse but sophisticated audience, a worldclass venue and perfect organization. As a presenter,
FOA and Angelo Robles have created a must-attend
venue in the global conference calendar. Well worth
the trip from London.” - Bernd Onruch, Managing
Partner, Astellon Capital Partners
Family Office Association (FOA) is a global membership organization for hundreds of the world’s wealthiest families and their
single family office executives, with an aggregate member net worth of $150B. We are committed to creating value for each family
we serve as a peer group; value that grows their wealth, strengthens their legacy and unites multiple generations through shared
interests and passions. We do this through hosting the most exclusive and special programs in the community that connect our
membership with their peers, experts and industry thought leaders.
500 W Putnam Ave, Suite 400, Greenwich CT 06830 • (203) 570.2898 • [email protected]
FOA NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2015
Introducing the FOA Knowledge Center
F
OA is pleased to introduce our new Knowledge Center,
a help desk at each of our events sponsored and staffed
by experts from respected partner firms. FOA Knowledge
Center partners are immediately elevated to the level of trusted
partner, providing firms the opportunity to engage potential
clients, distinguish themselves from competitors and form
lasting connections with important families. Knowledge Center
sponsorships are limited to one-per event and book quickly. If
your firm is interested in this opportunity, please contact us for
more information.
“Member families have questions and they want answers. We listened to their feedback and
have created this opportunity for them to ask personal questions and get immediate expert
answers. This opportunity will undoubtedly create unique connections and provide value across
the board.” - Angelo Robles, CEO at FOA
UPCOMING FOA EVENTS
APR
FOA Spring Global Summit
at Westchester Country Club
MAY
FOA San Francisco
at The Battery
JUL
AUG
FOA Summer Global Summit
at Westchester Country Club
FOA Summer Retreat
at Martha’s Vineyard
All FOA Events are invitation only. For a full calendar
of 2015 events and information about membership,
please contact Angelo Robles at (203) 570.2898 or
email [email protected].
FOA Ignite to Launch at the
2015 Spring Global Summit
The first FOA sponsored Ignite panel, a judged startup pitch
panel, will launch at the 2015 Spring Global Summit and
feature four promising companies in the startup space.
VAYU
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
ADMETSYS
Artificial pancreas system
PINYATA
Collaborative social media app
ORGANIC MIXOLOGY
Socially conscious spirits