Hercules Capital, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2017

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

Commission File Number: 814-00702

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Maryland		743113410
(State or Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)
400 Hamilton Ave., Suite 310 Palo Alto, California (Address of Principal Executive Offices)		94301 (Zip Code)
		94301 (Zip Code)

(650) 289-3060

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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 periods 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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this Chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). 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”, “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	☐

Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
Emerging growth company	☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with a new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.			☐

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

On October 30, 2017, there were 84,162,661 shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

FORM 10-Q TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION		3
Item 1.	Consolidated Financial Statements	3
	Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (unaudited)	3
	Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)	5
	Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)	6
	Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)	7
	Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of September 30, 2017 (unaudited)	8
	Consolidated Schedule of Investments as of December 31, 2016 (unaudited)	20
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	34
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	69
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	100
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	101
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION		102
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	102
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	102
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	141
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	141
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	141
Item 5.	Other Information	141
Item 6.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	142
SIGNATURES		145

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In this Quarterly Report, the “Company,” “Hercules,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Hercules Capital, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries and its affiliated securitization trusts on or after February 25, 2016 and “Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc.” and its wholly owned subsidiaries and its affiliated securitization trusts prior to February 25, 2016, unless the context otherwise requires.

ITEM 1.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Assets
Investments:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments (cost of $1,374,173 and $1,475,918 respectively)	$	1,360,146		$	1,414,210
Control investments (cost of $25,788 and $22,598, respectively)		23,382			4,700
Affiliate investments (cost of $89,050 and $13,010, respectively)		33,586			5,032
Total investments in securities, at value (cost of $1,489,011 and $1,511,526 respectively)		1,417,114			1,423,942
Cash and cash equivalents		140,568			13,044
Restricted cash		7,813			8,322
Interest receivable		10,507			11,614
Other assets		6,995			7,282
Total assets	$	1,582,997		$	1,464,204

Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	19,057		$	21,463
Credit Facilities		—			5,016
2021 Asset-Backed Notes, net (principal of $65,476 and $109,205, respectively) ⁽¹⁾		64,860			107,972
Convertible Notes, net (principal of $230,000 and $0, respectively) ⁽¹⁾		223,097			—
2019 Notes, net (principal of $0 and $110,364, respectively) ⁽¹⁾		—			108,818
2024 Notes, net (principal of $258,510 and $252,873, respectively) ⁽¹⁾		251,716			245,490
SBA Debentures, net (principal of $190,200 and $190,200, respectively) ⁽¹⁾		187,983			187,501
Total liabilities	$	746,713		$	676,260

Net assets consist of:
Common stock, par value		84			80
Capital in excess of par value		904,357			839,657
Unrealized depreciation on investments ⁽²⁾		(73,388	)		(89,025	)
Accumulated undistributed realized gains on investments		10,674			37,603
Distributions in excess of net investment income		(5,443	)		(371	)
Total net assets	$	836,284		$	787,944
Total liabilities and net assets	$	1,582,997		$	1,464,204

Shares of common stock outstanding ($0.001 par value, 200,000,000 authorized)		83,615			79,555
Net asset value per share	$	10.00		$	9.90

(1)	The Company’s 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, Convertible Notes, 2019 Notes, 2024 Notes and SBA Debentures, as each term is defined herein, are presented net of the associated debt issuance costs for each instrument. See “Note 4 – Borrowings”.

(2)	Amounts include $1.5 million and $1.4 million in net unrealized depreciation on other assets and accrued liabilities, including escrow receivables, estimated taxes payable and warrant participation agreement liabilities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

The following table presents the assets and liabilities of our consolidated securitization trust for the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes (see Note 4), which is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The assets of our securitization VIE can only be used to settle obligations of our consolidated securitization VIE, these liabilities are only the obligations of our consolidated securitization VIE, and the creditors (or beneficial interest holders) do not have recourse to our general credit. These assets and liabilities are included in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities above.

(Dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Assets
Restricted Cash	$	7,813	$	8,322
Total investments in securities, at value (cost of $168,662 and $244,695, respectively)		166,861		242,349
Total assets	$	174,674	$	250,671

Liabilities
2021 Asset-Backed Notes, net (principal of $65,476 and $109,205, respectively) ⁽¹⁾	$	64,860	$	107,972
Total liabilities	$	64,860	$	107,972

(1)	The Company’s 2021 Asset-Backed Notes are presented net of the associated debt issuance costs. See “Note 4 – Borrowings”.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Investment income:
Interest and PIK interest income
Interest income:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments	$	39,361		$	37,783		$	117,388		$	110,219
Control investments		321			7			994			7
Affiliate investments		246			30			248			145
Total interest income		39,928			37,820			118,630			110,371
PIK interest income:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments		2,364			2,124			6,661			5,668
Control investments		143			8			511			8
Total PIK interest income		2,507			2,132			7,172			5,676
Total interest and PIK interest income		42,435			39,952			125,802			116,047
Fee income
Commitment, facility and loan fee income:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments		2,239			3,274			7,613			8,700
Control investments		1			1			11			1
Affiliate investments		2			—			2			—
Total commitment, facility and loan fee income		2,242			3,275			7,626			8,701
One-time fee income:
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments		1,188			1,875			7,254			2,831
Total one-time fee income		1,188			1,875			7,254			2,831
Total fee income		3,430			5,150			14,880			11,532
Total investment income		45,865			45,102			140,682			127,579
Operating expenses:
Interest		9,185			8,717			28,046			23,306
Loan fees		1,314			1,432			5,500			3,698
General and administrative		3,548			4,114			12,362			12,095
Employee compensation:
Compensation and benefits		6,014			5,621			17,276			15,637
Stock-based compensation		1,831			1,442			5,573			5,616
Total employee compensation		7,845			7,063			22,849			21,253
Total operating expenses		21,892			21,326			68,757			60,352
Net investment income		23,973			23,776			71,925			67,227
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments		(8,911	)		7,870			(10,940	)		3,427
Control investments		(15,543	)		—			(15,989	)		—
Total net realized gain (loss) on investments		(24,454	)		7,870			(26,929	)		3,427
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
Non-control/Non-affiliate investments		11,320			(1,387	)		45,420			(11,005	)
Control investments		17,624			—			17,703			(3,421	)
Affiliate investments		4,609			553			(47,486	)		(1,646	)
Total net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments		33,553			(834	)		15,637			(16,072	)
Total net realized and unrealized gain (loss)		9,099			7,036			(11,292	)		(12,645	)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations	$	33,072		$	30,812		$	60,633		$	54,582

Net investment income before investment gains and losses per common share:
Basic	$	0.29		$	0.32		$	0.87		$	0.91
Change in net assets resulting from operations per common share:
Basic	$	0.40		$	0.41		$	0.73		$	0.74
Diluted	$	0.40		$	0.41		$	0.73		$	0.74
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic		82,496			74,122			82,073			72,685
Diluted		82,607			74,157			82,173			72,702
Distributions declared per common share:
Basic	$	0.31		$	0.31		$	0.93		$	0.93

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

(unaudited)

(dollars and shares in thousands)

																Undistributed
																Net Investment
													Accumulated			Income/
										Unrealized			Undistributed			(Distributions
							Capital in			Appreciation			Realized			in Excess of
	Common Stock						excess			(Depreciation)			Gains (Losses)			Investment			Net
	Shares			Par Value			of par value			on Investments			on Investments			Income)			Assets
Balance at December 31, 2015		72,118		$	73		$	751,902		$	(52,808	)	$	27,993		$	(10,026	)	$	717,134
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		—			—			—			(16,072	)		3,427			67,227			54,582
Public offering, net of offering expenses		4,273			4			50,173			—			—			—			50,177
Acquisition of common stock under repurchase plan		(450	)		(1	)		(4,789	)		—			—			—			(4,790	)
Issuance of common stock due to stock option exercises		42			—			426			—			—			—			426
Retired shares from net issuance		(6	)		—			—			—			—			—			—
Issuance of common stock under restricted stock plan		552			1			(1	)		—			—			—			—
Retired shares for restricted stock vesting		(240	)		—			(2,560	)		—			—			—			(2,560	)
Distributions reinvested in common stock		111			—			1,343			—			—			—			1,343
Distributions		—			—			—			—			—			(68,408	)		(68,408	)
Stock-based compensation ⁽¹⁾		—			—			5,685			—			—			—			5,685
Balance at September 30, 2016		76,400		$	77		$	802,179		$	(68,880	)	$	31,420		$	(11,207	)	$	753,589

Balance at December 31, 2016		79,555		$	80		$	839,657		$	(89,025	)	$	37,603		$	(371	)	$	787,944
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		—			—			—			15,637			(26,929	)		71,925			60,633
Public offering, net of offering expenses		4,077			4			56,330			—			—			—			56,334
Issuance of common stock due to stock option exercises		46			—			213			—			—			—			213
Retired shares from net issuance		(18	)		—			(172	)		—			—			—			(172	)
Issuance of common stock under restricted stock plan		10			—			—			—			—			—			—
Retired shares for restricted stock vesting		(187	)		—			(2,483	)		—			—			—			(2,483	)
Distributions reinvested in common stock		132			—			1,780			—			—			—			1,780
Issuance of Convertible Notes		—			—			3,413			—			—			—			3,413
Distributions		—			—			—			—			—			(76,997	)		(76,997	)
Stock-based compensation ⁽¹⁾		—			—			5,619			—			—			—			5,619
Balance at September 30, 2017		83,615		$	84		$	904,357		$	(73,388	)	$	10,674		$	(5,443	)	$	836,284

(1)	Stock-based compensation includes $46 and $69 of restricted stock and option expense related to director compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations	$	60,633		$	54,582
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchase of investments		(487,321	)		(461,772	)
Principal and fee payments received on investments		486,985			340,584
Proceeds from the sale of investments		21,945			16,701
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments		(15,637	)		16,072
Net realized loss (gain) on investments		26,929			(3,427	)
Accretion of paid-in-kind principal		(7,078	)		(5,317	)
Accretion of loan discounts		(5,242	)		(5,524	)
Accretion of loan discount on Convertible Notes		448			82
Accretion of loan exit fees		(14,413	)		(16,679	)
Change in deferred loan origination revenue		1,083			(253	)
Unearned fees related to unfunded commitments		441			(308	)
Amortization of debt fees and issuance costs		4,534			2,987
Depreciation		153			152
Stock-based compensation and amortization of restricted stock grants ⁽¹⁾		5,619			5,685
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest and fees receivable		1,107			(1,622	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(1,100	)		228
Accounts payable		—			56
Accrued liabilities		(2,457	)		(729	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		76,629			(58,502	)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of capital equipment		(127	)		(227	)
Reduction of restricted cash		509			211
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		382			(16	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuance of common stock, net		56,334			50,177
Repurchase of common stock, net		—			(4,790	)
Retirement of employee shares		(2,442	)		(2,134	)
Distributions paid		(75,217	)		(67,065	)
Issuance of Convertible Notes		230,000			—
Issuance of 2024 Notes Payable		5,637			141,945
Repayments of 2019 Notes Payable		(110,364	)		—
Repayments of 2021 Asset-Backed Notes		(43,729	)		(12,296	)
Borrowings of credit facilities		8,497			193,276
Repayments of credit facilities		(13,513	)		(243,276	)
Cash paid for debt issuance costs		(4,662	)		(4,858	)
Cash paid for redemption of convertible notes		—			(17,604	)
Fees paid for credit facilities and debentures		(28	)		(1,041	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		50,513			32,334
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		127,524			(26,184	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		13,044			95,196
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	140,568		$	69,012

Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:
Distributions reinvested		1,780			1,343

(1)	Stock-based compensation includes $46 and $69 of restricted stock and option expense related to director compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor ⁽²⁾	Principal Amount		Cost ⁽³⁾		Value ⁽⁴⁾
Debt Investments
Biotechnology Tools
1-5 Years Maturity
Exicure, Inc.⁽¹²⁾	Biotechnology Tools	Senior Secured	September 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.45% or Floor rate of 9.95%, 3.85% Exit Fee	$	5,405	$	5,488	$	5,545
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								5,488		5,545
Subtotal: Biotechnology Tools (0.66%)*								5,488		5,545
Communications & Networking
Under 1 Year Maturity
OpenPeak, Inc.⁽⁸⁾	Communications & Networking	Senior Secured	April 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 8.75% or Floor rate of 12.00%	$	11,464		8,228		—
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								8,228		—
Subtotal: Communications & Networking (0.00%)*								8,228		—
Consumer & Business Products
1-5 Years Maturity
Antenna79 (p.k.a. Pong Research Corporation)⁽¹⁵⁾	Consumer & Business Products	Senior Secured	December 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 7.45% or Floor rate of 10.95%, 2.95% Exit Fee	$	19,619		19,686		19,830
	Consumer & Business Products	Senior Secured	December 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 6.00% or Floor rate of 9.50%	$	1,000		1,000		1,000
Total Antenna79 (p.k.a. Pong Research Corporation)					$	20,619		20,686		20,830
Second Time Around (Simplify Holdings, LLC)^(7)(8)(15)	Consumer & Business Products	Senior Secured	February 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 7.25% or Floor rate of 10.75%, 4.75% Exit Fee	$	1,746		1,781		—
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								22,467		20,830
Subtotal: Consumer & Business Products (2.49%)*								22,467		20,830

Drug Delivery
Under 1 Year Maturity
Pulmatrix Inc.^(9)(11)	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	July 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 6.25% or Floor rate of 9.50%, 3.50% Exit Fee	$	3,958		4,120		4,120
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								4,120		4,120
1-5 Years Maturity
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^(10)(11)(15)	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	March 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 6.05% or Floor rate of 9.55%, 11.69% Exit Fee	$	20,466		21,575		21,650
Agile Therapeutics, Inc.⁽¹¹⁾	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	December 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 9.00%, 3.70% Exit Fee	$	12,465		12,787		12,738
Antares Pharma Inc.^(10)(15)	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	July 2022	Interest rate PRIME + 4.50% or Floor rate of 8.75%, 4.25% Exit Fee	$	25,000		24,933		24,933
Edge Therapeutics, Inc.⁽¹²⁾	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	February 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.65% or Floor rate of 9.15%, 4.95% Exit Fee	$	20,000		20,252		20,326
ZP Opco, Inc (p.k.a. Zosano Pharma)⁽¹¹⁾	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	December 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 2.70% or Floor rate of 7.95%, 2.87% Exit Fee	$	7,812		8,071		8,023
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								87,618		87,670
Subtotal: Drug Delivery (10.98%)*								91,738		91,790

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor ⁽²⁾	Principal Amount		Cost ⁽³⁾		Value ⁽⁴⁾
Drug Discovery & Development
Under 1 Year Maturity
CytRx Corporation^(11)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	August 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 6.00% or Floor rate of 9.50%, 7.09% Exit Fee	$	11,000	$	11,901	$	11,901
Epirus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.⁽⁸⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	April 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 4.70% or Floor rate of 7.95%, 3.00% Exit Fee	$	3,066		3,349		—
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								15,250		11,901
1-5 Years Maturity
Auris Medical Holding, AG^(5)(10)	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	January 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 6.05% or Floor rate of 9.55%, 5.75% Exit Fee	$	11,435		11,598		11,585
Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^(10)(13)	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	December 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.90% or Floor rate of 11.90%, 5.40% Exit Fee	$	10,000		10,367		10,413
	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	December 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.90% or Floor rate of 11.90%, 3.00% Exit Fee	$	10,000		9,904		9,914
Total Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.					$	20,000		20,271		20,327
Axovant Sciences Ltd.^(5)(10)	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	March 2021	Interest rate PRIME + 6.80% or Floor rate of 10.55%	$	55,000		53,479		53,680
Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	March 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.85% or Floor rate of 9.35%, 8.11% Exit Fee	$	15,000		15,527		15,653
	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	March 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.85% or Floor rate of 9.35%, 3.48% Exit Fee	$	5,000		5,042		5,105
	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	March 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.85% or Floor rate of 9.35%, 6.95% Exit Fee	$	10,000		10,118		10,193
Total Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.					$	30,000		30,687		30,951
Brickell Biotech, Inc.⁽¹²⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	September 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.70% or Floor rate of 9.20%, 6.75% Exit Fee	$	6,565		6,794		5,100
CTI BioPharma Corp. (p.k.a. Cell Therapeutics, Inc.)⁽¹¹⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	December 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 7.70% or Floor rate of 10.95%, 4.09% Exit Fee	$	14,964		14,794		14,800
Genocea Biosciences, Inc.⁽¹¹⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	January 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 2.25% or Floor rate of 7.25%, 4.95% Exit Fee	$	15,441		16,001		15,971
Insmed, Incorporated⁽¹¹⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	October 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 9.25%, 4.86% Exit Fee	$	55,000		55,253		55,297
Metuchen Pharmaceuticals LLC^(12)(14)	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	October 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 7.25% or Floor rate of 10.75%, PIK Interest 1.35%, 2.25% Exit Fee	$	35,444		35,285		35,325
Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (p.k.a. Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)⁽¹⁵⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	September 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 2.75% or Floor rate of 8.50%, 4.50% Exit Fee	$	40,000		39,943		39,935
	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	September 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 2.75% or Floor rate of 8.50%, 4.50% Exit Fee	$	10,000		9,986		9,985
Total Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (p.k.a. Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)					$	50,000		49,929		49,920
PhaseRx, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	December 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.75% or Floor rate of 9.25%, 5.85% Exit Fee	$	5,468		5,554		5,563
Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.^(10)(13)	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	December 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.75% or Floor rate of 9.25%, 5.50% Exit Fee	$	30,000		29,113		28,854
Stealth Bio Therapeutics Corp.^(5)(10)(12)	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	January 2021	Interest rate PRIME + 5.50% or Floor rate of 9.50%, 5.00% Exit Fee	$	15,000		14,794		14,794
uniQure B.V.^(5)(10)(11)	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	May 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 3.00% or Floor rate of 8.25%, 5.48% Exit Fee	$	20,000		20,479		20,456
Verastem, Inc.^(12)(17)	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	December 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 6.00% or Floor rate of 10.50%, 4.50% Exit Fee	$	2,500		2,478		2,476
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								366,509		365,099
Subtotal: Drug Discovery & Development (45.08%)*								381,759		377,000

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor ⁽²⁾	Principal Amount		Cost ⁽³⁾		Value ⁽⁴⁾
Electronics & Computer Hardware
1-5 Years Maturity
908 DEVICES INC.^(15)(17)	Electronics & Computer Hardware	Senior Secured	September 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.00% or Floor rate of 8.25%, 4.25% Exit Fee	$	7,500	$	7,501	$	7,468
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								7,501		7,468
Subtotal: Electronics & Computer Hardware (0.89%)*								7,501		7,468
Healthcare Services, Other
1-5 Years Maturity
Medsphere Systems Corporation^(13)(14)	Healthcare Services, Other	Senior Secured	February 2021	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 9.00%, PIK Interest 1.75%	$	17,530		17,339		17,339
Oak Street Health⁽¹²⁾	Healthcare Services, Other	Senior Secured	September 2021	Interest rate PRIME + 5.00% or Floor rate of 9.75%, 5.95% Exit Fee	$	20,000		19,848		19,848
PH Group Holdings⁽¹³⁾	Healthcare Services, Other	Senior Secured	September 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 7.45% or Floor rate of 10.95%	$	20,000		19,859		19,893
	Healthcare Services, Other	Senior Secured	September 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 7.45% or Floor rate of 10.95%	$	10,000		9,911		9,875
Total PH Group Holdings					$	30,000		29,770		29,768
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								66,957		66,955
Subtotal: Healthcare Services, Other (8.01%)*								66,957		66,955
Information Services
1-5 Years Maturity
MDX Medical, Inc.^(14)(15)(17)	Information Services	Senior Secured	December 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.25% or Floor rate of 8.25%, PIK Interest 1.70%	$	7,535		7,317		7,317
Netbase Solutions, Inc.^(13)(14)	Information Services	Senior Secured	August 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 6.00% or Floor rate of 10.00%, PIK Interest 2.00%, 3.00% Exit Fee	$	9,005		8,605		8,605
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								15,922		15,922
Subtotal: Information Services (1.90%)*								15,922		15,922
Internet Consumer & Business Services
1-5 Years Maturity
Aria Systems, Inc.^(11)(14)	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 3.20% or Floor rate of 6.95%, PIK Interest 1.95%, 1.50% Exit Fee	$	2,092		2,086		1,797
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.20% or Floor rate of 8.95%, PIK Interest 1.95%, 1.50% Exit Fee	$	18,739		18,676		16,091
Total Aria Systems, Inc.					$	20,831		20,762		17,888
Intent Media, Inc.^(14)(15)	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	May 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.25% or Floor rate of 8.75%, PIK Interest 1.00%, 2.00% Exit Fee	$	5,037		4,970		4,996
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	May 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.50% or Floor rate of 9.00%, PIK Interest 2.35%, 2.00% Exit Fee	$	2,008		1,960		1,967
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	May 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.50% or Floor rate of 9.00%, PIK Interest 2.50%, 2.00% Exit Fee	$	2,009		1,961		1,968
Total Intent Media, Inc.					$	9,054		8,891		8,931
LogicSource⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	October 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.25% or Floor rate of 9.75%, 5.00% Exit Fee	$	7,237		7,438		7,507
Snagajob.com, Inc.^(13)(14)	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	July 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.15% or Floor rate of 9.15%, PIK Interest 1.95%, 2.55% Exit Fee	$	40,821		40,256		40,779
Tectura Corporation^{(7)(8)(9)(14)}	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	June 2021	Interest rate FIXED 6.00%, PIK Interest 3.00%	$	20,145		20,145		20,145
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	June 2021	PIK Interest 8.00%	$	11,015		240		2,995
Total Tectura Corporation					$	31,160		20,385		23,140
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								97,732		98,245
Subtotal: Internet Consumer & Business Services (11.75%)*								97,732		98,245

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor ⁽²⁾	Principal Amount		Cost ⁽³⁾		Value ⁽⁴⁾
Media/Content/Info
Under 1 Year Maturity
Machine Zone, Inc.^(14)(16)	Media/Content/Info	Senior Secured	May 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 2.50% or Floor rate of 6.75%, PIK Interest 3.00%	$	106,179	$	105,575	$	105,575
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								105,575		105,575
1-5 Years Maturity
FanDuel, Inc.⁽¹²⁾	Media/Content/Info	Senior Secured	November 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 7.25% or Floor rate of 10.75%, 9.02% Exit Fee	$	19,354		19,437		19,437
WP Technology, Inc. (Wattpad, Inc.)^(5)(10)(12)	Media/Content/Info	Senior Secured	April 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 8.25%, 5.80% Exit Fee	$	5,000		5,107		5,192
	Media/Content/Info	Senior Secured	April 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 8.25%, 5.80% Exit Fee	$	5,000		5,038		5,106
Total WP Technology, Inc. (Wattpad, Inc.)					$	10,000		10,145		10,298
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								29,582		29,735
Subtotal: Media/Content/Info (16.18%)*								135,157		135,310
Medical Devices & Equipment
Under 1 Year Maturity
Amedica Corporation^(9)(15)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	January 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 7.70% or Floor rate of 10.95%, 8.25% Exit Fee	$	2,378		4,008		4,008
Gamma Medica, Inc.^(8)(11)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	January 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 6.50% or Floor rate of 9.75%, 6.00% Exit Fee	$	161		366		—
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								4,374		4,008
1-5 Years Maturity
Aspire Bariatrics, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	October 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 4.00% or Floor rate of 9.25%, 5.42% Exit Fee	$	3,244		3,524		3,486
IntegenX, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.05% or Floor rate of 10.05%, 6.75% Exit Fee	$	15,000		15,513		15,507
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.05% or Floor rate of 10.05%, 9.75% Exit Fee	$	2,500		2,575		2,572
Total IntegenX, Inc.					$	17,500		18,088		18,079
Micell Technologies, Inc.⁽¹²⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	August 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 7.25% or Floor rate of 10.50%, 5.00% Exit Fee	$	6,200		6,332		6,410
Quanta Fluid Solutions^(5)(10)(11)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	April 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 8.05% or Floor rate of 11.55%, 5.00% Exit Fee	$	10,730		10,982		10,970
Quanterix Corporation⁽¹¹⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	March 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 2.75% or Floor rate of 8.00%, 4.00% Exit Fee	$	9,043		9,452		9,465
Sebacia⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	July 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.35% or Floor rate of 8.85%, 6.05% Exit Fee	$	8,000		7,865		7,865
Tela Bio, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	September 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.95% or Floor rate of 9.45%, 3.15% Exit Fee	$	5,000		4,969		4,948
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								61,212		61,223
Subtotal: Medical Devices & Equipment (7.80%)*								65,586		65,231
Semiconductors
Under 1 Year Maturity
Aquantia Corp.⁽¹⁷⁾	Semiconductors	Senior Secured	February 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 3.95% or Floor rate of 7.20%	$	5,000		5,000		5,000
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								5,000		5,000
1-5 Years Maturity
Achronix Semiconductor Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Semiconductors	Senior Secured	August 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 7.00% or Floor rate of 11.00%, 12.50% Exit Fee	$	5,000		5,005		5,013
	Semiconductors	Senior Secured	February 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.00% or Floor rate of 10.00%	$	5,000		5,000		5,000
Total Achronix Semiconductor Corporation					$	10,000		10,005		10,013
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								10,005		10,013
Subtotal: Semiconductors (1.80%)*								15,005		15,013

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor ⁽²⁾	Principal Amount		Cost ⁽³⁾		Value ⁽⁴⁾
Software
Under 1 Year Maturity
Clickfox, Inc.⁽¹³⁾	Software	Senior Secured	May 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 8.00% or Floor rate of 11.50%, 12.01% Exit Fee	$	8,836	$	9,870	$	9,870
Digital Train Limited⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Senior Secured	July 2018	Interest rate 12-month LIBOR + 2.50%	$	5,671		5,671		4,073
RedSeal Inc.^(15)(17)	Software	Senior Secured	June 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 3.25% or Floor rate of 6.50%	$	2,698		2,698		2,698
	Software	Senior Secured	June 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 7.75% or Floor rate of 11.00%, 3.95% Exit Fee	$	2,888		3,032		3,032
Total RedSeal Inc.					$	5,586		5,730		5,730
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								21,271		19,673
1-5 Years Maturity
Clarabridge, Inc.^(12)(14)	Software	Senior Secured	April 2021	Interest rate PRIME + 4.80% or Floor rate of 8.55%, PIK Interest 3.25%	$	40,559		40,533		40,843
Emma, Inc.	Software	Senior Secured	September 2022	Interest rate daily LIBOR + 7.75% or Floor rate of 8.75%	$	50,000		48,500		48,500
Evernote Corporation^(14)(15)(17)	Software	Senior Secured	October 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.45% or Floor rate of 8.95%	$	6,000		5,970		6,126
	Software	Senior Secured	July 2021	Interest rate PRIME + 6.00% or Floor rate of 9.50%, PIK Interest 1.25%	$	4,010		3,984		3,984
Total Evernote Corporation					$	10,010		9,954		10,110
Fuze, Inc.^(14)(15)	Software	Senior Secured	July 2021	Interest rate PRIME + 3.70% or Floor rate of 7.95%, PIK Interest 1.55%, 3.55% Exit Fee	$	50,136		50,152		50,152
Impact Radius Holdings, Inc.⁽¹⁴⁾	Software	Senior Secured	December 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.25% or Floor rate of 8.75%, PIK Interest 1.55%, 1.75% Exit Fee	$	7,516		7,509		7,509
OneLogin, Inc.^(14)(15)	Software	Senior Secured	August 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.45% or Floor rate of 9.95%, PIK Interest 3.25%	$	15,753		15,668		15,983
Pollen, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Senior Secured	April 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 4.25% or Floor rate of 8.50%, 4.00% Exit Fee	$	7,000		6,905		6,905
Quid, Inc.^(14)(15)	Software	Senior Secured	October 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 8.25%, PIK Interest 2.25%, 3.00% Exit Fee	$	8,256		8,356		8,458
RedSeal Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Senior Secured	January 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 7.75% or Floor rate of 11.25%, 5.95% Exit Fee	$	5,000		4,970		4,973
Signpost, Inc.⁽¹⁴⁾	Software	Senior Secured	February 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.15% or Floor rate of 8.15%, PIK Interest 1.75%, 3.75% Exit Fee	$	15,441		15,454		15,637
Vela Trading Technologies	Software	Senior Secured	July 2022	Interest rate daily LIBOR + 9.50% or Floor rate of 10.50%	$	20,000		19,471		19,471
Wrike, Inc.^(12)(14)(17)	Software	Senior Secured	February 2021	Interest rate PRIME + 6.00% or Floor rate of 9.50%, PIK Interest 2.00%, 3.00% Exit Fee	$	10,113		9,880		9,945
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								237,352		238,486
Subtotal: Software (30.87%)*								258,623		258,159

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor ⁽²⁾	Principal Amount		Cost ⁽³⁾		Value ⁽⁴⁾
Specialty Pharmaceuticals
Under 1 Year Maturity
Jaguar Animal Health, Inc.⁽¹¹⁾	Specialty Pharmaceuticals	Senior Secured	August 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 5.65% or Floor rate of 9.90%, 7.00% Exit Fee	$	1,350	$	1,725	$	1,725
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								1,725		1,725
1-5 Years Maturity
Alimera Sciences, Inc.^(11)(14)	Specialty Pharmaceuticals	Senior Secured	November 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 7.50% or Floor rate of 11.00%, PIK Interest 1.00%, 4.00% Exit Fee	$	35,308		35,282		35,635
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								35,282		35,635
Subtotal: Specialty Pharmaceuticals (4.47%)*								37,007		37,360
Surgical Devices
1-5 Years Maturity
Transmedics, Inc.⁽¹³⁾	Surgical Devices	Senior Secured	February 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.30% or Floor rate of 9.55%, 6.70% Exit Fee	$	8,500		8,687		8,700
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								8,687		8,700
Subtotal: Surgical Devices (1.04%)*								8,687		8,700
Sustainable and Renewable Technology
1-5 Years Maturity
FuelCell Energy, Inc.⁽¹²⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	October 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 5.50% or Floor rate of 9.50%, 8.50% Exit Fee	$	20,000		21,161		21,223
Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC (p.k.a. Sungevity, Inc.)⁽⁶⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	August 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 8.70% or Floor rate of 12.95%, 4.50% Exit Fee	$	15,000		14,698		14,698
Proterra, Inc.⁽¹¹⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.95% or Floor rate of 10.20%, 7.00% Exit Fee	$	5,000		5,155		5,178
	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.95% or Floor rate of 10.20%, 5.95% Exit Fee	$	25,000		25,992		25,951
	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.75% or Floor rate of 9.25%, 4.95% Exit Fee	$	10,000		10,179		10,193
Total Proterra, Inc.					$	40,000		41,326		41,322
Rive Technology, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	January 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.20% or Floor rate of 9.45%, 4.00% Exit Fee	$	5,172		5,381		5,414
Tendril Networks⁽¹²⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate FIXED 9.25%, 8.50% Exit Fee	$	13,156		13,903		13,883
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								96,469		96,540
Subtotal: Sustainable and Renewable Technology (11.54%)*								96,469		96,540
Total: Debt Investments (155.46%)*								1,314,326		1,300,068

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost ⁽²⁾		Value ⁽³⁾
Equity Investments
Biotechnology Tools
NuGEN Technologies, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Biotechnology Tools	Equity	Common Stock		55,780	$	500	$	—
Subtotal: Biotechnology Tools (0.00%)*							500		—

Communications & Networking
Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc.^(7)(15)	Communications & Networking	Equity	Common Stock		100		3,100		242
GlowPoint, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Communications & Networking	Equity	Common Stock		114,192		102		29
Peerless Network Holdings, Inc.	Communications & Networking	Equity	Preferred Series A		1,000,000		1,000		4,897
Subtotal: Communications & Networking (0.62%)*							4,202		5,168

Diagnostic
Singulex, Inc.	Diagnostic	Equity	Common Stock		937,998		750		708
Subtotal: Diagnostic (0.08%)*							750		708

Drug Delivery
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^(4)(10)	Drug Delivery	Equity	Common Stock		54,240		108		249
BioQ Pharma Incorporated⁽¹⁵⁾	Drug Delivery	Equity	Preferred Series D		165,000		500		774
Edge Therapeutics, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Drug Delivery	Equity	Common Stock		49,965		309		536
Neos Therapeutics, Inc.^(4)(15)	Drug Delivery	Equity	Common Stock		125,000		1,500		1,144
Revance Therapeutics, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Drug Delivery	Equity	Common Stock		22,765		557		627
Subtotal: Drug Delivery (0.40%)*							2,974		3,330

Drug Discovery & Development
Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^(4)(10)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		1,901,791		1,715		6,944
Axovant Sciences Ltd.^(4)(5)(10)	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		129,827		1,270		437
Cerecor, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		119,087		1,000		101
Dare Biosciences, Inc. (p.k.a. Cerulean Pharma, Inc.)⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		13,550		1,000		42
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^(4)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		142,858		1,000		821
Dynavax Technologies^(4)(10)	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		20,000		550		430
Epirus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		200,000		1,000		—
Genocea Biosciences, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		223,463		2,000		326
Inotek Pharmaceuticals Corporation⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		3,778		1,500		7
Insmed, Incorporated⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		70,771		1,000		2,209
Melinta Therapeutics	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Preferred Series 4		1,914,448		2,000		888
Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (p.k.a. Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		76,362		2,743		1,917
Subtotal: Drug Discovery & Development (1.69%)*							16,778		14,122

Electronics & Computer Hardware
Identiv, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Electronics & Computer Hardware	Equity	Common Stock		6,700		34		31
Subtotal: Electronics & Computer Hardware (0.00%)*							34		31

Information Services
DocuSign, Inc.	Information Services	Equity	Common Stock		385,000		6,081		7,425
Subtotal: Information Services (0.89%)*							6,081		7,425

Internet Consumer & Business Services
Blurb, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series B		220,653		175		33
Brigade Group, Inc. (p.k.a. Philotic, Inc.)	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Common Stock		9,023		93		—
Lightspeed POS, Inc.^(5)(10)	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series C		230,030		250		265
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series D		198,677		250		256
Total Lightspeed POS, Inc.					428,707		500		521
OfferUp, Inc.	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series A		286,080		1,663		2,121
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series A-1		108,710		632		806
Total OfferUp, Inc.					394,790		2,295		2,927
Oportun (p.k.a. Progress Financial)	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series G		218,351		250		448
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series H		87,802		250		259
Total Oportun (p.k.a. Progress Financial)					306,153		500		707
RazorGator Interactive Group, Inc.	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series AA		34,783		15		51
Tectura Corporation⁽⁷⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series BB		1,000,000		—		—
Subtotal: Internet Consumer & Business Services (0.51%)*							3,578		4,239

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost ⁽²⁾		Value ⁽³⁾
Media/Content/Info
Pinterest, Inc.	Media/Content/Info	Equity	Preferred Series Seed		620,000	$	4,085	$	4,773
Subtotal: Media/Content/Info (0.57%)*							4,085		4,773

Medical Devices & Equipment
AtriCure, Inc.^(4)(15)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Common Stock		7,536		266		169
Flowonix Medical Incorporated	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series AA		221,893		1,500		—
Gelesis, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Common Stock		198,202		—		848
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series A-1		191,210		425		919
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series A-2		191,626		500		868
Total Gelesis, Inc.					581,038		925		2,635
HercGamma, Inc.⁽⁷⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Common Stock		100		523		—
Medrobotics Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series E		136,798		250		254
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series F		73,971		155		196
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series G		163,934		500		504
Total Medrobotics Corporation					374,703		905		954
Optiscan Biomedical, Corp.^(6)(15)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series B		6,185,567		3,000		389
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series C		1,927,309		655		110
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series D		55,103,923		5,257		3,907
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series E		15,638,888		1,308		1,496
Total Optiscan Biomedical, Corp.					78,855,687		10,220		5,902
Outset Medical, Inc. (p.k.a. Home Dialysis Plus, Inc.)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series B		232,061		527		579
Quanterix Corporation	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series D		272,479		1,000		1,135
Subtotal: Medical Devices & Equipment (1.36%)*							15,866		11,374

Software
CapLinked, Inc.	Software	Equity	Preferred Series A-3		53,614		51		90
Druva, Inc.	Software	Equity	Preferred Series 2		458,841		1,000		987
	Software	Equity	Preferred Series 3		93,620		300		306
Total Druva, Inc.					552,461		1,300		1,293
ForeScout Technologies, Inc.	Software	Equity	Preferred Series D		319,099		398		2,675
	Software	Equity	Preferred Series E		80,587		131		676
Total ForeScout Technologies, Inc.					399,686		529		3,351
HighRoads, Inc.	Software	Equity	Common Stock		190		307		—
NewVoiceMedia Limited^(5)(10)	Software	Equity	Preferred Series E		669,173		963		1,378
Palantir Technologies	Software	Equity	Preferred Series E		727,696		5,431		5,379
Sprinklr, Inc.	Software	Equity	Common Stock		700,000		3,749		4,259
WildTangent, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Equity	Preferred Series 3		100,000		402		182
Subtotal: Software (1.91%)*							12,732		15,932

Surgical Devices
Gynesonics, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series B		219,298		250		39
	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series C		656,538		282		54
	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series D		1,991,157		712		694
	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series E		2,786,367		429		460
Total Gynesonics, Inc.					5,653,360		1,673		1,247
Transmedics, Inc.	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series B		88,961		1,100		342
	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series C		119,999		300		306
	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series D		260,000		650		889
	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series F		100,200		500		504
Total Transmedics, Inc.					569,160		2,550		2,041
Subtotal: Surgical Devices (0.39%)*							4,223		3,288

Sustainable and Renewable Technology
Flywheel Building Intelligence, Inc. (p.k.a. SCIEnergy, Inc.)	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Equity	Common Stock		19,250		761		—
Glori Energy, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Equity	Common Stock		18,208		165		—
Modumetal, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Equity	Preferred Series C		3,107,520		500		575
Proterra, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Equity	Preferred Series 5		99,280		500		528
Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC (p.k.a. Sungevity, Inc.)⁽⁶⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Equity	Common Stock		288		61,502		12,824
Subtotal: Sustainable and Renewable Technology (1.67%)*							63,428		13,927
Total: Equity Investments (10.08%)*							135,231		84,317

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost ⁽²⁾		Value ⁽³⁾
Warrant Investments
Biotechnology Tools
Labcyte, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Biotechnology Tools	Warrant	Preferred Series C		1,127,624	$	323	$	426
Subtotal: Biotechnology Tools (0.05%)*							323		426

Communications & Networking
PeerApp, Inc.	Communications & Networking	Warrant	Preferred Series B		298,779		61		—
Peerless Network Holdings, Inc.	Communications & Networking	Warrant	Preferred Series A		135,000		95		379
Spring Mobile Solutions, Inc.	Communications & Networking	Warrant	Common Stock		2,834,375		418		—
Subtotal: Communications & Networking (0.05%)*							574		379

Consumer & Business Products
Antenna79 (p.k.a. Pong Research Corporation)⁽¹⁵⁾	Consumer & Business Products	Warrant	Common Stock		1,662,441		228		—
Intelligent Beauty, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Consumer & Business Products	Warrant	Preferred Series B		190,234		230		231
The Neat Company⁽¹⁵⁾	Consumer & Business Products	Warrant	Preferred Series C-1		540,540		365		—
Subtotal: Consumer & Business Products (0.03%)*							823		231

Drug Delivery
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^(4)(10)(15)	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		176,730		786		264
Agile Therapeutics, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		180,274		730		183
BioQ Pharma Incorporated	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		459,183		1		838
Celsion Corporation⁽⁴⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		13,927		428		—
Dance Biopharm, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		110,882		74		—
Edge Therapeutics, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		78,595		390		301
Kaleo, Inc. (p.k.a. Intelliject, Inc.)	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Preferred Series B		82,500		594		1,032
Neos Therapeutics, Inc.^(4)(15)	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		70,833		285		117
Pulmatrix Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		25,150		116		10
ZP Opco, Inc. (p.k.a. Zosano Pharma)⁽⁴⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		72,379		266		1
Subtotal: Drug Delivery (0.33%)*							3,670		2,746

Drug Discovery & Development
ADMA Biologics, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		89,750		295		8
Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^(4)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		5,022		984		—
Audentes Therapeutics, Inc.^(4)(10)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		9,914		62		136
Auris Medical Holding, AG^(4)(5)(10)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		156,726		249		26
Brickell Biotech, Inc.	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Preferred Series C		26,086		119		—
Cerecor, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		22,328		70		—
Chroma Therapeutics, Ltd.^(5)(10)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Preferred Series D		325,261		490		—
Cleveland BioLabs, Inc.^(4)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		7,813		105		2
Concert Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^(4)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		132,069		545		413
CTI BioPharma Corp. (p.k.a. Cell Therapeutics, Inc.)⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		29,239		165		4
CytRx Corporation^(4)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		634,146		160		106
Dare Biosciences, Inc. (p.k.a. Cerulean Pharma, Inc.)⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		17,190		369		—
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^(4)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		200		28		—
Epirus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		64,194		276		—
Fortress Biotech, Inc. (p.k.a. Coronado Biosciences, Inc.)⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		73,009		142		41
Genocea Biosciences, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		73,725		266		13
Immune Pharmaceuticals⁽⁴⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		10,742		164		—
Melinta Therapeutics	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Preferred Series 3		1,382,323		626		80
Nanotherapeutics, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		171,389		838		78
Neothetics, Inc. (p.k.a. Lithera, Inc.)^(4)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		46,838		266		10
Neuralstem, Inc.^(4)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		5,783		77		—
Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (p.k.a. Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)^(4)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		75,214		178		516
PhaseRx, Inc.^(4)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		63,000		125		2
Savara Inc. (p.k.a. Mast Therapeutics, Inc.)^(4)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		32,467		203		107
Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.^(4)(10)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		306,748		889		106
Stealth Bio Therapeutics Corp.^(5)(10)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Preferred Series A		487,500		116		130
uniQure B.V.^(4)(5)(10)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		37,174		218		38
XOMA Corporation^(4)(10)(15)	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		9,063		279		14
Subtotal: Drug Discovery & Development (0.22%)*							8,304		1,830

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost ⁽²⁾		Value ⁽³⁾
Electronics & Computer Hardware
908 DEVICES INC.⁽¹⁵⁾	Electronics & Computer Hardware	Warrant	Preferred Series D		79,856	$	100	$	107
Clustrix, Inc.	Electronics & Computer Hardware	Warrant	Common Stock		50,000		12		—
Subtotal: Electronics & Computer Hardware (0.01%)*							112		107

Healthcare Services, Other
Chromadex Corporation^(4)(15)	Healthcare Services, Other	Warrant	Common Stock		139,673		157		184
Subtotal: Healthcare Services, Other (0.02%)*							157		184

Information Services
INMOBI Inc.^(5)(10)	Information Services	Warrant	Common Stock		65,587		82		—
InXpo, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Information Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C		648,400		98		17
	Information Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C-1		1,165,183		74		29
Total InXpo, Inc.					1,813,583		172		46
MDX Medical, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Information Services	Warrant	Common Stock		2,250,000		246		254
Netbase Solutions, Inc.	Information Services	Warrant	Preferred Series 1		60,000		355		351
RichRelevance, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Information Services	Warrant	Preferred Series E		112,612		98		—
Subtotal: Information Services (0.08%)*							953		651
								.
Internet Consumer & Business Services
Aria Systems, Inc.	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series G		231,535		73		—
Blurb, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C		234,280		636		5
ClearObject, Inc. (p.k.a. CloudOne, Inc.)	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series E		968,992		19		156
Intent Media, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Common Stock		140,077		168		206
Just Fabulous, Inc.	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series B		206,184		1,102		2,300
Lightspeed POS, Inc.^(5)(10)	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C		245,610		20		41
LogicSource⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C		79,625		30		35
Oportun (p.k.a. Progress Financial)	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series G		174,562		78		186
ShareThis, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C		493,502		547		—
Snagajob.com, Inc.	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series A		1,800,000		782		1,311
Tapjoy, Inc.	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series D		748,670		316		10
Subtotal: Internet Consumer & Business Services (0.51%)*							3,771		4,250

Media/Content/Info
FanDuel, Inc.	Media/Content/Info	Warrant	Preferred Series A		4,648		730		1,875
	Media/Content/Info	Warrant	Common Stock		15,570		—		—
Total FanDuel, Inc.					20,218		730		1,875
Machine Zone, Inc.⁽¹⁶⁾	Media/Content/Info	Warrant	Common Stock		1,552,710		1,958		4,833
Rhapsody International, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Media/Content/Info	Warrant	Common Stock		715,755		385		125
WP Technology, Inc. (Wattpad, Inc.)^(5)(10)	Media/Content/Info	Warrant	Common Stock		255,818		4		8
Zoom Media Group, Inc.	Media/Content/Info	Warrant	Preferred Series A		1,204		348		32
Subtotal: Media/Content/Info (0.82%)*							3,425		6,873

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost ⁽²⁾		Value ⁽³⁾
Medical Devices & Equipment
Amedica Corporation^(4)(15)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Common Stock		103,225	$	459	$	2
Aspire Bariatrics, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series B-1		112,858		455		108
Avedro, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series AA		300,000		401		309
Flowonix Medical Incorporated	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series AA		155,325		362		—
Gelesis, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series A-1		74,784		78		200
InspireMD, Inc.^(4)(5)(10)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Common Stock		39,364		242		—
IntegenX, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series C		547,752		15		24
Medrobotics Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series E		455,539		370		388
Micell Technologies, Inc.	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series D-2		84,955		262		241
NetBio, Inc.	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series A		7,841		408		107
NinePoint Medical, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series A-1		587,840		170		95
Optiscan Biomedical, Corp.^(6)(15)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series D		10,535,275		1,252		161
Outset Medical, Inc. (p.k.a. Home Dialysis Plus, Inc.)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series A		500,000		402		446
Quanterix Corporation	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series C		173,428		180		94
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series D		38,828		25		19
Total Quanterix Corporation					212,256		205		113
Sebacia, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series D		778,301		133		133
SonaCare Medical, LLC (p.k.a. US HIFU, LLC)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series A		6,464		188		—
Strata Skin Sciences, Inc. (p.k.a. MELA Sciences, Inc.)⁽⁴⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Common Stock		13,864		401		—
Tela Bio, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series B		129,310		20		10
ViewRay, Inc.^(4)(15)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Common Stock		128,231		333		164
Subtotal: Medical Devices & Equipment (0.30%)*							6,156		2,501

Semiconductors
Achronix Semiconductor Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Semiconductors	Warrant	Preferred Series C		360,000		160		80
	Semiconductors	Warrant	Preferred Series D-2		750,000		99		358
Total Achronix Semiconductor Corporation					1,110,000		259		438
Aquantia Corp.	Semiconductors	Warrant	Preferred Series G		196,831		4		172
Avnera Corporation	Semiconductors	Warrant	Preferred Series E		141,567		46		157
Subtotal: Semiconductors (0.09%)*							309		767

Software
Actifio, Inc.	Software	Warrant	Common Stock		73,584		249		75
	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series F		31,673		343		65
Total Actifio, Inc.					105,257		592		140
Braxton Technologies, LLC	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series A		168,750		188		—
CareCloud Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series B		413,433		258		669
Clickfox, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series B		1,038,563		330		580
	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C		592,019		730		446
	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C-A		2,218,214		230		4,628
Total Clickfox, Inc.					3,848,796		1,290		5,654
Evernote Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Common Stock		62,500		106		139
Fuze, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series F		256,158		89		108
Mattersight Corporation⁽⁴⁾	Software	Warrant	Common Stock		357,143		538		214
Message Systems, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C		503,718		334		373
Mobile Posse, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C		396,430		130		238
Neos, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Common Stock		221,150		22		12
NewVoiceMedia Limited^(5)(10)	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series E		225,586		33		135
OneLogin, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Common Stock		228,972		150		293
Poplicus, Inc.	Software	Warrant	Common Stock		132,168		—		—
Quid, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series D		71,576		1		6
RedSeal Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C-Prime		640,603		66		36
Signpost, Inc.	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C		324,005		314		106
Sonian, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C		185,949		106		97
Wrike, Inc.	Software	Warrant	Common Stock		698,760		462		1,108
Subtotal: Software (1.12%)*							4,679		9,328

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost ⁽²⁾		Value ⁽³⁾
Specialty Pharmaceuticals
Alimera Sciences, Inc.⁽⁴⁾	Specialty Pharmaceuticals	Warrant	Common Stock		1,717,709	$	861	$	515
Subtotal: Specialty Pharmaceuticals (0.06%)*							861		515

Surgical Devices
Gynesonics, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Surgical Devices	Warrant	Preferred Series C		180,480		75		13
	Surgical Devices	Warrant	Preferred Series D		1,575,965		320		252
Total Gynesonics, Inc.					1,756,445		395		265
Transmedics, Inc.	Surgical Devices	Warrant	Preferred Series B		40,436		225		24
	Surgical Devices	Warrant	Preferred Series D		175,000		100		421
	Surgical Devices	Warrant	Preferred Series F		50,544		38		69
Total Transmedics, Inc.					265,980		363		514
Subtotal: Surgical Devices (0.09%)*							758		779

Sustainable and Renewable Technology
Agrivida, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series D		471,327		120		138
Alphabet Energy, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series 1B		13,667		82		—
American Superconductor Corporation⁽⁴⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Common Stock		58,823		39		24
Brightsource Energy, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series 1		116,666		104		—
Calera, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series C		44,529		513		—
EcoMotors, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series B		437,500		308		—
Fluidic, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series D		61,804		102		—
Flywheel Building Intelligence, Inc. (p.k.a. SCIEnergy, Inc.)	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Common Stock		530,811		181		—
	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series 2-A		6,229		50		—
Total Flywheel Building Intelligence, Inc. (p.k.a. SCIEnergy, Inc.)					537,040		231		—
Fulcrum Bioenergy, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series C-1		280,897		275		312
GreatPoint Energy, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series D-1		393,212		548		—
Polyera Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series C		311,609		338		—
Proterra, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series 4		477,517		41		582
Rive Technology, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series E		234,477		12		16
Stion Corporation⁽⁶⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series Seed		2,154		1,378		—
TAS Energy, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series AA		428,571		299		—
Tendril Networks	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series 3-A		1,019,793		189		90
Subtotal: Sustainable and Renewable Technology (0.14%)*							4,579		1,162
Total: Warrant Investments (3.91%)*							39,454		32,729
Total Investments in Securities (169.45%)*						$	1,489,011	$	1,417,114

*	Value as a percent of net assets

(1)	Preferred and common stock, warrants, and equity interests are generally non-income producing.

(2)	Interest rate PRIME represents 4.25% at September 30, 2017. Daily LIBOR and 12-month LIBOR represent 1.18% and 1.79%, respectively, at September 30, 2017.

(3)	Gross unrealized appreciation, gross unrealized depreciation, and net unrealized depreciation for federal income tax purposes totaled $32.3 million, $113.4 million and $81.1 million respectively. The tax cost of investments is $1.5 billion.

(4)

Except for warrants in 38 publicly traded companies and common stock in 19 publicly traded companies, all investments are restricted at September 30, 2017 and were valued at fair value using Level 3 significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board of Directors”). No unrestricted securities of the same issuer are outstanding. The Company uses the Standard Industrial Code for classifying the industry grouping of its portfolio companies.

(5)	Non-U.S. company or the company’s principal place of business is outside the United States.

(6)	Affiliate investment as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) in which Hercules owns at least 5% but generally less than 25% of the company’s voting securities.

(7)	Control investment as defined under the 1940 Act in which Hercules owns at least 25% of the company’s voting securities or has greater than 50% representation on its board.

(8)	Debt is on non-accrual status at September 30, 2017, and is therefore considered non-income producing. Note that at September 30, 2017, only the $11.0 million PIK, or payment-in-kind, loan is on non-accrual for the Company’s debt investment in Tectura Corporation.

(9)	Denotes that all or a portion of the debt investment is convertible debt.

(10)	Indicates assets that the Company deems not “qualifying assets” under section 55(a) of 1940 Act. Qualifying assets must represent at least 70% of the Company’s total assets at the time of acquisition of any additional non-qualifying assets.

(11)	Denotes that all or a portion of the debt investment secures the notes offered in the Debt Securitization (as defined in Note 4).

(12)	Denotes that all or a portion of the debt investment is pledged as collateral under the Wells Facility (as defined in Note 4).

(13)	Denotes that all or a portion of the debt investment is pledged as collateral under the Union Bank Facility (as defined in Note 4).

(14)	Denotes that all or a portion of the debt investment principal includes accumulated PIK interest and is net of repayments.

(15)	Denotes that all or a portion of the investment in this portfolio company is held by Hercules Technology II, L.P., or HT II, or Hercules Technology III, L.P., or HT III, the Company’s wholly owned small business investment companies, or SBIC, subsidiaries.

(16)	Denotes that the fair value of the Company’s total investments in this portfolio company represent greater than 5% of the Company’s total assets at September 30, 2017.

