GP Stakes Model Template

I am preparing for interviews in the GP stakes space and I am having trouble preparing due to the lack of information out there. Preparing for hypothetical questions and industry-related questions has been fine, but I’m struggling to find an actual financial model that goes over how GP stakes firms value a business.

I understand there are three valuation streams:
1) Fee-related earnings (typically valued on entry / exit of ~20x)
2) GP share of carry (typically 20% of carry pool after meeting required hurdle), and
3) Balance sheet investment (GP share of all returns)

I also understand you are typically doing a probability weighted DCF for carry and BS investment versus a more typical entry / exit for FRE.

Does anyone have access to a fully built-out model that’s available I could access to better understand valuation dynamics and how to go about building these probability weighted fund waterfalls?

Appreciate any guidance!

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know about GP stakes modeling and resources to help you prepare:

  1. Valuation Streams:

    • Fee-Related Earnings (FRE): This is the most stable and predictable revenue stream, often valued at a multiple of 20-30x Distributable Earnings (DE). FRE is derived from management fees tied to assets under management (AUM).
    • GP Share of Carry: This represents the General Partner's share of carried interest, typically 20% of the carry pool after meeting the hurdle rate. Valuation here often involves a probability-weighted DCF approach, as carry realization depends on fund performance and timing.
    • Balance Sheet Investments: This includes the GP's share of returns from their own capital invested in the fund. Like carry, this is also valued using a probability-weighted DCF or a haircut to the accrued balance sheet value.
  2. Modeling Approach:

    • For FRE, you’ll use a straightforward entry/exit multiple approach.
    • For carry and balance sheet investments, you’ll need to build a probability-weighted DCF model. This involves:
      • Estimating future cash flows from carry and investments.
      • Applying probabilities to different scenarios (e.g., base case, upside, downside).
      • Discounting these cash flows to present value using an appropriate discount rate.
  3. Resources:

    • While a fully built-out GP stakes model may not be readily available for free, the WSO Free Financial Modeling Series offers lessons on DCF, LBO, and other valuation techniques that can be adapted for GP stakes modeling. These lessons include templates and practical examples.
    • Additionally, the 27 financial modeling templates provided in the WSO swipe file could serve as a starting point for building your own GP stakes model.
  4. Tips for Building a Probability-Weighted Waterfall:

    • Start by mapping out the fund’s cash flow structure, including management fees, carry, and GP investments.
    • Incorporate hurdle rates and catch-up provisions for carry calculations.
    • Use scenario analysis to assign probabilities to different fund performance outcomes.
    • Build a waterfall model to allocate returns between LPs and the GP based on the fund’s performance.

If you’re looking for a specific GP stakes model, consider reaching out to professionals in the space or leveraging WSO’s network to connect with someone who has experience in this niche. You can also explore WSO forums for threads discussing GP stakes modeling, as users often share insights and resources there.

Sources: Do you think it's justifiable to ask for 25% of the GP for being the fund raiser for the projects?, Secondary PE Modeling, GP Stakes Modelling/Metrics, GP Stakes Modelling

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Et eum dignissimos qui in temporibus. Accusantium voluptates sunt reiciendis qui ab expedita. Soluta eum error sed cupiditate distinctio consequatur facere. Autem facilis est magni nostrum. Itaque commodi est numquam et aut. Ut libero dolor voluptates maiores deserunt autem ut sunt.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Ardian 98.9%
  • Blackstone Group 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (97) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (234) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (95) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (271) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (37) $80
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (351) $61
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”