Horizon Technology Finance Corp - Annual Report: 2012 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 814-00802

HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (860) 676-8654

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes ¨     No þ.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes ¨     No þ.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  þ

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

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

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on June 29, 2012 based on the closing price on that date of $16.49 on the Nasdaq Global Select Market was approximately $124.9 million. For the purposes of calculating this amount only, all directors and executive officers of the Registrant have been treated as affiliates. There were 9,571,053 shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding as of March 1, 2013.

Documents Incorporated by Reference: Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the Registrant’s 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

HORIZON TECHNOLOGY FINANCE CORPORATION

FORM 10-K

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

In this annual report on Form 10-K, except where the context suggests otherwise, the terms “we,” “us,” “our” and “Horizon Technology Finance” refer to Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries; and “Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC” or the “Advisor” or the “Administrator” refer to Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC. Some of the statements in this annual report on Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements, which apply to both us and our consolidated subsidiaries and relate to future events, future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties for both us and our consolidated subsidiaries and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements for any reason, including those factors discussed in “Item 1A — Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Item 1.  Business

General

We are a specialty finance company that lends to and invests in development-stage companies in the technology, life science, healthcare information and services and cleantech industries (collectively, our “Target Industries”). Our investment objective is to generate current income from the loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we receive when making such loans. We make secured loans (“Venture Loans”) to companies backed by established venture capital and private equity firms in our Target Industries (“Venture Lending”). We also selectively lend to publicly traded companies in our Target Industries. Venture Lending is typically characterized by, (1) the making of a secured loan after a venture capital or equity investment in the portfolio company has been made, which investment provides a source of cash to fund the portfolio company’s debt service obligations under the Venture Loan, (2) the senior priority of the Venture Loan which requires repayment of the Venture Loan prior to the equity investors realizing a return on their capital, (3) the relatively rapid amortization of the Venture Loan and (4) the lender’s receipt of warrants or other success fees with the making of the Venture Loan.

We are an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). As a BDC, we are required to comply with regulatory requirements, including limitations on our use of debt. We are permitted to, and expect to, finance our investments through borrowings. However, as a BDC, we are only generally allowed to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such borrowing. The amount of leverage that we employ depends on our assessment of market conditions and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing.

Our predecessor company, Compass Horizon Finance Company LLC, A Delaware limited liability company (“Compass Horizon”), commenced operations in March 2008. We were formed in March 2010 as a Delaware corporation for the purpose of acquiring Compass Horizon and continuing its business as a public entity.

From our inception and through December 31, 2012, we funded 85 portfolio companies and invested $476.9 million in loans (including 40 loans that have been repaid). As of December 31, 2012, our total investment portfolio consisted of 45 loans which totaled $220.3 million, and our net assets were $145.0 million. All of our existing loans are secured by all or a portion of the tangible and intangible assets of the applicable portfolio company. The loans in our loan portfolio will generally not be rated by any rating agency. If the individual loans in our portfolio were rated, they would be rated below “investment grade” because they are subject to many risks, including volatility, intense competition, shortened product life cycles and periodic downturns.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, our loan portfolio had a dollar-weighted average annualized yield of approximately 14.2% (excluding any yield from warrants). As of December 31, 2012, our loan portfolio had a dollar-weighted average term of approximately 41 months from inception and a dollar-weighted average remaining term of approximately 33 months. In addition, we held warrants to purchase either common stock or preferred stock in 62 portfolio companies. As of December 31, 2012, substantially all of our loans had an original committed principal amount of between $1 million and $15 million, repayment terms of between 20 and 48 months and bore current pay interest at annual interest rates of between 9% and 13%.

We have elected to be treated for federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company (“RIC”), under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). As a RIC, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders if we meet certain source-of-income, distribution, asset diversification and other requirements.

We are externally managed and advised by our Advisor. Our Advisor manages our day-to-day operations and also provides all administrative services necessary for us to operate.

Our common stock began trading October 29, 2010 and is currently traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “HRZN”.

Information Available

Our principal executive office is located at 312 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, our telephone number is (860) 676-8654, and our internet address is horizontechnologyfinancecorp.com. We make available, free of charge, on our website our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this annual report on Form 10-K or any other report we file with the SEC.

Our Advisor

Our investment activities are managed by our Advisor and we expect to continue to benefit from our Advisor’s ability to identify attractive investment opportunities, conduct diligence on and value prospective investments, negotiate investments and manage our diversified portfolio of investments. In addition to the experience gained from the years that they have worked together both at our Advisor and prior to the formation by our Advisor, the members of our investment team have broad lending backgrounds, with substantial experience at a variety of commercial finance companies, technology banks and private debt funds, and have developed a broad network of contacts within the venture capital and private equity community. This network of contacts provides a principal source of investment opportunities.

Our Advisor is a Delaware limited liability company that is a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the “Advisers Act”). The principal executive address of our Advisor is 312 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06032.

Our Advisor is led by five senior managers, including its two co-founders, Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., our Chief Executive Officer, and Gerald A. Michaud, our President. The other senior managers include Christopher M. Mathieu, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, John C. Bombara, our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer and Daniel S. Devorsetz, our Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer.

Our Strategy

Our investment objective is to maximize our investment portfolio’s total return by generating current income from the loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we receive when making such loans. To further implement our business strategy, we expect our Advisor to continue to employ the following core strategies:

Market Opportunity

We focus our investments primarily in four key industries of the emerging technology market: technology, life science, healthcare information and services and cleantech. The technology sectors we focus on include communications, networking, wireless communications, data storage, software, cloud computing, semiconductor, internet and media, and consumer-related technologies. The life science sectors we focus on include biotechnology, drug delivery, bioinformatics and medical devices. The healthcare information and services sectors we focus on include diagnostics, medical record services and software and other healthcare related services and technologies that improve efficiency and quality of administered healthcare. The cleantech sectors we focus on include alternative energy, water purification, energy efficiency, green building materials and waste recycling.

We believe that Venture Lending has the potential to achieve enhanced returns that are attractive notwithstanding the high degree of risk associated with lending to development-stage companies. Potential benefits include:

We believe that Venture Lending also provides an attractive financing source for portfolio companies, their management teams and their equity capital investors, as it:

Competitive Strengths

We believe that we, together with our Advisor, possess significant competitive strengths, including:

Consistently Execute Commitments and Close Transactions.  Our Advisor and its senior management and investment professionals have an extensive track record of originating, underwriting and closing Venture Loans. Our Advisor has directly originated, underwritten and managed more than 150 Venture Loans with an aggregate original principal amount over $975 million since it commenced operations in 2004. In our experience, prospective portfolio companies prefer lenders that have a demonstrated ability to deliver on their commitments.

Robust Direct Origination Capabilities.  Our Advisor’s managing directors each have significant experience originating Venture Loans in our Target Industries. This experience has given each managing director a deep knowledge of our Target Industries and an extensive base of transaction sources and references. Our Advisor’s brand name recognition in our market has resulted in a steady flow of high quality investment opportunities that are consistent with the strategic vision and expectations of our Advisor’s senior management.

Highly Experienced and Cohesive Management Team.  Our Advisor has had the same senior management team of experienced professionals since its inception. This consistency allows companies, their management teams and their investors to rely on consistent and predictable service, loan products and terms and underwriting standards.

Relationships with Venture Capital and Private Equity Investors.  Our Advisor has developed strong relationships with venture capital and private equity firms and their partners. The strength and breadth of our Advisor’s venture capital and private equity relationships would take other firms considerable time and expense to develop and we believe this represents a significant barrier to entry.

Well-Known Brand Name.  Our Advisor has originated Venture Loans to more than 150 companies in our Target Industries under the “Horizon Technology Finance” brand. We believe that the “Horizon Technology Finance” brand as a competent, knowledgeable and active participant in the Venture Lending marketplace will continue to result in a significant number of referrals and prospective investment opportunities in our Target Industries.

Competition

We compete for investments with a number of investment funds and other BDCs, as well as traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks and other financing sources. Some of our competitors are larger and have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we have. We believe we compete effectively with these entities primarily on the basis of the experience, industry knowledge and contacts of our Advisor’s investment professionals, its responsiveness and efficient investment analysis and decision-making processes, its creative financing products and highly customized investment terms. We do not intend to compete primarily on the interest rates we offer and believe that some competitors make loans with rates that are comparable to or lower than our rates. For additional information concerning the competitive risks see “Item 1A — Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business and Structure — We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, and if we are not able to compete effectively, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected and the value of your investment in us could decline.”

Investment Criteria

We make investments in companies that are diversified by their stage of development, their Target Industries and sectors of Target Industries and their geographical location, as well as by the venture capital and private equity sponsors that support our portfolio companies. While we invest in companies at various stages of development, we require that prospective portfolio companies be beyond the seed stage of development and have received at least their first round of venture capital or private equity financing before we will consider making an investment. We expect a prospective portfolio company to demonstrate its ability to advance technology and increase its value over time.

We have identified several criteria that we believe have proven, and will prove, important in achieving our investment objective. These criteria provide general guidelines for our investment decisions. However, we caution you that not all of these criteria are met by each portfolio company in which we choose to invest.

Management.   Our portfolio companies are generally led by experienced management that has in-market expertise in the Target Industry in which the company operates, as well as extensive experience with development-stage companies. The adequacy and completeness of the management team is assessed relative to the stage of development and the challenges facing the potential portfolio company.

Continuing Support from One or More Venture Capital and Private Equity Investors.   We typically invest in companies in which one or more established venture capital and private equity investors have previously invested and continue to make a contribution to the management of the business. We believe that established venture capital and private equity investors can serve as a committed partner and will assist their portfolio companies and their management teams in creating value. We take into consideration the total amount raised by the company, the valuation history, investor reserves for future investment and the expected timing and milestones to the next equity round financing.

Operating Plan and Cash Resources.   We generally require that a prospective portfolio company, in addition to having sufficient access to capital to support leverage, demonstrate an operating plan capable of generating cash flows or the ability to raise the additional capital necessary to cover its operating expenses and service its debt. Our review of the operating plan will take into consideration existing cash, cash burn, cash runway and the milestones necessary for the company to achieve cash flow positive operations or to access additional equity from the investors.

Enterprise and Technology Value.   We expect that the enterprise value of a prospective portfolio company should substantially exceed the principal balance of debt borrowed by the company. Enterprise value includes the implied valuation based upon recent equity capital invested as well as the intrinsic value of the company’s particular technology, service or customer base.

Market Opportunity and Exit Strategy.   We seek portfolio companies that are addressing large market opportunities that capitalize on their competitive advantages. Competitive advantages may include a unique technology, protected intellectual property, superior clinical results or significant market traction. As part of our investment analysis, we typically also consider potential realization of our warrants through merger, acquisition or initial public offering based upon comparable exits in the company’s Target Industry.  

Investment Process

Our board of directors (“Board”) has delegated authority for all investment decisions to our Advisor. Our Advisor, in turn, has created an integrated approach to the loan origination, underwriting, approval and documentation process that we believe effectively combines the skills of our Advisor’s professionals. This process allows our Advisor to achieve an efficient and timely closing of an investment from the initial contact with a prospective portfolio company through the investment decision, close of documentation and funding of the investment, while ensuring that our Advisor’s rigorous underwriting standards are consistently maintained. We believe that the high level of involvement by our Advisor’s staff in the various phases of the investment process allows us to minimize the credit risk while delivering superior service to our portfolio companies.

Origination.   Our Advisor’s loan origination process begins with its industry-focused regional managing directors who are responsible for identifying, contacting and screening prospects. These managing directors meet with key decision makers and deal referral sources such as venture capital and private equity firms and management teams, legal firms, accounting firms, investment banks and other lenders to source prospective portfolio companies. We believe our brand name and management team are well known within the Venture Lending community, as well as by many repeat entrepreneurs and board members of prospective portfolio companies. These broad relationships, which reach across the Venture Lending industry, give rise to a significant portion of our Advisor’s deal origination.

The responsible managing director of our Advisor obtains review materials from the prospective portfolio company and from those materials, as well as other available information, determines whether it is appropriate for our Advisor to issue a non-binding term sheet. The managing director bases this decision to proceed on his or her experience, the competitive environment and the prospective portfolio company’s needs and also seeks the counsel of our Advisor’s senior management and investment team.

Term Sheet.   If the managing director determines, after review and consultation with senior management, that the potential transaction meets our Advisor’s initial credit standards, our Advisor will issue a non-binding term sheet to the prospective portfolio company.

The terms of the transaction are tailored to a prospective portfolio company’s specific funding needs while taking into consideration market dynamics, the quality of the management team, the venture capital and private equity investors involved and applicable credit criteria, which may include the prospective portfolio company’s existing cash resources, the development of its technology and the anticipated timing for the next round of equity financing.

Underwriting.   Once the term sheet has been negotiated and executed and the prospective portfolio company has remitted a good faith deposit, we request additional due diligence materials from the prospective portfolio company and arrange for a due diligence visit. 

Due Diligence.   The due diligence process includes a formal visit to the prospective portfolio company’s location and interviews with the prospective portfolio company’s senior management team including its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Scientific or Technology Officer, principal marketing or sales professional and other key managers. The process includes obtaining and analyzing information from independent third parties that have knowledge of the prospective portfolio company’s business, including, to the extent available, analysts that follow the technology market, thought leaders in our Target Industries and important customers or partners, if any. Outside sources of information are reviewed, including industry publications, scientific and market articles, Internet publications, publicly available information on competitors or competing technologies and information known to our Advisor’s investment team from their experience in the technology markets.

A key element of the due diligence process is interviewing key existing investors in the prospective portfolio company, who are often also members of the prospective portfolio company’s board of directors. While these board members and/or investors are not independent sources of information, their support for management and willingness to support the prospective portfolio company’s further development are critical elements of our decision making process.

Investment Memorandum.   Upon completion of the due diligence process and review and analysis of all of the information provided by the prospective portfolio company and obtained externally, our Advisor’s assigned credit officer prepares an investment memorandum for review and approval. The investment memorandum is reviewed by our Advisor’s Chief Credit Officer and submitted to our Advisor’s investment committee for approval.

Investment Committee.   Our Board delegates authority for all investment decisions to our Advisor’s investment committee.

Our Advisor’s investment committee is responsible for overall credit policy, portfolio management, approval of all investments, portfolio monitoring and reporting and managing of problem accounts. The committee interacts with the entire staff of our Advisor to review potential transactions and deal flow. This interaction of cross-functional members of our Advisor’s staff assures efficient transaction sourcing, negotiating and underwriting throughout the transaction process. Portfolio performance and current market conditions are reviewed and discussed by the investment committee on a regular basis to assure that transaction structures and terms are consistent and current.

