Carried Interest Valuation Services for Private Equity & Venture Capital
Carried interest represents the performance-based share of profits allocated to general partners in private equity and venture capital funds, typically accounting for 20% of returns above a specified hurdle rate. Unlike management fees, carried interest is a contingent right, realized only when specific performance thresholds are met. This makes it a form of equity-based compensation that is both nuanced and high-stakes. Because of its complexity and contingent nature, valuing carried interest requires a deep understanding of its structure and a disciplined approach.
Carried Interest Valuation Methods Explained
Whether for tax planning, financial reporting, or internal allocation, a rigorous carried interest valuation relies on sophisticated quantitative techniques grounded in option-pricing theory, Monte Carlo simulations, and fund-specific waterfall models to capture the asymmetry and conditionality inherent in carried interest structures.
The Purpose - Why Are Carried Interest Valuations Important?
Carried interest valuations are crucial for accurately assessing a fund manager’s share of investment profits and ensuring compliance with tax regulations and financial reporting standards. Beyond compliance, these valuations offer strategic value by providing fund managers and stakeholders with a clear financial picture of how carried interest arrangements affect overall compensation, incentive structures, and fund economics. With complex rules surrounding carried interest, having an accurate valuation is essential to mitigate risk and provide clarity.
Why Choose Redwood Valuation for Your Carried Interest Valuation?
At Redwood, we provide accurate, defensible carried interest valuations tailored to the unique structure of your fund. Our team understands both the economic subtleties and the regulatory landscape, enabling us to deliver defensible valuations that withstand scrutiny from auditors, tax authorities, and transaction counterparties.
Built for complexity and trusted for clarity, Redwood delivers valuation insights that empower confident decision-making and drive growth.
FAQ
We’ve helped hundreds of startups and established businesses complete valuations. Here are some common questions.
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In many cases, carried interest is eligible for long-term capital gains treatment, rather than being taxed as ordinary income. However, eligibility depends on several factors, including:
Holding period requirements (typically at least three years under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act)
Fund structure and jurisdiction
Compliance with IRS guidance and recent legislative updates
Because the tax treatment of carry remains a high-profile regulatory issue, fund managers and their advisors must support filings with a credible, well-documented carried interest valuation.
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Carried interest is inherently performance-contingent. Its value depends on whether the fund exceeds its hurdle rate or preferred return threshold. As a result, valuation must reflect the likelihood and timing of future cash flows, which vary based on:
Portfolio composition and the magnitude of unrealized gains
Exit forecasts and market conditions
Fund life and investment timeline
Historical performance and projected IRR
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Carried interest valuations are essential for a wide range of use cases, including:
Fund managers granting or receiving carry
GPs and LPs involved in secondary transactions or internal rebalancing
Companies issuing equity or deferred comp tied to carried interest
Tax and legal advisors supporting estate planning, gifting, or IRS reporting
Auditors requiring ASC 820-compliant fair value measurements
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Carried interest valuation involves a complex interplay of fund-specific variables, including:
Fund structure
Hurdle rates and catch-up provisions
Current NAV and unrealized gains in the portfolio
Timing and expected magnitude of future distributions
Discount rates, market volatility, and scenario weightings
Tiered, dynamic, or bespoke carry structures
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Yes. When carried interest is recognized as a financial asset or compensation instrument, it must be measured in accordance with ASC 820, which requires fair value as of the reporting date. This means valuations must incorporate:
Market participant assumptions
Probability-weighted performance outcomes
Current market conditions and risk factors
Transparent, auditable models and supporting documentation
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