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Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2022 September (Form 10-Q)

 

 

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period of September 30, 2022

 

or

 

TRANSITION QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission File Number 333-168195

 

FIRSTHAND TECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

maryland
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

27-3008946
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No)

   

150 Almaden Boulevard, Suite 1250
San Jose, California
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

95113
(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (408) 886-7096

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    ☑ Yes     ☐ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

☐ Large Accelerated Filer

 

Non-accelerated Filer
(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

☐ Accelerated Filer

 

Smaller Reporting Company

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
☐Yes         ☑ No

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class

Outstanding at September 30, 2022

Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share

6,893,056

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

2

Item 1. Financial Statements

2

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2021

3

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, and for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021

4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, and for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021

5

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, and for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021

6

Selected Per Share Data and Ratios for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) (Consolidated), for the Year Ended December 31, 2021 (Consolidated), for the Year Ended December 31, 2020 (Consolidated), for the Year Ended December 31, 2019 (Consolidated), for the Year Ended December 31, 2018 (Consolidated), and for the Year Ended December 31, 2017 (Consolidated)

7

Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of September 30, 2022 (Unaudited) and for the Year Ended December 31, 2021

9

Consolidated Notes To Financial Statements (Unaudited)

27

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

48

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

56

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

58

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

59

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

60

Item 1A. Risk Factors

60

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

60

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

60

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

60

Item 5. Other Information

60

Item 6. Exhibits

60

SIGNATURES

61

 

1

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.    Financial Statements

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

2

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

                 
   

AS OF
SEPTEMBER 30,
2022
(UNAUDITED)

   

AS OF
DECEMBER 31,
2021

 

ASSETS

               

Investment securities:

               

Unaffiliated investments at acquisition cost

  $ 2,242,833 *   $ 1,729,653 *

Affiliated investments at acquisition cost

    662,235       4,744,427  

Controlled investments at acquisition cost

    138,855,562       138,754,479  

Total acquisition cost

  $ 141,760,630     $ 145,228,559  

Unaffiliated investments at market value

  $ 1,242,833 *   $ 1,009,813 *

Affiliated investments at market value

    379,650       613,650  

Controlled investments at market value

    44,981,416       89,505,079  

Total Market value** (Note 6)

    46,603,899       91,128,542  

Foreign currency at value (cost $3,215 and $0)

    3,198        

Receivable from dividends and interest

    1,178,043       11,485,642  

Other assets

    20,313       64,066  

Total Assets

    47,805,453       102,678,250  

LIABILITIES

               

Due to Custodian

          13,589  

Payable for securities purchased

    1,876        

Payable to affiliates (Note 4)

    8,936,422       7,702,914  

Trustees’ fees payable

    50,000        

Consulting fee payable

    49,000       26,000  

Accrued expenses and other payables

    333,530       181,123  

Total Liabilities

    9,370,828       7,923,626  

NET ASSETS

  $ 38,434,625     $ 94,754,624  
                 

Net Assets consist of:

               

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share 100,000,000 shares authorized

  $ 6,893     $ 6,893  

Paid-in-capital

    176,770,722       176,770,722  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

    (138,342,990 )     (82,022,991 )

NET ASSETS

  $ 38,434,625     $ 94,754,624  
                 

Shares of Common Stock outstanding

    7,016,432       7,016,432  

Shares of Treasury Stock outstanding

    (123,376 )     (123,376 )

Total Shares of Common Stock outstanding

    6,893,056       6,893,056  

Net asset value per share (Note 2)

  $ 5.58     $ 13.75  

 

*

Includes Fidelity Investment Money Market Treasury Portfolio - Class I, which invests primarily in U.S. Treasury securities. The yields as of 09/30/22 and 12/31/21 were 2.82% and 0.01%, respectively. Please see https://fundresearch.fidelity.com/mutual-funds/summary/316175504 for additional information.

 

**

Includes warrants whose primary risk exposure is equity contracts.

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

3

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

 

                         
   

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED

   

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED

 
   

SEPTEMBER 30,
2022

   

SEPTEMBER 30,
2021

   

SEPTEMBER 30,
2022

   

SEPTEMBER 30,
2021

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                               

Unaffiliated interest

  $ 7,715     $ 2,599     $ (2,765 )   $ 28,297  

Affiliated/controlled interest

    (8,307,960 )     1,546,351       (10,174,101 )     4,213,345  

TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME

    (8,300,245 )     1,548,910       (10,176,866 )     4,241,642  

Investment advisory fees (Note 4)

    268,873       555,311       1,144,669       1,694,468  

Administration fees

    30,366       30,622       88,293       91,190  

Custody fees

    3,105       7,585       17,220       20,681  

Transfer agent fees

    18,195       13,005       30,592       30,225  

Registration and filing fees

    8,520       8,242       25,281       24,458  

Professional fees

    94,567       101,564       280,272       271,083  

Printing fees

    17,136       18,541       62,079       53,997  

Trustees fees

    50,000       50,000       150,000       150,000  

Compliance fees

    29,938       30,355       88,838       87,559  

Miscellaneous fees

    23,024       15,098       69,491       37,651  

TOTAL GROSS EXPENSES

    543,724       830,323       1,956,735       2,461,312  

NET INVESTMENT INCOME

    (8,843,969 )     718,587       (12,133,601 )     1,780,330  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments:

                               

Net realized gains (losses) from security transactions on:

                               

Affiliated/Controlled

    1,798,143             (3,131,579 )     4,548,597  

Foreign currency

    (51 )           1,895       27  

Net realized gains (Losses)

    1,798,092             (3,129,684 )     4,548,624  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

                               

Non-affiliated investments

    (384,274 )     (201,009 )     (280,160 )     (500,826 )

Affiliated/controlled investments and foreign currency

    (5,123,844 )     (9,086,301 )     (41,446,072 )     (9,721,304 )

Affiliated/controlled warrants investments (1)

    1,192,425       (5,840 )     669,518       519,140  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

    (4,315,693 )     (9,293,150 )     (41,056,714 )     (9,702,990 )

Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments

    (2,517,601 )     (9,293,150 )     (44,186,398 )     (5,154,366 )

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Resulting From Operations

  $ (11,361,570 )   $ (8,574,563 )   $ (56,319,999 )   $ (3,374,036 )

Net Increase (Decrease) In Net Assets Per Share Resulting From Operations (2)

  $ (1.65 )   $ (1.24 )   $ (8.17 )   $ (0.49 )

 

(1)

Primary exposure is equity risk.

 

(2)

Per share results are calculated based on weighted average shares outstanding for each period.

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

4

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

                                 
   

FOR THE THREE
MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
2022

   

FOR THE THREE
MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
2021

   

FOR THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
2022

   

FOR THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
2021

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                               

Net increase (decrease) in Net Assets resulting from operations

  $ (11,361,570 )   $ (8,574,563 )   $ (56,319,999 )   $ (3,374,036 )

Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in Net Assets derived from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

                               

Purchases of investments

    (2,734 )           (2,734 )     (13,512,264 )

Proceeds from disposition of investments

    1,807,112       500,000       5,309,159       22,338,729  

Net purchases/sales from short-term investments

    (1,586,077 )     (359,338 )     (4,968,180 )     (8,383,742 )

Increase (decrease) in dividends, interest, and reclaims receivable

    8,304,329       (1,448,015 )     10,307,599       (3,952,062 )

Increase (decrease) in due to Custodian

          1       (13,589 )     13,151  

Increase (decrease) in payable for investment purchased

    1,876             1,876        

Increase (decrease) in payable to affiliates

    298,811       496,584       1,233,508       1,692,945  

Increase (decrease) in other assets

    26,134       12,019       43,753       9,445  

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other payables

    (2,284 )     80,162       225,407       12,739  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments

    (1,798,092 )           3,129,684       (4,548,624 )

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments, other assets, and warrants transactions

    4,315,693       9,293,150       41,056,714       9,702,990  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    3,198             3,198       (729 )
                                 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                               

Net cash provided by financing activities

                       
                                 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

    3,198             3,198       (729 )

Cash and foreign currency - beginning of period

                      729  

Cash and foreign currency - end of period

  $ 3,198     $     $ 3,198     $  

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

5

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited)

 

                                 
   

FOR THE THREE
MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
2022

   

FOR THE THREE
MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
2021

   

FOR THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
2022

   

FOR THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
2021

 

FROM OPERATIONS:

                               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (8,843,969 )     718,587       (12,133,601 )     1,780,330  

Net realized gain (loss) from security transactions, foreign currency and warrants transactions

    1,798,092             (3,129,684 )     4,548,624  

Net change in unrealized (depreciation) on investments, other assets, and warrants transactions

    (4,315,693 )     (9,293,150 )     (41,056,714 )     (9,702,990 )

Net decrease in net assets from operations

    (11,361,570 )     (8,574,563 )     (56,319,999 )     (3,374,036 )
                                 

TOTAL DECREASE IN NET ASSETS

    (11,361,570 )     (8,574,563 )     (56,319,999 )     (3,374,036 )
                                 

NET ASSETS:

                               

Beginning of period

    49,796,195       107,342,895       94,754,624       102,142,368  

End of period

  $ 38,434,625     $ 98,768,332     $ 38,434,625     $ 98,768,332  
                                 

COMMON STOCK ACTIVITY:

                               

Shares outstanding, beginning of period

    6,893,056       6,893,056       6,893,056       6,893,056  

Shares outstanding, end of period

    6,893,056       6,893,056       6,893,056       6,893,056  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

6

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights
Selected per share data and ratios for a share outstanding throughout each period

 

                                                 
   

FOR THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(Unaudited)

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2019

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2018

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2017

 

Net asset value at beginning of period

  $ 13.75     $ 14.82     $ 17.70     $ 26.69     $ 23.83     $ 20.04  

Income from investment operations:

                                               

Net investment income (loss), before deferred taxes

    (1.76 )     0.44 (1)      0.09 (1)      0.90 (1)      (1.29 )(1)     (0.62 )

Deferred tax benefit

                      (0.08 )     0.07        

Net investment gain (losses)

    (1.76 )     0.44       0.09       0.82       (1.22 )     (0.62 )

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments, before deferred taxes

    (6.41 )     (1.51 )     (2.30 )     (12.15 )     5.13       4.21  

Deferred tax expense

                (1.13 )     2.34       (1.23 )      

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments, after deferred taxes

    (6.41 )     (1.51 )     (3.43 )     (9.81 )     3.90       4.21  

Total from investment operations

    (8.17 )     (1.07 )     (3.34 )     (8.99 )     2.68       3.59  
                                                 

Distributions from:

                                               

Realized capital gains

                            (0.03 )      

Anti-dilutive effect from capital share transactions

                0.46             0.21       0.20  

Net asset value at end of period

  $ 5.58     $ 13.75     $ 14.82     $ 17.70     $ 26.69     $ 23.83  
                                                 

Market value at end of period

  $ 1.34     $ 4.01     $ 4.47     $ 6.43     $ 11.20     $ 8.96  
                                                 

Total Return

                                               

Based on Net Asset Value

    (59.42 )%(A)     (7.22 )%     (16.27 )%     (33.68 )%     12.39 %     18.91 %

Based on Market Value

    (66.58 )%(A)     (10.29 )%     (30.48 )%     (42.59 )%     25.43 %     16.82 %

Net assets at end of period (millions)

  $ 38.4     $ 94.8     $ 102.1     $ 127.1     $ 191.6     $ 174.0  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

7

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights - continued
Selected per share data and ratios for a share outstanding throughout each period

 

   

FOR THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
2022
(Unaudited)

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2019

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2018

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2017

 

Ratio of total expenses to average net assets:

                                               

Before tax (benefit)/expense

    3.86 %(B)     3.12 %     3.10 %     (2.84 )%(2)     6.75 %(2)     4.13 %(2)

Deferred tax (benefit)/expense(3)(4)

                8.02 %(5)     (9.91 )%     4.43 %      

Total expenses

    3.86 %(B)     3.12 %     11.12 %     (12.75 )%(2)     11.18 %(2)     4.13 %

Total expenses, excluding incentive fees and deferred tax expense

    3.86 %(B)     3.12 %     3.10 %     2.80 %     2.77 %     2.98 %

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:

                                               

Before tax benefit

    (23.94 )%(B)     2.94 %     0.64 %     3.93 %(2)     (4.93 )%(2)     (3.07 )%

Deferred tax benefit (4)(6)

                      (0.33 )%     0.28 %      

Net investment income (loss)

    (23.94 )%(B)     2.94 %     0.64 %     3.60 %     (4.65 )%     (3.07 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

    0 %(A)     16 %     13 %     18 %     44 %     22 %

 

(1)

Calculated using average shares outstanding.