Loan Closing and Funding.   Approved investments are documented and closed by our Advisor’s in-house legal and loan administration staff. Loan documentation is based upon standard templates created by our Advisor and is customized for each transaction to reflect the specific deal terms. The transaction documents typically include a loan and security agreement, warrant agreement and applicable perfection documents, including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and, as applicable, may also include a landlord agreement, patent and trademark security grants, a subordination agreement and other standard agreements for commercial loans in the Venture Lending industry. Funding requires final approval by our Advisor’s General Counsel, Chief Executive Officer or President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Credit Officer.

Portfolio Management and Reporting.   Our Advisor maintains a “hands on” approach to maintain communication with our portfolio companies. At least quarterly, our Advisor contacts our portfolio companies for operational and financial updates by phone and performs reviews. Our Advisor may contact portfolio companies deemed to have greater credit risk on a monthly basis. Our Advisor requires all private companies to provide financial statements. For public companies, our Advisor typically relies on publicly reported quarterly financials. Our Advisor also typically receives copies of bank and security statements, as well as any other information required to verify reported financial information. This allows our Advisor to identify any unexpected developments in the financial performance or condition of a portfolio company.

Our Advisor has developed a proprietary credit rating system to analyze the quality of our loans. Using this system, our Advisor analyzes and then rates the credit risk within the portfolio on a monthly basis. Each portfolio company is rated on a 1 through 4 scale, with 3 representing the rating for a standard level of risk. A rating of 4 represents an improved and better credit quality. A rating of 2 or 1 represents a deteriorating credit quality and increasing risk. Newly funded investments are typically assigned a rating of 3, unless extraordinary circumstances require otherwise. These investment ratings are generated internally by our Advisor, and we cannot guarantee that others would assign the same ratings to our portfolio investments or similar portfolio investments.

Our Advisor closely monitors portfolio companies rated a 1 or 2 for adverse developments. In addition, our Advisor maintains regular contact with the management, board of directors and major equity holders of these portfolio companies in order to discuss strategic initiatives to correct the deterioration of the portfolio company.

The table below describes each rating level:

For a discussion of the ratings of our existing portfolio, see “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Loan Portfolio Asset Quality.”

Managerial Assistance

As a BDC, we offer, through our Advisor, and must provide upon request, managerial assistance to certain of our portfolio companies. This assistance may involve monitoring the operations of the portfolio companies, participating in board of directors and management meetings, consulting with and advising officers of portfolio companies and providing other organizational and financial guidance.

We may receive fees for these services, though we may reimburse our Advisor for its direct expenses related to providing such services on our behalf.

Employees

We do not have any employees. Each of our executive officers is an employee of our Advisor. Our day-to-day investment operations are managed by our Advisor. As of December 31, 2012, our Advisor had 19 employees, including investment and portfolio management professionals, operations and accounting professionals, legal counsel and administrative staff. In addition, we reimburse our Advisor for our allocable portion of expenses incurred by it in performing its obligations under the administration agreement with Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, as Administrator (the “Administration Agreement”), including our allocable portion of the cost of our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer and their respective staffs.

Investment Management Agreement

Under the terms of our Investment Management Agreement with our Advisor (the “Investment Management Agreement”), our Advisor:

Our Advisor’s services under the Investment Management Agreement are not exclusive, and it is free to furnish similar services to other entities so long as its services to us are not impaired.

Investment Advisory Fees

Pursuant to our Investment Management Agreement, we pay our Advisor a fee for investment advisory and management services consisting of a base management fee and an incentive fee.

Base Management Fee.  The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of our gross assets, payable monthly in arrears. For purposes of calculating the base management fee, the term “gross assets” includes any assets acquired with the proceeds of leverage.

Incentive Fee.  The incentive fee has two parts, as follows:

The first part is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on our pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter. For this purpose, “pre-incentive fee net investment income” means interest income, dividend income and any other income" (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that we receive from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus our operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement and any interest expense and any dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments with payment-in-kind interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income that we have not yet received in cash. The incentive fee with respect to our pre-incentive fee net income will be 20.00% of the amount, if any, by which our pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding calendar quarter exceeds a 1.75% (which is 7.00% annualized) hurdle rate and a “catch-up” provision measured as of the end of each calendar quarter. Under this provision, in any calendar quarter, our Advisor receives no incentive fee until our net investment income equals the hurdle rate of 1.75%, but then receives, as a “catch-up,” 100.00% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 2.1875%. The effect of this provision is that, if pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter, our Advisor will receive 20.00% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply.

Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation. Because of the structure of the incentive fee, it is possible that we may pay an incentive fee in a quarter where we incur a loss. For example, if we receive pre-incentive fee net investment income in excess of the quarterly minimum hurdle rate, we pay the applicable incentive fee even if we have incurred a loss in that quarter due to realized and unrealized capital losses. Our net investment income used to calculate this part of the incentive fee is also included in the amount of our gross assets used to calculate the 2.00% base management fee. These calculations are appropriately pro-rated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current quarter.

The following is a graphical representation of the calculation of the income-related portion of the incentive fee:

Quarterly Incentive Fee Based on Net Investment Income

Pre-incentive fee net investment income (expressed as a percentage of the value of net assets)

Percentage of pre-incentive fee net investment income allocated to first part of incentive fee

The second part of the incentive fee will be determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Management Agreement, as of the termination date), and will equal 20% of our realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from the date of our election to be a BDC, through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less all previous amounts paid in respect of the capital gain incentive fee.

Examples of Incentive Fee Calculation

Example 1: Income Related Portion of Incentive Fee for Each Fiscal Quarter

Alternative 1

Assumptions:

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 1.25%

Hurdle rate(1) = 1.75%

Management fee(2) = 0.50%

Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.)(3) = 0.20%

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income

(investment income - (management fee + other expenses)) = 0.55%

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not exceed hurdle rate; therefore, there is no income-related incentive fee.

Alternative 2

Assumptions:

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 2.80%

Hurdle rate(1) = 1.75%

Management fee(2) = 0.50%

Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.)(3) = 0.20%

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income

(investment income - (management fee + other expenses)) = 2.10%

Incentive fee = 100.00% × Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (subject to “catch-up”)(4)

= 100.00% × (2.10% - 1.75%)

= 0.35%

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds the hurdle rate, but does not fully satisfy the “catch-up” provision; therefore, the income related portion of the incentive fee is 0.35%.

Alternative 3

Assumptions:

Investment income (including interest, dividends, fees, etc.) = 3.00%

Hurdle rate(1) = 1.75%

Management fee(2) = 0.50%

Other expenses (legal, accounting, custodian, transfer agent, etc.)(3) = 0.20%

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income

(investment income) - (management fee + other expenses) = 2.30%

Incentive fee = 100.00% × Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (subject to “catch-up”)(4)

Incentive fee = 100.00% × “catch-up” + (20.00% × (Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income -

2.1875%))

Catch up = 2.1875% - 1.75%

= 0.4375%

Incentive fee = (100.00% × 0.4375%) + (20.00% × (2.30% - 2.1875%))

= 0.4375% + (20.00% × 0.1125%)

= 0.4375% + 0.0225%

= 0.46%

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds the hurdle rate and fully satisfies the “catch-up” provision; therefore, the income related portion of the incentive fee is 0.46%.

Example 2: Capital Gains Portion of Incentive Fee

Alternative 1

Assumptions:

Year 1: $20 million investment made in Company A (“Investment A”), and $30 million investment made in Company B (“Investment B”)

Year 2: Investment A sold for $50 million and fair market value (“FMV”) of Investment B determined to be $32 million

Year 3: FMV of Investment B determined to be $25 million

Year 4: Investment B sold for $31 million

The capital gains portion of the incentive fee, if any, would be:

Year 1: None (No sales transaction)

Year 2: Capital gains incentive fee of $6 million ($30 million realized capital gains on sale of Investment A multiplied by 20%)

Year 3: None; $5 million (20% multiplied by ($30 million cumulative capital gains less $5 million cumulative capital depreciation)) less $6 million (previous capital gains fee paid in Year 2)

Year 4: Capital gains incentive fee of $200,000; $6.2 million ($31 million cumulative realized capital gains multiplied by 20%) less $6 million (capital gains incentive fee taken in Year 2)

Alternative 2

Assumptions:

Year 1: $20 million investment made in Company A (“Investment A”), $30 million investment made in Company B (“Investment B”) and $25 million investment made in Company C (“Investment C”)

Year 2: Investment A sold for $50 million, FMV of Investment B determined to be $25 million and FMV of Investment C determined to be $25 million

Year 3: FMV of Investment B determined to be $27 million and Investment C sold for $30 million

Year 4: FMV of Investment B determined to be $35 million

Year 5: Investment B sold for $20 million

The capital gains incentive fee, if any, would be:

Year 1: None (no sales transaction)

Year 2: $5 million capital gains incentive fee (20% multiplied by $25 million ($30 million realized capital gains on Investment A less unrealized capital depreciation on Investment B))

Year 3: $1.4 million capital gains incentive fee(1) ($6.4 million (20% multiplied by $32 million ($35 million cumulative realized capital gains less $3 million unrealized capital depreciation)) less $5 million capital gains incentive fee received in Year 2

Year 4: None (no sales transaction)

Year 5: None ($5 million (20% multiplied by $25 million (cumulative realized capital gains of $35 million less realized capital losses of $10 million)) less $6.4 million cumulative capital gains incentive fee paid in Year 2 and Year 3(2)

The hypothetical amounts of returns shown are based on a percentage of our total net assets and assume no leverage. There is no guarantee that positive returns will be realized and actual returns may vary from those shown in this example.

Payment of Our Expenses

All investment professionals and staff of our Advisor, when and to the extent engaged in providing investment advisory and management services, and the compensation and routine overhead expenses of its personnel allocable to such services, are provided and paid for by our Advisor. We bear all other costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including, without limitation, those relating to:

We reimburse our Advisor for costs and expenses incurred by our Advisor for office space rental, office equipment and utilities allocable to the performance by our Advisor of its duties under the Investment Management Agreement, as well as any costs and expenses incurred by our Advisor relating to any non-investment advisory, administrative or operating services provided by our Advisor to us or in the form of managerial assistance to portfolio companies that request it.

Generally, our expenses will be expensed as incurred in accordance with GAAP. To the extent we incur costs that should be capitalized and amortized into expense we will also do so in accordance with GAAP, which may include amortizing such amount on a straight line basis over the life of the asset or the life of the services or product being performed or provided.

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification

The Investment Management Agreement provides that our Advisor and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated with our Advisor are not liable to us for any act or omission by it in the supervision or management of our investment activities or for any loss sustained by us except for acts or omissions constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations under the Investment Management Agreement. The Investment Management Agreement also provides for indemnification by us of our Advisor and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated with our Advisor for liabilities incurred by them in connection with their services to us (including any liabilities associated with an action or suit by or in the right of us or our stockholders), but excluding liabilities for acts or omissions constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties under the Investment Management Agreement subject to certain conditions.

Board Approval of the Investment Management Agreement

Our Board held an in-person meeting on August 3, 2012, in order to consider and approve our Investment Management Agreement for another twelve month period. In its consideration of the Investment Management Agreement, the Board focused on information it had received relating to, among other things: (a) the nature, quality and extent of the advisory and other services to be provided to us by our Advisor; (b) comparative data with respect to advisory fees or similar expenses paid by other BDCs with similar investment objectives; (c) our projected operating expenses and expense ratio compared to BDCs with similar investment objectives; (d) any existing and potential sources of indirect income to our Advisor or the Administrator from their relationships with us and the profitability of those relationships; (e) information about the services to be performed and the personnel performing such services under the Investment Management Agreement; (f) the organizational capability and financial condition of our Advisor and its affiliates; (g) our Advisor’s practices regarding the selection and compensation of brokers that may execute our portfolio transactions and the brokers’ provision of brokerage and research services to our Advisor; and (h) the possibility of obtaining similar services from other third party service providers or through an internally managed structure.

Based on the information reviewed and the discussions, the Board, including a majority of the non-interested directors, concluded that the investment management fee rates were reasonable in relation to the services to be provided.

Duration and Termination

The Investment Management Agreement was approved by our Board on October 25, 2010 and was renewed on August 3, 2012. Following its initial two-year term, unless terminated, the Investment Management Agreement will remain in effect from year to year if approved annually by either (1) our Board, including approval by a majority of our directors who are not interested persons, or (2) the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities. The Investment Management Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Investment Management Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty by delivering notice of termination upon not more than 60 days’ written notice to the other. See “Item 1A — Risk Factors — Risks Related to our Business and Structure — Our Advisor can resign on 60 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.” We are dependent upon senior management personnel of our Advisor for our success, and if our Advisor is unable to hire and retain qualified personnel or if our Advisor loses any member of its senior management team, our ability to achieve our investment objective could be significantly harmed.

Administration Agreement

We have entered into an Administration Agreement with the Administrator, to provide administrative services to us. For providing these services, facilities and personnel, we reimburse the Administrator for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions and our allocable portion of the costs of compensation and related expenses of our Chief Compliance Officer and our Chief Financial Officer and their respective staffs.

License Agreement

We have entered into a license agreement with Horizon Technology Finance, LLC pursuant to which we were granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free right and license to use the service mark “Horizon Technology Finance.” Under this agreement, we have a right to use the “Horizon Technology Finance” service mark for so long as the Investment Management Agreement with our Advisor is in effect. Other than with respect to this limited license, we have no legal right to the “Horizon Technology Finance” service mark.

Regulation

We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act and elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As with other companies regulated by the 1940 Act, a BDC must adhere to certain substantive regulatory requirements. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between BDCs and their affiliates (including any investment advisers or sub-advisers), principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters. The 1940 Act also requires that a majority of the directors of the BDC be persons other than “interested persons,” as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. In addition, the 1940 Act provides that we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or to withdraw our election as, a BDC unless approved by “a majority of our outstanding voting securities” as defined in the 1940 Act. A majority of the outstanding voting securities of a company is defined under the 1940 Act as the lesser of: (i) 67% or more of such company’s outstanding voting securities present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present and represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of such company. Our bylaws provide for the calling of a special meeting of stockholders at which such action could be considered upon written notice of not less than ten or more than sixty days before the date of such meeting.

We may invest up to 100% of our assets in securities acquired directly from issuers in privately negotiated transactions. With respect to such securities, we may, for the purpose of public resale, be deemed an “underwriter” as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Our intention is to not write (sell) or buy put or call options to manage risks associated with the publicly traded securities of our portfolio companies, except that we may enter into hedging transactions to manage the risks associated with interest rate fluctuations to the extent that we are permitted to engage in such hedging transactions under the 1940 Act and applicable commodities laws. We may also purchase or otherwise receive warrants to purchase the common stock of our portfolio companies in connection with acquisition financing or other investments. Similarly, in connection with an acquisition, we may acquire rights to require the issuers of acquired securities or their affiliates to repurchase them under certain circumstances.

