Private Equity Valuation

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
General Partners scout the deals while Limited Partners bring the cash
Management fees of two percent keep the lights on, year by year
Twenty percent carried interest when the profits finally flash
But first the hurdle rate must clear, then waterfall appears

[Chorus]
Pre-money, post-money, calculate the slice
Comparables and DCF, we're rolling the dice
J-curve dips before it climbs, patience is the key
Exit through IPO or sale, that's private equity

[Verse 2]
Venture capital seeks the spark in early-stage innovation
While buyout funds acquire mature companies with leverage high
Pre-money valuation sets the baseline expectation
Post-money adds the cash injection, ownership multiplied

[Chorus]
Pre-money, post-money, calculate the slice
Comparables and DCF, we're rolling the dice
J-curve dips before it climbs, patience is the key
Exit through IPO or sale, that's private equity

[Bridge]
Market multiples reveal what similar firms are worth
Discounted cash flows forecast future value birth
Secondary sales to other funds, recapitalization too
Sometimes write-offs mark the end when ventures can't break through

[Verse 3]
The J-curve shows initial loss as fees consume the fund
Before investments mature and generate returns
Five to seven years on average until the gains compound
Patient capital waits while portfolio slowly churns

[Chorus]
Pre-money, post-money, calculate the slice
Comparables and DCF, we're rolling the dice
J-curve dips before it climbs, patience is the key
Exit through IPO or sale, that's private equity

[Outro]
GP and LP aligned when carried interest pays
Valuation methods guide us through the investment maze

← Choosing the Right Valuation Model | What is Private Equity? Fund Basics →