 

(2)

Amount includes the incentive fee. For the years ended December 31, 2019, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 the ratio of the incentive fee to average net assets was (5.64)%, 3.98% and 1.15% respectively.

 

(3)

Deferred tax expense estimate is derived from net investment income (loss), and realized and unrealized gains (losses).

 

(4)

The deferred tax expense and tax benefit are based on average net assets.

 

(5)

As restated to reflect the removal of parenthetical notation to appropriately present ratio as deferred tax expense.

 

(6)

Deferred tax benefit estimate for the ratio calculation is derived from net investment income (loss) only.

 

(A)

Not Annualized.

 

(B)

Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

8

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

                                   

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

EQX CAPITAL, INC.

Common Stock *(1)(2)(4)

    6/10/2016       100,000     $ 20,000     $ 16,220  

(3.1%)

Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)(4)

    6/10/16-11/7/16       2,200,000       2,200,000       1,183,820  
Equipment Leasing                               1,200,040  
                                   

HERA SYSTEMS, INC. (19.0%)

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    5/31/2018       500,000       500,000       500,000  
Aerospace

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    1/19/2018       500,000       500,000       500,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    3/23/2020       250,000       250,000       250,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    6/26/2020       200,000       200,000       200,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    4/29/2020       40,000       40,000       40,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    5/29/2020       20,000       20,000       20,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    8/6/2020       220,000       220,000       220,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    9/10/2020       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    10/8/2020       250,000       250,000       250,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    11/17/2020       250,000       250,000       250,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    12/21/2020       250,000       250,000       250,000  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

9

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

HERA SYSTEMS, INC. (continued)

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    1/26/2021       50,000     $ 50,000     $ 50,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    2/16/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    3/25/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    4/27/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    5/24/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    6/29/2021       200,000       200,000       200,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    7/26/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    8/26/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    10/5/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    10/22/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    11/29/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    12/28/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

10

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

HERA SYSTEMS, INC. (continued)

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    2/10/2022       150,000     $ 150,000     $ 150,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    3/29/2022       90,000       90,000       90,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    3/11/2022       75,000       75,000       75,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    4/13/2022       70,000       70,000       70,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    4/26/2022       75,000       75,000       75,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    5/10/2022       55,000       55,000       55,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    5/26/2022       75,000       75,000       75,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    6/10/2022       75,000       75,000       75,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    6/28/2022       90,000       90,000       90,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    7/13/2022       100,000       100,000       100,000  
 

Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)(4)

    9/18/2015       3,642,324       2,000,000       13,841  
 

Preferred Stock - Series B *(1)(2)(4)

    8/7/17 - 2/1/19       7,039,203       6,587,102       423,760  
 

Preferred Stock - Series C *(1)(2)(4)

    8/7/19-2/12/20       2,650,000       2,650,000       159,530  
 

Preferred Stock Warrants - Series B *(1)(2)(4)

    7/9/18 - 9/4/18       12,250,000       0       736,715  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

11

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

HERA SYSTEMS, INC. (continued)

Preferred Stock Warrants - Series B *(1)(2)(4)

    2/1/2019       5,250,000     $ 0     $ 315,735  
 

Preferred Stock Warrants - Series B *(1)(2)(4)

    8/7/2017       6,214,922       0       373,765  
 

Preferred Stock Warrants - Series B *(1)(2)(4)

    9/28/2017       700,000       0       42,098  
                                7,300,444  
                                   

INTRAOP MEDICAL CORP. (54.0%)

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    12/31/2018       10,961,129       10,961,129       8,174,372  
Medical Devices

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    7/12/2019       1,300,000       1,300,000       969,488  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    10/11/2019       500,000       500,000       372,880  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    10/29/2019       500,000       500,000       372,880  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    2/27/2020       1,000,000       1,000,000       745,760  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    3/25/2020       500,000       500,000       372,880  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    5/8/2020       400,000       400,000       298,304  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    7/31/2020       500,000       500,000       372,880  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    8/28/2020       750,000       750,000       559,320  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    4/20/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       745,760  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

12

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

INTRAOP MEDICAL CORP. (continued)

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    6/10/2021       500,000     $ 500,000     $ 372,880  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    7/16/2021       500,000       500,000       372,880  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    9/22/2021       500,000       500,000       372,880  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    10/6/2021       500,000       500,000       372,880  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    10/22/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       745,760  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    11/12/2021       500,000       500,000       372,880  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    11/29/2021       500,000       500,000       372,880  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    2/28/2022       200,000       200,000       149,152  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    3/30/2022       150,000       150,000       111,864  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    4/6/2022       350,000       350,000       261,016  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    6/10/2022       700,000       700,000       522,032  
 

Preferred Stock - Series C *(1)(2)(4)

    7/12/2013       26,856,187       26,299,938       0  
 

Term Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 8% (1)(2)(4)

    2/28/2014       3,000,000       3,000,000       2,237,280  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

13

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

INTRAOP MEDICAL CORP. (continued)

Term Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 8% (1)(2)(4)

    2/10/2017       2,000,000     $ 2,000,000     $ 1,491,520  
                                20,740,428  
                                   

KYMA, INC. (0.2%)
Advanced Materials

Convertible Note Matures March 2023 Interest Rate 10% (1)(4)

    3/11/2019       100,000       100,000       100,000  
                                   

LYNCEAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (0.0%)

Preferred Stock - Series B *(1)(4)

    7/3/2018       869,792       1,000,000       0  

Semiconductor Equipment

                                 
                                   

REVASUM, INC. (7.9%)

CDIs *(2)

    11/14/16 - 11/30/18       39,774,889       9,268,219       3,053,041  

Semiconductor Equipment

                                 
                                   

SILICON GENESIS CORP. (2.0%)

Preferred Stock - Series 1-E *(1)(2)(4)

    4/18/2011       5,704,480       2,372,403       326,296  

Intellectual Property

Preferred Stock - Series 1-C *(1)(2)(4)

    4/18/2011       82,914       109,518       1,020  
 

Preferred Stock - Series 1-D *(1)(2)(4)

    4/18/2011       850,830       431,901       2,638  
 

Common Stock *(1)(2)(4)

    4/18/2011       921,892       169,045       111  
 

Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)(4)

    4/18/2011       37,982       6,678       1  
 

Preferred Stock - Series 1-F *(1)(2)(4)

    4/18/2011       912,453       456,389       71,993  
 

Preferred Stock - Series 1-G *(1)(2)(4)

    3/10/2016       48,370,793       3,880,592       312,475  
 

Preferred Stock - Series 1-H *(1)(2)(4)

    3/10/2016       837,942       936,895       36,115  
                                750,649  
                                   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

14

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

UCT COATINGS, INC. (1.0%)

Common Stock *(1)(3)(4)

    4/18/2011       1,500,000     $ 662,235     $ 379,650  

Advanced Materials

                                 
                                   

WRIGHTSPEED, INC. (31.1%)

Common Stock *(1)(2)(4)

    4/11/13 - 5/6/19       69,102       7,460,851       567  

Automotive

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    6/7/2019       4,929,015       4,929,015       2,267,347  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    8/12/2020       750,000       750,000       345,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    9/10/2020       900,000       900,000       414,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    10/13/2020       1,050,000       1,050,000       483,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    11/11/2020       400,000       400,000       184,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    11/24/2020       375,000       375,000       172,500  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    12/11/2020       400,000       400,000       184,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    12/23/2020       2,000,000       2,000,000       920,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    2/23/2021       1,400,000       1,400,000       644,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    4/12/2021       1,200,000       1,200,000       552,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    5/18/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       460,000  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

15

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

WRIGHTSPEED, INC.
(continued)

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    6/22/2021       1,000,000     $ 1,000,000     $ 460,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    7/26/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       460,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    8/19/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       460,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    9/22/2021       300,000       300,000       138,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    10/5/2021       700,000       700,000       322,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    10/20/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       460,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    11/23/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       460,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    12/28/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       460,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    2/23/2022       200,000       200,000       92,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    3/11/2022       185,000       185,000       85,100  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    4/14/2022       65,000       65,000       29,900  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    5/10/2022       250,000       250,000       115,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    5/26/2022       250,000       250,000       115,000  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

16

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

WRIGHTSPEED, INC.
(continued)

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    6/10/2022       250,000     $ 250,000     $ 115,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    6/28/2022       250,000       250,000       115,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    7/13/2022       250,000       250,000       115,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    7/28/2022       250,000       250,000       115,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    8/12/2022       250,000       250,000       115,000  
 

Preferred Stock - Series AA *(1)(2)(4)

    6/7/19 - 7/20/20       60,733,693       17,355,887       1,074,986  
 

Preferred Stock Warrants - Series AA *(1)(2)(4)

    6/7/2019       609,756       0       3,414  
                                11,936,814  
                                   

INVESTMENT COMPANY (3.0%)

Fidelity Investments Money Market Treasury Portfolio - Class I (5)

    Various       1,142,833       1,142,833       1,142,833  
                                   

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $141,760,630) — 121.3%

                            $ 46,603,899  
                                   

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (21.3)%

                              (8,169,274 )
                                   

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

                            $ 38,434,625  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

CDI

CHESS Depositary Interests

(1)

Restricted security. Fair Value is determined by or under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors (See note 3). At September 30, 2022, we held $42,408,025 (or 110.3% of net assets) in restricted securities (see Note 2).

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

17

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

(2)

Controlled investments.

(3)

Affiliated issuer.

(4)

Fair Value Level 3 security.

(5)

The Fidelity Investments Money Market Portfolio invests primarily in U.S. Treasury securities.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

18

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

 

DECEMBER 31, 2021

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

EQX CAPITAL, INC.