We also do not intend to acquire securities issued by any investment company that exceed the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. Under these limits, except for registered money market funds, we generally cannot acquire more than 3% of the voting stock of any investment company, invest more than 5% of the value of our total assets in the securities of one investment company or invest more than 10% of the value of our total assets in the securities of more than one investment company. With regard to that portion of our portfolio invested in securities issued by investment companies, it should be noted that such investments might subject our stockholders to additional expenses. None of our investment policies is fundamental and any may be changed without stockholder approval.

We may also be prohibited under the 1940 Act from knowingly participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our Board who are not interested persons and, in some cases, prior approval by the SEC. For example, under the 1940 Act, absent receipt of exemptive relief from the SEC, we and our affiliates may be precluded from co-investing in private placements of securities. As a result of one or more of these situations, we may not be able to invest as much as we otherwise would in certain investments or may not be able to liquidate a position as quickly.

We expect to be periodically examined by the SEC for compliance with the 1940 Act.

We are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect us against larceny and embezzlement. Furthermore, as a BDC, we are prohibited from protecting any director or officer against any liability to us or our stockholders arising from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office.

We and our Advisor have adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws and review these policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation. We and our Advisor have designated a chief compliance officer to be responsible for administering the policies and procedures.

Qualifying Assets

Under the 1940 Act, a BDC may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as qualifying assets, unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the company’s total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets relevant to our proposed business are the following:

The regulations defining qualifying assets may change over time. We may adjust our investment focus as needed to comply with and/or take advantage of any regulatory, legislative, administrative or judicial actions in this area.

Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies

A BDC must have been organized and have its principal place of business in the United States and must be operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of securities described in “— Qualifying assets” above. However, in order to count portfolio securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test, the BDC must either control the issuer of the securities or must offer to make available to the issuer of the securities (other than small and solvent companies described above) significant managerial assistance. Where the BDC purchases such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, the BDC will satisfy this test if one of the other persons in the group makes available such managerial assistance. Making available managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.

Issuance of Additional Shares

We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value (“NAV”) per share. We may, however, issue and sell our common stock, at a price below the current NAV of the common stock, or issue and sell warrants, options or rights to acquire such common stock, at a price below the current NAV of the common stock if our Board determines that such sale is in our best interest and in the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders have approved our policy and practice of making such sales within the preceding 12 months. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price which, in the determination of our Board, closely approximates the market value of such securities.

Temporary Investments

Pending investment in other types of “qualifying assets,” as described above, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which we refer to, collectively, as temporary investments, so that 70% of our assets are qualifying assets. Typically, we invest in money market funds, highly rated commercial paper, U.S. Government agency notes, U.S. Treasury bills or in repurchase agreements relating to such securities that are fully collateralized by cash or securities issued by the U.S. Government or its agencies. A repurchase agreement involves the purchase by an investor, such as us, of a specified security and the simultaneous agreement by the seller to repurchase it at an agreed-upon future date and at a price which is greater than the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed-upon interest rate. There is no percentage restriction on the proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase agreements. However, subject to certain exceptions, if more than 25% of our total assets constitute repurchase agreements from a single counterparty, we would not meet the diversification tests in order to qualify as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. Thus, we do not intend to enter into repurchase agreements with a single counterparty in excess of this limit. Our Advisor monitors the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into repurchase agreement transactions.

Senior Securities; Derivative Securities

We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness and one class of stock senior to our common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance. In addition, while any senior securities are outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage. For a discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see “Item 1A — Risk Factors — Risks Related to our Business and Structure — We will borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.”

The 1940 Act also limits the amount of warrants, options and rights to common stock that we may issue and the terms of such securities.

Code of Ethics

We and our Advisor have each adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act, respectively, that establishes procedures for personal investments and restricts certain personal securities transactions. Personnel subject to each code may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by us, so long as such investments are made in accordance with the code’s requirements. Each code of ethics is attached as an exhibit to this annual report on Form 10-K, and is available on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of the code of ethics, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. You may read and copy the code of ethics at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 942-8090.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

We have delegated our proxy voting responsibility to our Advisor. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of our Advisor are set forth below. The guidelines are reviewed periodically by our Advisor and our independent directors and, accordingly, are subject to change.

Introduction

Our Advisor is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. As an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act, our Advisor has fiduciary duties to us. As part of this duty, our Advisor recognizes that it must vote client securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders. Our Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures have been formulated to ensure decision-making is consistent with these fiduciary duties. These policies and procedures for voting proxies are intended to comply with Section 206 of, and Rule 206(4)-6 under, the Advisers Act.

Proxy policies

Our Advisor votes proxies relating to our portfolio securities in what our Advisor perceives to be the best interest of our stockholders. Our Advisor reviews on a case-by-case basis each proposal submitted to a stockholder vote to determine its effect on the portfolio securities held by us. Although our Advisor generally votes against proposals that may have a negative effect on our portfolio securities, our Advisor may vote for such a proposal if there exist compelling long-term reasons to do so.

Our Advisor’s proxy voting decisions are made by those senior officers who are responsible for monitoring each of our investments. To ensure that a vote is not the product of a conflict of interest, our Advisor requires that (1) anyone involved in the decision-making process disclose to our Chief Compliance Officer any potential conflict that he or she is aware of and any contact that he or she has had with any interested party regarding a proxy vote and (2) employees involved in the decision-making process or vote administration are prohibited from revealing how we intend to vote on a proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from interested parties.

Proxy Voting Records

You may obtain information about how we voted proxies by making a written request for proxy voting information to: Chief Compliance Officer, Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, 312 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06032.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), imposes a wide variety of regulatory requirements on publicly held companies and their insiders. Many of these requirements affect us. For example:

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to review our current policies and procedures to determine whether we comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. We will continue to monitor our compliance with all regulations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and intend to take actions necessary to ensure that we are in compliance therewith.

NASDAQ Global Select Market Corporate Governance Regulations

The NASDAQ Global Select Market has adopted corporate governance regulations with which listed companies must comply with. We intend to be in compliance with these corporate governance listing standards. We intend to monitor our compliance with all future listing standards and to take all necessary actions to ensure that we are in compliance therewith.

Privacy Principles

We are committed to maintaining the privacy of stockholders and to safeguarding our non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information we collect, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.

Generally, we do not receive any nonpublic personal information relating to our stockholders, although certain nonpublic personal information of our stockholders may become available to us. We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our stockholders or former stockholders, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service stockholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party administrator).

We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about our stockholders to our Advisor’s employees with a legitimate business need for the information. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the nonpublic personal information of our stockholders.

Election to be Taxed as a RIC

We have elected to be taxed, and intend to qualify annually to maintain our election to be taxed, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. To maintain RIC tax benefits, we must, among other requirements, meet certain source-of-income and quarterly asset diversification requirements (as described below). We also must annually distribute dividends of at least 90% of the sum of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains (i.e. net short-term capital gains in excess of net long term losses), if any, out of the assets legally available for distribution, which we refer to as the “Annual Distribution Requirement.” Although not required for us to maintain our RIC tax status, in order to preclude the imposition of a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax imposed on RICs, we may distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our ordinary income for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and net capital gains for preceding years that were not distributed during such years (the “Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement”). In addition, although we may distribute realized net capital gains (i.e., net long-term capital gains in excess of short-term capital losses), if any, at least annually out of the assets legally available for such distributions, we may decide to retain such net capital gains or ordinary income to provide us with additional liquidity. In order to qualify as a RIC for federal income tax purposes under Section 851(a) of the Code, we must:

Taxation as a RIC

If we qualify as a RIC under Section 851(a) of the Code, and satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, then we will not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of our investment company taxable income and net capital gain (i.e., realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) we distribute to stockholders. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gain not distributed (or deemed distributed) to our stockholders.

We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with pay in kind interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or issued with warrants), we must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. Because any original issue discount accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount.

Gain or loss realized by us from warrants acquired by us as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of such warrants generally will be treated as capital gain or loss. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term or short-term, depending on how long we held a particular warrant.

Although we do not presently expect to do so, we are authorized to borrow funds and to sell assets in order to satisfy distribution requirements. However, under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to make distributions to our stockholders while our debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless certain “asset coverage” tests are met. Moreover, our ability to dispose of assets to meet our distribution requirements may be limited by (1) the illiquid nature of our portfolio and/or (2) other requirements relating to our status as a RIC, including the Diversification Tests. If we dispose of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, we may make such dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous.

Failure to Qualify as a RIC

If we fail to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement or fail to qualify as a RIC in any taxable year, assuming we do not qualify for or take advantage of certain remedial provisions, we will be subject to tax in that year on all of our taxable income, regardless of whether we make any distributions to our stockholders. In that case, all of our income will be subject to corporate-level federal income tax, reducing the amount available to be distributed to our stockholders. In contrast, assuming we qualify as a RIC, our corporate-level federal income tax liability should be substantially reduced or eliminated. See “Election to be Taxed as a RIC” above.

If we are unable to maintain our status as a RIC, we would be subject to tax on all of our taxable income at regular corporate rates. We would not be able to deduct distributions to stockholders, nor would they be required to be made. Distributions would generally be taxable to our stockholders as ordinary distribution income eligible for the 15% or 20% maximum rate to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, dividends paid by us to corporate distributees would be eligible for the dividends received deduction. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the stockholder’s tax basis in our common stock, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. In addition to the other information contained in this annual report on Form 10-K, you should consider carefully the following information before making an investment in our securities. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, our NAV and the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose part or all of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Structure

We have a limited operating history and may not be able to achieve our investment objective or generate sufficient revenue to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders and your investment in us could decline substantially.

We commenced operations in March 2008 and became a public company on October 28, 2010. As a result of our limited operating history, we are subject to certain business risks and uncertainties associated with any recently formed business enterprise, including the risk that we will not achieve our investment objective and that the value of your investment in us could decline substantially. As a public company, we are subject to the regulatory requirements of the SEC, in addition to the specific regulatory requirements applicable to BDCs under the 1940 Act and RICs under the Code. Our management and our Advisor have limited experience operating under this regulatory framework, and we may incur substantial additional costs, and expend significant time or other resources, to do so. From time to time our Advisor may pursue investment opportunities, like equity investments, in which our Advisor has more limited experience. In addition, we may be unable to generate sufficient revenue from our operations to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders.

We and our Advisor have limited experience operating under the constraints imposed on a BDC or managing an investment company, which may affect our ability to manage our business and impair your ability to assess our prospects.

Prior to becoming a public company in October 2010, we did not operate as a BDC or manage an investment company under the 1940 Act. As a result, we have limited operating results under this regulatory framework that can demonstrate to you either its effect on our business or our ability to manage our business within this framework. The 1940 Act imposes numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets in specified types of securities, primarily securities of “eligible portfolio companies” (as defined in the 1940 Act), cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. See “Regulation” in Item 1 above. Our Advisor’s lack of experience in managing a portfolio of assets under these constraints may hinder our ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and, as a result, could impair our ability to achieve our investment objective. Furthermore, if we are unable to comply with the requirements imposed on BDCs by the 1940 Act, the SEC could bring an enforcement action against us and/or we could be exposed to claims of private litigants. In addition, we could be regulated as a closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, which could further decrease our operating flexibility and may prevent us from operating our business, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

We are dependent upon key personnel of our Advisor and our Advisor’s ability to hire and retain qualified personnel.

We depend on the members of our Advisor’s senior management, particularly Mr. Pomeroy, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Michaud, our President, as well as other key personnel for the identification, evaluation, final selection, structuring, closing and monitoring of our investments. These employees have critical industry experience and relationships that we rely on to implement our business plan to originate Venture Loans in our Target Industries. Our future success depends on the continued service of Mr. Pomeroy and Mr. Michaud as well as the other senior members of our Advisor’s management team. If our Advisor were to lose the services of either Mr. Pomeroy or Mr. Michaud or any of the other senior members of our Advisor’s management team, we may not be able to operate our business as we expect, and our ability to compete could be harmed, either of which could cause our business, results of operations or financial condition to suffer. In addition, if more than one of Mr. Pomeroy, Mr. Michaud or Mr. Mathieu, our Chief Financial Officer, cease to be actively involved in the Company or our Advisor, and are not replaced by individuals satisfactory to Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC (“Wells”) within ninety days, Wells could, absent a waiver or cure, demand repayment of any outstanding obligations under the Wells Facility. If both Mr. Pomeroy and Mr. Michaud cease to be employed by us, and they are not replaced by individuals satisfactory to Fortress Credit Co LLC (“Fortress”) within ninety days, then Fortress could, absent a waiver or cure, demand repayment of any outstanding obligations under the Fortress Facility. Our future success also depends, in part, on our Advisor’s ability to identify, attract and retain sufficient numbers of highly skilled employees. Absent exemptive or other relief granted by the SEC and for so long as we remain externally managed, the 1940 Act prevents us from granting options to our employees and adopting a profit sharing plan, which may make it more difficult for us to attract and retain highly skilled employees. If we are not successful in identifying, attracting and retaining these employees, we may not be able to operate our business as we expect. Moreover, we cannot assure you that our Advisor will remain our investment advisor or that we will continue to have access to our Advisor’s investment professionals or its relationships. For example, our Advisor may in the future manage investment funds with investment objectives similar to ours thereby diverting the time and attention of its investment professionals that we rely on to implement our business plan.

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, and if we are not able to compete effectively, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected and the value of your investment in us could decline.

We compete for investments with a number of investment funds and other BDCs, as well as traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks and other financing sources. Some of our competitors are larger and have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we have. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to us. This may enable these competitors to make commercial loans with interest rates that are comparable to, or lower than, the rates we typically offer. We may lose prospective portfolio companies if we do not match our competitors’ pricing, terms and structure. If we do match our 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 than us and build their market shares. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a BDC or that the Code imposes on us as a RIC. If we are not able to compete effectively, we may not be able to identify and take advantage of attractive investment opportunities that we identify and may not be able to fully invest our available capital. If this occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.

Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique, and we intend to continue to borrow money as part of our business plan. The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increases the risks associated with investing in us. We borrow from and issue senior debt securities to banks and other lenders. Such senior debt securities include those under the Credit Facilities. See “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Lenders of senior debt securities have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders. If the value of our assets increases, then leveraging would cause the NAV attributable to our common stock to increase more sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. However, any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. This decline could adversely affect our ability to make common stock dividend payments. In addition, because our investments may be illiquid, we may be unable to dispose of them or unable to do so at a favorable price in the event we need to do so, if we are unable to refinance any indebtedness upon maturity, and, as a result, we may suffer losses.

