Survey results from Apex Invest 2025: The Gateway to Opportunities

A successful two-day event 

The event attracted a diverse audience, including sovereign wealth funds, family offices, pension funds, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, making it an ideal platform for creating long-term business connections. The format of the event was designed to foster valuable interactions, with a 6:1 ratio of allocators to managers, ensuring that LPs were the majority and enabling meaningful networking. This exclusive approach helped attendees maximise their time by meeting with the right people through one-on-one meetings facilitated via the apexinvest.io platform. 

Thought leadership and engaging content 

Over the course of two days, the event showcased thought-provoking keynotes, panel discussions, and engaging fireside chats. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, from global economic trends to AI, investment strategies, and emerging sectors. Attendees gained valuable insights from the expert speakers and took part in interactive roundtable discussions. 

Networking and matchmaking opportunities 

Networking was at the heart of the event, with several opportunities for attendees to interact throughout the event. From breakfast sessions to evening receptions, participants were able to build relationships in a relaxed and professional setting. The matchmaking algorithm on the apexinvest.io platform allowed investors and managers to efficiently schedule one-on-one meetings, ensuring productive engagements. 

50% of attendees expressed being very optimistic about global economic growth over the next five years. This strong sense of confidence reflects investors' positive outlook on the broader market, a sentiment that was a central theme throughout the event. 

Philanthropy in focus 

The event also explored the growing trend of philanthropy in the investment space, with attendees discussing how their investments can align with social impact goals. Many attendees were driven by social impact, with 33% motivated by legacy building. Tax efficiency and brand reputation also played a role, each cited by 17% of participants. 

Further insights came from a question about which areas of philanthropy aligned most with their goals. 33% of attendees expressed an interest in healthcare and climate action, while 17% were focused on education and economic development. This highlights a strong emphasis on sectors with significant social impact, showcasing how investors are increasingly prioritising causes that contribute to long-term global benefits. 

Which area of philanthropy aligns most with your goals? 

What motivates your interest in philanthropy? 

Insights on investing in sports 

In addition to traditional investment topics, the event also addressed emerging sectors, such as sports investments. A survey on whether attendees were invested in sports revealed that 43% of respondents were not yet invested, though some expressed a keen interest in exploring this market. When asked about the biggest challenge in investing in sports, 43% highlighted high upfront costs, with regulatory hurdles and volatility in performance and earnings also cited as significant concerns. 

Shariah-compliant investments 

One of the sessions covered Shariah-compliant investing, where participants shared their experiences and insights into this growing sector. The survey results highlighted a significant interest in Shariah-compliant investment options, with 41% of respondents already invested in these instruments. Furthermore, 35% were considering such investments, indicating a growing awareness and inclination towards this type of investment approach. 

Another discussion focused on the most promising sectors for Shariah-compliant investments. 33% of respondents indicated that real estate is the most promising sector, followed by technology at 28%, healthcare at 22%, and private equity at 17%. These discussions provided insights into the investment potential of various sectors, offering guidance for those looking to diversify their portfolios.  

Which sector do you see as the most promising for Shariah-compliant investments? 

Looking ahead 

The Gateway to Opportunities event in Saudi was a resounding success, with positive feedback from attendees about the valuable connections made and insights gained. The event set a high standard for the upcoming series of Apex Invest events, with future gatherings in Grand Cayman, Singapore, Switzerland, and Abu Dhabi expected to offer similar high-quality content and networking opportunities. 

Apex Invest continues to lead the way in creating global investment opportunities. The 2025 series promises even more opportunities for investors and managers to connect, share insights, and forge ahead with their investment strategies.  

The Apex Invest Global Event Series continues to provide invaluable platforms for investors to engage, learn, and grow their networks. We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events.