(17)	Denotes that there is an unfunded contractual commitment available at the request of this portfolio company at September 30, 2017. Refer to Note 10.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor	Principal Amount		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Debt Investments
Biotechnology Tools
1-5 Years Maturity
Exicure, Inc.^{(11) (14A)}	Biotechnology Tools	Senior Secured	September 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.45% or Floor rate of 9.95%	$	6,000	$	5,971	$	6,035
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								5,971		6,035
Subtotal: Biotechnology Tools (0.77%)*								5,971		6,035

Communications & Networking
Under 1 Year Maturity
Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc.^{(6) (13) (14B)}	Communications & Networking	Senior Secured	August 2017	PIK Interest 10.50%	$	1,278		1,304		1,304
OpenPeak, Inc.⁽⁷⁾	Communications & Networking	Senior Secured	April 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 8.75% or Floor rate of 12.00%	$	12,211		8,975		—
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								10,279		1,304
1-5 Years Maturity
Avanti Communications Group^{(4) (9)}	Communications & Networking	Senior Secured	October 2019	Interest rate FIXED 10.00%	$	8,025		7,212		4,825
SkyCross, Inc. ^{(6) (7) (13) (14B) (15)}	Communications & Networking	Senior Secured	January 2018	Interest rate FIXED 10.95%, PIK Interest 5.00%	$	16,758		16,900		—
Spring Mobile Solutions, Inc.^{(12) (14B)}	Communications & Networking	Senior Secured	January 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.70% or Floor rate of 9.95%	$	3,000		3,038		3,044
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								27,150		7,869
Subtotal: Communications & Networking (1.16%)*								37,429		9,173

Consumer & Business Products
1-5 Years Maturity
Antenna79 (p.k.a. Pong Research Corporation)^{(14A) (15)}	Consumer & Business Products	Senior Secured	December 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 7.45% or Floor rate of 10.95%	$	20,000		19,837		19,837
	Consumer & Business Products	Senior Secured	December 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 6.00% or Floor rate of 9.50%	$	1,000		965		965
Total Antenna79 (p.k.a. Pong Research Corporation)					$	21,000		20,802		20,802
Nasty Gal^{(14B) (15)}	Consumer & Business Products	Senior Secured	May 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.45% or Floor rate of 8.95%	$	13,241		13,148		13,148
Second Time Around (Simplify Holdings, LLC)^{(14A) (15)}	Consumer & Business Products	Senior Secured	February 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 7.25% or Floor rate of 10.75%	$	2,280		2,302		2,283
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								36,252		36,233
Subtotal: Consumer & Business Products (4.60%)*								36,252		36,233
Drug Delivery
Under 1 Year Maturity
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^{(9) (10) (14A) (15)}	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	October 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 3.85% or Floor rate of 9.10%	$	20,466	$	21,151	$	21,151
Celsion Corporation^{(10) (14A}	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	June 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 8.00% or Floor rate of 11.25%	$	2,246		2,575		2,575
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								23,726		23,726
1-5 Years Maturity
Agile Therapeutics, Inc.^{(10) (14A)}	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	December 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 9.00%	$	16,500		16,524		16,434
Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company^{(11) (14A)}	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	January 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.75% or Floor rate of 9.25%	$	20,000		19,700		19,706
BioQ Pharma Incorporated^{(10) (14A) (14B)}	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	May 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 8.00% or Floor rate of 11.25%	$	8,231		8,636		8,577
	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	May 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 7.00% or Floor rate of 10.25%	$	2,464		2,511		2,509
Total BioQ Pharma Incorporated					$	10,695		11,147		11,086
Edge Therapeutics, Inc.^{(11) (14A) (17)}	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	February 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.65% or Floor rate of 9.15%	$	15,000		15,004		15,045
Pulmatrix Inc.^{(8) (10) (14A)}	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	July 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 6.25% or Floor rate of 9.50%	$	5,954		6,022		6,013
ZP Opco, Inc. (p.k.a. Zosano Pharma)^{(10) (14A)}	Drug Delivery	Senior Secured	December 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 2.70% or Floor rate of 7.95%	$	12,123		12,325		12,238
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								80,722		80,522
Subtotal: Drug Delivery (13.23%)*								104,448		104,248

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor	Principal Amount		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Drug Discovery & Development
Under 1 Year Maturity
Cerecor, Inc.^{(11) (14A)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	August 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 4.70% or Floor rate of 7.95%	$	2,374	$	2,499	$	2,499
Neuralstem, Inc.^{(14A) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	April 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 6.75% or Floor rate of 10.00%	$	3,766		3,996		3,996
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								6,495		6,495
1-5 Years Maturity
Auris Medical Holding, AG^{(4) (9) (14B)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	January 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 6.05% or Floor rate of 9.55%	$	12,500		12,317		12,326
Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^{(9) (12) (14A) (14B)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	December 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.90% or Floor rate of 11.90%	$	10,000		10,269		10,218
	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	December 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.90% or Floor rate of 11.90%	$	5,000		4,926		4,918
Total Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.					$	15,000		15,195		15,136
Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^{(14A) (14B) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	March 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.85% or Floor rate of 9.35%	$	15,000		15,212		15,387
	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	March 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.85% or Floor rate of 9.35%	$	5,000		4,981		5,049
Total Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.					$	20,000		20,193		20,436
Brickell Biotech, Inc.^{(11) (14B)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	September 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.70% or Floor rate of 9.20%	$	7,500		7,521		7,560
Cerulean Pharma, Inc.^{(12) (14B)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	July 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 1.55% or Floor rate of 7.30%	$	13,078		13,994		13,908
CTI BioPharma Corp. (p.k.a. Cell Therapeutics, Inc.)^{(10) (14A)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	December 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 7.70% or Floor rate of 10.95%	$	19,548		19,276		19,372
CytRx Corporation^{(10) (14B) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	February 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 6.00% or Floor rate of 9.50%	$	25,000		25,086		25,166
Epirus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.^{(7) (14A)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	April 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 4.70% or Floor rate of 7.95%	$	3,066		3,349		—
Genocea Biosciences, Inc.^{(10) (14A)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	January 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 2.25% or Floor rate of 7.25%	$	17,000		17,313		17,376
Immune Pharmaceuticals^{(10) (14B)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	September 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 10.00%	$	3,271		3,350		2,693
Insmed, Incorporated^{(10) (14A)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	October 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 9.25%	$	55,000		54,695		54,559
Mast Therapeutics, Inc.^{(14A) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	January 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.70% or Floor rate of 8.95%	$	3,347		3,921		3,923
Melinta Therapeutics^{(12) (14A)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	June 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 3.75% or Floor rate of 8.25%	$	24,502		25,001		24,945
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc.⁽⁹⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	December 2022	Interest rate FIXED 11.50%	$	25,000		25,000		25,000
Metuchen Pharmaceuticals LLC^{(13) (14A)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	October 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 7.25% or Floor rate of 10.75%, PIK Interest 1.35%	$	35,081		34,541		34,541
Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (p.k.a. Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)^{(14A) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	September 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 2.75% or Floor rate of 8.50%	$	40,000		39,388		39,504
PhaseRx,Inc.^{(14B) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	December 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.75% or Floor rate of 9.25%	$	6,000		5,921		5,945
Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.^{(9) (14B)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	December 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.75% or Floor rate of 9.25%	$	50,000		48,069		48,069
uniQure B.V.^{(4) (9) (10) (14B)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	May 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 3.00% or Floor rate of 8.25%	$	20,000		20,133		20,081
XOMA Corporation^{(9) (14B) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Senior Secured	September 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 2.15% or Floor rate of 9.40%	$	16,380		16,970		16,901
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								411,233		407,441
Subtotal: Drug Discovery & Development (52.53%)*								417,728		413,936

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor	Principal Amount		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Electronics & Computer Hardware
1-5 Years Maturity
Persimmon Technologies^{(11) (13) (14B)}	Electronics & Computer Hardware	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 7.50% or Floor rate of 11.00%, PIK Interest 1.50%	$	7,012	$	7,096	$	7,134
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								7,096		7,134
Subtotal: Electronics & Computer Hardware (0.91%)*								7,096		7,134

Healthcare Services, Other
1-5 Years Maturity
InstaMed Communications, LLC^{(14B) (15)}	Healthcare Services, Other	Senior Secured	February 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.75% or Floor rate of 10.00%	$	10,000		10,125		10,261
PH Group Holdings	Healthcare Services, Other	Senior Secured	September 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 7.45% or Floor rate of 10.95%	$	20,000		19,802		19,802
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								29,927		30,063
Subtotal: Healthcare Services, Other (3.82%)*								29,927		30,063

Internet Consumer & Business Services
1-5 Years Maturity
Aria Systems, Inc.^{(10) (13)}	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 3.20% or Floor rate of 6.95%, PIK Interest 1.95%	$	2,061		2,045		1,728
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.20% or Floor rate of 8.95%, PIK Interest 1.95%	$	18,463		18,307		15,467
Total Aria Systems, Inc.					$	20,524		20,352		17,195
CloudOne, Inc.^{(10) (14B)}	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	April 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.35% or Floor rate of 9.85%	$	5,000		5,091		5,138
Intent Media, Inc.^{(13) (14A) (15)}	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	December 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 5.25% or Floor rate of 8.75%, PIK Interest 1.00%	$	5,000		4,851		4,851
LogicSource^{(14B) (15)}	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	October 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.25% or Floor rate of 9.75%	$	8,500		8,533		8,649
Snagajob.com, Inc.^{(12) (13) (14A)}	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	July 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.15% or Floor rate of 9.15%, PIK Interest 1.95%	$	35,293		34,517		35,067
Tectura Corporation^{(7) (8) (13)}	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	June 2021	Interest rate FIXED 6.00%, PIK Interest 3.00%	$	19,691		19,691		19,691
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured	June 2021	PIK Interest 8.00%	$	11,015		240		—
Total Tectura Corporation					$	30,706		19,931		19,691
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								93,275		90,591
Subtotal: Internet Consumer & Business Services (11.50%)*								93,275		90,591

Media/Content/Info
1-5 Years Maturity
FanDuel, Inc.^(14B)	Media/Content/Info	Senior Secured	November 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 7.25% or Floor rate of 10.75%	$	20,000		19,352		19,352
Machine Zone, Inc.^{(13) (16)}	Media/Content/Info	Senior Secured	May 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 2.50% or Floor rate of 6.75%, PIK Interest 3.00%	$	103,785		102,444		103,083
WP Technology, Inc. (Wattpad, Inc.)^{(4) (9) (11) (14B) (17)}	Media/Content/Info	Senior Secured	April 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 8.25%	$	5,000		5,029		5,099
	Media/Content/Info	Senior Secured	April 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 8.25%	$	2,500		2,471		2,510
Total WP Technology, Inc. (Wattpad, Inc.)					$	7,500		7,500		7,609
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								129,296		130,044
Subtotal: Media/Content/Info (16.50%)*								129,296		130,044

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor	Principal Amount		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Medical Devices & Equipment
Under 1 Year Maturity
InspireMD, Inc.^{(4) (9) (14B)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	June 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 5.00% or Floor rate of 10.50%	$	2,237	$	2,743	$	2,743
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								2,743		2,743
1-5 Years Maturity
Amedica Corporation^{(8) (14B) (15)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	January 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 7.70% or Floor rate of 10.95%	$	7,417		8,816		8,715
Aspire Bariatrics, Inc.^{(14B) (15)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	October 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 4.00% or Floor rate of 9.25%	$	5,295		5,400		5,368
Avedro, Inc.^{(14A) (15)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	June 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 6.00% or Floor rate of 9.25%	$	9,777		9,975		9,982
Flowonix Medical Incorporated^{(12) (14B)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	May 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 10.00%	$	10,905		11,340		11,275
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	March 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.50% or Floor rate of 10.00%	$	4,255		4,243		4,214
Total Flowonix Medical Incorporated					$	15,160		15,583		15,489
Gamma Medica, Inc.^{(10) (14B)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	January 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 6.50% or Floor rate of 9.75%	$	2,500		2,650		2,645
IntegenX, Inc.^{(14B) (15)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.05% or Floor rate of 10.05%	$	15,000		15,068		15,168
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.05% or Floor rate of 10.05%	$	1,750		1,694		1,730
Total IntegenX, Inc.					$	16,750		16,762		16,898
Micell Technologies, Inc.^{(11) (14B)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	August 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 7.25% or Floor rate of 10.50%	$	8,277		8,255		8,321
Quanta Fluid Solutions^{(4) (9) (10) (14B)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	April 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 8.05% or Floor rate of 11.55%	$	12,500		12,547		12,500
Quanterix Corporation^{(10) (14A)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	February 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 2.75% or Floor rate of 8.00%	$	9,964		10,276		10,316
SynergEyes, Inc.^{(14B) (15)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Senior Secured	January 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 7.75% or Floor rate of 11.00%	$	2,347		2,762		2,719
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								93,026		92,953
Subtotal: Medical Devices & Equipment (12.15%)*								95,769		95,696

Semiconductors
Under 1 Year Maturity
Achronix Semiconductor Corporation^{(14B) (15) (17)}	Semiconductors	Senior Secured	November 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 7.00% or Floor rate of 10.50%	$	1,682		1,682		1,682
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								1,682		1,682
1-5 Years Maturity
Achronix Semiconductor Corporation^{(14B) (15) (17)}	Semiconductors	Senior Secured	July 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 8.25% or Floor rate of 11.50%	$	3,341		3,546		3,530
Avnera Corporation^{(10) (14A)}	Semiconductors	Senior Secured	April 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 5.25% or Floor rate of 8.50%	$	5,577		5,699		5,816
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								9,245		9,346
Subtotal: Semiconductors (1.40%)*								10,927		11,028

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor	Principal Amount		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Software
Under 1 Year Maturity
JumpStart Games, Inc. (p.k.a Knowledge Holdings, Inc.)^{(7) (13) (14C) (15) (18)}	Software	Senior Secured	October 2016	Interest rate FIXED 5.75%, PIK Interest 10.75%	$	1,566	$	1,698	$	730
RedSeal Inc.^{(15) (17)}	Software	Senior Secured	June 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 3.25% or Floor rate of 6.50%	$	2,635		2,635		2,635
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								4,333		3,365
1-5 Years Maturity
Actifio, Inc.^{(13) (14A)}	Software	Senior Secured	January 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 4.25% or Floor rate of 8.25%, PIK Interest 2.25%	$	30,961		30,830		30,918
	Software	Senior Secured	January 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 8.75%, PIK Interest 2.50%	$	10,171		9,929		10,036
Total Actifio, Inc.					$	41,132		40,759		40,954
Clickfox, Inc.^{(12) (14C)}	Software	Senior Secured	May 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 8.00% or Floor rate of 11.50%	$	12,000		12,261		12,273
Cloud Technology Partners, Inc.^(14A)	Software	Senior Secured	June 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 3.05% or Floor rate of 7.05%	$	3,000		2,966		2,966
	Software	Senior Secured	December 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.75% or Floor rate of 9.75%	$	10,000		9,863		9,863
Total Cloud Technology Partners, Inc.					$	13,000		12,829		12,829
Druva, Inc.^{(10) (12) (14B) (17)}	Software	Senior Secured	March 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 4.60% or Floor rate of 7.85%	$	9,157		9,604		9,613
	Software	Senior Secured	May 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 4.60% or Floor rate of 7.85%	$	10,000		10,066		10,141
Total Druva, Inc.					$	19,157		19,670		19,754
Evernote Corporation^{(15) (17)}	Software	Senior Secured	October 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.45% or Floor rate of 8.95%	$	6,000		5,961		5,961
Lithium Technologies, Inc.^{(13) (14A) (15) (19)}	Software	Senior Secured	June 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 6.45% or Floor rate of 9.95%, PIK Interest 1.80%	$	25,019		24,999		24,999
JumpStart Games, Inc. (p.k.a Knowledge Holdings, Inc.)^{(7) (13) (14A) (15)}	Software	Senior Secured	March 2018	Interest rate FIXED 5.75%, PIK Interest 10.75%	$	13,000		12,747		5,477
Mattersight Corporation^{(11) (13)}	Software	Senior Secured	February 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 6.25% or Floor rate of 9.75%, PIK Interest 2.15%	$	22,664		22,023		22,280
OneLogin, Inc.^{(13) (15)}	Software	Senior Secured	August 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.45% or Floor rate of 9.95%, PIK Interest 3.25%	$	15,369		15,249		15,488
Quid, Inc.^{(13) (14A) (15)}	Software	Senior Secured	October 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 4.75% or Floor rate of 8.25%, PIK Interest 2.25%	$	8,116		8,126		8,220
RedSeal Inc.^{(14A) (15) (17)}	Software	Senior Secured	June 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 7.75% or Floor rate of 11.00%	$	5,000		5,120		5,107
	Software	Senior Secured	January 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 7.75% or Floor rate of 11.25%	$	5,000		4,880		4,880
Total RedSeal Inc.					$	10,000		10,000		9,987
Signpost, Inc.^{(13) (14A) (15)}	Software	Senior Secured	February 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 4.15% or Floor rate of 8.15%, PIK Interest 1.75%	$	15,237		15,022		15,190
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								199,646		193,412
Subtotal: Software (24.97%)*								203,979		196,777

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor	Principal Amount		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Specialty Pharmaceuticals
1-5 Years Maturity
Alimera Sciences, Inc.^{(10) (13) (14A)}	Specialty Pharmaceuticals	Senior Secured	November 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 7.50% or Floor rate of 11.00%, PIK Interest 1.00%	$	35,041	$	34,606	$	34,798
Jaguar Animal Health, Inc.^{(10) (14B)}	Specialty Pharmaceuticals	Senior Secured	August 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 5.65% or Floor rate of 9.90%	$	3,511		3,803		3,725
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								38,409		38,523
Subtotal: Specialty Pharmaceuticals (4.89%)*								38,409		38,523

Surgical Devices
1-5 Years Maturity
Transmedics, Inc.^{(12) (14B)}	Surgical Devices	Senior Secured	February 2020	Interest rate PRIME + 5.30% or Floor rate of 9.55%	$	8,500		8,497		8,529
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								8,497		8,529
Subtotal: Surgical Devices (1.08%)*								8,497		8,529

Sustainable and Renewable Technology
Under 1 Year Maturity
American Superconductor Corporation^{(10) (14B)}	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	June 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 7.25% or Floor rate of 11.00%	$	1,500		1,550		1,550
Modumetal, Inc.^{(11) (14C) (14D)}	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	March 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 8.70% or Floor rate of 11.95%	$	376		882		882
	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	October 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 6.00% or Floor rate of 9.25%	$	3,370		4,115		4,115
Total Modumetal, Inc.					$	3,746		4,997		4,997
Stion Corporation^{(5) (14A)}	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	February 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 8.75% or Floor rate of 12.00%	$	333		333		333
Sungevity, Inc.^{(12) (14D)}	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	October 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 3.70% or Floor rate of 6.95%	$	35,000		39,834		29,709
	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	October 2017	Interest rate PRIME + 3.70% or Floor rate of 6.95%	$	20,000		20,000		14,917
Total Sungevity, Inc.					$	55,000		59,834		44,626
Subtotal: Under 1 Year Maturity								66,714		51,506
1-5 Years Maturity
FuelCell Energy, Inc.^{(11) (14B)}	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	October 2018	Interest rate PRIME + 5.50% or Floor rate of 9.50%	$	20,000		20,488		20,707
Proterra, Inc.^{(10) (14A) (14B)}	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.95% or Floor rate of 10.20%	$	30,000		30,670		30,592
	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 5.75% or Floor rate of 9.25%	$	10,000		9,921		9,916
Total Proterra, Inc.					$	40,000		40,591		40,508
Rive Technology, Inc.^{(14A) (15)}	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	January 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 6.20% or Floor rate of 9.45%	$	7,500		7,586		7,650
Tendril Networks^{(11) (14B)}	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	June 2019	Interest rate FIXED 7.25%	$	15,000		15,405		15,324
Verdezyne, Inc.^{(14B) (15)}	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Senior Secured	April 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 8.25% or Floor rate of 11.75%	$	15,000		15,084		15,098
Subtotal: 1-5 Years Maturity								99,154		99,287
Subtotal: Sustainable and Renewable Technology (19.14%)*								165,868		150,793
Total: Debt Investments (168.64%)*								1,384,871		1,328,803

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Equity Investments
Biotechnology Tools
NuGEN Technologies, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Biotechnology Tools	Equity	Preferred Series C		189,394	$	500	$	575
Subtotal: Biotechnology Tools (0.07%)*							500		575

Communications & Networking
Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc.^{(6) (15)}	Communications & Networking	Equity	Common Stock		100		4,000		3,396
GlowPoint, Inc.⁽³⁾	Communications & Networking	Equity	Common Stock		114,192		101		31
Peerless Network Holdings, Inc.	Communications & Networking	Equity	Preferred Series A		1,000,000		1,000		4,990
Subtotal: Communications & Networking (1.07%)*							5,101		8,417

Consumer & Business Products
Market Force Information, Inc.	Consumer & Business Products	Equity	Common Stock		480,261		—		279
	Consumer & Business Products	Equity	Preferred Series B-1		187,970		500		273
Total Market Force Information, Inc.					668,231		500		552
Subtotal: Consumer & Business Products (0.07%)*							500		552

Diagnostic
Singulex, Inc.	Diagnostic	Equity	Common Stock		937,998		750		574
Subtotal: Diagnostic (0.07%)*							750		574

Drug Delivery
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^{(3) (9)}	Drug Delivery	Equity	Common Stock		54,240		108		141
BioQ Pharma Incorporated⁽¹⁵⁾	Drug Delivery	Equity	Preferred Series D		165,000		500		542
Edge Therapeutics, Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Delivery	Equity	Common Stock		161,856		1,000		2,023
Merrion Pharmaceuticals, Plc^{(4) (9)}	Drug Delivery	Equity	Common Stock		20,000		9		—
Neos Therapeutics, Inc.^{(3) (15)}	Drug Delivery	Equity	Common Stock		125,000		1,500		731
Revance Therapeutics, Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Delivery	Equity	Common Stock		22,765		557		472
Subtotal: Drug Delivery (0.50%)*							3,674		3,909

Drug Discovery & Development
Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^{(3) (9) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		426,931		1,060		231
Cerecor, Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		119,087		1,000		105
Cerulean Pharma, Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		135,501		1,000		96
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^{(3) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		142,858		1,000		411
Dynavax Technologies^{(3) (9)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		20,000		550		79
Epirus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		200,000		1,000		—
Genocea Biosciences, Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		223,463		2,000		921
Inotek Pharmaceuticals Corporation⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		3,778		1,500		23
Insmed, Incorporated⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		70,771		1,000		936
Melinta Therapeutics	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Preferred Series 4		1,914,448		2,000		2,042
Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (p.k.a. Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Equity	Common Stock		76,362		2,743		1,175
Subtotal: Drug Discovery & Development (0.76%)*							14,853		6,019

Electronics & Computer Hardware
Identiv, Inc.⁽³⁾	Electronics & Computer Hardware	Equity	Common Stock		6,700		34		21
Subtotal: Electronics & Computer Hardware (0.00%)*							34		21

Information Services
DocuSign, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Information Services	Equity	Common Stock		385,000		6,081		6,081
Subtotal: Information Services (0.77%)*							6,081		6,081

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Internet Consumer & Business Services
Blurb, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series B		220,653	$	175	$	197
Brigade Group, Inc. (p.k.a. Philotic, Inc.)	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Common Stock		9,023		93		—
Lightspeed POS, Inc.^{(4) (9)}	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series C		230,030		250		228
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series D		198,677		250		221
Total Lightspeed POS, Inc.					428,707		500		449
OfferUp, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series A		286,080		1,663		1,663
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series A-1		108,710		632		632
Total OfferUp, Inc.					394,790		2,295		2,295
Oportun (p.k.a. Progress Financial)	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series G		218,351		250		431
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series H		87,802		250		249
Total Oportun (p.k.a. Progress Financial)					306,153		500		680
RazorGator Interactive Group, Inc.	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series AA		34,783		15		34
Tectura Corporation	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Equity	Preferred Series BB		1,000,000		—		—
Subtotal: Internet Consumer & Business Services (0.46%)*							3,578		3,655

Media/Content/Info
Pinterest, Inc.	Media/Content/Info	Equity	Preferred Series Seed		620,000		4,085		4,085
Subtotal: Media/Content/Info (0.52%)*							4,085		4,085

Medical Devices & Equipment
AtriCure, Inc.^{(3) (15)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Common Stock		7,536		266		147
Flowonix Medical Incorporated	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series AA		221,893		1,500		359
Gelesis, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Common Stock		198,202		—		634
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series A-1		191,210		425		687
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series A-2		191,626		500		650
Total Gelesis, Inc.					581,038		925		1,971
Medrobotics Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series E		136,798		250		216
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series F		73,971		155		188
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series G		163,934		500		514
Total Medrobotics Corporation					374,703		905		918
Optiscan Biomedical, Corp.^{(5) (15)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series B		6,185,567		3,000		292
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series C		1,927,309		655		85
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series D		55,103,923		5,257		3,014
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series E		13,573,546		1,136		1,138
Total Optiscan Biomedical, Corp.					76,790,345		10,048		4,529
Outset Medical, Inc. (p.k.a. Home Dialysis Plus, Inc.)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series B		232,061		527		548
Quanterix Corporation	Medical Devices & Equipment	Equity	Preferred Series D		272,479		1,000		1,086
Subtotal: Medical Devices & Equipment (1.21%)*							15,171		9,558

Software
Box, Inc.⁽³⁾	Software	Equity	Common Stock		611,442		4,709		8,475
CapLinked, Inc.	Software	Equity	Preferred Series A-3		53,614		51		86
Druva, Inc.	Software	Equity	Preferred Series 2		458,841		1,000		1,288
ForeScout Technologies, Inc.	Software	Equity	Preferred Series D		319,099		398		1,725
	Software	Equity	Preferred Series E		80,587		131		440
Total ForeScout Technologies, Inc.					399,686		529		2,165
HighRoads, Inc.	Software	Equity	Common Stock		190		307		—
NewVoiceMedia Limited^{(4) (9)}	Software	Equity	Preferred Series E		669,173		963		1,025
Palantir Technologies	Software	Equity	Preferred Series E		727,696		5,431		5,431
WildTangent, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Equity	Preferred Series 3		100,000		402		148
Subtotal: Software (2.36%)*							13,392		18,618

Specialty Pharmaceuticals
QuatRx Pharmaceuticals Company	Specialty Pharmaceuticals	Equity	Preferred Series E		241,829		750		—
	Specialty Pharmaceuticals	Equity	Preferred Series E-1		26,955		—		—
	Specialty Pharmaceuticals	Equity	Preferred Series G		4,667,636		—		—
Total QuatRx Pharmaceuticals Company					4,936,420		750		—
Subtotal: Specialty Pharmaceuticals (0.00%)*							750		—

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Surgical Devices
Gynesonics, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series B		219,298	$	250	$	37
	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series C		656,538		282		52
	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series D		1,991,157		712		671
	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series E		2,786,367		429		450
Total Gynesonics, Inc.					5,653,360		1,673		1,210
Transmedics, Inc.	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series B		88,961		1,100		357
	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series C		119,999		300		291
	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series D		260,000		650		912
	Surgical Devices	Equity	Preferred Series F		100,200		500		523
Total Transmedics, Inc.					569,160		2,550		2,083
Subtotal: Surgical Devices (0.42%)*							4,223		3,293

Sustainable and Renewable Technology
Flywheel Building Intelligence, Inc. (p.k.a. SCIEnergy, Inc.)	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Equity	Common Stock		19,250		761		—
Glori Energy, Inc.⁽³⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Equity	Common Stock		18,208		165		1
Modumetal, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Equity	Preferred Series C		3,107,520		500		533
Proterra, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Equity	Preferred Series 5		99,280		500		512
Sungevity, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Equity	Preferred Series D		68,807,339		6,750		—
TPI Composites, Inc.⁽³⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Equity	Common Stock		78,018		273		1,251
Subtotal: Sustainable and Renewable Technology (0.29%)*							8,949		2,297
Total: Equity Investments (8.59%)*							81,641		67,654

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Warrant Investments
Biotechnology Tools
Exicure, Inc.	Biotechnology Tools	Warrant	Preferred Series C		104,348	$	107	$	181
Labcyte, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Biotechnology Tools	Warrant	Preferred Series C		1,127,624		323		409
Subtotal: Biotechnology Tools (0.07%)*							430		590

Communications & Networking
Intelepeer, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Communications & Networking	Warrant	Common Stock		117,958		102		—
OpenPeak, Inc.	Communications & Networking	Warrant	Common Stock		108,982		149		—
PeerApp, Inc.	Communications & Networking	Warrant	Preferred Series B		298,779		61		14
Peerless Network Holdings, Inc.	Communications & Networking	Warrant	Preferred Series A		135,000		95		415
SkyCross, Inc. ^{(6) (15)}	Communications & Networking	Warrant	Preferred Series F		9,762,777		394		—
Spring Mobile Solutions, Inc.	Communications & Networking	Warrant	Common Stock		2,834,375		418		—
Subtotal: Communications & Networking (0.05%)*							1,219		429

Consumer & Business Products
Antenna79 (p.k.a. Pong Research Corporation)⁽¹⁵⁾	Consumer & Business Products	Warrant	Common Stock		1,662,441		228		—
Intelligent Beauty, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Consumer & Business Products	Warrant	Preferred Series B		190,234		230		354
IronPlanet, Inc.	Consumer & Business Products	Warrant	Preferred Series D		1,155,821		1,076		5,574
Nasty Gal⁽¹⁵⁾	Consumer & Business Products	Warrant	Preferred Series C		845,194		23		—
The Neat Company⁽¹⁵⁾	Consumer & Business Products	Warrant	Preferred Series C-1		540,540		365		—
Subtotal: Consumer & Business Products (0.75%)*							1,922		5,928

Drug Delivery
AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^{(3) (9) (15)}	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		176,730		785		92
Agile Therapeutics, Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		180,274		730		269
Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Preferred Series A-1		735,981		366		242
BIND Therapeutics, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		152,586		488		—
BioQ Pharma Incorporated	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		459,183		1		264
Celsion Corporation⁽³⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		194,986		428		—
Dance Biopharm, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		110,882		74		—
Edge Therapeutics, Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		78,595		390		402
Kaleo, Inc. (p.k.a. Intelliject, Inc.)	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Preferred Series B		82,500		594		391
Neos Therapeutics, Inc.^{(3) (15)}	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		70,833		285		17
Pulmatrix Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		25,150		116		—
ZP Opco, Inc. (p.k.a. Zosano Pharma)⁽³⁾	Drug Delivery	Warrant	Common Stock		72,379		266		—
Subtotal: Drug Delivery (0.21%)*							4,523		1,677

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Drug Discovery & Development
ADMA Biologics, Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		89,750	$	295	$	43
Anthera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^{(3) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		40,178		984		—
Auris Medical Holding, AG^{(3) (4) (9)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		156,726		249		51
Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^{(3) (9)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		2,069,880		396		123
Brickell Biotech, Inc.	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Preferred Series C		26,086		119		139
Cerecor, Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		22,328		70		—
Cerulean Pharma, Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		171,901		369		14
Chroma Therapeutics, Ltd.^{(4) (9)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Preferred Series D		325,261		490		—
Cleveland BioLabs, Inc.^{(3) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		7,813		105		—
Concert Pharmaceuticals, Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		70,796		367		56
CTI BioPharma Corp. (p.k.a. Cell Therapeutics, Inc.)⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		292,398		165		8
CytRx Corporation^{(3) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		634,146		416		78
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc.^{(3) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		200		28		—
Epirus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		64,194		276		—
Fortress Biotech, Inc. (p.k.a. Coronado Biosciences, Inc.)⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		73,009		142		13
Genocea Biosciences, Inc.⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		73,725		266		75
Immune Pharmaceuticals⁽³⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		214,853		164		—
Mast Therapeutics, Inc.^{(3) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		2,272,724		203		85
Melinta Therapeutics	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Preferred Series 3		1,382,323		626		295
Nanotherapeutics, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		171,389		838		767
Neothetics, Inc. (p.k.a. Lithera, Inc)^{(3) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		46,838		266		29
Neuralstem, Inc.^{(3) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		75,187		77		1
Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (p.k.a. Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)^{(3) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		69,840		152		157
PhaseRx,Inc.^{(3) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		63,000		125		15
Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc.^{(3) (9)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		306,748		890		632
uniQure B.V.^{(3) (4) (9)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		37,174		218		8
XOMA Corporation^{(3) (9) (15)}	Drug Discovery & Development	Warrant	Common Stock		9,063		279		6
Subtotal: Drug Discovery & Development (0.33%)*							8,575		2,595

Electronics & Computer Hardware
Clustrix, Inc.	Electronics & Computer Hardware	Warrant	Common Stock		50,000		12		—
Persimmon Technologies	Electronics & Computer Hardware	Warrant	Preferred Series D		63,348		40		509
Subtotal: Electronics & Computer Hardware (0.06%)*							52		509

Healthcare Services, Other
Chromadex Corporation^{(3) (15)}	Healthcare Services, Other	Warrant	Common Stock		139,673		157		137
Subtotal: Healthcare Services, Other (0.02%)*							157		137

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Information Services
INMOBI Inc.^{(4) (9)}	Information Services	Warrant	Common Stock		46,874	$	82	$	—
InXpo, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Information Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C		648,400		98		4
	Information Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C-1		1,165,183		74		6
Total InXpo, Inc.					1,813,583		172		10
RichRelevance, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Information Services	Warrant	Preferred Series E		112,612		98		—
Subtotal: Information Services (0.00%)*							352		10

Internet Consumer & Business Services
Aria Systems, Inc.	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series E		239,692		73		—
Blurb, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C		234,280		636		96
CashStar, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C-2		727,272		130		24
CloudOne, Inc.	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series E		968,992		19		46
Intent Media, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Common Stock		140,077		168		167
Just Fabulous, Inc.	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series B		206,184		1,102		1,093
Lightspeed POS, Inc.^{(4) (9)}	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C		245,610		20		31
LogicSource⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C		79,625		30		59
Oportun (p.k.a. Progress Financial)	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series G		174,562		78		190
Prism Education Group, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series B		200,000		43		—
ShareThis, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series C		493,502		547		1
Snagajob.com, Inc.	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series A		1,575,000		640		1,075
Tapjoy, Inc.	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series D		748,670		316		19
Tectura Corporation	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Warrant	Preferred Series B-1		253,378		51		—
Subtotal: Internet Consumer & Business Services (0.36%)*							3,853		2,801

Media/Content/Info
FanDuel, Inc.	Media/Content/Info	Warrant	Preferred Series E-1		4,648		730		682
Machine Zone, Inc.⁽¹⁶⁾	Media/Content/Info	Warrant	Common Stock		1,552,710		1,958		2,729
Rhapsody International, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Media/Content/Info	Warrant	Common Stock		715,755		385		7
WP Technology, Inc. (Wattpad, Inc.)^{(4) (9)}	Media/Content/Info	Warrant	Common Stock		127,909		1		6
Zoom Media Group, Inc.	Media/Content/Info	Warrant	Preferred Series A		1,204		348		14
Subtotal: Media/Content/Info (0.44%)*							3,422		3,438

Medical Devices & Equipment
Amedica Corporation^{(3) (15)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Common Stock		103,225		459		14
Aspire Bariatrics, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series D		395,000		455		217
Avedro, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series AA		300,000		401		254
Flowonix Medical Incorporated	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series AA		155,325		362		21
Gamma Medica, Inc.	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series A		450,956		170		234
Gelesis, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series A-1		74,784		78		153
InspireMD, Inc.^{(3) (4) (9)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Common Stock		39,364		242		20
IntegenX, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series C		547,752		15		35
Medrobotics Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series E		455,539		370		292
Micell Technologies, Inc.	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series D-2		84,955		262		347
NetBio, Inc.	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series A		7,841		408		158
NinePoint Medical, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series A-1		587,840		170		65
Optiscan Biomedical, Corp.^{(5) (15)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series D		10,535,275		1,252		170
Outset Medical, Inc. (p.k.a. Home Dialysis Plus, Inc.)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series A		500,000		402		355
Quanterix Corporation	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series C		173,428		180		104
SonaCare Medical, LLC (p.k.a. US HIFU, LLC)	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Preferred Series A		6,464		188		—
Strata Skin Sciences, Inc. (p.k.a. MELA Sciences, Inc.)⁽³⁾	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Common Stock		69,320		402		—
ViewRay, Inc.^{(3) (15)}	Medical Devices & Equipment	Warrant	Common Stock		128,231		333		2
Subtotal: Medical Devices & Equipment (0.31%)*							6,149		2,441

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Semiconductors
Achronix Semiconductor Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Semiconductors	Warrant	Preferred Series C		360,000	$	160	$	71
	Semiconductors	Warrant	Preferred Series D-1		500,000		7		25
Total Achronix Semiconductor Corporation					860,000		167		96
Aquantia Corp.	Semiconductors	Warrant	Preferred Series G		196,831		4		88
Avnera Corporation	Semiconductors	Warrant	Preferred Series E		141,567		46		114
Subtotal: Semiconductors (0.04%)*							217		298

Software
Actifio, Inc.	Software	Warrant	Common Stock		73,584		249		83
	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series F		31,673		343		54
Total Actifio, Inc.					105,257		592		137
Braxton Technologies, LLC	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series A		168,750		188		—
CareCloud Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series B		413,433		258		488
Clickfox, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series B		1,038,563		330		63
	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C		592,019		730		76
	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C-A		2,218,214		230		1,604
Total Clickfox, Inc.					3,848,796		1,290		1,743
Cloud Technology Partners, Inc.	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C		113,960		34		35
Evernote Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Common Stock		62,500		106		110
JumpStart Games, Inc. (p.k.a Knowledge Holdings, Inc.)⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series E		614,333		16		—
Mattersight Corporation⁽³⁾	Software	Warrant	Common Stock		357,143		538		386
Message Systems, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C		503,718		334		325
Mobile Posse, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C		396,430		130		102
Neos, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Common Stock		221,150		22		64
NewVoiceMedia Limited^{(4) (9)}	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series E		225,586		33		45
OneLogin, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Common Stock		228,972		150		188
Poplicus, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C		2,595,230		—		6
Quid, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series D		71,576		1		8
RedSeal Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C-Prime		640,603		66		65
Signpost, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C		324,005		314		167
Soasta, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series E		410,800		691		190
Sonian, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Software	Warrant	Preferred Series C		185,949		106		105
Subtotal: Software (0.53%)*							4,869		4,164

Specialty Pharmaceuticals
Alimera Sciences, Inc.⁽³⁾	Specialty Pharmaceuticals	Warrant	Common Stock		1,717,709		860		421
QuatRx Pharmaceuticals Company	Specialty Pharmaceuticals	Warrant	Preferred Series E		155,324		308		—
Subtotal: Specialty Pharmaceuticals (0.05%)*							1,168		421

Surgical Devices
Gynesonics, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Surgical Devices	Warrant	Preferred Series C		180,480		75		14
	Surgical Devices	Warrant	Preferred Series D		1,575,965		320		240
Total Gynesonics, Inc.					1,756,445		395		254
Transmedics, Inc.	Surgical Devices	Warrant	Preferred Series B		40,436		225		16
	Surgical Devices	Warrant	Preferred Series D		175,000		100		405
	Surgical Devices	Warrant	Preferred Series F		50,544		38		56
Total Transmedics, Inc.					265,980		363		477
Subtotal: Surgical Devices (0.09%)*							758		731

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

December 31, 2016

(unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Sub-Industry	Type of Investment⁽¹⁾	Series	Shares		Cost⁽²⁾		Value⁽³⁾
Sustainable and Renewable Technology
Agrivida, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series D		471,327	$	120	$	99
Alphabet Energy, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series A		86,329		82		—
American Superconductor Corporation⁽³⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Common Stock		58,823		39		85
Beamreach Solar (p.k.a. Solexel, Inc.)⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series C		1,171,625		1,162		—
Brightsource Energy, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series 1		116,666		104		—
Calera, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series C		44,529		513		—
EcoMotors, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series B		437,500		308		30
Fluidic, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series D		61,804		102		20
Flywheel Building Intelligence, Inc. (p.k.a. SCIEnergy, Inc.)	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Common Stock		530,811		181		—
	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series 2-A		6,229		50		—
Total Flywheel Building Intelligence, Inc. (p.k.a. SCIEnergy, Inc.)					537,040		231		—
Fulcrum Bioenergy, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series C-1		280,897		275		201
GreatPoint Energy, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series D-1		393,212		548		—
Polyera Corporation⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series C		311,609		338		—
Proterra, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series 4		477,517		41		457
Rive Technology, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series E		234,477		12		3
Stion Corporation⁽⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series Seed		2,154		1,378		—
Sungevity, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Common Stock		20,000,000		543		—
	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series C		32,472,222		902		—
Total Sungevity, Inc.					52,472,222		1,445		—
TAS Energy, Inc.	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series AA		428,571		299		—
Tendril Networks	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series 3-A		1,019,793		189		219
Trilliant, Inc.⁽¹⁵⁾	Sustainable and Renewable Technology	Warrant	Preferred Series A		320,000		162		202
Subtotal: Sustainable and Renewable Technology (0.17%)*							7,348		1,316
Total: Warrant Investments (3.49%)*							45,014		27,485
Total Investments in Securities (180.72%)*						$	1,511,526	$	1,423,942

*	Value as a percent of net assets

(1)	Preferred and common stock, warrants, and equity interests are generally non-income producing.

(2)	Gross unrealized appreciation, gross unrealized depreciation, and net depreciation for federal income tax purposes totaled $24.7 million, $114.5 million and $89.8 million respectively. The tax cost of investments is $1.5 billion.

(3)

Except for warrants in 37 publicly traded companies and common stock in 19 publicly traded companies, all investments are restricted at December 31, 2016 and were valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. No unrestricted securities of the same issuer are outstanding. The Company uses the Standard Industrial Code for classifying the industry grouping of its portfolio companies.

(4)	Non-U.S. company or the company’s principal place of business is outside the United States.

(5)	Affiliate investment as defined under the 1940 Act in which Hercules owns at least 5% but generally less than 25% of the company’s voting securities.

(6)	Control investment as defined under the 1940 Act in which Hercules owns at least 25% of the company’s voting securities or has greater than 50% representation on its board.

(7)	Debt is on non-accrual status at December 31, 2016, and is therefore considered non-income producing. Note that at December 31, 2016, only the $11.0 million PIK loan is on non-accrual for the Company’s debt investment in Tectura Corporation.

(8)	Denotes that all or a portion of the debt investment is convertible debt.

(9)	Indicates assets that the Company deems not “qualifying assets” under section 55(a) of 1940 Act. Qualifying assets must represent at least 70% of the Company’s total assets at the time of acquisition of any additional non-qualifying assets.

(10)	Denotes that all or a portion of the debt investment secures the notes offered in the Debt Securitization (as defined in Note 4).

(11)	Denotes that all or a portion of the debt investment is pledged as collateral under the Wells Facility (as defined in Note 4).

(12)	Denotes that all or a portion of the debt investment is pledged as collateral under the Union Bank Facility (as defined in Note 4).

(13)	Denotes that all or a portion of the debt investment principal includes accumulated PIK interest and is net of repayments.

(14)	Denotes that all or a portion of the debt investment includes an exit fee receivable.

A. This fee ranges from 1.0% to 5.0% of the total debt commitment based on the contractual terms of our loan servicing agreements.

B. This fee ranges from 5.0% to 10.0% of the total debt commitment based on the contractual terms of our loan servicing agreements.

C. This fee ranges from 10.0% to 15.0% of the total debt commitment based on the contractual terms of our loan servicing agreements.

D. This fee is greater than 15.0% of the total debt commitment based on the contractual terms of our loan servicing agreements.

(15)	Denotes that all or a portion of the investment in this portfolio company is held by HT II or HT III, the Company’s wholly owned SBIC subsidiaries.

(16)	Denotes that the fair value of the Company’s total investments in this portfolio company represent greater than 5% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2016.

(17)	Denotes that there is an unfunded contractual commitment available at the request of this portfolio company at December 31, 2016. Refer to Note 10.

(18)	Repayment of debt investment is delinquent of the contractual maturity date as of December 31, 2016.

(19)	The stated PIK interest rate may be reduced to 1.45% subject to achievement of a milestone by the portfolio company.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Hercules Capital, Inc. (the “Company”) is a specialty finance company focused on providing senior secured loans to high-growth, innovative venture capital-backed companies in a variety of technology, life sciences, and sustainable and renewable technology industries. The Company sources its investments through its principal office located in Palo Alto, CA, as well as through its additional offices in Boston, MA, New York, NY, Washington, DC, Santa Monica, CA, Hartford, CT, and San Diego, CA. The Company was incorporated under the General Corporation Law of the State of Maryland in December 2003.

The Company is an internally managed, non-diversified closed-end investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). From incorporation through December 31, 2005, the Company was subject to tax as a corporation under Subchapter C of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Effective January 1, 2006, the Company elected to be treated for tax purposes as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under Subchapter M of the Code (see Note 5). As an investment company, the Company follows accounting and reporting guidance as set forth in Topic 946 (“Financial Services – Investment Companies”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification, as amended (“ASC”).

Hercules Technology II, L.P. (“HT II”), Hercules Technology III, L.P. (“HT III”), and Hercules Technology IV, L.P. (“HT IV”), are Delaware limited partnerships that were formed in January 2005, September 2009 and December 2010, respectively. HT II and HT III were licensed to operate as small business investment companies (“SBICs”) under the authority of the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) on September 27, 2006 and May 26, 2010, respectively. As SBICs, HT II and HT III are subject to a variety of regulations concerning, among other things, the size and nature of the companies in which they may invest and the structure of those investments. HT IV was formed in anticipation of receiving an additional SBIC license; however, the Company has not received such license, and HT IV currently has no material assets or liabilities. The Company also formed Hercules Technology SBIC Management, LLC, or (“HTM”), a limited liability company in November 2003. HTM is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and serves as the limited partner and general partner of HT II and HT III (see Note 4 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements).

HT II and HT III hold approximately $107.9 million and $279.9 million in assets, respectively, and they accounted for approximately 5.4% and 13.9% of the Company’s total assets, respectively, prior to consolidation at September 30, 2017.

The Company also established wholly owned subsidiaries, all of which are structured as Delaware corporations and limited liability companies, to hold portfolio companies organized as limited liability companies, or LLCs (or other forms of pass-through entities). By investing through these wholly owned subsidiaries, the Company is able to benefit from the tax treatment of these entities and create a tax structure that is more advantageous with respect to the Company’s RIC status. These taxable subsidiaries are consolidated for financial reporting purposes and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), and the portfolio investments held by these taxable subsidiaries are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and recorded at fair value. These taxable subsidiaries are not consolidated with Hercules for income tax purposes and may generate income tax expense, or benefit, and tax assets and liabilities as a result of their ownership of certain portfolio investments.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its subsidiaries and its consolidated securitization VIE. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In accordance with Article 10 of Regulation S-X, the Company does not consolidate portfolio company investments. It is not appropriate for an investment company to consolidate a portfolio company that is not an investment company or that provides services to the Company. Rather, an investment company’s interest in portfolio companies that are not investment companies should be measured at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 946.

The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information, and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-Q and Articles 6 and 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain disclosures accompanying annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP are omitted. In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting solely of normal recurring accruals considered necessary for the fair presentation of consolidated financial statements for the interim periods have been included. The current period’s results of operations are not necessarily indicative of results that ultimately may be achieved for the full fiscal year. Therefore, the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the period ended December 31, 2016. The year-end Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.

Financial statements prepared on a U.S. GAAP basis require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known, which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries and all VIEs of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party with both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb the losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the VIE.

To assess whether the Company has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance, the Company considers all the facts and circumstances including its role in establishing the VIE and its ongoing rights and responsibilities. This assessment includes identifying the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and identifying which party, if any, has power over those activities. In general, the party that makes the most significant decisions affecting the VIE is determined to have the power to direct the activities of a VIE. To assess whether the Company has the obligation to absorb the losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE, the Company considers all of its economic interests, including debt and equity interests, servicing rights and fee arrangements, and any other variable interests in the VIE. If the Company determines that it is the party with the power to make the most significant decisions affecting the VIE, and the Company has a potentially significant interest in the VIE, then it consolidates the VIE.

The Company performs periodic reassessments, usually quarterly, of whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The reassessment process considers whether the Company has acquired or divested the power to direct the activities of the VIE through changes in governing documents or other circumstances. The Company also reconsiders whether entities previously determined not to be VIEs have become VIEs, based on certain events, and therefore are subject to the VIE consolidation framework.

As of the date of this report, the only VIE consolidated by the Company is its securitization VIE formed in conjunction with the issuance of the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes (as defined herein). See “Note 4 – Borrowings”.

Reclassification

Certain balances from prior years have been reclassified in order to conform to the current year presentation.

Valuation of Investments

The most significant estimate inherent in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements is the valuation of investments and the related amounts of unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments recorded.

At September 30, 2017, approximately 89.5% of the Company’s total assets represented investments in portfolio companies whose fair value is determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. Value, as defined in Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act, is (i) the market price for those securities for which a market quotation is readily available and (ii) for all other securities and assets, fair value is as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. The Company’s investments are carried at fair value in accordance with the 1940 Act and ASC Topic 946 and measured in accordance with ASC Topic 820 (“Fair Value Measurements”). The Company’s debt securities are primarily invested in venture capital-backed companies in technology-related industries including technology, drug discovery and development, biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, and sustainable and renewable technology at all stages of development. Given the nature of lending to these types of businesses, substantially all of the Company’s investments in these portfolio companies are considered Level 3 assets under ASC Topic 820 because there is no known or accessible market or market indexes for these investment securities to be traded or exchanged. As such, the Company values substantially all of its investments at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to a consistent valuation policy by the Company’s Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 820 and the 1940 Act. Due to the inherent uncertainty in determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Company’s investments determined in good faith by its Board of Directors may differ significantly from the value that would have been used had a readily available market existed for such investments, and the differences could be material.

The Company may from time to time engage an independent valuation firm to provide the Company with valuation assistance with respect to certain portfolio investments. The Company engages independent valuation firms on a discretionary basis. Specifically, on a quarterly basis, the Company will identify portfolio investments with respect to which an independent valuation firm will assist in valuing. The Company selects these portfolio investments based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the potential for material fluctuations in valuation results, credit quality and the time lapse since the last valuation of the portfolio investment by an independent valuation firm.

The Company intends to continue to engage an independent valuation firm to provide management with assistance regarding the Company’s determination of the fair value of selected portfolio investments each quarter unless directed by the Board of Directors to cancel such valuation services. The scope of services rendered by an independent valuation firm is at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company’s Board of Directors is ultimately, and solely, responsible for determining the fair value of the Company’s investments in good faith.

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 Company’s Board of Directors has approved a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:

(1) the Company’s quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company being initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for the portfolio investment;

(2) preliminary valuation conclusions are then documented and business based assumptions are discussed with the Company’s investment committee;

(3) the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the preliminary valuation of the investments in the portfolio as provided by the investment committee, which incorporates the results of the independent valuation firm as appropriate; and

(4) the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, discusses valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in the Company’s portfolio in good faith based on the input of, where applicable, the respective independent valuation firm and the investment committee.

ASC Topic 820 establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities and outlines a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value and the effect of fair value measures on earnings. ASC Topic 820 also requires disclosure for fair value measurements based on the level within the hierarchy of the information used in the valuation. ASC Topic 820 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. ASC Topic 820 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.

The Company has categorized all investments recorded at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 820 based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels, defined by ASC Topic 820 and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuation of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:

Level 1—Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets at the measurement date. The types of assets carried at Level 1 fair value generally are equities listed in active markets.

Level 2—Inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level 1) are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset in connection with market data at the measurement date and for the extent of the instrument’s anticipated life. Fair valued assets that are generally included in this category are publicly held debt investments and warrants held in a public company.

Level 3—Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset at the measurement date. It includes prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. Generally, assets carried at fair value and included in this category are the debt investments and warrants and equities held in a private company.

Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized in the tables below based upon the lowest level of significant input to the valuations as of September 30, 2017 and as of December 31, 2016. The Company transfers investments in and out of Level 1, 2 and 3 as of the beginning balance sheet date, based on changes in the use of observable and unobservable inputs utilized to perform the valuation for the period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, there were no transfers between Levels 1 or 2.

(in thousands)	Balance September 30,		Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Description	2017		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Senior Secured Debt	$	1,300,068	$	—	$	—	$	1,300,068
Preferred Stock		41,993		—		—		41,993
Common Stock		42,324		16,018		—		26,306
Warrants		32,729		—		3,520		29,209
Escrow Receivable		915		—		—		915
Total	$	1,418,029	$	16,018	$	3,520	$	1,398,491

(in thousands)	Balance December 31,		Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Description	2016		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Senior Secured Debt	$	1,328,803	$	—	$	4,825	$	1,323,978
Preferred Stock		39,418		—		—		39,418
Common Stock		28,236		17,271		—		10,965
Warrants		27,485		—		3,239		24,246
Escrow Receivable		1,382		—		—		1,382
Total	$	1,425,324	$	17,271	$	8,064	$	1,399,989

The table below presents a reconciliation for all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, excluding accrued interest components, using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016.

(in thousands)	Balance January 1, 2017		Net Realized Gains (Losses) ⁽¹⁾			Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) ⁽²⁾			Purchases ⁽⁵⁾		Sales			Repayments ⁽⁶⁾			Gross Transfers into Level 3 ⁽³⁾		Gross Transfers out of Level 3 ⁽³⁾			Balance September 30, 2017
Senior Debt	$	1,323,978	$	(24,318	)	$	39,423		$	498,613	$	—		$	(474,957	)	$	—	$	(62,671	)	$	1,300,068
Preferred Stock		39,418		(7,531	)		10,101			473		(468	)		—			—		—			41,993
Common Stock		10,965		—			(49,532	)		3,748		(1,546	)		—			62,671		—			26,306
Warrants		24,246		755			9,650			1,784		(7,226	)		—			—		—			29,209
Escrow Receivable		1,382		11			—			3,119		(3,597	)		—			—		—			915
Total	$	1,399,989	$	(31,083	)	$	9,642		$	507,737	$	(12,837	)	$	(474,957	)	$	62,671	$	(62,671	)	$	1,398,491

(in thousands)	Balance January 1, 2016		Net Realized Gains (Losses) ⁽¹⁾			Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) ⁽²⁾			Purchases ⁽⁵⁾		Sales			Repayments ⁽⁶⁾			Gross Transfers into Level 3 ⁽⁴⁾		Gross Transfers out of Level 3 ⁽⁴⁾			Balance December 31, 2016
Senior Debt	$	1,102,396	$	(6,968	)	$	(12,675	)	$	687,353	$	—		$	(441,567	)	$	—	$	(4,561	)	$	1,323,978
Preferred Stock		35,245		(334	)		(7,864	)		13,873		(1,367	)		—			626		(761	)		39,418
Common Stock		1,527		—			(1,404	)		6,081		—			—			4,761		—			10,965
Warrants		18,565		(116	)		3,465			4,082		(1,186	)		—			—		(564	)		24,246
Escrow Receivable		2,967		(6	)		—			2,009		(3,588	)		—			—		—			1,382
Total	$	1,160,700	$	(7,424	)	$	(18,478	)	$	713,398	$	(6,141	)	$	(441,567	)	$	5,387	$	(5,886	)	$	1,399,989

(1)	Included in net realized gains or losses in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.

(2)	Included in net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.