Our ability to service any debt that we incur depends largely on our financial performance and is subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. Moreover, as our Advisor’s management fee is payable to our Advisor based on our gross assets, including those assets acquired through the use of leverage, our Advisor may have a financial incentive to incur leverage which may not be consistent with our stockholders’ interests. In addition, holders of our common stock bear the burden of any increase in our expenses, as a result of leverage, including any increase in the management fee payable to our Advisor.

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 in the table below:

Based on our outstanding indebtedness of $89 million as of December 31, 2012 and the average cost of borrowed funds of 6.62% as of that date, our investment portfolio would have been required to experience an annual return of at least 2.54% to cover annual interest payments on the outstanding debt.

If we are unable to comply with the covenants or restrictions in our Credit Facilities, make payments when due thereunder or make payments pursuant to our Senior Notes, our business could be materially adversely affected.

Our Credit Facilities are secured by a lien on the assets of our wholly owned subsidiaries, Horizon Credit II LLC (“Credit II”) and Horizon Credit III LLC (“Credit III”), which hold substantially all of our assets. The breach of certain of the covenants or restrictions or our failure to make payments when due under the Credit Facilities, unless cured within the applicable grace period, would result in a default under the Credit Facilities that would permit the lenders to declare all amounts outstanding to be due and payable. In such an event, we may not have sufficient assets to repay such indebtedness and the lenders may exercise rights available to them, including, without limitation, to the extent permitted under applicable law, the seizure of such assets without adjudication.

The Credit Facilities include covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of Credit II and Credit III to (i) make loans to, or investments in, third parties (other than Venture Loans and warrants or other equity participation rights), (ii) pay dividends and distributions, (iii) incur additional indebtedness, (iv) engage in mergers or consolidations, (v) create liens on the collateral securing the Credit Facilities, (vi) permit additional negative pledges on such collateral, (vii) change the business currently conducted by them, and (viii) have a change of control.

The Credit Facilities also require Credit II, Credit III and our Advisor to comply with various financial covenants, including, among other covenants, maintenance by our Advisor of a minimum tangible net worth and limitations on the value of, and modifications to, the loan collateral that secures the Credit Facilities. Complying with these restrictions may prevent us from taking actions that we believe would help us to grow our business or are otherwise consistent with our investment objective. These restrictions could also limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions, meet extraordinary capital needs or otherwise restrict corporate activities, and could result in our failing to qualify as a RIC resulting in our becoming subject to corporate-level income tax. See “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources” for additional information regarding our credit arrangements.

An event of default or acceleration under the Credit Facilities could also cause a cross-default or cross-acceleration of another debt instrument or contractual obligation, which would adversely impact our liquidity. We may not be granted waivers or amendments to the Credit Facilities or Senior Notes if for any reason we are unable to comply with it, and we may not be able to refinance the Credit Facilities on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

Our Senior Notes are unsecured and therefore are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we have currently incurred or may incur in the future.

Our Senior Notes are not secured by any of our assets or any of the assets of our subsidiaries. As a result, the Senior Notes arc 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 Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2012, we had $46.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our Wells Facility, and $10.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our Fortress Facility.

Our Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.

Our Senior Notes are obligations exclusively of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, and not of any of our subsidiaries. None of our subsidiaries is a guarantor of the Senior Notes and the Senior Notes are not required to be guaranteed by any subsidiaries we may acquire or create in the future. The assets of such subsidiaries are not directly available to satisfy the claims of our creditors, including holders of the Senior Notes.

Except to the extent we are a creditor with recognized claims against our subsidiaries, all claims of creditors (including trade creditors) and holders of preferred stock, if any, of our subsidiaries have priority over our equity interests in such subsidiaries (and therefore the claims of our creditors, including holders of the Senior 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 are effectively 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 Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of any of our subsidiaries and any subsidiaries that we may in the future acquire or establish as financing vehicles or otherwise. As of December 31, 2012, we had $46.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our Wells Facility, and $10.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our Fortress Facility.

In addition, our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, all of which would be structurally senior to the Senior Notes.

The indenture under which our Senior Notes are issued contains limited protection for holders of our Senior Notes.

The indenture under which the Senior Notes are issued offers limited protection to holders of the Senior Notes. The terms of the indenture and the Senior 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 a material adverse impact on investments in the Senior Notes. In particular, the terms of the indenture and the Senior Notes do not place any restrictions on our or our subsidiaries' ability to:

In addition, the indenture does not require us to offer to purchase the Senior Notes in connection with a change of control or any other event.

Furthermore, the terms of the indenture and the Senior Notes do not protect holders of the Senior Notes in the event that we experience changes (including significant adverse changes) in our financial condition, results of operations or credit ratings, 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.

Our ability to recapitalize, incur additional debt and take a number of other actions that are not limited by the terms of the Senior Notes may have important consequences for holders of the Senior Notes, including making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Senior Notes or negatively affecting the trading value of the Senior Notes.

Certain of our current debt instruments include more protections for their holders than the indenture and the Senior Notes. In addition, other debt we issue or incur in the future could contain more protections for its holders than the indenture and the Senior 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 Senior Notes.

An active trading market for our Senior Notes may not exist, which could limit your ability to sell our Senior Notes or affect the market price of the Senior Note.

The Senior Notes are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “HTF”. However, we cannot provide any assurances that an active trading market tor the Senior Notes will exist in the future or that you will be able to sell your Senior Notes. Even if an active trading market does exist, the Senior Notes may trade at a discount from their initial offering price depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, our credit ratings, if any, general economic conditions, our financial condition, performance and prospects and other factors. To the extent an active trading market does not exist, the liquidity and trading price for the Senior Notes may be harmed. Accordingly, you may be required to bear the financial risk of an investment in the Senior Notes for an indefinite period of time.

If we default on our obligations to pay our other indebtedness, we may not be able to make payments on our Senior Notes.

Any default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, including a default under the Wells Facility, and the Fortress 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 Senior Notes and substantially decrease the market value of the Senior 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 Fortress 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, the Fortress Facility, the Senior Notes or other debt that we may incur in the future to avoid being in default. If we breach our covenants under the Wells Facility, the Fortress Facility, the Senior Notes 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 and our lenders or debt 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 Fortress Facility, could proceed against the collateral securing the debt. Because the Wells Facility and the Fortress Facility have, and any future credit facilities will likely have, customary cross-default provisions, if the indebtedness thereunder or under any future credit facility is accelerated, we may be unable to repay or finance the amounts due.

The impact of recent financial reform legislation on us is uncertain.

In light of current conditions in the U.S. and global financial markets and the U.S. and global economy, legislators, the presidential administration and regulators have increased their focus on the regulation of the financial services industry. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act institutes a wide range of reforms that will have an impact on all financial institutions. Many of these provisions are subject to rule making procedures and studies that will be conducted in the future. Accordingly, we cannot predict the effect it or its implementing regulations will have on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Because we distribute all or substantially all of our income and any realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses to our stockholders, we will need additional capital to finance our growth, if any. If additional funds are unavailable or not available on favorable terms, our ability to grow will be impaired.

To satisfy the requirements applicable to a RIC, to avoid payment of excise taxes and to minimize or to avoid payment of corporate-level federal income taxes, we intend to distribute to our stockholders all or substantially all of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses except that we may retain certain net long-term capital gains, pay applicable income taxes with respect thereto, and elect to treat such retained capital gains as deemed distributions to our stockholders. As a BDC, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets to total senior securities, which includes all of our borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue in the future, of at least 200%. This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow. Because we continue to need capital to grow our loan and investment portfolio, 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. In addition, as a BDC, we are limited in our ability to issue equity securities priced below NAV. 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.

If we are unable to obtain additional debt financing, our business could be materially adversely affected.

We may want to obtain additional debt financing, or need to do so upon maturity of the Credit Facilities or Senior Notes, in order to obtain funds which may be made available for investments. We may borrow under the Wells Facility until July 14, 2014, and, after such date, we must repay the outstanding advances under the Wells Facility in accordance with its terms and conditions. All outstanding advances under the Wells Facility are due and payable on July 14, 2017, unless such date is extended in accordance with its terms. We may borrow under the Fortress Facility until August 23, 2016, and, after such date, we must repay the outstanding advances under the Fortress Facility in accordance with its terms and conditions. All outstanding advances under the Fortress Facility are due and payable on August 23, 2017 unless such date is extended in accordance with its terms. All outstanding amounts on our Senior Notes are due and payable on March 15, 2019 unless redeemed prior to that date. If we are unable to increase, renew or replace any such facility and enter into a new debt financing facility on commercially reasonable terms, our liquidity may be reduced significantly. In addition, if we are unable to repay amounts outstanding under any such facilities and are declared in default or are unable to renew or refinance these facilities, we may not be able to make new investments or operate our business in the normal course. These situations may arise due to circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as lack of access to the credit markets, a severe decline in the value of the U.S. dollar, a further economic downturn or an operational problem that affects third parties or us, and could materially damage our business. Moreover, we have withdrawn our application to the Small Business Administration (”SBA”) for a license to operate as a small business investment company (“SBIC”), which was originally filed on December 6, 2010, and, though we may in the future submit a new application, we have no present intention to do so and, therefore, do not expect to be able to borrow money by issuing SBA-guaranteed debentures.

Changes in interest rates may affect our cost of capital and net investment income.

Because we currently incur indebtedness to fund our investments, a portion of our income depends upon the difference between the interest rate at which we borrow funds and the interest rate at which we invest these funds. Most of our investments have fixed interest rates, while our Credit Facilities have floating interest rates. As a result, a significant change in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds could increase, which would reduce our net investment income. We may hedge against interest rate fluctuations by using hedging instruments such as swaps, futures, options and forward contracts, subject to applicable legal requirements, including, without limitation, all necessary registrations (or exemptions from registration) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. These activities may limit our ability to benefit from lower interest rates with respect to the hedged portfolio. Adverse developments resulting from changes in interest rates or hedging transactions or any adverse developments from our use of hedging instruments could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may be unable to enter into appropriate hedging transactions when desired and any hedging transactions we enter into may not be effective.

Because many of our investments typically are not and will not be in publicly traded securities, the value of our investments may not be readily determinable, which could adversely affect the determination of our NAV.

Our investments consist, and we expect our future investments to consist, primarily of loans or securities issued by privately held companies. The fair value of these investments that are not publicly traded may not be 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. We value these investments on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as circumstances require, in accordance with our valuation policy consistent with generally accepted accounting principles. Our Board employs an independent third-party valuation firm to assist them in arriving at the fair value of our investments. Our Board discusses valuations and determines the fair value in good faith based on the input of our Advisor and the third-party valuation firm. The factors that may be considered in fair value pricing our investments include the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s earnings and its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparisons to publicly traded companies, discounted cash flow and other relevant factors. 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. Our NAV could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of our investments are materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of these investments.

Disruption in the capital markets and the credit markets could adversely affect our business.

Without sufficient access to the capital markets or credit markets, we may be forced to curtail our business operations or we may not be able to pursue new investment opportunities. The global capital markets are in a period of disruption and extreme volatility and, accordingly, there has been and will continue to be uncertainty in the financial markets in general. A prolonged period of market illiquidity or uncertainty regarding U.S. government spending levels, including negotiation of federal spending cuts, and implementation of global fiscal austerity measures may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Unfavorable economic conditions, including future recessions, also could affect our investment valuations, increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us or our portfolio companies. These events could limit our investment originations, limit our ability to grow and negatively impact our operating results.

We are unable to predict when economic and market conditions may become more favorable. Even if these conditions improve significantly over the long term, adverse conditions in particular sectors of the financial markets could adversely impact our business.

We may not realize gains from our equity investments.

We may make non-control, equity co-investments in companies in conjunction with private equity sponsors. The equity interests 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 we experience. We also may be unable to realize any value if a portfolio company does not have a liquidity event, such as a sale of the business, refinancing or public offering, which would allow us to sell the underlying equity interests. In addition, our Advisor’s significant experience in Venture Lending may not result in returns on our equity investments.

From time to time we may also acquire equity participation rights in connection with an investment which will allow us, at our option, to participate in future rounds of equity financing through direct capital investments in our portfolio companies. Our Advisor determines whether to exercise any of these rights. Accordingly, you will have no control over whether or to what extent these rights are exercised, if at all. If we exercise these rights, we will be making an additional investment completely in the form of equity which will subject us to significantly more risk than our Venture Loans and we may not receive the returns that are anticipated with respect to these investments.

We may not realize expected returns on warrants received in connection with our debt investments.

As discussed above, we generally receive warrants in connection with our debt investments. If we do not receive the returns that are anticipated on the warrants, our investment returns on our portfolio companies, and the value of your investment in us, may be lower than expected.

Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which, we raise additional capital, which may expose us to additional risks.

Our business plans contemplate a need for a substantial amount of capital in addition to our current amount of capital. We may obtain additional capital through the issuance of debt securities 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. If we issue senior securities, we would be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss. In addition, if we issue preferred stock, it would rank senior to common stock in our capital structure and preferred stockholders would have separate voting rights and may have rights, preferences or privileges more favorable than those of holders of our common stock.

The 1940 Act permits us to issue senior securities in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after each issuance of senior securities. If our asset coverage ratio is not at least 200%, we are not permitted to pay dividends or issue additional senior securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this asset coverage 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 we may be unable to do so or unable to do so on favorable terms. See Note 6 to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding borrowings.

As a BDC, we generally are not able to issue our common stock at a price below NAV without first obtaining the approval of our stockholders and our independent directors, and we may seek such approval to sell our common stock below NAV in the future. This requirement does not apply to stock issued upon the exercise of options, warrants or rights that we may issue from time to time. If we raise additional funds by issuing more common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time would decrease, and you may experience dilution.

If we are unable to satisfy the requirements under the Code for qualification as a RIC, we will be subject to corporate-level federal income tax.

To qualify as a RIC under the Code, we must meet certain source-of-income, diversification and other requirements contained in Subchapter M of the Code and maintain our election to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. We must also meet the Annual Distribution Requirement to avoid corporate-level federal income tax in that year on all of our taxable income, regardless of whether we make any distributions to our stockholders.

The source-of-income requirement is satisfied if we derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, other income (including but not limited to gain from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to our business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership.” The status of certain forms of income we receive could be subject to different interpretations under the Code and might be characterized as non-qualifying income that could cause us to fail to qualify as a RIC, assuming we do not qualify for or take advantage of certain remedial provisions, and, thus, may cause us to be subject to corporate-level federal income taxes.

The Annual Distribution Requirement for a RIC is satisfied if we distribute to our stockholders on an annual basis an amount equal to at least 90% of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any. If we borrow money, we may be subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and loan covenants that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to qualify as a RIC. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify as a RIC, assuming we do not qualify for or take advantage of certain remedial provisions, and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level income tax.

