Clawback
Also called: GP clawback
ELI5
Money may have to be returned if earlier profit sharing was too high.
Used in conversation
“The clawback is calculated at the end of the fund.”
Definition
A mechanism requiring repayment of excess carried interest or other amounts when later results change the final entitlement.
Here “Clawback” means: A mechanism requiring repayment of excess carried interest or other amounts when later results change the final entitlement.
Pitch context
You will see “Clawback” in fundraising decks, data rooms, term sheets and investor conversations when the discussion reaches exits, liquidity & investor returns.
Why it matters: In exits, liquidity & investor returns, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Connected terms
Sources & evidence · 6
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- National Venture Capital Association — Model Legal DocumentsDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Small Business Capital Formation GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Exempt OfferingsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Safe financing documentsSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Series A Term Sheet TemplateSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16