BiG Capital SGOIC
Portugal Golden Visa approved investment fund manager offering 2 professional investment funds for international investors seeking Portuguese residency through capital transfer.
Funds
A closed-end private equity fund regulated by CMVM, investing in Portugal's thriving hospitality sector. Designed to comply fully with the Portugal Golden Visa requirements.
€100,000
5% annually
Fund Structure
Redemption Terms
N/AClosed-end CMVM-regulated private equity fund investing in hospitality operators (non-real-estate) across Portugal's tourism sector; offers two tracks — 2% p.a. fixed (Capital Preservation, exit at citizenship) or ~10% target IRR (Upside, exit at maturity); Golden Visa eligible (minimum €100,000).
€100,000
2% annually
Fund Structure
Redemption Terms
N/AAbout BiG Capital SGOIC
BIZ Capital–SGOIC, S.A. is a Portuguese alternative investment management company authorised and supervised by the Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários (CMVM). Established in 2011 and based in Lisbon’s Amoreiras financial district, the firm operates as an independent boutique manager owned by BIZPAR SGPS, with no equity affiliation to Banco de Investimento Global (BiG), despite frequent market name confusion. The firm follows a deliberately diversified investment model, combining liquid and illiquid strategies across multiple asset classes. Its portfolio spans private equity and venture capital, renewable energy infrastructure, hospitality operating companies, corporate credit, and liquid alternative strategies. This structure allows BIZ Capital to address different investor objectives, from capital preservation and income generation to long-term growth and regulatory-driven investments such as Portugal’s Golden Visa. A defining feature of BIZ Capital’s approach is its “barbell” strategy. On one side, the firm manages liquid and defensive vehicles, including pension products and hedging strategies designed to mitigate market volatility. On the other, it deploys long-term capital into thematic private investments aligned with structural trends such as energy transition, tourism recovery and operational restructuring within the Iberian Peninsula. BIZ Capital demonstrates a high level of regulatory and operational sophistication. It manages both domestic Portuguese funds and cross-border structures, including Luxembourg RAIFs, and applies the full scope of AIFMD requirements. Its renewable energy projects are categorised under SFDR Article 9, showing a serious commitment to sustainable investing and better ESG reporting standards. The firm works with established service providers, such as Bison Bank, BDO, and international fund administrators, including Apex (formerly Sanne), to ensure asset segregation, independent oversight, and transparent valuation practices. BIZ Capital manages about €100–250 million in assets, making it a mid-sized manager with more than ten years of experience, providing investors with regulated access to a variety of real-world investment strategies in Portugal and other places.
Key Highlights
Independent boutique manager with no bank balance-sheet risk
Despite frequent name confusion, BIZ Capital operates fully independently from Banco BiG. Investor assets are segregated with third-party custodians, removing exposure to banking counterparty risk.
Proven ability to manage both domestic and cross-border fund structures
The firm manages Portuguese vehicles alongside Luxembourg RAIFs, demonstrating operational capacity beyond purely domestic FCR managers.
Early mover in post-2023 Golden Visa-compliant strategies
Before excluding residential real estate, BIZ Capital already concentrated on operating companies, private equity, and infrastructure, avoiding the last-minute strategy pivots common in the market.
SFDR Article 9 (Dark Green) fund management capability
Managing an Article 9 renewable energy vehicle places BIZ Capital among a small group of Portuguese managers with the systems and reporting discipline required for strict ESG compliance.
Active use of derivatives and hedging strategies
The firm manages liquid alternative funds by employing inverse and hedged market exposure, signalling in-house risk management and derivatives expertise uncommon among boutique SGOICs.
Operational restructuring focus, not passive asset holding
Private equity strategies emphasise improving operational performance in hospitality and industrial assets rather than relying on valuation uplift alone.
Institutional service-provider stack
Custodians and administrators include Bison Bank, BDO, and Apex (formerly Sanne), providing independent oversight, asset segregation, and professional fund administration.
Established through multiple market cycles
Founded during Portugal’s sovereign debt crisis, the firm has operated through downturns, regulatory changes, and capital market stress without loss of regulatory standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIZ Capital a bank-backed investment manager?
No. BIZ Capital – SGOIC, S.A. is an independent asset management company owned by BIZPAR SGPS. While some funds may be distributed through banking channels, the manager itself does not operate under a bank balance sheet or banking licence.
Where are investor assets actually held?
Investor capital is held with independent custodians and depositaries, such as Bison Bank in Portugal and Apex (formerly Sanne) for Luxembourg structures. This ensures asset segregation from the management company.
Does BIZ Capital manage both retail and professional investor capital?
Yes. The firm manages vehicles designed for different investor profiles, including private investors, pension structures, and professional or qualified investors, depending on the fund structure and jurisdiction.
How does BIZ Capital handle valuation for illiquid assets?
Valuation follows CMVM and AIFMD rules, using audited methodologies and independent oversight. For private equity and infrastructure assets, valuation models are subject to external audit and regulatory review.
Can investors access ongoing reporting during the life of a fund?
Yes. Funds typically provide periodic reporting, including NAV updates, financial statements, and operational commentary. Reporting frequency varies by fund type and jurisdiction but follows regulatory minimum standards.
Does the firm invest alongside its investors?
As is standard in private equity and alternative structures, alignment is primarily achieved through performance-based remuneration and carried interest. Manager participation may exist at the fund level but is not marketed as a core selling point.