To qualify as a RIC, we must also meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each calendar quarter. Failure to meet these tests may result in our having to (1) dispose of certain investments quickly; (2) raise additional capital to prevent the loss of RIC status; or (3) engage in certain remedial actions that may entail the disposition of certain investments at disadvantageous prices that could result in substantial losses, and the payment of penalties, if we qualify to take such actions. Because most of our investments are and will be in development-stage companies within our Target Industries, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and may result in substantial losses. If we raise additional capital to satisfy the asset diversification requirements, it could take a longer time to invest such capital. During this period, we will invest in temporary investments, such as money market funds, which we expect will earn yields substantially lower than the interest income that we anticipate receiving in respect of our investments in secured and amortizing loans.

If we were to fail to qualify for the federal income tax benefits allowable to RICs for any reason and become subject to a corporate-level federal 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, obtainable from your investment in our common stock. In addition, we could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a RIC. See “Regulation.”

We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash.

We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt instruments that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with payment-in-kind interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or issued with warrants), we must include in taxable income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the debt instrument, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. We do not have a policy limiting our ability to invest in original issue discount instruments, including payment-in-kind loans. Because in certain cases we may recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the requirement that we distribute an amount equal to at least 90% of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized long-term capital losses, if any.

Accordingly, we may need to sell some of our assets at times that we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forego new investment opportunities or otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to our business (or be unable to take actions that we believe are necessary or advantageous to our business) in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may fail to qualify for the federal income tax benefits allowable to RICs and, thus, become subject to a corporate-level federal income tax on all our income. The proportion of our income, consisting of net investment income and our realized gains and losses, that resulted from the portion of original issue discount not received in cash for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was 7.9%, 7.4% and 9.1%, respectively.

If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could fail to qualify as a BDC or be precluded from investing according to our current business strategy.

As a BDC, we are prohibited from acquiring any assets other than qualifying assets unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets. Substantially all of our assets are qualifying assets and we expect that substantially all of our assets that we may acquire in the future will be qualifying assets, although we may decide to make other investments that are not qualifying assets to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. If we acquire debt or equity securities from an issuer that has outstanding marginable securities at the time we make an investment, these acquired assets may not be treated as qualifying assets. This result is dictated by the definition of “eligible portfolio company” under the 1940 Act, which in part looks to whether a company has outstanding marginable securities. See Item 1 above, “Regulation — Qualifying Assets.” If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could lose our status as a BDC, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in laws or regulations governing our business could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Changes in the laws or regulations or the interpretations of the laws and regulations that govern BDC, RICs, or non-depository commercial lenders could significantly affect our operations, our cost of doing business and our investment strategy. We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations and 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, portfolio composition 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, we may incur significant expenses to comply with these laws, regulations or decisions or we might have to restrict our operations or alter our investment strategy. In addition, if we do not comply with applicable laws, regulations and decisions, 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 Advisor has significant potential conflicts of interest with us and our stockholders.

As a result of our arrangements with our Advisor, there may be times when our Advisor has interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a potential conflict of interest. Our executive officers and directors, as well as the current and future executives and employees of our Advisor, serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which might not be in the best interests of our stockholders. In addition, our Advisor may manage other funds in the future that may have investment objectives that are similar, in whole or in part, to ours. Our Advisor may determine that an investment is appropriate for us and for one or more of those other funds. In such an event, depending on the availability of the investment and other appropriate factors, our Advisor will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner and act in accordance with its written conflicts of interest policy to address and, if necessary, resolve any conflict of interests. It is also possible that we may not be given the opportunity to participate in these other investment opportunities.

We pay management and incentive fees to our Advisor and reimburse our Advisor for certain expenses it incurs. As a result, investors in our common stock invest on a “gross” basis and receive distributions on a “net” basis after expenses, resulting in a lower rate of return than an investor might achieve through direct investments. Also, the incentive fee payable by us to our Advisor may create an incentive for our Advisor to pursue investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangements.

We have entered into a license agreement with Horizon Technology Finance, LLC, pursuant to which it has agreed to grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free right and license to use the service mark “Horizon Technology Finance.” Under this agreement, we have a right to use the “Horizon Technology Finance” service mark for so long as the Investment Management Agreement is in effect between us and our Advisor. In addition, we pay our Advisor, our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by our Advisor in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer and their respective staffs. Any potential conflict of interest arising as a result of our arrangements with our Advisor could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our incentive fee may impact our Advisor’s structuring of our investments, including by causing our Advisor to pursue speculative investments.

The incentive fee payable by us to our Advisor may create an incentive for our Advisor to pursue investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The incentive fee payable to our Advisor is calculated based on a percentage of our return on invested capital. This may encourage our Advisor to use leverage to increase the return on our investments. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of our common stock. In addition, our Advisor receives the incentive fee based, in part, upon net capital gains realized on our investments. Unlike that portion of the incentive fee based on income, there is no hurdle rate applicable to the portion of the incentive fee based on net capital gains. As a result, our Advisor may have a tendency to invest more capital in investments that are likely to result in capital gains as compared to income-producing securities. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative investments than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns. In addition, the incentive fee may encourage our Advisor to pursue different types of investments or structure investments in ways that are more likely to result in warrant gains or gains on equity investments, including upon exercise of equity participation rights, which are inconsistent with our investment strategy and disciplined underwriting process.

The incentive fee payable by us to our Advisor may also induce our Advisor to pursue investments on our behalf that have a deferred interest feature, even if such deferred payments would not provide cash necessary to enable us to pay current distributions to our stockholders. Under these investments, we would accrue interest over the life of the investment but would not receive the cash income from the investment until the end of the term. Our net investment income used to calculate the income portion of our investment fee, however, includes accrued interest. Thus, a portion of this incentive fee would be based on income that we have not yet received in cash. In addition, the “catch-up” portion of the incentive fee may encourage our Advisor to accelerate or defer interest payable by portfolio companies from one calendar quarter to another, potentially resulting in fluctuations in the timing and amounts of dividends. Our governing documents do not limit the number of loans we may make with deferred interest features or the proportion of our income we derive from such loans.

Our Advisor’s liability is limited, and we have agreed to indemnify our Advisor against certain liabilities, which may lead our Advisor to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.

Under the Investment Management Agreement, our Advisor does not assume any responsibility to us other than to render the services called for under that agreement, and it is not responsible for any action of our Board in following or declining to follow our Advisor’s advice or recommendations. Under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement, our Advisor, its officers, members, personnel and any person controlling or controlled by our Advisor is not liable to us, any subsidiary of ours, our directors, our stockholders or any subsidiary’s stockholders or partners for acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement, except those resulting from acts constituting gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith or reckless disregard of our Advisor’s duties under the Investment Management Agreement. In addition, we have agreed to indemnify our Advisor and each of its officers, directors, members, managers and employees from and against any claims or liabilities, including reasonable legal fees and other expenses reasonably incurred, arising out of or in connection with our business and operations or any action taken or omitted on our behalf pursuant to authority granted by the Investment Management Agreement, except where attributable to gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith or reckless disregard of such person’s duties under the Investment Management Agreement. These protections may lead our Advisor to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.

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

Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our ability to achieve and sustain growth, which depends, in turn, on our Advisor’s direct origination capabilities and disciplined underwriting process in identifying, evaluating, financing, investing in and monitoring suitable companies that meet our investment criteria. Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of our Advisor’s marketing capabilities, management of the investment process, ability to provide efficient services and access to financing sources on acceptable terms. In addition to monitoring the performance of our existing investments, our Advisor may also be called upon to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. These demands on their time may distract them or slow the rate of investment. If we fail to manage our future growth effectively, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected and the value of your investment in us could decrease.

Our Board may change our operating policies and strategies, including our investment objective, without prior notice or stockholder approval, the effects of which may adversely affect our business.

Our Board may modify or waive our current operating policies and strategies, including our investment objectives, without prior notice and without stockholder approval (provided that no such modification or waiver may change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as a BDC as provided by the 1940 Act without stockholder approval at a special meeting called upon written notice of not less than ten or more than sixty days before the date of such meeting). We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies and strategies would have on our business, results of operations or financial condition or on the value of our stock. However, the effects of any changes might adversely affect our business, any or all of which could negatively impact our ability to pay dividends or cause you to lose all or part of your investment in us.

Our quarterly and annual operating results may fluctuate due to the nature of our business.

We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly and annual operating results due to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, including: our ability to make investments in companies that meet our investment criteria, the interest rate payable on our loans, the default rate on these investments, the level of our expenses, variations in, and the timing of, the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and general economic conditions. For example, we have historically experienced greater investment activity during the second and fourth quarters relative to other periods. As a result of these factors, you should not rely on the results for any prior period as being indicative of our performance in future periods.

Our business plan and growth strategy depends to a significant extent upon our Advisor’s referral relationships. If our Advisor is unable to develop new or maintain existing relationships, or if these relationships fail to generate investment opportunities, our business could be materially adversely affected.

We have historically depended on our Advisor’s referral relationships to generate investment opportunities. For us to achieve our future business objectives, members of our Advisor need to maintain these relationships with venture capital and private equity firms and management teams and legal firms, accounting firms, investment banks and other lenders, and we rely to a significant extent upon these relationships to provide us with investment opportunities. If they fail to maintain their existing relationships or develop new relationships with other firms or sources of investment opportunities, we may not be able to grow our investment portfolio. In addition, persons with whom our Advisor has 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.

Our Advisor can resign on 60 days’ notice and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Under our Investment Management Agreement, our Advisor has the right to resign at any time, including during the first two years following the Investment Management Agreement’s effective date, upon not more than 60 days’ written notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If our Advisor resigns, we may not be able to find a new investment advisor or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 60 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so, our operations are likely to be disrupted, our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay distributions may be adversely affected and the market price of our shares may decline. In addition, the coordination of our internal management and investment activities is likely to suffer if we are unable to identify and reach an agreement with a single institution or group of executives having the expertise possessed by our Advisor and its affiliates. Even if we are able to retain comparable management, whether internal or external, the integration of new management and their lack of familiarity with our investment objective may result in additional costs and time delays that may adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.

As a BDC, we are prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our independent directors and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities is considered our affiliate for purposes of the 1940 Act. We are generally prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to an affiliate, absent the prior approval of our independent directors. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain “joint” transactions with an affiliate, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times), without prior approval of our independent directors. If a person acquires more than 25% of our voting securities, we are prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to that person or certain of that person’s affiliates, or entering into prohibited joint transactions with those persons, absent the prior approval of the SEC. Similar restrictions limit our ability to transact business with our officers or directors or their affiliates. These restrictions could limit or prohibit us from making certain attractive investments that we might otherwise make absent such restrictions.

While we have no current intention to enter into any principal transactions or joint arrangements with any affiliates, we have considered and evaluated, and will continue to consider and evaluate, the potential advantages and disadvantages of doing so. If we decide to enter into any such transactions in the future we will not do so until we have requested and received the requisite exemptive relief under Section 57 of the 1940 Act, the filing of which our Board has previously authorized.

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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and other rules implemented by the SEC.

Efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may involve significant expenditures, and non-compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may adversely affect us and the market price of our common stock.

Under current SEC rules, we are required to report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules and regulations of the SEC. As a result, we incur additional expenses that may negatively impact our financial performance and our ability to make distributions. This process also results in a diversion of management’s time and attention. We cannot be certain as to the timing of completion of our evaluation, testing and remediation actions or the impact of the same on our operations, and we may not be able to ensure that the process is effective or that our internal control over financial reporting is or will be effective in a timely manner. In the event that we are unable to maintain or achieve compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules, we and the market price of our securities may be adversely affected.

Terrorist attacks and other catastrophic events may disrupt the businesses in which we invest and harm our operations and our profitability.

Terrorist attacks and threats, escalation of military activity or acts of war may significantly harm our results of operations and your investment. We cannot assure you that there will not be further terrorist attacks against the United States or United States businesses. Such attacks or armed conflicts in the United States or elsewhere may impact the businesses in which we invest directly or indirectly, by undermining economic conditions in the United States or elsewhere. In addition, because many of our portfolio companies operate and rely on network infrastructure and enterprise applications and internal technology systems for development, marketing, operational, support and other business activities, a disruption or failure of any or all of these systems in the event of a major telecommunications failure, cyber-attack, fire, earthquake, severe weather conditions or other catastrophic event could cause system interruptions, delays in product development and loss of critical data and could otherwise disrupt their business operations. Losses resulting from terrorist attacks are generally uninsurable.

Risks Related to Our Investments

We have not yet identified many of the potential investment opportunities for our portfolio.

We have not yet identified many of the potential investment opportunities for our portfolio. Our future investments will be selected by our Advisor, subject to the approval of its investment committee. Our stockholders do not have input into our Advisor’s investment decisions. As a result, our stockholders are unable to evaluate any of our future portfolio company investments. These factors increase the uncertainty, and thus the risk, of investing in our securities.

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 stake holdings in 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 our income tax diversification requirements, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and our investments could be concentrated in relatively few portfolio companies.

If our investments do not meet our performance expectations, you may not receive distributions.

We intend to make distributions of income on a monthly 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 increase the amount of these distributions from time to time. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. Also, restrictions and provisions in any existing or future credit facilities may limit our ability to make distributions. If we do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we will suffer adverse tax consequences, including the possible loss of the federal income tax benefits allowable to RICs.

Most of our portfolio companies will need additional capital, which may not be readily available.

Our portfolio companies typically require substantial additional financing to satisfy their continuing working capital and other capital requirements and service the interest and principal payments on our investments. We cannot predict the circumstances or market conditions under which our portfolio companies will seek additional capital. Each round of institutional equity financing is typically intended to provide a company with only enough capital to reach the next stage of development. 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 that are unfavorable to the portfolio company, 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 lenders, thereby requiring these companies to cease or curtail business operations. Accordingly, investing in these types of companies generally entails a higher risk of loss than investing in companies that do not have significant incremental capital raising requirements.

Economic recessions or downturns could adversely affect our business and that of our portfolio companies which may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

General economic conditions may affect our activities and the operation and value of our portfolio companies. Economic slowdowns or recessions may result in a decrease of institutional equity investment, which would limit our lending opportunities. Furthermore, many of our portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay our loans during these periods. Therefore, our non-performing assets are likely to increase and the value of our portfolio is likely to decrease during these periods. Adverse economic conditions may also 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 could also increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us.

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 its 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 loans that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to recover our investment upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. These events could harm our financial condition and operating results.

Our investment strategy focuses on investments in development-stage companies in our Target Industries, which are subject to many risks, including volatility, intense competition, shortened product life cycles and periodic downturns, and would be rated below “investment grade.”