Common Stock *(1)(2)(4)

    6/10/2016       100,000     $ 20,000     $ 31,490  

(2.0%)

Equipment Leasing

Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)(4)

    6/10/16 - 11/7/16       2,300,000       2,300,000       1,898,420  
                                1,929,910  
                                   

HERA SYSTEMS, INC. (5.8%)

Aerospace

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    5/31/2018       500,000       500,000       500,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    1/19/2018       500,000       500,000       500,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    3/23/2020       250,000       250,000       250,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    6/26/2020       200,000       200,000       200,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    4/29/2020       40,000       40,000       40,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    5/29/2020       20,000       20,000       20,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    8/6/2020       220,000       220,000       220,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    9/10/2020       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    10/8/2020       250,000       250,000       250,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    11/17/2020       250,000       250,000       250,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    12/21/2020       250,000       250,000       250,000  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

19

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

DECEMBER 31, 2021

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

HERA SYSTEMS, INC.

(continued)

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    1/26/2021       50,000     $ 50,000     $ 50,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    2/16/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    3/25/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    4/27/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    5/24/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    6/29/2021       200,000       200,000       200,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    7/26/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    8/26/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    10/5/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    10/22/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    11/29/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Convertible Promissory Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(2)(4)

    12/28/2021       150,000       150,000       150,000  
 

Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)(4)

    9/18/2015       3,642,324       2,000,000       8,377  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

20

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

DECEMBER 31, 2021

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

HERA SYSTEMS, INC.

(continued)

Preferred Stock - Series B *(1)(2)(4)

    8/7/17 - 2/1/19       7,039,203     $ 6,587,102     $ 229,478  
 

Preferred Stock - Series C *(1)(2)(4)

    8/7/19-2/12/20       2,650,000       2,650,000       86,390  
 

Preferred Stock Warrants - Series B *(1)(2)(4)

    7/9/18 - 9/4/18       12,250,000       0       398,738  
 

Preferred Stock Warrants - Series B *(1)(2)(4)

    2/1/2019       5,250,000       0       170,888  
 

Preferred Stock Warrants - Series B *(1)(2)(4)

    8/7/2017       6,214,922       0       202,296  
 

Preferred Stock Warrants - Series B *(1)(2)(4)

    9/28/2017       700,000       0       22,785  
                                5,498,952  
                                   

INTRAOP MEDICAL CORP.

(28.6%)

Medical Devices

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    12/31/2018       10,961,129       10,961,129       10,961,129  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    7/12/2019       1,300,000       1,300,000       1,300,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    10/11/2019       500,000       500,000       500,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    10/29/2019       500,000       500,000       500,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    2/27/2020       1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    3/25/2020       500,000       500,000       500,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    5/8/2020       400,000       400,000       400,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    7/31/2020       500,000       500,000       500,000  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

21

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

DECEMBER 31, 2021

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

INTRAOP MEDICAL CORP.

(continued)

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    8/28/2020       750,000     $ 750,000     $ 750,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    4/20/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    6/10/2021       500,000       500,000       500,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    7/16/2021       500,000       500,000       500,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    9/22/2021       500,000       500,000       500,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    10/6/2021       500,000       500,000       500,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    10/22/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    11/12/2021       500,000       500,000       500,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 15% (1)(2)(4)

    11/29/2021       500,000       500,000       500,000  
 

Preferred Stock - Series C *(1)(2)(4)

    7/12/2013       26,856,187       26,299,938       670,062  
 

Term Note Matures December 2021 Interest Rate 8% (1)(2)(4)

    2/28/2014       3,000,000       3,000,000       3,000,000  
 

Term Note Matures December 2021 Interest Rate 8% (1)(2)(4)

    2/10/2017       2,000,000       2,000,000       2,000,000  
                                27,081,191  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

22

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

DECEMBER 31, 2021

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

KYMA, INC.

(0.1%)

Advanced Materials

Convertible Note Matures March 2022 Interest Rate 10% (1)(4)

    3/11/2019       100,000     $ 100,000     $ 100,000  
                                   

LYNCEAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

(0.3%)

Preferred Stock - Series B *(1)(4)

    7/3/2018       869,792       1,000,000       280,160  

Semiconductor Equipment

                                 
                                   

PIVOTAL SYSTEMS CORP.

(9.8%)

CDIs *(2)

    11/28/12 - 9/2/16       14,589,506       9,873       9,287,771  

Semiconductor Equipment

                                 
                                   
                                   

REVASUM, INC.

(22.7%)

CDIs *(2)

    11/14/16 - 11/30/18       46,834,340       13,512,263       21,466,824  

Semiconductor Equipment

                                 
                                   

SILICON GENESIS CORP.

(1.1%)

Preferred Stock - Series 1-E *(1)(2)(4)

    4/18/2011       5,704,480       2,372,403       453,506  

Intellectual Property

Preferred Stock - Series 1-C *(1)(2)(4)

    4/18/2011       82,914       109,518       1,990  
 

Preferred Stock - Series 1-D *(1)(2)(4)

    4/18/2011       850,830       431,901       5,275  
 

Common Stock *(1)(2)(4)

    4/18/11 - 6/12/12       921,892       169,045       277  
 

Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)(4)

    4/18/2011       37,982       6,678       3  
 

Preferred Stock - Series 1-F *(1)(2)(4)

    4/18/2011       912,453       456,389       100,187  
 

Preferred Stock - Series 1-G *(1)(2)(4)

    3/10/2016       48,370,793       3,880,592       439,207  
 

Preferred Stock - Series 1-H *(1)(2)(4)

    3/10/2016       837,942       936,895       50,277  
                                1,050,722  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

23

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

DECEMBER 31, 2021

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

SVXR, INC.

(0.0%)

Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(3)(4)

    1/11/17 - 8/29/18       8,219,454     $ 4,082,192     $ 0  

Semiconductor Equipment

                                 
                                   

UCT COATINGS, INC.

(0.6%)

Common Stock *(1)(3)(4)

    4/18/2011       1,500,000       662,235       613,650  

Advanced Materials

                                 
                                   

WRIGHTSPEED, INC.

(24.5%)

Common Stock *(1)(2)(4)

    4/11/13 - 5/6/19       69,102       7,460,851       1,126  

Automotive

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    6/7/2019       4,929,015       4,929,015       4,929,015  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    8/12/2020       750,000       750,000       750,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    9/10/2020       900,000       900,000       900,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    10/13/2020       1,050,000       1,050,000       1,050,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    11/11/2020       400,000       400,000       400,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    11/24/2020       375,000       375,000       375,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    12/11/2020       400,000       400,000       400,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    12/23/2020       2,000,000       2,000,000       2,000,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    2/23/2021       1,400,000       1,400,000       1,400,000  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

24

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

DECEMBER 31, 2021

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

WRIGHTSPEED, INC.

(continued)

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    4/12/2021       1,200,000     $ 1,200,000     $ 1,200,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    5/18/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    6/22/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    7/26/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    8/19/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    9/22/2021       300,000       300,000       300,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    10/5/2021       700,000       700,000       700,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    10/20/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    11/23/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000  
 

Convertible Note Matures December 2022 Interest Rate 12% (1)(2)(4)

    12/28/2021       1,000,000       1,000,000       1,000,000  
 

Preferred Stock - Series AA *(1)(2)(4)

    6/7/2019 - 7/20/2020       60,733,693       17,355,887       1,777,068  
 

Preferred Stock Warrants - Series AA *(1)(2)(4)

    6/7/2019       609,756       0       7,500  
                                23,189,709  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

25

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued

 

DECEMBER 31, 2021

 

PORTFOLIO
COMPANY
(% OF NET
ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY

TYPE OF INVESTMENT

 

ACQUISITION DATE

   

SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)

   

COST BASIS

   

VALUE

 

INVESTMENT COMPANY

(0.7%)

Fidelity Investments Money Market Treasury Portfolio - Class I (5)

    Various       629,653     $ 629,653     $ 629,653  
                                   

TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $145,228,559) — 96.2%

                            $ 91,128,542  
                                   

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 3.8%

                              3,626,082  
                                   

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

                            $ 94,754,624  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

CDI

CHESS Depositary Interests

(1)

Restricted security. Fair Value is determined by or under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors (See note 3). At December 31, 2021, we held $59,744,294 (or 63.1% of net assets) in restricted securities (see Note 2).

(2)

Controlled investments.

(3)

Affiliated issuer.

(4)

Fair Value Level 3 security.

(5)

The Fidelity Investments Money Market Portfolio invests primarily in U.S. Treasury securities.

 

26

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 1. THE COMPANY

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc. (the “Company,” the “Fund,” “us,” “our,” and “we”), is a Maryland corporation and an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Company acquired its initial portfolio of securities through the reorganization of Firsthand Technology Value Fund, a series of Firsthand Funds, into the Company. The reorganization was completed on April 15, 2011. The Company commenced operations on April 18th, 2011. Under normal circumstances, the Company will invest at least 80% of its assets for investment purposes in technology companies, which are considered to be those companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from products and/ or services within the information technology sector or the “cleantech” sector. Information technology companies include, but are not limited to, those focused on computer hardware, software, telecommunications, networking, Internet, and consumer electronics. While there is no standard definition of cleantech, it is generally regarded as including goods and services designed to harness renewable energy and materials, eliminate emissions and waste, and reduce the use of natural resources. In addition, under normal circumstances we will invest at least 70% of our assets in privately held companies and in public companies with market capitalizations less than $250 million. Our portfolio is primarily composed of equity and equity derivative securities of technology and cleantech companies (as defined above). These investments generally range between $1 million and $10 million each, although the investment size will vary proportionately with the size of the Company’s capital base. The Company’s shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SVVC.” Firsthand Capital Management, Inc., which was previously known as SiVest Group, Inc. (“FCM” or the “Advisor”), serves as the investment adviser to the Company.

 

The Company is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

 

CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARIES. On May 8, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the formation of a fully owned and controlled subsidiary (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Company named Firsthand Venture Investors (“FVI”), a California general partnership formed on March 30, 2015. After the close of business on June 30, 2015, the Company contributed substantially all of its assets to FVI in return for a controlling general partner ownership interest in FVI. The transaction was completed on July 1, 2015. Under this structure, we have all or substantially all of our investment activities conducted through our fully owned subsidiary, FVI.

 

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, with the approval of its Board of Directors, the Company organized three separate fully owned and controlled subsidiaries (as defined by the 1940 Act). Each subsidiary was a Cayman Islands corporation and the financial statements of each subsidiary were reported on a consolidated basis with the Company. Each subsidiary was formed for the purpose of holding one or more investments made by the Company, and was treated as a controlled foreign corporation under the Internal Revenue Code not separately subject to U.S. federal income tax. FVI was treated as the sole U.S. shareholder of each subsidiary.

 

The Board of Directors of the Company approved the liquidation of those three Cayman subsidiaries on November 2, 2018. That liquidation was completed on December 27, 2018.

 

27

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements included in this report:

 

BASIS OF PRESENTATION. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) pursuant to the requirements on Form 10-K. ASC 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies (“ASC 946”), and Articles 6, 10 and 12 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, considered necessary for the fair presentation of the financial statements for the periods presented, have been included.

