First Close / Final Close
What is First Close / Final Close?
The first close is the initial closing of a fund at which the GP accepts LP commitments and begins investing, typically once a minimum threshold of the target fund size has been reached. The final close is the last date on which the fund accepts new LP commitments, usually occurring 12 to 18 months after the first close, after which the fund is fully closed to new investors. LPs entering at subsequent closes after the first close typically pay equalisation interest to compensate earlier LPs for the time value of their commitments.
Why It Matters
The fundraising timeline from first close to final close is a critical period that determines fund economics and GP credibility. A strong first close signals market confidence, while the speed to final close reflects the GP’s fundraising capability and LP demand for the strategy.
Key Takeaways
- 1
First close: the GP accepts initial commitments and begins investing once a minimum threshold is met.
- 2
Final close: the last date for new LP commitments, typically 12 to 18 months after first close.
- 3
LPs entering after first close typically pay equalisation interest to compensate earlier investors.
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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