(3)

Transfers into Level 3 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 relate to the conversion of the Company’s debt investment in Sungevity, Inc. and a portion of the Company’s debt investment in Gamma Medica, Inc. to common stock through bankruptcy transactions. Transfers out of Level 3 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 relate to the conversion of the Company’s debt investment in Sungevity, Inc. and a portion of the Company’s debt investment in Gamma Medica, Inc. to common stock through bankruptcy transactions.

(4)

Transfers into Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2016 relate to the acquisition of preferred stock as a result of the exercise of warrants in Ping Identity Corporation, the conversion of debt to equity in Optiscan Biomedical Corp and Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc. and the conversion of the Company’s preferred shares to common shares in SCIEnergy, Inc. Transfers out of Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2016 relate to the exercise of warrants in TPI Composites, Inc. and Touchcommerce, Inc. to common stock in an initial public offering, or IPO, and acquisition, respectively; the exercise of warrants in Ping Identity Corporation to preferred stock; the conversion of debt to equity in Optiscan Biomedical Corp and Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc. and the conversion of the Company’s preferred shares to common shares in SCIEnergy, Inc.

(5)

Amounts listed above are inclusive of loan origination fees received at the inception of the loan which are deferred and amortized into fee income as well as the accretion of existing loan discounts and fees during the period. Escrow receivable purchases may include additions due to proceeds held in escrow from the liquidation of level 3 investments.

(6)	Amounts listed above include the acceleration and payment of loan discounts and loan fees due to early payoffs or restructures.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, approximately $2.4 million in net unrealized appreciation and $49.3 million in net unrealized depreciation was recorded for preferred stock and common stock Level 3 investments, respectively, relating to assets still held at the reporting date. The depreciation on common stock during the period reflects the conversion of the Company’s debt investment in Sungevity, Inc. to common stock at cost through a bankruptcy transaction and subsequent depreciation to fair value. For the same period, approximately $1.1 million in net unrealized depreciation and $10.2 million in net unrealized appreciation was recorded for debt and warrant Level 3 investments, respectively, relating to assets still held at the reporting date.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, approximately $9.1 million and $1.4 million in net unrealized depreciation was recorded for preferred stock and common stock Level 3 investments, respectively, relating to assets still held at the reporting date. For the same period, approximately $25.7 million in net unrealized depreciation and $2.8 million in net unrealized appreciation was recorded for debt and warrant Level 3 investments, respectively, relating to assets still held at the reporting date.

The following tables provide quantitative information about the Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. In addition to the techniques and inputs noted in the tables below, according to the Company’s valuation policy the Company may also use other valuation techniques and methodologies when determining the Company’s fair value measurements. The tables below are not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather provide information on the significant Level 3 inputs as they relate to the Company’s fair value measurements.

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s escrow receivables is the amount recoverable at the contractual maturity date of the escrow receivable.

Investment Type - Level Three Debt Investments	Fair Value at September 30, 2017 (in thousands)		Valuation Techniques/Methodologies	Unobservable Input⁽¹⁾	Range		Weighted Average ⁽²⁾
Pharmaceuticals	$	14,794	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield		13.22%		13.22%
		489,860	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	9.42% - 15.44%			12.98%
				Premium/(Discount)	0.00% - 0.75%
		5,100	Liquidation ⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes	30.00% - 100.00%
Technology		152,443	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield	10.46% - 17.49%			11.57%
		219,760	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	9.07% - 19.06%			13.68%
				Premium/(Discount)	(0.25%) - 0.50%
		21,960	Liquidation ⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes	20.00% - 100.00%
Sustainable and Renewable		14,698	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield		17.61%		17.61%
Technology		81,842	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	11.78% - 14.49%			13.18%
				Premium/(Discount)	0.00% - 0.25%
Medical Devices		32,798	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield	10.38% - 13.18%			11.06%
		58,556	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	9.38% - 17.29%			12.77%
				Premium/(Discount)	0.00% - 0.75%
		—	Liquidation ⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes		100.00%
Lower Middle Market		37,187	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield	12.09% - 12.68%			12.40%
		20,145	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield		8.81%		8.81%
				Premium/(Discount)		0.25%
		2,995	Liquidation ⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes		100.00%

			Debt Investments Where Fair Value Approximates Cost
		147,930	Debt Investments Maturing in Less than One Year
	$	1,300,068	Total Level Three Debt Investments

(1)

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s debt securities are hypothetical market yields and premiums/(discounts). The hypothetical market yield is defined as the exit price of an investment in a hypothetical market to hypothetical market participants where buyers and sellers are willing participants. The premiums (discounts) relate to company specific characteristics such as underlying investment performance, security liens, and other characteristics of the investment. Significant increases (decreases) in the inputs in isolation may result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement, depending on the materiality of the investment. Debt investments in the industries noted in the Company’s Consolidated Schedule of Investments are included in the industries noted above as follows:

•

Pharmaceuticals, above, is comprised of debt investments in the Specialty Pharmaceuticals, Drug Discovery and Development, Drug Delivery and Biotechnology Tools industries in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

•

Technology, above, is comprised of debt investments in the Software, Semiconductors, Internet Consumer and Business Services, Consumer and Business Products, Information Services, and Communications and Networking industries in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

•

Sustainable and Renewable Technology, above, aligns with the Sustainable and Renewable Technology Industry in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

•

Medical Devices, above, is comprised of debt investments in the Surgical Devices and Medical Devices and Equipment industries in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

•

Lower Middle Market, above, is comprised of debt investments in the Communications and Networking, Electronics and Computer Hardware, Healthcare Services - Other, Information Services, Internet Consumer and Business Services, Media/Content/Info, and Specialty Pharmaceuticals industries in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

(2)	The weighted averages are calculated based on the fair market value of each investment.

(3)	The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of impaired debt securities is the probability weighting of alternative outcomes.

Investment Type - Level Three Debt Investments	Fair Value at December 31, 2016 (in thousands)		Valuation Techniques/Methodologies	Unobservable Input⁽¹⁾	Range		Weighted Average ⁽²⁾
Pharmaceuticals	$	102,412	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield	12.24% - 14.59%			13.64%
		434,718	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	9.07% - 15.62%			12.44%
				Premium/(Discount)	(0.25%) - 0.75%
		2,693	Liquidation⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes	25.00% - 100.00%
Technology		93,674	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield	7.29% - 16.53%			13.69%
		325,553	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	10.14% - 21.66%			12.69%
				Premium/(Discount)	(0.50%) - 0.50%
		24,706	Liquidation⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes	20.00% - 100.00%
Sustainable and Renewable		99,286	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	11.77% - 16.84%			13.45%
Technology				Premium/(Discount)	0.00% - 0.25%
		44,626	Liquidation⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes	10.00% - 40.00%
Medical Devices		88,983	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	10.25% - 18.60%			14.01%
				Premium/(Discount)	(0.25%) - 0.75%
Lower Middle Market		25,017	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	8.85% - 15.79%			10.10%
				Premium/(Discount)	0.00% - 0.25%
		13,148	Liquidation⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes		100.00%

			Debt Investments Where Fair Value Approximates Cost
		25,000	Imminent Payoffs⁽⁴⁾
		44,162	Debt Investments Maturing in Less than One Year
	$	1,323,978	Total Level Three Debt Investments

(1)

•

Pharmaceuticals, above, is comprised of debt investments in the Specialty Pharmaceuticals, Drug Discovery and Development and Drug Delivery industries in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

•

Sustainable and Renewable Technology, above, aligns with the Sustainable and Renewable Technology Industry in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

•

Medical Devices, above, is comprised of debt investments in the Surgical Devices and Medical Devices and Equipment industries in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

•

(2)	The weighted averages are calculated based on the fair market value of each investment.

(3)	The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of impaired debt securities is the probability weighting of alternative outcomes.

(4)	Imminent payoffs represent debt investments that the Company expects to be fully repaid within the next three months, prior to their scheduled maturity date.

Investment Type - Level Three Equity and Warrant Investments	Fair Value at September 30, 2017 (in thousands)		Valuation Techniques/ Methodologies	Unobservable Input ⁽¹⁾	Range	Weighted Average ⁽⁶⁾
Equity Investments	$	10,413	Market Comparable Companies	EBITDA Multiple ⁽²⁾	5.8x - 56.7x	16.4x
				Revenue Multiple ⁽²⁾	0.4x - 6.2x	3.2x
				Discount for Lack of Marketability ⁽³⁾	10.08% - 14.34%		11.61%
				Average Industry Volatility⁽⁴⁾	39.02% - 62.19%		55.65%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.20% - 1.33%		1.22%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	6 - 14		7
		19,167	Market Adjusted OPM Backsolve	Market Equity Adjustment ⁽⁵⁾	(16.27%) - 23.40%		7.42%
				Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	29.02% - 106.33%		79.23%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.80% - 1.53%		1.21%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	8 - 29		13
		38,719	Other ⁽⁷⁾
Warrant Investments		21,198	Market Comparable Companies	EBITDA Multiple ⁽²⁾	5.4x - 56.7x	15.7x
				Revenue Multiple ⁽²⁾	0.4x - 7.5x	2.8x
				Discount for Lack of Marketability ⁽³⁾	5.06% - 31.10%		14.96%
				Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	33.09% - 106.76%		55.33%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.99% - 1.75%		1.30%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	2 - 47		16
		6,056	Market Adjusted OPM Backsolve	Market Equity Adjustment ⁽⁵⁾	(69.77%) - 139.40%		14.28%
				Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	29.02% - 108.76%		75.67%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.80% - 1.82%		1.24%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	8 - 41		15
		1,955	Other ⁽⁷⁾
Total Level Three Warrant and Equity Investments	$	97,508

(1)

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s warrant and equity-related securities are revenue and/or EBITDA multiples, market equity adjustment factors, and discounts for lack of marketability. Additional inputs used in the Black Scholes option pricing model include industry volatility, risk free interest rate and estimated time to exit. Significant increases (decreases) in the inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement, depending on the materiality of the investment. For some investments, additional consideration may be given to data from the last round of financing or merger/acquisition events near the measurement date.

(2)	Represents amounts used when the Company has determined that market participants would use such multiples when pricing the investments.

(3)	Represents amounts used when the Company has determined market participants would take into account these discounts when pricing the investments.

(4)	Represents the range of industry volatility used by market participants when pricing the investment.

(5)	Represents the range of changes in industry valuations since the portfolio company's last external valuation event.

(6)	Weighted averages are calculated based on the fair market value of each investment.

(7) The fair market value of these investments is derived based on recent private market and merger and acquisition transaction prices.

Investment Type - Level Three Equity and Warrant Investments	Fair Value at December 31, 2016 (in thousands)		Valuation Techniques/ Methodologies	Unobservable Input⁽¹⁾	Range	Weighted Average⁽⁵⁾
Equity Investments	$	9,258	Market Comparable Companies	EBITDA Multiple ⁽²⁾	0.0x - 38.7x	12.3x
				Revenue Multiple⁽²⁾	0.9x - 8.7x	3.1x
				Discount for Lack of Marketability⁽³⁾	13.75% - 25.97%		16.73%
				Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	45.54% - 113.16%		61.06%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.79% - 1.50%		0.91%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	10 - 38	15
		19,836	Market Adjusted OPM Backsolve	Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	29.93%- 109.95%		73.49%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.65% - 1.44%		0.92%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	10 - 34	15
		21,289	Other ⁽⁶⁾
Warrant Investments		8,959	Market Comparable Companies	EBITDA Multiple ⁽²⁾	2.6x - 51.4x	13.8x
				Revenue Multiple⁽²⁾	0.4x - 6.1x	2.5x
				Discount for Lack of Marketability⁽³⁾	11.74% - 27.25%		19.02%
				Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	38.58% - 111.15%		62.03%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.68% - 1.68%		1.04%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	7 - 47	20
		9,713	Market Adjusted OPM Backsolve	Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	29.93% - 116.29%		67.20%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.45% - 1.84%		0.99%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	3 - 47	20
		5,574	Other ⁽⁶⁾
Total Level Three Warrant and Equity Investments	$	74,629

(1)

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s warrant and equity-related securities are revenue and/or EBITDA multiples and discounts for lack of marketability. Additional inputs used in the Black Scholes OPM include industry volatility, risk free interest rate and estimated time to exit. Significant increases (decreases) in the inputs in isolation may result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement, depending on the materiality of the investment. For some investments, additional consideration may be given to data from the last round of financing or merger/acquisition events near the measurement date.

(2)	Represents amounts used when the Company has determined that market participants would use such multiples when pricing the investments.

(3)	Represents amounts used when the Company has determined market participants would take into account these discounts when pricing the investments.

(4)	Represents the range of industry volatility used by market participants when pricing the investment.

(5)	Weighted averages are calculated based on the fair market value of each investment.

(6)	The fair market value of these investments is derived based on recent private market and merger and acquisition transaction prices.

Debt Investments

The Company follows the guidance set forth in ASC Topic 820 which establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities and outlines a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value and the effect of fair value measures on earnings. The Company’s debt securities are primarily invested in venture capital-backed companies in technology-related industries including technology, drug discovery and development, biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, and sustainable and renewable technology at all stages of development. Given the nature of lending to these types of businesses, substantially all of the Company’s investments in these portfolio companies are considered Level 3 assets under ASC Topic 820 because there is no known or accessible market or market indexes for debt instruments for these investment securities to be traded or exchanged. In addition, the Company may, from time to time, invest in public debt of companies that meet the Company’s investment objectives. These investments are considered Level 2 assets.

In making a good faith determination of the value of the Company’s investments, the Company generally starts with the cost basis of the investment, which includes the value attributed to the original issue discount (“OID”), if any, and payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest or other receivables which have been accrued as earned. The Company then applies the valuation methods as set forth below.

The Company applies a procedure for debt investments that assumes the sale of each investment in a hypothetical market to a hypothetical market participant where buyers and sellers are willing participants. The hypothetical market does not include scenarios where the underlying security was simply repaid or extinguished, but includes an exit concept. The Company determines the yield at inception for each debt investment. The Company then uses senior secured, leveraged loan yields provided by third party providers to determine the change in market yields between inception of the debt investment and the measurement date. Industry specific indices and other relevant market data are used to benchmark/assess market based movements.

Under this process, the Company also evaluates the collateral for recoverability of the debt investments. The Company considers each portfolio company’s credit rating, security liens and other characteristics of the investment to adjust the baseline yield to derive a credit adjusted hypothetical yield for each investment as of the measurement date. The anticipated future cash flows from each investment are then discounted at the hypothetical yield to estimate each investment’s fair value as of the measurement date.

The Company’s process includes an analysis of, among other things, the underlying investment performance, the current portfolio company’s financial condition and market changing events that impact valuation, estimated remaining life, current market yield and interest rate spreads of similar securities as of the measurement date. The Company values its syndicated debt investments using broker quotes and bond indices amongst other factors. If there is a significant deterioration of the credit quality of a debt investment, the Company may consider other factors to estimate fair value, including the proceeds that would be received in a liquidation analysis.

The Company records unrealized depreciation on investments when it believes that an investment has decreased in value, including where collection of a debt investment is doubtful or, if under the in-exchange premise, when the value of a debt investment is less than amortized cost of the investment. Conversely, where appropriate, the Company records unrealized appreciation if it believes that the underlying portfolio company has appreciated in value and, therefore, that its investment has also appreciated in value or, if under the in-exchange premise, the value of a debt investment is greater than amortized cost.

When originating a debt instrument, the Company generally receives warrants or other equity-related securities from the borrower. The Company determines the cost basis of the warrants or other equity-related securities received based upon their respective fair values on the date of receipt in proportion to the total fair value of the debt and warrants or other equity-related securities received. Any resulting discount on the debt investments from recordation of the warrant or other equity instruments is accreted into interest income over the life of the debt investment.

Debt investments that are traded on a public exchange are valued at the prevailing market price as of the valuation date.

Equity-Related Securities and Warrants

Securities that are traded in the over-the-counter markets or on a stock exchange will be valued at the prevailing bid price at period end. The Company has a limited amount of equity securities in public companies. In accordance with the 1940 Act, unrestricted publicly traded securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the closing market quote on the measurement date.

The Company estimates the fair value of warrants using a Black Scholes OPM. At each reporting date, privately held warrant and equity-related securities are valued based on an analysis of various factors including, but not limited to, the portfolio company’s operating performance and financial condition and general market conditions, price to enterprise value or price to equity ratios, discounted cash flow, valuation comparisons to comparable public companies or other industry benchmarks. When an external event occurs, such as a purchase transaction, public offering, or subsequent equity sale, the pricing indicated by that external event is utilized to corroborate the Company’s valuation of the warrant and equity-related securities. The Company periodically reviews the valuation of its portfolio companies that have not been involved in a qualifying external event to determine if the enterprise value of the portfolio company may have increased or decreased since the last valuation measurement date.

Escrow Receivables

Escrow receivables are collected in accordance with the terms and conditions of the escrow agreement. Escrow balances are typically distributed over a period greater than one year and may accrue interest during the escrow period. Escrow balances are measured for collectability on at least a quarterly basis and fair value is determined based on the amount of the estimated recoverable balances and the contractual maturity date. As of September 30, 2017 there were no material past due escrow receivables.

Portfolio Composition

As required by the 1940 Act, the Company classifies its investments by level of control. “Control investments” are defined in the 1940 Act as investments in those companies that the Company is deemed to “control.” Under the 1940 Act, the Company is generally deemed to “control” a company in which it has invested if it owns 25% or more of the voting securities of such company or has greater than 50% representation on its board. “Affiliate investments” are investments in those companies that are “affiliated companies” of the Company, as defined in the 1940 Act, which are not control investments. The Company is deemed to be an “affiliate” of a company in which it has invested if it owns 5% or more, but generally less than 25%, of the voting securities of such company. “Non-control/non-affiliate investments” are investments that are neither control investments nor affiliate investments.

The following table summarizes the Company’s realized gains and losses and changes in our unrealized appreciation and depreciation on control and affiliate investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

(in thousands)				For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017										For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Portfolio Company	Type	Fair Value at September 30, 2017		Investment Income		Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)			Reversal of Unrealized Appreciation / (Depreciation)⁽¹⁾		Realized Gain/(Loss)			Investment Income		Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)			Reversal of Unrealized Appreciation / (Depreciation)⁽¹⁾		Realized Gain/(Loss)
Control Investments
Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc.	Control	$	242	$	3	$	(46	)	$	—	$	(485	)	$	155	$	(2,254	)	$	—	$	(486	)
HercGamma, Inc.	Control		—		—		(523	)		—		—			—		(523	)		—		—
SkyCross, Inc.	Control		—		—		—			15,058		(15,058	)		—		1,842			15,452		(15,452	)
Tectura Corporation	Control		23,140		462		2,995			—		—			1,361		2,995			51		(51	)
Second Time Around (Simplify Holdings, LLC)	Control		—		—		140			—		—			—		140			—		—
Total Control Investments		$	23,382	$	465	$	2,566		$	15,058	$	(15,543	)	$	1,516	$	2,200		$	15,503	$	(15,989	)

Affiliate Investments
Optiscan BioMedical, Corp.	Affiliate	$	6,064	$	—	$	72		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	1,192		$	—	$	—
Stion Corporation	Affiliate		—		—		—			—		—			2		—			—		—
Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC (p.k.a. Sungevity, Inc.)	Affiliate		27,522		248		4,537			—		—			248		(48,678	)		—		—
Total Affiliate Investments		$	33,586	$	248	$	4,609		$	—	$	—		$	250	$	(47,486	)	$	—	$	—
Total Control & Affiliate Investments		$	56,968	$	713	$	7,175		$	15,058	$	(15,543	)	$	1,766	$	(45,286	)	$	15,503	$	(15,989	)

(in thousands)				For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016										For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Portfolio Company	Type	Fair Value at September 30, 2016		Investment Income		Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)			Reversal of Unrealized Appreciation / (Depreciation)⁽¹⁾		Realized Gain/(Loss)			Investment Income		Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)			Reversal of Unrealized Appreciation / (Depreciation)⁽¹⁾		Realized Gain/(Loss)
Control Investments
SkyCross, Inc.	Control	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	—	$	(3,421	)	$	—	$	—
Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc.	Control		4,991		16		—			—		—			16		—			—		—
Total Control Investments		$	4,991	$	16	$	—		$	—	$	—		$	16	$	(3,421	)	$	—	$	—

Affiliate Investments
Optiscan BioMedical, Corp.	Affiliate	$	5,102	$	—	$	553		$	—	$	—		$	12	$	(2,833	)	$	—	$	—
Stion Corporation	Affiliate		821		30		—			—		—			133		539			648		—
Total Affiliate Investments		$	5,923	$	30	$	553		$	—	$	—		$	145	$	(2,294	)	$	648	$	—
Total Control & Affiliate Investments		$	10,914	$	46	$	553		$	—	$	—		$	161	$	(5,715	)	$	648	$	—

(1)	Represents reversals of prior period net unrealized depreciation upon being realized as a loss due to write off.

In July 2017, the Company acquired the primary assets of Second Time Around (Simplify Holdings, LLC) as part of an article 9 consensual foreclosure and public auction. These assets represent the remaining possible recovery on the Company’s debt and as such this investment is classified as a control investment as of September 30, 2017.

In June 2017, the Company acquired 100% ownership of the equity in HercGamma, Inc. and classified it as a control investment in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. In June 2017, HercGamma, Inc. acquired the assets of a medical device company that develops advanced digital imaging to detect breast cancer, as part of an article 9 consensual foreclosure and public auction for consideration with an estimated fair value of $1.2 million. The Company’s investment in HercGamma, Inc. is carried on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities at fair value. In September 2017, the Company reduced the cost basis of its equity position by $646,000 with net proceeds from an asset sale.

In April 2017, the Company’s investment in Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC (p.k.a. Sungevity, Inc.) became classified as a control investment as a result of obtaining more than 25% of the portfolio company’s voting securities. In April 2017, under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, Sungevity, Inc. entered into a $50.0 million asset purchase agreement and DIP financing facility with a group of investors, led by Northern Pacific Group and including the Company. On April 7, 2017, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved the DIP financing facility and on April 17, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved the asset purchase agreement. On April 26, 2017, Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC, a new company backed by the investment group, announced that it had acquired certain assets of Sungevity, Inc. as part of the bankruptcy court-approved sale. As a result, the cost basis of the Company’s debt investment in Sungevity, Inc. was converted to an equity position in Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC and the Company’s warrant and equity positions in Sungevity, Inc. were written off for a realized loss.

In August 2017, the Company’s ownership in Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC was diluted below 25% as a result of additional equity contributions by other investors to fund the acquisition of Horizon Solar Power, Inc. by Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC. The Company made a $15.0 million debt investment to fund the acquisition. Accordingly, the Company’s equity and new debt investment in Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC became classified as affiliate investments as of September 30, 2017.

In January 2017, the Company’s investment in Tectura Corporation became classified as a control investment as a result of obtaining more than 50% representation on the portfolio company’s board. In March 2017, the Company’s warrants in Tectura Corporation expired and were written off for a realized loss.

In June 2016, the Company’s investments in SkyCross, Inc. became classified as a control investment as a result of obtaining more than 50% representation on the portfolio company’s board. In September 2017, the Company’s investments were deemed wholly worthless and written off for a realized loss.

In June 2016, the Company also acquired 100% ownership of the equity of Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc. and classified it as a control investment in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. In June 2016, Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc. acquired the assets of a global antenna company that produces radio frequency system solutions as part of an article 9 consensual foreclosure and public auction for total consideration in the amount of $4.0 million. In September and November 2016, the Company made a $1.0 million and $250,000 debt investment, respectively, in Achilles Technology Management II, Inc. to provide working capital under the terms of a loan servicing agreement.

In August 2017, the Company’s debt investment in Achilles Technology Management II, Inc. was fully repaid by net proceeds from sales of the portfolio company’s assets. In addition, the Company’s equity investment in Achilles Technology Management II, Inc. was reduced by $900,000 in lieu of a success fee on the repayment of our debt investment. The remaining equity investment in Achilles Technology Management II, Inc. is carried on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities at fair value.

The following table shows the fair value of the Company’s portfolio of investments by asset class as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

	September 30, 2017					December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio			Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio
Senior Secured Debt with Warrants	$	838,253		59.1	%	$	1,078,779		75.7	%
Senior Secured Debt		494,544		34.9	%		277,509		19.5	%
Preferred Stock		41,993		3.0	%		39,418		2.8	%
Common Stock		42,324		3.0	%		28,236		2.0	%
Total	$	1,417,114		100.0	%	$	1,423,942		100.0	%

The increase in senior secured debt and the decrease in senior secured debt with warrants during the period is primarily due to an increase in new debt investments that do not include detachable equity enhancement features.

A summary of the Company’s investment portfolio, at value, by geographic location as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is shown as follows:

	September 30, 2017					December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio			Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio
United States	$	1,292,617		91.2	%	$	1,362,223		95.6	%
England		66,598		4.7	%		18,395		1.3	%
Netherlands		20,495		1.4	%		20,089		1.4	%
Cayman Islands		14,925		1.1	%		—		0.0	%
Switzerland		11,611		0.8	%		12,377		0.9	%
Canada		10,868		0.8	%		8,095		0.6	%
Israel		—		0.0	%		2,763		0.2	%
Total	$	1,417,114		100.0	%	$	1,423,942		100.0	%

The following table shows the fair value of the Company’s portfolio by industry sector at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

	September 30, 2017					December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio			Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio
Drug Discovery & Development	$	392,952		27.7	%	$	422,550		29.7	%
Software		283,419		20.0	%		219,559		15.4	%
Media/Content/Info		146,956		10.4	%		137,567		9.7	%
Sustainable and Renewable Technology		111,629		7.9	%		154,406		10.9	%
Internet Consumer & Business Services		106,734		7.5	%		97,047		6.8	%
Drug Delivery		97,866		6.9	%		109,834		7.7	%
Medical Devices & Equipment		79,106		5.6	%		107,695		7.6	%
Healthcare Services, Other		67,139		4.7	%		30,200		2.1	%
Specialty Pharmaceuticals		37,875		2.7	%		38,944		2.7	%
Information Services		23,998		1.7	%		6,091		0.4	%
Consumer & Business Products		21,061		1.5	%		42,713		3.0	%
Semiconductors		15,780		1.1	%		11,326		0.8	%
Surgical Devices		12,767		0.9	%		12,553		0.9	%
Electronics & Computer Hardware		7,606		0.5	%		7,664		0.5	%
Biotechnology Tools		5,971		0.4	%		7,200		0.5	%
Communications & Networking		5,547		0.4	%		18,019		1.3	%
Diagnostic		708		0.1	%		574		0.0	%
Total	$	1,417,114		100.0	%	$	1,423,942		100.0	%

No single portfolio investment represents more than 10% of the fair value of the investments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Portfolio Activity

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company funded and or restructured investments in debt securities totaling approximately $146.1 million, and $482.8 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company funded equity investments totaling approximately $559,000 and $4.5 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company converted approximately $62.7 million of debt to equity at cost in two portfolio companies.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company funded and or restructured investments in debt securities totaling approximately $130.7 million and $454.4 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company funded equity investments totaling approximately $7.1 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company converted approximately $4.6 million of debt to equity in two portfolio companies. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company converted $512,000 of warrants to equity in two portfolio companies.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized net realized losses of $24.5 million and $26.9 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded gross realized gains of $1.3 million primarily from the sale or acquisition of the Company’s holdings in three portfolio companies, including Axovant Sciences Ltd. ($460,000), CashStar, Inc. ($235,000), and Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ($227,000). These gains were offset by gross realized losses of $25.8 million primarily from the liquidation or write off of the Company’s warrant and equity investments in seven portfolio companies and debt investments in three portfolio companies.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded gross realized gains of $12.9 million primarily from the sale or acquisition of the Company’s holdings in four portfolio companies, including IronPlanet, Inc. ($5.1 million), Box, Inc. ($4.0 million), TPI Composites, Inc. ($1.2 million) and Edge Therapeutics, Inc. ($708,000). These gains were offset by gross realized losses of $39.8 million primarily from the liquidation or write off of the Company’s warrant and equity investments in nineteen portfolio companies and the Company’s debt investment in four portfolio companies.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized net realized gains of $7.9 and $3.4 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded gross realized gains of $9.4 million primarily from the acquisition of the Company’s holdings in three portfolio companies, including Box, Inc. ($7.8 million), Touchcommerce, Inc. ($698,000) and ReachLocal ($610,000). These gains were offset by gross realized losses of $1.5 million primarily from the liquidation or write off of the Company’s warrant and equity investments in one portfolio company and the Company’s debt investment in one portfolio company.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded gross realized gains of $13.6 million primarily from the sale or acquisition of the Company’s holdings in five portfolio companies, including Box, Inc. ($8.9 million), Celator Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ($1.5 million), Ping Identity Corporation ($1.3 million), Touchcommerce, Inc. ($698,000) and ReachLocal ($610,000). These gains were offset by gross realized losses of $10.2 million primarily from the liquidation or write off of the Company’s warrant and equity investments in six portfolio companies and the Company’s debt investment in four portfolio companies, including the settlement of the Company’s outstanding debt investment in the Neat Company ($6.2 million).

Investment Collateral

In the majority of cases, the Company collateralizes its investments by obtaining a first priority security interest in a portfolio company’s assets, which may include its intellectual property. In other cases, the Company may obtain a negative pledge covering a company’s intellectual property. At September 30, 2017, approximately 85.6% of the Company’s debt investments were in a senior secured first lien position, with 44.6% secured by a first priority security in all of the assets of the portfolio company, including its intellectual property and 41.0% secured by a first priority security in all of the assets of the portfolio company and the portfolio company was prohibited from pledging or encumbering its intellectual property. Another 14.1% of the Company’s debt investments were secured by a second priority security interest in all of the portfolio company’s assets, other than intellectual property, and the remaining 0.3% were unsecured as a result of the terms of the acquisition of one of our portfolio companies during the period. At September 30, 2017 the Company had no equipment only liens on material investments.

Income Recognition

The Company records interest income on an accrual basis and recognizes it as earned in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement, to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. OID initially represents the value of detachable equity warrants obtained in conjunction with the acquisition of debt securities and is accreted into interest income over the term of the loan as a yield enhancement. When a loan becomes 90 days or more past due, or if management otherwise does not expect that principal, interest and other obligations due will be collected in full, the Company will generally place the loan on non-accrual status and cease recognizing interest income on that loan until all principal and interest due has been paid or the Company believes the portfolio company has demonstrated the ability to repay the Company’s current and future contractual obligations. Any uncollected interest related to prior periods is reversed from income in the period that collection of the interest receivable is determined to be doubtful. However, the Company may make exceptions to this policy if the investment has sufficient collateral and is in the process of collection.

At September 30, 2017, the Company had five debt investments on non-accrual with a cumulative investment cost and approximate fair value of $14.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 2016, the Company had five debt investments on non-accrual with cumulative investment cost and fair value of approximately $43.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively. The decrease in the cost and fair value of debt investments on non-accrual between December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2017 is the result of the liquidation of two debt investments that were on non-accrual at December 31, 2016, offset by placing two new debt investments on non-accrual status during the period. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized a realized loss of approximately $23.8 million on the write off of two debt investments that were on non-accrual at December 31, 2016.

Fee income, generally collected in advance, includes loan commitment and facility fees for due diligence and structuring, as well as fees for transaction services and management services rendered by us to portfolio companies and other third parties. Loan and commitment fees are amortized into income over the contractual life of the loan. Management fees are generally recognized as income when the services are rendered. Loan origination fees are capitalized and then amortized into interest income using the effective interest rate method. In certain loan arrangements, warrants or other equity interests are received from the borrower as additional origination fees. The Company had approximately $33.4 million of unamortized fees at September 30, 2017, of which approximately $30.2 million was included as an offset to the cost basis of the Company’s current debt investments and approximately $3.2 million was deferred contingent upon the occurrence of a funding or milestone. At December 31, 2016 the Company had approximately $38.2 million of unamortized fees, of which approximately $35.8 million was included as an offset to the cost basis of the Company’s current debt investments and approximately $2.4 million was deferred contingent upon the occurrence of a funding or milestone.

The Company recognizes nonrecurring fees amortized over the remaining term of the loan commencing in the quarter relating to specific loan modifications. Certain fees may still be recognized as one-time fee income, including prepayment penalties, fees related to select covenant default, waiver fees and acceleration of previously deferred loan fees and OID related to early loan pay-off or material modification of the specific debt outstanding. The Company recorded approximately $1.2 million and $1.9 million in one-time fee income during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company recorded approximately $7.3 million and $2.8 in one-time fee income during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In addition, the Company may also be entitled to an exit fee that is amortized into income over the life of the loan. Loan exit fees to be paid at the termination of the loan are accreted into interest income over the contractual life of the loan. At September 30, 2017 the Company had approximately $26.1 million in exit fees receivable, of which approximately $22.8 million was included as a component of the cost basis of the Company’s current debt investments and approximately $3.3 million was a deferred receivable related to expired commitments. At December 31, 2016 the Company had approximately $32.8 million in exit fees receivable, of which approximately $30.3 million was included as an offset to the cost basis of the Company’s current debt investments and approximately $2.5 million was deferred related to expired commitments.

The Company has debt investments in its portfolio that contain a PIK provision. Contractual PIK interest, which represents contractually deferred interest added to the loan balance that is generally due at the end of the loan term, is generally recorded on the accrual basis to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected. The Company will generally cease accruing PIK interest if there is insufficient value to support the accrual or management does not expect the portfolio company to be able to pay all principal and interest due. The Company recorded approximately $2.5 million and $2.1 million in PIK income during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company recorded approximately $7.2 million and $5.7 million in PIK income during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

To maintain the Company’s ability to be subject to tax as a RIC, PIK and exit fee income generally must be accrued and distributed to stockholders in the form of dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes even though the cash has not yet been collected. Amounts necessary to pay these distributions may come from available cash or the liquidation of certain investments.

In certain investment transactions, the Company may provide advisory services. For services that are separately identifiable and external evidence exists to substantiate fair value, income is recognized as earned, which is generally when the investment transaction closes. The Company had no income from advisory services in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value estimates are made at discrete points in time based on relevant information. These estimates may be subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. The Company believes that the carrying amounts of its financial instruments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, receivables including escrow receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, approximate the fair values of such items due to the short maturity of such instruments. The borrowings of the Company are recorded at amortized cost and not at fair value on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The fair value of the Company’s outstanding borrowings is based on observable market trading prices or quotations and unobservable market rates as applicable for each instrument.

Based on market quotations on or around September 30, 2017, the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes were quoted for 1.002 and 1.019 per dollar at par value, respectively. At September 30, 2017, the 2024 Notes were trading on the NYSE for $25.42 per share at par value. The par value at underwriting for the 2024 Notes was $25.00 per share. Calculated based on the net present value of payments over the term of the notes using estimated market rates for similar notes and remaining terms, the fair value of the SBA debentures is approximately $197.3 million, compared to the carrying amount of $190.2 million as of September 30, 2017.

See the accompanying Consolidated Schedule of Investments for the fair value of the Company’s investments. The methodology for the determination of the fair value of the Company’s investments is discussed in Note 2.

The following tables provide additional information about the fair value and level in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s outstanding borrowings at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

(in thousands)			Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
Description ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾	September 30, 2017		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
2021 Asset-Backed Notes	$	65,578	$	—	$	65,578	$	—
2022 Convertible Notes		234,313		—		234,313		—
2024 Notes		262,853		—		262,853		—
SBA Debentures		197,275		—		—		197,275
Total	$	760,019	$	—	$	562,744	$	197,275

(in thousands)			Identical Assets		Observable Inputs		Unobservable Inputs
Description	December 31, 2016		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Wells Facility ⁽¹⁾	$	5,016	$	—	$	—	$	5,016
2021 Asset-Backed Notes		109,376		—		109,376		—
April 2019 Notes ⁽²⁾		65,909		—		65,909		—
September 2019 Notes ⁽²⁾		46,920		—		46,920		—
2024 Notes		256,919		—		256,919		—
SBA Debentures		202,364		—		—		202,364
Total	$	686,504	$	—	$	479,124	$	207,380

(1)	As of September 30, 2017, there were no borrowings outstanding on both the Wells Facility and Union Facility.

(2)	The 2019 Notes were redeemed in full on February 24, 2017.

4. Borrowings

Outstanding Borrowings

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had the following available and outstanding borrowings:

	September 30, 2017						December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Total Available		Principal		Carrying Value ⁽¹⁾		Total Available		Principal		Carrying Value ⁽¹⁾
SBA Debentures ⁽²⁾	$	190,200	$	190,200	$	187,983	$	190,200	$	190,200	$	187,501
2019 Notes ⁽³⁾		—		—		—		110,364		110,364		108,818
2024 Notes		258,510		258,510		251,716		252,873		252,873		245,490
2021 Asset-Backed Notes		65,476		65,476		64,860		109,205		109,205		107,972
2022 Convertible Notes		230,000		230,000		223,097		—		—		—
Wells Facility ⁽⁴⁾		120,000		—		—		120,000		5,016		5,016
Union Bank Facility ⁽⁴⁾		75,000		—		—		75,000		—		—
Total	$	939,186	$	744,186	$	727,656	$	857,642	$	667,658	$	654,797

(1)	Except for the Wells Facility and Union Bank Facility, all carrying values represent the principal amount outstanding less the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs and unaccreted premium or discount, if any, associated with the loan as of the balance sheet date.

(2)	At both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the total available borrowings under the SBA debentures were $190.2 million, of which $41.2 million was available in HT II and $149.0 million was available in HT III.

(3)	The 2019 Notes were redeemed in full on February 24, 2017.

(4)	Availability subject to the Company meeting the borrowing base requirements.

Debt issuance costs are fees and other direct incremental costs incurred by the Company in obtaining debt financing and are recognized as prepaid expenses and amortized over the life of the related debt instrument using the effective yield method or the straight line method, which closely approximates the effective yield method. In accordance with ASC Subtopic 835-30 (“Interest – Imputation of Interest”), debt issuance costs are presented as a reduction to the associated liability balance on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, except for debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements. Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization, were as follows as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
SBA Debentures	$	2,217	$	2,699
2019 Notes		—		1,546
2024 Notes		6,889		7,482
2021 Asset-Backed Notes		616		1,233
2022 Convertible Notes		3,938		—
Wells Facility ⁽¹⁾		271		501
Union Bank Facility ⁽¹⁾		453		768
Total	$	14,384	$	14,229

(1)	As the Wells Facility and Union Bank Facility are line-of-credit arrangements, the debt issuance costs associated with these instruments are presented separately as an asset on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities in accordance with ASC Subtopic 835-30.

Long-Term SBA Debentures

On September 27, 2006, HT II received a license to operate as a SBIC under the SBIC program and is able to borrow funds from the SBA against eligible investments and additional contributions to regulatory capital. Under the Small Business Investment Company Act and current SBA policy applicable to SBICs, a SBIC can have outstanding at any time SBA guaranteed debentures up to twice the amount of its regulatory capital. With the Company’s net investment of $44.0 million in HT II as of September 30, 2017, HT II has the capacity to issue a total of $41.2 million of SBA guaranteed debentures, subject to SBA approval, of which $41.2 million was outstanding as of September 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, HT II has paid the SBA commitment fees and facility fees of approximately $1.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2017 the Company held investments in HT II in 32 companies with a fair value of approximately $77.0 million, accounting for approximately 5.4% of the Company’s total investment portfolio at September 30, 2017. HT II held approximately $107.9 million in assets and accounted for approximately 5.4% of the Company’s total assets prior to consolidation at September 30, 2017.

On May 26, 2010, HT III received a license to operate as a SBIC under the SBIC program and is able to borrow funds from the SBA against eligible investments and additional contributions to regulatory capital. With the Company’s net investment of $74.5 million in HT III as of September 30, 2017, HT III has the capacity to issue a total of $149.0 million of SBA guaranteed debentures, subject to SBA approval, of which $149.0 million was outstanding as of September 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, HT III has paid the SBA commitment fees and facility fees of approximately $1.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, the Company held investments in HT III in 45 companies with a fair value of approximately $200.8 million, accounting for approximately 14.2% of the Company’s total investment portfolio at September 30, 2017. HT III held approximately $279.9 million in assets and accounted for approximately 13.9% of the Company’s total assets prior to consolidation at September 30, 2017.

SBICs are designed to stimulate the flow of private equity capital to eligible small businesses. Under present SBA regulations, eligible small businesses include businesses that have a tangible net worth not exceeding $19.5 million and have average annual fully taxed net income not exceeding $6.5 million for the two most recent fiscal years. In addition, SBICs must devote 25.0% of its investment activity to “smaller” enterprises as defined by the SBA. A smaller enterprise is one that has a tangible net worth not exceeding $6.0 million and has average annual fully taxed net income not exceeding $2.0 million for the two most recent fiscal years. SBA regulations also provide alternative size standard criteria to determine eligibility, which depend on the industry in which the business is engaged and are based on such factors as the number of employees and gross sales. According to SBA regulations, SBICs may make long-term loans to small businesses, invest in the equity securities of such businesses and provide them with consulting and advisory services. Through the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries HT II and HT III, the Company plans to provide long-term loans to qualifying small businesses, and in connection therewith, make equity investments.

HT II and HT III are periodically examined and audited by the SBA’s staff to determine their compliance with SBA regulations. If HT II or HT III fails to comply with applicable SBA regulations, the SBA could, depending on the severity of the violation, limit or prohibit HT II’s or HT III’s use of debentures, declare outstanding debentures immediately due and payable, and/or limit HT II or HT III from making new investments. In addition, HT II or HT III may also be limited in their ability to make distributions to the Company if they do not have sufficient capital in accordance with SBA regulations. Such actions by the SBA would, in turn, negatively affect the Company because HT II and HT III are the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries. HT II and HT III were in compliance with the terms of the SBIC’s leverage as of September 30, 2017 as a result of having sufficient capital as defined under the SBA regulations.

The rates of borrowings under various draws from the SBA beginning in March 2009 are set semiannually in March and September and range from 2.25% to 4.62% excluding annual fees. Interest payments on SBA debentures are payable semiannually. There are no principal payments required on these issues prior to maturity and no prepayment penalties. Debentures under the SBA generally mature ten years after being borrowed. Based on the initial draw down date of March 2009, the initial maturity of SBA debentures will occur in March 2019. In addition, the SBA charges a fee that is set annually, depending on the Federal fiscal year the leverage commitment was delegated by the SBA, regardless of the date that the leverage was drawn by the SBIC. The annual fees related to HT II debentures that pooled on September 22, 2010 were 0.406% and 0.285%, depending upon the year in which the underlying commitment was closed. The annual fees on other debentures have been set at 0.906%. The annual fees related to HT III debentures that pooled on March 27, 2013 were 0.804%. The annual fees on other debentures have been set at 0.515%. The rates of borrowings on the Company’s SBA debentures range from 3.05% to 5.53% when including these annual fees.

The average amount of debentures outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 for HT II was approximately $41.2 million with an average interest rate of approximately 4.56% and 4.51%, respectively. The average amount of debentures outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 for HT III was approximately $149.0 million with an average interest rate of approximately 3.46% and 3.42%, respectively.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the components of interest expense and related fees and cash paid for interest expense for the SBA debentures are as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Interest expense	$	1,757	$	1,757	$	5,212	$	5,231
Amortization of debt issuance cost (loan fees)		158		168		482		504
Total interest expense and fees	$	1,915	$	1,925	$	5,694	$	5,735
Cash paid for interest expense and fees	$	3,499	$	3,499	$	6,942	$	6,961

In aggregate, at September 30, 2017, with the Company’s net investment of $118.5 million, HT II and HT III have the capacity to issue a total of $190.2 million of SBA-guaranteed debentures, subject to SBA approval. At September 30, 2017, the Company has issued $190.2 million in SBA-guaranteed debentures in the Company’s SBIC subsidiaries.

The Company reported the following SBA debentures outstanding principal balances as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

(in thousands) Issuance/Pooling Date	Maturity Date	Interest Rate ⁽¹⁾		September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
March 25, 2009	March 1, 2019		5.53%	$	18,400	$	18,400
September 23, 2009	September 1, 2019		4.64%		3,400		3,400
September 22, 2010	September 1, 2020		3.62%		6,500		6,500
September 22, 2010	September 1, 2020		3.50%		22,900		22,900
March 29, 2011	March 1, 2021		4.37%		28,750		28,750
September 21, 2011	September 1, 2021		3.16%		25,000		25,000
March 21, 2012	March 1, 2022		3.28%		25,000		25,000
March 21, 2012	March 1, 2022		3.05%		11,250		11,250
September 19, 2012	September 1, 2022		3.05%		24,250		24,250
March 27, 2013	March 1, 2023		3.16%		24,750		24,750
Total SBA Debentures				$	190,200	$	190,200

(1)	Interest rate includes annual charge

2019 Notes

In April and July 2012, the Company issued $84.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.00% notes due 2019 (the “April 2019 Notes”). In September and October 2012, the Company issued $85.9 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.00% notes due 2019 (the “September 2019 Notes”). The April 2019 Notes and September 2019 Notes are together referred to as the “2019 Notes”.

In April 2015, the Company redeemed $20.0 million of the $84.5 million issued and outstanding aggregate principal amount of April 2019 Notes, as previously approved by the Board of Directors. In December 2015, the Company redeemed $40.0 million of the $85.9 million issued and outstanding aggregate principal amount of September 2019 Notes, as previously approved by the Board of Directors. The remaining 2019 Notes were fully redeemed on February 24, 2017.

As of December 31, 2016, the 2019 Notes payable outstanding principal balance consisted of:

(in thousands)	December 31, 2016
April 2019 Notes	$	64,490
September 2019 Notes		45,874
Total 2019 Notes principal outstanding	$	110,364

The April 2019 Notes bore interest at a rate of 7.00% per year and traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol “HTGZ.” The September 2019 Notes bore interest at a rate of 7.00% per year and traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol “HTGY.” For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the components of interest expense and related fees and cash paid for interest expense for the 2019 Notes are as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Interest expense	$	—	$	1,931	$	1,159	$	5,794
Amortization of debt issuance cost (loan fees)		—		160		1,546		480
Total interest expense and fees	$	—	$	2,091	$	2,705	$	6,274
Cash paid for interest expense and fees	$	—	$	1,931	$	1,911	$	5,794

2024 Notes

On July 14, 2014, the Company and U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “2024 Trustee”), entered into the Third Supplemental Indenture (the “Third Supplemental Indenture”) to the Base Indenture between the Company and the 2024 Trustee, dated July 14, 2014, relating to the Company’s issuance, offer and sale of $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.25% unsecured notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”). On August 6, 2014, the underwriters issued notification to exercise their over-allotment option for an additional $3.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes.

On May 2, 2016, the Company closed an underwritten public offering of an additional $72.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes. The $72.9 million in aggregate principal amount includes $65.4 million from the initial offering on April 21, 2016 and $7.5 million as a result of underwriters exercising a portion of their option to purchase up to an additional $9.8 million in aggregate principal to cover overallotments on April 29, 2016.

On June 27, 2016, the Company closed an underwritten public offering of an additional $60.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes. On June 30, 2016, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase up to an additional $9.0 million in aggregate principal to cover overallotments, resulting in total aggregate principal of $69.0 million from the offering.

On October 11, 2016, the Company entered into a debt distribution agreement, pursuant to which it may offer for sale, from time to time, up to $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2024 Notes through FBR Capital Markets & Co. acting as its sales agent (the “2024 Notes Agent”). Sales of the 2024 Notes may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at the market offerings” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including sales made directly on the NYSE, or similar securities exchange or sales made through a market maker other than on an exchange at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

The 2024 Notes Agent receives a commission from the Company equal to up to 2.00% of the gross sales of any 2024 Notes sold through the 2024 Notes Agent under the debt distribution agreement. The 2024 Notes Agent is not required to sell any specific principal amount of 2024 Notes, but will use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its sales and trading practices to sell the 2024 Notes. The 2024 Notes are expected to trade “flat,” which means that purchasers in the secondary market will not pay, and sellers will not receive, any accrued and unpaid interest on the 2024 Notes that is not reflected in the trading price.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company sold 225,457 notes for approximately $5.6 million in aggregate principal amount. The Company did not sell any notes under the debt distribution agreement during the three months ended September 30, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company sold 317,125 notes for approximately $7.9 million in aggregate principal amount. As of September 30, 2017 approximately $136.4 million in aggregate principal amount remains available for issuance and sale under the debt distribution agreement.

All issuances of 2024 Notes rank equally in right of payment and form a single series of notes.

The 2024 Notes will mature on July 30, 2024 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at the Company’s option at any time or from time to time on or after July 30, 2017, upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days written notice by mail prior to the date fixed for redemption thereof, at a redemption price of 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest payments otherwise payable for the then-current quarterly interest period accrued to but not including the date fixed for redemption. The 2024 Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.25% per year payable quarterly on January 30, April 30, July 30 and October 30 of each year, commencing on July 30, 2014, and trade on the NYSE under the trading symbol “HTGX”. See “Note 12 – Subsequent Events”.

The 2024 Notes are the Company’s direct unsecured obligations and rank: (i) pari passu with the Company’s other outstanding and future senior unsecured indebtedness; (ii) senior to any of the Company’s future indebtedness that expressly provides it is subordinated to the 2024 Notes; (iii) effectively subordinated to all the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which the Company subsequently grants security), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of the Company’s subsidiaries.

The Base Indenture, as supplemented by the Third Supplemental Indenture, contains certain covenants including covenants requiring the Company to comply with (regardless of whether it is subject to) the asset coverage requirements set forth in Section 18(a)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act and to comply with the restrictions on dividends and other distributions as well as the purchase of capital stock set forth in Section 18(a)(1)(B) of the 1940 Act as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act. These covenants are subject to important limitations and exceptions that are described in the Base Indenture, as supplemented by the Third Supplemental Indenture. The Base Indenture, as supplemented by the Third Supplemental Indenture, also contains certain reporting requirements, including a requirement that the Company provide financial information to the holders of the 2024 Notes and the 2024 Trustee if the Company should no longer be subject to the reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Base Indenture provides for customary events of default and further provides that the 2024 Trustee or the holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2024 Notes in a series may declare such 2024 Notes immediately due and payable upon the occurrence of any event of default after expiration of any applicable grace period. As of September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with the terms of the Base Indenture as supplemented by the Third Supplemental Indenture.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the components of the carrying value of the 2024 Notes were as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Principal amount of debt	$	258,510		$	252,873
Unamortized debt issuance cost		(6,889	)		(7,482	)
Original issue premium, net of amortization		95			99
Carrying value of 2024 Notes	$	251,716		$	245,490

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the components of interest expense and related fees and cash paid for interest expense for the 2024 Notes are as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017			2016		2017			2016
Interest expense	$	4,039		$	3,926	$	12,065		$	7,910
Amortization of debt issuance cost (loan fees)		252			229		752			448
Amortization of original issue premium		(13	)		—		(43	)		—
Total interest expense and fees	$	4,278		$	4,155	$	12,774		$	8,358
Cash paid for interest expense and fees	$	4,053		$	3,827	$	12,069		$	7,046

2021 Asset-Backed Notes

On November 13, 2014, the Company completed a $237.4 million term debt securitization in connection with which an affiliate of the Company made an offer of $129.3 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed rate asset-backed notes (the “2021 Asset-Backed Notes”), which were rated A(sf) by Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Inc. The 2021 Asset-Backed Notes were sold by Hercules Capital Funding Trust 2014-1 pursuant to a note purchase agreement, dated as of November 13, 2014, by and among the Company, Hercules Capital Funding 2014-1, LLC as trust depositor (the “2014 Trust Depositor”), Hercules Capital Funding Trust 2014-1 as issuer (the “2014 Securitization Issuer”), and Guggenheim Securities, LLC, as initial purchaser, and are backed by a pool of senior loans made to certain of the Company’s portfolio companies and secured by certain assets of those portfolio companies and are to be serviced by the Company. The securitization has an 18-month reinvestment period during which time principal collections may be reinvested into additional eligible loans. Interest on the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes is paid, to the extent of funds available, at a fixed rate of 3.524% per annum. The 2021 Asset-Backed Notes have a stated maturity of April 16, 2021.

As part of this transaction, the Company entered into a sale and contribution agreement with the 2014 Trust Depositor under which the Company has agreed to sell or have contributed to the 2014 Trust Depositor certain senior loans made to certain of the Company’s portfolio companies (the “2014 Loans”). The Company has made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the sale and contribution agreement with respect to the 2014 Loans as of the date of their transfer to the 2014 Trust Depositor.

In connection with the issuance and sale of the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, the Company has made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the note purchase agreement. The 2021 Asset-Backed Notes are secured obligations of the 2014 Securitization Issuer and are non-recourse to the Company. The 2014 Securitization Issuer also entered into an indenture governing the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, which includes customary representations, warranties and covenants. The 2021 Asset-Backed Notes were sold without being registered under the Securities Act (A) in the United States to “qualified institutional buyers” as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to institutional “accredited investors” (as defined in Rules 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act) who in each case, are “qualified purchasers” as defined in Section 2(a)(51)(A) of the 1940 Act and pursuant to an exemption under the Securities Act and (B) to non-U.S. purchasers acquiring interest in the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes outside the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The 2014 Securitization Issuer is not registered under the 1940 Act in reliance on an exemption provided by Section 3(c)(7) thereof and Rule 3a-7 thereunder. In addition, the 2014 Trust Depositor entered into an amended and restated trust agreement in respect of the 2014 Securitization Issuer, which includes customary representation, warranties and covenants.

The 2014 Loans are serviced by the Company pursuant to a sale and servicing agreement, which contains customary representations, warranties and covenants. The Company performs certain servicing and administrative functions with respect to the 2014 Loans. The Company is entitled to receive a monthly fee from the 2014 Securitization Issuer for servicing the 2014 Loans. This servicing fee is equal to the product of one-twelfth (or in the case of the first payment date, a fraction equal to the number of days from and including October 5, 2014 through and including December 5, 2014 over 360) of 2.00% and the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the 2014 Loans plus collections on deposit in the 2014 Securitization Issuer’s collections account, as of the first day of the related collection period (the period from the 5th day of the immediately preceding calendar month through the 4th day of the calendar month in which a payment date occurs, and for the first payment date, the period from and including October 5, 2014, to the close of business on December 5, 2014).The Company also serves as administrator to the 2014 Securitization Issuer under an administration agreement, which includes customary representations, warranties and covenants.