 

Under the 1940 Act, ASC 946, and the regulations pursuant to Article 6 of Regulation S-X, we are precluded from consolidating any entity other than another investment company or an operating company which provides substantially all of its services to benefit us. Consequentially, as of December 31, 2018, the Company consolidated some special purpose entities. These special purpose entities only hold investments of the Company and have no other significant asset and liabilities. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT VALUATIONS. Investments are stated at “value” as defined in the 1940 Act and in the applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and in accordance with GAAP. Value, as defined in Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act, is (i) the market value of those securities for which a market quotation is readily available and (ii) the fair value as determined in good faith by the Advisor as the valuation designee appointed by the Board of Directors, and subject to oversight by the Board of Directors. On September 30, 2022, our financial statements include venture capital investments valued at approximately $40.0 million. The fair values of our venture capital investments were also determined by the Advisor as the valuation designee. Upon sale of these investments, the values that are ultimately realized may be different from what is presently estimated. The difference could be material. Also see note 6 regarding the fair value of the company’s investments.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. The Company considers liquid assets deposited with a bank, investments in money market funds, and certain short-term debt instruments with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments represent amounts held with financial institutions that are readily accessible to pay our expenses or purchase investments. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

RESTRICTED SECURITIES. At September 30, 2022, we held $42,408,025 in restricted securities. At December 31, 2021, we held $59,744,294 in restricted securities.

 

INCOME RECOGNITION. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is accrued as earned. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized over the lives of the respective securities. Other non-cash dividends are recognized as investment income at the fair value of the property received. When debt securities are determined to be non-income producing, the Company ceases accruing interest and writes off any previously accrued interest. These write-offs are recorded as an adjustment to interest income. The Company applied an interest adjustment of approximately $(10.4M) for the three months ending September 30, 2022 and $(16.3 M) for the nine months ending September 30, 2022.

 

28

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

SHARE VALUATION. The net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash or other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent.

 

REALIZED GAIN OR LOSS AND UNREALIZED APPRECIATION OR DEPRECIATION OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS. A realized gain or loss is recognized when an investment is disposed of and is computed as the difference between the Company’s cost basis in the investment at the disposition date and the net proceeds received from such disposition. Realized gains and losses are calculated on a specific identification basis. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation is computed as the difference between the fair value of the investment and the cost basis of such investment.

 

INCOME TAXES. The Company provides for state and federal corporate income tax, as appropriate, because it is regarded as a corporation under Subchapter C of the Code. The Company recognizes interest and penalties in income tax expense.

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION. The accounting records of the Company are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the foreign exchange rate on the date of valuation. The Company does not isolate that portion of the results of operation resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. The Company’s investments in foreign securities may involve certain risks, including without limitation: foreign exchange restrictions, expropriation, taxation or other political, social, or economic risks, all of which could affect the market and/or credit risk of the investment. In addition, changes in the relationship of foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly affect the value of these investments and therefore the earnings of the Company.

 

SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS. Securities transactions are accounted for on the date the transaction for the purchase or sale of the securities is entered into by the Company (i.e., trade date).

 

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions and, at times, cash held in checking accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limit.

 

OPTIONS. The Company is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives and may enter into options written to hedge against changes in the value of equities. The Company may purchase put and call options to attempt to provide protection against adverse price effects from anticipated changes in prevailing prices of securities or stock indices. The Company may also write put and call options. When the Company writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Company is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current fair value of the option written.

 

Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Company on the expiration date as realized gains from investments. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or, if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Company has realized a gain or loss. The Company as writer of an option bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.

 

29

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

The average quarterly volume of the Company’s derivatives during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 is as follows:

 

     
 

PURCHASED OPTIONS
(CONTRACTS)

WARRANTS
(NOTIONAL VALUE)

WRITTEN OPTIONS
(CONTRACTS)

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

843,845

 

NOTE 3. BUSINESS RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

 

We invest a substantial portion of our assets in privately-held companies, the securities of which are inherently illiquid. We also seek to invest in small publicly-traded companies that we believe have exceptional growth potential and to make opportunistic investments in publicly-traded companies, both large and small. In the case of investments in small publicly-traded companies, although these companies are publicly traded, their stock may not trade at high volumes, and prices can be volatile, which may restrict our ability to sell our positions. We may also be subject to contractual restrictions or securities law limits on our ability to sell portfolio holdings because of, for example, our affiliation with a portfolio company or the relative size of our holding in a company. These privately held and publicly traded businesses tend to lack management depth, have limited or no history of operations and typically have not attained profitability. Because of the speculative nature of our investments and the lack of public markets for privately held investments, there is greater risk of loss than is the case with traditional investment securities.

 

We do not choose investments based on a strategy of diversification. We also do not rebalance the portfolio should one of our portfolio companies increase in value substantially relative to the rest of the portfolio. Therefore, the value of our portfolio may be more vulnerable to events affecting a single sector, industry or portfolio company and, therefore, may be subject to greater volatility than a company that follows a diversification strategy.

 

Because there is typically no public or readily-ascertainable market for our interests in the small privately-held companies in which we invest, the valuation of those securities is determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee, comprised of all members of the Board who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, in accordance with our Valuation Procedures and is subject to significant estimates and judgments. The determined value of the securities in our portfolio may differ significantly from the values that would be placed on these securities if a ready market for the securities existed. Any changes in valuation are recorded in our Statement of Operations as “Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation on investments.” Changes in valuation of any of our investments in privately-held companies from one period to another may be volatile.

 

The Board has engaged an independent valuation firm to provide it with valuation assistance with respect to certain of our portfolio investments. The Company intends to continue to engage an independent valuation firm to provide us with assistance regarding our determination of the fair value of select portfolio investments each quarter unless directed by the Board to cancel such valuation services. The scope of the services rendered by an independent valuation firm is at the discretion of the Board. The Board is ultimately and solely responsible for determining the fair value of the Company’s investments in good faith.

 

30

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available or when such market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value, the Board has approved a multi-step valuation process to be followed each quarter, as described below:

 

 

(1)

each quarter the valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially valued by the Advisor’s Valuation Committee or the independent valuation firm;

 

 

(2)

the Valuation Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis reviews the preliminary valuation of the Advisor’s Valuation Committee and that of the independent valuation firms and makes the fair value determination, in good faith, based on the valuation recommendations of the Advisor’s Valuation Committee and the independent valuation firms; and

 

 

(3)

at each quarterly Board meeting, the Board considers the valuations recommended by the Advisor’s Valuation Committee and the independent valuation firms that were previously submitted to the Valuation Committee of the Board and ratifies the fair value determinations made by the Valuation Committee of the Board.

 

NOTE 4. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEE

 

The Company has entered into an investment management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) with FCM pursuant to which the Company will pay FCM a fee for providing investment management services consisting of two components—a base management fee and an incentive fee.

 

The base management fee will be calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of our gross assets. For services rendered under the Investment Management Agreement, the base management fee will be payable quarterly in arrears. The base management fee will be calculated based on the average of (1) the value of our gross assets at the end of the current calendar quarter and (2) the value of the Company’s gross assets at the end of the preceding calendar quarter; and will be appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current calendar quarter. Base management fees for any partial month or quarter will be pro-rated.

 

The incentive fee is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Management Agreement, as of the termination date), commencing on April 15, 2011, and equals 20% of the Company’s realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid incentive fees, provided that the incentive fee determined as of December 31, 2021, will be calculated for a period of shorter than twelve calendar months to take into account any realized gains computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation from inception. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, there were no incentive fee adjustments. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, there were no incentive fee adjustments.

 

NOTE 5. DEBT

 

The Company currently has no plan to use leverage and does not have any significant outstanding debt obligations (other than normal operating expense accruals).

 

31

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 6. FAIR VALUE

 

Securities traded on stock exchanges, or quoted by NASDAQ, are valued according to the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”) official closing price, if applicable, or at their last reported sale price as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time). If a security is not traded that day, the security will be valued at its most recent bid price.

 

Securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but not quoted by NASDAQ, are valued at the last sale price (or, if the last sale price is not readily available, at the most recent closing bid price as quoted by brokers that make markets in the securities) at the close of trading on the NYSE.

 

Securities traded both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most representative market.

 

Securities and other assets that do not have market quotations readily available are valued at their fair value as determined by FCM, as the Board’s valuation designee under SEC rule 2a-5. Those valuations are determined in accordance with the Valuation Procedures used by FCM, subject to oversight by the Board.

 

In pricing illiquid, privately placed securities, FCM, as the valuation designee, is responsible for (1) determining overall valuation guidelines and (2) ensuring that the investments of the Company are valued within the prescribed guidelines.

 

FCM and the Board receive information and recommendations from an independent valuation firm.

 

The values assigned to these investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized when that investment is sold, as such amounts depend on future circumstances and cannot reasonably be determined until the individual investments are actually liquidated or become readily marketable.

 

APPROACHES TO DETERMINING FAIR VALUE. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). In effect, GAAP applies fair value terminology to all valuations whereas the 1940 Act applies market value terminology to readily marketable assets and fair value terminology to other assets.

 

The main approaches to measuring fair value utilized are the market approach, the income approach, and the asset-based approach. The choice of which approach to use in a particular situation depends on the specific facts and circumstances associated with the company, as well as the purpose for which the valuation analysis is being conducted. Firsthand and the independent valuation firm rely primarily on the market approach. We also considered the income and asset-based approaches in our analysis because certain of the portfolio companies do not have substantial operating earnings relative to the value of their underlying assets.

 

 

-

Market Approach (M): The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. For example, the market approach often uses market multiples derived from a set of comparables. Multiples might lie in ranges with a different multiple for each comparable. The selection of where within the range each appropriate multiple falls requires the use of judgment in considering factors specific to the measurement (qualitative and quantitative).

 

32

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

-

Income Approach (I): The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts (for example, cash flows or earnings) to a single present value amount (discounted). The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. Those valuation techniques include present value techniques; option-pricing models, such as the Black-Scholes-Merton formula (a closed-form model) and a binomial model (a lattice model), which incorporate present value techniques; and the multi-period excess earnings method, which is used to measure the fair value of certain assets.

 

 

-

Asset-Based Approach (A): The asset-based approach examines the value of a company’s assets net of its liabilities to derive a value for the equity holders.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT. In accordance with the guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board on fair value measurements and disclosures under GAAP, the Company discloses the fair value of its investments in a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to valuations based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to valuations based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation (Level 3 measurements).

 

The guidance establishes three levels of the fair value hierarchy as follows:

 

 

Level 1 -

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the date of measurement.

 

 

Level 2 -

Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument in an inactive market, prices for similar instruments in an active or inactive market, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, yield curves, default rates, and similar data.

 

 

Level 3 -

Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability based on the best information available.

