Ever been part of a group dinner where someone says, “Let’s split the bill,” and suddenly things get awkward? Who ordered the lobster? Who didn’t drink wine? Who skipped dessert?
Now, when real fund profits are on the line, we’re talking about stakes in the millions.
There’s a system quietly making sure everyone gets their fair share: the private equity distribution waterfalls. It decides how the profits are split, step by step, from the moment returns start coming in. First, the investors get paid back. Then, once certain targets are met, the fund managers start sharing in the upside. It’s structured, intentional, and built to keep things fair and transparent throughout the fund’s life.
Whether you’re new to the game or brushing up before your next fund launch, understanding the waterfall could be the difference between smooth sailing and some seriously soggy returns.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a Private Equity Distribution Waterfalls?
A distribution waterfall is a contractual framework within a fund’s Limited Partnership Agreement (LPA) that governs how and when fund profits are allocated between LPs and GPs. It’s called a “waterfall” because profits are cascaded through a series of tiers or steps, with each tier having specific return thresholds or requirements.
The private equity distribution waterfalls ensures that LPs are compensated first, before the GP is rewarded through carried interest (usually 10–20% of profits).
Why Waterfall Structures Matter?
- Incentive alignment: GPs are motivated to generate strong returns for LPs.
- Risk-sharing: GPs typically invest their own capital alongside LPs (GP commit), but their significant reward comes after LPs meet their return expectations.
- Transparency and trust: Clear waterfall terms help prevent disputes, promote fairness, and ensure clarity throughout the fund lifecycle.
Anatomy of a Typical Private Equity Distribution Waterfalls
Let’s break down the classic 4-tier structure, especially common in private equity or venture capital funds:
1. Return of Capital (ROC)
- 100% of proceeds go to LPs until all contributed capital is fully returned.
- This includes fees and expenses, depending on LPA terms.
- Often referred to as the capital recovery phase.
2. Preferred Return (Hurdle Rate)
LPs continue receiving 100% of distributions until they achieve a pre-agreed minimum annual return, typically:
- 8% in private equity
- 6–7% in private credit
- 0–5% in venture capital (often omitted)
3. GP Catch-Up
Once LPs achieve their preferred return, the GP receives the next available distributions, often at 100%, until their share of profits catches up with the agreed carried interest (e.g., 20% of total profits).
This phase “retroactively aligns” the GP’s share with the carry percentage.
4. Residual Split
After the catch-up, all remaining distributions are split based on the carried interest formula (e.g., 80% LPs / 20% GP).
European Waterfall: Fund-as-a-Whole Approach
How it works:
- Carried interest is calculated at the overall fund level, not deal-by-deal.
- GPs receive no carry until the LPs’ entire capital is returned and the preferred return is met across the fund.
Pros:
- Strong LP protection and ensures the GP only profits when the fund performs well overall.
- Mitigates early overpayment risks.
Cons:
- Delays GP compensation, potentially affecting their cash flow or ability to reinvest.
- Might disincentivize early exits of strong-performing assets.
Example:
If a fund raises $200M and returns $100M early from a great deal, no carry is paid yet. The GP must wait until the entire $200M is returned plus the hurdle rate, before carry kicks in.
American Waterfall: Deal-by-Deal Distribution
How it works:
- Carried interest is paid as each deal is realized, provided that deal generates sufficient profit.
- No need to wait for overall fund performance.
Pros:
- GPs receive compensation earlier that are useful for firms relying on carry for internal capital recycling or bonuses.
- Encourages early exits of high-performing assets.
Cons:
- LPs may suffer if later deals underperform while GP could have already collected carry on earlier profitable deals.
- Often requires strong clawback mechanisms and escrow accounts.
Example:
If one portfolio company sells with a $20M gain, the GP could immediately receive $4M (20% carry), even if other deals later result in losses.
Clawback Provisions: Protecting LPs
Especially critical in American waterfalls, clawback clauses allow LPs to reclaim excess carry if final fund performance fails to support earlier distributions.
Common Safeguards:
- Escrow holdbacks: A portion of carry (e.g., 25%) is held until final fund liquidation.
- Annual carry caps: Limits carry until a certain performance milestone is achieved.
- Net-of-loss carry calculation: Some deal-by-deal waterfalls only allow carry on realized profits net of realized losses.
Hybrid Waterfalls and Emerging Structures
Modern funds are increasingly adopting hybrid models in private equity distribution waterfalls to balance LP and GP needs. Common hybrid variations in the private equity distribution waterfalls include:
Fund-Level Hurdle + Deal-Level Carry
- No carry paid until fund hurdle is met.
- Once hurdle is cleared, carry paid on individual deals.
Tiered Carried Interest
The GP’s carry increases with stronger performance:
- 10% carry if fund IRR <12%
- 15% carry if IRR 12–15%
- 20%+ if IRR >15%
Early Recycling & Interim Carry
Some funds permit capital recycling (reinvesting early proceeds) or interim carry distributions, with strong clawback backstops.
Negotiation Tips: What to Watch For
For LPs:
- Insist on robust clawback clauses if agreeing to an American-style waterfall.
- Scrutinize the catch-up terms—a 100% catch-up can skew incentives if not structured well.
- Understand if fees (e.g., fund expenses) are included in capital return tiers.
For GPs:
- Be transparent with assumptions and modeled carry scenarios.
- Consider deferred carry mechanisms if liquidity is a concern.
- Use tiered structures to reward true outperformance, especially when fundraising in competitive environments.
Mastering Private Equity Distribution Waterfalls with MS Expertise
At MS, we specialize in helping fund managers and investors design and implement clear, effective private equity distribution waterfalls. With our deep expertise, we guide you through the complexities of structuring fair profit-sharing arrangements that align the interests of both LPs and GPs. From ensuring proper return thresholds to providing clarity on carried interest, we help you create a framework that fosters trust, minimizes risk, and maximizes returns.