We intend to invest, under normal circumstances, most of the value of our total assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in development-stage companies, which may have relatively limited operating histories, in our Target Industries. Many of these companies may have narrow product lines and small market shares, compared to larger established publicly owned firms, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. The revenues, income (or losses) and valuations of development-stage companies in our Target Industries can and often do fluctuate suddenly and dramatically. For these reasons, investments in our portfolio companies, if rated by one or more ratings agency, would typically be rated below “investment grade,” which refers to securities rated by ratings agencies below the four highest rating categories. These companies may also have more limited access to capital and higher funding costs. In addition, development-stage technology markets are generally characterized by abrupt business cycles and intense competition, and the competitive environment can change abruptly due to rapidly evolving technology. Therefore, our portfolio companies may face considerably more risk than companies in other industry sectors. 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 materially adversely affect the return on, or the recovery of, our investments in these businesses.

Because of rapid technological change, the average selling prices of products and some services provided by development-stage companies in our Target Industries have historically decreased over their productive lives. These decreases could adversely affect their operating results and cash flow, 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.

Any unrealized depreciation we experience on our loan portfolio may be an indication of future realized losses, which could reduce our income available for distribution.

As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at fair value which shall be the market value of our investments or, if no market value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures approved by our Board in accordance with our valuation policy. We are not permitted to maintain a reserve for loan losses. Decreases in the fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized depreciation. Any unrealized depreciation in our loan portfolio could be an indication of a portfolio company’s inability to meet its repayment obligations to us with respect to the affected loans. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately reduces our income available for distribution in future periods.

If the assets securing the loans we make decrease in value, we may not have sufficient collateral to cover losses and may experience losses upon foreclosure.

We believe our portfolio companies generally are and will be able to repay our loans from their available capital, from future capital-raising transactions or from cash flow from operations. However, to mitigate our credit risks, we typically take a security interest in all or a portion of the assets of our portfolio companies, including the equity interests of their subsidiaries. There is a risk that the collateral securing our loans may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to appraise or sell in a timely manner and may fluctuate in value based upon the business and market conditions, including as a result of an inability of the portfolio company to raise additional capital, and, in some circumstances, our lien could be subordinated to claims of other creditors. In addition, deterioration of a portfolio company’s financial condition and prospects, including its inability to raise additional capital, may be accompanied by deterioration of the value of the collateral for the loan. Consequently, although such loan is secured, we may not receive principal and interest payments according to the loan’s terms and the value of the collateral may not be sufficient to recover our investment should we be forced to enforce our remedies.

In addition, because we invest in development-stage companies in our Target Industries, a substantial portion of the assets securing our investment may be in the form of intellectual property, if any, inventory, equipment, cash and accounts receivables. Intellectual property, if any, which secures a loan could lose value if the company’s rights to the intellectual property are challenged or if the company’s license to the intellectual property is revoked or expires. In addition, in lieu of a security interest in a portfolio company’s intellectual property we may sometimes obtain a security interest in all assets of the portfolio company other than intellectual property and also obtain a commitment by the portfolio company not to grant liens to any other creditor on the company’s intellectual property. In these cases, we may have additional difficulty recovering our principal in the event of a foreclosure. 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 principal in a foreclosure.

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 our 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. These events could harm our financial condition and operating results.

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 plan to generally invest in loans with terms of up to four years and hold such investments until maturity, unless earlier prepaid, and we do not expect that our related holdings of equity securities will provide us with liquidity opportunities in the near-term. We expect to primarily invest in companies whose securities are not publicly-traded, and whose securities are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or are otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for us to sell these investments when desired. We may also face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a public portfolio company to the extent that we possess material non-public information regarding the portfolio company. 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 dispose of our investments in the near term. However, we may be required to do so in order to maintain our qualification as a BDC and as a RIC if we do not satisfy one or more of the applicable criteria under the respective regulatory frameworks. Because most of our investments are illiquid, we may be unable to dispose of them, in which case we could fail to qualify as a RIC and/or BDC, or we may not be able to dispose of them at favorable prices, and as a result, we may suffer losses.

Our portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies.

We plan to invest primarily in loans issued by our portfolio companies. Some of our portfolio companies are permitted to have other debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, our loans in the portfolio company. By their terms, these debt instruments may provide that the holders thereof are entitled to receive payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments in respect of our loans. These debt instruments may prohibit the portfolio companies from paying interest on or repaying our investments in the event of, and during, the continuance of a default under the debt instruments. In addition, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of debt instruments ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any payment in respect of our investment. After repaying senior creditors, a portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of debt ranking equally with our loans, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other creditors holding such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy.

There may be circumstances where our loans could be subordinated to claims of other creditors or we could be subject to lender liability claims.

Even though certain of our investments are structured as senior loans, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we actually provided managerial assistance to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might recharacterize our debt investment and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors. We may also be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by us with respect to a portfolio company’s business, including in rendering significant managerial assistance, or instances where we exercise control over the portfolio company.

An investment strategy focused primarily 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 currently invest, and plan to 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 Advisor to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. If we are unable to uncover all material information about these companies, we may not make a fully informed investment decision, and we may lose money on our investments. Also, privately held companies frequently have less diverse product lines and a smaller market presence than larger competitors. Thus, they are generally more vulnerable to economic downturns and may experience substantial variations in operating results. These factors could affect our investment returns.

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. 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 affect our investment returns.

Prepayments of our debt investments by our portfolio companies could adversely impact our results of operations and reduce our return on equity.

We are subject to the risk that the investments we make in our portfolio companies may be repaid prior to maturity. For example, most of our debt investments have historically been repaid prior to maturity by our portfolio companies. At the time of a liquidity event, such as a sale of the business, refinancing or public offering, many of our portfolio companies have availed themselves of the opportunity to repay our loans prior to maturity. Our investments generally allow for repayment at any time subject to certain penalties. When this occurs, we generally reinvest these proceeds in temporary investments, pending their future investment in new portfolio companies. These temporary investments 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 elects 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.

Our business and growth strategy could be adversely affected if government regulations, priorities and resources impacting the industries in which our portfolio companies operate change.

Some of our portfolio companies operate in industries that are highly regulated by 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.

Our portfolio companies operating in the life science industry are subject to extensive government regulation and certain other risks particular to that industry.

As part of our investment strategy, we have invested, and plan to invest in the future, in companies in the life science industry that are subject to extensive regulation by the Food and Drug Administration and to a lesser extent, other federal and state 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, 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 science 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 clean technology industry are subject to many risks, including volatility, intense competition, unproven technologies, periodic downturns and potential litigation.

Our investments in clean technology, or cleantech, 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, energy 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. In addition, our cleantech companies 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 clean technology companies can and often do fluctuate suddenly and dramatically and the markets in which clean technology companies operate are generally characterized by abrupt business cycles and intense competition. Demand for cleantech and renewable energy is also influenced by the available supply and prices for other energy products, such as coal, oil and natural gas. A change in prices in these energy products could reduce demand for alternative energy. Cleantech companies face potential litigation, including significant warranty and product liability claims, as well as class action and government claims. Such litigation could adversely affect the business and results of operations of our cleantech portfolio companies. There is also uncertainty about whether agreements or government programs providing incentives for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will continue and whether countries around the world will enact or maintain legislation that provides incentives for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, without which some investments in clean technology dependent portfolio companies may not be economical, and financing for such projects may become unavailable. As a result, these portfolio company investments face considerable risk, including the risk that favorable regulatory regimes expire or are adversely modified. This could, in turn, materially adversely affect the value of the clean technology companies in our portfolio.

Cleantech 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 invest in portfolio companies in Cleantech 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. 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 Cleantech companies. Without such regulatory policies, investments in Cleantech companies may not be economical and financing for Cleantech 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.

If our portfolio companies are unable to commercialize their technologies, products, business concepts or services, the returns on our investments could be adversely affected.

The value of our investments in our portfolio companies may decline if our portfolio companies are not able to commercialize their technology, products, business concepts or services. Additionally, although some of our portfolio companies may already have a commercially successful product or product line at the time of our investment, technology-related products and services often have a more limited market or life span than products in other industries. Thus, the ultimate success of these companies often depends on their ability to innovate continually in increasingly competitive markets. If they are unable to do so, our investment returns could be adversely affected and their ability to service their debt obligations to us over the life of a loan could be impaired. Our portfolio companies may be unable to acquire or develop successful new technologies and the intellectual property they currently hold may not 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.

If our portfolio companies are unable to protect their intellectual property rights, our business and prospects could be harmed, and if portfolio companies are required to devote significant resources to protecting their intellectual property rights, the value of our investment could be reduced.

Our future success and competitive position depends in part upon the ability of our portfolio companies to obtain, maintain and protect proprietary technology used in their products and services. The intellectual property held by our portfolio companies often represents a substantial portion of the collateral securing our investments and/or constitutes a significant portion of the portfolio companies’ value that may be available in a downside scenario to repay our loans. Our portfolio companies 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 to enforce their patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights, protect their trade secrets, determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or 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 or misappropriate a third party’s patent or other proprietary rights, it could be required to pay damages to the third party, alter its products or processes, obtain a license from the third party and/or cease activities utilizing the proprietary rights, including making or selling products utilizing the 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 the value of any collateral securing our investment.

We do not expect to control any of our portfolio companies.

We do not control, or expect to control in the future, any of our portfolio companies, even though our debt agreements may contain certain restrictive covenants that limit the business and operations of our portfolio companies. We also do not maintain, or intend to maintain in the future, a control position to the extent we own equity interests in any portfolio company. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company in which we invest may make business decisions with which we disagree and the management of such company, as representatives of the holders of their common equity, may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests as debt investors. Due to the lack of liquidity of the investments that we typically hold in our portfolio companies, we may not be able to dispose of our investments in the event we disagree with the actions of a portfolio company and we may therefore, suffer a decrease in the value of our investments.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

There is a risk that investors in our equity securities may not receive dividends or that our dividends may not grow over time and, a portion of distributions paid to you may be a return of capital.

We intend to make distributions on a monthly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. Our ability to pay dividends might be adversely affected by, among other things, the impact of one or more risk factors described in this report. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. All distributions will be paid at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our RIC status, compliance with BDC regulation and such other factors as our Board may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure you that we will pay distributions to our stockholders in the future. Further, if we invest a greater amount of assets in equity securities that do not pay current dividends, that could reduce the amount available for distribution.

On an annual basis, we must determine the extent to which any distributions we made were paid out of current or accumulated earnings, recognized capital gains or capital. To the extent there is a return of capital, investors will be required to reduce their basis in our stock for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which will result in higher tax liability when the shares are sold, even if they have not increased in value or have lost value. In addition, any return of capital will be net of any sales load and offering expenses associated with sales of shares of our common stock. In the future, our distributions may include a return of capital.

We cannot assure you that the market price of shares of our common stock will not decline.

Our common stock is listed for trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock will trade. Shares of closed-end management investment companies have in the past frequently traded at discounts to their NAVs, and our common stock has been and may continue to be discounted in the market. This characteristic of closed-end management 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 will generally not be able to sell additional shares of our common stock without first obtaining the approval of our stockholders (including our unaffiliated stockholders) and our independent directors.

Our common stock price may be volatile and may decrease substantially.

The trading price of our common stock may fluctuate substantially and the liquidity of our common stock may be limited, in each case depending on many factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include the following:

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 therefore be the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our business.

Shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, frequently trade at a discount to their NAV, and we cannot assure you that the market price of our common stock will not decline following an offering.

We cannot predict the price at which our common stock will trade. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their NAV and our stock may also be discounted in the market. 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. In addition, if our common stock trades below its NAV, we will generally not be able to issue additional shares of our common stock at its market price without first obtaining the approval of our stockholders and our independent directors.

We currently invest a portion of our capital in high-quality short-term investments, which generate lower rates of return than those expected from investments made in accordance with our investment objective.

We currently invest a portion of the net proceeds of our capital in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, money market funds and other high-quality short-term investments. These securities may earn yields substantially lower than the income that we anticipate receiving once these proceeds are fully invested in accordance with our investment objective.

Investing in shares of our common stock may involve 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.

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and other agreements and certain provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.

The DGCL, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal for us. Among other things, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws:

These anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change in control in circumstances that could give the holders of our common stock the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price of our common stock. It is a default under our Credit Facilities if (i) a person or group of persons (within the meaning of the Exchange Act) acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of our issued and outstanding stock or (ii) during any twelve-month period individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted our Board cease for any reason, other than death or disability, to constitute a majority of the directors in office. If either event were to occur, Wells or Fortress could accelerate our repayment obligations under, and/or terminate, our Credit Facilities.

If we elect to issue preferred stock, holders of any such preferred stock will have the right to elect members of our Board 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 dividends 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 qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

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 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. Such dilution is not currently determinable because it is not known what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of such rights offering. Any such dilution will disproportionately affect nonexercising stockholders. If the subscription price per share is substantially less than the current NAV per share, this dilution could be substantial.

In addition, if the subscription price is less than our NAV per share, our stockholders would experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate NAV of their shares as a result of such rights 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 the rights offering or what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of such rights offering. Such dilution could be substantial.

Investors in offerings of our common stock may incur immediate dilution upon the closing of such offering.

If the public offering price for any offering of shares of our common stock is higher than the book value per share of our outstanding common stock, investors purchasing shares of common stock in any such offering will pay a price per share that exceeds the tangible book value per share after such offering.

If we sell common stock at a discount to our NAV per share, stockholders who do not participate in such sale will experience immediate dilution in an amount that may be material.

The issuance or sale by us of shares of our common stock at a discount to NAV poses a risk of dilution to our stockholders. In particular, stockholders who do not purchase additional shares at or below the discounted price in proportion to their current ownership will experience an immediate decrease in NAV per share (as well as in the aggregate NAV of their shares if they do not participate at all). These stockholders will also experience a disproportionately greater decrease in their participation in our earnings and assets and their voting power than the increase we experience in our assets, potential earning power and voting interests from such issuance or sale. In addition, such sales may adversely affect the price at which our common stock trades.

Stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they do not participate in our dividend reinvestment plan.

All dividends payable to stockholders that are participants in our dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) are automatically reinvested in shares of our common stock. As a result, stockholders that do not participate in the dividend reinvestment plan will experience dilution over time.

The trading market or market value of our publicly issued debt securities that we may issue may fluctuate.

Upon issuance, any publicly issued debt securities that we may issue will not have an established trading market. We cannot assure you that a trading market for our publicly issued debt securities will ever develop or, if developed, will be maintained. 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:

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.

Terms relating to redemption may materially adversely affect your return on the debt securities that we may issue.