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

 

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

33

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Company’s net assets as of September 30, 2022:

 

                 

ASSETS

 

LEVEL 1
QUOTED PRICES

   

LEVEL 2 OTHER
SIGNIFICANT
OBSERVABLE INPUTS

   

LEVEL 3 SIGNIFICANT
OBSERVABLE INPUTS

 

Common Stocks

                       

Advanced Materials

  $     $     $ 379,650  

Automotive

                567  

Equipment Leasing

                16,220  

Intellectual Property

                111  

Semiconductor Equipment

    3,053,041              

Total Common Stocks

    3,053,041             396,548  

Preferred Stocks

                       

Aerospace

                597,131  

Automotive

                1,074,986  

Equipment Leasing

                1,183,820  

Intellectual Property

                750,537  

Total Preferred Stocks

                3,606,474  

Asset Derivatives *

                       

Equity Contracts

                1,471,728  

Total Asset Derivatives

                1,471,728  

Convertible Notes

                       

Advanced Materials

                100,000  

Aerospace

                5,235,000  

Automotive

                10,857,847  

Medical Devices

                20,740,428  

Total Convertible Notes

                36,933,275  

Mutual Funds

    1,142,833              

Total

  $ 4,195,874     $     $ 42,408,025  

 

*

Asset derivatives include warrants.

 

At the end of each calendar quarter, management evaluates the Level 2 and Level 3 assets and liabilities for changes in liquidity, including but not limited to: whether a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price, the depth and consistency of prices from third party services, and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the Level 1 and Level 2 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

34

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets (at either the beginning or the ending of the period) for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.

 

                                         

INVESTMENTS AT FAIR
VALUE USING SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS
(LEVEL 3)

 

BALANCE
AS OF
12/31/21

   

NET
PURCHASES/
CONVERSIONS

   

NET SALES/
CONVERSIONS

   

NET REALIZED
GAINS/
(LOSSES)

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
(1)

   

TRANSFERS
IN (OUT) OF
LEVEL 3

   

BALANCE
AS OF
09/30/22

 

Common Stocks

                                                       

Advanced Materials

  $ 613,650     $     $     $     $ (234,000 )   $     $ 379,650  

Automotive

    1,126                         (559 )           567  

Equipment Leasing

    31,490                         (15,270 )           16,220  

Intellectual Property

    277                         (166 )           111  

Total Common Stocks

    646,543                         (249,995 )           396,548  

Preferred Stocks

                                                       

Aerospace

    324,245                         272,886             597,131  

Automotive

    1,777,068                         (702,082 )           1,074,986  

Equipment Leasing

    1,898,420             (100,000 )           (614,600 )           1,183,820  

Intellectual Property

    1,050,442                         (299,905 )           750,537  

Medical Devices

    670,062                         (670,062 )            

Semiconductor Equipment

    280,160                   (4,082,192 )     3,802,032              

Total Preferred Stocks

    6,000,397             (100,000 )     (4,082,192 )     1,788,269             3,606,474  

Asset Derivatives

                                                       

Equity Contracts

    802,210                         669,518             1,471,728  

Total Asset Derivatives

    802,210                         669,518             1,471,728  

Convertible Notes

                                                       

Advanced Materials

    100,000                                     100,000  

Aerospace

    4,380,000       855,000                               5,235,000  

Automotive

    21,404,015       2,200,000                   (12,746,168 )           10,857,847  

Medical Devices

    26,411,129       1,400,000                   (7,070,701 )           20,740,428  

Total Convertible Notes

    52,295,144       4,455,000                   (19,816,869 )           36,933,275  

Total

  $ 59,744,294     $ 4,455,000     $ (100,000 )   $ (4,082,192 )   $ (17,609,077 )   $     $ 42,408,025  

 

(1)

The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from Level 3 instruments held as of September 30, 2022 was $(21,691,268).

 

35

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

The table below represents quantitative disclosure about significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements at September 30, 2022:

 

       

 

FAIR
VALUE AT
09/30/22

VALUATION TECHNIQUES

UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS

RANGE
(WEIGHTED AVG.)

Direct venture capital investments: Advanced Materials

$0.5M

Market Comparable Companies

Option Pricing Model

EBITDA Multiple

Revenue Multiple

Years to Maturity

Volatility

Risk-Free Rate

Discount for Lack of Marketability

4.9x - 6.4x (5.7x)

0.6x – 0.6x (0.6x)

5 years (5 years)

50.0% (50.0%)

4.06% (4.06%)

22.7% (22.7%)

Direct venture capital investments: Aerospace

$7.3M

Market Comparable Companies

Option Pricing Model

EBITDA Multiple

Years to Maturity

Volatility

Risk-Free Rate

7.0x – 10.2x (7.9x)

5 years (5 years)

60.0% (60.0%)

4.06% (4.06%)

Direct venture capital investments: Automotive

$11.9M

Prior Transaction Analysis

Option Pricing Model

Probability-Weighted Expected Return Method

Years to Maturity

Volatility

Risk-Free Rate

Discount for Lack of Marketability

Going Concern Probability

5 years (5 years)

50.0% (50.0%)

4.06% (4.06%)

0.0% - 22.7% (0.0%)

10% (10%)

Direct venture capital investments: Equipment Leasing

$1.2M

Discounted Cash Flow

Option Pricing Model

Weighted Average Cost of Capital

Years to Maturity

Volatility

Risk-Free Rate

20.0% (20.0%)

5 years (5 years)

50.0% (50.0%)

4.06% (4.06%)

Direct venture capital investments: Intellectual Property

$0.8M

Discounted Cash Flow

Option Pricing Model

Weighted Average Cost of Capital

Years to Maturity

Volatility

Risk-Free Rate

Discount for Lack of Marketability

12.5% (12.5%)

5 years (5 years)

55.0% (55.0%)

4.06% (4.06%)

0.0% - 24.3% (0.0%)

Direct venture capital investments: Medical Devices

$20.7M

Market Comparable Companies

Revenue Multiple

1.9x – 2.2x (2.1x)

 

36

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 7. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

 

Beginning in 2018, we were no longer able to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. The increase in value that resulted from the initial public offerings (IPOs) of Pivotal Systems and Revasum meant that we were no longer able to satisfy the diversification requirements for qualification as a RIC. As a result of this change, we were taxed as a corporation for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, and will continue to be taxed in that manner for future fiscal years, paying federal and applicable state corporate taxes on our taxable income, unless and until we are able to once again qualify as a RIC, based on changes in the composition of our portfolio. Consequently, at the close of each fiscal quarter beginning with the quarter ended June 30, 2018, we will record a deferred tax liability for any net realized gains and net ordinary income for the year-to-date period plus net unrealized gains as of the end of the quarter.

 

The reorganization described in Note 1 (the formation of FVI as a fully owned subsidiary for investment activities) was structured to avoid any adverse tax consequences for the Company and its shareholders. For the fiscal years which the Company operates as a RIC, we believe Company’s engaging in investment activities through FVI did not, in our view, jeopardize the Company’s ability to continue to qualify as a RIC under the Code at that time when the Company was eligible to be treated as a RIC.

 

The following information is based upon the U.S. federal income tax cost of portfolio investments as of September 30, 2022.

 

     
   

FEDERAL INCOME
TAX COST:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

  $ 1,471,727  

Gross unrealized depreciation

    (96,628,458 )

Net unrealized (depreciation)

  $ (95,156,731 )

Federal income tax cost, Investments

  $ 141,760,630  

 

The Company did not qualify as a regulated investment company pursuant to Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, therefore it is taxed as a corporation. As a corporation, the Company is obligated to pay federal and state income tax on taxable income. The Company’s net deferred tax asset balance has a full valuation allowance based on management’s estimate of future realization of such assets. The Company is currently using an estimated tax rate of 21% for Federal and 6.98% for state taxes.

 

The Company’s income tax provision consists of the following as of December 31, 2021

 

       

Deferred tax (expense)/benefit

       

Federal

  $  

State

     

Total deferred tax (expense)/benefit

  $  

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Such temporary differences are principally: (i) taxes on unrealized gains/(losses), which are attributable to the temporary difference between fair market value and tax basis, (ii) the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes, and (iii) the net tax benefit of accumulated net operating losses and capital loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using effective tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years such temporary differences are realized or otherwise settled.

 

37

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2021 are as follows:

 

     
   

AMOUNT

 

Deferred tax assets:

       

Net operating loss carryforward

  $ 261,739  

Capital loss carryforward

    6,084,731  

Net unrealized losses (gains) on investment securities

    15,137,185  

Total deferred tax assets

    21,483,655  

Valuation allowance

    (21,483,655 )

Net

  $  

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had an effective tax rate of 0% and a statutory tax rate of 21% (27.98% with state income tax) with the difference primarily being attributable to changes in the deferred tax asset valuation account.

 

The effective tax rate and statutory federal income tax rate for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

 

       
 

THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Effective tax rate

0%

0%

0%

0%

Statutory federal income tax rate

21%

21%

21%

21%

 

The variance in the effective tax rate and statutory federal income tax rate for the three- and nine-month periods ending September 30, 2022, is the result of changes to the deferred tax assets and related valuation allowance account. At September 30, 2022 the Company has established a full valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets.

 

To the extent the Company has a deferred tax asset or if a portion of the deferred tax liability is offset by a tax asset resulting from net operating losses, consideration is given to whether or not a valuation allowance is required against the deferred tax asset amount. A valuation allowance is required if, based on the evaluation criterion provided by Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740), it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Among the factors considered in assessing the Company’s valuation allowance are: the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of the statutory carryforward periods, and the associated risks that operating and capital loss carryforwards may expire unused. Based on the Company’s assessment, it has determined that in the future it is more likely than not that the Company will not generate the necessary appropriate character of income within the carryforward periods to realize its deferred tax assets, and as such, has placed a full allowance on the deferred tax assets.

 

From time to time, and as new information becomes available, the Company will modify its forecasts, estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability or asset.

 

Modifications of the Company’s estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances and any applicable valuation allowance, changes in generally accepted accounting principles or related guidance or interpretations thereof, limitations imposed on net operating losses (if any), and changes in applicable tax law could result in increases or decreases in the Company’s NAV, which could be material. Such changes could have a material impact on the Company’s

 

38

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

NAV and results of operations with respect to the Company’s shareholders in the period it is recorded, even though the shareholders at such time might not have held shares in the Company at the time the deferred tax asset or liability had been established.

 

The Company’s policy is to classify interest and penalties associated with underpayment of federal and state income taxes, if any, as income tax expense on its Statement of Operations. As of December 31, 2021, the Company did not have any interest or penalties associated with the underpayment of any income taxes.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and California. The Company has reviewed all major jurisdictions and concluded that there is no significant impact on the Company’s net assets and no tax liability resulting from unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions expected to be taken on its tax returns. Furthermore, management of the Company is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next 12 months.

 

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state of income tax purposes of $935,449, which may be carried forward indefinitely.

 

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had net capital loss carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes, which may be carried forward for 5 years, as follows:

 

     

EXPIRATION DATE

 

AMOUNT

 

12/31/24

  $ 14,230,073  

12/31/25

    7,516,642  

Total

  $ 21,746,715  

 

NOTE 8. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

Investment transactions (excluding short-term investments) were as follows for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

 

       

PURCHASES AND SALES

       

Purchases of investment securities

  $ 2,734  

Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities

  $ 5,307,261  

 

NOTE 9. SHARE BUYBACKS

 

SHARE BUYBACKS. On April 26, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved a discretionary share repurchase plan (the “Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund was authorized to purchase in the open market up to $2 million worth of its common stock. The Plan allowed the Fund to acquire its own shares at certain thresholds below its NAV per share, in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The intent of the Plan was to increase NAV per share and thereby enhance shareholder value. The Fund completed the repurchase plan in September 2016, having repurchased and retired a total of 272,008 shares of stock, at a total cost of approximately $2 million.

