The recommendations of Marc Debois
This text was originally written in Dutch. This is an English translation.
Marc Debois is Fractional CIO and Founder of FO-Next, which supports family offices and high net worth families with direct investments. He has over 20 years of experience in Private Banking and Investment Banking in Europe, the US and Mexico, and was Global Head of Family Office at ING Wholesale Banking, among other positions. He regularly speaks and participates in panels on family offices and their direct investments.
What lesson have you learned in your career so far?
‘That you have to dare to say no. With direct investing, it’s easy to find creative reasons to make a deal work. I’ve learned that the same inventiveness is sometimes needed to show why something shouldn’t be done. It’s precisely that selection process that determines whether your attention and capital go to what really creates value. Ultimately, families value quality over quantity and the peace of mind that comes with a well-considered no.’
What reading, listening or viewing tips do you have for our readers and why?
‘The Masters of Scale podcast shows the real challenges behind growth, away from the polished pitch decks. The Twenty Minute VC provides critical insights into how investors view deals. Anyone who works with entrepreneurs or family offices will benefit from how this podcast combination sharpens key questions and keeps their own investment process honest.’