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes had an outstanding principal balance of $65.5 million and $109.2 million, respectively.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the components of interest expense and related fees and cash paid for interest expense for the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes are as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Interest expense	$	632	$	1,103	$	2,327	$	3,381
Amortization of debt issuance cost (loan fees)		197		366		618		832
Total interest expense and fees	$	829	$	1,469	$	2,945	$	4,213
Cash paid for interest expense and fees	$	697	$	1,110	$	2,485	$	3,388

Under the terms of the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, the Company is required to maintain a reserve cash balance, funded through interest and principal collections from the underlying securitized debt portfolio, which may be used to pay monthly interest and principal payments on the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes. The Company has segregated these funds and classified them as restricted cash. There was approximately $7.8 million and $8.3 million of restricted cash as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, funded through interest collections.

Convertible Notes

2016 Convertible Notes

In April 2011, the Company issued $75.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.00% convertible notes due 2016 (the “2016 Convertible Notes”). The 2016 Convertible Notes were fully settled on or before their contractual maturity date of April 15, 2016.

Prior to the close of business on October 14, 2015, holders were able to convert their 2016 Convertible Notes only under certain circumstances set forth in the indenture governing the 2016 Convertible Notes. On or after October 15, 2015 until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders were able to convert their 2016 Convertible Notes at any time. Throughout the life of the 2016 Convertible Notes, holders of approximately $74.8 million of the 2016 Convertible Notes exercised their conversion rights. These 2016 Convertible Notes were settled with a combination of cash equal to the outstanding principal amount of the 2016 Convertible Notes and approximately 1.6 million shares of the Company’s common stock, or $24.3 million.

The 2016 Convertible Notes were accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 470-20 (“Debt Instruments with Conversion and Other Options”). In accounting for the 2016 Convertible Notes, the Company estimated at the time of issuance that the values of the debt and the embedded conversion feature of the 2016 Convertible Notes were approximately 92.8% and 7.2%, respectively. The original issue discount of 7.2% attributable to the conversion feature of the 2016 Convertible Notes was recorded in “capital in excess of par value” in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. As a result, the Company recorded interest expense comprised of both stated interest expense as well as accretion of the original issue discount resulting in an estimated effective interest rate of approximately 8.1%.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the components of interest expense, fees and cash paid for interest expense for the 2016 Convertible Notes were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	352
Amortization of debt issuance cost (loan fees)		—		—		—		44
Accretion of original issue discount		—		—		—		82
Total interest expense and fees	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	478
Cash paid for interest expense and fees	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	440

The estimated effective interest rate of the debt component of the 2016 Convertible Notes, equal to the stated interest of 6.0% plus the accretion of the original issue discount, was approximately 8.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

2022 Convertible Notes

On January 25, 2017, the Company issued $230.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.375% Convertible Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Convertible Notes”), which amount includes the additional $30.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2022 Convertible Notes issued pursuant to the initial purchaser’s exercise in full of its overallotment option. The 2022 Convertible Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated January 25, 2017 (the “2022 Convertible Notes Indenture”), between the Company and U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “2022 Trustee”). The sale of the 2022 Convertible Notes generated net proceeds of approximately $225.5 million, including $4.5 million of debt issuance costs.

The 2022 Convertible Notes mature on February 1, 2022, unless previously converted or repurchased in accordance with their terms. The 2022 Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.375% per year payable semiannually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing on August 1, 2017.

The 2022 Convertible Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and rank senior in right of payment to the Company’s future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the 2022 Convertible Notes; equal in right of payment to the Company’s existing and future indebtedness that is not so subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to any of the Company’s secured indebtedness (including unsecured indebtedness that the Company later secures) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by the Company’s subsidiaries, financing vehicles or similar facilities.

Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding August 1, 2021, holders may convert their 2022 Convertible Notes only under certain circumstances set forth in the 2022 Convertible Notes Indenture. On or after August 1, 2021 until the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their 2022 Convertible Notes at any time. Upon conversion, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, at its election, cash, shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock. The conversion rate is initially 60.9366 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2022 Convertible Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $16.41 per share of common stock). The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment in some events but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if certain corporate events occur prior to the maturity date, the Company will increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its 2022 Convertible Notes in connection with such a corporate event in certain circumstances. As of September 30, 2017, the conversion rate was 60.9366 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes (equivalent to an adjusted conversion price of approximately $16.41 per share of common stock).

The Company may not redeem the 2022 Convertible Notes at its option prior to maturity. No sinking fund is provided for the 2022 Convertible Notes. In addition, if certain corporate events occur, holders of the 2022 Convertible Notes may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or part of their 2022 Convertible Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2022 Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest through, but excluding, the required repurchase date.

The 2022 Convertible Notes Indenture contains certain covenants, including covenants requiring the Company to comply with Section 18(a)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act and to provide financial information to the holders of the 2022 Convertible Notes and the 2022 Trustee if the Company ceases to be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. These covenants are subject to important limitations and exceptions that are described in the 2022 Convertible Notes Indenture. The Company offered and sold the 2022 Convertible Notes to the initial purchaser in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, for resale by the initial purchaser to qualified institutional buyers (as defined in the Securities Act) pursuant to the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Company relied on these exemptions from registration based in part on representations made by the initial purchaser in connection with the sale of the 2022 Convertible Notes.

The 2022 Convertible Notes are accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 470-20 (“Debt Instruments with Conversion and Other Options”). In accounting for the 2022 Convertible Notes, the Company estimated at the time of issuance that the values of the debt and the embedded conversion feature of the 2022 Convertible Notes were approximately 98.5% and 1.5%, respectively. The original issue discount of 1.5%, or $3.4 million, attributable to the conversion feature of the 2022 Convertible Notes was recorded in “capital in excess of par value” in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. As a result, the Company records interest expense comprised of both stated interest expense as well as accretion of the original issue discount resulting in an estimated effective interest rate of approximately 4.76%.

As of September 30, 2017, the components of the carrying value of the 2022 Convertible Notes were as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2017
Principal amount of debt	$	230,000
Unamortized debt issuance cost		(3,938	)
Original issue discount, net of accretion		(2,965	)
Carrying value of 2022 Convertible Notes	$	223,097

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the components of interest expense, fees and cash paid for interest expense for the 2022 Convertible notes were as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Interest expense	$	2,602	$	—	$	6,876	$	—
Amortization of debt issuance cost (loan fees)		213		—		558		—
Accretion of original issue discount		168		—		448		—
Total interest expense and fees	$	2,983	$	—	$	7,882	$	—
Cash paid for interest expense and fees	$	5,199	$	—	$	5,199	$	—

The estimated effective interest of the debt component of the 2022 Convertible Notes, equal to the stated interest rate of 4.375% plus the accretion of the original issue discount, was approximately 4.76% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, the Company is in compliance with the terms of the indentures governing the 2022 Convertible Notes.

Credit Facilities

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has two available credit facilities, the Wells Facility and the Union Bank Facility.

Wells Facility

On June 29, 2015, the Company, through a special purpose wholly owned subsidiary, Hercules Funding II LLC (“Hercules Funding II”), entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the “Wells Facility”) with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as a lender and as the arranger and the administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto from time to time.

The Wells Facility matures on August 2, 2019, unless terminated sooner in accordance with its terms.

Under the Wells Facility, Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC made commitments of $75.0 million, Alostar Bank of Commerce made commitments of $20.0 million, and Everbank Commercial Finance Inc. made commitments of $25.0 million. The Wells Facility contains an accordion feature, in which the Company can increase the credit line up to an aggregate of $300.0 million, funded by additional lenders and with the agreement of Wells Fargo and subject to other customary conditions. The Company expects to continue discussions with various other potential lenders to join the facility; however, there can be no assurances that additional lenders will join the Wells Facility. Borrowings under the Wells Facility generally bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 3.25%, and the Wells Facility has an advance rate of 50% against eligible debt investments. The Wells Facility is secured by all of the assets of Hercules Funding II. The Wells Facility requires payment of a non-use fee on a scale of 0.0% to 0.50% depending on the average

monthly outstanding balance under the facility relative to the maximum amount of commitments at such time. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, this non-use fee was $153,000 and $450,000, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, this non-use fee was $155,000 and $336,000, respectively.

The Wells Facility also includes various financial and other covenants applicable to the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries, in addition to those applicable to Hercules Funding II, including covenants relating to certain changes of control of the Company and Hercules Funding II. Among other things, these covenants also require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, including a maximum debt to worth ratio, minimum interest coverage ratio, minimum portfolio funding liquidity, and a minimum tangible net worth in an amount, when added to outstanding subordinated indebtedness, that is in excess of $500.0 million plus 90% of the cumulative amount of equity raised after June 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2017, the minimum tangible net worth covenant increased to $727.2 million as a result of the March 2015 follow-on public offering of 7.6 million shares of common stock for total gross proceeds of approximately $100.4 million, the issuance of 7.3 million shares of common stock issued under an At-The-Market (“ATM”) equity distribution agreement (the “Prior Equity Distribution Agreement”) with JMP Securities (“JMP”) for gross proceeds of $95.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, and the issuance of 4.1 million shares of common stock issued under the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement and a new ATM equity distribution agreement in September 2017 (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with JMP for gross proceeds of $57.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. See “Note 6 – Stockholder’s Equity.”

The Wells Facility provides for customary events of default, including, without limitation, with respect to payment defaults, breach of representations and covenants, certain key person provisions, cross acceleration provisions to certain other debt, lien and judgment limitations, and bankruptcy.

On June 20, 2011, the Company paid $1.1 million in structuring fees in connection with the original Wells Facility. In connection with an amendment to the original Wells Facility in August 2014, the Company paid an additional $750,000 in structuring fees and in connection with the amendment in December 2015, the Company paid an additional $188,000 in structuring fees. These fees are being amortized through the end of the term of the Wells Facility.

The Company had aggregate draws of $8.5 million on the available facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 offset by repayments of $13.5 million. The Company had aggregate draws of $168.3 million on the available facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 offset by repayments of $218.3 million. At December 31, 2016 there was $5.0 million, respectively, of borrowings outstanding on this facility. There were no borrowings outstanding on the facility as of September 30, 2017.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the components of interest expense and related fees and cash paid for interest expense for the Wells Facility are as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	2	$	501
Amortization of debt issuance cost (loan fees)		66		115		280		341
Total interest expense and fees	$	66	$	115	$	282	$	842
Cash paid for interest expense and fees	$	207	$	—	$	677	$	577

Union Bank Facility

On May 5, 2016, the Company, through a special purpose wholly owned subsidiary, Hercules Funding III LLC (“Hercules Funding III”), as borrower, entered into the credit facility (the “Union Bank Facility”) with MUFG Union Bank, as the arranger and administrative agent, and the lenders party to the Union Bank Facility from time to time. The Union Bank Facility replaced the company’s credit facility (the “Prior Union Bank Facility”) entered into on August 14, 2014 (as amended and restated from time to time) with MUFG Union Bank, as the arranger and administrative agent, and the lenders party to the Prior Union Bank Facility from time to time. Any references to amounts related to the Union Bank Facility prior to May 5, 2016 were incurred and relate to the Prior Union Bank Facility.

On July 18, 2016, the Company entered into the First Amendment to the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2016 with MUFG Union Bank, N.A. The Amendment amends certain definitions relating to borrowings which accrue interest based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR Loans”) and (ii) the method(s) for calculating interest on and the paying of certain fees related to such LIBOR Loans.

Under the Union Bank Facility, MUFG Union Bank made commitments of $75.0 million. The Union Bank Facility contains an accordion feature, in which the Company can increase the credit line up to an aggregate of $200.0 million, funded by additional lenders and with the agreement of MUFG Union Bank and subject to other customary conditions. There can be no assurances that additional lenders will join the Union Bank Facility to increase available borrowings. Borrowings under the Union Bank Facility generally bear interest at either (i) if such borrowing is a base rate loan, a base rate per annum equal to the federal funds rate plus 1.00%, LIBOR plus 1.00% or MUFG Union Bank’s prime rate, in each case, plus a margin of 1.25% or (ii) if such borrowing is a LIBOR loan, a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 3.25%, and the Union Bank Facility generally has an advance rate of 50% against eligible debt investments. The Union Bank Facility is secured by all of the assets of Hercules Funding III.

The Company paid a one-time $562,500 structuring fee in connection with the Union Bank Facility. The Union Bank Facility requires payment of a non-use fee during the revolving credit availability period on a scale of 0.25% to 0.50% depending on the average monthly outstanding balance under the facility relative to the maximum amount of commitments at such time. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the company incurred non-use fees of $96,000 and $284,000, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the company incurred non-use fees under the Prior Union Bank Facility of $96,000 and $277,000, respectively.

The Union Bank Facility also includes various financial and other covenants applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries, in addition to those applicable to Hercules Funding III, including covenants relating to certain changes of control of the Company and Hercules Funding III. Among other things, these covenants also require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, including a maximum debt to worth ratio, minimum interest coverage ratio, minimum portfolio funding liquidity, and a minimum tangible net worth in an amount that is in excess of $500.0 million plus 90% of the cumulative amount of equity raised after June 30, 2014.

As of September 30, 2017, the minimum tangible net worth covenant increased to $774.3 million as a result of the March 2015 follow-on public offering of 7.6 million shares of common stock for total net proceeds of approximately $100.1 million, the issuance of 7.3 million shares of common stock issued under the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement for net proceeds of $92.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, and the issuance of 4.1 million shares of common stock issued under the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement and the Equity Distribution Agreement for net proceeds of $56.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. See “Note 6 - Stockholder’s Equity.”

The Union Bank Facility provides for customary events of default, including with respect to payment defaults, breach of representations and covenants, servicer defaults, certain key person provisions, cross default provisions to certain other debt, lien and judgment limitations, and bankruptcy.

The Union Bank Facility matures on May 5, 2020, unless terminated sooner in accordance with its terms.

In connection with the Union Bank Facility, the Company and Hercules Funding III also entered into the Sale Agreement, by and among Hercules Funding III, as borrower, the Company, as originator and servicer, and MUFG Union Bank, as agent. Under the Sale Agreement, the Company agrees to (i) sell or transfer certain loans to HT III under the MUFG Union Bank Facility and (ii) act as servicer for the loans sold or transferred.

The Company did not make any draws or repayments on the available facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Company had aggregate draws of $25.0 million on the available facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 offset by repayments of $25.0 million. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there were no borrowings outstanding on the Union Bank Facility.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the components of interest expense and related fees and cash paid for interest expense for the previous and current Union Bank Facility are as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017		2016		2017		2016
Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	55
Amortization of debt issuance cost (loan fees)		91		112		315		244
Total interest expense and fees	$	91	$	112	$	315	$	299
Cash paid for interest expense and fees	$	114	$	—	$	351	$	38

5. Income Taxes

The Company intends to operate so as to qualify to be subject to tax as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code and, as such, will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of taxable income (including gains) distributed as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to stockholders. Taxable income includes the Company’s taxable interest, dividend and fee income, reduced by certain deductions, as well as taxable net realized securities gains. Taxable income generally differs from net income for financial reporting purposes due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses, and generally excludes net unrealized appreciation or depreciation, as such gains or losses are not included in taxable income until they are realized.

To qualify and be subject to tax as a RIC, the Company is required to meet certain income and asset diversification tests in addition to distributing dividends of an amount generally at least equal to 90% of its investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code and determined without regard to any deduction for distributions paid, to its stockholders. The amount to be paid out as a distribution is determined by the Board of Directors each quarter and is based upon the annual earnings estimated by the management of the Company. To the extent that the Company’s earnings fall below the amount of dividend distributions declared, however, a portion of the total amount of the Company’s distributions for the fiscal year may be deemed a return of capital for tax purposes to the Company’s stockholders.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company declared a distribution of $0.31 per share. The determination of the tax attributes of the Company’s distributions is made annually as of the end of the Company’s taxable year generally based upon its taxable income for the full taxable year and distributions paid for the full taxable year. As a result, a determination made on a quarterly basis may not be representative of the actual tax attributes of the Company’s distributions for a full taxable year. If the Company had determined the tax attributes of our distributions taxable year-to-date as of September 30, 2017, 100% would be from our current and accumulated earnings and profits. However, there can be no certainty to stockholders that this determination is representative of what the actual tax attributes of the Company’s 2017 distributions to stockholders will be.

As a RIC, the Company will be subject to a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless the Company makes distributions treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a timely manner to its stockholders in respect of each calendar year of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of the Company’s ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of the Company’s capital gain net income (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the 1-year period ending October 31 of each such calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and capital gain net income realized, but not distributed, in preceding calendar years. The Company will not be subject to this excise tax on any amount on which the Company incurred U.S. federal corporate income tax (such as the tax imposed on a RIC’s retained net capital gains).

Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a taxable year, the Company may choose to carry over taxable income in excess of current taxable year distributions from such taxable income into the next taxable year and incur a 4% excise tax on such taxable income, as required. The maximum amount of excess taxable income that may be carried over for distribution in the next taxable year under the Code is the total amount of distributions paid in the following taxable year, subject to certain declaration and payment guidelines. To the extent the Company chooses to carry over taxable income into the next taxable year, distributions declared and paid by the Company in a taxable year may differ from the Company’s taxable income for that taxable year as such distributions may include the distribution of current taxable year taxable income, the distribution of prior taxable year taxable income carried over into and distributed in the current taxable year, or returns of capital.

The Company has taxable subsidiaries which hold certain portfolio investments in an effort to limit potential legal liability and/or comply with source-income type requirements contained in the RIC tax provisions of the Code. These taxable subsidiaries are consolidated for U.S. GAAP and the portfolio investments held by the taxable subsidiaries are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and are recorded at fair value. These taxable subsidiaries are not consolidated with the Company for income tax purposes and may generate income tax expense, or benefit, and tax assets and liabilities as a result of their ownership of certain portfolio investments. Any income generated by these taxable subsidiaries generally would be subject to tax at normal corporate tax rates based on its taxable income.

Taxable income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was approximately $65.9 million or $0.80 per share. Taxable net realized losses for the same period was $7.7 million or approximately $0.09 per share. Taxable income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was approximately $66.1 million or $0.91 per share. Taxable net realized gains for the same period were $8.1 million or approximately $0.11 per share.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company paid approximately $1.0 million of tax expense and had no accrued but unpaid tax expense as of the balance sheet date. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company paid approximately $201,000 of tax expense and had approximately $333,000 of accrued but unpaid tax expense as of the balance sheet date.

The Company intends to distribute 100% of spillover earnings, which consists of ordinary income and long-term capital gains, from the Company’s taxable year ended December 31, 2016 to the Company’s stockholders during 2017.

6. Stockholder’s Equity

On August 16, 2013, the Company entered into the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement. On March 7, 2016, the Company renewed the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement and on December 21, 2016, we further amended the agreement to increase the total shares available under the program. The Prior Equity Distribution Agreement, as amended, provided that the Company may offer and sell up to 12.0 million shares of its common stock from time to time through JMP, as its sales agent.

On September 7, 2017, the Company terminated the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement and entered into the new Equity Distribution Agreement. As a result, the remaining shares that were available under the Prior Equity Distribution agreement are no longer available for issuance. The Equity Distribution Agreement provides that the Company may offer and sell up to 12.0 million shares of its common stock from time to time through JMP, as its sales agent. Sales of the Company’s common stock, if any, may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at the market,” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the NYSE or similar securities exchange or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company sold 768,000 shares of common stock for total accumulated net proceeds of approximately $9.4 million, including $155,000 of offering expenses under the Equity Distribution Agreement.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company sold 4.1 million shares of common stock, of which 3.3 million shares and 768,000 shares were issued under the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement and the Equity Distribution Agreement, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company received total accumulated net proceeds of approximately $56.3 million, including $687,000 of offering expenses, from these sales, of which $46.9 million, including offering expenses of $532,000, was received under the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement and $9.4 million, including offering expenses of $155,000, was received under the Equity Distribution Agreement, respectively.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company sold 2.1 million and 4.1 million shares of common stock under the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement for total accumulated net proceeds of approximately $26.5 million and $50.2 million, respectively, including $986,000 and $1.8 million of offering expenses, respectively.

The Company generally uses net proceeds from these offerings to make investments, to repurchase or pay down liabilities and for general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2017 approximately 11.2 million shares remain available for issuance and sale under the Equity Distribution Agreement. See “Note 12 – Subsequent Events.”

On August 27, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan permitting the Company to repurchase up to $50.0 million of its common stock until August 23, 2016, after which the plan expired. In January 2016, the Company repurchased 449,588 shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $10.64 per share and a total cost of approximately $4.8 million.

The Company has issued stock options for common stock subject to future issuance, of which 587,844 and 668,171 were outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

7. Equity Incentive Plan

The Company and its stockholders have authorized and adopted the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”) for purposes of attracting and retaining the services of its executive officers and key employees. Under the 2004 Plan, the Company is authorized to issue 12.0 million shares of common stock.

The Company and its stockholders have authorized and adopted the 2006 Non-Employee Director Plan (the “2006 Plan” and, together with the 2004 Plan, the “Plans”) for purposes of attracting and retaining the services of its Board of Directors. On June 21, 2017, the 2006 Plan expired in accordance with its terms and no additional awards may be granted under the 2006 Plan. Under the 2006 Plan, the Company is authorized to issue 1.0 million shares of common stock. The Company filed an exemptive relief request with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to allow options to be issued under the 2006 Plan which was approved on October 10, 2007.

On June 21, 2007, the stockholders approved amendments to the 2004 Plan and the 2006 Plan allowing for the grant of restricted stock. The amended Plans limit the combined maximum amount of restricted stock that may be issued under both Plans to 10% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s stock on the effective date of the Plans plus 10% of the number of shares of stock issued or delivered by the Company during the terms of the Plans. The amendments further specify that no one person shall be granted awards of restricted stock relating to more than 25% of the shares available for issuance under the 2004 Plan. Further, the amount of voting securities that would result from the exercise of all of the Company’s outstanding warrants, options and rights, together with any restricted stock issued pursuant to the Plans, at the time of issuance shall not exceed 25% of its outstanding voting securities, except that if the amount of voting securities that would result from such exercise of all of the Company’s outstanding warrants, options and rights issued to the Company’s directors, officers and employees, together with any restricted stock issued pursuant to the Plans, would exceed 15% of the Company’s outstanding voting securities, then the total amount of voting securities that would result from the exercise of all outstanding warrants, options and rights, together with any restricted stock issued pursuant to the Plans, at the time of issuance shall not exceed 20% of the Company’s outstanding voting securities.

During 2012, the Compensation Committee adopted a policy that provided for awards with different vesting schedules for short and long-term awards. All restricted stock grants under the 2004 Plan made prior to March 4, 2013 continue to vest on a monthly basis following their one year anniversary over the succeeding 36 months. Under the 2004 Plan, restricted stock awarded subsequent to March 3, 2013 vests subject to continued employment based on two vesting schedules: short-term awards vest one-half on the one year anniversary of the date of the grant and quarterly over the succeeding 12 months, and long-term awards vest one-fourth on the one year anniversary of the date of grant and quarterly over the succeeding 36 months. No restricted stock was granted pursuant to the 2004 Plan prior to 2009.

On December 29, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a further amendment and restatement of the 2004 Plan. The amended plan provides, in addition to the preexisting types of awards available for grant thereunder and among other things, (1) for the grant of restricted stock units; (2) for the deferral of the receipt of the shares of the Company’s common stock underlying vested restricted stock units; (3) that grantees may receive up to 10% of the value of the tentative restricted stock unit grants proposed for any grantee in the form of an option to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock; (4) that awards of restricted stock units may include performance vesting conditions; (5) that awards may require that all or a portion of the shares of the Company’s common stock delivered in respect of any vested restricted stock unit award be subject to a specified post-delivery holding period; and (6) that restricted stock unit awards may accrue dividend equivalents in respect of the Company’s common stock underlying any restricted stock unit award payable in the form of cash or additional shares of the Company’s common stock to the extent, and in respect of, any vested restricted stock units.

The following table summarizes the common stock option activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017					2016
	Common Stock Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Common Stock Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31,		668,171		$	13.73		622,171		$	14.25
Granted		91,000		$	14.41		200,000		$	11.94
Exercised		(26,824	)	$	11.23		(23,334	)	$	10.85
Forfeited		(38,393	)	$	14.02		(64,338	)	$	13.98
Expired		(106,110	)	$	15.40		(53,495	)	$	14.96
Outstanding at September 30,		587,844		$	13.63		681,004		$	13.66
Shares Expected to Vest at September 30,		210,464		$	13.63		323,213		$	13.66

The following table summarizes common stock options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2017:

(Dollars in thousands, except exercise price)	Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
Range of exercise prices	Number of shares		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number of shares		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Exercise Price
$9.25 - $14.02		311,039		5.62	$	301,369	$	12.12		155,326		4.97	$	198,039	$	11.75
$14.56 - $16.34		276,805		4.35		—	$	15.34		222,054		3.87		—	$	15.47
$9.25 - $16.34		587,844		5.02	$	301,369	$	13.63		377,380		4.32	$	198,039	$	13.94

Options generally vest 33% one year after the date of grant and ratably over the succeeding 24 months.

All options may be exercised for a period ending seven years after the date of grant. At September 30, 2017 options for 377,380 shares were exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of approximately $13.94 per share with a weighted average remaining contractual term of 4.32 years.

The Company determined that the fair value of options granted under the Plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $63,000 and $89,000, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, approximately $56,000 and $144,000 of share-based cost due to stock option grants was expensed, respectively. As of September 30, 2017 there was approximately $99,000 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.94 years.

The Company follows ASC Topic 718 (“Compensation – Stock Compensation”) to account for stock options granted. Under ASC Topic 718, compensation expense associated with stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the vesting period. Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, forfeiture rate and expected option life. The fair value of options granted is based upon a Black Scholes option pricing model using the assumptions in the following table for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
Expected Volatility		23.07%		23.73%
Expected Dividends		10%		10%
Expected term (in years)		4.5		4.5
Risk-free rate	1.57% - 2.02%		0.87% - 1.63%

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 the Company granted 10,111 shares and 552,214 shares, respectively, of restricted stock awards pursuant to the Plans. The Company determined that the fair value of restricted stock awards granted under the Plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $150,000 and $6.6 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, there was approximately $4.0 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock awards. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.09 years.

The following table summarizes the activities for the Company’s unvested restricted stock awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017					2016
	Restricted Stock Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Restricted Stock Awards			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31,		799,558		$	12.54		850,072		$	13.59
Granted		10,111		$	14.83		552,214		$	12.01
Vested		(425,511	)	$	12.63		(505,182	)	$	13.59
Forfeited		(9,529	)	$	12.95		(26,573	)	$	12.85
Unvested at September 30,		374,629		$	12.49		870,531		$	12.61

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 the Company granted 600,461 shares of restricted stock units pursuant to the Plans based on the December 2016 amended terms. The Company determined that the fair value of restricted stock units granted under the Plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was approximately $8.5 million. As of September 30, 2017, there was approximately $6.4 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to restricted stock units. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining vesting period of 2.32 years.

The following table summarizes the activities for the Company’s unvested restricted stock units for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017
	Restricted Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31,		—		$	—
Granted		600,461		$	14.21
Distribution Equivalent Unit Granted		41,243		$	13.30
Vested		—		$	—
Forfeited		(21,252	)	$	13.65
Unvested at September 30,		620,452		$	13.28

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company expensed approximately $5.6 million of compensation expense related to restricted stock awards and restricted stock units. The Company had approximately $5.5 million in compensation expense related to restricted stock awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

The SEC, through an exemptive order granted on June 22, 2010, approved amendments to the Plans which allow participants to elect to have the Company withhold shares of the Company’s common stock to pay for the exercise price and applicable taxes with respect to an option exercise (“net issuance exercise”). The exemptive order also permits the holders of restricted stock to elect to have the Company withhold shares of the Company’s stock to pay the applicable taxes due on restricted stock at the time of vesting. Each individual can make a cash payment at the time of option exercise or to pay taxes on restricted stock.

8. Earnings Per Share

Shares used in the computation of the Company’s basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Numerator
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations	$	33,072		$	30,812		$	60,633		$	54,582
Less: Distributions declared-common and restricted shares		(25,667	)		(23,201	)		(76,997	)		(68,408	)
Undistributed earnings (loss)		7,405			7,611			(16,364	)		(13,826	)
Undistributed earnings (loss)-common shares		7,368			7,516			(16,364	)		(13,826	)
Add: Distributions declared-common shares		25,538			22,911			76,520			67,406
Numerator for basic and diluted change in net assets per common share	$	32,906		$	30,427		$	60,156		$	53,580

Denominator
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding		82,496			74,122			82,073			72,685
Common shares issuable		111			35			100			17
Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming dilution		82,607			74,157			82,173			72,702

Change in net assets per common share
Basic	$	0.40		$	0.41		$	0.73		$	0.74
Diluted	$	0.40		$	0.41		$	0.73		$	0.74

In the table above, unvested share-based payment awards that have non-forfeitable rights to distributions or distribution equivalents are treated as participating securities for calculating earnings per share. Unvested common stock options and restricted stock units are also included in the denominator for the purpose of calculating diluted earnings per share.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the effect of the 2022 Convertible Notes under the treasury stock method is anti-dilutive and, accordingly, is excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. The 2016 Convertible Notes were fully settled on or before their contractual maturity date of April 15, 2016, as such, there was no potential dilutive effect for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

The calculation of change in net assets resulting from operations per common share—assuming dilution, excludes all anti-dilutive shares. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the number of anti-dilutive shares, as calculated based on the weighted average closing price of the Company’s common stock for the periods, consisted of 3.9 million shares related to 2022 Convertible Notes, 72,379 shares of unvested common stock options, and no shares of unvested restricted stock units. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the number of anti-dilutive shares, as calculated based on the weighted average closing price of the Company’s common stock for the periods, consisted of 2.5 million shares related to 2022 Convertible Notes, 43,593 shares of unvested common stock options, and no shares of unvested restricted stock units. For three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the number of anti-dilutive shares related to unvested common stock options was 646,783 shares and 679,253 shares, respectively.

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company was authorized to issue 200.0 million shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001. Each share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote.

9. Financial Highlights

Following is a schedule of financial highlights for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Per share data ⁽¹⁾:
Net asset value at beginning of period	$	9.90		$	9.94
Net investment income		0.88			0.92
Net realized gain (loss) on investments		(0.33	)		0.05
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments		0.19			(0.22	)
Total from investment operations		0.74			0.75
Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions ⁽¹⁾		0.23			0.03
Distributions of net investment income ⁽⁶⁾		(0.94	)		(0.94	)
Stock-based compensation expense included in investment income⁽²⁾		0.07			0.08
Net asset value at end of period	$	10.00		$	9.86

Ratios and supplemental data:
Per share market value at end of period	$	12.90		$	13.56
Total return⁽³⁾		(2.31	%)		19.47	%
Shares outstanding at end of period		83,615			76,400
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		82,073			72,685
Net assets at end of period	$	836,284		$	753,589
Ratio of total expense to average net assets⁽⁴⁾		11.08	%		11.13	%
Ratio of net investment income before investment gains and losses to average net assets⁽⁴⁾		11.59	%		12.39	%
Portfolio turnover rate⁽⁵⁾		34.54	%		28.69	%
Weighted average debt outstanding	$	773,271		$	620,769
Weighted average debt per common share	$	9.42		$	8.54

(1)	All per share activity is calculated based on the weighted average shares outstanding for the relevant period, except net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions, which is based on the common shares outstanding as of the relevant balance sheet date.

(2)	Stock option expense is a non-cash expense that has no effect on net asset value. Pursuant to ASC Topic 718 (“Compensation – Stock Compensation”), net investment income includes the expense associated with the granting of stock options which is offset by a corresponding increase in paid-in capital.

(3)

The total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 equals the change in the ending market value over the beginning of the period price per share plus distributions paid per share during the period, divided by the beginning price assuming the distribution is reinvested on the date of the distribution. As such, the total return is not annualized. The total return does not reflect any sales load that must be paid by investors.

(4)	These ratios are calculated based on weighted average net assets for the relevant period and are annualized.

(5)	The portfolio turnover rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 equals the lesser of investment portfolio purchases or sales during the period, divided by the average investment portfolio value during the period. As such, portfolio turnover rate is not annualized.

(6)	Includes distributions on unvested shares.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company’s commitments and contingencies consist primarily of unused commitments to extend credit in the form of loans to the Company’s portfolio companies. A portion of these unfunded contractual commitments are dependent upon the portfolio company reaching certain milestones before the debt commitment becomes available. Furthermore, the Company’s credit agreements contain customary lending provisions which allow the Company relief from funding obligations for previously made commitments in instances where the underlying company experiences materially adverse events that affect the financial condition or business outlook for the Company. Since a portion of these commitments may expire without being drawn, unfunded contractual commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. As such, the Company’s disclosure of unfunded contractual commitments includes only those which are available at the request of the portfolio company and unencumbered by milestones.

At September 30, 2017, the Company had approximately $46.3 million of unfunded commitments, including undrawn revolving facilities, which were available at the request of the portfolio company and unencumbered by milestones.

The Company also had approximately $72.0 million of non-binding term sheets outstanding at September 30, 2017. Non-binding outstanding term sheets are subject to completion of the Company’s due diligence and final investment committee approval process, as well as the negotiation of definitive documentation with the prospective portfolio companies. These non-binding term sheets generally convert to contractual commitments in approximately 90 days from signing. Not all non-binding term sheets are expected to close and do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

The fair value of the Company’s unfunded commitments is considered to be immaterial as the yield determined at the time of underwriting is expected to be materially consistent with the yield upon funding, given that interest rates are generally pegged to market indices and given the existence of milestones, conditions and/or obligations imbedded in the borrowing agreements.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company’s unfunded contractual commitments available at the request of the portfolio company, including undrawn revolving facilities, and unencumbered by milestones are as follows:

(in thousands)
Portfolio Company	Unfunded Commitments ⁽¹⁾
NewVoiceMedia Limited	$	15,000
Evernote Corporation		10,000
Aquantia Corp.		6,500
Wrike, Inc.		5,000
MDX Medical, Inc.		4,500
908 DEVICES INC.		2,500
Verastem, Inc.		2,500
RedSeal Inc.		302
Total	$	46,302

(1)	Amount represents unfunded commitments, including undrawn revolving facilities, which are available at the request of the portfolio company. Amount excludes unfunded commitments which are unavailable due to the borrower having not met certain milestones.

Certain premises are leased under agreements which expire at various dates through February 2023. Total rent expense amounted to approximately $443,000 and $1.3 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. Total rent expense amounted to approximately $420,000 and $1.3 million during the same period ended September 30, 2016.

The Company’s contractual obligations as of September 30, 2017 include:

	Payments due by period (in thousands)
Contractual Obligations ⁽¹⁾	Total		Less than 1 year		1 - 3 years		3 - 5 years		After 5 years
Borrowings ^(2)(3)(5)	$	744,186	$	140,476	$	51,200	$	344,250	$	208,260
Operating Lease Obligations ⁽⁴⁾		4,370		1,831		1,149		1,145		245
Total	$	748,556	$	142,307	$	52,349	$	345,395	$	208,505

(1)	Excludes commitments to extend credit to the Company’s portfolio companies.

(2)	Includes $190.2 million in principal outstanding under the SBA debentures, $258.5 million of the 2024 Notes, $230.0 million of the 2022 Convertible Notes and $65.5 million of the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes as of September 30, 2017.

(3)	Amounts represent future principal repayments and not the carrying value of each liability. See Note 4 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

(4)	Facility leases.

(5)	Reflects announced redemption of a portion of the 2024 Notes in November 2017. See “Note 12 – Subsequent Events.”

The Company may, from time to time, be involved in litigation arising out of its operations in the normal course of business or otherwise. Furthermore, third parties may try to seek to impose liability on the Company in connection with the activities of its portfolio companies. While the outcome of any current legal proceedings cannot at this time be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect any current matters will materially affect the Company’s financial condition or results of operations; however, there can be no assurance whether any pending legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations in any future reporting period.

11. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which, among other things, requires that (i) all equity investments, other than equity-method investments, in unconsolidated entities generally be measured at fair value through earnings and (ii) an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. Additionally, the ASU changes the disclosure requirements for financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual reporting periods, and the interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for certain provisions. The Company does not believe that ASU 2016-01 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which, among other things, requires recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous U.S. GAAP. Additionally, the ASU requires the classification of all cash payments on leases within operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods, and the interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe that ASU 2016-02 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which, among other things, simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual reporting periods, and the interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. There is not a material impact from adopting this standard on the Company’s financial statements. The Company has adopted this standard for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which addresses eight specific cash flow issues including, among other things, the classification of debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual reporting periods, and the interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe that ASU 2016-15 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230),” which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The amendment should be adopted retrospectively. The Company does not believe that ASU 2016-18 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

12. Subsequent Events

Distribution Declaration

On October 25, 2017 the Board of Directors declared a cash distribution of $0.31 per share to be paid on November 20, 2017 to stockholders of record as of November 13, 2017. This distribution represents the Company’s forty-ninth consecutive distribution since the Company’s IPO, bringing the total cumulative distribution to date to $13.71 per share.

2022 Notes

On October 23, 2017, the Company issued $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”). The 2022 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated September 7, 2017 (the “2022 Notes Indenture”), between the Company and U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “2022 Trustee”). The sale of the 2022 Notes generated net proceeds of approximately $147.9 million. Aggregate estimated offering expenses in connection with the transaction, including the underwriter’s discount of approximately $1.9 million, were approximately $2.1 million.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to repurchase or otherwise redeem a portion of its 2024 Notes, (ii) to fund investments in debt and equity securities in accordance with its investment objective and (iii) for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The 2022 Notes mature on October 23, 2022, unless previously repurchased in accordance with their terms. The 2022 Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.625% per year payable semiannually in arrears on April 23 and October 23 of each year, commencing on April 23, 2018.

The 2022 Notes will be unsecured obligations of the Company that rank senior in right of payment to all of the Company’s existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated, or junior, in right of payment to the 2022 Notes. The 2022 Notes are not guaranteed by any of the Company’s current or future subsidiaries. The 2022 Notes rank pari passu, or equally, in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future liabilities that are not so subordinated, or junior. The 2022 Notes effectively rank subordinated, or junior, to any of the Company’s secured indebtedness (including unsecured indebtedness that the Company later secures) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The 2022 Notes rank structurally subordinated, or junior, to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by subsidiaries, financing vehicles or similar facilities of the Company.

The Company may redeem some or all of the 2022 Notes at any time, or from time to time, at the redemption price set forth under the terms of the indenture after September 23, 2022. No sinking fund is provided for the 2022 Notes. The 2022 Notes were issued in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 thereof.

Redemption of 2024 Notes

On October 24, 2017, the Board of Directors approved a redemption of $75.0 million of outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes, and notice for such redemption has been provided. The Company has publicly announced its intention to redeem this portion of the 2024 Notes on November 23, 2017.

Appointment of Directors

On October 25, 2017, the Board of Directors elected Jorge Titinger and Brad Koenig as directors of the Company. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Titinger or Mr. Koenig and any other persons pursuant to which they were elected as directors of the Company. Both Mr. Titinger and Mr. Koenig will each be entitled to the applicable annual retainer pursuant to the Company’s director compensation arrangements, under terms consistent with those previously disclosed by the Company. They will also be entitled to enter an indemnification agreement with the Company.

Mr. Titinger’s Board election will be effective at the time of the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) and will fill the position vacated by Susanne Lyons who will be stepping down at the Annual Meeting. His appointment will be ratified at the Annual Meeting as a Class I director for a term expiring in 2020. At the time Mr. Titinger joins the Board, he will be appointed to the Compensation Committee and will serve as chairman.

Mr. Koenig will hold office as a Class II director for a term expiring in 2018. He will serve on the Audit Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

ATM Equity Program Issuances

Subsequent to September 30, 2017, and as of October 30, 2017, the Company sold 567,000 shares of common stock for total accumulated net proceeds of approximately $7.1 million, including $65,000 of offering expenses, under the Equity Distribution Agreement. As of October 30, 2017, approximately 10.7 million shares remain available for issuance and sale under the ATM equity program.

Departure of Officer

On October 27, 2017, the Company and Mark Harris mutually agreed that Mr. Harris would separate from the Company and end his tenure as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer effective November 2, 2017. Mr. Harris’ separation did not result from any disagreements with the Company regarding its operations, policies, practices or any issues regarding financial disclosures, accounting or legal matters.

Appointment of Officers

Effective October 31, 2017, the Board of Directors appointed David Lund, the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer, as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer and Gerard R. Waldt, Jr., the Company’s current Controller, as the Company’s Interim Chief Accounting Officer.

Asset Acquisition

On November 1, 2017, the Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, Bearcub Acquisitions LLC, entered into, and consummated the transactions contemplated by, a definitive asset purchase agreement with Ares Capital Corporation to acquire select venture loan assets for approximately $125.8 million in cash.

Management Structure

The Company has decided to suspend its review of alternative investment management structures and will remain an internally managed business development company for the foreseeable future.

Portfolio Company Developments

As of October 30, 2017, the Company held warrants or equity positions in four companies that have filed registration statements on Form S-1 with the SEC in contemplation of potential initial public offerings, including Aquantia Corp. and three companies which filed confidentially under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act. There can be no assurance that these companies will complete their initial public offerings in a timely manner or at all. In addition, subsequent to September 30, 2017, the following companies announced or completed liquidity events:

In August 2017, the Company’s former portfolio company Cempra, Inc. and current portfolio company Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement under which Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. will merge with a subsidiary of Cempra, Inc. The merger is expected to create a NASDAQ-listed company and close in the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to the approval of the stockholders of each company as well as other customary conditions.

In October 2017, the Company’s portfolio company Neothetics, Inc., announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which privately-held Evofem Biosciences will merge with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neothetics in an all-stock transaction. Upon closing of this transaction, Neothetics will be renamed Evofem Biosciences, Inc.

In October 2017, the Company’s portfolio company ForeScout Technologies, Inc., completed its initial public offering.

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 Hercules Capital, Inc., that are forward-looking statements are 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 relate 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 expressions. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new investments, achieve certain margins and levels of profitability, the availability of additional capital, and the ability to maintain certain debt to asset ratios. 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 statements as to:

•

Our current and future management structure;

•

our future operating results;

•

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

•

the impact of investments that we expect to make;

•

our informal relationships with third parties including in the venture capital industry;

•

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 debt markets and equity markets;

•

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, a SBIC and a RIC;

•

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;

•

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

•

the timing, form and amount of any distributions;

•

the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on our business;

•

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

•

our ability to recover unrealized losses.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this report 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 Item 1A— “Risk Factors” of Part II of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, Item 1A— “Risk Factors” of our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 23, 2017 and under “Forward-Looking Statements” of this Item 2.

Overview

We are a specialty finance company focused on providing senior secured loans to high-growth, innovative venture capital-backed companies in a variety of technology, life sciences, and sustainable and renewable technology industries. We source our investments through our principal office located in Palo Alto, CA, as well as through our additional offices in Boston, MA, New York, NY, Washington, DC, Santa Monica, CA, Hartford, CT, and San Diego, CA.

Our goal is to be the leading structured debt financing provider for venture capital-backed companies in technology-related industries requiring sophisticated and customized financing solutions. Our strategy is to evaluate and invest in a broad range of technology-related industries including technology, drug discovery and development, biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, and sustainable and renewable technology and to offer a full suite of growth capital products. We invest primarily in structured debt with warrants and, to a lesser extent, in senior debt and equity investments. We invest primarily in private companies but also have investments in public companies.

We use the term “structured debt with warrants” to refer to any debt investment, such as a senior or subordinated secured loan, that is coupled with an equity component, including warrants, options or other rights to purchase common or preferred stock. Our structured debt with warrants investments typically are secured by some or all of the assets of the portfolio company.

Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return by generating current income from our debt investments and capital appreciation from our warrant and equity-related investments. Our primary business objectives are to increase our net income, net operating income and net asset value by investing in structured debt with warrants and equity of venture capital-backed companies in technology-related industries with attractive current yields and the potential for equity appreciation and realized gains. Our equity ownership in our portfolio companies may exceed 25% of the voting securities of such companies, which represents a controlling interest under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). In some cases, we receive the right to make additional equity investments in our portfolio companies in connection with future equity financing rounds. Capital that we provide directly to venture capital-backed companies in technology-related industries is generally used for growth and general working capital purposes as well as in select cases for acquisitions or recapitalizations.

We also make investments in qualifying small businesses through our two wholly owned small business investment companies (“SBICs”). Our SBIC subsidiaries, Hercules Technology II, L.P. (“HT II”) and Hercules Technology III, L.P. (“HT III”), hold approximately $107.9 million and $279.9 million in assets, respectively, and accounted for approximately 5.4% and 13.9% of our total assets, respectively, prior to consolidation at September 30, 2017. In aggregate, at September 30, 2017, with our net investment of $118.5 million, HT II and HT III have the capacity to issue a total of $190.2 million of SBA-guaranteed debentures, subject to Small Business Administration (“SBA”) approval. At September 30, 2017, we have issued $190.2 million in SBA-guaranteed debentures in our SBIC subsidiaries.

We have qualified as and have elected to be treated for tax purposes as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Pursuant to this election, we generally will not be subject to corporate-level taxes on any income and gains that we distribute as dividends for federal income tax purposes to our stockholders. However, our qualification and election to be treated as a RIC requires that we comply with provisions contained in Subchapter M of the Code. For example, as a RIC we must earn 90% or more of our gross income during each taxable year from qualified sources, typically referred to as “good income,” as well as satisfy certain quarterly asset diversification and annual income distribution requirements.

We are an internally managed, non-diversified, closed-end investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the 1940 Act. As a business development company, 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,” which includes securities of private U.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less.

Our portfolio is comprised of, and we anticipate that our portfolio will continue to be comprised of, investments primarily in technology related companies at various stages of their development. Consistent with requirements under the 1940 Act, we invest primarily in United-States based companies and to a lesser extent in foreign companies.

We regularly engage in discussions with third parties with respect to various potential transactions. We may acquire an investment or a portfolio of investments or an entire company or sell a portion of our portfolio on an opportunistic basis. We, our subsidiaries or our affiliates may also agree to manage certain other funds that invest in debt, equity or provide other financing or services to companies in a variety of industries for which we may earn management or other fees for our services. We may also invest in the equity of these funds, along with other third parties, from which we would seek to earn a return and/or future incentive allocations. Some of these transactions could be material to our business. Consummation of any such transaction will be subject to completion of due diligence, finalization of key business and financial terms (including price) and negotiation of final definitive documentation as well as a number of other factors and conditions including, without limitation, the approval of our board of directors and required regulatory or third party consents and, in certain cases, the approval of our stockholders. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that any such transaction would be consummated. Any of these transactions or funds may require significant management resources either during the transaction phase or on an ongoing basis depending on the terms of the transaction.

Portfolio and Investment Activity

The total fair value of our investment portfolio was $1.4 billion at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The fair value of our debt investment portfolio was approximately $1.3 billion at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The fair value of the equity portfolio at September 30, 2017 was approximately $84.3 million, compared to a fair value of approximately $67.6 million at December 31, 2016. The fair value of the warrant portfolio at September 30, 2017 was approximately $32.7 million, compared to a fair value of approximately $27.5 million at December 31, 2016.

Portfolio Activity

Our investments in portfolio companies take a variety of forms, including unfunded contractual commitments and funded investments. From time to time, unfunded contractual commitments depend upon a portfolio company reaching certain milestones before the debt commitment is available to the portfolio company, which is expected to affect our funding levels. These commitments are subject to the same underwriting and ongoing portfolio maintenance as the on-balance sheet financial instruments that we hold. Debt commitments generally fund over the two succeeding quarters from close. Not all debt commitments represent future cash requirements. Similarly, unfunded contractual commitments may expire without being drawn and thus do not represent future cash requirements.

Prior to entering into a contractual commitment, we generally issue a non-binding term sheet to a prospective portfolio company. Non-binding term sheets are subject to completion of our due diligence and final investment committee approval process, as well as the negotiation of definitive documentation with the prospective portfolio companies. These non-binding term sheets generally convert to contractual commitments in approximately 90 days from signing. Not all non-binding term sheets are expected to close and do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Our portfolio activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016 was comprised of the following:

(in millions)	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Debt Commitments ⁽¹⁾
New portfolio company	$	467.0	$	624.0
Existing portfolio company		79.9		171.8
Total	$	546.9	$	795.8
Funded and Restructured Debt Investments⁽²⁾
New portfolio company	$	346.7	$	479.0
Existing portfolio company		136.1		181.5
Total	$	482.8	$	660.5
Funded Equity Investments
New portfolio company	$	3.8	$	17.1
Existing portfolio company		0.7		3.1
Total	$	4.5	$	20.2
Unfunded Contractual Commitments ⁽³⁾
Total	$	46.3	$	59.7
Non-Binding Term Sheets
New portfolio company	$	60.0	$	55.0
Existing portfolio company		12.0		—
Total	$	72.0	$	55.0

(1)	Includes restructured loans and renewals in addition to new commitments.

(2)	Funded amounts include borrowings on revolving facilities.

(3)	Amount represents unfunded commitments, including undrawn revolving facilities, which are available at the request of the portfolio company. Amount excludes unfunded commitments which are unavailable due to the borrower having not met certain milestones.

We receive principal payments on our debt investment portfolio based on scheduled amortization of the outstanding balances. In addition, we receive principal repayments for some of our loans prior to their scheduled maturity date. The frequency or volume of these early principal repayments may fluctuate significantly from period to period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we received approximately $474.5 million in aggregate principal repayments. Of the approximately $474.5 million of aggregate principal repayments, approximately $93.1 million were scheduled principal payments and approximately $381.4 million were early principal repayments related to 38 portfolio companies. Of the approximately $381.4 million early principal repayments, approximately $74.2 million were early repayments due to merger and acquisition transactions for seven portfolio companies.

Total portfolio investment activity (inclusive of unearned income and excluding activity related to taxes payable, escrow receivables and warrant participation liabilities) as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016 was as follows:

(in millions)	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Beginning portfolio	$	1,423.9		$	1,200.6
New fundings and restructures		487.3			680.7
Warrants not related to current period fundings		0.4			0.6
Principal payments received on investments		(93.1	)		(111.2	)
Early payoffs		(381.4	)		(324.0	)
Accretion of loan discounts and paid-in-kind principal		27.5			43.6
Net acceleration of loan discounts and loan fees due to early payoff or restructure		(6.8	)		(6.3	)
New loan fees		(7.5	)		(10.1	)
Warrants converted to equity		—			0.3
Sale of investments		(10.4	)		(4.4	)
Loss on investments due to write offs		(38.5	)		(10.0	)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)		15.7			(35.9	)
Ending portfolio	$	1,417.1		$	1,423.9

The following table shows the fair value of our investment portfolio by asset class as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

	September 30, 2017					December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio			Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio
Senior Secured Debt with Warrants	$	838,253		59.1	%	$	1,078,779		75.7	%
Senior Secured Debt		494,544		34.9	%		277,509		19.5	%
Preferred Stock		41,993		3.0	%		39,418		2.8	%
Common Stock		42,324		3.0	%		28,236		2.0	%
Total	$	1,417,114		100.0	%	$	1,423,942		100.0	%

A summary of our investment portfolio as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 at value by geographic location is as follows:

	September 30, 2017					December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio			Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio
United States	$	1,292,617		91.2	%	$	1,362,223		95.6	%
England		66,598		4.7	%		18,395		1.3	%
Netherlands		20,495		1.4	%		20,089		1.4	%
Cayman Islands		14,925		1.1	%		—		0.0	%
Switzerland		11,611		0.8	%		12,377		0.9	%
Canada		10,868		0.8	%		8,095		0.6	%
Israel		—		0.0	%		2,763		0.2	%
Total	$	1,417,114		100.0	%	$	1,423,942		100.0	%

As of September 30, 2017, we held warrants or equity positions in five companies that have filed registration statements on Form S-1 with the SEC in contemplation of potential initial public offerings. All five companies filed confidentially under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. There can be no assurance that companies that have yet to complete their initial public offerings will do so in a timely manner or at all.

Changes in Portfolio

We generate revenue in the form of interest income, primarily from our investments in debt securities, and commitment and facility fees. Interest income is recognized in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. Fees generated in connection with our debt investments are recognized over the life of the loan or, in some cases, recognized as earned. In addition, we generate revenue in the form of capital gains, if any, on warrants or other equity-related securities that we acquire from our portfolio companies. Our investments generally range from $12.0 million to $40.0 million, although we may make investments in amounts above or below that range. As of September 30, 2017, our debt investments have a term of between two and seven years and typically bear interest at a rate ranging from 4.2% to 13.0%. In addition to the cash yields received on our debt investments, in some instances, our debt investments may also include any of the following: exit fees, balloon payment fees, commitment fees, success fees, payment-in-kind (“PIK”) provisions or prepayment fees which may be required to be included in income prior to receipt.

Interest on debt securities is generally payable monthly, with amortization of principal typically occurring over the term of the investment. In addition, our loans may include an interest-only period ranging from three to eighteen months or longer. In limited instances in which we choose to defer amortization of the loan for a period of time from the date of the initial investment, the principal amount of the debt securities and any accrued but unpaid interest become due at the maturity date.

Loan origination and commitment fees received in full at the inception of a loan are deferred and amortized into fee income as an enhancement to the related loan’s yield over the contractual life of the loan. We recognize nonrecurring fees amortized over the remaining term of the loan commencing in the quarter relating to specific loan modifications. We had approximately $33.4 million of unamortized fees at September 30, 2017, of which approximately $30.2 million was included as an offset to the cost basis of our current debt investments and approximately $3.2 million was deferred contingent upon the occurrence of a funding or milestone. At December 31, 2016 we had approximately $38.2 million of unamortized fees, of which approximately $35.8 million was included as an offset to the cost basis of our current debt investments and approximately $2.4 million was deferred contingent upon the occurrence of a funding or milestone.

Loan exit fees to be paid at the termination of the loan are accreted into interest income over the contractual life of the loan. At September 30, 2017 we had approximately $26.1 million in exit fees receivable, of which approximately $22.8 million was included as a component of the cost basis of our current debt investments and approximately $3.3 million was a deferred receivable related to expired commitments. At December 31, 2016 we had approximately $32.8 million in exit fees receivable, of which approximately $30.3 million was included as a component of the cost basis of our current debt investments and approximately $2.5 million was a deferred receivable related to expired commitments.