If we issue debt securities that are redeemable at our option, we may choose to redeem the debt securities at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on the debt securities. In addition, if such debt securities are subject to mandatory redemption, we may be required to redeem the debt securities at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on the 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.

Credit ratings provided by third party credit rating agencies may not reflect all risks of an investment in debt securities that we may issue.

Credit ratings provided by third party credit rating agencies 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 debt securities that we may issue. Credit ratings provided by third party credit rating agencies, however, may not reflect the potential impact of risks related to market conditions generally or other factors discussed above on the market value of or trading market for any publicly issued debt securities that we may issue.

Subsequent sales in the public market of substantial amounts of our common stock by the selling stockholders may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock, and the registration of a substantial amount of insider shares, whether or not actually sold, may have a negative impact 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, whether or not actually sold, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities should we desire to do so. In addition, because shares owned by HTF-CHF Holdings LLC, an entity that is primarily owned by certain of our officers, are being registered for resale, a negative perception could be created in the market about the Company’s prospects by such registration.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None

Item 2.  Properties

As of December 31, 2012, we did not own any real estate or other physical properties materially important to our operation. Our executive offices are located at 312 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06032 and are provided by our Administrator in accordance with the terms of the Administration Agreement. We believe that the office facilities of our Administrator are suitable and adequate for our business as it is conducted.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

Neither we nor our Advisor is currently subject to any material legal proceedings, nor, to our knowledge, is any material legal proceeding threatened against us or against our Advisor.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Price Range of Common Stock

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, under the symbol “HRZN.” The following table sets forth, for each fiscal quarter since our IPO, the range of high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the sale price is a percentage of our NAV and the distributions declared by us for each quarter.

____________

The last reported price for our common stock on March 1, 2013 was $15.06 per share. As of March 1, 2013 we had four stockholders of record, which did not include stockholders for whom shares are held in nominee or “street” name.

Shares of BDCs may trade at market price that is less than the NAV that is attributable to those shares. 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 will decrease. It is not possible to predict whether our shares will trade at, above or below NAV in the future.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

We did not engage in any sales of unregistered securities during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Distributions

We intend to continue making monthly distributions to our stockholders. The timing and amount of our monthly distributions, if any, is determined by our Board. Any distributions to our stockholders are declared out of assets legally available for distribution. We monitor available net investment income to determine if a tax return of capital may occur for the fiscal year. To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for any given fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed to be a return of capital to our common stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purpose. Thus, the source of distribution to our stockholders may be the original capital invested by the stockholder rather than our income or gains. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a dividend payment carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains.

In order to qualify as a RIC and to avoid corporate level tax on the income we distribute to our stockholders, we are required under the Code to distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, to our stockholders on an annual basis. We refer to such amount as the Annual Distribution Requirement in this annual report on Form 10-K. Additionally, we must distribute at least 98% of our ordinary income and 98.2% of our capital gain net income on an annual basis and any net ordinary income and net capital gains for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we previously paid no U.S. federal income tax to avoid a U.S. federal excise tax. If we do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we will suffer adverse tax consequences, including the possible loss of our qualification as a RIC. We cannot assure stockholders that they will receive any distributions.

Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, we may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such undistributed income. Distributions of any such carryover taxable income must be made through a dividend declared the latter of the filing date of the final tax return related to the year in which such taxable income was generated or the 15^th day of the ninth month following the taxable year, in order to count towards the satisfaction of the Annual Distribution Requirement in the year in which such income was generated. 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 may 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. See “Item 1. Business — Regulation — Taxation as a RIC.”

In January 2010, the Internal Revenue Service extended a revenue procedure that temporarily allows a RIC to distribute its own stock as a dividend for the purpose of fulfilling its distribution requirements. Pursuant to this revenue procedure, a RIC may treat a distribution of its own stock as a dividend if (1) the stock is publicly traded on an established securities market, (2) the distribution is declared on or before December 31, 2012 with respect to a taxable year ending on or before December 31, 2011 and (3) each stockholder may elect to receive his or her entire distribution in either cash or stock of the RIC subject to a limitation on the aggregate amount of cash to be distributed to all stockholders, which must be at least 10% of the aggregate declared distribution. If too many stockholders elect to receive cash, each stockholder electing to receive cash will receive a pro rata amount of cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock). In no event will any stockholder electing to receive cash receive less than 10% of his or her entire distribution in cash. We have not elected to distribute stock as a dividend pursuant to this procedure, but reserve the right to do so if the provisions of this revenue procedure are available in future years.

We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we make a distribution, then stockholders’ cash distributions are automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, unless they specifically opts out of the dividend reinvestment plan. If a stockholder opts out, that stockholder receives cash distributions. Although distributions paid in the form of additional shares of common stock are generally subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxes in the same manner as cash distributions, stockholders participating in our dividend reinvestment plan do not receive any corresponding cash distributions with which to pay any such applicable taxes.

The following table reflects the cash distributions, including dividends and returns of capital per share that our Board has declared, including shares issued under our DRIP, on our common stock since our inception:

On March 8, 2013, our Board declared a monthly dividend of $0.115 per share payable as set forth in the table below.

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares the return on our common stock with that of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and the NASDAQ Financial Services Index, for the period from October 28, 2010 (the date of the initial public offering) through December 31, 2012. The graph assumes that, on October 29, 2010, a person invested $100 in each of our common stock, the S&P 500 Index, and the NASDAQ Financial Services Index. The graph measures total stockholder return, which takes into account both changes in stock price and dividends. It assumes that dividends paid are invested in like securities. The graph and other information furnished under this Part II Item 5 of Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

The following selected consolidated financial data of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation as of December 31, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009, and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 29, 2010 to December 31, 2010, the period from January 1, 2010 to October 28, 2010, the year ended December 31, 2009, and the period from March 4, 2008 (Inception) to December 31, 2008 are derived from the consolidated financial statements that have been audited by McGladrey LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. For the periods prior to October 29, 2010, the financial data refer to Compass Horizon Funding Company LLC. This selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

In this section, except where the context suggests otherwise, the terms “we,” “us,” “our” and “Horizon Technology Finance” refer to Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries. The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. For periods prior to October 28, 2010, the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes reflect the performance of our predecessor, Compass Horizon, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Horizon Credit I LLC, both of which were formed in January 2008 and commenced operations in March 2008. Amounts are stated in thousands, except shares and per share data and where otherwise noted.

Forward-Looking Statements

This annual report on Form 10-K, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or our future performance or financial condition. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, our beliefs and our assumptions. The forward-looking statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

We use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “seeks” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Undue influence should not be placed on the forward looking statements as our actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements for any reason, including the factors in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

We have based the forward-looking statements included in this report on information available to us on the date of this report, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in this annual report on Form 10-K, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we in the future may file with the SEC, including, reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

You should understand that under Sections 27A(b)(2)(B) and (D) of the Securities Act and Sections 21E(b)(2)(B) and (D) of the Exchange Act, the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 do not apply to statements made in connection with this annual report on Form 10-K or any periodic reports we file under the Exchange Act.

Overview

We are a specialty finance company that lends to and invests in development-stage companies in the technology, life science, healthcare information and services and cleantech industries, which we refer to as our “Target Industries.” Our investment objective is to generate current income from the loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we receive when making such loans. We make secured loans, which we refer to as “Venture Loans,” to companies backed by established venture capital and private equity firms in our Target Industries, which we refer to as “Venture Lending.” We also selectively lend to publicly traded companies in our Target Industries.

We are an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. As a BDC, we are required to comply with regulatory requirements, including limitations on our use of debt. We are permitted to, and expect to, finance our investments through borrowings. However, as a BDC, we are only generally allowed to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such borrowing. The amount of leverage that we employ depends on our assessment of market conditions and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing.

Compass Horizon, our predecessor company, commenced operations in March 2008. We were formed in March 2010 for the purpose of acquiring Compass Horizon and continuing its business as a public entity.

Portfolio Composition and Investment Activity

The following table shows our portfolio by asset class as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:

Total portfolio investment activity as of and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:

We receive payments in our loan portfolio based on scheduled amortization of the outstanding balances. In addition, we receive repayments of some of our loans prior to their scheduled maturity date. The frequency or volume of these repayments may fluctuate significantly from period to period.

The following table shows our loan portfolio by industry sector as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:

The largest loans may vary from year to year as new loans are recorded and repaid. Our five largest loans represented approximately 23% and 28% of total loans outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. No single loan represented more than 10% of our total loans as of December 31, 2012 or 2011.

Loan Portfolio Asset Quality

We use a credit rating system which rates each loan on a scale of 4 to 1, with 4 being the highest credit quality rating and 3 being the rating for a standard level of risk. A rating of 2 or 1 represents a deteriorating credit quality and increased risk. See “Item 1 — Business” for more detailed descriptions. The following table shows the classification of our loan portfolio by credit rating as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011 our loan portfolio had a weighted average credit rating of 3.2 and 3.1, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, there were three investments on non-accrual status with an approximate cost of $12.9 million and fair value of approximately $4.9 million. There were no loans on non-accrual status as of December 31, 2011.

Consolidated Results of Operations

The consolidated results of operations set forth below include historical financial information of our predecessor, Compass Horizon, prior to our election to become a BDC and our election to be treated as a RIC. As a BDC and a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we are also subject to certain constraints on our operations, including limitations imposed by the 1940 Act and the Code. Also, the management fee that we pay to our Advisor under the Investment Management Agreement is determined by reference to a formula that differs materially from the management fee paid by Compass Horizon in prior periods. For these and other reasons, the results of operations described below may not be indicative of the results we report in future periods.

Consolidated operating results for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010:

Net income can vary substantially from period to period for various reasons, including the recognition of realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation and depreciation. As a result, annual comparisons of net income may not be meaningful.

Investment Income

Investment income increased by $2.6 million, or 10.9%, for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2012, total investment income consisted primarily of $25.3 million in interest income from investments, which included $5.0 million in income from the accretion of origination fees and ETPs. Interest income on investments and other investment income increased primarily due to the increased average size of the loan portfolio. Fee income on investments was primarily comprised of prepayment fees collected from our portfolio companies.

Investment income increased by $5.8 million, or 32.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010. For the year ended December 31, 2011, total investment income consisted primarily of $22.9 million in interest income from investments, which included $3.6 million in income from the accretion of origination fees and ETPs. Interest income on investments and other investment income increased primarily due to the increased average size of the loan portfolio. Fee income on investments was primarily comprised of a one-time success fee received upon the completion of an acquisition of one of our portfolio companies and from prepayment fees collected from our portfolio companies.

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, our dollar-weighted average annualized yield on average loans was approximately 14.2%, 14.6% and 14.6%, respectively.

Investment income, consisting of interest income and fees on loans, can fluctuate significantly upon repayment of large loans. Interest income from the five largest loans accounted for approximately 22%, 21% and 22% of investment income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, interest receivable was $2.8 million and $3.0 million, respectively, which represents one month of accrued interest income on substantially all our loans and accreted ETPs.

Expenses

Total expenses increased by $1.1 million, or 8.3%, to $14.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. Total expenses increased by $5.5 million, or 70.4%, to $13.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2010. Total operating expenses for each period consisted principally of management fees, incentive and administrative fees, interest expense and, to a lesser degree, professional fees and general and administrative expenses.

Interest expense, which includes the amortization of debt issuance costs, increased in 2012 from 2011 primary due to an increase in borrowings under the Wells Facility and Fortress Facility, and the issuance of our Senior Notes, offset by repayment of the WestLB Facility. Interest expense decreased in 2011 from 2010 primarily due to a lower effective interest rate in 2011.

Management fee expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 remained flat compared to the year ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to our average assets remaining relatively consistent. Management fee expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased by approximately $1.5 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2010 primarily due to the higher management fee base.

Performance based incentive fees for the year ended December 31, 2012 remained flat compared to the year ended December 31, 2011 primarily due to part one of the incentive fee increasing as pre-incentive fee net investment income increased year over year, offset by a decrease in part two of the incentive fee in 2012. Incentive fees for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased compared to the year ended December 31, 2010 due to a full twelve months of expense in 2011 compared to only two months in 2010. The incentive fees for the year ended December 31, 2012 consisted of approximately $2.8 million for the incentive fee on income. The incentive fees for the year ended December 31, 2011 consisted of approximately $2.7 million and $0.3 million for the incentive fee on income and capital gains, respectively. There were no incentive fees prior to the IPO.

Administrative fee expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 remained flat compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. The administrative fee increased for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to the year ended December 31, 2010 due to a full twelve months of expense in 2011 compared to only two months in 2010.

Professional fees and general and administrative expenses primarily include legal and audit fees and insurance premiums. These expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 remained flat compared to the year ended December 31, 2011. These expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased by approximately $1.7 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2010 primarily due to the increased cost of being a public company.

In 2012 and 2011 we elected to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such income. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we recorded an excise tax payable of approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million on approximately $5.9 million and $8.5 million of undistributed earnings from operations and capital gains, respectively.

Net Realized Gains and Net Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation

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

During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized realized gains totaling approximately $0.1 million primarily due to the sale of warrants of one portfolio company. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we recognized realized gains totaling approximately $6.3 million primarily due to the sale of warrants of three portfolio companies. We recognized realized gains of approximately $0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 primarily due to the sale of warrants of two portfolio companies.

During the year ended December 31, 2012, net unrealized depreciation on investments totaled approximately $8.1 million which was primarily due to the unrealized depreciation on the three debt investments on non-accrual status. During the year ended December 31, 2011, net unrealized depreciation on investments totaled approximately $5.7 million which was primarily due to $4.0 million in reversal of unrealized appreciation on the sale of warrants and $2.7 million of unrealized depreciation on six debt investments partially offset by unrealized appreciation on investments. During the year ended December 31, 2010, net unrealized appreciation on investments totaled approximately $2.9 million which was primarily due to fair value appreciation on some of our warrants.

Credit or Provision for Loan Losses

For the period from January 1, 2010 through October 28, 2010, the credit for loan losses was $0.7 million. The credit was primarily due to improved portfolio asset quality during 2010 across all credit ratings within the loan portfolio. The loan portfolio had a weighted average credit rating of 3.1 as of October 28, 2010. Since October 28, 2010, the date of our election to be treated as a BDC, we do not record a credit or provision for loan losses. We record each individual loan and investment on a quarterly basis at fair value. Changes in fair value are recorded through our statement of operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had cash and investments in money market funds of $3.6 million and $14.8 million, respectively. These amounts are available to fund new investments, reduce borrowings under the Wells Facility and the Fortress Facility (collectively, the “Credit Facilities”), pay operating expenses and pay dividends. We had a revolving credit facility (the “WestLB Facility”) with WestLB, AG, New York Branch (“WestLB”) which all obligations under the WestLB Facility were paid and the WestLB Facility was terminated. Our primary sources of capital have been from our private and public common stock offerings, use of our Credit Facilities and issuance of our Senior Notes.