 

On November 10, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved a discretionary share purchase plan (the “Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund was authorized to purchase in the open market up to $2 million worth of its common stock. The Plan allowed the Fund to acquire its own shares in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b-18

 

39

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

of the Exchange Act. The intent of the Plan was to increase NAV per share and thereby enhance shareholder value. As of December 31, 2017, the Fund had repurchased and retired 128,551 shares of stock at a total cost of approximately $1.1 million. The Fund had 7,302,146 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017.

 

On August 31, 2018, the Fund announced a plan to repurchase up to $2 million worth of SVVC stock in the open market by March 31, 2019. The Fund completed this open market repurchase plan on October 24, 2018. Through that date, the Fund repurchased 123,376 shares at an average price of $16.21 per share, for total consideration of $2.0 million. As of December 31, 2018, the Fund had 7,178,770 shares outstanding.

 

TENDER OFFERS. On December 22, 2014, pursuant to our agreement with a shareholder, the Fund commenced a tender offer to purchase up to $20 million of its issued and outstanding common shares for cash at a price per share equal to 95% of the Company’s NAV per share determined as of the close of ordinary trading on the NASDAQ Global Market on December 31, 2014 ($23.2702 per share). The tender offer, which expired on January 22, 2015 at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, was oversubscribed. Because the number of shares tendered exceeded the maximum amount of its offer, the Fund purchased shares from tendering shareholders on a pro-rata basis based on the number of shares properly tendered. Of the 5,044,728 shares properly tendered, the Fund purchased 859,468 shares of common stock pursuant to the tender offer.

 

On December 16, 2019, the Fund announced the commencement of a “modified Dutch auction” tender offer to purchase up to $2 million of its common stock at a price per share not less than $6.00 and not greater than $8.00, in $0.10 increments. The tender offer expired on February 14, 2020, and resulted in the purchase by the Fund of 285,714 shares of common stock at a price of $7.00 per share. As of March 31, 2020, the Fund had 6,893,056 shares outstanding.

 

NOTE 10. INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES AND CONTROLLED INVESTMENTS

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Company is required to identify investments where it owns greater than 5% (but less than 25%) of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting shares as an affiliate of the Company. Also, under the 1940 Act, the Company is required to identify investments where it owns greater than 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting shares as a controlled investment of the Company. A summary of the Company’s investments in affiliates and controlled investments for the period from December 31, 2021, through September 30, 2022, is noted below:

 

                                               

AFFILIATE/
CONTROLLED
INVESTMENTS*

 

VALUE AT
12/31/21

   

PURCHASE/
MERGER

   

INTEREST

   

SALES/
MATURITY/
EXPIRATION

   

REALIZED
GAIN (LOSS)

   

CHANGE IN
APPRECIATION/
DEPRECIATION

   

VALUE
9/30/22

   

SHARES HELD
AT 9/30/22

 

EQX Capital, Inc. Common Stock*

  $ 31,490     $     $     $     $     $ (15,270 )   $ 16,220       100,000  

EQX Capital, Inc. Series A Preferred Stock*

    1,898,420                   (100,000 )           (614,600 )     1,183,820       2,200,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    40,000             3,533                         40,000       40,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

          100,000       2,222                         100,000       100,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    200,000             15,696                         200,000       200,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

          55,000       2,200                         55,000       55,000  

 

40

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

AFFILIATE/
CONTROLLED
INVESTMENTS*

 

VALUE AT
12/31/21

   

PURCHASE/
MERGER

   

INTEREST

   

SALES/
MATURITY/
EXPIRATION

   

REALIZED
GAIN (LOSS)

   

CHANGE IN
APPRECIATION/
DEPRECIATION

   

VALUE
9/30/22

   

SHARES HELD
AT 9/30/22

 

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

  $ 150,000     $     $ 12,334     $     $     $     $ 150,000       150,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    150,000             12,626                         150,000       150,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    150,000             11,527                         150,000       150,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

          70,000       312       (70,000 )                        

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    150,000             11,375                         150,000       150,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    150,000             11,375                         150,000       150,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    150,000             11,375                         150,000       150,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    150,000             11,658                         150,000       150,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

          90,000       2,375                         90,000       90,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    200,000             17,306                         200,000       200,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

          75,000       2,354                         75,000       75,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

          75,000       3,292                         75,000       75,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

          75,000       2,667                         75,000       75,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

          150,000       9,708                         150,000       150,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    500,000             52,986                         500,000       500,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    50,000             4,141                         50,000       50,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    150,000             12,038                         150,000       150,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    150,000             12,178                         150,000       150,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

          70,000       3,325                         70,000       70,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    250,000             20,881                         250,000       250,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    500,000             55,470                         500,000       500,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    250,000             20,880                         250,000       250,000  

 

41

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

AFFILIATE/
CONTROLLED
INVESTMENTS*

 

VALUE AT
12/31/21

   

PURCHASE/
MERGER

   

INTEREST

   

SALES/
MATURITY/
EXPIRATION

   

REALIZED
GAIN (LOSS)

   

CHANGE IN
APPRECIATION/
DEPRECIATION

   

VALUE
9/30/22

   

SHARES HELD
AT 9/30/22

 

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

  $ 250,000     $     $ 22,369     $     $     $     $ 250,000       250,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    220,000             18,757                         220,000       220,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    20,000             1,748                         20,000       20,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    150,000             11,375                         150,000       150,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

          90,000       4,650                         90,000       90,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

          75,000       4,250                         75,000       75,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    250,000             20,881                         250,000       250,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*

    150,000             11,924                         150,000       150,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Series C Preferred*

    86,390                               73,140       159,530       2,650,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Series A Preferred*

    8,377                               5,464       13,841       3,642,324  

Hera Systems, Inc. Series B Preferred*

    229,479                               194,281       423,760       7,039,203  

Hera Systems, Inc. Series B Warrants*

    202,296                               171,469       373,765       6,214,922  

Hera Systems, Inc. Series B Warrants*

    170,888                               144,847       315,735       5,250,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Series B Warrants*

    22,785                               19,313       42,098       700,000  

Hera Systems, Inc. Series B Warrants*

    398,738                               337,977       736,715       12,250,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    1,000,000             (29,178 )                 (254,240 )     745,760       1,000,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    500,000             (141,630 )                 (127,120 )     372,880       500,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    1,000,000             (105,249 )                 (254,240 )     745,760       1,000,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    500,000             (111,390 )                 (127,120 )     372,880       500,000  

 

42

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

AFFILIATE/
CONTROLLED
INVESTMENTS*

 

VALUE AT
12/31/21

   

PURCHASE/
MERGER

   

INTEREST

   

SALES/
MATURITY/
EXPIRATION

   

REALIZED
GAIN (LOSS)

   

CHANGE IN
APPRECIATION/
DEPRECIATION

   

VALUE
9/30/22

   

SHARES HELD
AT 9/30/22

 

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

  $ 500,000     $     $ (421 )   $     $     $ (127,120 )   $ 372,880       500,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    3,000,000             58,522                   (762,720 )     2,237,280       3,000,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    1,000,000             (296,025 )                 (254,240 )     745,760       1,000,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    500,000             (178,884 )                 (127,120 )     372,880       500,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    10,961,129             (5,721,295 )                 (2,786,757 )     8,174,372       10,961,129  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    1,300,000             (542,140 )                 (330,512 )     969,488       1,300,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    500,000             (183,777 )                 (127,120 )     372,880       500,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    500,000             (34,726 )                 (127,120 )     372,880       500,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

          350,000                         (88,984 )     261,016       350,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

          700,000                         (177,968 )     522,032       700,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    500,000             (20,753 )                 (127,120 )     372,880       500,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    500,000             (17,877 )                 (127,120 )     372,880       500,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

          150,000                         (38,136 )     111,864       150,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    500,000             (6,781 )                 (127,120 )     372,880       500,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

          200,000                         (50,848 )     149,152       200,000  

 

43

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

AFFILIATE/
CONTROLLED
INVESTMENTS*

 

VALUE AT
12/31/21

   

PURCHASE/
MERGER

   

INTEREST

   

SALES/
MATURITY/
EXPIRATION

   

REALIZED
GAIN (LOSS)

   

CHANGE IN
APPRECIATION/
DEPRECIATION

   

VALUE
9/30/22

   

SHARES HELD
AT 9/30/22

 

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

  $ 500,000     $     $ (10,274 )   $     $     $ (127,120 )   $ 372,880       500,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    400,000             (104,983 )                 (101,696 )     298,304       400,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*

    750,000             (157,131 )                 (190,680 )     559,320       750,000  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Series C Preferred*

    670,062                               (670,062 )           26,856,187  

IntraOp Medical Corp. Term Note*

    2,000,000             39,452                   (508,480 )     1,491,520       2,000,000  

Pivotal Systems Corp. CDI*(1)

    9,287,771                   (2,107,070 )     2,097,196       (9,277,897 )            

Revasum, Inc. CDI*(1)

    21,466,824       2,735             (3,100,196 )     (1,146,583 )     (14,169,739 )     3,053,041       39,774,889  

Silicon Genesis Corp. Common Stock*

    277                               (166 )     111       921,892  

Silicon Genesis Corp. Common Warrants*

    3                               (2 )     1       37,982  

Silicon Genesis Corp. Series 1-D Preferred*

    5,275                               (2,637 )     2,638       850,830  

Silicon Genesis Corp. Series 1-F Preferred*

    100,187                               (28,194 )     71,993       912,453  

Silicon Genesis Corp. Series 1-G Preferred*

    439,206                               (126,731 )     312,475       48,370,793  

Silicon Genesis Corp. Series 1-H Preferred*

    50,277                               (14,162 )     36,115       837,942  

Silicon Genesis Corp. Series 1-E Preferred*

    453,506                               (127,210 )     326,296       5,704,480  

Silicon Genesis Corp. Series 1-C Preferred Stock*

    1,990                               (970 )     1,020       82,914  

SVXR, Inc. Series A Preferred Stock

                            (4,082,192 )     4,082,192              

 

44

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

AFFILIATE/
CONTROLLED
INVESTMENTS*

 

VALUE AT
12/31/21

   

PURCHASE/
MERGER

   

INTEREST

   

SALES/
MATURITY/
EXPIRATION

   

REALIZED
GAIN (LOSS)

   

CHANGE IN
APPRECIATION/
DEPRECIATION

   

VALUE
9/30/22

   

SHARES HELD
AT 9/30/22

 

UCT Coatings, Inc. Common Stock

  $ 613,650     $     $     $     $     $ (234,000 )   $ 379,650       1,500,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Common Stock*

    1,126                               (559 )     567       69,102  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    300,000             (10,100 )                 (162,000 )     138,000       300,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    400,000             (51,807 )                 (216,000 )     184,000       400,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    1,000,000             (24,333 )                 (540,000 )     460,000       1,000,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    1,000,000             (13,000 )                 (540,000 )     460,000       1,000,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    1,000,000             (1,333 )                 (540,000 )     460,000       1,000,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    700,000             (20,533 )                 (378,000 )     322,000       700,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