We have debt investments in our portfolio that contain a PIK provision. The PIK interest, computed at the contractual rate specified in each loan agreement, is recorded as interest income and added to the principal balance of the loan on specified capitalization dates. To maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC, this non-cash source of income must be distributed to stockholders with other sources of income in the form of dividend distributions even though we have not yet collected the cash. Amounts necessary to pay these distributions may come from available cash or the liquidation of certain investments. We recorded approximately $2.5 million and $2.1 million in PIK income in the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We recorded approximately $7.2 million and $5.7 million in PIK income in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The core yield on our debt investments, which excludes the effects of fee and income accelerations attributed to early payoffs, restructuring, loan modifications and other one-time events and includes income from expired commitments, was 12.6% and 13.2% during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The effective yield on our debt investments, which includes the effects of fee and income accelerations attributed to early payoffs, restructuring, loan modifications and other one-time events, was 14.1% and 14.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The effective yield is derived by dividing total investment income by the weighted average earning investment portfolio assets outstanding during the quarter, excluding non-interest earning assets such as warrants and equity investments. Both the core yield and effective yield may be higher than what our common stockholders may realize as the core yield and effective yield do not reflect our expenses and any sales load paid by our common stockholders.

The total return for our investors was approximately -2.3% and 19.5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The total return equals the change in the ending market value over the beginning of the period price per share plus dividend distributions paid per share during the period, divided by the beginning price assuming the distribution is reinvested on the date of the distribution. The total return does not reflect any sales load that must be paid by investors. See “Note 9 – Financial Highlights” included in the notes to our consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this report.

Portfolio Composition

Our portfolio companies are primarily privately held companies and public companies which are active in the drug discovery & development, software, media/content/info, sustainable and renewable technology, internet consumer & business services, drug delivery, medical devices & equipment, healthcare services, specialty pharmaceuticals, information services, consumer & business products, semiconductors, surgical devices, electronics & computer hardware, biotechnology tools, communications & networking and diagnostic industry sectors. These sectors are characterized by high margins, high growth rates, consolidation and product and market extension opportunities. Value for companies in these sectors is often vested in intangible assets and intellectual property.

As of September 30, 2017, approximately 73.5% of the fair value of our portfolio was composed of investments in five industries: 27.7% investments in the drug discovery & development industry, 20.0% investments in the software industry, 10.4% investments in the media/content/info industry, 7.9% investments in the sustainable and renewable technology industry, and 7.5% investments in the internet consumer & business services industry.

The following table shows the fair value of our portfolio by industry sector at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

	September 30, 2017					December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio			Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio
Drug Discovery & Development	$	392,952		27.7	%	$	422,550		29.7	%
Software		283,419		20.0	%		219,559		15.4	%
Media/Content/Info		146,956		10.4	%		137,567		9.7	%
Sustainable and Renewable Technology		111,629		7.9	%		154,406		10.9	%
Internet Consumer & Business Services		106,734		7.5	%		97,047		6.8	%
Drug Delivery		97,866		6.9	%		109,834		7.7	%
Medical Devices & Equipment		79,106		5.6	%		107,695		7.6	%
Healthcare Services, Other		67,139		4.7	%		30,200		2.1	%
Specialty Pharmaceuticals		37,875		2.7	%		38,944		2.7	%
Information Services		23,998		1.7	%		6,091		0.4	%
Consumer & Business Products		21,061		1.5	%		42,713		3.0	%
Semiconductors		15,780		1.1	%		11,326		0.8	%
Surgical Devices		12,767		0.9	%		12,553		0.9	%
Electronics & Computer Hardware		7,606		0.5	%		7,664		0.5	%
Biotechnology Tools		5,971		0.4	%		7,200		0.5	%
Communications & Networking		5,547		0.4	%		18,019		1.3	%
Diagnostic		708		0.1	%		574		0.0	%
Total	$	1,417,114		100.0	%	$	1,423,942		100.0	%

Industry and sector concentrations vary as new loans are recorded and loans pay off. Loan revenue, consisting of interest, fees, and recognition of gains on equity and warrants or other equity-related interests, can fluctuate materially when a loan is paid off or a warrant or equity interest is sold. Revenue recognition in any given year can be highly concentrated in several portfolio companies.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016, our ten largest portfolio companies represented approximately 37.7% and 34.0% of the total fair value of our investments in portfolio companies, respectively. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had eight and seven investments, respectively, that represented 5% or more of our net assets. At September 30, 2017, we had eight equity investments representing approximately 62.2% of the total fair value of our equity investments, and each represented 5% or more of the total fair value of our equity investments. At December 31, 2016, we had seven equity investments which represented approximately 54.7% of the total fair value of our equity investments, and each represented 5% or more of the total fair value of our equity investments.

As of September 30, 2017 approximately 96.7% of the debt investment portfolio was priced at floating interest rates or floating interest rates with a Prime or LIBOR-based interest rate floor. As a result, we believe we are well positioned to benefit should market interest rates continue to rise.

As of September 30, 2017, 85.6% of our debt investments were in a senior secured first lien position, 14.1% were secured by a senior second priority security interest in all of the portfolio company’s assets, other than intellectual property, and the remaining 0.3% were unsecured as a result of the terms of the acquisition of one of our portfolio companies during the period. In the majority of cases, we collateralize our investments by obtaining a first priority security interest in a portfolio company’s assets, which may include its intellectual property. In other cases, we may obtain a negative pledge covering a company’s intellectual property.

At September 30, 2017, of the approximately 85.6% of our debt investments in a senior secured first lien position, 44.6% were secured by a first priority security in all of the assets of the portfolio company, including its intellectual property and 41.0% were secured by a first priority security in all of the assets of the portfolio company and the portfolio company was prohibited from pledging or encumbering its intellectual property. At September 30, 2017 we had no equipment only liens on material investments.

Our investments in senior secured debt with warrants have detachable equity enhancement features, typically in the form of warrants or other equity-related securities designed to provide us with an opportunity for capital appreciation. These features are treated as original issue discounts (“OID”) and are accreted into interest income over the term of the loan as a yield enhancement. Our warrant coverage generally ranges from 3% to 20% of the principal amount invested in a portfolio company, with a strike price generally equal to the most recent equity financing round. As of September 30, 2017, we held warrants in 128 portfolio companies, with a fair value of approximately $32.7 million. The fair value of our warrant portfolio increased by approximately $5.2 million, as compared to a fair value of $27.5 million at December 31, 2016 primarily related to the addition of warrants in 10 new and 8 existing portfolio companies during the period.

Our existing warrant holdings would require us to invest approximately $82.3 million to exercise such warrants as of September 30, 2017. Warrants may appreciate or depreciate in value depending largely upon the underlying portfolio company’s performance and overall market conditions. Of the warrants that we have monetized since inception, we have realized multiples in the range of approximately 1.02x to 29.06x based on the historical rate of return on our investments. However, our warrants may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may experience losses from our warrant portfolio.

As required by the 1940 Act, we classify our investments by level of control. “Control investments” are defined in the 1940 Act as investments in those companies that we are deemed to “control”, which, in general, includes a company in which we own 25% or more of the voting securities of such company or have greater than 50% representation on its board. “Affiliate investments” are investments in those companies that are “affiliated companies” of ours, as defined in the 1940 Act, which are not control investments. We are deemed to be an “affiliate” of a company in which we have invested if we own 5% or more, but generally less than 25%, of the voting securities of such company. “Non-control/non-affiliate investments” are investments that are neither control investments nor affiliate investments. The following table summarizes our realized gains and losses and changes in our unrealized appreciation and depreciation on control and affiliate investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

(in thousands)				For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017											For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Portfolio Company	Type	Fair Value at September 30, 2017		Investment Income		Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)			Reversal of Unrealized Appreciation / (Depreciation)⁽¹⁾		Realized Gain/(Loss)			Investment Income			Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)			Reversal of Unrealized Appreciation / (Depreciation)⁽¹⁾		Realized Gain/(Loss)
Control Investments
Achilles Technoloy Management Co II, Inc.	Control	$	242	$	3	$	(46	)	$	—	$	(485	)	$		155	$	(2,254	)	$	—	$	(486	)
HercGamma, Inc.	Control		—		—		(523	)		—		—				—		(523	)		—		—
SkyCross, Inc.	Control		—		—		—			15,058		(15,058	)			—		1,842			15,452		(15,452	)
Tectura Corporation	Control		23,140		462		2,995			—		—				1,361		2,995			51		(51	)
Second Time Around (Simplify Holdings, LLC)	Control		—		—		140			—		—				—		140			—		—
Total Control Investments		$	23,382	$	465	$	2,566		$	15,058	$	(15,543	)	$		1,516	$	2,200		$	15,503	$	(15,989	)

Affiliate Investments
Optiscan BioMedical, Corp.	Affiliate	$	6,064	$	—	$	72		$	—	$	—		$		—	$	1,192		$	—	$	—
Stion Corporation	Affiliate		—		—		—			—		—				2		—			—		—
Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC (p.k.a. Sungevity, Inc.)	Affiliate		27,522		248		4,537			—		—				248		(48,678	)		—		—
Total Affiliate Investments		$	33,586	$	248	$	4,609		$	—	$	—		$		250	$	(47,486	)	$	—	$	—
Total Control & Affiliate Investments		$	56,968	$	713	$	7,175		$	15,058	$	(15,543	)	$		1,766	$	(45,286	)	$	15,503	$	(15,989	)

(in thousands)				For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016											For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Portfolio Company	Type	Fair Value at September 30, 2016		Investment Income		Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)			Reversal of Unrealized Appreciation / (Depreciation)⁽¹⁾		Realized Gain/(Loss)			Investment Income			Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation)			Reversal of Unrealized Appreciation / (Depreciation)⁽¹⁾		Realized Gain/(Loss)
Control Investments
SkyCross, Inc.	Control	$	—	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—		$		—	$	(3,421	)	$	—	$	—
Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc.	Control		4,991		16		—			—		—				16		—			—		—
Total Control Investments		$	4,991	$	16	$	—		$	—	$	—		$		16	$	(3,421	)	$	—	$	—

Affiliate Investments
Optiscan BioMedical, Corp.	Affiliate	$	5,102	$	—	$	553		$	—	$	—		$		12	$	(2,833	)	$	—	$	—
Stion Corporation	Affiliate		821		30		—			—		—				133		539			648		—
Total Affiliate Investments		$	5,923	$	30	$	553		$	—	$	—		$		145	$	(2,294	)	$	648	$	—
Total Control & Affiliate Investments		$	10,914	$	46	$	553		$	—	$	—		$		161	$	(5,715	)	$	648	$	—

(1)	Represents reversals of prior period net unrealized depreciation upon being realized as a loss due to write off.

In July 2017, we acquired the primary assets of Second Time Around (Simplify Holdings, LLC) as part of an article 9 consensual foreclosure and public auction. These assets represent the remaining possible recovery on our debt and as such this investment is classified as a control investment as of September 30, 2017.

In June 2017, we acquired 100% ownership of the equity in HercGamma, Inc. and classified it as a control investment in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. In June 2017, HercGamma, Inc. acquired the assets of a medical device company that develops advanced digital imaging to detect breast cancer, as part of an article 9 consensual foreclosure and public auction for consideration with an estimated fair value of $1.2 million. Our investment in HercGamma, Inc. is carried on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities at fair value. In September 2017, we reduced the cost basis of its equity position by $646,000 with net proceeds from an asset sale.

In April 2017, our investment in Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC (p.k.a. Sungevity, Inc.) became classified as a control investment as a result of obtaining more than 25% of the portfolio company’s voting securities. In April 2017, under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, Sungevity, Inc. entered into a $50.0 million asset purchase agreement and DIP financing facility with a group of investors, led by Northern Pacific Group and including us. On April 7, 2017, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved the DIP financing facility and on April 17, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved the asset purchase agreement. On April 26, 2017, Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC, a new company backed by the investment group, announced that it had acquired certain assets of Sungevity, Inc. as part of the bankruptcy court-approved sale. As a result, the cost basis of our debt investment in Sungevity, Inc. was converted to an equity position in Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC and our warrant and equity positions in Sungevity, Inc. were written off for a realized loss.

In August 2017, our ownership in Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC was diluted below 25% as a result of additional equity contributions by other investors to fund the acquisition of Horizon Solar Power, Inc. by Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC. We made a $15.0 million debt investment to fund the acquisition. Accordingly, our equity and new debt investment in Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC became classified as affiliate investments as of September 30, 2017.

In January 2017, our investment in Tectura Corporation became classified as a control investment as a result of obtaining more than 50% representation on the portfolio company’s board. In March 2017, our warrants in Tectura Corporation expired and were written off for a realized loss.

In June 2016, our investments in SkyCross, Inc. became classified as a control investment as a result of obtaining more than 50% representation on the portfolio company’s board. In September 2017, our investments were deemed wholly worthless and written off for a realized loss.

In June 2016, we also acquired 100% ownership of the equity of Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc. and classified it as a control investment in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. In June 2016, Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc. acquired the assets of a global antenna company that produces radio frequency system solutions as part of an article 9 consensual foreclosure and public auction for total consideration in the amount of $4.0 million. In September and November 2016, we made a $1.0 million and $250,000 debt investment, respectively, in Achilles Technology Management II, Inc. to provide working capital under the terms of a loan servicing agreement.

In August 2017, our debt investment in Achilles Technology Management II, Inc. was fully repaid by net proceeds from sales of the portfolio company’s assets. In addition, our equity investment in Achilles Technology Management II, Inc. was reduced by $900,000 in lieu of a success fee on the repayment of our debt investment. The remaining equity investment in Achilles Technology Management II, Inc. is carried on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities at fair value.

Portfolio Grading

We use an investment grading system, which grades each debt investment on a scale of 1 to 5 to characterize and monitor our expected level of risk on the debt investments in our portfolio with 1 being the highest quality. The following table shows the distribution of our outstanding debt investments on the 1 to 5 investment grading scale at fair value as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2017						December 31, 2016
Investment Grading	Number of Companies	Debt Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio			Number of Companies	Debt Investments at Fair Value		Percentage of Total Portfolio
1	8	$	189,995		14.6	%	15	$	275,832		20.8	%
2	33		696,165		53.6	%	32		590,547		44.4	%
3	24		370,902		28.5	%	25		329,393		24.8	%
4	5		43,006		3.3	%	8		58,874		4.4	%
5	4		—		0.0	%	8		74,157		5.6	%
	74	$	1,300,068		100.0	%	88	$	1,328,803		100.0	%

As of September 30, 2017, our debt investments had a weighted average investment grading of 2.24 on a cost basis, as compared to 2.41 at December 31, 2016. Our policy is to lower the grading on our portfolio companies as they approach the point in time when they will require additional equity capital. Additionally, we may downgrade our portfolio companies if they are not meeting our financing criteria or are underperforming relative to their respective business plans. Various companies in our portfolio will require additional funding in the near term or have not met their business plans and therefore have been downgraded until their funding is complete or their operations improve. The improvement in weighted average investment grading at September 30, 2017 from December 31, 2016 is primarily due to the conversion of our debt investment in Sungevity Inc. to an equity position in Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC during the period. This position was rated 5 and represented $44.6 million of the rated 5 debt investment fair value at December 31, 2016. In addition, four positions that were rated 5 as of December 31, 2016 were sold or liquidated during the period.

At September 30, 2017, we had five debt investments on non-accrual with a cumulative investment cost and fair value of approximately $14.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 2016, we had five debt investments on non-accrual with cumulative investment cost and fair value of approximately $43.9 million and $6.2 million, respectively. The decrease in the cumulative cost and fair value of debt investments on non-accrual between September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is the result of the liquidation of two debt investments that were on non-accrual at December 31, 2016, offset by placing two new debt investments on non-accrual status during the period. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized a realized loss of approximately $23.8 million on the write off of two debt investments that were on non-accrual at December 31, 2016.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

Investment Income

Total investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was approximately $45.9 million as compared to approximately $45.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Total investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was approximately $140.7 million as compared to approximately $127.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Interest and PIK interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 totaled approximately $42.4 million as compared to approximately $40.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Interest and PIK interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 totaled approximately $125.8 million as compared to approximately $116.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in interest and PIK interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same periods ended September 30, 2016 is primarily attributable to an increase in recurring interest and PIK interest income, along with an increase in interest accelerations due to early loan repayments and other one-time events.

Of the $42.4 million in interest and PIK interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2017, approximately $39.7 million represents recurring income from the contractual servicing of our loan portfolio and approximately $2.7 million represents income related to the acceleration of income due to early loan repayments and other one-time events during the period. Income from recurring interest and the acceleration of interest income due to early loan repayments represented $38.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of the $40.0 million interest and PIK interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Of the $125.8 million in interest and PIK interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, approximately $117.6 million represents recurring income from the contractual servicing of our loan portfolio and approximately $8.2 million represents income related to the acceleration of income due to early loan repayments and other one-time events during the period. Income from recurring interest and the acceleration of interest income due to early loan repayments represented $111.8 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of the $116.1 million interest and PIK interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

The following table shows the PIK-related activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, at cost:

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017			2016
Beginning PIK interest receivable balance	$	9,930		$	5,149
PIK interest income during the period		7,172			5,676
PIK accrued (capitalized) to principal but not recorded as income during the period		—			(2,146	)
Payments received from PIK loans		(2,349	)		(438	)
Realized loss		(2,183	)		(266	)
Ending PIK interest receivable balance	$	12,570		$	7,975

The increase in PIK interest income during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is due to an increase in the weighted average principal outstanding of loans which bear PIK interest, including an increase in newly originated loans bearing PIK interest. This increase is partially offset by an increase in the number of PIK loans that paid off during the period.

Fee income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 totaled approximately $3.4 million as compared to approximately $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Fee income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 totaled approximately $14.9 million as compared to approximately $11.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in fee income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 is primarily due to a decrease in the acceleration of unamortized fees due to early repayments and one-time fees between periods. The increase in fee income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is primarily attributable to an increase in the acceleration of unamortized fees due to early repayments and one-time fees between periods.

Of the $3.4 million in fee income for the three months ended September 30, 2017, approximately $1.3 million represents income from recurring fee amortization and approximately $2.1 million represents income related to the acceleration of unamortized fees due to early repayments and one-time fees for the period. Income from recurring fee amortization and the acceleration of unamortized fees due to early loan repayments represented $2.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively, of the $5.1 million in income for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Of the $14.9 million in fee income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, approximately $4.9 million represents income from recurring fee amortization and approximately $10.0 million represents income related to the acceleration of unamortized fees due to early repayments and one-time fees for the period. Income from recurring fee amortization and the acceleration of unamortized fees due to early loan repayments represented $7.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of the $11.5 million in income for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

In certain investment transactions, we may earn income from advisory services; however, we had no income from advisory services in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses are comprised of interest and fees on our borrowings, general and administrative expenses and employee compensation and benefits. Our operating expenses totaled approximately $21.9 million and $21.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Our operating expenses totaled approximately $68.8 million and $60.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Interest and Fees on our Borrowings

Interest and fees on our borrowings totaled approximately $10.5 million and $10.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and approximately $33.5 million and $27.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Interest and fee expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to September 30, 2016, increased due to a higher weighted average principal balance outstanding on our 2024 Notes and Convertible Notes, offset by a reduction in the weighted average principal balance outstanding on our 2019 Notes, which were fully redeemed in February 2017, and on our 2021 Asset Backed Notes, which are amortizing. Interest and fee expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to September 30, 2016, increased due to the onetime, non-cash acceleration of approximately $1.5 million of unamortized fees upon the redemption of our 2019 Notes in February 2017 and a higher weighted average principal balance outstanding on our 2024 Notes and Convertible Notes, partially offset by a reduction in interest expense on our 2019 Notes and 2021 Asset Backed Notes.

We had a weighted average cost of debt, comprised of interest and fees, of approximately 5.6% and 6.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and a weighted average cost of debt of approximately 5.8% and 5.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in the weighted average cost of debt for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the same period ended September 30, 2016 is primarily attributable to the full redemption of our 2019 Notes between periods.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses include legal fees, consulting fees, accounting fees, printer fees, insurance premiums, rent, expenses associated with the workout of underperforming investments and various other expenses. Our general and administrative expenses decreased to $3.5 million from $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Our general and administrative expenses increased to $12.4 million from $12.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The decrease for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily attributable to a reduction in corporate legal and other expenses. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily attributable to an increase in excise tax accruals and charitable contributions, offset by a reduction in corporate legal and other expenses between periods.

Employee Compensation

Employee compensation and benefits totaled $6.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to $5.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and $17.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to $15.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase for the three and nine month comparative periods was primarily due to increased salaries and changes in variable compensation expenses due to company performance objectives.

Employee stock-based compensation totaled $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and $5.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to $5.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase for the three month comparative period was primarily related to restricted stock award vesting.

Net Investment Realized Gains and Losses and Net Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation

Realized gains or losses are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the cost basis of an investment without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, and includes investments written off during the period, net of recoveries. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation primarily reflects the change in portfolio investment values during the reporting period, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation when gains or losses are realized.

A summary of realized gains and losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Realized gains	$	1,345		$	9,423		$	12,898		$	13,634
Realized losses		(25,799	)		(1,553	)		(39,827	)		(10,207	)
Net realized gains (losses)	$	(24,454	)	$	7,870		$	(26,929	)	$	3,427

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 we recognized net realized losses of $24.5 million and $26.9 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded gross realized gains of $1.3 million primarily from the sale or acquisition of our holdings in three portfolio companies, including Axovant Sciences Ltd. ($460,000), CashStar, Inc. ($235,000), and Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ($227,000). These gains were offset by gross realized losses of $25.8 million primarily from the liquidation or write off of our warrant and equity investments in seven portfolio companies and companies and our debt investment in three portfolio companies.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded gross realized gains of $12.9 million primarily from the sale or acquisition of our holdings in four portfolio companies, including IronPlanet, Inc. ($5.1 million), Box, Inc. ($4.0 million) TPI Composites, Inc. ($1.2 million) and Edge Therapeutics, Inc. ($708,000). These gains were offset by gross realized losses of $39.8 million primarily from the liquidation or write off of our warrant and equity investments in nineteen portfolio companies and our debt investment in four portfolio companies.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recognized net realized gains of $7.9 and net realized losses of $3.4 million, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded gross realized gains of $9.4 million primarily from the acquisition of our holdings in three portfolio companies, including Box, Inc. ($7.8 million), Touchcommerce, Inc. ($698,000) and ReachLocal ($610,000). These gains were offset by gross realized losses of $1.5 million primarily from the liquidation or write off of our warrant and equity investments in one portfolio company and our debt investment in one portfolio company.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded gross realized gains of $13.6 million primarily from the sale or acquisition of our holdings in five portfolio companies, including Box, Inc. ($8.9 million), Celator Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ($1.5 million), Ping Identity Corporation ($1.3 million), Touchcommerce, Inc. ($698,000) and ReachLocal ($610,000). These gains were partially offset by gross realized losses of $10.2 million primarily from the liquidation or write off of our warrant and equity investments in six portfolio companies and our debt investment in four portfolio companies, including the settlement of our outstanding debt investment in the Neat Company ($6.2 million).

The following table summarizes the change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)	2017			2016			2017			2016
Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments	$	26,421		$	25,903		$	114,287		$	55,428
Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments		(15,764	)		(21,309	)		(125,327	)		(76,801	)
Reversal of prior period net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) upon a realization event		27,317			(7,161	)		41,447			(7,421	)
Reversal of prior period net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) upon a realization event		(4,201	)		1,550			(14,720	)		12,803
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on debt, equity, and warrant investments		33,773			(1,017	)		15,687			(15,991	)
Other net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)		(220	)		183			(50	)		(81	)
Total net unrealized depreciation on investments	$	33,553		$	(834	)	$	15,637		$	(16,072	)

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded $33.6 million of net unrealized appreciation, of which $33.7 million was net unrealized appreciation from our debt, equity and warrant investments. We recorded $22.2 million of net unrealized appreciation on our debt investments, which was primarily related to the reversal of $25.9 million of unrealized depreciation upon payoff or liquidation of our debt investments in three portfolio companies.

We recorded $8.8 million of net unrealized appreciation on our equity investments, which was primarily related to a $4.0 million reduction in the collateral based impairment on one portfolio company and $5.7 million of unrealized appreciation on our public equity portfolio related to portfolio company performance.

Finally, we recorded $2.7 million of net unrealized appreciation on our warrant investments, which was primarily due to $5.0 million and $411,000 of unrealized appreciation on our private and public warrant portfolios, respectively, related to portfolio company and industry performance. This unrealized appreciation was partially offset by the reversal of $2.5 million of net unrealized appreciation upon being realized as a gain or loss due to the acquisition or liquidation of our warrant investments.

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded $834,000 of net unrealized depreciation, of which $1.0 million was net unrealized depreciation from our debt, equity and warrant investments. We recorded $7.7 million of net unrealized depreciation on our debt investments, which was primarily related to $14.1 million of unrealized depreciation for collateral based impairments on eleven portfolio companies offset by the reversal of $1.3 million unrealized depreciation for the prior period collateral based impairments on one portfolio company and $4.8 million of unrealized appreciation from our market yield analysis related to industry performance.

We recorded $4.0 million of net unrealized appreciation on our equity investments, which was primarily related to $6.5 million unrealized appreciation on our public equity portfolio and $2.3 million of unrealized appreciation on our private portfolio companies related to portfolio company performance, offset by the reversal of approximately $4.7 million of net unrealized appreciation upon being realized as a gain on sales of Box, Inc.

Finally, we recorded $2.7 million of net unrealized appreciation on our warrant investments, which was primarily due to $5.8 million of unrealized appreciation on our private portfolio companies related to company performance, offset by the reversal of $2.0 million of unrealized appreciation upon being realized as a gain due to the acquisition of our warrant investments in two portfolio companies.

The following table summarizes the change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the investment portfolio by investment type, excluding other net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
(in millions)	Debt			Equity			Warrants			Total
Collateral Based Impairments ⁽¹⁾	$	(3.0	)	$	4.0		$	(0.2	)	$	0.8
Reversals of Prior Period Collateral Based Impairments		—			—			—			—
Reversals due to Debt Payoffs & Warrant/Equity Sales		25.9			(0.2	)		(2.5	)		23.2
Fair Value Market/Yield Adjustments ⁽²⁾
Level 1 & 2 Assets		—			5.7			0.4			6.1
Level 3 Assets		(0.7	)		(0.7	)		5.0			3.6
Total Fair Value Market/Yield Adjustments		(0.7	)		5.0			5.4			9.7
Total Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)	$	22.2		$	8.8		$	2.7		$	33.7

	Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
(in millions)	Debt			Equity			Warrants			Total
Collateral Based Impairments ⁽¹⁾	$	(14.1	)	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.3	)	$	(14.5	)
Reversals of Prior Period Collateral Based Impairments		1.3			—			—			1.3
Reversals due to Debt Payoffs & Warrant/Equity Sales		0.3			(4.7	)		(2.0	)		(6.4	)
Fair Value Market/Yield Adjustments ⁽²⁾
Level 1 & 2 Assets		0.3			6.5			(0.8	)		6.0
Level 3 Assets		4.5			2.3			5.8			12.6
Total Fair Value Market/Yield Adjustments		4.8			8.8			5.0			18.6
Total Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)	$	(7.7	)	$	4.0		$	2.7		$	(1.0	)

(1)

The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) attributable to collateral based impairments include all changes in estimated fair value on positions whose fair value remains impaired relative to cost as of the balance sheet date. As such, this may include current period improvements in estimated fair value that do not represent reversals to prior period collateral based impairments.

(2)

Level 1 assets are generally equities listed in active markets and level 2 assets are generally warrants held in a public company. Observable market prices are typically the primary input in valuing level 1 and 2 assets. Level 3 asset valuations require inputs that are both significant and unobservable. Generally, level 3 assets are debt investments and warrants and equities held in a private company. See Note 2 to the financial statements discussing ASC Topic 820 (“Fair Value Measurements”).

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded $15.6 million of net unrealized appreciation, of which $15.7 million was net unrealized appreciation from our debt, equity and warrant investments. We recorded $41.9 million of net unrealized appreciation on our debt investments, which was primarily related to the reversal of prior period collateral based impairments of $52.0 million on three portfolio companies, including the reversal of the cumulative unrealized depreciation on our debt investment in Sungevity, Inc. upon its conversion to equity, and the reversal of $30.9 million of unrealized depreciation upon the payoff or liquidation of our debt investments during the period. This unrealized appreciation was offset by $41.6 million of unrealized depreciation for collateral based impairments on eight portfolio companies.

We recorded $36.9 million of net unrealized depreciation on our equity investments, which was primarily due to $50.4 million of collateral based impairment on three portfolio companies, including impairment on our converted equity position in Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC. This unrealized depreciation was partially offset by $7.8 million and $3.8 million of unrealized appreciation on our public and private equity portfolio, respectively, related to portfolio company and industry performance.

Finally, we recorded $10.7 million of net unrealized appreciation on our warrant investments, which was primarily related to $10.6 million and $4.0 million of unrealized appreciation on our private and public warrant portfolio related to portfolio company and industry performance, respectively. This appreciation was offset by the reversal of approximately $3.4 million of unrealized appreciation upon being realized as a gain or loss due to the acquisition or liquidation of our warrant investments.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded $16.1 million of net unrealized depreciation, of which $15.9 million was net unrealized depreciation from our debt, equity and warrant investments. We recorded $9.7 million of net unrealized depreciation on our debt investments, which was primarily related to $34.7 million unrealized depreciation for collateral based impairments on eleven portfolio companies offset by the reversal of $12.5 million of unrealized depreciation upon payoff or settling of our debt investments and the reversal of $7.0 million of unrealized depreciation for prior period collateral based impairments on five portfolio companies.

We recorded $8.5 million of net unrealized depreciation on our equity investments, which was primarily related to $3.9 million of unrealized depreciation on our public equity portfolio with the largest concentration in our investment in Box, Inc. and the reversal of $4.6 million of net unrealized appreciation upon being realized as a gain on sale of Box, Inc. and the write off of three portfolio company investments.

Finally, we recorded $2.3 million of net unrealized appreciation on our warrant investments, which was primarily related to $5.4 million of net unrealized appreciation on our private portfolio companies related to portfolio company performance offset by the reversal of approximately $1.2 million of unrealized appreciation upon being realized as a gain due to the acquisition of our warrant investments in two portfolio companies and the write off of five portfolio company investments.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
(in millions)	Debt			Equity			Warrants			Total
Collateral Based Impairments ⁽¹⁾	$	(41.6	)	$	(50.4	)	$	(0.5	)	$	(92.5	)
Reversals of Prior Period Collateral Based Impairments		52.0			—			—			52.0
Reversals due to Debt Payoffs & Warrant/Equity Sales		30.9			1.9			(3.4	)		29.4
Fair Value Market/Yield Adjustments ⁽²⁾
Level 1 & 2 Assets		—			7.8			4.0			11.8
Level 3 Assets		0.6			3.8			10.6			15.0
Total Fair Value Market/Yield Adjustments		0.6			11.6			14.6			26.8
Total Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)	$	41.9		$	(36.9	)	$	10.7		$	15.7

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
(in millions)	Debt			Equity			Warrants			Total
Collateral Based Impairments ⁽¹⁾	$	(34.7	)	$	(0.1	)	$	(0.4	)	$	(35.2	)
Reversals of Prior Period Collateral Based Impairments		7.0			—			—			7.0
Reversals due to Debt Payoffs & Warrant/Equity Sales		12.5			(4.6	)		(1.2	)		6.7
Fair Value Market/Yield Adjustments ⁽²⁾
Level 1 & 2 Assets		0.3			(3.9	)		(1.5	)		(5.1	)
Level 3 Assets		5.2			0.1			5.4			10.7
Total Fair Value Market/Yield Adjustments		5.5			(3.8	)		3.9			5.6
Total Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)	$	(9.7	)	$	(8.5	)	$	2.3		$	(15.9	)

(1)

(2)

Income and Excise Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of Topic 740 of the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification, as amended (“ASC”), “Income Taxes”, under which income taxes are provided for amounts currently payable and for amounts deferred based upon the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities given the provisions of the enacted tax law. Valuation allowances may be used to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount likely to be realized. Based upon our previous election and anticipated continued qualification to be subject to taxation as a RIC, we are typically not subject to a material level of federal income taxes. We intend to distribute 100% of our spillover earnings, which consists of ordinary income and long-term capital gains, from our taxable year ended December 31, 2016 to our stockholders in 2017.

Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations and Earnings Per Share

For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we had a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of approximately $33.1 million and $30.8 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we had a net increase in net assets resulting from operations of approximately $60.6 million and $54.6 million, respectively.

Both the basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per common share were $0.40 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $0.73 per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Both the basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per common share were $0.41 per share and $0.74 per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.

For the purpose of calculating diluted earnings per share for three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the effect of the 2022 Convertible Notes, outstanding options, and restricted stock units under the treasury stock method was considered. The effect of the 2022 Convertible Notes was excluded from these calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as our share price was less than the conversion price in effect which results in anti-dilution. The 2016 Convertible Notes were fully settled on or before their contractual maturity date of April 15, 2016, as such there was no potential additional dilutive effect for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources

Our liquidity and capital resources are derived from our Credit Facilities, SBA debentures, 2024 Notes, 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, Convertible Notes and cash flows from operations, including investment sales and repayments, and income earned. Our primary use of funds from operations includes investments in portfolio companies and payments of fees and other operating expenses we incur. We have used, and expect to continue to use, our borrowings and the proceeds from the turnover of our portfolio and from public and private offerings of securities to finance our investment objectives. We may also raise additional equity or debt capital through registered offerings off a shelf registration, At-The-Market (“ATM”) and private offerings of securities, by securitizing a portion of our investments, or by borrowing from the SBA through our SBIC subsidiaries.

On August 16, 2013, we entered into an ATM equity distribution agreement (the “Prior Equity Distribution Agreement”) with JMP Securities LLC (“JMP”). On March 7, 2016, we renewed the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement and on December 21, 2016, we further amended the agreement to increase the total shares available under the program. The Prior Equity Distribution Agreement, as amended, provided that we may offer and sell up to 12.0 million shares of our common stock from time to time through JMP, as our sales agent.

On September 7, 2017, we terminated the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement and entered into a new ATM equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with JMP. As a result, the remaining shares that were available under the Prior Equity Distribution agreement are no longer available for issuance. The Equity Distribution Agreement provides that the Company may offer and sell up to 12.0 million shares of its common stock from time to time through JMP, as its sales agent. Sales of the Company’s common stock, if any, may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at the market,” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the NYSE or similar securities exchange or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we sold 4.1 million shares of common stock, of which 3.3 million shares and 768,000 shares were issued under the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement and the Equity Distribution Agreement, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we received total accumulated net proceeds of approximately $56.3 million, including $687,000 of offering expenses, from these sales, of which $46.9 million, including offering expenses of $532,000, was received under the Prior Equity Distribution Agreement and $9.4 million, including offering expenses of $155,000, was received under the Equity Distribution Agreement, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, approximately 11.2 million shares remain available for issuance and sale under the Equity Distribution Agreement. See “ – Subsequent Events.”

On August 27, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan permitting us to repurchase up to $50.0 million of our common stock until August 23, 2016, after which the plan expired. In January 2016, we repurchased 449,588 shares of our common stock at an average price per share of $10.64 per share and a total cost of approximately $4.8 million.

Our 2016 Convertible Notes were fully settled on or before their contractual maturity date of April 15, 2016. Throughout the life of the 2016 Convertible Notes, holders of approximately $74.8 million of our 2016 Convertible Notes exercised their conversion rights. These 2016 Convertible Notes were settled with a combination of cash equal to the outstanding principal amount of the converted notes and approximately 1.6 million shares of our common stock, or $24.3 million.

On May 2, 2016, we closed an underwritten public offering of an additional $72.9 million in aggregate principal amount of our 6.25% unsecured notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”). The $72.9 million in aggregate principal amount includes $65.4 million from the initial offering on April 21, 2016 and $7.5 million as a result of underwriters exercising a portion of their option to cover overallotments on April 29, 2016. On June 27, 2016, we closed an underwritten public offering of an additional $60.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes. On June 30, 2016, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase up to an additional $9.0 million in aggregate principal to cover overallotments, resulting in total aggregate principal of $69.0 million from the offering. The 2024 Notes rank equally in right of payment and form a single series of notes. We intend to invest the net proceeds of these public offerings to fund investments in debt and equity securities in accordance with its investment objective and for other general corporate purposes.

On May 5, 2016, we, through a special purpose wholly-owned subsidiary, Hercules Funding III, as borrower, entered into the credit facility (the “Union Bank Facility”) with MUFG Union Bank, as the arranger and administrative agent, and the lenders party to the Union Bank Facility from time to time. The Union Bank Facility replaced our credit facility (the “Prior Union Bank Facility”) entered into on August 14, 2014 (as amended and restated from time to time) with MUFG Union Bank, as the arranger and administrative agent, and the lenders party to the Prior Union Bank Facility from time to time. Any references to amounts related to the Union Bank Facility prior to May 5, 2016 were incurred and relate to the Prior Union Bank Facility.

On October 11, 2016, we entered into a debt distribution agreement, pursuant to which we may offer for sale, from time to time, up to $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2024 Notes through FBR Capital Markets & Co. acting as our sales agent. Sales of the 2024 Notes, if any, may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at the market offerings” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on the NYSE, or similar securities exchange or sales made through a market maker other than on an exchange at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we sold 225,457 notes for approximately $5.6 million in aggregate principal amount. We did not sell any notes under the program during the three months ended September 30, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we sold 317,125 notes for approximately $7.9 million in aggregate principal amount. As of September 30, 2017, approximately $136.4 million in aggregate principal amount remains available for issuance and sale under the debt distribution agreement.

On January 25, 2017, we issued $230.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2022 Convertible Notes, which amount includes the additional $30.0 million aggregate principal amount issued pursuant to the initial purchaser’s exercise in full of its overallotment option. The sale generated net proceeds of approximately $225.5 million, including $4.5 million of debt issuance costs. Aggregate issuances costs include the initial purchaser’s discount of approximately $5.2 million, offset by the reimbursement of $1.2 million by the initial purchaser. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering (i) to repurchase or otherwise redeem all of our 2019 Notes, (ii) to fund investments in debt and equity securities in accordance with our investment objective and (iii) for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

On February 24, 2017, we redeemed the $110.4 million remaining outstanding balance of our 2019 Notes in full.

At September 30, 2017, we had $230.0 million of 2022 Convertible Notes, $258.5 million of 2024 Notes, $65.5 million of 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, and $190.2 million of SBA debentures payable. We had no borrowings outstanding under the Wells Facility or the Union Bank Facility. See “ – Subsequent Events.”

At September 30, 2017, we had $335.6 million in available liquidity, including $140.6 million in cash and cash equivalents. We had available borrowing capacity of $120.0 million under the Wells Facility and $75.0 million under the Union Bank Facility, both subject to existing terms and advance rates and regulatory requirements. We primarily invest cash on hand in interest bearing deposit accounts.

At September 30, 2017, we had $118.5 million of capital outstanding in restricted accounts related to our SBIC that we may use to fund new investments in the SBIC. With our net investments of $44.0 million and $74.5 million in HT II and HT III, respectively, we have the combined capacity to issue a total of $190.2 million of SBA guaranteed debentures, subject to SBA approval. At September 30, 2017, we have issued $190.2 million in SBA guaranteed debentures in our SBIC subsidiaries.

At September 30, 2017, we had approximately $7.8 million of restricted cash, which consists of collections of interest and principal payments on assets that are securitized. In accordance with the terms of the related securitized 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, based on current characteristics of the securitized debt investment portfolios, the restricted funds may be used to pay monthly interest and principal on the securitized debt and are not distributed to us or available for our general operations.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we principally funded our operations from (i) cash receipts from interest, dividend and fee income from our investment portfolio and (ii) cash proceeds from the realization of portfolio investments through the repayments of debt investments and the sale of debt and equity investments.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, our operating activities provided $76.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, compared to $58.5 million used during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This $135.1 million increase in cash provided by operating activities is primarily related to an increase in investment repayments of $146.4 million and an increase in net realized losses on investments of $30.4 million, partially offset by an increase in investment purchases of $25.5 million and an increase in net unrealized appreciation of $31.7 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, our investing activities provided approximately $382,000 of cash, compared to $16,000 used during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The $398,000 increase in cash provided in investing activities was primarily due to a decrease of approximately $298,000 in cash, classified as restricted cash, on assets that are securitized.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, our financing activities provided $50.5 million of cash, compared to $32.3 million provided during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The $18.2 million increase in cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to the net issuance of $225.5 million of the 2022 Convertible Notes and a reduction in the use of our credit facilities between periods, offset by the repayment of $110.4 million of 2019 Notes and the decrease in 2024 Notes issuance during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

As of September 30, 2017, net assets totaled $836.3 million, with a NAV per share of $10.00. We intend to continue to operate in order to generate cash flows from operations, including income earned from investments in our portfolio companies. Our primary use of funds will be investments in portfolio companies and cash distributions to holders of our common stock.

As required by the 1940 Act, our asset coverage must be at least 200% after each issuance of senior securities. As of September 30, 2017 our asset coverage ratio under our regulatory requirements as a business development company was 250.4% excluding our SBA debentures as a result of our exemptive order from the SEC that allows us to exclude all SBA leverage from our asset coverage ratio. As a result of the SEC exemptive order, our ratio of total assets on a consolidated basis to outstanding indebtedness may be less than 200%, which while providing increased investment flexibility, also may increase our exposure to risks associated with leverage. Total asset coverage ratio when including our SBA debentures was 212.0% at September 30, 2017.

Outstanding Borrowings

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had the following available borrowings and outstanding amounts:

	September 30, 2017						December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Total Available		Principal		Carrying Value⁽¹⁾		Total Available		Principal		Carrying Value⁽¹⁾
SBA Debentures ⁽²⁾	$	190,200	$	190,200	$	187,983	$	190,200	$	190,200	$	187,501
2019 Notes ⁽³⁾		—		—		—		110,364		110,364		108,818
2024 Notes		258,510		258,510		251,716		252,873		252,873		245,490
2021 Asset-Backed Notes		65,476		65,476		64,860		109,205		109,205		107,972
2022 Convertible Notes		230,000		230,000		223,097		—		—		—
Wells Facility ⁽⁴⁾		120,000		—		—		120,000		5,016		5,016
Union Bank Facility ⁽⁴⁾		75,000		—		—		75,000		—		—
Total	$	939,186	$	744,186	$	727,656	$	857,642	$	667,658	$	654,797

(1)

Except for the Wells Facility and Union Bank Facility, all carrying values represent the principal amount outstanding less the remaining unamortized debt issuance costs and unaccreted discount, if any, associated with the loan as of the balance sheet date. See below for the amount of debt issuance cost associated with each borrowing.

(2)	At both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the total available borrowings under the SBA debentures were $190.2 million, of which $41.2 million was available in HT II and $149.0 million was available in HT III.

(3)	The 2019 Notes were redeemed in full on February 24, 2017.

(4)	Availability subject to us meeting the borrowing base requirements.

Debt issuance costs are fees and other direct incremental costs we incur in obtaining debt financing and are recognized as prepaid expenses and amortized over the life of the related debt instrument using the effective yield method or the straight line method, which closely approximates the effective yield method. In accordance with ASC Subtopic 835-30 (“Interest – Imputation of Interest”), debt issuance costs are presented as a reduction to the associated liability balance on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, except for debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements. Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

(in thousands)	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
SBA Debentures	$	2,217	$	2,699
2019 Notes		—		1,546
2024 Notes		6,889		7,482
2021 Asset-Backed Notes		616		1,233
2022 Convertible Notes		3,938		—
Wells Facility ⁽¹⁾		271		501
Union Bank Facility ⁽¹⁾		453		768
Total	$	14,384	$	14,229

(1)	As the Wells Facility and Union Bank Facility are line-of-credit arrangements, the debt issuance costs associated with these instruments are presented separately as an asset on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities in accordance with ASC Subtopic 835-30.

Refer to “Note 4 – Borrowings” included in the notes to our consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this report for a discussion of the contract terms, interest expense, and fees associated with each outstanding borrowing as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Commitments

In the normal course of business, we are party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These consist primarily of unfunded contractual commitments to extend credit, in the form of loans, to our portfolio companies. Unfunded contractual commitments to provide funds to portfolio companies are not reflected on our balance sheet. Our unfunded contractual commitments may be significant from time to time. A portion of these unfunded contractual commitments are dependent upon the portfolio company reaching certain milestones before the debt commitment becomes available. Furthermore, our credit agreements contain customary lending provisions which allow us relief from funding obligations for previously made commitments in instances where the underlying company experiences materially adverse events that affect the financial condition or business outlook for the company. These commitments will be subject to the same underwriting and ongoing portfolio maintenance as are the on-balance sheet financial instruments that we hold. Since these commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. As such, our disclosure of unfunded contractual commitments includes only those which are available at the request of the portfolio company and unencumbered by milestones.

At September 30, 2017, we had approximately $46.3 million of unfunded commitments, including undrawn revolving facilities, which were available at the request of the portfolio company and unencumbered by milestones. We intend to use cash flow from normal and early principal repayments, and proceeds from borrowings and notes to fund these commitments.

We also had approximately $72.0 million of non-binding term sheets outstanding to three new companies, which generally convert to contractual commitments within approximately 90 days of signing. Non-binding outstanding term sheets are subject to completion of our due diligence and final investment committee approval process, as well as the negotiation of definitive documentation with the prospective portfolio companies. Not all non-binding term sheets are expected to close and do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

The fair value of our unfunded commitments is considered to be immaterial as the yield determined at the time of underwriting is expected to be materially consistent with the yield upon funding, given that interest rates are generally pegged to market indices and given the existence of milestones, conditions and/or obligations imbedded in the borrowing agreements.

As of September 30, 2017, our unfunded contractual commitments available at the request of the portfolio company, including undrawn revolving facilities, and unencumbered by milestones are as follows:

(in thousands)
Portfolio Company	Unfunded Commitments ⁽¹⁾
NewVoiceMedia Limited	$	15,000
Evernote Corporation		10,000
Aquantia Corp.		6,500
Wrike, Inc.		5,000
MDX Medical, Inc.		4,500
908 DEVICES INC.		2,500
Verastem, Inc.		2,500
RedSeal Inc.		302
Total	$	46,302

(1)	Amount represents unfunded commitments, including undrawn revolving facilities, which are available at the request of the portfolio company. Amount excludes unfunded commitments which are unavailable due to the borrower having not met certain milestones.

Contractual Obligations

The following table shows our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2017:

	Payments due by period (in thousands)
Contractual Obligations ⁽¹⁾	Total		Less than 1 year		1 - 3 years		3 - 5 years		After 5 years
Borrowings ^(2)(3)(5)	$	744,186	$	140,476	$	51,200	$	344,250	$	208,260
Operating Lease Obligations ⁽⁴⁾		4,370		1,831		1,149		1,145		245
Total	$	748,556	$	142,307	$	52,349	$	345,395	$	208,505

(1)	Excludes commitments to extend credit to our portfolio companies.

(2)	Includes $190.2 million in principal outstanding under the SBA debentures, $258.5 million of the 2024 Notes, $230.0 million of the Convertible Notes and $65.5 million of the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes as of September 30, 2017.

(3)	Amounts represent future principal repayments and not the carrying value of each liability. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements.

(4)	Facility leases.

(5)	Reflects announced redemption of a portion of the 2024 Notes in November 2017. See “ – Subsequent Events.”

Indemnification Agreements

We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers. The indemnification agreements are intended to provide our directors and executive officers the maximum indemnification permitted under Maryland law and the 1940 Act. Each indemnification agreement provides that we shall indemnify the director or executive officer who is a party to the agreement, or an “Indemnitee,” including the advancement of legal expenses, if, by reason of his or her corporate status, the Indemnitee is, or is threatened to be, made a party to or a witness in any threatened, pending, or completed proceeding, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and the 1940 Act.

We and our executives and directors are covered by Directors and Officers Insurance, with the directors and officers being indemnified by us to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law subject to the restrictions in the 1940 Act.

Distributions

The following table summarizes our distributions declared and paid, to be paid, or reinvested on all shares, including restricted stock, to date:

Date Declared	Record Date	Payment Date	Amount Per Share
October 27, 2005	November 1, 2005	November 17, 2005	$	0.03
December 9, 2005	January 6, 2006	January 27, 2006		0.30
April 3, 2006	April 10, 2006	May 5, 2006		0.30
July 19, 2006	July 31, 2006	August 28, 2006		0.30
October 16, 2006	November 6, 2006	December 1, 2006		0.30
February 7, 2007	February 19, 2007	March 19, 2007		0.30
May 3, 2007	May 16, 2007	June 18, 2007		0.30
August 2, 2007	August 16, 2007	September 17, 2007		0.30
November 1, 2007	November 16, 2007	December 17, 2007		0.30
February 7, 2008	February 15, 2008	March 17, 2008		0.30
May 8, 2008	May 16, 2008	June 16, 2008		0.34
August 7, 2008	August 15, 2008	September 19, 2008		0.34
November 6, 2008	November 14, 2008	December 15, 2008		0.34
February 12, 2009	February 23, 2009	March 30, 2009		0.32	*
May 7, 2009	May 15, 2009	June 15, 2009		0.30
August 6, 2009	August 14, 2009	September 14, 2009		0.30
October 15, 2009	October 20, 2009	November 23, 2009		0.30
December 16, 2009	December 24, 2009	December 30, 2009		0.04
February 11, 2010	February 19, 2010	March 19, 2010		0.20
May 3, 2010	May 12, 2010	June 18, 2010		0.20
August 2, 2010	August 12, 2010	September 17,2010		0.20
November 4, 2010	November 10, 2010	December 17, 2010		0.20
March 1, 2011	March 10, 2011	March 24, 2011		0.22
May 5, 2011	May 11, 2011	June 23, 2011		0.22
August 4, 2011	August 15, 2011	September 15, 2011		0.22
November 3, 2011	November 14, 2011	November 29, 2011		0.22
February 27, 2012	March 12, 2012	March 15, 2012		0.23
April 30, 2012	May 18, 2012	May 25, 2012		0.24
July 30, 2012	August 17, 2012	August 24, 2012		0.24
October 26, 2012	November 14, 2012	November 21, 2012		0.24
February 26, 2013	March 11, 2013	March 19, 2013		0.25
April 29, 2013	May 14, 2013	May 21, 2013		0.27
July 29, 2013	August 13, 2013	August 20, 2013		0.28
November 4, 2013	November 18, 2013	November 25, 2013		0.31
February 24, 2014	March 10, 2014	March 17, 2014		0.31
April 28, 2014	May 12, 2014	May 19, 2014		0.31
July 28, 2014	August 18, 2014	August 25, 2014		0.31
October 29, 2014	November 17, 2014	November 24, 2014		0.31
February 24, 2015	March 12, 2015	March 19, 2015		0.31
May 4, 2015	May 18, 2015	May 25, 2015		0.31
July 29, 2015	August 17, 2015	August 24, 2015		0.31
October 28, 2015	November 16, 2015	November 23, 2015		0.31
February 17, 2016	March 7, 2016	March 14, 2016		0.31
April 27, 2016	May 16, 2016	May 23, 2016		0.31
July 27, 2016	August 15, 2016	August 22, 2016		0.31
October 26, 2016	November 14, 2016	November 21, 2016		0.31
February 16, 2017	March 6, 2017	March 13, 2017		0.31
April 26, 2017	May 15, 2017	May 22, 2017		0.31
July 26, 2017	August 14, 2017	August 21, 2017		0.31
October 25, 2017	November 13, 2017	November 20, 2017		0.31
			$	13.71

*	Distribution paid in cash and stock.

On October 25, 2017 the Board of Directors declared a cash distribution of $0.31 per share to be paid on November 20, 2017 to stockholders of record as of November 13, 2017. This distribution represents our forty-ninth consecutive distribution since our initial public offering, bringing the total cumulative distribution to date to $13.71 per share.

Our Board of Directors maintains a variable distribution policy with the objective of distributing four quarterly distributions in an amount that approximates 90 - 100% of our taxable quarterly income or potential annual income for a particular taxable year. In addition, at the end of our taxable year, our Board of Directors may choose to pay an additional special distribution, or fifth distribution, so that we may distribute approximately all of our annual taxable income in the taxable year in which it was earned, or may elect to maintain the option to spill over our excess taxable income into the following taxable year as part of any future distribution payments.

Distributions from our taxable income (including gains) to a stockholder generally will be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of such stockholder’s allocable share of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would generally be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of a stockholder’s tax basis in our shares, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. The determination of the tax attributes of our distributions is made annually as of the end of our taxable year based upon our taxable income for the full taxable year and distributions paid for the full taxable year. As a result, any determination of the tax attributes of our distributions made on a quarterly basis may not be representative of the actual tax attributes of the Company’s distributions for a full taxable year. Of the distributions declared during the year ended December 31, 2016, 100% were distributions derived from our current and accumulated earnings and profits.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we declared a distribution of $0.31 per share. If we had determined the tax attributes of our distributions year-to-date as of September 30, 2017, 100% would be from our current and accumulated earnings and profits. However, there can be no certainty to stockholders that this determination is representative of what the tax attributes of our 2017 distributions to stockholders will actually be.

We maintain an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan that provides for reinvestment of our distribution on behalf of our stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash. As a result, if our Board of Directors authorizes, and we declare a cash distribution, then our stockholders who have not “opted out” of our dividend reinvestment plan will have their cash distribution automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash distributions.

Shortly after the close of each calendar year information identifying the source of the distribution (i.e., paid from ordinary income, paid from net capital gains on the sale of securities, and/or a return of paid-in-capital surplus which is a nontaxable distribution, if any) will be provided to our stockholders subject to information reporting. To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for any taxable year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a tax return of capital to our stockholders.

