Methodology Library

Browse and explore published research methodologies across private markets. Each methodology includes detailed definitions, formulas, and classification criteria.

Fund Performancev3

Internal Rate of Return (IRR) Methodology

IRR represents the rate at which a historical series of cash flows are discounted so that the net present value equals zero. Covers pooled calculations, horizon IRR, and inclusion criteria.

12 sections18 definitions
Venture Capitalv2

Venture Capital Deal Classification

Framework for classifying VC deals into pre-seed, seed, early-stage, late-stage, and venture growth based on company age, series, and investor type.

8 sections14 definitions
M&Av4

M&A Transaction Value Estimation

Deal value defined as total equity and debt used in PE investment. Includes multivariable regression model for extrapolating undisclosed values.

10 sections22 definitions
Private Equityv2

PE Middle Market Definition Standards

US-based companies in buyout transactions between $25M-$1B. Segmented into lower (25-100M), core (100-500M), and upper (500M-1B) middle market.

6 sections11 definitions
Private Debtv1

Direct Lending Risk Assessment Framework

Comprehensive risk assessment for direct lending transactions including credit analysis, covenant evaluation, and recovery rate estimation.

9 sections16 definitions
ESG & Impactv2

ESG Scoring Methodology

Multi-factor ESG scoring system covering environmental metrics, social impact indicators, and governance quality measures with weighted composite scoring.

14 sections25 definitions
Fund Performancev3

Fund Benchmarking & PME Calculations

Public Market Equivalent benchmarks using Kaplan-Schoar methodology. KS-PME > 1.0 implies fund outperformance vs public index.

11 sections20 definitions
Real Estatev2

Real Estate Fund Strategy Classification

Classification framework for real estate funds across core, core plus, value-add, opportunistic, and distressed strategies.

7 sections13 definitions
Venture Capitalv1

Unicorn Valuation Tracking Methodology

Defines unicorns as VC-backed companies with post-money valuation of $1B+. Tracks active and historical unicorn inventory across deal stages.

5 sections8 definitions
Quantitativev1

Quantitative Factor Analysis Framework

Multi-factor risk model for private market portfolios including size, value, momentum, quality, and volatility factors with regression-based attribution.

13 sections19 definitions
Fund Performancev3

Fundraising Activity Measurement

Fundraising figures based on final close dates. Only closed-end vehicles included. Mega-funds classified as >$5B in committed capital.

8 sections15 definitions
Private Equityv2

Exit Transaction Classification

Defines exits as any sale resulting in change of majority ownership or public listing. Covers IPOs, direct listings, reverse mergers, and corporate acquisitions.

7 sections12 definitions