Waterfall Calculator

Overview

The Waterfall Calculator skill calculates distribution waterfalls according to Limited Partnership Agreement (LPA) terms. It models carried interest, clawback provisions, and LP/GP distributions across various waterfall structures common in venture capital.

Capabilities

Waterfall Structure Modeling

• Support American (deal-by-deal) waterfalls
• Support European (whole-fund) waterfalls
• Handle hybrid waterfall structures
• Model fund-of-funds structures

Carried Interest Calculation

• Calculate GP carry based on LPA terms
• Model catch-up provisions
• Handle tiered carry structures
• Track crystallized vs. unrealized carry

Clawback Modeling

• Calculate potential clawback obligations
• Model true-up scenarios
• Track escrow requirements
• Project final settlement amounts

Distribution Modeling

• Calculate LP and GP distributions
• Model management fee offsets
• Handle recycling provisions
• Track return of capital vs. profits

Usage

Calculate Waterfall

Input: Fund terms, realized/unrealized values
Process: Apply waterfall mechanics
Output: Distribution allocation, carry calculation

Model Distribution Scenario

Input: Exit scenario, fund status
Process: Calculate pro forma distributions
Output: LP/GP split, carry amount

Calculate Clawback Exposure

Input: Fund history, projected outcomes
Process: Model potential clawback
Output: Clawback exposure, escrow adequacy

Project Final Settlement

Input: Portfolio status, exit projections
Process: Model fund conclusion scenarios
Output: Projected final distributions

Waterfall Components

Component	Description
Return of Capital	LPs receive contributed capital first
Preferred Return	LPs receive hurdle (typically 8%)
GP Catch-up	GP catches up to carry percentage
Carried Interest	80/20 split (typically) on remaining

Integration Points

• Distribution Waterfall Calculation Process: Core skill
• Cap Table Modeler (Agent): Connect to ownership data
• K1 Generator: Feed into tax reporting
• Fund Accountant (Agent): Support accounting work

Waterfall Types

Type	Carry Calculation Basis
American	Deal-by-deal, immediate carry
European	Whole fund, after capital return
Hybrid	Combination with clawback

Best Practices

1. Model precisely per LPA terms
2. Track management fee offsets
3. Maintain accurate capital account balances
4. Model clawback sensitivity
5. Reconcile with fund administrator