We expect to qualify to be subject to tax as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to be subject to tax as a RIC, we are required to satisfy certain annual gross income and quarterly asset composition tests, as well as make distributions to our stockholders each taxable year treated as dividends for federal income tax purposes of an amount at least equal to 90% of the sum of our investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid, plus our net tax-exempt income, if any. Upon being eligible to be subject to tax as a RIC, we would be entitled to deduct such distributions we pay to our stockholders in determining the overall components of our “taxable income.” Components of our taxable income include our taxable interest, dividend and fee income, reduced by certain deductions, as well as taxable net realized securities gains. Taxable income generally differs from net income for financial reporting purposes due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses and generally excludes net unrealized appreciation or depreciation as such gains or losses are not included in taxable income until they are realized. In connection with maintaining our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC, among other things, we have made and intend to continue to make the requisite distributions to our stockholders each taxable year, which generally should relieve us from corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes.

As a RIC, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income and gains unless we make distributions treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a timely manner to our stockholders in respect of each calendar year of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income for the 1-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income realized, but not distributed, in the preceding year. We will not be subject to this excise tax on any amount on which we incurred U.S. federal corporate income tax (such as the tax imposed on a RIC’s retained net capital gains).

Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a taxable year, we may choose to carry over taxable income in excess of current taxable year distributions treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes from such taxable income into the next taxable year and incur a 4% excise tax on such taxable income, as required. The maximum amount of excess taxable income that may be carried over for distribution in the next taxable year under the Code is the total amount of distributions treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes paid in the following taxable year, subject to certain declaration and payment guidelines. To the extent we choose to carry over taxable income into the next taxable year, distributions declared and paid by us in a taxable year may differ from our taxable income for that taxable year as such distributions may include the distribution of current taxable year taxable income, the distribution of prior taxable year taxable income carried over into and distributed in the current taxable year, or returns of capital.

We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, if we issue senior securities, we will be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage ratios stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings. Our ability to make distributions will be limited by the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act.

We intend to distribute 100% of our spillover earnings, which consists of ordinary income and long-term capital gains, from the year ended December 31, 2016 to our stockholders during 2017.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the period reported. On an ongoing basis, our management evaluates its estimates and assumptions, which are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Changes in our estimates and assumptions could materially impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Reclassification

Certain balances from prior years have been reclassified in order to conform to the current year presentation.

Valuation of Investments

The most significant estimate inherent in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements is the valuation of investments and the related amounts of unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments recorded.

At September 30, 2017, approximately 89.5% of our total assets represented investments in portfolio companies whose fair value is determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. Value, as defined in Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act, is (i) the market price for those securities for which a market quotation is readily available and (ii) for all other securities and assets, fair value is as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. Our investments are carried at fair value in accordance with the 1940 Act and ASC Topic 946 and measured in accordance with ASC Topic 820. Our debt securities are primarily invested in venture capital-backed companies in technology-related industries including technology, drug discovery and development, biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare and sustainable and renewable technology at all stages of development. Given the nature of lending to these types of businesses, substantially all of our investments in these portfolio companies are considered Level 3 assets under ASC Topic 820 because there is no known or accessible market or market indexes for these investment securities to be traded or exchanged. As such, we value substantially all of our investments at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to a consistent valuation policy by our Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 820 and the 1940 Act. Due to the inherent uncertainty in determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our investments determined in good faith by our Board of Directors may differ significantly from the value that would have been used had a readily available market existed for such investments, and the differences could be material.

We may from time to time engage an independent valuation firm to provide us with valuation assistance with respect to certain of our portfolio investments. We engage independent valuation firms on a discretionary basis. Specifically, on a quarterly basis, we will identify portfolio investments with respect to which an independent valuation firm will assist in valuing. We select these portfolio investments based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the potential for material fluctuations in valuation results, credit quality and the time lapse since the last valuation of the portfolio investment by an independent valuation firm.

We intend to continue to engage an independent valuation firm to provide us with assistance regarding our determination of the fair value of selected portfolio investments each quarter unless directed by the Board of Directors to cancel such valuation services. The scope of the services rendered by an independent valuation firm is at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors is ultimately, and solely, responsible for determining the fair value of our investments in good faith.

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

(1) our quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company being initially valued by the investment professionals responsible for the portfolio investment;

(2) preliminary valuation conclusions are then documented and business based assumptions are discussed with our investment committee;

(3) the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the preliminary valuation of the investments in the portfolio company as provided by the investment committee, which incorporates the results of the independent valuation firm as appropriate; and

(4) the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, discusses valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith based on the input of, where applicable, the respective independent valuation firm and the investment committee.

We have categorized all investments recorded at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 820 based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels, defined by ASC Topic 820 and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuation of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:

Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized in the tables below based upon the lowest level of significant input to the valuations as of September 30, 2017 and as of December 31, 2016. We transfer investments in and out of Level 1, 2 and 3 as of the beginning balance sheet date, based on changes in the use of observable and unobservable inputs utilized to perform the valuation for the period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, there were no transfers between Levels 1 or 2.

(in thousands)	Balance September 30,		Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Description	2017		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Senior Secured Debt	$	1,300,068	$	—	$	—	$	1,300,068
Preferred Stock		41,993		—		—		41,993
Common Stock		42,324		16,018		—		26,306
Warrants		32,729		—		3,520		29,209
Escrow Receivable		915		—		—		915
Total	$	1,418,029	$	16,018	$	3,520	$	1,398,491

(in thousands)	Balance December 31,		Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Description	2016		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Senior Secured Debt	$	1,328,803	$	—	$	4,825	$	1,323,978
Preferred Stock		39,418		—		—		39,418
Common Stock		28,236		17,271		—		10,965
Warrants		27,485		—		3,239		24,246
Escrow Receivable		1,382		—		—		1,382
Total	$	1,425,324	$	17,271	$	8,064	$	1,399,989

The table below presents a reconciliation for all financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis,

excluding accrued interest components, using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016.

(in thousands)	Balance January 1, 2017		Net Realized Gains (Losses) ⁽¹⁾			Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) ⁽²⁾			Purchases ⁽⁵⁾		Sales			Repayments ⁽⁶⁾			Gross Transfers into Level 3 ⁽³⁾		Gross Transfers out of Level 3 ⁽³⁾			Balance September 30, 2017
Senior Debt	$	1,323,978	$	(24,318	)	$	39,423		$	498,613	$	—		$	(474,957	)	$	—	$	(62,671	)	$	1,300,068
Preferred Stock		39,418		(7,531	)		10,101			473		(468	)		—			—		—			41,993
Common Stock		10,965		—			(49,532	)		3,748		(1,546	)		—			62,671		—			26,306
Warrants		24,246		755			9,650			1,784		(7,226	)		—			—		—			29,209
Escrow Receivable		1,382		11			—			3,119		(3,597	)		—			—		—			915
Total	$	1,399,989	$	(31,083	)	$	9,642		$	507,737	$	(12,837	)	$	(474,957	)	$	62,671	$	(62,671	)	$	1,398,491

(in thousands)	Balance January 1, 2016		Net Realized Gains (Losses) ⁽¹⁾			Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) ⁽²⁾			Purchases ⁽⁵⁾		Sales			Repayments ⁽⁶⁾			Gross Transfers into Level 3 ⁽⁴⁾		Gross Transfers out of Level 3 ⁽⁴⁾			Balance December 31, 2016
Senior Debt	$	1,102,396	$	(6,968	)	$	(12,675	)	$	687,353	$	—		$	(441,567	)	$	—	$	(4,561	)	$	1,323,978
Preferred Stock		35,245		(334	)		(7,864	)		13,873		(1,367	)		—			626		(761	)		39,418
Common Stock		1,527		—			(1,404	)		6,081		—			—			4,761		—			10,965
Warrants		18,565		(116	)		3,465			4,082		(1,186	)		—			—		(564	)		24,246
Escrow Receivable		2,967		(6	)		—			2,009		(3,588	)		—			—		—			1,382
Total	$	1,160,700	$	(7,424	)	$	(18,478	)	$	713,398	$	(6,141	)	$	(441,567	)	$	5,387	$	(5,886	)	$	1,399,989

(1)	Included in net realized gains or losses in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.

(2)	Included in net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations.

(3)

Transfers into Level 3 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 relate to the conversion of our debt investment in Sungevity, Inc. and a portion of our debt investment in Gamma Medica, Inc. to common stock through bankruptcy transactions. Transfers out of Level 3 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 relate to the conversion of our debt investment in Sungevity, Inc. and a portion of our debt investment in Gamma Medica, Inc. to common stock through bankruptcy transactions.

(4)

Transfers into Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2016 relate to the acquisition of preferred stock as a result of the exercise of warrants in Ping Identity Corporation, the conversion of debt to equity in Optiscan Biomedical Corp and Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc. and the conversion of our preferred shares to common shares in SCIEnergy, Inc. Transfers out of Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2016 relate to the exercise of warrants in TPI Composites, Inc. and Touchcommerce, Inc. to common stock in an initial public offering, or IPO, and acquisition, respectively; the exercise of warrants in Ping Identity Corporation to preferred stock; the conversion of debt to equity in Optiscan Biomedical Corp and Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc. and the conversion of our preferred shares to common shares in SCIEnergy, Inc.

(5)

(6)	Amounts listed above include the acceleration and payment of loan discounts and loan fees due to early payoffs or restructures

For nine months ended September 30, 2017, approximately $2.4 million in net unrealized appreciation and $49.3 million in net unrealized depreciation was recorded for preferred stock and common stock Level 3 investments, respectively, relating to assets still held at the reporting date. The depreciation on common stock during the period reflects the conversion of our debt investment in Sungevity, Inc. to common stock at cost through a bankruptcy transaction and subsequent depreciation to fair value. For the same period, approximately $1.1 million in net unrealized depreciation and $10.2 million in net unrealized appreciation was recorded for debt and warrant Level 3 investments, respectively, relating to assets still held at the reporting date.

The following tables provide quantitative information about our Level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2017. In addition to the techniques and inputs noted in the table below, according to our valuation policy we may also use other valuation techniques and methodologies when determining our fair value measurements. The tables below are not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather provide information on the significant Level 3 inputs as they relate to our fair value measurements.

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of our escrow receivables is the amount recoverable at the contractual maturity date of the escrow receivable.

Investment Type - Level Three Debt Investments	Fair Value at September 30, 2017 (in thousands)		Valuation Techniques/Methodologies	Unobservable Input⁽¹⁾	Range		Weighted Average ⁽²⁾
Pharmaceuticals	$	14,794	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield		13.22%		13.22%
		489,860	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	9.42% - 15.44%			12.98%
				Premium/(Discount)	0.00% - 0.75%
		5,100	Liquidation ⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes	30.00% - 100.00%
Technology		152,443	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield	10.46% - 17.49%			11.57%
		219,760	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	9.07% - 19.06%			13.68%
				Premium/(Discount)	(0.25%) - 0.50%
		21,960	Liquidation ⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes	20.00% - 100.00%
Sustainable and Renewable		14,698	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield		17.61%		17.61%
Technology		81,842	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	11.78% - 14.49%			13.18%
				Premium/(Discount)	0.00% - 0.25%
Medical Devices		32,798	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield	10.38% - 13.18%			11.06%
		58,556	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	9.38% - 17.29%			12.77%
				Premium/(Discount)	0.00% - 0.75%
		—	Liquidation ⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes		100.00%
Lower Middle Market		37,187	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield	12.09% - 12.68%			12.40%
		20,145	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield		8.81%		8.81%
				Premium/(Discount)		0.25%
		2,995	Liquidation ⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes		100.00%

			Debt Investments Where Fair Value Approximates Cost
		147,930	Debt Investments Maturing in Less than One Year
	$	1,300,068	Total Level Three Debt Investments

(1)

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our debt securities are hypothetical market yields and premiums/(discounts). The hypothetical market yield is defined as the exit price of an investment in a hypothetical market to hypothetical market participants where buyers and sellers are willing participants. The premiums (discounts) relate to company specific characteristics such as underlying investment performance, security liens, and other characteristics of the investment. Significant increases (decreases) in the inputs in isolation may result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement, depending on the materiality of the investment. Debt investments in the industries noted in our Consolidated Schedule of Investments are included in the industries noted above as follows:

•

Sustainable and Renewable Technology, above, aligns with the Sustainable and Renewable Technology Industry in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

•

Medical Devices, above, is comprised of debt investments in the Surgical Devices and Medical Devices and Equipment industries in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

•

(2)	The weighted averages are calculated based on the fair market value of each investment.

(3)	The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of impaired debt securities is the probability weighting of alternative outcomes.

Investment Type - Level Three Debt Investments	Fair Value at December 31, 2016 (in thousands)		Valuation Techniques/Methodologies	Unobservable Input⁽¹⁾	Range		Weighted Average ⁽²⁾
Pharmaceuticals	$	102,412	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield	12.24% - 14.59%			13.64%
		434,718	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	9.07% - 15.62%			12.44%
				Premium/(Discount)	(0.25%) - 0.75%
		2,693	Liquidation⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes	25.00% - 100.00%
Technology		93,674	Originated Within 6 Months	Origination Yield	7.29% - 16.53%			13.69%
		325,553	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	10.14% - 21.66%			12.69%
				Premium/(Discount)	(0.50%) - 0.50%
		24,706	Liquidation⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes	20.00% - 100.00%
Sustainable and Renewable		99,286	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	11.77% - 16.84%			13.45%
Technology				Premium/(Discount)	0.00% - 0.25%
		44,626	Liquidation⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes	10.00% - 40.00%
Medical Devices		88,983	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	10.25% - 18.60%			14.01%
				Premium/(Discount)	(0.25%) - 0.75%
Lower Middle Market		25,017	Market Comparable Companies	Hypothetical Market Yield	8.85% - 15.79%			10.10%
				Premium/(Discount)	0.00% - 0.25%
		13,148	Liquidation⁽³⁾	Probability weighting of alternative outcomes		100.00%

			Debt Investments Where Fair Value Approximates Cost
		25,000	Imminent Payoffs⁽⁴⁾
		44,162	Debt Investments Maturing in Less than One Year
	$	1,323,978	Total Level Three Debt Investments

(1)

•

Pharmaceuticals, above, is comprised of debt investments in the Specialty Pharmaceuticals, Drug Discovery and Development, and Drug Delivery industries in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

•

Sustainable and Renewable Technology, above, aligns with the Sustainable and Renewable Technology Industry in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

•

Medical Devices, above, is comprised of debt investments in the Surgical Devices and Medical Devices and Equipment industries in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

•

(2)	The weighted averages are calculated based on the fair market value of each investment.

(3)	The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of impaired debt securities is the probability weighting of alternative outcomes.

(4)	Imminent payoffs represent debt investments that we expect to be fully repaid within the next three months, prior to their scheduled maturity date.

Investment Type - Level Three Equity and Warrant Investments	Fair Value at September 30, 2017 (in thousands)		Valuation Techniques/ Methodologies	Unobservable Input ⁽¹⁾	Range	Weighted Average ⁽⁶⁾
Equity Investments	$	10,413	Market Comparable Companies	EBITDA Multiple ⁽²⁾	5.8x - 56.7x	16.4x
				Revenue Multiple ⁽²⁾	0.4x - 6.2x	3.2x
				Discount for Lack of Marketability ⁽³⁾	10.08% - 14.34%		11.61%
				Average Industry Volatility⁽⁴⁾	39.02% - 62.19%		55.65%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	1.20% - 1.33%		1.22%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	6 - 14		7
		19,167	Market Adjusted OPM Backsolve	Market Equity Adjustment ⁽⁵⁾	(16.27%) - 23.40%		7.42%
				Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	29.02% - 106.33%		79.23%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.80% - 1.53%		1.21%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	8 - 29		13
		38,719	Other ⁽⁷⁾
Warrant Investments		21,198	Market Comparable Companies	EBITDA Multiple ⁽²⁾	5.4x - 56.7x	15.7x
				Revenue Multiple ⁽²⁾	0.4x - 7.5x	2.8x
				Discount for Lack of Marketability ⁽³⁾	5.06% - 31.10%		14.96%
				Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	33.09% - 106.76%		55.33%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.99% - 1.75%		1.30%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	2 - 47		16
		6,056	Market Adjusted OPM Backsolve	Market Equity Adjustment ⁽⁵⁾	(69.77%) - 139.40%		14.28%
				Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	29.02% - 108.76%		75.67%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.80% - 1.82%		1.24%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	8 - 41		15
		1,955	Other ⁽⁷⁾
Total Level Three Warrant and Equity Investments	$	97,508

(1)

(2)	Represents amounts used when we have determined that market participants would use such multiples when pricing the investments.

(3)	Represents amounts used when we have determined market participants would take into account these discounts when pricing the investments.

(4)	Represents the range of industry volatility used by market participants when pricing the investment.

(5)	Represents the range of changes in industry valuations since the portfolio company's last external valuation event.

(6)	Weighted averages are calculated based on the fair market value of each investment.

(7) The fair market value of these investments is derived based on recent private market and merger and acquisition transaction prices.

Investment Type - Level Three Equity and Warrant Investments	Fair Value at December 31, 2016 (in thousands)		Valuation Techniques/ Methodologies	Unobservable Input⁽¹⁾	Range	Weighted Average⁽⁵⁾
Equity Investments	$	9,258	Market Comparable Companies	EBITDA Multiple ⁽²⁾	0.0x - 38.7x	12.3x
				Revenue Multiple⁽²⁾	0.9x - 8.7x	3.1x
				Discount for Lack of Marketability⁽³⁾	13.75% - 25.97%		16.73%
				Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	45.54% - 113.16%		61.06%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.79% - 1.50%		0.91%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	10 - 38	15
		19,836	Market Adjusted OPM Backsolve	Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	29.93%- 109.95%		73.49%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.65% - 1.44%		0.92%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	10 - 34	15
		21,289	Other ⁽⁶⁾
Warrant Investments		8,959	Market Comparable Companies	EBITDA Multiple ⁽²⁾	2.6x - 51.4x	13.8x
				Revenue Multiple⁽²⁾	0.4x - 6.1x	2.5x
				Discount for Lack of Marketability⁽³⁾	11.74% - 27.25%		19.02%
				Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	38.58% - 111.15%		62.03%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.68% - 1.68%		1.04%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	7 - 47	20
		9,713	Market Adjusted OPM Backsolve	Average Industry Volatility ⁽⁴⁾	29.93% - 116.29%		67.20%
				Risk-Free Interest Rate	0.45% - 1.84%		0.99%
				Estimated Time to Exit (in months)	3 - 47	20
		5,574	Other ⁽⁶⁾
Total Level Three Warrant and Equity Investments	$	74,629

(1)

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of our warrant and equity-related securities are revenue and/or EBITDA multiples and discounts for lack of marketability. Additional inputs used in the Black Scholes OPM include industry volatility, risk free interest rate and estimated time to exit. Significant increases (decreases) in the inputs in isolation may result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement, depending on the materiality of the investment. For some investments, additional consideration may be given to data from the last round of financing or merger/acquisition events near the measurement date.

(2)	Represents amounts used when we have determined that market participants would use such multiples when pricing the investments.

(3)	Represents amounts used when we have determined market participants would take into account these discounts when pricing the investments.

(4)	Represents the range of industry volatility used by market participants when pricing the investment.

(5)	Weighted averages are calculated based on the fair market value of each investment.

(6)	The fair market value of these investments is derived based on recent private market and merger and acquisition transaction prices.

Debt Investments

We follow the guidance set forth in ASC Topic 820 which establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities and outlines a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value and the effect of fair value measures on earnings. Our debt securities are primarily invested in venture capital-backed companies in technology-related markets including technology, drug discovery and development, biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, and sustainable and renewable technology at all stages of development. Given the nature of lending to these types of businesses, substantially all of our investments in these portfolio companies are considered Level 3 assets under ASC Topic 820 because there is no known or accessible market or market indexes for debt instruments for these investment securities to be traded or exchanged. In addition, we may, from time to time, invest in public debt of companies that meet our investment objectives. These investments are considered Level 2 assets.

In making a good faith determination of the value of our investments, we generally start with the cost basis of the investment, which includes the value attributed to the OID, if any, and PIK interest or other receivables which have been accrued as earned. We then apply the valuation methods as set forth below.

We apply a procedure for debt investments that assumes the sale of each investment in a hypothetical market to a hypothetical market participant where buyers and sellers are willing participants. The hypothetical market does not include scenarios where the underlying security was simply repaid or extinguished, but includes an exit concept. We determine the yield at inception for each debt investment. We then use senior secured, leveraged loan yields provided by third party providers to determine the change in market yields between inception of the debt investment and the measurement date. Industry specific indices and other relevant market data are used to benchmark/assess market based movements.

Under this process, we also evaluate the collateral for recoverability of the debt investments. We consider each portfolio company’s credit rating, security liens and other characteristics of the investment to adjust the baseline yield to derive a credit adjusted hypothetical yield for each investment as of the measurement date. The anticipated future cash flows from each investment are then discounted at the hypothetical yield to estimate each investment’s fair value as of the measurement date.

Our process includes an analysis of, among other things, the underlying investment performance, the current portfolio company’s financial condition and market changing events that impact valuation, estimated remaining life, current market yields and interest rate spreads of similar securities as of the measurement date. We value our syndicated debt investments using broker quotes and bond indices amongst other factors. If there is a significant deterioration of the credit quality of a debt investment, we may consider other factors than those a hypothetical market participant would use to estimate fair value, including the proceeds that would be received in a liquidation analysis.

We record unrealized depreciation on investments when we believe that an investment has decreased in value, including where collection of a debt investment is doubtful or, if under the in-exchange premise, when the value of a debt investment is less than the amortized cost of the investment. Conversely, where appropriate, we record unrealized appreciation if we believe that the underlying portfolio company has appreciated in value and, therefore, that our investment has also appreciated in value or, if under the in-exchange premise, the value of a debt investment is greater than amortized cost.

When originating a debt investment, we generally receive warrants or other equity-related securities from the borrower. We determine the cost basis of the warrants or other equity-related securities received based upon their respective fair values on the date of receipt in proportion to the total fair value of the debt and warrants or other equity-related securities received. Any resulting discount on the debt investment from recordation of the warrant or other equity instruments is accreted into interest income over the life of the loan.

Debt investments that are traded on a public exchange are valued at the prevailing market price as of the valuation date.

Equity-Related Securities and Warrants

Securities that are traded in the over-the-counter markets or on a stock exchange will be valued at the prevailing bid price at period end. We have a limited amount of equity securities in public companies. In accordance with the 1940 Act, unrestricted publicly traded securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the closing market quote on the measurement date.

We estimate the fair value of warrants using a Black Scholes OPM. At each reporting date, privately held warrant and equity related securities are valued based on an analysis of various factors including, but not limited to, the portfolio company’s operating performance and financial condition and general market conditions, price to enterprise value or price to equity ratios, discounted cash flow, valuation comparisons to comparable public companies or other industry benchmarks. When an external event occurs, such as a purchase transaction, public offering, or subsequent equity sale, the pricing indicated by that external event is utilized to corroborate our valuation of the warrant and equity related securities. We periodically review the valuation of our portfolio companies that have not been involved in a qualifying external event to determine if the enterprise value of the portfolio company may have increased or decreased since the last valuation measurement date.

Escrow Receivables

Income Recognition

See “— Changes in Portfolio” for a discussion of our income recognition policies and results during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. See “— Results of Operations” for a comparison of investment income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Stock Based Compensation

We have issued and may, from time to time, issue stock options and restricted stock to employees under our 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and to Board members under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan prior to its expiration on June 21, 2017. We follow the guidelines set forth under ASC Topic 718, (“Compensation – Stock Compensation”) to account for stock options granted. Under ASC Topic 718, compensation expense associated with stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the vesting period. Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, forfeiture rate and expected option life.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which, among other things, requires that (i) all equity investments, other than equity-method investments, in unconsolidated entities generally be measured at fair value through earnings and (ii) an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. Additionally, the ASU changes the disclosure requirements for financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for annual reporting periods, and the interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for certain provisions. We do not believe that ASU 2016-01 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” which, among other things, requires recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous U.S. GAAP. Additionally, the ASU requires the classification of all cash payments on leases within operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods, and the interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. We do not believe that ASU 2016-02 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which, among other things, simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual reporting periods, and the interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. There is not a material impact from adopting this standard on our financial statements. We have adopted this standard for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which addresses eight specific cash flow issues including, among other things, the classification of debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual reporting periods, and the interim periods within those periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We do not believe that ASU 2016-15 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230),” which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The amendment should be adopted retrospectively. We do not believe that ASU 2016-18 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Subsequent Events

Distribution Declaration

On October 25, 2017 the Board of Directors declared a cash distribution of $0.31 per share to be paid on November 20, 2017 to stockholders of record as of November 13, 2017. This distribution represents our forty-ninth consecutive distribution since our initial public offering, bringing the total cumulative distribution to date to $13.71 per share.

2022 Notes

On October 23, 2017, we issued $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”). The 2022 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated September 7, 2017 (the “2022 Notes Indenture”), between us and U.S. Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “2022 Trustee”). The sale of the 2022 Notes generated net proceeds of approximately $147.9 million. Aggregate estimated offering expenses in connection with the transaction, including the underwriter’s discount of approximately $1.9 million, were approximately $2.1 million.

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repurchase or otherwise redeem a portion of its 2024 Notes, (ii) to fund investments in debt and equity securities in accordance with its investment objective and (iii) for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The 2022 Notes mature on October 23, 2022, unless previously repurchased in accordance with their terms. The 2022 Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.625% per year payable semiannually in arrears on April 23 and October 23 of each year, commencing on April 23, 2018.

The 2022 Notes are our unsecured obligations that rank senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated, or junior, in right of payment to the 2022 Notes. The 2022 Notes are not guaranteed by any of our current or future subsidiaries. The 2022 Notes rank pari passu, or equally, in right of payment with all of our existing and future liabilities that are not so subordinated, or junior. The 2022 Notes effectively rank subordinated, or junior, to any of our secured indebtedness (including unsecured indebtedness that we later secure) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The 2022 Notes rank structurally subordinated, or junior, to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by our subsidiaries, financing vehicles or similar facilities.

We may redeem some or all of the 2022 Notes at any time, or from time to time, at the redemption price set forth under the terms of the indenture after September 23, 2022. No sinking fund is provided for the 2022 Notes. The 2022 Notes were issued in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 thereof.

Redemption of 2024 Notes

On October 24, 2017, our Board of Directors approved a redemption of $75.0 million of outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes, and notice for such redemption has been provided. We have publicly announced our intention to redeem this portion of the 2024 Notes on November 23, 2017.

Appointment of Directors

On October 25, 2017, our Board of Directors elected Jorge Titinger and Brad Koenig as directors of the Company. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Titinger or Mr. Koenig and any other persons pursuant to which they were elected as directors of the Company. Both Mr. Titinger and Mr. Koenig will each be entitled to the applicable annual retainer pursuant to our director compensation arrangements, under terms consistent with those previously disclosed by the Company. They will also be entitled to enter an indemnification agreement with the Company.

Mr. Titinger’s Board election will be effective at the time of the Annual Meeting and will fill the position vacated by Susanne Lyons who will be stepping down at the Annual Meeting. His appointment will be ratified at the Annual Meeting as a Class I director for a term expiring in 2020. At the time Mr. Titinger joins the Board, he will be appointed to the Compensation Committee and will serve as chairman.

Mr. Koenig will hold office as a Class II director for a term expiring in 2018. He will serve on the Audit Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

ATM Equity Program Issuances

Subsequent to September 30, 2017, and as of October 30, 2017, we sold 567,000 shares of common stock for total accumulated net proceeds of approximately $7.1 million, including $65,000 of offering expenses, under the Equity Distribution Agreement with JMP. As of October 30, 2017, approximately 10.7 million shares remain available for issuance and sale under the ATM equity program.

Departure of Officer

On October 27, 2017, we and Mark Harris mutually agreed that Mr. Harris would separate from the Company and end his tenure as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer effective November 2, 2017. Mr. Harris’ separation did not result from any disagreements with the Company regarding its operations, policies, practices or any issues regarding financial disclosures, accounting or legal matters.

Appointment of Officers

Effective October 31, 2017, the Board of Directors appointed David Lund, our former Chief Financial Officer, as our Interim Chief Financial Officer and Gerard R. Waldt, Jr., our current Controller, as our Interim Chief Accounting Officer.

Asset Acquisition

On November 1, 2017, we, through a wholly owned subsidiary, Bearcub Acquisitions LLC, entered into, and consummated the transactions contemplated by, a definitive asset purchase agreement with Ares Capital Corporation to acquire select venture loan assets for approximately $125.8 million in cash.

Management Structure

We have decided to suspend our review of alternative investment management structures and will remain an internally managed business development company for the foreseeable future.

Portfolio Company Developments

As of October 30, 2017, we held warrants or equity positions in four companies that have filed registration statements on Form S-1 with the SEC in contemplation of potential initial public offerings, including Aquantia Corp. and three companies which filed confidentially under the JOBS Act. There can be no assurance that these companies will complete their initial public offerings in a timely manner or at all. In addition, subsequent to September 30, 2017, the following companies announced or completed liquidity events:

In August 2017, our former portfolio company Cempra, Inc. and current portfolio company Melinta Therapeutics, Inc., announced that they had entered into a definitive agreement under which Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. will merge with a subsidiary of Cempra, Inc. The merger is expected to create a NASDAQ-listed company and close in the fourth quarter of 2017, subject to the approval of the stockholders of each company as well as other customary conditions.

In October 2017, our portfolio company Neothetics, Inc., announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which privately-held Evofem Biosciences will merge with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neothetics in an all-stock transaction. Upon closing of this transaction, Neothetics will be renamed Evofem Biosciences, Inc.

In October 2017, our portfolio company ForeScout Technologies, Inc. completed its initial public offering.

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is defined as the sensitivity of our current and future earnings to interest rate volatility, variability of spread relationships, the difference in re-pricing intervals between our assets and liabilities and the effect that interest rates may have on our cash flows. Changes in interest rates may affect both our cost of funding and our interest income from portfolio investments, cash and cash equivalents and idle fund investments. Our investment income will be affected by changes in various interest rates, including LIBOR and Prime rates, to the extent our debt investments include variable interest rates. As of September 30, 2017, approximately 96.7% of the loans in our portfolio had variable rates based on floating Prime or LIBOR rates with a floor. Changes in interest rates can also affect, among other things, our ability to acquire and originate loans and securities and the value of our investment portfolio.

Based on our Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30, 2017, the following table shows the approximate annualized increase (decrease) in components of net assets resulting from operations of hypothetical base rate changes in interest rates, assuming no changes in our investments and borrowings.

(in thousands)	Interest		Interest		Net
Basis Point Change	Income		Expense		Income		EPS⁽¹⁾
25	$	2,630	$	—	$	2,630	$	0.03
50	$	5,505	$	—	$	5,505	$	0.07
75	$	8,380	$	—	$	8,380	$	0.10
100	$	11,406	$	—	$	11,406	$	0.14
200	$	24,161	$	—	$	24,161	$	0.29
300	$	37,169	$	—	$	37,169	$	0.45

(1)	Earnings per share impact calculated based on basic weighted average shares outstanding of 82,496.

We do not currently engage in any hedging activities. However, we may, in the future, hedge against interest rate fluctuations (and foreign currency) by using standard hedging instruments such as futures, options, and forward contracts. While hedging activities may insulate us against changes in interest rates (and foreign currency), they may also limit our ability to participate in the benefits of lower interest rates with respect to our borrowed funds and higher interest rates with respect to our portfolio of investments. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 we did not engage in interest rate (or foreign currency) hedging activities.

Although we believe that the foregoing analysis is indicative of our sensitivity to interest rate changes, it does not adjust for potential changes in the credit market, credit quality, size and composition of the assets in our portfolio. It also does not adjust for other business developments, including borrowings under our Credit Facilities, SBA debentures, 2024 Notes, Convertible Notes and 2021 Asset-Backed Notes that could affect the net increase in net assets resulting from operations, or net income. It also does not assume any repayments from borrowers. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that actual results would not differ materially from the statement above.

Because we currently borrow, and plan to borrow in the future, money to make investments, our net investment income is dependent upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest the funds borrowed. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income if there is not a corresponding increase in interest income generated by variable rate assets in our investment portfolio.

For additional information regarding the interest rate associated with each of our Credit Facilities, SBA debentures, 2024 Notes, Convertible Notes, and 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, please refer to “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources - Outstanding Borrowings” in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

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ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our chief executive and chief financial officers, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, our chief executive and chief financial officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive and chief financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financing reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We may, from time to time, be involved in litigation arising out of our operations in the normal course of business or otherwise. Furthermore, third parties may try to seek to impose liability on us in connection with the activities of our portfolio companies. While the outcome of any current legal proceedings cannot at this time be predicted with certainty, we do not expect any current matters will materially affect our financial condition or results of operations; however, there can be no assurance whether any pending legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations in any future reporting period.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

The following risk factors update and replace, in entirety, the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2017.

Investing in our securities may be speculative and involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the risks described below and all other information contained in this report, including our financial statements and the related notes and the schedules and exhibits to this report. The risks set forth below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us may also impair our operations and performance. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In such case, our NAV and the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to our Business Structure

As an internally managed business development company, we are subject to certain restrictions that may adversely affect our business.

As an internally managed business development company, the size and categories of our assets under management is limited, and we are unable to offer as wide a variety of financial products to prospective portfolio companies and sponsors (potentially limiting the size and diversification of our asset base). We therefore may not achieve efficiencies of scale and greater management resources available to externally managed business development companies.

Additionally, as an internally managed business development company, our ability to offer more competitive and flexible compensation structures, such as offering both a profit sharing plan and an equity incentive plan, is subject to the limitations imposed by the 1940 Act, which limits our ability to attract and retain talented investment management professionals. As such, these limitations could inhibit our ability to grow, pursue our business plan and attract and retain professional talent, any or all of which may have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

As an internally managed business development company, we are dependent upon key management personnel for their time availability and for our future success, particularly Manuel A. Henriquez, and if we are not able to hire and retain qualified personnel, or if we lose any member of our senior management team, our ability to implement our business strategy could be significantly harmed.

As an internally managed business development company, our ability to achieve our investment objectives and to make distributions to our stockholders depends upon the performance of our senior management. We depend upon the members of our senior management, particularly Mr. Henriquez, as well as other key personnel for the identification, final selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of our investments. These employees have critical industry experience and relationships on which we rely to implement our business plan. If we lose the services of Mr. Henriquez or any senior management members, we may not be able to operate the business as we expect, and our ability to compete could be harmed, which could cause our operating results to suffer. Furthermore, we do not have an employment agreement with Mr. Henriquez or our senior management that restricts them from creating new investment vehicles subject to compliance with applicable law. We believe our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to identify, attract and retain sufficient numbers of highly skilled employees. If we do not succeed in identifying, attracting and retaining such personnel, we may not be able to operate our business as we expect.

As an internally managed business development company, our compensation structure is determined and set by our Board of Directors. This structure currently includes salary and bonus and incentive compensation, which is issued through grants and subsequent vesting of restricted stock. We are not generally permitted by the 1940 Act to employ an incentive compensation structure that directly ties performance of our investment portfolio and results of operations to compensation owing to our granting of restricted stock as incentive compensation.

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Members of our senior management may receive offers of more flexible and attractive compensation arrangements from other companies, particularly from investment advisers to externally managed business development companies that are not subject to the same limitations on incentive-based compensation that we, as an internally managed business development company are subject to. We do not currently have agreements with our senior management that prohibit them from leaving and competing with our business. In addition, the evaluation of alternative management structures discussed above may lead to changes in our management structure. A departure by one or more members of our senior management could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business model depends to a significant extent upon strong referral relationships with venture capital and private equity fund sponsors, and our inability to develop or maintain these relationships, or the failure of these relationships to generate investment opportunities, could adversely affect our business.

We expect that members of our management team will maintain their relationships with venture capital and private equity firms, and we will rely to a significant extent upon these relationships to provide us with our deal flow. If we fail to maintain our existing relationships, our relationships become strained as a result of enforcing our rights with respect to non-performing portfolio companies in protecting our investments or we fail to develop new relationships with other firms or sources of investment opportunities, then we will not be able to grow our investment portfolio. In addition, persons with whom members of our management team have relationships are not obligated to provide us with investment opportunities and, therefore, there is no assurance that such relationships will lead to the origination of debt or other investments.

We may be the target of litigation.

We may be the target of securities litigation in the future, particularly if the trading price of our common stock and our debt securities fluctuates significantly. We could also generally be subject to litigation, including derivative actions by our stockholders. Any litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our business and cause a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, and we may not be able to compete effectively.

A number of entities compete with us to make the types of investments that we plan to make in prospective portfolio companies. We compete with a large number of venture capital and private equity firms, as well as with other investment funds, business development companies, investment banks and other sources of financing, including traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks and finance companies. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we do. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and/or access to funding sources that are not available to us. This may enable some competitors to make loans with interest rates that are comparable to or lower than the rates that we typically offer.

A significant increase in the number and/or the size of our competitors, including traditional commercial lenders and other financing sources, in technology-related industries could force us to accept less attractive investment terms. We may be unable to capitalize on certain opportunities if we do not match competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. If we do match competitors’ pricing, terms or structure, we may experience decreased net interest income and increased risk of credit losses. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments, establish more relationships and build their market shares. An increasing number of competitors may also have the effect of compressing our margins, which could harm our ability to retain employees, increase our operating costs, and decrease the amount and frequency of future distributions. Furthermore, many potential competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a business development company or that the Code imposes on us as a RIC. If we are not able to compete effectively, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be adversely affected. As a result of this competition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to identify and take advantage of attractive investment opportunities, or that we will be able to fully invest our available capital.

If we are unable to manage our future growth effectively, we may be unable to achieve our investment objective, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and cause the value of your investment to decline.

Our ability to achieve our investment objective will depend on our ability to sustain growth. Sustaining growth will depend, in turn, on our senior management team’s ability to identify, evaluate, finance and invest in suitable companies that meet our investment criteria. Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of our marketing capabilities, our management of the investment process, our ability to provide efficient services and our access to financing sources on acceptable terms. Organizational growth and scale-up of our investments could strain our existing managerial, investment, financial and other resources. Management of the Company’s growth divert financial resources from other projects. Failure to manage our future growth effectively could lead to a decrease in our future distributions and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Because we intend to distribute substantially all of our income to our stockholders in order to qualify as a RIC, we will continue to need additional capital to finance our growth. If additional funds are unavailable or not available on favorable terms, our ability to grow will be impaired.

In order to satisfy the tax requirements applicable to a RIC and to minimize or avoid being subject to income and excise taxes, we intend to make distributions to our stockholders treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes generally of an amount at least equal to substantially all of our net ordinary income and realized net capital gains except for certain realized net capital gains, which we may retain, pay applicable income taxes with respect thereto and elect to treat as deemed distributions to our stockholders. As a business development company, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total borrowings and other senior securities, which includes all of our borrowings and any preferred stock that we may issue in the future, of at least 200%. This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow. This limitation may prevent us from incurring debt and require us to raise additional equity at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. We cannot assure you that debt and equity financing will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all, and debt financings may be restricted by the terms of any of our outstanding borrowings. If we are unable to incur additional debt, we may be required to raise additional equity at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, shares of closed-end investment companies have recently traded at discounts to their NAV.

This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our NAV per share may decline. We cannot predict whether shares of our common stock will trade above, at or below our NAV. If our common stock trades below its NAV, we generally will not be able to issue additional shares of our common stock at its market price without first obtaining the approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. If additional funds are not available to us, we could be forced to curtail or cease new lending and investment activities, and our NAV could decline. In addition, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Because most of our investments typically are not in publicly-traded securities, there is uncertainty regarding the value of our investments, which could adversely affect the determination of our NAV.

At September 30, 2017, portfolio investments, whose fair value is determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, were approximately 89.5% of our total assets. We expect our investments to continue to consist primarily of securities issued by privately-held companies, the fair value of which is not readily determinable. In addition, we are not permitted to maintain a general reserve for anticipated loan losses. Instead, we are required by the 1940 Act to specifically value each investment and record an unrealized gain or loss for any asset that we believe has increased or decreased in value.

There is no single standard for determining fair value in good faith. We value these securities at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors, based on the recommendations of our Audit Committee. In making a good faith determination of the value of these securities, we generally start with the cost basis of each security, which includes the amortized original issue discount, or OID, and payment-in-kind, or PIK, interest, if any. The Audit Committee uses its best judgment in arriving at the fair value of these securities. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment while applying a valuation process for the types of investments we make, which includes but is not limited to deriving a hypothetical exit price.

However, the Board of Directors retains ultimate authority as to the appropriate valuation of each investment. Because such valuations are inherently uncertain and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would be assessed if a ready market for these securities existed. We adjust quarterly the valuation of our portfolio to reflect the Board of Directors’ determination of the fair value of each investment in our portfolio. Any changes in fair value are recorded in our statement of operations as net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Our NAV 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.

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Because we have substantial indebtedness, there could be increased risk in investing in our company.

Lenders have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of stockholders, and we have granted, and may in the future grant, lenders a security interest in our assets in connection with borrowings. In the case of a liquidation event, those lenders would receive proceeds before our stockholders. In addition, borrowings, also known as leverage, magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increase the risks associated with investing in our securities. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique. If the value of our assets increases, then leverage would cause the NAV attributable to our common stock to increase more than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged. Conversely, if the value of our assets decreases, leverage would cause the NAV attributable to our common stock to decline more than it otherwise would have had we not used leverage. Similarly, any increase in our revenue in excess of interest expense on our borrowed funds would cause our net income to increase more than it would without the leverage. Any decrease in our revenue would cause our net income to decline more than it would have had we not borrowed funds and could negatively affect our ability to make distributions on common stock. Our ability to service any debt that we incur will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. We and, indirectly, our stockholders will bear the cost associated with our leverage activity. If we are not able to service our substantial indebtedness, our business could be harmed materially.

Our secured credit facilities with Wells Fargo Capital Finance LLC (the “Wells Facility”) and MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (the “Union Bank Facility,” and together with the Wells Facility, our “Credit Facilities”), our 2024 Notes, our 2022 Notes, our 2022 Convertible Notes and our 2021 Asset-Backed Notes (as each term is defined below) contain financial and operating covenants that could restrict our business activities, including our ability to declare dividend distributions if we default under certain provisions.

As of September 30, 2017, we had no borrowings outstanding under the Wells Facility and the Union Bank Facility. In addition, as of September 30, 2017, we had approximately $190.2 million of indebtedness outstanding incurred by our SBIC subsidiaries, approximately $258.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”), approximately $230.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.375% convertible notes due 2022 (the “2022 Convertible Notes”) and approximately $65.5 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed rate asset-backed notes issued in November 2014 (the “2021 Asset-Backed Notes”) in connection with our $237.4 million debt securitization (the “2014 Debt Securitization”).

There can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining any additional debt capital on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we are unable to obtain debt capital, then our equity investors will not benefit from the potential for increased returns on equity resulting from leverage to the extent that our investment strategy is successful and we may be limited in our ability to make new commitments or fundings to our portfolio companies.

As a business development company, generally, we are not permitted to incur indebtedness unless immediately after such borrowing we have an asset coverage for total borrowings of at least 200% (i.e., the amount of debt may not exceed 50% of the value of our assets). In addition, we may not be permitted to declare any cash distribution on our outstanding common shares, or purchase any such shares, unless, at the time of such declaration or purchase, we have asset coverage of at least 200% after deducting the amount of such distribution or purchase price. If this ratio declines below 200%, we may not be able to incur additional debt and may need to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt when it is disadvantageous to do so, and we may not be able to make distributions. As of September 30, 2017, our asset coverage ratio under our regulatory requirements as a business development company was 250.4% excluding our SBIC debentures as a result of our exemptive order from the SEC that allows us to exclude all SBA leverage from our asset coverage ratio and was 212.0%when including all SBA leverage.

Based on assumed leverage equal to 89.0% of our net assets as of September 30, 2017, our investment portfolio would have been required to experience an annual return of at least 2.7% to cover annual interest payments on our additional indebtedness.

Illustration. The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various annual returns, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing below:

	Annual Return on Our Portfolio
	(Net of Expenses)
		-10%		-5%		0%		5%		10%
Corresponding return to stockholder ⁽¹⁾		(24.08	%)	(14.61	%)	(5.15	%)	4.32	%	13.78	%

(1)

Assumes $1.6 billion in total assets, $744.2 million in debt outstanding, $836.3 million in stockholders’ equity, and an average cost of funds of 5.8%, which is the approximate average cost of borrowed funds, including our Credit Facilities, 2022 Convertible Notes, 2024 Notes, our SBA debentures and our 2021 Asset-Backed Notes for the period ended September 30, 2017. Actual interest payments may be different.

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It is likely that the terms of any current or future long-term or revolving credit or warehouse facility we may enter into in the future could constrain our ability to grow our business.

Under our borrowings and our Credit Facilities, current lenders have, and any future lender or lenders may have, fixed dollar claims on our assets that are senior to the claims of our stockholders and, thus, will have a preference over our stockholders with respect to our assets pledged as collateral under the Credit Facilities. Our Credit Facilities and borrowings also subject us to various financial and operating covenants, including, but not limited to, maintaining certain financial ratios and minimum tangible net worth amounts. Future credit facilities and borrowings will likely subject us to similar or additional covenants. In addition, we may grant a security interest in our assets in connection with any such credit facilities and borrowings.

Our Credit Facilities generally contain customary default provisions such as a minimum net worth amount, a profitability test, and a restriction on changing our business and loan quality standards. In addition, our Credit Facilities require or are expected to require the repayment of all outstanding debt on the maturity which may disrupt our business and potentially the business of our portfolio companies that are financed through the facilities. An event of default under these facilities would likely result, among other things, in termination of the availability of further funds under the facilities and accelerated maturity dates for all amounts outstanding under the facilities, which would likely disrupt our business and, potentially, the business of the portfolio companies whose loans we finance through the facilities. This could reduce our revenues and, by delaying any cash payment allowed to us under our facilities until the lender has been paid in full, reduce our liquidity and cash flow and impair our ability to grow our business and our ability to make distributions sufficient to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC.

The terms of future available financing may place limits on our financial and operation flexibility. If we are unable to obtain sufficient capital in the future, we may be forced to reduce or discontinue our operations, not be able to make new investments, or otherwise respond to changing business conditions or competitive pressures.

In addition to regulatory requirements that restrict our ability to raise capital, our Credit Facilities and the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes contain various covenants which, if not complied with, could require accelerated repayment under the facility or require us to repurchase the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes thereby materially and adversely affecting our liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions.

The credit agreements governing our Credit Facilities and the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes require us to comply with certain financial and operational covenants. These covenants require us to, among other things, maintain certain financial ratios, including asset coverage, debt to equity and interest coverage. Our ability to continue to comply with these covenants in the future depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control. There are no assurances that we will be able to comply with these covenants. Failure to comply with these covenants would result in a default which, if we were unable to obtain a waiver from the lenders under our Credit Facilities and could accelerate repayment under the facilities or the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes and thereby have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay a sufficient amount of distributions and maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC. We may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time we are required to make repurchases. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition of Results of Operations—Borrowings.”

We may be unable to obtain debt capital on favorable terms or at all, in which case we would not be able to use leverage to increase the return on our investments.

If we are unable to obtain debt capital, then our equity investors will not benefit from the potential for increased returns on equity resulting from leverage to the extent that our investment strategy is successful and we may be limited in our ability to make new commitments or fundings to our portfolio companies. An inability to obtain debt capital may also limit our ability to refinance existing indebtedness, particularly during periods of adverse credit market conditions when refinancing indebtedness may not be available under interest rates and other terms acceptable to us or at all.

We are subject to certain risks as a result of our interests in connection with the 2014 Debt Securitization and our equity interest in the 2014 Securitization Issuer.

On November 13, 2014, in connection with the 2014 Debt Securitization and the offering of the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes by Hercules Capital Funding Trust 2014-1 (the “2014 Securitization Issuer”), we sold and/or contributed to Hercules Capital Funding 2014-1 LLC, as trust depositor (the “2014 Trust Depositor”), certain senior loans made to certain of our portfolio companies (the “2014 Loans”), which the 2014 Trust Depositor in turn sold and/or contributed to the 2014 Securitization Issuer in exchange for 100% of the equity interest in the 2014 Securitization Issuer, cash proceeds and other consideration. Following these transfers, the 2014 Securitization Issuer, and not the 2014 Trust Depositor or us, held all of the ownership interest in the 2014 Loans.

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As a result of the 2014 Debt Securitization, we hold, indirectly through the 2014 Trust Depositor, 100% of the equity interests in the 2014 Securitization Issuer. As a result, we consolidate the financial statements of the 2014 Trust Depositor and the 2014 Securitization Issuer, as well as our other subsidiaries, in our consolidated financial statements. Because the 2014 Trust Depositor and the 2014 Securitization Issuer is disregarded as an entity separate from its owners for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the sale or contribution by us to the 2014 Trust Depositor, and by the 2014 Trust Depositor to the 2014 Securitization Issuer, as applicable, did not constitute a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) were to take a contrary position, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Further, a failure of the 2014 Securitization Issuer to be treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes would constitute an event of default pursuant to the indenture under the 2014 Debt Securitization, upon which the trustee under the 2014 Debt Securitization (the “2014 Trustee”), may and will at the direction of a supermajority of the holders of the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes (the “2021 Noteholders”), declare the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, to be immediately due and payable and exercise remedies under the applicable indenture, including (i) to institute proceedings for the collection of all amounts then payable on the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, or under the applicable indenture, enforce any judgment obtained, and collect from the 2014 Securitization Issuer and any other obligor upon the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes monies adjudged due; (ii) institute proceedings from time to time for the complete or partial foreclosure of the applicable indenture with respect to the property of the 2014 Securitization Issuer; (iii) exercise any remedies as a secured party under the relevant Uniform Commercial Code and take other appropriate action under applicable law to protect and enforce the rights and remedies of the 2014 Trustee and the 2021 Noteholders; or (iv) sell the property of the 2014 Securitization Issuer or any portion thereof or rights or interest therein at one or more public or private sales called and conducted in any matter permitted by law. Any such exercise of remedies could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

An event of default in connection with the 2014 Debt Securitization could give rise to a cross-default under our other material indebtedness.

The documents governing our other material indebtedness contain customary cross-default provisions that could be triggered if an event of default occurs in connection with the 2014 Debt Securitization. An event of default with respect to our other indebtedness could lead to the acceleration of such indebtedness and the exercise of other remedies as provided in the documents governing such other indebtedness. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and may result in our inability to make distributions sufficient to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC.

We may not receive cash distributions in respect of our indirect ownership interests in the 2014 Securitization Issuer.

Apart from fees payable to us in connection with our role as servicer of the 2014 Loans and the reimbursement of related amounts under the documents governing the 2014 Debt Securitization, we receive cash in connection with the 2014 Debt Securitization only to the extent that the 2014 Trust Depositor receives payments in respect of its equity interests in the 2014 Securitization Issuer. The respective holders of the equity interests in the 2014 Securitization Issuer are the residual claimants on distributions, if any, made by the 2014 Securitization Issuer after the respective 2021 Noteholders and other claimants have been paid in full on each payment date or upon maturity of the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, subject to the priority of payments under the 2014 Debt Securitization documents governing the 2014 Debt Securitization. To the extent that the value of a 2014 Securitization Issuer’s portfolio of loans is reduced as a result of conditions in the credit markets (relevant in the event of a liquidation event), other macroeconomic factors, distressed or defaulted loans or the failure of individual portfolio companies to otherwise meet their obligations in respect of the loans, or for any other reason, the ability of the 2014 Securitization Issuer to make cash distributions in respect of the 2014 Trust Depositor’s equity interests would be negatively affected and consequently, the value of the equity interests in the 2014 Securitization Issuer would also be reduced. In the event that we fail to receive cash indirectly from the 2014 Securitization Issuer, we could be unable to make distributions, if at all, in amounts sufficient to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC.

The interests of the 2021 Noteholders may not be aligned with our interests.

The 2021 Asset-Backed Notes are debt obligations ranking senior in right of payment to the rights of the holder of the equity interests in the 2014 Securitization Issuer, as residual claimants in respect of distributions, if any, made by the 2014 Securitization Issuer. As such, there are circumstances in which the interests of the 2021 Noteholders may not be aligned with the interests of holders of the equity interests in the 2014 Securitization Issuer. For example, under the terms of the documents governing the 2014 Debt Securitization, the 2021 Noteholders have the right to receive payments of principal and interest prior to holders of the equity interests.

For as long as the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes remain outstanding, the respective 2021 Noteholders have the right to act in certain circumstances with respect to the 2014 Loans in ways that may benefit their interests but not the interests of the respective holders of the equity interests in the 2014 Securitization Issuer, including by exercising remedies under the documents governing the 2014 Debt Securitization.

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If an event of default occurs, the 2021 Noteholders will be entitled to determine the remedies to be exercised, subject to the terms of the documents governing the 2014 Debt Securitization. For example, upon the occurrence of an event of default with respect to the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, the 2014 Trustee may and will at the direction of the holders of a supermajority of the applicable 2021 Asset-Backed Notes declare the principal, together with any accrued interest, of the notes to be immediately due and payable. This would have the effect of accelerating the principal on such notes, triggering a repayment obligation on the part of the 2014 Securitization Issuer. The 2021 Asset-Backed Notes then outstanding will be paid in full before any further payment or distribution on the equity interest is made. There can be no assurance that there will be sufficient funds through collections on the 2014 Loans or through the proceeds of the sale of the 2014 Loans in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency to repay in full the obligations under the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes, or to make any distribution to holders of the equity interests in the 2014 Securitization Issuer.

Remedies pursued by the 2021 Noteholders could be adverse to our interests as the indirect holder of the equity interests in the 2014 Securitization Issuer. The 2021 Noteholders have no obligation to consider any possible adverse effect on such other interests. Thus, there can be no assurance that any remedies pursued by the 2021 Noteholders will be consistent with the best interests of the 2014 Trust Depositor or that we will receive, indirectly through the 2014 Trust Depositor, any payments or distributions upon an acceleration of the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes. Any failure of the 2014 Securitization Issuer to make distributions in respect of the equity interests that we indirectly hold, whether as a result of an event of default and the acceleration of payments on the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and may result in our inability to make distributions sufficient to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC.

Certain events related to the performance of 2014 Loans could lead to the acceleration of principal payments on the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes.

