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Fund Terms

IRR (Internal Rate of Return)

Fund Terms

What is IRR (Internal Rate of Return)?

The Internal Rate of Return is the annualised rate of return that equates the present value of all cash inflows (distributions) with the present value of all cash outflows (capital calls) over a fund’s life. IRR is the industry-standard time-weighted performance metric for PE/VC funds and captures both the magnitude and timing of cash flows, distinguishing it from multiple-based metrics like TVPI and DPI.

Why It Matters

IRR is the industry-standard benchmark for comparing PE/VC fund performance. However, it is sensitive to cash flow timing and can be manipulated through early distributions or subscription credit facilities, making it important for LPs to evaluate IRR alongside DPI and TVPI.

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    The annualised rate equating present value of all cash inflows with cash outflows.

  • 2

    The industry-standard time-weighted performance metric for PE/VC funds.

  • 3

    Sensitive to cash flow timing; should be evaluated alongside multiple-based metrics like DPI.

Related Terms

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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.

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General 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.

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Limited 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.

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GP 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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