          200,000                         (108,000 )     92,000       200,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

          185,000                         (99,900 )     85,100       185,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    1,400,000             (145,600 )                 (756,000 )     644,000       1,400,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    1,200,000             (105,600 )                 (648,000 )     552,000       1,200,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    1,000,000             (76,000 )                 (540,000 )     460,000       1,000,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    1,000,000             (64,355 )                 (540,000 )     460,000       1,000,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    1,000,000             (53,000 )                 (540,000 )     460,000       1,000,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    1,050,000             (159,157 )                 (567,000 )     483,000       1,050,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    400,000             (56,294 )                 (216,000 )     184,000       400,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    900,000             (147,525 )                 (486,000 )     414,000       900,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    1,000,000             (45,000 )                 (540,000 )     460,000       1,000,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    750,000             (131,069 )                 (405,000 )     345,000       750,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    4,929,015             (1,625,767 )                 (2,661,668 )     2,267,347       4,929,015  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

          65,000                         (35,100 )     29,900       65,000  

 

45

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

AFFILIATE/
CONTROLLED
INVESTMENTS*

 

VALUE AT
12/31/21

   

PURCHASE/
MERGER

   

INTEREST

   

SALES/
MATURITY/
EXPIRATION

   

REALIZED
GAIN (LOSS)

   

CHANGE IN
APPRECIATION/
DEPRECIATION

   

VALUE
9/30/22

   

SHARES HELD
AT 9/30/22

 

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

  $     $ 250,000     $     $     $     $ (135,000 )   $ 115,000       250,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

          250,000                         (135,000 )     115,000       250,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

          250,000                         (135,000 )     115,000       250,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

          250,000                         (135,000 )     115,000       250,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

          250,000                         (135,000 )     115,000       250,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

          250,000                         (135,000 )     115,000       250,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

          250,000                         (135,000 )     115,000       250,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    375,000             (50,813 )                 (202,500 )     172,500       375,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note*

    2,000,000             (250,063 )                 (1,080,000 )     920,000       2,000,000  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Series AA Preferred*

    1,777,068                               (702,082 )     1,074,986       60,733,693  

Wrightspeed, Inc. Series AA Warrants*

    7,500                               (4,086 )     3,414       609,756  

Total Affiliates and Controlled Investments

  $ 90,118,729             $ (10,174,101 )           $ (3,131,579 )   $ (40,776,553 )   $ 45,361,066          

Total Affiliates

    613,650                             (4,082,192 )     3,848,192       379,650          

Total Controlled Investments

  $ 89,505,079             $ (10,174,101 )           $ 950,613     $ (44,624,745 )   $ 44,981,416          

 

*

Controlled Investments.

(1)

CDI CHESS Depositary Interests

 

As of September 30, 2022, Kevin Landis, the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, represented the Company and sat on the boards of directors of Hera Systems, Inc.; IntraOp Medical Corp.; Revasum, Inc.; Silicon Genesis Corp.; and Wrightspeed, Inc. Serving on boards of directors of portfolio companies may cause conflicts of interest. The Advisor has adopted various procedures to ensure that the Company will not be unfavorably affected by these potential conflicts.

 

46

 

 

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - continued

 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 11. MARKET DISRUPTION AND GEOPOLITICAL RISKS

 

Certain local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on a security or instrument. Since 2020, the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) has negatively affected the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, the financial health of individual companies and the market in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order in February 2022 prohibiting U.S. persons from entering transactions with the Central Bank of Russia and Executive Orders in March 2022 prohibiting U.S. persons from importing oil and gas from Russia as well as other popular Russian exports, such as diamonds, seafood and vodka. The duration of the coronavirus outbreak and the Russian-Ukraine conflict could adversely affect the Company’s performance. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and Russia invasion on the financial performance of the Company’s investments is not reasonably estimable at this time.

 

NOTE 12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Company through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

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Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The matters discussed in this report, as well as in future oral and written statements by management of the Company, include forward-looking statements based on current management expectations that involve substantial risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements related to future events or our future financial performance. We generally identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar words. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new investments and to achieve certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this report should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans or objectives will be achieved. The forward-looking statements contained in this report include, without limitations, statements as to:

 

our future operating results;

our business prospects and the prospects of our prospective portfolio companies;

the impact of investments that we expect to make;

the impact of a protracted decline in the liquidity of the credit markets on our business;

our informal relationships with third parties;

the expected market for venture capital investments and our addressable market;

the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

our ability to access the equity market;

the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

our expected financings and investments;

our regulatory structure and tax status;

our ability to operate as a business development company and a regulated investment company;

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;

the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operation of our portfolio companies;

the timing, form, and amount of any dividend distributions;

impact of fluctuation of interest rates on our business;

valuation of any investments in portfolio companies particularly those having no liquid trading market; and

our ability to recover unrealized losses.

 

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this report relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report.

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this prospectus contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking information due to the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” appearing elsewhere herein.

 

OVERVIEW

 

We are an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company organized as a Maryland corporation that has elected to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. As such, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For instance, we generally have to invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets,”

 

48

 

 

including securities of private or micro-cap public U.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. In addition, for tax purposes we are treated as a corporation and are subject to federal and state taxes on our income. FCM serves as our investment adviser and manages the investment process on a daily basis.

 

Our investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital, principally by seeking capital gains on our equity and equity-related investments. There can be no assurance that we will achieve our investment objective. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of our net assets for investment purposes in technology companies. We consider technology companies to be those companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from products and/or services within the information technology sector or in the “cleantech” sector. Information technology companies include, but are not limited to, those focused on computer hardware, software, telecommunications, networking, Internet, and consumer electronics. While there is no standard definition of cleantech, it is generally regarded as including goods and services designed to harness renewable energy and materials, eliminate emissions and waste, and reduce the use of natural resources. In addition, under normal circumstances we invest at least 70% of our total assets in privately held companies and public companies with market capitalizations of less than $250 million. Our portfolio is primarily composed of equity and equity derivative securities of technology and cleantech companies (as defined above). These investments generally range between $1 million and $10 million each, although the investment size will vary proportionately with the size of our capital base. We acquire our investments through direct investments in private companies, negotiations with selling shareholders, and in organized secondary marketplaces for private securities.

 

While our primary focus is to invest in illiquid private technology and cleantech companies, we also may invest in micro-cap publicly traded companies. In addition, we may invest up to 30 percent of the portfolio in opportunistic investments that do not constitute the private companies and micro-cap public companies described above. These other investments may include investments in securities of public companies that are actively traded or in actively traded derivative securities such as options on securities or security indices. These other investments may also include investments in high-yield bonds, distressed debt, or securities of public companies that are actively traded and securities of companies located outside of the United States. Our investment activities are managed by FCM.

 

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

 

We make investments in securities of both public and private companies. Our portfolio investments consist principally of equity and equity-like securities, including common and preferred stock, warrants for the purchase of common and preferred stock, and convertible and term notes. The fair value of our investment portfolio was approximately $46.6 million as of September 30, 2022, as compared to approximately $91.1 million as of December 31, 2021.

 

The following table summarizes the fair value of our investment portfolio by industry sector as of September 30, 2022, and December 31, 2021.

 

 

September 30, 2022

December 31, 2021

Medical Devices

54.0%

28.6%

Automotive

31.1%

24.5%

Aerospace

19.0%

5.8%

Semiconductor Equipment

7.9%

32.8%

Equipment Leasing

3.1%

2.0%

Intellectual Property

2.0%

1.1%

Advanced Materials

1.2%

0.7%

Exchange-Traded/Money Market Funds

3.0%

0.7%

Other Assets/(Liabilities)

(21.3)%

3.8%

Net Assets

100.0%

100.0%

 

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MATURITY OF PRIVATE COMPANIES IN THE CURRENT PORTFOLIO

 

The Fund invests in private companies at various stages of maturity. As our portfolio companies mature, they move from the “early (development) stage” to the “middle (revenue) stage” and then to the “late stage.” We expect that this continuous progression may create a pipeline of potential exit opportunities through initial public offerings (IPOs) or acquisitions. Of course, some companies do not progress. The illustration below describes typical characteristics of companies at each stage of maturity and where we believe our current portfolio companies fit within these categories. We expect some of our portfolio companies to transition between stages of maturity over time. The transition may be forward if the company is maturing and is successfully executing its business plan or may be backward if the company is not successfully executing its business plan or decides to change its business plan substantially from its original plan.

 

EARLY STAGE

MIDDLE STAGE

LATE STAGE

Developing product or service for market, high level of research and development, little or no revenue.

Established product, customers,
business model; limited revenues.

Appreciable revenue; may be break-even or profitable; IPO or acquisition candidate.

 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Comparison of the three months ended September 30, 2022 to the three months ended September 30, 2021.

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2022, we had investment income of $(8,300,245) primarily attributable to adjustments to interest accrued on convertible note investments with IntraOp Medical and Wrightspeed.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2021, we had investment income of $1,548,910 primarily attributable to interest accrued on convertible/term note investments with IntraOp Medical, Hera Systems and Wrightspeed.

 

The lower level of interest income in the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 was due to interest adjustments on convertible notes with IntraOp Medical and Wrightspeed.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

Net operating expenses totaled approximately $543,724 during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and $830,323 during the three months ended September 30, 2021.

 

Significant components of net operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2022, were management fee expense of $268,873 and professional fees (audit, legal, accounting, and consulting) of $94,567. Significant components of net operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2021, were management fee expense of $555,311 and professional fees (audit, legal, accounting, and consulting) of $101,564.

 

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The lower level of net operating expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021, is primarily attributable to a decrease in our total assets, on which the investment advisory fees are based.

 

NET INVESTMENT INCOME/(LOSS)

 

Net investment income/(loss) was $(8,843,969) for the three months ended September 30, 2022 versus a net investment income of $718,587 for the three months ended September 30, 2021.

 

The lower net investment income in the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021, is primarily attributable to a decrease in interest income due to an adjustment for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

 

NET INVESTMENT REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES AND UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION

 

A summary of the net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments for the three-month period ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, is shown below.

 

   

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2022

 

Realized gains

  $ 1,798,092  

Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments

    (4,315,693 )

Net realized and unrealized losses on investments

  $ (2,517,601 )

 

   

As of
September 30, 2022

 

Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments

  $ 1,471,727  

Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments

    (96,628,458 )

Net unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments

  $ (95,156,731 )

 

   

Three Months Ended
September 30, 2021

 

Realized gains

  $ 0  

Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments

    (9,293,150 )

Net realized and unrealized losses on investments

  $ (9,293,150 )

 

   

As of
September 30, 2021

 

Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments

  $ 21,752,888  

Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments

    (63,351,649 )

Net unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments

  $ (41,598,761 )

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2022, we recognized net realized gains of $1,798,092.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2022, net unrealized depreciation on total investments increased by $4,315,693. The change in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of our private investments is based on portfolio asset valuations determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. This change in net unrealized depreciation was primarily caused by a decrease in the valuations of our investments, primarily our Wrightspeed and Revasum holdings.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2021, we did not recognize any net realized gains.