The following constitute rapid amortization events (“Rapid Amortization Events”) under the documents governing the 2014 Debt Securitization: (i) the aggregate outstanding principal balance of delinquent 2014 Loans, and restructured 2014 Loans that would have been delinquent 2014 Loans had such loans not become restructured loans exceeds 10% of the current aggregate outstanding principal balance of the 2014 Loans for a period of three consecutive months; (ii) the aggregate outstanding principal balance of defaulted 2014 Loans exceeds 5% of the initial outstanding principal balance of the 2014 Loans determined as November 13, 2014 for a period of three consecutive months; (iii) the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes exceeds the borrowing base for a period of three consecutive months; (iv) the 2014 Securitization Issuer’s pool of 2014 Loans contains 2014 Loans to ten or fewer obligors; and (v) the occurrence of an event of default under the documents governing the 2014 Debt Securitization. After a Rapid Amortization Event has occurred, subject to the priority of payments under the documents governing the 2014 Debt Securitization, principal collections on the 2014 Loans will be used to make accelerated payments of principal on the 2021 Asset-Backed Notes until the principal balance of the 2021 Asset-Back Notes is reduced to zero. Such an event could delay, reduce or eliminate the ability of the 2014 Securitization Issuer to make distributions in respect of the equity interests that we indirectly hold, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and may result in our inability to make distributions sufficient to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC.

We have certain repurchase obligations with respect to the 2014 Loans transferred in connection with the 2014 Debt Securitization.

As part of the 2014 Debt Securitization, we entered into a sale and contribution agreement and a sale and servicing agreement under which we would be required to repurchase any 2014 Loan (or participation interest therein) which was sold to the 2014 Securitization Issuer in breach of certain customary representations and warranty made by us or by the 2014 Trust Depositors with respect to such 2014 Loan or the legal structure of the 2014 Debt Securitization. To the extent that there is a breach of such representations and warranties and we fail to satisfy any such repurchase obligation, a 2014 Trustee may, on behalf of the 2014 Securitization Issuer, bring an action against us to enforce these repurchase obligations.

Our investments in a portfolio company, whether debt, equity, or a combination thereof, may lead to our receiving material non-public information (“MNPI”) or obtaining ‘control’ of the target company. Our ability to exit an investment where we have MNPI or control could be limited and could result in a realized loss on the investment.

If we receive MNPI, or a controlling interest in a portfolio company, our ability to divest ourselves from a debt or equity investment could be restricted. Causes of such restriction could include market factors, such as liquidity in a private stock, or limited trading volume in a public company’s securities, or regulatory factors, such as the receipt of MNPI or insider blackout periods, where we are under legal obligation not to sell. Additionally, we may choose not to take certain actions to protect a debt investment in a control investment portfolio company. As a result, we could experience a decrease in the value of our portfolio company holdings and potentially incur a realized loss on the investment.

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Regulations governing our operations as a business development company may affect our ability to, and the manner in which, we raise additional capital, which may expose us to risks.

Our business will require a substantial amount of capital. We may acquire additional capital from the issuance of senior securities, including borrowings, securitization transactions or other indebtedness, or the issuance of additional shares of our common stock. However, we may not be able to raise additional capital in the future on favorable terms or at all. We may issue debt securities, other evidences of indebtedness or preferred stock, and we may borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to collectively as “senior securities,” up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to incur indebtedness unless immediately after such borrowing we have an asset coverage for total borrowings of at least 200% (i.e., the amount of debt may not exceed 50% of the value of our assets). In addition, we may not be permitted to declare any cash distribution on our outstanding common shares, or purchase any such shares, unless, at the time of such declaration or purchase, we have asset coverage of at least 200% after deducting the amount of such distribution or purchase price. Our ability to pay distributions or issue additional senior securities would be restricted if our asset coverage ratio were not at least 200%. Legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 114th Congress proposed to modify this section of the 1940 Act and increase the amount of debt that business development companies may incur by modifying the asset coverage percentage from 200% to 150%. If such legislation is passed, we may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future and, therefore, your risk of an investment in our securities may increase.

If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be required to liquidate a portion of our investments and repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such transaction may be disadvantageous. As a result of issuing senior securities, we would also be exposed to risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss. If we issue preferred stock, the preferred stock would rank “senior” to common stock in our capital structure, preferred stockholders would have separate voting rights and might have rights, preferences, or privileges more favorable than those of our common stockholders and the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in your best interest. It is likely that any senior securities or other indebtedness we issue will be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility. Additionally, some of these securities or other indebtedness may be rated by rating agencies, and in obtaining a rating for such securities and other indebtedness, we may be required to abide by operating and investment guidelines that further restrict operating and financial flexibility.

To the extent that we are constrained in our ability to issue debt or other senior securities, we will depend on issuances of common stock to finance operations. Other than in certain limited situations such as rights offerings, as a business development company, we are generally not able to issue our common stock at a price below NAV without first obtaining required approvals from our stockholders and our independent directors. If we raise additional funds by issuing more common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, then the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time will decrease, and you might experience dilution. Moreover, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to issue and sell additional equity securities in the future, on favorable terms or at all.

When we are a debt or minority equity investor in a portfolio company, we may not be in a position to control the entity, and management of the company may make decisions that could decrease the value of our portfolio holdings.

We make both debt and minority equity investments; therefore, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company may make business decisions with which we disagree, and the stockholders and management of such company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests. As a result, a portfolio company may make decisions that could decrease the value of our portfolio holdings.

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If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could fail to qualify as a business development company or be precluded from investing according to our current business strategy.

As a business development company, we may not acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” as defined under the 1940 Act, unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets. See “Regulation.”

We believe that most of the senior loans we make will constitute qualifying assets. However, we may be precluded from investing in what we believe are attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 1940 Act. If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could lose our status as a business development company, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, a rise in the equity markets may result in increased market valuations of certain of our existing and prospective portfolio companies, which may lead to new investments with such companies being qualified as non-eligible portfolio company assets and would require we invest in qualified assets or risk losing our status as a business development company. Similarly, these rules could prevent us from making follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies (which could result in the dilution of our position) or could require us to dispose of investments at inopportune times in order to comply with the 1940 Act. If we need to dispose of such investments quickly, it would be difficult to dispose of such investments on favorable terms. For example, we may have difficulty in finding a buyer and, even if we do find a buyer, we may have to sell the investments at a substantial loss.

A failure on our part to maintain our qualification as a business development company would significantly reduce our operating flexibility.

If we fail to continuously qualify as a business development company, we might be subject to regulation as a registered closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act, which would significantly decrease our operating flexibility, and lead to situations where we might have to restrict our borrowings, reduce our leverage, sell securities and pursue other activities that we are allowed to engage in as a business development company. In addition, failure to comply with the requirements imposed on business development companies by the 1940 Act could cause the SEC to bring an enforcement action against us. For additional information on the qualification requirements of a business development company, see “Regulation.”

To the extent OID and PIK interest constitute a portion of our income, we will be exposed to risks associated with such income being required to be included in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash representing such income.

Our investments may include OID instruments and contractual PIK interest arrangements, which represents contractual interest added to a loan balance and due at the end of such loan’s term. To the extent OID or PIK interest constitute a portion of our income, we are exposed to risks associated with such income being required to be included in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash, including the following:

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The higher interest rates of OID and PIK instruments reflect the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with these instruments, and OID and PIK instruments generally represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon loans.

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Even if the accounting conditions for income accrual are met, the borrower could still default when our actual collection is supposed to occur at the maturity of the obligation, which could lead to future losses.

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OID and PIK instruments may have unreliable valuations because their continuing accruals require continuing judgments about the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. OID and PIK income may also create uncertainty about the source of our cash distributions.

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For accounting purposes, any cash distributions to stockholders representing OID and PIK income are not treated as coming from paid-in capital, even though the cash to pay them comes from the offering proceeds. As a result, despite the fact that a distribution representing OID and PIK income could be paid out of amounts invested by our stockholders, the 1940 Act does not require that stockholders be given notice of this fact by reporting it as a return of capital.

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The deferral of PIK interest may have a negative impact on our liquidity as it represents non-cash income that may require cash distributions to our stockholders in order to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC.

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If we are unable to satisfy Code requirements for qualification as a RIC, then we will be subject to corporate-level income tax, which would adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We elected to be treated as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the filing of our federal corporate income tax return for 2006. We will not qualify for the tax treatment allowable to RICs if we are unable to comply with the source of income, asset diversification and distribution requirements contained in Subchapter M of the Code, or if we fail to maintain our election to be regulated as a business development company under the 1940 Act. If we fail to qualify as a RIC for any reason and become subject to a corporate-level income tax, the resulting taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution to our stockholders and the actual amount of our distributions. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on us, the NAV of our common stock and the total return, if any, earned from your investment in our common stock.

We may have difficulty paying our required distributions under applicable tax rules if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.

In accordance with U.S. federal tax requirements, we are required to include in income for tax purposes certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as OID and contractual PIK interest arrangements, which represent contractual interest added to a loan balance and due at the end of such loan’s term. In addition to the cash yields received on our loans, in some instances, our loans generally include one or more of the following: exit fees, balloon payment fees, commitment fees, success fees or prepayment fees. In some cases our loans also include contractual PIK interest arrangements. The increases in loan balances as a result of contractual PIK arrangements are included in income for the period in which such PIK interest was accrued, which is often in advance of receiving cash payment, and are separately identified on our statements of cash flows. We also may be required to include in income for tax purposes certain other amounts prior to receiving the related cash.

Any warrants that we receive in connection with our debt investments will generally be valued as part of the negotiation process with the particular portfolio company. As a result, a portion of the aggregate purchase price for the debt investments and warrants will be allocated to the warrants that we receive. This will generally result in OID for tax purposes, which we must recognize as ordinary income, increasing the amount that we are required to distribute in order to be subject to tax as a RIC. Because these warrants generally will not produce distributable cash for us at the same time as we are required to make distributions in respect of the related OID, if ever, we would need to obtain cash from other sources or to pay a portion of our distributions using shares of newly issued common stock, consistent with IRS guidelines and the Code, to satisfy such distribution requirements.

Other features of the debt instruments that we hold may also cause such instruments to generate OID in excess of current cash interest received. Since in certain cases we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the RIC tax requirement to make distributions each taxable year to our stockholders treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes generally of an amount equal to at least 90% of our investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid. Under such circumstances, we may have to sell some of our assets, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce new investment originations to meet these distribution requirements. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources and are otherwise unable to satisfy such distribution requirements, we may fail to qualify to be subject to tax as a RIC and, thus, become subject to a corporate-level income tax on all our taxable income (including any net realized securities gains).

Furthermore, we may invest in the equity securities of non-U.S. corporations (or other non-U.S. entities classified as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that could be treated under the Code and U.S. Treasury regulations as “passive foreign investment companies” (“PFICs”) and/or “controlled foreign corporations” (“CFCs”). The rules relating to investment in these types of non-U.S. entities are designed to ensure that U.S. taxpayers are either, in effect, taxed currently (or on an accelerated basis with respect to corporate level events) or taxed at increased tax rates at distribution or disposition. In certain circumstances, these rules also could require us to recognize taxable income or gains where we do not receive a corresponding payment in cash. Furthermore, under recently proposed Treasury Regulations, certain income derived by us either from a PFIC with respect to which we have made a certain U.S. tax election or from a CFC would generally constitute qualifying income for purposes of determining our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC only to the extent the PFIC or CFC respectively makes distributions of that income to us. As such, we may be restricted in our ability to make QEF elections with respect to our holdings in issuers that could either be treated as PFICs or CFCs in order to limit our tax liability or maximize our after-tax return from these investments.

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Our portfolio investments may present special tax issues.

Investments in below-investment grade debt instruments and certain equity securities may present special tax issues for us. U.S. federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when we may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless debt in equity securities, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and interest income, as well as whether exchanges of debt instruments in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. Such matters could cause us to recognize taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, even in the absence of cash or economic gain, and require us to make taxable distributions to our stockholders to maintain our RIC status or preclude the imposition of either U.S. federal corporate income or excise taxation. Additionally, because such taxable income may not be matched by corresponding cash received by us, we may be required to borrow money or dispose of other investments to be able to make distributions to our stockholders. These and other issues will be considered by us, to the extent determined necessary, in order that we minimize the level of any U.S. federal income or excise tax that we would otherwise incur. See “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company”.

FATCA withholding may apply to payments made to certain foreign entities.

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act provisions of the Code and the related Treasury Regulations and other administrative guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “FATCA”) generally requires us to withhold U.S. tax (at a 30% rate) on payments of interest and taxable dividends as well as, effective January 1, 2019, redemption proceeds and certain capital gain dividends made to a foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity (including such an institution or entity acting as an intermediary) unless the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity complies with certain information reporting, withholding, identification, certification and related requirements imposed by FATCA. Persons located in jurisdictions that have entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the United States to implement FATCA may be subject to different rules. Stockholders may be requested to provide additional information to enable us to determine whether such withholding is required.

Legislative or regulatory tax changes could adversely affect you.

At any time, the U.S. federal income tax laws governing RICs or the administrative interpretations of those laws or regulations may be amended. Any of those new laws, regulations or interpretations may take effect retroactively and could adversely affect the taxation of us or of you as a stockholder. Therefore, changes in tax laws, regulations or administrative interpretations or any amendments thereto could diminish the value of an investment in our shares or the value or the resale potential of our investments.

There is a risk that you may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time.

We intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results, or our business may not perform in a manner that will allow us to make a specified level of distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a business development company, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. Also, our Credit Facilities limit our ability to declare distributions to our stockholders if we default under certain provisions of our Credit Facilities. Furthermore, while we may have undistributed earnings, those earnings may not yield distributions because we may incur unrealized losses or otherwise be unable to distribute such earnings.

We have and may in the future choose to pay distributions in our own stock, in which case you may be required to pay tax in excess of the cash you receive.

Under applicable Treasury regulations and other general guidelines issued by the IRS, RICs are permitted to treat certain distributions payable in their stock, as taxable dividends that will satisfy their annual distribution obligations for U.S. federal income tax and excise tax purposes provided that stockholders have the opportunity to elect to receive all or a portion of such distribution in cash. Taxable stockholders receiving distributions will be required to include the full amount of such distributions as ordinary income (or as long-term capital gain to the extent such distribution is properly designated as a capital gain dividend) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. stockholder may be required to pay tax with respect to such distributions in excess of any cash received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock it receives as a distribution in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the distribution, depending on the market price of our stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax with respect to such distributions, including in respect of all or a portion of such distribution that is payable in stock. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our stock in order to pay taxes owed on such distributions, then such sales may put downward pressure on the trading price of our stock. We may in the future determine to distribute taxable distributions that are partially payable in our common stock.

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We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates, including fluctuations in interest rates which could adversely affect our profitability or the value of our portfolio

General interest rate fluctuations may have a substantial negative impact on our investments and investment opportunities, and, accordingly, may have a material adverse effect on our investment objective and rate of return on investment capital. A portion of our income will depend upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the interest rate on the debt securities in which we invest. Because we will borrow money to make investments and may issue debt securities, preferred stock or other securities, our net investment income is dependent upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds or pay interest or dividends on such debt securities, preferred stock or other securities and the rate at which we invest these funds. Typically, we anticipate that our interest-earning investments will accrue and pay interest at both variable and fixed rates, and that our interest-bearing liabilities will generally accrue interest at fixed rates.

A significant increase in market interest rates could harm our ability to attract new portfolio companies and originate new loans and investments. In addition to potentially increasing the cost of our debt, increasing interest rates may also have a negative impact on our portfolio companies’ ability to repay or service their loans, which could enhance the risk of loan defaults. We expect that most of our current initial investments in debt securities will be at floating rate with a floor. However, in the event that we make investments in debt securities at variable rates, a significant increase in market interest rates could also result in an increase in our non-performing assets and a decrease in the value of our portfolio because our floating-rate loan portfolio companies may be unable to meet higher payment obligations. As of September 30, 2017, approximately 96.7% of our loans were at floating rates or floating rates with a floor and 3.3% of the loans were at fixed rates.

In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, resulting in a decrease in our net investment income. In addition, a decrease in interest rates may reduce net income, because new investments may be made at lower rates despite the increased demand for our capital that the decrease in interest rates may produce. We may, but will not be required to, hedge against the risk of adverse movement in interest rates in our short-term and long-term borrowings relative to our portfolio of assets. If we engage in hedging activities, it may limit our ability to participate in the benefits of lower interest rates with respect to the hedged portfolio. Adverse developments resulting from changes in interest rates or hedging transactions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions.

If we engage in hedging transactions, we may expose ourselves to risks associated with such transactions. We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions should increase. It may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and there can be no assurance that any such hedging arrangements will achieve the desired effect. During nine months ended September 30, 2017, we did not engage in any hedging activities.

Legislation may allow us to incur additional leverage.

As a business development company, under the 1940 Act generally we are not permitted to incur indebtedness unless immediately after such borrowing we have an asset coverage for total borrowings of at least 200% (i.e., the amount of debt may not exceed 50% of the value of our assets). If recent legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives is passed, or similar legislation is introduced, it would modify this section of the 1940 Act and increase the amount of debt that business development companies may incur. As a result, we may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future and therefore your risk of an investment in us may increase. However, the ultimate form and likely outcome of such legislation or any similar legislation cannot be predicted.

Two of our wholly-owned subsidiaries are licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and as a result, we will be subject to SBA regulations, which could limit our capital or investment decisions.

Our wholly-owned subsidiaries HT II and HT III are licensed to act as SBICs and are regulated by the SBA. HT II and HT III hold approximately $107.9 million and $279.9 million in assets, respectively, and they accounted for approximately 5.4% and 13.9% of our total assets, respectively, prior to consolidation at September 30, 2017. The SBIC licenses allow our SBIC subsidiaries to obtain leverage by issuing SBA-guaranteed debentures, subject to the issuance of a capital commitment by the SBA and other customary procedures.

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The SBA regulations require that a licensed SBIC be periodically examined and audited by the SBA to determine its compliance with the relevant SBA regulations. The SBA prohibits, without prior SBA approval, a “change of control” of an SBIC or transfers that would result in any person (or a group of persons acting in concert) owning 10.0% or more of a class of capital stock of a licensed SBIC. If either HT II or HT III fail to comply with applicable SBA regulations, the SBA could, depending on the severity of the violation, limit or prohibit HT II’s or HT III’s use of debentures, declare outstanding debentures immediately due and payable, and/ or limit HT II or HT III from making new investments. Such actions by the SBA would, in turn, negatively affect us because HT II and HT III are our wholly owned subsidiaries.

HT II and HT III were in compliance with the terms of the SBIC’s leverage as of September 30, 2017 as a result of having sufficient capital as defined under the SBA regulations. Compliance with SBA requirements may cause HT II and HT III to forego attractive investment opportunities that are not permitted under SBA regulations. See “Regulation—Small Business Administration Regulations.”

SBA regulations limit the outstanding dollar amount of SBA guaranteed debentures that may be issued by an SBIC or group of SBICs under common control.

The SBA regulations currently limit the dollar amount of SBA-guaranteed debentures that can be issued by any one SBIC to $150.0 million or to a group of SBICs under common control to $350.0 million.

An SBIC may not borrow an amount in excess of two times (and in certain cases, up to three times) its regulatory capital. As of September 30, 2017, we have issued $190.2 million in SBA-guaranteed debentures in our SBIC subsidiaries, which is the maximum combined capacity for our SBIC subsidiaries under our existing licenses. During times that we reach the maximum dollar amount of SBA-guaranteed debentures permitted, and if we require additional capital, our cost of capital is likely to increase, and there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms.

Moreover, the current status of our SBIC subsidiaries as SBICs does not automatically assure that our SBIC subsidiaries will continue to receive SBA-guaranteed debenture funding. Receipt of SBA leverage funding is dependent upon our SBIC subsidiaries continuing to be in compliance with SBA regulations and policies and available SBA funding. The amount of SBA leverage funding available to SBICs is dependent upon annual Congressional authorizations and in the future may be subject to annual Congressional appropriations. There can be no assurance that there will be sufficient debenture funding available at the times desired by our SBIC subsidiaries.

The debentures guaranteed by the SBA have a maturity of ten years and require semi-annual payments of interest. Our SBIC subsidiaries will need to generate sufficient cash flow to make required interest payments on the debentures. If our SBIC subsidiaries are unable to meet their financial obligations under the debentures, the SBA, as a creditor, will have a superior claim to our SBIC subsidiaries’ assets over our stockholders in the event we liquidate our SBIC subsidiaries or the SBA exercises its remedies under such debentures as the result of a default by us.

Our wholly-owned SBIC subsidiaries may be unable to make distributions to us that will enable us to maintain RIC status, which could result in the imposition of an entity-level tax.

In order for us to continue to qualify for RIC tax treatment and to minimize corporate-level taxes, we will be required to distribute substantially all of our investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid, and net capital gains, including income from certain of our subsidiaries, which includes the income from our SBIC subsidiaries. We will be partially dependent on our SBIC subsidiaries for cash distributions to enable us to meet the RIC distribution requirements. Our SBIC subsidiaries may be limited by the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended, and SBA regulations governing SBICs, from making certain distributions to us that may be necessary to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC. We may have to request a waiver of the SBA’s restrictions for our SBIC subsidiaries to make certain distributions to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC. We cannot assure you that the SBA will grant such waiver. If our SBIC subsidiaries are unable to obtain a waiver, compliance with the SBA regulations may result in loss of RIC tax treatment and a consequent imposition of an entity-level tax on us.

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If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, stockholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our common stock.

Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us conducted in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm (when undertaken, as noted below), may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retroactive changes to our consolidated financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors and lenders to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock.

Our Board of Directors may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse.

Our Board of Directors has the authority, except as otherwise provided in the 1940 Act, to modify or waive certain of our operating policies and strategies without prior notice and without stockholder approval. However, absent stockholder approval, we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a business development company. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies and strategies would have on our business, operating results and the market price of our common stock. Nevertheless, any such changes could materially and adversely affect our business and impair our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Changes in laws or regulations governing our business could negatively affect the profitability of our operations.

Changes in the laws or regulations, or the interpretations of the laws and regulations, which govern business development companies, SBICs, RICs or non-depository commercial lenders could significantly affect our operations and our cost of doing business. We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations, in addition to applicable foreign and international laws and regulations, and are subject to judicial and administrative decisions that affect our operations, including our loan originations maximum interest rates, fees and other charges, disclosures to portfolio companies, the terms of secured transactions, collection and foreclosure procedures, and other trade practices. If these laws, regulations or decisions change, or if we expand our business into jurisdictions that have adopted more stringent requirements than those in which we currently conduct business, then we may have to incur significant expenses in order to comply or we may have to restrict our operations. In addition, if we do not comply with applicable laws, regulations and decisions, then we may lose licenses needed for the conduct of our business and be subject to civil fines and criminal penalties, any of which could have a material adverse effect upon our business results of operations or financial condition.

Our business is subject to increasingly complex corporate governance, public disclosure and accounting requirements that could adversely affect our business and financial results.

We are subject to changing rules and regulations of federal and state government as well as the stock exchange on which our common stock is listed. These entities, including the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the SEC and the NYSE have issued a significant number of new and increasingly complex requirements and regulations over the course of the last several years and continue to develop additional regulations and requirements in response to laws enacted by Congress. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Protection Act, as amended, or the Dodd-Frank Act, contains significant corporate governance and executive compensation-related provisions, and the SEC has adopted, and will continue to adopt, additional rules and regulations that may impact us. Our efforts to comply with these requirements have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, an increase in expenses and a diversion of management’s time from other business activities.

In addition, our failure to maintain compliance with such rules, or for our management to appropriately address issues relating to our compliance with such rules fully and in a timely manner, exposes us to an increasing risk of inadvertent non-compliance. While the Company’s management team takes reasonable efforts to ensure that the Company is in full compliance with all laws applicable to its operations, the increasing rate and extent of regulatory change increases the risk of a failure to comply, which may result in our ability to operate our business in the ordinary course or may subject us to potential fines, regulatory findings or other matters that may materially impact our business.

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Many of the requirements called for in the Dodd-Frank Act are expected to be implemented over time, most of which will likely be subject to implementing regulations over the course of several years. However, the new presidential administration has announced its intention to repeal, amend, or replace certain portions of the Dodd-Frank Act and the regulations implemented thereunder. Given the uncertainty associated with the manner in which and whether the provisions of the Dodd‑Frank Act will be implemented, repealed, amended or replaced, the full impact such requirements will have on our business, results of operations or financial condition is unclear. The changes resulting from the Dodd‑Frank Act or any changes to the regulations already implemented thereunder may require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes in order to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with any such laws, regulations or principles, or changes thereto, may negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. While we cannot predict what effect any changes in the laws or regulations or their interpretations would have on our business as a result of recent financial reform legislation, these changes could be materially adverse to us and our stockholders.

We incur significant costs as a result of being a publicly traded company.

As a publicly traded company, we incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other rules implemented by the SEC.

Results may fluctuate and may not be indicative of future performance.

Our operating results may fluctuate and, therefore, you should not rely on current or historical period results to be indicative of our performance in future reporting periods. Factors that could cause operating results to fluctuate include, but are not limited to, variations in the investment origination volume and fee income earned, changes in the accrual status of our debt investments, variations in timing of prepayments, variations in and the timing of the recognition of net realized gains or losses and changes in unrealized appreciation or depreciation, the level of our expenses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets, and general economic conditions.

We face cyber-security risks and the failure in cyber security systems, as well as the occurrence of events unanticipated in our disaster recovery systems and management continuity planning could impair our ability to conduct business effectively.

Our business operations rely upon secure information technology systems for data processing, storage and reporting. Despite careful security and controls design, implementation and updating, our information technology systems could become subject to cyber-attacks. Network, system, application and data breaches could result in operational disruptions or information misappropriation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The occurrence of a disaster such as a cyber-attack, a natural catastrophe, an industrial accident, a terrorist attack or war, events unanticipated in our disaster recovery systems, or a support failure from external providers, could have an adverse effect on our ability to conduct business and on our results of operations and financial condition, particularly if those events affect our computer-based data processing, transmission, storage, and retrieval systems or destroy data. If a significant number of our managers were unavailable in the event of a disaster, our ability to effectively conduct our business could be severely compromised.

We depend heavily upon computer systems to perform necessary business functions. Despite our implementation of a variety of security measures, our computer systems could be subject to cyber-attacks and unauthorized access, such as physical and electronic break-ins or unauthorized tampering. Like other companies, we may experience threats to our data and systems, including malware and computer virus attacks, unauthorized access, system failures and disruptions. If one or more of these events occurs, it could potentially jeopardize the confidential, proprietary and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations, which could result in damage to our reputation, financial losses, litigation, increased costs, regulatory penalties and/or customer dissatisfaction or loss.

Terrorist attacks, acts of war or natural disasters may affect any market for our securities, impact the businesses in which we invest and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Terrorist acts, acts of war or natural disasters may disrupt our operations, as well as the operations of the businesses in which we invest. Such acts have created, and continue to create, economic and political uncertainties and have contributed to global economic instability. Future terrorist activities, military or security operations, or natural disasters could further weaken the domestic/global economies and create additional uncertainties, which may negatively impact the businesses in which we invest directly or indirectly and, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Losses from terrorist attacks and natural disasters are generally uninsurable.

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We are dependent on information systems and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to pay distributions.

Our business is dependent on our and third parties’ communications and information systems. Any failure or interruption of those systems, including as a result of the termination of an agreement with any third-party service providers, could cause delays or other problems in our activities. Our financial, accounting, data processing, backup or other operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control and adversely affect our business.

There could be:

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sudden electrical or telecommunication outages;

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natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes;

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disease pandemics;

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events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts; and

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cyber-attacks.

These events, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

We may be subject to restrictions on our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Restrictions imposed on the declaration of dividends or other distributions to holders of our common stock, by both the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies, might impair our ability to make the required distributions to our stockholders in order to be subject to tax as a RIC. While we intend to prepay our Notes and other debt to the extent necessary to enable us to distribute our income as required to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC, there can be no assurance that such actions can be effected in time or in a manner to satisfy the requirements set forth in the Code.

Further downgrades of the U.S. credit rating, automatic spending cuts or another government shutdown could negatively impact our liquidity, financial condition and earnings.

Recent U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns, or a recession in the U.S. Although U.S. lawmakers passed legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling on multiple occasions, ratings agencies have lowered or threatened to lower the long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States. The impact of this or any further downgrades to the U.S. government’s sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. These developments could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms. In addition, disagreement over the federal budget has caused the U.S. federal government to shut down for periods of time. Continued adverse political and economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Risks Related to Current Economic and Market Conditions

Capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability and we cannot predict when these conditions will occur. Such market conditions could materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets in the United States and abroad, which could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The global capital markets have experienced a period of disruption as evidenced by a lack of liquidity in the debt capital markets, write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk and the failure of certain major financial institutions. While the capital markets have improved, these conditions could deteriorate again in the future. During such market disruptions, we may have difficulty raising debt or equity capital, especially as a result of regulatory constraints.

Market conditions may in the future make it difficult to extend the maturity of or refinance our existing indebtedness and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business. The illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if required. As a result, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded our investments. In addition, significant changes in the capital markets, including the disruption and volatility, have had, and may in the future have, a negative effect on the valuations of our investments and on the potential for liquidity events involving our investments. An inability to raise capital, and any required sale of our investments for liquidity purposes, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Various social and political tensions in the United States and around the world, including in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Russia, may continue to contribute to increased market volatility, may have long-term effects on the United States and worldwide financial markets, and may cause further economic uncertainties or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. Several European Union (“EU”) countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, continue to face budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is also continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among European Economic and Monetary Union member countries. In July and August 2015, Greece reached agreements with its creditors for bailouts that provide aid in exchange for certain austerity measures. These and similar austerity measures may adversely affect world economic conditions and have an impact on our business and that of our portfolio companies. In the second quarter of 2015, stock prices in China experienced a significant drop, resulting primarily from continued sell-off of trading in Chinese markets. In August 2015, Chinese authorities sharply devalued China’s currency.

The broader fundamentals of the United States economy remain mixed. In the event that the United States economy contracts, it is likely that the financial results of small to mid-sized companies, like many of our portfolio companies, could experience deterioration or limited growth from current levels, which could ultimately lead to difficulty in meeting their debt service requirements and an increase in defaults. In addition, a prolonged continuation of the decline in oil and natural gas prices experienced over the last two years would adversely affect the credit quality of our debt investments and the underlying operating performance of our equity investments in energy-related businesses. Consequently, we can provide no assurance that the performance of certain portfolio companies will not be negatively impacted by economic cycles, industry cycles or other conditions, which could also have a negative impact on our future results.

The government of the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) held an in-or-out referendum on the U.K.’s membership in the EU on June 23, 2016. The referendum resulted in a vote in favor of the exit of the U.K. from the EU (“Brexit”). A process of negotiation will follow that will determine the future terms of the U.K.’s relationship with the EU. The uncertainty in the wake of the referendum could have a negative impact on both the U.K. economy and the economies of other countries in Europe. The Brexit process also may lead to greater volatility in the global currency and financial markets, which could adversely affect us. In connection with investments in non-U.S. issuers, we may engage in foreign currency exchange transactions but is not required to hedge its currency exposure. As such, we make investments that are denominated in British pound sterling or euros. Our assets are generally valued in U.S. dollars, and the depreciation of the British pound sterling and/or the euro in relation to the U.S. dollar in anticipation of Brexit would adversely affect our investments denominated in British pound sterling or euros that are not fully hedged regardless of the performance of their underlying issuers. Global central banks may maintain historically low interest rates longer than was anticipated prior to the Brexit vote, which could adversely affect our income and the level of our distributions.

These market and economic disruptions affect, and these and other similar market and economic disruptions may in the future affect, the U.S. capital markets, which could adversely affect our business and that of our portfolio companies. We cannot predict the duration of the effects related to these or similar events in the future on the United States economy and securities markets or on our investments. We monitor developments and seek to manage our investments in a manner consistent with achieving our investment objective, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in doing so.

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Depending on funding requirements, we may need to raise additional capital to meet our unfunded commitments either through equity offerings or through additional borrowings.

As of September 30, 2017, we had approximately $46.3 million of unfunded commitments, including undrawn revolving facilities, which were available at the request of the portfolio company and unencumbered by milestones.

Our unfunded contractual commitments may be significant from time to time. A portion of these unfunded contractual commitments are dependent upon the portfolio company reaching certain milestones before the debt commitment becomes available. Furthermore, our credit agreements contain customary lending provisions which allow us relief from funding obligations for previously made commitments in instances where the underlying company experiences materially adverse events that affect the financial condition or business outlook for the company. These commitments will be subject to the same underwriting and ongoing portfolio maintenance as are the on-balance sheet financial instruments that we hold. Since these commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Closed commitments generally fund 70-80% of the committed amount in aggregate over the life of the commitment. We believe that our assets provide adequate cover to satisfy all of our unfunded comments and we intend to use cash flow from normal and early principal repayments and proceeds from borrowings and notes to fund these commitments. However, there can be no assurance that we will have sufficient capital available to fund these commitments as they come due.

Our ability to secure additional financing and satisfy our financial obligations under indebtedness outstanding from time to time will depend upon our future operating performance, which is subject to the prevailing general economic and credit market conditions, including interest rate levels and the availability of credit generally, and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The prolonged continuation or worsening of current economic and capital market conditions could have a material adverse effect on our ability to secure financing on favorable terms, if at all.

Changes relating to the LIBOR calculation process may adversely affect the value of our portfolio of the LIBOR-indexed, floating-rate debt securities.

In the recent past, concerns have been publicized that some of the member banks surveyed by the British Bankers’ Association (“BBA”) in connection with the calculation of the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, across a range of maturities and currencies may have been under-reporting or otherwise manipulating the inter-bank lending rate applicable to them in order to profit on their derivatives positions or to avoid an appearance of capital insufficiency or adverse reputational or other consequences that may have resulted from reporting inter-bank lending rates higher than those they actually submitted. A number of BBA member banks entered into settlements with their regulators and law enforcement agencies with respect to alleged manipulation of LIBOR, and investigations by regulators and governmental authorities in various jurisdictions are ongoing.

Actions by the BBA, regulators or law enforcement agencies as a result of these or future events, may result in changes to the manner in which LIBOR is determined. Potential changes, or uncertainty related to such potential changes may adversely affect the market for LIBOR-based securities, including our portfolio of LIBOR-indexed, floating-rate debt securities. In addition, any further changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR, which could have an adverse impact on the market for LIBOR-based securities or the value of our portfolio of LIBOR-indexed, floating-rate debt securities.

Risks Related to Our Investments

Our investments are concentrated in certain industries and in a number of technology-related companies, which subjects us to the risk of significant loss if any of these companies default on their obligations under any of their debt securities that we hold, or if any of the technology-related industry sectors experience a downturn.

We have invested and intend to continue investing in a limited number of technology-related companies and, we have recently seen an increase in the number of investments representing approximately 5% or more of our net asset value. A consequence of this limited number of investments is that the aggregate returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of any one investment. Beyond the asset diversification requirements to which we are subject as a business development company and a RIC, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification or limitations on the size of our investments in any one portfolio company and our investments could be concentrated in relatively few issuers. In addition, we have invested in and intend to continue investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the value of our total assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in technology-related companies.

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As a result, a downturn in technology-related industry sectors and particularly those in which we are heavily concentrated could materially adversely affect our financial condition.

We are a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and therefore we generally are not limited with respect to the proportion of our assets that may be invested in securities of a single issuer.

We are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, which means that we are not limited by the 1940 Act with respect to the proportion of our assets that we may invest in securities of a single issuer, excluding limitations on investments in other investment companies. To the extent that we assume large positions in the securities of a small number of issuers, our NAV may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified investment company as a result of changes in the financial condition or the market’s assessment of the issuer. We may also be more susceptible to any single economic or regulatory occurrence than a diversified investment company. Beyond the asset diversification requirements to which we are subject as a business development company and a RIC, we do not have fixed guidelines for portfolio diversification, and our investments could be concentrated in relatively few portfolio companies or industries.

Our financial results could be negatively affected if a significant portfolio investment fails to perform as expected.

Our total investment in companies may be significant individually or in the aggregate. As a result, if a significant investment in one or more companies fails to perform as expected, our financial results could be more negatively affected and the magnitude of the loss could be more significant than if we had made smaller investments in more companies. The following table shows the fair value of the totals of investments held in portfolio companies at September 30, 2017 that represent greater than 5% of our net assets:

	September 30, 2017
(in thousands)	Fair Value		Percentage of Net Assets
Machine Zone, Inc.	$	110,408		13.2	%
Insmed, Incorporated		57,506		6.9	%
Axovant Sciences Ltd.		54,117		6.5	%
Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (p.k.a. Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.)		52,353		6.3	%
Fuze, Inc.		50,260		6.0	%
Emma, Inc.		48,500		5.8	%
Proterra, Inc.		42,432		5.1	%
Snagajob.com, Inc.		42,090		5.0	%

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Machine Zone, Inc. is a technology company that is best known for building mobile Massively Multiplayer Online games with a focus on community-based gameplay.

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Insmed, Incorporated is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the development of inhaled pharmaceuticals for the site-specific treatment of serious lung diseases.

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Axovant Sciences Ltd. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on acquiring, developing and commercializing novel therapeutics for the treatment of dementia.

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Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies based upon its expertise in novel tetracycline chemistry.

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Fuze, Inc. is a technology company that provides a cloud-based unified communications-as-a-service platform to server message block, mid-market, and small enterprise customers worldwide.

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Emma, Inc. is a technology company that offers software to enable organizations to create, send and track email marketing campaigns and online surveys.

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Proterra, Inc. designs and manufactures zero-emission vehicles that enable bus fleet operators to eliminate the dependency on fossil fuels and significantly reduce operating costs.

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Snagajob.com, Inc. is a technology company that offers an array of services designed to simplify the hourly job recruiting process for both job seekers and employers.

Our financial results could be materially adversely affected if these portfolio companies or any of our other significant portfolio companies encounter financial difficulty and fail to repay their obligations or to perform as expected.

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Our investments may be in portfolio companies that have limited operating histories and resources.

We expect that our portfolio will continue to consist of investments that may have relatively limited operating histories. These companies may be particularly vulnerable to U.S. and foreign economic downturns may have more limited access to capital and higher funding costs, may have a weaker financial position and may need more capital to expand or compete. These businesses also may experience substantial variations in operating results. They may face intense competition, including from larger, more established companies with greater financial, technical and marketing resources. Furthermore, some of these companies do business in regulated industries and could be affected by changes in government regulation applicable to their given industry. Accordingly, these factors could impair their cash flow or result in other events, such as bankruptcy, which could limit their ability to repay their obligations to us, and may adversely affect the return on, or the recovery of, our investment in these companies. We cannot assure you that any of our investments in our portfolio companies will be successful. We may lose our entire investment in any or all of our portfolio companies.

Investing in publicly traded companies can involve a high degree of risk and can be speculative.

We have invested, and expect to continue to invest, a portion of our portfolio in publicly traded companies or companies that are in the process of completing their initial public offering (“IPO”). As publicly traded companies, the securities of these companies may not trade at high volumes, and prices can be volatile, particularly during times of general market volatility, which may restrict our ability to sell our positions and may have a material adverse impact on us.

Our ability to invest in public companies may be limited in certain circumstances.

To maintain our status as a business development company, we are not permitted to acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” specified in the 1940 Act unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets (with certain limited exceptions). Subject to certain exceptions for follow-on investments and distressed companies, an investment in an issuer that has outstanding securities listed on a national securities exchange may be treated as a qualifying asset only if such issuer has a market capitalization that is less than $250 million at the time of such investment and meets the other specified requirements.

Our investment strategy focuses on technology-related companies, which are subject to many risks, including volatility, intense competition, shortened product life cycles, changes in regulatory and governmental programs and periodic downturns, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

We have invested and will continue investing primarily in technology-related companies, many of which may have narrow product lines and small market shares, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as to general economic downturns. The revenues, income (or losses), and valuations of technology-related companies can and often do fluctuate suddenly and dramatically. In addition, technology-related industries are generally characterized by abrupt business cycles and intense competition. Overcapacity in technology-related industries, together with cyclical economic downturns, may result in substantial decreases in the market capitalization of many technology-related companies. Such decreases in market capitalization may occur again, and any future decreases in technology-related company valuations may be substantial and may not be temporary in nature. Therefore, our portfolio companies may face considerably more risk of loss than do companies in other industry sectors.

Because of rapid technological change, the average selling prices of products and some services provided by technology-related companies have historically decreased over their productive lives. As a result, the average selling prices of products and services offered by technology-related companies may decrease over time, which could adversely affect their operating results, their ability to meet obligations under their debt securities and the value of their equity securities. This could, in turn, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our investments in sustainable and renewable technology companies are subject to substantial operational risks, such as underestimated cost projections, unanticipated operation and maintenance expenses, loss of government subsidies, and inability to deliver cost-effective alternative energy solutions compared to traditional energy products. In addition, sustainable and renewable technology companies employ a variety of means of increasing cash flow, including increasing utilization of existing facilities, expanding operations through new construction or acquisitions, or securing additional long-term contracts. Thus, some energy companies may be subject to construction risk, acquisition risk or other risks arising from their specific business strategies. Furthermore, production levels for solar, wind and other renewable energies may be dependent upon adequate sunlight, wind, or biogas production, which can vary from market to market and period to period, resulting in volatility in production levels and profitability. Demand for sustainable and renewable technology is also influenced by the available supply and prices for other energy products, such as coal, oil and natural gases. A change in prices in these energy products could reduce demand for alternative energy.

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A natural disaster may also impact the operations of our portfolio companies, including our technology-related portfolio companies. The nature and level of natural disasters cannot be predicted and may be exacerbated by global climate change. A portion of our technology-related portfolio companies rely on items assembled or produced in areas susceptible to natural disasters, and may sell finished goods into markets susceptible to natural disasters. A major disaster, such as an earthquake, tsunami, flood or other catastrophic event could result in disruption to the business and operations of our technology-related portfolio companies.

We will invest in technology-related companies that are reliant on U.S. and foreign regulatory and governmental programs. Any material changes or discontinuation, due to change in administration or U.S. Congress or otherwise could have a material adverse effect on the operations of a portfolio company in these industries and, in turn, impair our ability to timely collect principal and interest payments owed to us to the extent applicable.

We have invested in and may continue investing in technology-related companies that do not have venture capital or private equity firms as equity investors, and these companies may entail a higher risk of loss than do companies with institutional equity investors, which could increase the risk of loss of your investment.

Our portfolio companies will often require substantial additional equity financing to satisfy their continuing working capital and other cash requirements and, in most instances, to service the interest and principal payments on our investment. Portfolio companies that do not have venture capital or private equity investors may be unable to raise any additional capital to satisfy their obligations or to raise sufficient additional capital to reach the next stage of development. Portfolio companies that do not have venture capital or private equity investors may be less financially sophisticated and may not have access to independent members to serve on their boards, which means that they may be less successful than portfolio companies sponsored by venture capital or private equity firms. Accordingly, financing these types of companies may entail a higher risk of loss than would financing companies that are sponsored by venture capital or private equity firms.

Sustainable and renewable technology companies are subject to extensive government regulation and certain other risks particular to the sectors in which they operate and our business and growth strategy could be adversely affected if government regulations, priorities and resources impacting such sectors change or if our portfolio companies fail to comply with such regulations.

As part of our investment strategy, we plan to invest in portfolio companies in sustainable and renewable technology sectors that may be subject to extensive regulation by foreign, U.S. federal, state and/or local agencies. Changes in existing laws, rules or regulations, or judicial or administrative interpretations thereof, or new laws, rules or regulations could have an adverse impact on the business and industries of our portfolio companies. In addition, changes in government priorities or limitations on government resources could also adversely impact our portfolio companies. We are unable to predict whether any such changes in laws, rules or regulations will occur and, if they do occur, the impact of these changes on our portfolio companies and our investment returns. Furthermore, if any of our portfolio companies fail to comply with applicable regulations, they could be subject to significant penalties and claims that could materially and adversely affect their operations, which would also impact our ability to realize value since our exit from the investment may be subject to the portfolio company obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals. Our portfolio companies may be subject to the expense, delay and uncertainty of the regulatory approval process for their products and, even if approved, these products may not be accepted in the marketplace.

In addition, there is considerable uncertainty about whether foreign, U.S., state and/or local governmental entities will enact or maintain legislation or regulatory programs that mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions or provide incentives for sustainable and renewable technology companies. Without such regulatory policies, investments in sustainable and renewable technology companies may not be economical and financing for sustainable and renewable technology companies may become unavailable, which could materially adversely affect the ability of our portfolio companies to repay the debt they owe to us. Any of these factors could materially and adversely affect the operations and financial condition of a portfolio company and, in turn, the ability of the portfolio company to repay the debt they owe to us.

Cyclicality within the energy sector may adversely affect some of our portfolio companies.

Industries within the energy sector are cyclical with fluctuations in commodity prices and demand for, and production of commodities driven by a variety of factors. The highly cyclical nature of the industries within the energy sector may lead to volatile changes in commodity prices, which may adversely affect the earnings of energy companies in which we may invest and the performance and valuation of our portfolio.

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Continuation of the decline in oil and natural gas prices for a prolonged period of time could have a material adverse effect on us.

A prolonged continuation of the decline in oil and natural gas prices would adversely affect (i) the credit quality of our debt investments in certain of our portfolio companies and (ii) the underlying operating performance of our portfolio companies’ business that are heavily dependent upon the prices of, and demand for, oil and natural gas. A decrease in credit quality and the operating performance would, in turn, negatively affect the fair value of these investments, which would consequently negatively affect our net asset value. Should the decline in oil and natural gas prices experienced over the last two years persist, it is likely that the ability of these portfolio companies to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders will be adversely affected, thereby negatively impacting their financial condition and their ability to satisfy their debt service and other obligations to us. Likewise, should the decline in oil and natural gas prices persist, it is likely that our energy-related portfolio companies’ and other affected companies’ cash flow and profit generating capacities would also be adversely affected thereby negatively impacting their ability to pay us dividends or distributions on our equity investments.

Our investments in the life sciences industry are subject to extensive government regulation, litigation risk and certain other risks particular to that industry.

We have invested and plan to continue investing in companies in the life sciences industry that are subject to extensive regulation by the Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA, and to a lesser extent, other federal, state and other foreign agencies. If any of these portfolio companies fail to comply with applicable regulations, they could be subject to significant penalties and claims that could materially and adversely affect their operations. Portfolio companies that produce medical devices or drugs are subject to the expense, delay and uncertainty of the regulatory approval process for their products and, even if approved, these products may not be accepted in the marketplace. In addition, governmental budgetary constraints effecting the regulatory approval process, new laws, regulations or judicial interpretations of existing laws and regulations might adversely affect a portfolio company in this industry. Portfolio companies in the life sciences industry may also have a limited number of suppliers of necessary components or a limited number of manufacturers for their products, and therefore face a risk of disruption to their manufacturing process if they are unable to find alternative suppliers when needed. Any of these factors could materially and adversely affect the operations of a portfolio company in this industry and, in turn, impair our ability to timely collect principal and interest payments owed to us.

Our investments in the drug discovery industry are subject to numerous risks, including competition, extensive government regulation, product liability and commercial difficulties.

Our investments in the drug discovery industry are subject to numerous risks. The successful and timely implementation of the business model of our drug discovery portfolio companies depends on their ability to adapt to changing technologies and introduce new products. As competitors continue to introduce competitive products, the development and acquisition of innovative products and technologies that improve efficacy, safety, patient’s and clinician’s ease of use and cost-effectiveness are important to the success of such portfolio companies. The success of new product offerings will depend on many factors, including the ability to properly anticipate and satisfy customer needs, obtain regulatory approvals on a timely basis, develop and manufacture products in an economic and timely manner, obtain or maintain advantageous positions with respect to intellectual property, and differentiate products from those of competitors. Failure by our portfolio companies to introduce planned products or other new products or to introduce products on schedule could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Further, the development of products by drug discovery companies requires significant research and development, clinical trials and regulatory approvals. The results of product development efforts may be affected by a number of factors, including the ability to innovate, develop and manufacture new products, complete clinical trials, obtain regulatory approvals and reimbursement in the U.S. and abroad, or gain and maintain market approval of products. In addition, regulatory review processes by U.S. and foreign agencies may extend longer than anticipated as a result of decreased funding and tighter fiscal budgets. Further, patents attained by others can preclude or delay the commercialization of a product. There can be no assurance that any products now in development will achieve technological feasibility, obtain regulatory approval, or gain market acceptance. Failure can occur at any point in the development process, including after significant funds have been invested. Products may fail to reach the market or may have only limited commercial success because of efficacy or safety concerns, failure to achieve positive clinical outcomes, inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals, failure to achieve market adoption, limited scope of approved uses, excessive costs to manufacture, the failure to establish or maintain intellectual property rights, or the infringement of intellectual property rights of others.

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Future legislation, and/or regulations and policies adopted by the FDA or other U.S. or foreign regulatory authorities may increase the time and cost required by some of our portfolio companies to conduct and complete clinical trials for the product candidates that they develop, and there is no assurance that these companies will obtain regulatory approval to market and commercialize their products in the U.S. and in foreign countries.

The FDA has established regulations, guidelines and policies to govern the drug development and approval process, as have foreign regulatory authorities, which affect some of our portfolio companies. Any change in regulatory requirements due to the adoption by the FDA and/or foreign regulatory authorities of new legislation, regulations, or policies may require some of our portfolio companies to amend existing clinical trial protocols or add new clinical trials to comply with these changes. Such amendments to existing protocols and/or clinical trial applications or the need for new ones, may significantly impact the cost, timing and completion of the clinical trials.

In addition, increased scrutiny by the U.S. Congress of the FDA’s and other authorities approval processes may significantly delay or prevent regulatory approval, as well as impose more stringent product labeling and post-marketing testing and other requirements. Foreign regulatory authorities may also increase their scrutiny of approval processes resulting in similar delays. Increased scrutiny and approvals processes may limit the ability of our portfolio companies to market and commercialize their products in the U.S. and in foreign countries.

Life sciences companies, including drug development companies, device manufacturers, service providers and others, are also subject to material pressures when there are changes in the outlook for healthcare insurance markets. The ability for individuals, along with private and public insurers, to account for the costs of paying for healthcare insurance can place strain on the ability of new technology, devices and services to enter those markets, particularly when they are new or untested. As a result, it is not uncommon for changes in the insurance market place to lead to a slower rate of adoption, price pressure and other forces that may materially limit the success of companies bringing such technologies to market. Changes in the health insurance sector might then have an impact on the value of companies in our portfolio or our ability to invest in the sector generally.

Changes in healthcare laws and other regulations, or the enforcement or interpretation of such laws or regulations, applicable to some of our portfolio companies’ businesses may constrain their ability to offer their products and services.

Changes in healthcare or other laws and regulations, or the enforcement or interpretation of such laws or regulations, applicable to the businesses of some of our portfolio companies may occur that could increase their compliance and other costs of doing business, require significant systems enhancements, or render their products or services less profitable or obsolete, any of which could have a material adverse effect on their results of operations. There has also been an increased political and regulatory focus on healthcare laws in recent years, and new legislation could have a material effect on the business and operations of some of our portfolio companies.

Additionally, because of the continued uncertainty surrounding the healthcare industry under the Trump Administration, including the potential for further legal challenges or repeal of existing legislation, we cannot quantify or predict with any certainty the likely impact on our portfolio companies, our business model, prospects, financial condition or results of operations. We also anticipate that Congress, state legislatures, and third-party payors may continue to review and assess alternative healthcare delivery and payment systems and may in the future propose and adopt legislation or policy changes or implementations effecting additional fundamental changes in the healthcare delivery system. We cannot assure you as to the ultimate content, timing, or effect of changes, nor is it possible at this time to estimate the impact of any such potential legislation on certain of our portfolio companies, our business model, prospects, financial condition or results of operations.

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Price declines and illiquidity in the corporate debt markets could adversely affect the fair value of our portfolio investments, reducing our NAV through increased net unrealized depreciation.

As a business development company, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair market value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of our Board of Directors. As part of the valuation process, we may take into account the following types of factors, if relevant, in determining the fair value of our investments: the enterprise value of a portfolio company (an estimate of the total fair value of the portfolio company’s debt and equity), the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, a comparison of the portfolio company’s securities to similar publicly traded securities, changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets generally that may affect the price at which similar investments may be made in the future and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we use the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate our valuation. While most of our investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through its maturity). As a result, volatility in the capital markets can also adversely affect our investment valuations. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. The effect of all of these factors on our portfolio can reduce our NAV by increasing net unrealized depreciation in our portfolio.

Depending on market conditions, we could incur substantial realized losses and may suffer substantial unrealized depreciation in future periods, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Economic recessions or slowdowns could impair the ability of our portfolio companies to repay loans, which, in turn, could increase our non-performing assets, decrease the value of our portfolio, reduce our volume of new loans and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Many of our portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions in both the U.S. and foreign countries, and may be unable to repay our loans during such periods. Therefore, during such periods, our non-performing assets are likely to increase and the value of our portfolio is likely to decrease. Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results.

In particular, intellectual property owned or controlled by our portfolio companies may constitute an important portion of the value of the collateral of our loans to our portfolio companies. Adverse economic conditions may decrease the demand for our portfolio companies’ intellectual property and consequently its value in the event of a bankruptcy or required sale through a foreclosure proceeding. As a result, our ability to fully recover the amounts owed to us under the terms of the loans may be impaired by such events.

A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, termination of the portfolio company’s loans and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize the portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt securities that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company.

Our portfolio companies may be unable to repay or refinance outstanding principal on their loans at or prior to maturity, and rising interests rates may make it more difficult for portfolio companies to make periodic payments on their loans.

Our portfolio companies may be unable to repay or refinance outstanding principal on their loans at or prior to maturity. This risk and the risk of default is increased to the extent that the loan documents do not require the portfolio companies to pay down the outstanding principal of such debt prior to maturity. In addition, if general interest rates rise, there is a risk that our portfolio companies will be unable to pay escalating interest amounts, which could result in a default under their loan documents with us. Any failure of one or more portfolio companies to repay or refinance its debt at or prior to maturity or the inability of one or more portfolio companies to make ongoing payments following an increase in contractual interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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The disposition of our investments may result in contingent liabilities.

