As an angel investor, I’ve been closely watching a major change that is already starting to happen—The Great Wealth Transfer. In the next 20 years, a huge amount of money (around $70–80 trillion) will move from Baby Boomers to Millennials and Gen Z. This is not just about money moving from one generation to another, but how the new generation will think differently about investing.
Millennials and Gen Z are more focused on impact, sustainability, startups, and technology. They want their money to create value—not just profit. This will help change how businesses raise funds and how the startup ecosystem grows in the future.
Today, I’m going to talk about everything related to this major change. I’ll cover what this wealth transfer means, why it matters, and more.
What is the Great Wealth Transfer?
The Great Wealth Transfer means a large amount of money and property will soon move from older people to the younger generation. Over the next 20–25 years, parents and grandparents (mainly from the Baby Boomer generation) will pass down around $70–80 trillion to their children and grandchildren—mostly Millennials and Gen Z.
This is the biggest money transfer in history, and it has an important effect because the younger generation thinks differently. They want to earn, save, and invest in things that matter—like clean energy, healthcare, education, and technology.
Why Does This Shift Matter to Investors and Startups?
The Great Wealth Transfer is important because it will change how people invest. Millennials and Gen Z care more about purpose, impact, and innovation, which creates new opportunities for investors and startups to grow.
Here’s why it matters:
- Younger investors prefer startups that solve real problems
- They focus on impact, sustainability, and social good
- Startups with purpose will attract more funding
- Traditional investors need to adapt to new values
- The investment world will shift from profit to purpose + profit
- Why Young Investors Support Purpose-Driven Brands
Many young people now invest in companies that generate profit and do good for society. This is called impact investing—putting money into companies that solve real-world problems like clean energy, education, healthcare, or climate change.
Why Young Investors Support Purpose-Driven Brands
Many young people now invest in companies that generate profit and do good for society. This is called impact investing—putting money into companies that solve real-world problems like clean energy, education, healthcare, or climate change.
Why this trend is growing:
- People want to support companies that match their values
- There’s growing awareness about social and environmental issues
- Younger investors focus on long-term good, not short-term gain
- Startups with strong purpose earn more trust and loyalty
- Investors now care about both returns and impact
Also Read: Beyond Numbers: Charting the Course of Financial Excellence
How Startups Can Impress Today’s Investors
Millennials and Gen Z want to support startups that have a mission, make real change, and reflect their values.
Startups should focus on:
- Having a strong mission that solves real problems
- Being open, honest, and transparent
- Showing care for the environment and society
- Building a brand based on values
- Using innovation to create positive impact
- Communicating their story clearly and simply
What Angel Investors and VCs Need to Do Now
The thinking of today’s young investors is different, and startups are evolving. So, angel investors and venture capitalists (VCs) must change how they evaluate and fund businesses.
They should:
- Look for startups solving real-world problems
- Focus on long-term impact, not just fast returns
- Choose companies that care about everyone, not just profits
- Embrace new ideas in clean energy, health, and social change
- Build honest relationships with founders
- Understand what young customers and investors value
What to Expect: Opportunities and Challenges
The Great Wealth Transfer brings many opportunities, but also some challenges. There's huge potential for fresh ideas, meaningful businesses, and long-term investment. Startups that focus on real issues like health, climate, or education will grow faster with the right investor support.
Opportunities:
- More funding for purpose-driven and socially responsible startups
- Rise in innovation across tech, health, and climate sectors
- Stronger alignment between businesses and values-based investors
- A chance to build a fairer, more sustainable investment landscape
Challenges:
- Changing old investment mindsets
- Meeting high expectations of younger investors
- Staying transparent and socially conscious
- Adapting quickly to new tools, platforms, and trends
Final Thoughts: The Future of Investing Is Changing Fast
We are entering a new era of investing. Millennials and Gen Z are investing more, and for them, it’s not just about making money—it’s about supporting meaningful ideas that improve lives and the world.
They are looking for startups with purpose, clarity, and real value. This opens a door for founders, investors, and consumers to create something powerful together.
As an angel investor, I see this not just as a trend, but as the future of investing. Those who understand it early will stay ahead of the curve.
About the Author
Dr. Saarthak Bakshi is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned angel investor, renowned as the founder of NeosAngel, a dynamic investment platform focused on empowering early-stage startups. With a strong belief in backing innovation that creates real-world impact, he has invested in over 30 companies across sectors like healthtech, edtech, consumer products, and social impact ventures. Dr. Bakshi plays an active role not just as an investor but also as a board director and strategic advisor in several of his portfolio companies. His investments include Fertility World, Those In Need, Brainpan Innovations, Earth Scientific, Edunify, Chai Lelo, Kidzpreneur, AltLipi, Sourceltin, CVC Opticals, DoubleSC, Catapoolt, Desired Wings, Fertility Dost, Culinary Experience, Hookah Craft, Elixir Coterie, and many more. With a sharp business acumen and deep operational experience, Dr. Bakshi is committed to nurturing the startup ecosystem by offering not just funding, but also mentorship, network access, and long-term strategic support through Neos Angel.
