Carried Interest (Carry)
What is Carried Interest (Carry)?
Carried interest is the share of net investment profits paid to the General Partner as performance-based compensation, typically 20% of profits above the hurdle rate. It is the primary economic incentive for fund managers and is usually subject to the fund first returning all contributed capital and a preferred return to LPs.
Why It Matters
Understanding carry mechanics is essential for both GPs structuring funds and LPs evaluating terms. Carried interest is the primary driver of GP wealth creation and the main incentive mechanism aligning fund manager performance with investor outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- 1
Typically 20% of net investment profits above the hurdle rate, paid to the GP.
- 2
The primary performance-based compensation and incentive for fund managers.
- 3
Usually contingent on first returning all LP contributed capital and a preferred return.
Related Terms
More Fund Terms Terms
Explore related concepts from the same category to deepen your understanding.
Fund of Funds (FOF)
A Fund of Funds is a pooled investment vehicle that allocates capital to a portfolio of underlying private equity, venture capital, or other alternative investment funds rather than investing directly in companies. FOFs provide diversification across GPs, strategies, vintages, and geographies, and are commonly used by institutional investors and family offices seeking managed access to the PE/VC asset class.
Read MoreGeneral Partner (GP)
The General Partner is the entity (typically the fund management firm or its affiliate) responsible for managing a private equity or venture capital fund, making investment decisions, and handling day-to-day operations. The GP bears unlimited liability for the fund’s obligations and earns management fees and carried interest in exchange for managing LP capital.
Read MoreLimited Partner (LP)
A Limited Partner is an investor in a private equity or venture capital fund who contributes capital but does not participate in the fund’s management or investment decisions. LPs enjoy limited liability (their exposure is capped at their capital commitment) and include pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, insurance companies, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals.
Read MoreGP Commitment
GP Commitment is the capital that the General Partner (or its principals) commits to the fund alongside LPs, typically ranging from 1% to 5% of total fund size. This “skin in the game” aligns the GP’s economic interests with those of the LPs and is a standard term evaluated by institutional investors during fund due diligence.
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