We currently expect that a portion of our investments will involve private securities. In connection with the disposition of an investment in private securities, we may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs of the portfolio company typical of those made in connection with the sale of a business. We may also be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment to the extent that any such representations turn out to be inaccurate or with respect to certain potential liabilities. These arrangements may result in contingent liabilities that ultimately yield funding obligations that must be satisfied through our return of certain distributions previously made to us.

The health and performance of our portfolio companies could be adversely affected by political and economic conditions in the countries in which they conduct business.

Some of the products of our portfolio companies are developed, manufactured, assembled, tested or marketed outside the U.S. Any conflict or uncertainty in these countries, including due to natural disasters, public health concerns, political unrest or safety concerns, among other things, could harm their business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if the government of any country in which their products are developed, manufactured or sold sets technical or regulatory standards for products developed or manufactured in or imported into their country that are not widely shared, it may lead some of their customers to suspend imports of their products into that country, require manufacturers or developers in that country to manufacture or develop products with different technical or regulatory standards and disrupt cross-border manufacturing, marketing or business relationships which, in each case, could harm their businesses.

Any unrealized depreciation we experience on our investment portfolio may be an indication of future realized losses, which could reduce our income available for distribution and could impair our ability to service our borrowings.

As a business development company, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments will be recorded as unrealized depreciation. Any unrealized depreciation in our investment portfolio could be an indication of a portfolio company’s inability to meet its repayment obligations to us with respect to the affected investments. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions of our income available for distribution in future periods and could materially adversely affect our ability to service our outstanding borrowings.

A lack of IPO or merger and acquisition opportunities may cause companies to stay in our portfolio longer, leading to lower returns, unrealized depreciation, or realized losses.

A lack of IPO or merger and acquisition (“M&A”) opportunities for venture capital-backed companies could lead to companies staying longer in our portfolio as private entities still requiring funding. This situation may adversely affect the amount of available funding for early-stage companies in particular as, in general, venture-capital firms are being forced to provide additional financing to late-stage companies that cannot complete an IPO or M&A transaction. In the best case, such stagnation would dampen returns, and in the worst case, could lead to unrealized depreciation and realized losses as some companies run short of cash and have to accept lower valuations in private fundings or are not able to access additional capital at all. A lack of IPO or M&A opportunities for venture capital-backed companies can also cause some venture capital firms to change their strategies, leading some of them to reduce funding of their portfolio companies and making it more difficult for such companies to access capital and to fulfill their potential, which can result in unrealized depreciation and realized losses in such companies by other companies such as ourselves who are co-investors in such companies.

The majority of our portfolio companies will need multiple rounds of additional financing to repay their debts to us and continue operations. Our portfolio companies may not be able to raise additional financing, which could harm our investment returns.

The majority of our portfolio companies will often require substantial additional equity financing to satisfy their continuing working capital and other cash requirements and, in most instances, to service the interest and principal payments on our investment. Each round of venture financing is typically intended to provide a company with only enough capital to reach the next stage of development. We cannot predict the circumstances or market conditions under which our portfolio companies will seek additional capital. It is possible that one or more of our portfolio companies will not be able to raise additional financing or may be able to do so only at a price or on terms unfavorable to us, either of which would negatively impact our investment returns. Some of these companies may be unable to obtain sufficient financing from private investors, public capital markets or traditional lenders. This may have a significant impact if the companies are unable to obtain certain federal, state or foreign agency approval for their products or the marketing thereof, of if regulatory review processes extend longer than anticipated, and the companies need continued funding for their operations during these times. Accordingly, financing these types of companies may entail a higher risk of loss than would financing companies that are able to utilize traditional credit sources.

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If the assets securing the loans that we make decrease in value, then we may lack sufficient collateral to cover losses.

To attempt to mitigate credit risks, we will typically take a security interest in the available assets of our portfolio companies. There is no assurance that we will obtain or properly perfect our liens.

There is a risk that the collateral securing our loans may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of a portfolio company to raise additional capital. In some circumstances, our lien could be subordinated to claims of other creditors. Consequently, the fact that a loan is secured does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the loan’s terms, or that we will be able to collect on the loan should we be forced to enforce our remedies.

In addition, because we invest in technology-related companies, a substantial portion of the assets securing our investment may be in the form of intellectual property, if any, inventory and equipment and, to a lesser extent, cash and accounts receivable. Intellectual property, if any, that is securing our loan could lose value if, among other things, the company’s rights to the intellectual property are challenged or if the company’s license to the intellectual property is revoked or expires, the technology fails to achieve its intended results or a new technology makes the intellectual property functionally obsolete. Inventory may not be adequate to secure our loan if our valuation of the inventory at the time that we made the loan was not accurate or if there is a reduction in the demand for the inventory.

Similarly, any equipment securing our loan may not provide us with the anticipated security if there are changes in technology or advances in new equipment that render the particular equipment obsolete or of limited value, or if the company fails to adequately maintain or repair the equipment. Any one or more of the preceding factors could materially impair our ability to recover earned interest and principal in a foreclosure.

At September 30, 2017, approximately 44.6% of our portfolio company debt investments were secured by a first priority security in all of the assets of the portfolio company, including their intellectual property, 41.0% of the debt investments were to portfolio companies that were prohibited from pledging or encumbering their intellectual property, or subject to a negative pledge, 14.1% of the our portfolio company debt investments were secured by a second priority security interest in all of the portfolio company’s assets, other than intellectual property, and 0.3% were unsecured as a result of the terms of the acquisition of one of our portfolio companies during the period. At September 30, 2017, we had no equipment only liens on any of our portfolio companies.

We may suffer a loss if a portfolio company defaults on a loan and the underlying collateral is not sufficient.

In the event of a default by a portfolio company on a secured loan, we will only have recourse to the assets collateralizing the loan. If the underlying collateral value is less than the loan amount, we will suffer a loss. In addition, we sometimes make loans that are unsecured, which are subject to the risk that other lenders may be directly secured by the assets of the portfolio company. In the event of a default, those collateralized lenders would have priority over us with respect to the proceeds of a sale of the underlying assets. In cases described above, we may lack control over the underlying asset collateralizing our loan or the underlying assets of the portfolio company prior to a default, and as a result the value of the collateral may be reduced by acts or omissions by owners or managers of the assets.

In the event of bankruptcy of a portfolio company, we may not have full recourse to its assets in order to satisfy our loan, or our loan may be subject to “equitable subordination.” This means that depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we actually provided significant “managerial assistance,” if any, to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might re-characterize our debt holding and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors. In addition, certain of our loans are subordinate to other debt of the portfolio company. If a portfolio company defaults on our loan or on debt senior to our loan, or in the event of a portfolio company bankruptcy, our loan will be satisfied only after the senior debt receives payment. Where debt senior to our loan exists, the presence of intercreditor arrangements may limit our ability to amend our loan documents, assign our loans, accept prepayments, exercise our remedies (through “standstill” periods) and control decisions made in bankruptcy proceedings relating to the portfolio company. Bankruptcy and portfolio company litigation can significantly increase collection losses and the time needed for us to acquire the underlying collateral in the event of a default, during which time the collateral may decline in value, causing us to suffer losses.

If the value of collateral underlying our loan declines or interest rates increase during the term of our loan, a portfolio company may not be able to obtain the necessary funds to repay our loan at maturity through refinancing. Decreasing collateral value and/or increasing interest rates may hinder a portfolio company’s ability to refinance our loan because the underlying collateral cannot satisfy the debt service coverage requirements necessary to obtain new financing. If a borrower is unable to repay our loan at maturity, we could suffer a loss which may adversely impact our financial performance.

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The inability of our portfolio companies to commercialize their technologies or create or develop commercially viable products or businesses would have a negative impact on our investment returns.

The possibility that our portfolio companies will not be able to commercialize their technology, products or business concepts presents significant risks to the value of our investment. Additionally, although some of our portfolio companies may already have a commercially successful product or product line when we invest, technology-related products and services often have a more limited market- or life-span than have products in other industries. Thus, the ultimate success of these companies often depends on their ability to continually innovate, or raise additional capital, in increasingly competitive markets. Their inability to do so could affect our investment return. In addition, the intellectual property held by our portfolio companies often represents a substantial portion of the collateral, if any, securing our investments. We cannot assure you that any of our portfolio companies will successfully acquire or develop any new technologies, or that the intellectual property the companies currently hold will remain viable. Even if our portfolio companies are able to develop commercially viable products, the market for new products and services is highly competitive and rapidly changing. Neither our portfolio companies nor we have any control over the pace of technology development. Commercial success is difficult to predict, and the marketing efforts of our portfolio companies may not be successful.

An investment strategy focused on privately-held companies presents certain challenges, including the lack of available information about these companies, a dependence on the talents and efforts of only a few key portfolio company personnel and a greater vulnerability to economic downturns.

We invest primarily in privately-held companies. Generally, very little public information exists about these companies, and we are required to rely on the ability of our management and investment teams to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. Such small, privately held companies as we routinely invest in may also lack quality infrastructures, thus leading to poor disclosure standards or control environments. If we are unable to uncover all material information about these companies, then we may not make a fully informed investment decision, and we may not receive the expected return on our investment or lose some or all of the money invested in these companies.

Also, privately-held companies frequently have less diverse product lines and a smaller market presence than do larger competitors. Privately-held companies are, thus, generally more vulnerable to economic downturns and may experience more substantial variations in operating results than do larger competitors. These factors could affect our investment returns and our results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, our success depends, in large part, upon the abilities of the key management personnel of our portfolio companies, who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of our portfolio companies. Competition for qualified personnel is intense at any stage of a company’s development, and high turnover of personnel is common in technology-related companies. The loss of one or more key managers can hinder or delay a company’s implementation of its business plan and harm its financial condition. Our portfolio companies may not be able to attract and retain qualified managers and personnel. Any inability to do so may negatively impact our investment returns and our results of operations and financial condition.

If our portfolio companies are unable to protect their intellectual property rights, or are required to devote significant resources to protecting their intellectual property rights, then our investments could be harmed.

Our future success and competitive position depend in part upon the ability of our portfolio companies to obtain and maintain proprietary technology used in their products and services, which will often represent a significant portion of the collateral, if any, securing our investment. The portfolio companies will rely, in part, on patent, trade secret and trademark law to protect that technology, but competitors may misappropriate their intellectual property, and disputes as to ownership of intellectual property may arise. Portfolio companies may, from time to time, be required to institute litigation in order to enforce their patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights, to protect their trade secrets, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against claims of infringement. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources. Similarly, if a portfolio company is found to infringe upon or misappropriate a third party’s patent or other proprietary rights, that portfolio company could be required to pay damages to such third party, alter its own products or processes, obtain a license from the third party and/or cease activities utilizing such proprietary rights, including making or selling products utilizing such proprietary rights. Any of the foregoing events could negatively affect both the portfolio company’s ability to service our debt investment and the value of any related debt and equity securities that we own, as well as any collateral securing our investment.

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We generally will not control our portfolio companies.

In some instances, we may control our portfolio companies or provide our portfolio companies with significant managerial assistance. However, we generally do not, and do not expect to, control the decision making in many of our portfolio companies, even though we may have board representation or board observation rights, and our debt agreements may contain certain restrictive covenants. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company in which we invest will make business decisions with which we disagree and the management of such company, as representatives of the holders of their common equity, will take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests as debt investors. Due to the lack of liquidity for our investments in non-traded companies, we may not be able to dispose of our interests in our portfolio companies as readily as we would like or at an appropriate valuation. As a result, a portfolio company may make decisions that would decrease the value of our portfolio holdings.

Our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively affected if we are unable to recover our principal investment as a result of a negative pledge or lack of a security interest on the intellectual property of our venture growth stage companies.

In some cases, we collateralize our loans with a secured collateral position in a portfolio company’s assets, which may include a negative pledge or, to a lesser extent, no security on their intellectual property. In the event of a default on a loan, the intellectual property of the portfolio company will most likely be liquidated to provide proceeds to pay the creditors of the company. There can be no assurance that our security interest, if any, in the proceeds of the intellectual property will be enforceable in a court of law or bankruptcy court or that there will not be others with senior or pari passu credit interests.

Our relationship with certain portfolio companies may expose us to our portfolio companies’ trade secrets and confidential information which may require us to be parties to non-disclosure agreements and restrict us from engaging in certain transactions.

Our relationship with some of our portfolio companies may expose us to our portfolio companies’ trade secrets and confidential information (including transactional data and personal data about their employees and clients) which may require us to be parties to non-disclosure agreements and restrict us from engaging in certain transactions. Unauthorized access or disclosure of such information may occur, resulting in theft, loss or other misappropriation. Any theft, loss, improper use, such as insider trading or other misappropriation of confidential information could have a material adverse impact on our competitive positions, our relationship with our portfolio companies and our reputation and could subject us to regulatory inquiries, enforcement and fines, civil litigation (which may cause us to incur significant expense or expose us to losses) and possible financial liability or costs.

Portfolio company litigation could result in additional costs, the diversion of management time and resources and have an adverse impact on the fair value of our investment.

To the extent that litigation arises with respect to any of our portfolio companies, we may be named as a defendant, which could result in additional costs and the diversion of management time and resources. Furthermore, if we are providing managerial assistance to the portfolio company or have representatives on the portfolio company’s board of directors, our costs and diversion of our management’s time and resources in assessing the portfolio company could be substantial in light of any such litigation regardless of whether we are named as a defendant. In addition, litigation involving a portfolio company may be costly and affect the operations of the portfolio company’s business, which could in turn have an adverse impact on the fair value of our investment in such company.

We may not be able to realize our entire investment on equipment-based loans, if any, in the case of default.

We may from time-to-time provide loans that will be collateralized only by equipment of the portfolio company. If the portfolio company defaults on the loan we would take possession of the underlying equipment to satisfy the outstanding debt. The residual value of the equipment at the time we would take possession may not be sufficient to satisfy the outstanding debt and we could experience a loss on the disposition of the equipment. At September 30, 2017, we had no equipment-based loans.

Our investments in foreign securities may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.

Our investment strategy contemplates that a portion of our investments may be in securities of foreign companies. Our total investments at value in foreign companies were approximately $124.5 million or 8.8% of total investments in securities at September 30, 2017. Investing in foreign companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less available information than is generally the case in the U.S., higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility, among other things.

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If our investments do not meet our performance expectations, you may not receive distributions.

We intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders. We may not be able to achieve operating results that will allow us to make distributions at a specific level or to increase the amount of these distributions from time to time. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a business development company, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. Also, restrictions and provisions in any future credit facilities may limit our ability to make distributions. As a RIC, if we do not distribute at least a certain percentage of our income each taxable year as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to our stockholders, we will suffer adverse tax consequences, including the inability to be subject to tax as a RIC. We cannot assure you that you will receive distributions at a particular level or at all.

We may not have sufficient funds to make follow-on investments. Our decision not to make a follow-on investment may have a negative impact on a portfolio company in need of such an investment or may result in a missed opportunity for us.

After our initial investment in a portfolio company, we may be called upon from time to time to provide additional funds to such company or have the opportunity or need to increase our investment in a successful situation or attempt to preserve or enhance the value of our initial investment, for example, the exercise of a warrant to purchase common stock, or a negative situation, to protect an existing investment. We have the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources and regulatory considerations. We may elect not to make follow-on investments or otherwise lack sufficient funds to make those investments. Any decision we make not to make a follow-on investment or any inability on our part to make such an investment may have a negative impact on a portfolio company in need of such an investment or may result in a missed opportunity for us to increase our participation in a successful operation and may dilute our equity interest or otherwise reduce the expected yield on our investment. Moreover, a follow-on investment may limit the number of companies in which we can make initial investments. In determining whether to make a follow-on investment, our management will exercise its business judgment and apply criteria similar to those used when making the initial investment. There is no assurance that we will make, or will have sufficient funds to make, follow-on investments and this could adversely affect our success and result in the loss of a substantial portion or all of our investment in a portfolio company.

The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business and, if we need to sell any of our investments, we may not be able to do so at a favorable price. As a result, we may suffer losses.

We generally invest in debt securities with terms of up to seven years and hold such investments until maturity, and we do not expect that our related holdings of equity securities will provide us with liquidity opportunities in the near-term. We invest and expect to continue investing in companies whose securities have no established trading market and whose securities are and will be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or whose securities are and will be less liquid than are publicly-traded securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for us to sell these investments when desired. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we had previously recorded these investments. As a result, we do not expect to achieve liquidity in our investments in the near-term. However, to maintain our qualification as a business development company and as a RIC, we may have to dispose of investments if we do not satisfy one or more of the applicable criteria under the respective regulatory frameworks.

Our portfolio companies may incur debt or issue equity securities that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies.

We invest primarily in debt securities issued by our portfolio companies. In some cases, portfolio companies will be permitted to incur other debt, or issue other equity securities, that rank equally with, or senior to, our investment. Such instruments may provide that the holders thereof are entitled to receive payment of distributions, interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments in respect of our investments. These debt instruments would usually prohibit the portfolio companies from paying interest on or repaying our investments in the event and during the continuance of a default under such debt. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of securities ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution in respect of our investment. After repaying such holders, the portfolio company might not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of securities ranking equally with our investments, we would have to share on a pari passu basis any distributions with other security holders in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company.

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The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing any junior priority loans we make to our portfolio companies may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more intercreditor agreements that we enter into with the holders of senior debt. Under such an intercreditor agreement, at any time that senior obligations are outstanding, we may forfeit certain rights with respect to the collateral to the holders of the senior obligations. These rights may include the right to commence enforcement proceedings against the collateral, the right to control the conduct of such enforcement proceedings, the right to approve amendments to collateral documents, the right to release liens on the collateral and the right to waive past defaults under collateral documents. We may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if as a result our rights as junior lenders are adversely affected.

Our warrant and equity-related investments are highly speculative, and we may not realize gains from these investments. If our warrant and equity-related investments do not generate gains, then the return on our invested capital will be lower than it would otherwise be, which could result in a decline in the value of shares of our common stock.

When we invest in debt securities, we generally expect to acquire warrants or other equity-related securities as well. Our goal is ultimately to dispose of these equity interests and realize gains upon disposition of such interests. Over time, the gains that we realize on these equity interests may offset, to some extent, losses that we experience on defaults under debt securities that we hold. However, the equity interests that we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses that we experience. In addition, we anticipate that approximately 50% of our warrants may not realize and exit or generate any returns. Furthermore, because of the financial reporting requirements under U.S. GAAP, of those approximately 50% of warrants that we do not realize and exit, the assigned costs to the initial warrants may lead to realized write-offs when the warrants either expire or are not exercised.

Prepayments of our debt investments by our portfolio companies could adversely impact our results of operations and reduce our return on equity.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we received debt investment early principal repayments and pay down of working capital debt investments of approximately $474.5 million. We are subject to the risk that the investments we make in our portfolio companies may be repaid prior to maturity. When this occurs, we will generally reinvest these proceeds in temporary investments, pending their future investment in new portfolio companies. These temporary investments will typically have substantially lower yields than the debt being prepaid and we could experience significant delays in reinvesting these amounts. Any future investment in a new portfolio company may also be at lower yields than the debt that was repaid. As a result, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected if one or more of our portfolio companies elect to prepay amounts owed to us. Additionally, prepayments could negatively impact our return on equity, which could result in a decline in the market price of our common stock.

We may choose to waive or defer enforcement of covenants in the debt securities held in our portfolio, which may cause us to lose all or part of our investment in these companies.

We structure the debt investments in our portfolio companies to include business and financial covenants placing affirmative and negative obligations on the operation of the company’s business and its financial condition. However, from time to time we may elect to waive breaches of these covenants, including our right to payment, or waive or defer enforcement of remedies, such as acceleration of obligations or foreclosure on collateral, depending upon the financial condition and prospects of the particular portfolio company. These actions may reduce the likelihood of receiving the full amount of future payments of interest or principal and be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of the underlying collateral as many of these companies may have limited financial resources, may be unable to meet future obligations and may go bankrupt. This could negatively impact our ability to pay distributions, could adversely affect our results of operation and financial condition and cause the loss of all or part of your investment.

We may also be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by us with respect to a borrower’s business or instances where we exercise control over the borrower. It is possible that we could become subject to a lender’s liability claim, including as a result of actions taken in rendering significant managerial assistance or actions to compel and collect payments from the borrower outside the ordinary course of business.

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Our loans could be subject to equitable subordination by a court which would increase our risk of loss with respect to such loans or we could be subject to lender liability claims.

Courts may apply the doctrine of equitable subordination to subordinate the claim or lien of a lender against a borrower to claims or liens of other creditors of the borrower, when the lender or its affiliates is found to have engaged in unfair, inequitable or fraudulent conduct. The courts have also applied the doctrine of equitable subordination when a lender or its affiliates is found to have exerted inappropriate control over a client, including control resulting from the ownership of equity interests in a client or providing of significant managerial assistance. We have made direct equity investments or received warrants in connection with loans. These investments represent approximately 8.3% of the outstanding value of our investment portfolio as of September 30, 2017. Payments on one or more of our loans, particularly a loan to a client in which we also hold an equity interest, may be subject to claims of equitable subordination. If we were deemed to have the ability to control or otherwise exercise influence over the business and affairs of one or more of our portfolio companies resulting in economic hardship to other creditors of that company, this control or influence may constitute grounds for equitable subordination and a court may treat one or more of our loans as if it were unsecured or common equity in the portfolio company. In that case, if the portfolio company were to liquidate, we would be entitled to repayment of our loan on a pro-rata basis with other unsecured debt or, if the effect of subordination was to place us at the level of common equity, then on an equal basis with other holders of the portfolio company’s common equity only after all of its obligations relating to its debt and preferred securities had been satisfied.

In addition to these risks, in the event we elect to convert our debt position to equity, or otherwise take control of a portfolio company (such as through placing a member of our management team on its board of directors), as part of a restructuring, we face additional risks acting in that capacity. It is not uncommon for unsecured, or otherwise unsatisfied creditors, to sue parties that elect to use their debt positions to later control a company following a restructuring or bankruptcy. Apart from lawsuits, key customers and suppliers might act in a fashion contrary to the interests of a portfolio company if they were left unsatisfied in a restructuring or bankruptcy. Any combination of these factors might lead to the loss in value of a company subject to such activity and may divert the time and attention of our management team and investment team to help to address such issues in a portfolio company.

The potential inability of our portfolio companies’ in the healthcare industry to charge desired prices with respect to prescription drugs could impact their revenues and in turn their ability to repay us.

Some of our portfolio companies in the healthcare industry are subject to risks associated with the pricing for prescription drugs. It is uncertain whether customers of our healthcare industry portfolio companies will continue to utilize established prescription drug pricing methods, or whether other pricing benchmarks will be adopted for establishing prices within the industry. Legislation may lead to changes in the pricing for Medicare and Medicaid programs. Regulators have conducted investigations into the use of prescription drug pricing methods for federal program payment, and whether such methods have inflated drug expenditures by the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Federal and state proposals have sought to change the basis for calculating payment of certain drugs by the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Additionally, President Trump has taken actions and made statements that suggest he plans to seek repeal of all or portions of the Affordable Care Act, or the ACA. In May 2017, the House of Representatives voted to pass the American Health Care Act, or the AHCA. As proposed, the AHCA would repeal many provisions of the ACA. The Senate is expected to consider an alternative version of the AHCA and it is expected that Congress will continue to consider this or similar legislation to repeal and replace some or all elements of the ACA. There is currently uncertainty with respect to the impact any such repeal may have and any resulting changes may take time to unfold, which could have an impact on coverage and reimbursement for healthcare items and services covered by plans that were authorized by the ACA. We cannot predict the ultimate content, timing or effect of any such legislation or executive action or the impact of potential legislation or executive action on us. Any changes to the method for calculating prescription drug costs may reduce the revenues of our portfolio companies in the healthcare industry which could in turn impair their ability to timely make any principal and interest payments owed to us.

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Risks Related to Our Securities

Investing in shares of our common stock involves an above average degree of risk.

The investments we make in accordance with our investment objective may result in a higher amount of risk, volatility or loss of principal than alternative investment options. Our investments in portfolio companies may be highly speculative and aggressive, and therefore, an investment in our common stock may not be suitable for investors with lower risk tolerance.

Our common stock may trade below its NAV per share, which limits our ability to raise additional equity capital.

If our common stock is trading below its NAV per share, we will generally not be able to issue additional shares of our common stock at its market price without first obtaining the approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. If our common stock trades below NAV, the higher cost of equity capital may result in it being unattractive to raise new equity, which may limit our ability to grow. The risk of trading below NAV is separate and distinct from the risk that our NAV per share may decline. We cannot predict whether shares of our common stock will trade above, at or below our NAV.

Provisions of our charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.

Our charter and bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging, delaying, or making difficult a change in control of our company or the removal of our incumbent directors. Under our charter, our Board of Directors is divided into three classes serving staggered terms, which will make it more difficult for a hostile bidder to acquire control of us. In addition, our Board of Directors may, without stockholder action, authorize the issuance of shares of stock in one or more classes or series, including preferred stock. Subject to compliance with the 1940 Act, our Board of Directors may, without stockholder action, amend our charter to increase the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. The existence of these provisions, among others, may have a negative impact on the price of our common stock and may discourage third party bids for ownership of our company. These provisions may prevent any premiums being offered to you for shares of our common stock in connection with a takeover.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such common stock for sale (including as a result of the conversion of our 2022 Convertible Notes, issued in January 2017, into common stock), could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our common stock, which may also lead to further dilution of our earnings per share resulting from the outstanding shares attributable to the conversion of the 2022 Convertible Notes. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so.

We may periodically obtain the approval of our stockholders to issue shares of our common stock at prices below the then current NAV per share of our common stock. If we receive such approval from the stockholders, we may issue shares of our common stock at a price below the then current NAV per share of common stock. Any such issuance could materially dilute your interest in our common stock and reduce our NAV per share.

We may periodically obtain the approval of our stockholders to issue shares of our common stock at prices below the then current NAV per share of our common stock. Such approval has allowed and may again allow us to access the capital markets in a way that we typically are unable to do as a result of restrictions that, absent stockholder approval, apply to business development companies under the 1940 Act. Any decision to sell shares of our common stock below the then current NAV per share of our common stock is subject to the determination by our Board of Directors that such issuance and sale is in our and our stockholders’ best interests.

Any sale or other issuance of shares of our common stock at a price below NAV per share has resulted and will continue to result in an immediate dilution to your interest in our common stock and a reduction of our NAV per share. This dilution would occur as a result of a proportionately greater decrease in a stockholder’s interest in our earnings and assets and voting interest in us than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance. Because the number of future shares of common stock that may be issued below our NAV per share and the price and timing of such issuances are not currently known, we cannot predict the actual dilutive effect of any such issuance. We also cannot determine the resulting reduction in our NAV per share of any such issuance at this time. We caution you that such effects may be material, and we undertake to describe all the material risks and dilutive effects of any offering that we make at a price below our then current NAV in the future in a prospectus supplement issued in connection with any such offering. We cannot predict whether shares of our common stock will trade above, at or below our NAV.

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If we conduct an offering of our common stock at a price below NAV, investors are likely to incur immediate dilution upon the closing of the offering.

We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below NAV per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, at a price below the current NAV of the common stock, or sell warrants, options or other rights to acquire such common stock, at a price below the current NAV of the common stock if our Board of Directors determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders and our stockholders have approved the practice of making such sales.

In connection with the receipt of such stockholder approval, we will limit the number of shares that it issues at a price below NAV pursuant to this authorization so that the aggregate dilutive effect on our then outstanding shares will not exceed 20%. Our Board of Directors, subject to its fiduciary duties and regulatory requirements, has the discretion to determine the amount of the discount, and as a result, the discount could be up to 100% of NAV per share. If we were to issue shares at a price below NAV, such sales would result in an immediate dilution to existing common stockholders, which would include a reduction in the NAV per share as a result of the issuance. This dilution would also include a proportionately greater decrease in a stockholder’s interest in our earnings and assets and voting interest in us than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance.

In addition, if we determined to conduct additional offerings in the future there may be even greater dilution if we determine to conduct such offerings at prices below NAV. As a result, investors will experience further dilution and additional discounts to the price of our common stock. Because the number of shares of common stock that could be so issued and the timing of any issuance is not currently known, the actual dilutive effect of an offering cannot be predicted. We did not sell any of our securities at a price below NAV during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

We may allocate the net proceeds from an offering in ways with which you may not agree.

We have significant flexibility in investing the net proceeds of an offering and may use the net proceeds from an offering in ways with which you may not agree or for purposes other than those contemplated at the time of the offering.

If we issue preferred stock, debt securities or convertible debt securities, the NAV and market value of our common stock may become more volatile.

We cannot assure you that the issuance of preferred stock and/or debt securities would result in a higher yield or return to the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, debt securities or convertible debt would likely cause the NAV and market value of our common stock to become more volatile. If the distribution rate on the preferred stock, or the interest rate on the debt securities, were to approach the net rate of return on our investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the holders of our common stock would be reduced. If the distribution rate on the preferred stock, or the interest rate on the debt securities, were to exceed the net rate of return on our portfolio, the use of leverage would result in a lower rate of return to the holders of common stock than if we had not issued the preferred stock or debt securities. Any decline in the NAV of our investment would be borne entirely by the holders of our common stock. Therefore, if the market value of our portfolio were to decline, the leverage would result in a greater decrease in NAV to the holders of our common stock than if we were not leveraged through the issuance of preferred stock. This decline in NAV would also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for our common stock.

There is also a risk that, in the event of a sharp decline in the value of our net assets, we would be in danger of failing to maintain required asset coverage ratios which may be required by the preferred stock, debt securities, convertible debt or units or of a downgrade in the ratings of the preferred stock, debt securities, convertible debt or our current investment income might not be sufficient to meet the distribution requirements on the preferred stock or the interest payments on the debt securities. If we do not maintain our required asset coverage ratios, we may not be permitted to declare dividend distributions. In order to counteract such an event, we might need to liquidate investments in order to fund redemption of some or all of the preferred stock, debt securities or convertible debt. In addition, we would pay (and the holders of our common stock would bear) all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of the preferred stock, debt securities, convertible debt or any combination of these securities. Holders of preferred stock, debt securities or convertible debt may have different interests than holders of common stock and may at times have disproportionate influence over our affairs.

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Holders of any preferred stock that we may issue will have the right to elect members of the Board of Directors and have class voting rights on certain matters.

The 1940 Act requires that holders of shares of preferred stock must be entitled as a class to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of the directors if distributions on such preferred stock are in arrears by two years or more, until such arrearage is eliminated. In addition, certain matters under the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred stock, including changes in fundamental investment restrictions and conversion to open-end status and, accordingly, preferred stockholders could veto any such changes. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of our common stock and preferred stock, both by the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies, might impair our ability to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC.

Terms relating to redemption may materially adversely affect your return on any debt securities that we may issue.

If your debt securities are redeemable at our option, we may choose to redeem your debt securities at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on your debt securities. In addition, if your debt securities are subject to mandatory redemption, we may be required to redeem your debt securities also at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on your debt securities. In this circumstance, you may not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as your debt securities being redeemed.

Additionally, we may redeem the 2024 Notes after July 30, 2017 and the 2022 Notes after September 23, 2022 at a redemption price of 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest payments. If we choose to redeem the 2024 Notes or 2022 Notes when the fair market value of the 2024 Notes or 2022 Notes is above par value, you would experience a loss of any potential premium.

Our shares may trade at discounts from NAV or at premiums that are unsustainable over the long term.

Shares of business development companies may trade at a market price that is less than the NAV that is attributable to those shares. Our shares have historically traded above and below our NAV. The possibility that our shares of common stock will trade at a discount from NAV or at a premium that is unsustainable over the long term is separate and distinct from the risk that our NAV may decrease. It is not possible to predict whether our shares will trade at, above or below NAV in the future.

Our credit ratings may not reflect all risks of an investment in our debt securities.

Our credit ratings are an assessment by third parties of our ability to pay our obligations. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the market value of our debt securities. Our credit ratings, however, may not reflect the potential impact of risks related to market conditions generally or other factors discussed herein on the market value of or trading market for the publicly issued debt securities.

A downgrade, suspension or withdrawal of the credit rating assigned by a rating agency to us or our debt securities, if any, or change in the debt markets could cause the liquidity or market value of our debt securities to decline significantly.

Our credit ratings are an assessment by rating agencies of our ability to pay our debts when due. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the market value of our outstanding debt and equity securities. These credit ratings may not reflect the potential impact of risks relating to the structure or marketing of such debt and equity securities. Credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security, and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the issuing organization in its sole discretion.

Neither we nor any underwriter undertakes any obligation to maintain our credit ratings or to advise holders of our debt and equity securities of any changes in our credit ratings. There can be no assurance that a credit rating will remain for any given period of time or that such credit ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely if future circumstances relating to the basis of the credit rating, such as adverse changes in our company, so warrant. An increase in the competitive environment, inability to cover distributions, or increase in leverage could lead to a downgrade in our credit ratings and limit our access to the debt and equity markets capability impairing our ability to grow the business. The conditions of the financial markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future.

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Investors in offerings of our common stock will likely incur immediate dilution upon the closing of an offering.

We generally expect the public offering price of any offering of shares of our common stock to be higher than the book value per share of our outstanding common stock (unless we offer shares pursuant to a rights offering or after obtaining prior approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors). Accordingly, investors purchasing shares of common stock in offerings may pay a price per share that exceeds the tangible book value per share after such offering.

Our stockholders may experience dilution upon the conversion of our 2022 Convertible Notes.

Our 2022 Convertible Notes, issued in January 2017, are convertible into shares of our common stock beginning on August 1, 2021 or, under certain circumstances, earlier. Upon conversion of the 2022 Convertible Notes, we have the choice to pay or deliver, as the case may be, at our election, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. The initial conversion price of the 2022 Convertible Notes is $16.41, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. If we elect to deliver shares of common stock upon a conversion at the time our NAV per share exceeds the conversion price in effect at such time, our stockholders may incur dilution. In addition, our stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of common stock upon our issuance of common stock in connection with the conversion of the 2022 Convertible Notes and any distributions paid on our common stock will also be paid on shares issued in connection with such conversion after such issuance.

Our stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan.

All distributions in cash payable to stockholders that are participants in our dividend reinvestment plan are automatically reinvested in shares of our common stock. As a result, our stockholders that opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of our common stock over time.

Our distribution proceeds may exceed our earnings. Therefore, portions of the distributions that we make may represent a return of capital to stockholders, which will lower their tax basis in their shares.

The tax treatment and characterization of our distributions may vary significantly from time to time due to the nature of our investments. The ultimate tax characterization of our distributions made during a taxable year generally will not finally be determined until after the end of that taxable year. We may make distributions during a taxable year that exceed our investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid, and net capital gains for that taxable year. In such a situation, the amount by which our total distributions exceed investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid, and net capital gains generally would be treated as a return of capital up to the amount of a stockholder’s tax basis in the shares, with any amounts exceeding such tax basis generally treated as a gain from the sale or exchange of such shares. A return of capital generally is a return of a stockholder’s investment rather than a return of earnings or gains derived from our investment activities. Moreover, we may pay all or a substantial portion of our distributions from the proceeds of the sale of shares of our common stock or from borrowings in anticipation of future cash flow, which could constitute a return of stockholders’ capital and will lower such stockholders’ tax basis in our shares, which may result in increased tax liability to stockholders when they sell such shares. The tax liability to stockholders upon the sale of shares may increase even if such shares are sold at a loss.

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Our common stock price has been and continues to be volatile and may decrease substantially.

As with any company, the price of our common stock will fluctuate with market conditions and other factors, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

•

price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;

•

significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of RICs, business development companies or other financial services companies;

•

any inability to deploy or invest our capital;

•

fluctuations in interest rates;

•

any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;

•

the financial performance of specific industries in which we invest in on a recurring basis;

•

announcement of strategic developments, acquisitions, and other material events by us or our competitors, or operating performance of companies comparable to us;

•

changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines with respect to RICs, SBICs or business development companies;

•

losing our ability to either qualify or be subject to U.S. federal income tax as a RIC;

•

actual or anticipated changes in our earnings or fluctuations in our operating results, or changes in the expectations of securities analysts;

•

changes in the value of our portfolio of investments;

•

realized losses in investments in our portfolio companies;

•

general economic conditions and trends;

•

inability to access the capital markets;

•

loss of a major funded source; or

•

departure of key personnel.

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. Due to the potential volatility of our stock price, we may be the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and could divert management’s attention and resources from our business.

We may be unable to invest a significant portion of the net proceeds from an offering or from exiting an investment or other capital on acceptable terms, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.

Delays in investing the net proceeds raised in an offering or from exiting an investment or other capital may cause our performance to be worse than that of other fully invested business development companies or other lenders or investors pursuing comparable investment strategies. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify any investments that meet our investment objective or that any investment that we make will produce a positive return. We may be unable to invest the net proceeds of any offering or from exiting an investment or other capital on acceptable terms within the time period that we anticipate or at all, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.

We anticipate that, depending on market conditions and the amount of the capital, it may take us a substantial period of time to invest substantially all the capital in securities meeting our investment objective. During this period, we will invest the capital primarily in cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less or use the net proceeds from such offerings to reduce then-outstanding debt obligations, which may produce returns that are significantly lower than the returns which we expect to achieve when our portfolio is fully invested in securities meeting our investment objective. As a result, any distributions that we pay during such period may be substantially lower than the distributions that we may be able to pay when our portfolio is fully invested in securities meeting our investment objective. In addition, until such time as the net proceeds of any offering or from exiting an investment or other capital are invested in new securities meeting our investment objective, the market price for our securities may decline. Thus, the initial return on your investment may be lower than when, if ever, our portfolio is fully invested in securities meeting our investment objective.

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Your interest in us may be diluted if you do not fully exercise your subscription rights in any rights offering. In addition, if the subscription price is less than our NAV per share, then you will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate NAV of your shares.

In the event we issue subscription rights, stockholders who do not fully exercise their subscription rights should expect that they will, at the completion of a rights offering, own a smaller proportional interest in us than would otherwise be the case if they fully exercised their rights. We cannot state precisely the amount of any such dilution in share ownership because we do not know at this time what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of such rights offering.

In addition, if the subscription price is less than the NAV per share of our common stock, then our stockholders would experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate NAV of their shares as a result of the offering. The amount of any decrease in NAV is not predictable because it is not known at this time what the subscription price and NAV per share will be on the expiration date of a rights offering or what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of such rights offering. Such dilution could be substantial.

The trading market or market value of our publicly issued debt securities may fluctuate.

Our publicly issued debt securities may or may not have an established trading market. We cannot assure you that a trading market for our publicly issued debt securities will ever develop or be maintained if developed. In addition to our creditworthiness, many factors may materially adversely affect the trading market for, and market value of, our publicly issued debt securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

•

the time remaining to the maturity of these debt securities;

•

the outstanding principal amount of debt securities with terms identical to these debt securities;

•

the ratings assigned by national statistical ratings agencies;

•

the general economic environment;

•

the supply of debt securities trading in the secondary market, if any;

•

the redemption or repayment features, if any, of these debt securities;

•

the level, direction and volatility of market interest rates generally; and

•

market rates of interest higher or lower than rates borne by the debt securities. You should also be aware that there may be a limited number of buyers when you decide to sell your debt securities. This too may materially adversely affect the market value of the debt securities or the trading market for the debt securities.

The 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes are unsecured and therefore are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we have currently incurred or may incur in the future.

The 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes are not secured by any of our assets or any of the assets of our subsidiaries. As a result, while the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes remain senior in priority to our equity securities, they are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we or our subsidiaries have currently incurred and may incur in the future (or any indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which we subsequently grant security) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. In any liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or other similar proceeding, the holders of any of our existing or future secured indebtedness and the secured indebtedness of our subsidiaries may assert rights against the assets pledged to secure that indebtedness in order to receive full payment of their indebtedness before the assets may be used to pay other creditors, including the holders of the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes.

The 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes are structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.

The 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes are obligations exclusively of Hercules Capital, Inc. and not of any of our subsidiaries. None of our subsidiaries are or act as guarantors of the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes and the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes are not required to be guaranteed by any subsidiaries we may acquire or create in the future. Our secured indebtedness with respect to the SBA debentures is held through our SBIC subsidiaries. The assets of any such subsidiaries are not directly available to satisfy the claims of our creditors, including holders of the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes.

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Except to the extent we are a creditor with recognized claims against our subsidiaries, all claims of creditors (including holders of preferred stock, if any, of our subsidiaries) will have priority over our equity interests in such subsidiaries (and therefore the claims of our creditors, including holders of the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes) with respect to the assets of such subsidiaries. Even if we are recognized as a creditor of one or more of our subsidiaries, our claims would still be structurally subordinated to any security interests in the assets of any such subsidiary and to any indebtedness or other liabilities of any such subsidiary senior to our claims. Consequently, the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes are structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of our subsidiaries and any subsidiaries that we may in the future acquire or establish as financing vehicles or otherwise. In addition, our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, all of which would be structurally senior to the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes.

The respective indentures under which the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes were issued contains limited protections for the holders of the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes.

The indenture under which 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes were issued offers limited protections to the holders of the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes. The terms of the respective indentures and the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes do not restrict our or any of our subsidiaries’ ability to engage in, or otherwise be a party to, a variety of corporate transactions, circumstances or events that could have an adverse impact on an investment in the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes. In particular, the terms of the respective indentures and the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes do not place any restrictions on our or our subsidiaries’ ability to:

	•		issue securities or otherwise incur additional indebtedness or other obligations, including (1) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be equal in right of payment to the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes, (2) any
			indebtedness or other obligations that would be secured and therefore rank effectively senior in right of payment to the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes to the extent of the values of the assets securing such debt, (3) indebtedness of ours that is guaranteed by one or more of our subsidiaries and which therefore would rank structurally senior to the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes and (4) securities, indebtedness or other obligations issued or incurred by our subsidiaries that would be senior in right of payment to our equity interests in our subsidiaries and therefore would rank structurally senior in right of payment to the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes with respect to the assets of our subsidiaries, in each case other than an incurrence of indebtedness or other obligation that would cause a violation of Section 18(a)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions;

•

pay distributions on, or purchase or redeem or make any payments in respect of, capital stock or other securities ranking junior in right of payment to the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes, in each case other than distributions, purchases, redemptions or payments that would cause a violation of Section 18(a)(1)(B) of the 1940 Act as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions giving effect to any exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC (these provisions generally prohibit us from declaring any cash distributions upon any class of our capital stock, or purchasing any such capital stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is below 200% at the time of the declaration of the distribution or the purchase and after deducting the amount of such distribution or purchase);

•

sell assets (other than certain limited restrictions on our ability to consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets);

•

enter into transactions with affiliates;

•

create liens (including liens on the shares of our subsidiaries) or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

•

make investments; or

•

create restrictions on the payment of distributions or other amounts to us from our subsidiaries.

The indenture and the 2024 Notes do not require us to offer to purchase the 2024 Notes in connection with a change of control or any other event.

Furthermore, the terms of the respective indentures and the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes do not protect their respective holders in the event that we experience changes (including significant adverse changes) in our financial condition or results of operations, as they do not require that we or our subsidiaries adhere to any financial tests or ratios or specified levels of net worth, revenues, income, cash flow or liquidity, except as required under the 1940 Act.

Our ability to recapitalize, incur additional debt and take a number of other actions that are not limited by the terms of the 2024 Notes may have important consequences for their holders, including making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the 2024 Notes or negatively affecting their trading value.

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Certain of our current debt instruments include more protections for their respective holders than the indenture and the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes. In addition, other debt we issue or incur in the future could contain more protections for its holders than the respective indentures and the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes, including additional covenants and events of default. The issuance or incurrence of any such debt with incremental protections could affect the market for and trading levels and prices of the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes.

An active trading market for the 2024 Notes may not develop or be sustained, which could limit the market price of the 2024 Notes or your ability to sell them.

Although the 2024 Notes are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “HTGX,” we cannot provide any assurances that an active trading market will develop or be sustained for the 2024 Notes or that the 2024 Notes will be able to be sold. At various times, the 2024 Notes may trade at a discount from their initial offering price depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, our credit ratings, general economic conditions, our financial condition, performance and prospects and other factors. To the extent an active trading market is not sustained, the liquidity and trading price for the 2024 Notes may be harmed.

If we default on our obligations to pay our other indebtedness, we may not be able to make payments on the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes.

Any default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, including a default under the Wells Facility, the Union Bank Facility or other indebtedness to which we may be a party that is not waived by the required lenders or holders, and the remedies sought by the holders of such indebtedness could make us unable to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes or 2022 Convertible Notes and substantially decrease the market value of the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow and are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants, including financial and operating covenants, in the instruments governing our indebtedness, we could be in default under the terms of the agreements governing such indebtedness. In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, the lenders under the Wells Facility and the Union Bank Facility or other debt we may incur in the future could elect to terminate their commitments, cease making further loans and institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to seek to obtain waivers from the required lenders under the Wells Facility or Union Bank Facility or other debt that we may incur in the future to avoid being in default. If we breach our covenants under the Wells Facility or Union Bank Facility or other debt and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders or holders. If this occurs, we would be in default under the Wells Facility or Union Bank Facility or other debt, the lenders or holders could exercise their rights as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. If we are unable to repay debt, lenders having secured obligations, including the lenders under the Wells Facility and the Union Bank Facility, could proceed against the collateral securing the debt. Because the Wells Facility and the Union Bank Facility have, and any future credit facilities will likely have, customary cross-default provisions, if the indebtedness under the 2024 Notes, 2022 Notes, 2022 Convertible Notes, Wells Facility, Union Bank Facility or under any future credit facility is accelerated, we may be unable to repay or finance the amounts due.

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ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we issued 132,228 shares of common stock to stockholders in connection with the dividend reinvestment plan. These issuances were not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The aggregate value of the shares of our common stock issued under our dividend reinvestment plan was approximately $1.8 million.

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

On October 25, 2017, the Board of Directors scheduled the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) for December 13, 2017, which date is more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the Company’s 2016 annual meeting of stockholders that was held on July 7, 2016.

Stockholders may submit proposals on matters appropriate for stockholder action, including director nominations, at our annual meetings consistent with regulations adopted by the SEC and the Company’s bylaws. Because the date of the Annual Meeting is more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of the 2016 meeting, such shareholder proposals must be received by the Company within a reasonable time before the Company begins to print and send proxy material for the Annual Meeting. In order to be considered timely, shareholder proposals to be considered for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and proxy card relating to the Annual Meeting must have been received by the Company no later than November 5, 2017. Any such proposal must have also met the requirements set forth in the Company’s bylaws and the rules and regulations of the SEC in order to be eligible for inclusion in the proxy materials for the Annual Meeting.

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ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number		Description
4.1		Statement of Eligibility of Trustee on Form T-1.⁽¹⁾
11		Computation of Per Share Earnings (included in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report).
31.1		Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
31.2		Chief Accounting Officer Certification Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14 (a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.1		Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.2		Chief Accounting Officer Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*

*	Filed herewith.

(1)	Previously filed as part of the Registration Statement on Form N-2 of the Company, as filed on September 5, 2017 (File No. 333-214767).

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Schedule 12 – 14

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO AFFILIATES

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

(in thousands)

		Amount of						As of							Net Change in			As of
		Interest						December 31,							Unrealized			September 30,
		Credited to			Realized			2016		Gross		Gross			Appreciation/			2017
Portfolio Company	Investment ⁽¹⁾	Income ⁽²⁾			Gain (Loss)			Fair Value		Additions ⁽³⁾		Reductions ⁽⁴⁾			(Depreciation)			Fair Value
Control Investments
Majority Owned Control Investments
Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc.	Senior Debt	$	144	$		(486	)	$	1,304	$	74	$	(1,378	)	$	—		$	—
	Common Stock		—			—			3,396		—		(900	)		(2,254	)		242
HercGamma, Inc. ⁽⁶⁾	Common Stock		—			—			—		1,169		(646	)		(523	)		—
Total Majority Owned Control Investments		$	144	$		(486	)	$	4,700	$	1,243	$	(2,924	)	$	(2,777	)	$	242
Other Control Investments
SkyCross, Inc.	Senior Debt	$	—	$		(15,058	)	$	—	$	—	$	(16,900	)	$	16,900		$	—
	Preferred Warrants		—			(394	)		—		—		(394	)		394			—
Tectura Corporation ⁽⁵⁾	Senior Debt		1,361			—			—		20,385		(240	)		2,995			23,140
	Preferred Warrants		—			(51	)		—		51		(102	)		51			—
Second Time Around (Simplify Holdings, LLC) ⁽⁸⁾	Senior Debt		—			—			—		1,781		(1,921	)		140			—
Total Other Control Investments		$	1,361	$		(15,503	)	$	—	$	22,217	$	(19,557	)	$	20,480		$	23,140
Total Control Investments		$	1,505	$		(15,989	)	$	4,700	$	23,460	$	(22,481	)	$	17,703		$	23,382

Affiliate Investments
Optiscan BioMedical, Corp.	Preferred Stock	$	—	$		—		$	4,529	$	173	$	—		$	1,201		$	5,903
	Preferred Warrants		—			—			170		—		—			(9	)		161
Stion Corporation	Senior Debt		2			—			333		—		(333	)		—			—
Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC (p.k.a. Sungevity, Inc.) ⁽⁷⁾	Senior Debt		246			—			—		14,698		—			—			14,698
	Common Stock		—			—			—		61,502		—			(48,678	)		12,824
Total Affiliate Investments		$	248	$		—		$	5,032	$	76,373	$	(333	)	$	(47,486	)	$	33,586
Total Control and Affiliate Investments		$	1,753	$		(15,989	)	$	9,732	$	99,833	$	(22,814	)	$	(29,783	)	$	56,968

(1)	Stock and warrants are generally non-income producing and restricted.

(2)	Represents the total amount of interest or dividends credited to income for the period an investment was an affiliate or control investment.

(3)	Gross additions include increases in the cost basis of investments resulting from new portfolio investments, paid-in-kind interest or dividends, the amortization of discounts and closing fees and the exchange of one or more existing securities for one or more new securities.

(4)

Gross reductions include decreases in the cost basis of investments resulting from principal repayments or sales and the exchange of one or more existing securities for one or more new securities. Gross reductions also include previously recognized depreciation on investments that become control or affiliate investments during the period.

(5)	As of March 31, 2017, the Company's investment in Tectura Corporation became classified as a control investment as of result of obtaining more than 50% representation on the portfolio company's board.

(6)	As of June 30, 2017, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary HercGamma, Inc. became classified as a control investment as a result of an investment in a portfolio company whereby the subsidiary obtained a controlling financial interest.

(7)

As of September 30, 2017, the Company's investment in Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC (p.k.a. Sungevity, Inc.) became classified as an affiliate investment due to a reduction in equity ownership. Note that this investment was classified as a control investment as of June 30, 2017 after the Company obtained a controlling financial interest.

(8)	As of September 30, 2017, the Company's investment in Second Time Around (Simplify Holdings, LLC) became classified as a control investment as a result of obtaining a controlling financial interest.

Schedule 12 – 14

HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO AFFILIATES

As of September 30, 2017

(in thousands)

Portfolio Company	Industry	Type of Investment ⁽¹⁾	Maturity Date	Interest Rate and Floor	Principal or Shares		Cost		Value ⁽²⁾
Control Investments
Majority Owned Control Investments
Achilles Technology Management Co II, Inc.	Communications & Networking	Common Stock				100	$	3,100	$	242
HercGamma, Inc.	Medical Devices & Equipment	Common Stock				100		523		—
Total Majority Owned Control Investments (0.03%)*							$	3,623	$	242
Other Control Investments
Tectura Corporation	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured Debt	June 2021	Interest rate FIXED 6.00%, PIK Interest 3.00%	$	20,145	$	20,145	$	20,145
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Senior Secured Debt	June 2021	PIK Interest 8.00%	$	11,015		240		2,995
	Internet Consumer & Business Services	Preferred Series BB Equity				1,000,000		—		—
Total Tectura Corporation								20,385		23,140
Second Time Around (Simplify Holdings, LLC)	Consumer & Business Products	Senior Secured Debt	February 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 7.25% or Floor rate of 10.75%, 4.75% Exit Fee		1,746		1,781		—
Total Other Control Investments (2.77%)*							$	22,166	$	23,140
Total Control Investments (2.80%)*							$	25,789	$	23,382

Affiliate Investments
Optiscan BioMedical, Corp.	Medical Devices & Equipment	Preferred Series B Equity				6,185,567	$	3,000	$	389
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Preferred Series C Equity				1,927,309		655		110
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Preferred Series D Equity				55,103,923		5,257		3,907
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Preferred Series E Equity				15,638,888		1,308		1,496
	Medical Devices & Equipment	Preferred Series D Warrants				10,535,275		1,252		161
Total Optiscan BioMedical, Corp.								11,472		6,064
Stion Corporation	Sustainable & Renewable Energy Technology	Preferred Series Seed Warrants				2,154		1,378		—
Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC (p.k.a. Sungevity, Inc.)	Sustainable & Renewable Energy Technology	Senior Secured Debt	August 2019	Interest rate PRIME + 8.70% or Floor rate of 12.95%, 4.50% Exit Fee	$	15,000		14,698		14,698
	Sustainable & Renewable Energy Technology	Common Stock				288		61,502		12,824
Total Solar Spectrum Holdings LLC (p.k.a. Sungevity, Inc.)							$	76,200	$	27,522
Total Affiliate Investments (4.02%)*							$	89,050	$	33,586
Total Control and Affiliate Investments (6.81%)*							$	114,839	$	56,968

*	Value as a percent of net assets

(1)	Stock and warrants are generally non-income producing and restricted.

(2)	All of the Company’s control and affiliate investments are Level 3 investments valued using significant unobservable inputs.

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.

		HERCULES CAPITAL, INC. (Registrant)

Dated: November 2, 2017		/S/ MANUEL A. HENRIQUEZ
		Manuel A. Henriquez
		Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer

Dated: November 2, 2017		/S/ GERARD R. WALDT, JR.
		Gerard R. Waldt, Jr.
		Interim Chief Accounting Officer