As of December 31, 2012, the outstanding principal balance under the Wells Facility was $46.0 million. As of December 31, 2012, we had available borrowing capacity of approximately $29.0 million under our Wells Facility, subject to existing terms and advance rates.

As of December 31, 2012, the outstanding principal balance under the Fortress Facility was $10.0 million. As of December 31, 2012, we had available borrowing capacity of approximately $65.0 million under our Fortress Facility, subject to existing terms and advance rates.

Our operating activities used cash of $36.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, and our financing activities provided cash of $35.8 million for the same period. Our operating activities used cash primarily for investing in portfolio companies, net of principal payments received. Our financing activities provided cash primarily from the issuance of our Senior Notes for net proceeds of approximately $31.7 million, and the completion of a follow-on public offering of 1.9 million shares of common stock for net proceeds of approximately $29.5 million. These increases from investing activities were partially offset by repayments of $8.6 million of debt under the Credit Facilities and $15.1 million dividends paid.

Our operating activities used cash of $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 and our financing activities used cash of $32.4 million for the same period. Our operating activities used cash primarily for investing in portfolio companies. Such cash was provided primarily from proceeds from our IPO and draws under the WestLB Facility and Wells Facility.

Our operating activities used cash of $38.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 and our financing activities provided net cash proceeds of $75.0 million for the same period. Our operating activities used cash primarily for investing in portfolio companies. Such cash was provided primarily from proceeds from our IPO and draws under the WestLB Facility.

Our primary use of available funds is to make investments in portfolio companies and for general corporate purposes. We expect to raise additional equity and debt capital opportunistically as needed, and subject to market conditions, to support our future growth through future equity offerings, issuances of senior securities and/or future borrowings, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.

In order to satisfy the Code requirements applicable to a RIC, we intend to distribute to our stockholders all or substantially all of our income except for certain net capital gains. In addition, as a BDC, we are required to meet a coverage ratio of 200%. This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow.

We believe that our current cash and investments in money market funds, cash generated from operations, and funds available from our Credit Facilities will be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure commitments for at least the next 12 months.

Current Borrowings

A summary of our borrowings as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

____________

We, through our wholly owned subsidiary, Credit II entered into the Wells Facility on July 14, 2011. The interest rate is based upon the one-month LIBOR plus a spread of 4.00%, with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%. The interest rate was 5.00% as of December 31, 2012 and 2011.

We may request advances under the Wells Facility through July 14, 2014 (the “Revolving Period”). After the Revolving Period, we may not request new advances, and we must repay the outstanding advances under the Wells Facility as of such date, at such times and in such amounts as are necessary to maintain compliance with the terms and conditions of the Wells Facility, particularly the condition that the principal balance of the Wells Facility does not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate principal balance of our eligible loans to our portfolio companies. All outstanding advances under the Wells Facility are due and payable on July 14, 2017.

The Wells Facility is collateralized by loans held by Credit II and permits an advance rate of up to 50% of eligible loans held by Credit II. The Wells Facility contains covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain a minimum net worth, to restrict the loans securing the Wells Facility to certain criteria for qualified loans and to comply with portfolio company concentration limits as defined in the related loan agreement. 

On March 23, 2012, we issued and sold $30 million aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior unsecured notes due in 2019 and on April 18, 2012, pursuant to the underwriters’ 30 day option to purchase additional notes, we sold an additional $3 million of such notes. The Senior Notes will mature on March 15, 2019 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at our option at any time or from time to time on or after March 15, 2015 at a redemption price of $25 per security plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.375% per year payable quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year. The Senior Notes are our direct, unsecured obligations and rank (1) pari passu with our future senior unsecured indebtedness; (2) senior to any of our future indebtedness that expressly provides it is subordinated to the Senior Notes; (3) effectively subordinated to all of our existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which we subsequently grant security), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and (4) structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of our subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2012 we were in material compliance with the terms of the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HTF”.

We, through our wholly owned subsidiary Credit III, entered into the Fortress Facility on August 23, 2012. The interest rate on the Fortress Facility is based upon the one-month LIBOR plus a spread of 6.00%, with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%. The interest rate was 7.00% as of December 31, 2012.

We may request advances under the Fortress Facility through August 23, 2016 (the “Draw Period”). After the Draw Period, we may not request new advances and we must repay the outstanding advances under the Fortress Facility as of such date, at such times and in such amounts as are necessary to maintain compliance with the terms and conditions of the Fortress Facility, particularly the condition that the principal balance of the Fortress Facility does not exceed approximately sixty-six percent (66%) of the aggregate principal balance of our eligible loans to our portfolio companies. All outstanding advances under the Fortress Facility are due and payable on August 23, 2017.

The Fortress Facility is collateralized by loans held by Credit III and permits an advance rate of up to approximately 66% of eligible loans held by Credit III. The Fortress Facility contains covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain a minimum net worth, to restrict the loans securing the Fortress Facility to certain criteria for qualified loans and to comply with portfolio company concentration limits as defined in the related loan agreement.

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, other assets were $4.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, which is primarily comprised of debt issuance costs and prepaid expenses. The increase was due to the debt issuance costs of approximately $1.3 million and $1.7 million incurred related to our Senior Notes and the Fortress Facility, respectively.

Equity Offerings

On July 18, 2012, we completed a follow-on public offering of 1,909,000 shares (including 249,000 shares of our common stock that was issued pursuant to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares) of our common stock at a public offering price of $16.20 per share, raising approximately $30.9 million in gross proceeds.

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations and off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:

In the normal course of business, we are party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These consist primarily of unfunded commitments to extend credit, in the form of loans, to our portfolio companies. Unfunded commitments to provide funds to portfolio companies are not reflected on our balance sheet. Our unfunded commitments may be significant from time to time. As of December 31, 2012, we had unfunded commitments of approximately $24.6 million. These commitments will be subject to the same underwriting and ongoing portfolio maintenance as are the 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.

In addition to the Wells Facility and Fortress Facility, we have certain commitments pursuant to our Investment Management Agreement entered into with our Advisor. We have agreed to pay a fee for investment advisory and management services consisting of two components — a base management fee and an incentive fee. Payments under the Investment Management Agreement are equal to (1) a base management fee equal to a percentage of the value of our average gross assets and (2) a two-part incentive fee. We have also entered into a contract with our Advisor to serve as our administrator. Payments under the Administration Agreement are equal to an amount based upon our allocable portion of our Advisor’s overhead in performing its obligation under the agreement, including rent, fees and other expenses inclusive of our allocable portion of the compensation of our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer and their respective staffs. See Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our Investment Management Agreement and our Administration Agreement.

Distributions

In order to qualify as a RIC and to avoid corporate level tax on the income we distribute to our stockholders, we are required under the Code to distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, to our stockholders on an annual basis. Additionally, we must distribute at least 98% of our ordinary income and 98.2% of our capital gain net income on an annual basis and any net ordinary income and net capital gains for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we previously paid no U.S. federal income tax to avoid a U.S. federal excise tax. We intend to distribute monthly dividends to our stockholders as determined by our Board.

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 our distributions from time to time. In addition, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions due to the asset coverage requirements applicable to us as a BDC under the 1940 Act. If we do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we will suffer adverse tax consequences, including the possible loss of our qualification as a RIC. We cannot assure stockholders that they will receive any distributions.

To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for that fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a return of capital to our stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, the source of a distribution to our stockholders may be the original capital invested by the stockholder rather than our income or gains. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a dividend payment carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains.

We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a distribution, then stockholders’ cash distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock unless a stockholder specifically “opts out” of our dividend reinvestment plan. If a stockholder opts out, that stockholder will receive cash distributions. Although distributions paid in the form of additional shares of our common stock will generally be subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxes in the same manner as cash distributions, stockholders participating in our dividend reinvestment plan will not receive any corresponding cash distributions with which to pay any such applicable taxes.

Related Party Transactions

We have entered into a number of business relationships with affiliated or related parties, including the following:

Our Advisor may manage other investment vehicles (“Advisor Funds”) with the same investment strategy as us. Our Advisor may provide us an opportunity to co-invest with the Advisor Funds. Under the 1940 Act, absent receipt of exemptive relief from the SEC, we and our affiliates may be precluded from co-investing in such investments. Accordingly, we may apply for exemptive relief which would permit us to co-invest subject to certain conditions, including, without limitation, approval of such investments by both a majority of our directors who have no financial interest in such transaction and a majority of directors who are not interested directors as defined in the 1940 Act.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion of our financial condition and results of operation is based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or “GAAP.” The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual results to differ. In addition to the discussion below, we describe our significant accounting policies in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

We have identified the following items as critical accounting policies.

Valuation of Investments

Investments are recorded at fair value. Our Board determines the fair value of our portfolio investments. We apply fair value to substantially all of our investments in accordance with relevant GAAP, which establishes a framework used to measure fair value and requires disclosures for fair value measurements. We have categorized our investments carried at fair value, based on the priority of the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy. Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of the market participant who holds the financial instrument rather than an entity specific measure. Therefore, when market assumptions are not readily available, our own assumptions are set to reflect those that management believes market participants would use in pricing the financial instrument at the measurement date.

The availability of observable inputs can vary depending on the financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of product, whether the product is new, whether the product is traded on an active exchange or in the secondary market and the current market conditions. To the extent that the valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. The three categories within the hierarchy are as follows:

Our Board determines the fair value of investments in good faith, based on the input of management, the audit committee and independent valuation firms that have been engaged at the direction of our Board to assist in the valuation of each portfolio investment without a readily available market quotation at least once during a trailing twelve-month period under our valuation policy and a consistently applied valuation process. The Board conducts this valuation process at the end of each fiscal quarter, with approximately 25% (based on fair value) of our valuation of portfolio companies that do not have a readily available market quotations subject to review by an independent valuation firm.

Income Recognition

Interest on loan investments is accrued and included in income based on contractual rates applied to principal amounts outstanding. Interest income is determined using a method that results in a level rate of return on principal amounts outstanding. When a loan becomes 90 days or more past due, or if we otherwise do not expect to receive interest and principal repayments, the loan is placed on non-accrual status and the recognition of interest income is discontinued. Interest payments received on loans that are on non-accrual status are treated as reductions of principal until the principal is repaid.

We receive a variety of fees from borrowers in the ordinary course of conducting our business, including advisory fees, commitment fees, amendment fees, non-utilization fees and prepayment fees. In a limited number of cases, we may also receive a non-refundable deposit earned upon the termination of a transaction. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred, and along with unearned income, are amortized as a level yield adjustment over the respective term of the loan. Fees for counterparty loan commitments with multiple loans are allocated to each loan based upon each loan’s relative fair value. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, the amortization of the related fees and unearned income is discontinued until the loan is returned to accrual status.

Certain loan agreements also require the borrower to make an ETP that is accrued into income over the life of the loan to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected. We will generally cease accruing the income if there is insufficient value to support the accrual or if we do not expect the borrower to be able to pay all principal and interest due.

In connection with substantially all lending arrangements, we receive warrants to purchase shares of stock from the borrower. We record the warrants as assets at estimated fair value on the grant date using the Black-Scholes valuation model. We consider the warrants loan fees and also record as unearned loan income on the grant date. The unearned income is recognized as interest income over the contractual life of the related loan in accordance with our income recognition policy. Subsequent to loan origination, the warrants are also measured at fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Any adjustment to fair value is recorded through earnings as net unrealized gain or loss on warrants. Gains from the disposition of the warrants or stock acquired from the exercise of warrants are recognized as realized gains on warrants.

Income taxes

We have elected to be treated as a RIC under subchapter M of the Code and operate in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs. In order to qualify as a RIC, among other things, we are required to meet certain source of income and asset diversification requirements and we must timely distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each year. We, among other things, have made and intend to continue to make the requisite distributions to our stockholders, which will generally relieve us from U.S. federal income taxes.

Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, we may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that we determine that our estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions, we will accrue excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned.

We evaluate tax positions taken in the course of preparing our tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax benefits of positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold, or uncertain tax positions, are recorded as a tax expense in the current year. It is our policy to recognize accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits in income tax expense. We had no material uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRs, (ASU 2011-04). ASU 2011-04 converges the fair value measurement guidance in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). Some of the amendments clarify the application of existing fair value measurement requirements, while other amendments change a particular principle in existing guidance. In addition, ASU 2011-04 requires additional fair value disclosures. We adopted ASU 2011-04 in the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Item 7A.  Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. During the periods covered by our financial statements, the interest rates on the loans within our portfolio were mostly at fixed rates and we expect that our loans in the future will also have primarily fixed interest rates. The initial commitments to lend to our portfolio companies are usually based on a floating LIBOR index and typically have interest rates that are fixed at the time of the loan funding and remain fixed for the term of the loan.

Assuming that the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2012 was to remain constant and no actions were taken to alter the existing interest rate sensitivity, a hypothetical immediate 1% change in interest rates may affect net income by more than 1% over a one-year horizon. Although management believes that this measure 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 on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities and other business developments that could affect net increase in net assets resulting from operations, or net income. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that actual results would not differ materially from the statement above.

While our Senior Notes bear interest at a fixed rate, our Credit Facilities have a floating interest rate provision based on a LIBOR index which resets daily, and we expect that any other credit facilities into which we enter in the future may have floating interest rate provisions. We have used hedging instruments in the past to protect us against interest rate fluctuations and we may use them in the future. Such instruments may include swaps, futures, options and forward contracts. While hedging activities may insulate us against adverse changes in interest rates, they may also limit our ability to participate in the benefits of lower interest rates with respect to the investments in our portfolio with fixed interest rates.

Because we currently fund, and will continue to fund, our investments with borrowings, our net 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 income. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income.

Item 8.  Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions recorded necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s policies and procedures also provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company, and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness as to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on the assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2012, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, which appears in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

Horizon Technology Finance Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities, including the consolidated schedules of investments, of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 29, 2010 to December 31, 2010 and the period from January 1, 2010 to October 28, 2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of investments as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, by correspondence with custodian or borrower. Our audits also involved performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 29, 2010 to December 31, 2010, and the period from January 1, 2010 to October 28, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 12, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/  McGladrey LLP

New Haven, Connecticut

March 12, 2013

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

Horizon Technology Finance Corporation

We have audited Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and Subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the period from October 29, 2010 to December 31, 2010, and the period from January 1, 2010 to October 28, 2010, and our report dated March 12, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion.

/s/McGladrey LLP

New Haven, Connecticut

March 12, 2013

Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

(In thousands, except share data)