Skip to main content

Deal-by-deal vesting

Last updated

Quick Answer

Deal-by-deal vesting earns carried interest as individual investments are made or realized rather than on a calendar schedule.1

What it is

The individual vests in the carry attributable to the deals they were present for. It aligns entitlement with contribution more closely than a time schedule does, at the cost of considerably more administration and a more complex position when someone leaves partway through a fund's investment period.1

Operational context

Why It Matters

It aligns entitlement with the deals someone was actually present for, at the cost of considerably more administration and a much harder position to unwind when a person leaves mid-investment-period.1

Term Family

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deal-by-deal vesting in venture capital?

The individual vests in the carry attributable to the deals they were present for. It aligns entitlement with contribution more closely than a time schedule does, at the cost of considerably more administration and a more complex position when someone leaves partway through a fund's investment...

Why is Deal-by-deal vesting important for startups?

Understanding Deal-by-deal vesting is critical for founders navigating the fundraising process. It directly impacts deal terms, valuation, and the relationship between founders and investors.

Sources & References

  1. 1.morganlewis-carry-vesting — VC & PE Funds Deskbook — *Carried Interest: Vesting*VC & PE Funds Deskbook — *Carried Interest: Vesting*Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP(Deal-by-deal vesting earns carried interest as individual investments are made or realized rather than on a calendar schedule.)secondary · T2 · vesting-clawback · structure

Newsletter

CarryBeast Brief

Carry math, waterfall tiers, and incentive design. Every Tuesday.

Archstone

Run your fund like an institution.

See Archstone