 

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During the three months ended September 30, 2021, net unrealized depreciation on total investments increased by $9,293,150. The change in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of our private investments is based on portfolio asset valuations determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. This change in net unrealized depreciation was primarily caused by a decrease in the valuations of our investments, primarily our IntraOp Medical, Wrightspeed and Pivotal holdings.

 

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS AND CHANGE IN NET ASSETS PER SHARE

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2022, the net decrease in net assets resulting from operations totaled $(11,361,570) and the basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per share for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was $(1.65).

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2021, the net decrease in net assets resulting from operations (net of deferred taxes) totaled $(8,574,563) and the basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per share for the three months ended September 30, 2021 was $(1.24).

 

The greater decrease in net assets resulting from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2022, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021, is due primarily to an adjustment to interest accrued for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

 

Comparison of the nine months ended September 30, 2022 to the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we had investment income/(loss) of $(10,176,866) primarily attributable to adjustments to accrued interest on convertible/term note investments with IntraOp Medical and Wrightspeed.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we had investment income of $4,241,642 primarily attributable to interest accrued on convertible/term note investments with IntraOp Medical, Hera Systems and Wrightspeed.

 

The lower level of interest income/(loss) in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was due to an interest adjustment on convertible notes with IntraOp Medical and Wrightspeed.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

Net operating expenses totaled approximately $1,956,735 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and $2,461,312 during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

 

Significant components of net operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, were management fee expense of $1,144,669 and professional fees (audit, legal, accounting, and consulting) of $280,272. Significant components of net operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, were management fee expense of $1,694,468 and professional fees (audit, legal, accounting, and consulting) of $271,083.

 

The lower level of net operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021, is primarily attributable to a decrease in our total net assets, on which the investment advisory fees are based.

 

NET INVESTMENT INCOME/(LOSS)

 

Net investment income/(loss) was $(12,133,601) for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and $1,780,330 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

 

The lower net investment income/(loss) in the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021, is primarily attributable to an interest adjustment on convertible notes with IntraOp Medical and Wrightspeed on which investment income is accrued.

 

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NET INVESTMENT REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES AND UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION

 

A summary of the gross and net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2022, and September 30, 2021, is shown below.

 

   

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022

 

Realized losses

  $ (3,129,684 )

Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments

    (41,056,714 )

Net realized and unrealized losses on investments

  $ (44,186,398 )

 

   

As of
September 30, 2022

 

Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments

  $ 1,471,727  

Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments

    (96,628,458 )

Net unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments

  $ (95,156,731 )

 

   

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021

 

Realized gains

  $ 4,548,624  

Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments

    (9,702,990 )

Net realized and unrealized losses on investments

  $ (5,154,366 )

 

   

As of
September 30, 2021

 

Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments

  $ 21,752,888  

Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments

    (63,351,649 )

Net unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments

  $ (41,598,761 )

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we recognized net realized losses of approximately $(3,129,684) from the sale of investments.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, net unrealized depreciation on total investments increased by $41,056,714. The change in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of our private investments is based on portfolio asset valuations determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. This increase in net unrealized depreciation was primarily caused by a decrease in the valuations of our Wrightspeed, Hera Systems, Pivotal Systems, IntraOp Medical and Revasum holdings.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we recognized net realized gains of approximately $4,548,624 from the sale of securities.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net unrealized depreciation on total investments increased by $9,702,990. The change in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of our private investments is based on portfolio asset valuations determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. This increase in net unrealized depreciation was primarily caused by a decrease in the valuations of our Wrightspeed and SVXR investments.

 

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS AND CHANGE IN NET ASSETS PER SHARE

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the net decrease in net assets resulting from operations totaled $56,319,999 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the net decrease in net assets resulting from operations totaled $3,374,036. The basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was $(8.17) and the basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per share for the nine months ended

 

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September 30, 2021 was $(0.49). The greater decrease in net assets resulting from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021, is due primarily to a greater decline in the valuation in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 of certain of our investments.

 

DISTRIBUTION POLICY

 

Our board of directors will determine the timing and amount, if any, of our distributions. We are not required to pay any minimum level of distributions of our income or capital gains.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

The Fund does not have any Contractual Obligations that meet the requirements for disclosure under Item 303 of Regulation S-K.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

The Fund does not have any Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

This discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements will require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets, and any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual results to differ. In addition to the discussion below, we will describe our critical accounting policies in the notes to our future financial statements.

 

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

 

As a business development company, we generally invest in illiquid equity and equity derivatives of securities of venture capital stage technology companies. Under written procedures established by our board of directors, securities traded on stock exchanges, or quoted by NASDAQ, are valued according to the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”) official closing price, if applicable, or at their last reported sale price as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time). If a security is not traded that day, the security will be valued at its most recent bid price. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but not quoted by NASDAQ, are valued at the last sale price (or, if the last sale price is not readily available, at the most recent closing bid price as quoted by brokers that make markets in the securities) at the close of trading on the NYSE. Securities traded both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most representative market. We obtain these market values from an independent pricing service or at the mean between the bid and ask prices obtained from at least two brokers or dealers (if available, otherwise by a principal market maker or a primary market dealer). In addition, a large percentage of our portfolio investments are in the form of securities that are not publicly traded. The fair value of securities and other investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. We value these securities quarterly at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors. Our board of directors may use the services of a nationally recognized independent valuation firm to aid it in determining the fair value of these securities. The methods for valuing these securities may include: fundamental analysis (sales, income, or earnings multiples, etc.), discounts from market prices of similar securities, purchase price of securities, subsequent private transactions in the security or related securities, or discounts applied to the nature and duration of restrictions on the disposition of the securities, as well as a combination of these and other factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time, and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these securities existed. Our net asset value could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of our investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of such securities.

 

54

 

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We record interest or dividend income on an accrual basis to the extent that we expect to collect such amounts. We do not accrue as a receivable interest on loans and debt securities if we have reason to doubt our ability to collect such interest. Loan origination fees, original issue discount, and market discount are capitalized, and we amortize any such amounts as interest income. Upon the prepayment of a loan or debt security, any unamortized loan origination is recorded as interest income. We will record prepayment premiums on loans and debt securities as interest income when we receive such amounts.

 

Net Realized Gains or Losses and Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation

 

We measure realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflects the change in portfolio investment values during the reporting period, including any reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation, when gains or losses are realized.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standards setting bodies that are adopted by us as of the specified effective date. We believe that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on our financial statements upon effectiveness.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation has not had a significant effect on our results of operations in any of the reporting periods presented herein. However, our portfolio companies have experienced, and may in the future experience, the impacts of inflation on their operating results.

 

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Subsequent to the close of the fiscal quarter on September 30, 2022, and through the date of the issuance of the financial statements included herein, a number of events related to our portfolio of investments occurred, consisting primarily of purchases and sales of securities. Since that date, we have purchased private securities with an aggregate cost of approximately $135 thousand.

 

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Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

 

The Company’s business activities contain elements of risk. We consider the principal types of market risk to be valuation risk and small company investment risk.

 

VALUATION RISK

 

Value, as defined in Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act, is (i) the market price for those securities for which market quotations are readily available and (ii) fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board of Directors for all other assets.

 

Because there is typically no public market for our interests in the small privately-held companies in which we invest, the valuation of the securities in that portion of our portfolio is determined in good faith by our Board of Directors with the assistance of our Valuation Committee, comprised of the independent members of our Board of Directors, in accordance with our Valuation Procedures. In addition, the Board of Directors may use the services of a nationally recognized independent valuation firm to aid it in determining the fair value of some of these securities. In the absence of a readily ascertainable market value, the determined value of our portfolio of securities may differ significantly from the values that would be placed on the portfolio if a ready market for such securities existed. Determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment, although our valuation policy is intended to provide a consistent basis for determining fair value of the portfolio investments. The methods for valuing these securities may include: fundamental analysis (sales, income, or earnings multiples, etc.), discounts from market prices of similar securities, purchase price of securities, subsequent private transactions in the security or related securities, or discounts applied to the nature and duration of restrictions on the disposition of the securities, as well as a combination of these and other factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time, and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these securities existed.

 

Furthermore, changes in valuation of any of our investments in privately-held companies from one period to another may be volatile.

 

Investments in privately held, immature companies are inherently more volatile than investments in more mature businesses. Such immature businesses are inherently fragile and easily affected by both internal and external forces.

 

Our portfolio companies can lose much or all of their value suddenly in response to an internal or external adverse event. Conversely, these immature businesses can gain suddenly in value in response to an internal or external positive development.

 

The values assigned to our assets are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized, as these amounts depend on future circumstances and cannot be reasonably determined until the individual investments are actually liquidated or become readily marketable. Upon sale of investments, the values that are ultimately realized may be different from what is presently estimated. This difference could be material.

 

PRIVATELY PLACED SMALL COMPANIES RISK

 

The Company invests in small companies, and its investments in these companies are considered speculative in nature. The Company’s investments often include securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale that adversely affect the liquidity and marketability of such securities. As a result, the Company is subject to risk of loss which may prevent our shareholders from achieving price appreciation, dividend distributions and return of capital.

 

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WE CURRENTLY HOLD A PORTION OF OUR ASSETS IN CASH

 

As of September 30, 2022, a portion of the Company’s assets was invested in cash and/or cash equivalents, which are expected to earn low yields. Given the current low interest rate environment, to the extent the management fee and other operating expenses exceed interest income on the cash holdings of the Company, the Company may experience losses. Furthermore, the investment advisory fee payable by us will not be reduced while our assets are invested in cash-equivalent securities.

 

In some cases, particularly for primary transactions, it is to our advantage to hold sufficient cash reserve so that we can make additional subsequent investments in these companies in order to (a) avoid having our earlier investments become diluted in future dilutive financings, (b) invest additional capital into existing portfolio companies in case additional investments are necessary, and/or (c) exercise warrants, options, or convertible securities that were acquired as part of the earlier transactions. For this reason, in the case of primary transactions (as opposed to secondary transactions where we do not buy the securities from the issuing companies but instead from existing stockholders), we typically reserve cash in an amount at least equal to our initial investment for such follow-on opportunities. Cash reserves held with respect to a particular investment should, therefore, decline as it is held longer, and will typically not be needed once that portfolio company becomes public or we determine it is no longer in our best interest to make investments in such portfolio company.

 

We may from time to time liquidate various investments. We are required to distribute substantially all of our net realized gains to stockholders on an annual basis and, therefore, will generally hold the proceeds of liquidated investments in cash pending its distribution.

 

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Item 4.    Controls and Procedures.

 

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and provided reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2022, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

58

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

59

 

 

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

 

 

We are not a party to any material pending legal proceeding, and no such proceedings are known to be contemplated.

 

Item 1A.    Risk Factors.

 

 

There have been no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2021, in response to Item 1A of Part 1 of Form 10-K.

 

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

 

None.

 

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

 

None.

 

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

 

None.

 

Item 5.    Other Information.

 

 

None.

 

Item 6.    Exhibits.

 

 

EXHIBIT NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

31.1

Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

   

31.2

Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

   

32.

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

   

FIRSTHAND TECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND, INC.

(Registrant)

Dated: November 15, 2022

 

   

Kevin Landis

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT NUMBER

Description

31.1

Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

   

31.2

Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

   

32.

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002