What happens if a fund underperforms or needs restructuring?
BIZ Capital has experience managing restructuring and turnaround situations. Where necessary, investment strategies may prioritise capital preservation, operational improvement, or extended holding periods, subject to fund rules and investor approvals.
Are BIZ Capital funds exposed to residential real estate risk?
No. The firm’s Golden Visa–relevant strategies focus on operating companies, renewable energy, hospitality operations, and corporate instruments, rather than direct residential property ownership.
Can funds managed by BIZ Capital be transferred or sold before maturity?
Most private equity and Golden Visa–aligned funds are illiquid by design. Early exits are generally not guaranteed and depend on secondary market availability or fund-specific transfer rules.
How does BIZ Capital manage regulatory change risk?
The firm operates under full CMVM supervision and has demonstrated adaptability to regulatory shifts, including post-2023 Golden Visa reforms and evolving ESG disclosure requirements under SFDR.
Why do some databases list the firm under slightly different names?
The firm evolved from earlier corporate forms and is sometimes referenced using legacy or phonetic variations. The legally correct and regulated entity is BIZ Capital – SGOIC, S.A., as registered with the CMVM.
About Our Funds
Portugal Prime Fund is a specialized hospitality investment fund targeting Portugal's strongest tourism hubs. Winner of Fund Manager of the Year 2024 with a 100% Golden Visa success rate. The fund leverages Portugal's position as a leading European destination with tourism representing 19% of GDP and 31M+ visitors in 2023. Key Investment Highlights: • Golden Visa pathway with minimum €500,000 investment requirement • Risk level of only 3 out of 7 - other GV funds have risk level of 6 • Winner of Fund Manager of the Year 2024 • 100% success rate for Golden Visa applications • Direct investments from overseas accepted (no Portuguese bank account required) • Hospitality sector focus - tripled revenue since 2010 while Portuguese stock market declined 27% • Development & operation model investing in hotel operators (rooms, F&B, events) rather than direct property • Ultra-low fee structure: 0.20% management fee vs industry average of 2% • Two investment strategies: Capital Preservation (5% capped IRR) or Upside Participation (10% target IRR) • Exclusive investor perks including 7-day annual hotel stays at portfolio properties Two Investment Options: 1. Upside participation – targets net annual returns above 10%, requiring investment until maturity (8 years) 2. Capital preservation – capped at 5% annual return net of fees, with exit possible after obtaining permanent residency (5–6 years) Exclusive Benefits: • Investors committing the full €500k receive one complimentary week per year in deluxe hotels or serviced apartments • VIP project visits in the Algarve with limo service and guided tours Current Portfolio: • Vila Maria (Albufeira) - Operating modern hotel with rooftop pool & ocean views • Marina Apart-hotel - 310 units under construction, prime waterfront location • Beachfront Hotel - 182 rooms/suites with spa, gym, and events spaces under development The fund offers a streamlined 4-week process from start to Golden Visa application, managed via the Portugal Prime Investor Platform with real-time access to reports and documentation.
Investment Highlights
- • Minimum investment: €100,000
- • Management fee: 0.2% annually
- • Fund term: 8 years
- • Regulated by:
- • ✅ Golden Visa eligible investment
Portugal Prime finances and operates hotel businesses (rooms, F&B, events) via operator equity/leases — no direct or indirect real-estate investment — aiming to preserve capital while delivering either a fixed 2% p.a. (citizenship exit) or ~10% IRR (maturity exit). The fund targets low risk (SRI 3/7) within Portugal's resilient tourism sector. Key Investment Highlights: • Award-winning management: Fund Manager of the Year 2024 winner • Ultra-low risk profile: Risk level 3/7 vs other GV funds at 6/7 • Proven track record: 100% success rate for Golden Visa applications • Global accessibility: Direct investments from overseas accepted (no Portuguese bank account required) • Golden Visa pathway with minimum €100,000 investment requirement • Hospitality sector focus on operators, not real estate • Two investment tracks: Capital Preservation (2% p.a. fixed) or Upside (~10% target IRR) • Ultra-low fee structure: 0.20% management fee • CMVM regulated with Bison Bank as depositary and BDO as auditor Investment Options: 1. Upside Participation: Targets net annual returns above 10%, requiring investment until maturity (8 years) 2. Capital Preservation: Capped at 5% annual return net of fees, with exit possible after obtaining permanent residency (5–6 years) Exclusive Investor Benefits: • Investors committing the full €500,000 receive one complimentary week per year in deluxe hotels or serviced apartments • Alternative: Two weeks every two years, typically aligned with biometric visits • VIP project visits in the Algarve with personalized tours and limo service The fund offers a specialized approach to Portugal's tourism sector, focusing on operational excellence rather than property investment, providing a clear Golden Visa pathway with flexible exit options and exceptional investor perks.
Investment Highlights
- • Minimum investment: €100,000
- • Management fee: 0.2% annually
- • Fund term: 8 years
- • Regulated by:
- • ✅ Golden Visa eligible investment
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about Portugal Prime Fund
View full detailsNeed personalized information? Our team can help you determine if Portugal Prime Fund is right for your Golden Visa investment strategy.
FAQs about Portugal Prime, FCR
View full detailsNeed personalized information? Our team can help you determine if Portugal Prime, FCR is right for your Golden Visa investment strategy.