RAND CAPITAL CORP - Annual Report: 2012 (Form 10-K)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

For the Transition Period from             to             

Commission File Number: 814-00235

Rand Capital Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code): (716) 853-0802

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 under 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 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, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2012 was approximately $16,331,020 based upon the last closing price as quoted by NASDAQ Capital Market on such date.

As of March 13, 2013 there were 6,610,236 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Corporation’s definitive proxy statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

Table of Contents

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR FORM 10-K

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1.     Business

Corporation Formation

Rand Capital Corporation (“Rand”) was incorporated under the laws of New York in 1969. Beginning in 1971, Rand operated as a publicly traded, closed-end, diversified management company that was registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). In 2001 Rand elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the 1940 Act. In 2002, Rand formed a wholly-owned subsidiary for the purpose of operating it as a small business investment company (“SBIC”) licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”). The subsidiary received a SBA license to operate as an SBIC in August 2002. The subsidiary, which had been organized as a Delaware limited partnership, was converted into a New York corporation on December 31, 2008, at which time its operations as a licensed small business investment company were continued by the newly formed corporation under the name of Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. (“Rand SBIC”). The following discussion describes the operations of Rand and its wholly-owned subsidiary Rand SBIC (collectively, the “Corporation”).

Throughout the Corporation’s history, its principal business has been to make venture capital investments in small to medium sized companies that are engaged in the exploitation of new or unique products or services with a sustainable competitive advantage, typically in New York and its surrounding states. The Corporation’s principal investment objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation while maintaining a current cash flow from debt instruments. The Corporation invests in a mixture of debt and equity instruments. The debt securities typically have an equity component in the form of warrants, and options to acquire stock or the right to convert the debt securities into stock. Rand SBIC has been the Corporation’s primary investment vehicle since its formation and it is anticipated that will continue to be the case in 2013. Consistent with its status as a BDC and the purposes of the regulatory framework for BDC’s under the 1940 Act, the Corporation provides managerial assistance, often in the form of a board of directors’ seat, to the portfolio companies in which it invests.

The Corporation operates as an internally managed investment company whereby its officers and employees conduct its operations under the general supervision of its Board of Directors. It has not elected to qualify to be taxed as a regulated investment company as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Corporation is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “Rand”.

The Corporation’s website is www.randcapital.com. The Corporation’s annual report on Form 10-K and its Proxy Statement are available at the following web address: http://materials.proxyvote.com/752185. In addition, the annual report on Form 10-K, the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, charters for the Corporation’s committees and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are available through the Corporation’s website.

Regulation as a Business Development Company

Although the 1940 Act exempts a BDC from registration under that Act, it contains significant limitations on the operations of BDCs. Among other things, the 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between a BDC and its affiliates, principal underwriters and affiliates of its affiliates or underwriters. The 1940 Act also prohibits a BDC from changing the nature of its business so as to cease to be, or to withdraw its election as, a BDC unless so authorized by a vote of the holders of a majority of its outstanding voting securities. BDC’s are not required to maintain fundamental investment policies relating to diversification and concentration of investments within a single industry. More specifically, in order to qualify as a BDC, a company must:

(1) be a domestic company;

(2) have registered a class of its equity securities or have filed a registration statement with the SEC pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;

(3) operate for the purpose of investing in the securities of certain types of companies, namely immature or emerging companies and businesses suffering or just recovering from financial distress.

1

Table of Contents

Generally, a BDC must be primarily engaged in the business of furnishing capital and providing managerial expertise to companies that do not have ready access to capital through conventional financial channels. Such companies are termed “eligible portfolio companies.”

(4) extend significant managerial assistance to such portfolio companies; and

(5) have a majority of “disinterested” directors (as defined in the 1940 Act).

An eligible portfolio company is, generally, a private domestic operating company, or a public domestic operating company whose securities are not listed on a national securities exchange. In addition, any small business investment company that is licensed by the SBA and is a wholly owned subsidiary of a BDC is an eligible portfolio company.

The 1940 Act prohibits or restricts companies subject to the 1940 Act from investing in certain types of companies, such as brokerage firms, insurance companies, investment banking firms and investment companies. Moreover, the 1940 Act limits the type of assets that BDCs may acquire to “qualifying assets” and certain assets necessary for its operations (such as office furniture, equipment and facilities) if, at the time of acquisition, less than 70% of the value of the BDC’s assets consist of qualifying assets. Qualifying assets include: (1) securities of companies that were eligible portfolio companies at the time the BDC acquired their securities; (2) securities of bankrupt or insolvent companies that were eligible at the time of the BDC’s initial acquisition of their securities but are no longer eligible, provided that the BDC has maintained a substantial portion of its initial investment in those companies; (3) securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with respect to any of the foregoing; and (4) cash items, government securities and high-quality short-term debt. The 1940 Act also places restrictions on the nature of the transactions in which, and the persons from whom, securities can be purchased in order for the securities to be considered qualifying assets.

A BDC is permitted to invest in the securities of public companies and other investments that are not qualifying assets, but those kinds of investments may not exceed 30% of the BDC’s total asset value at the time of the investment. At December 31, 2012 the Corporation was in compliance with this rule.

A BDC must make significant managerial assistance available to the issuers of eligible portfolio securities in which it invests. Making available significant managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its directors, officers or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted does provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.

SBIC Subsidiary

Since 2002, Rand has operated a wholly-owned SBIC subsidiary in order to have access to the various forms of leverage provided by the SBA to SBICs. Rand operates Rand SBIC, and Rand formerly operated the limited partnership SBIC predecessor of Rand SBIC, for the same investment purposes and with investments in the same kinds of securities as Rand. The operations of the SBIC predecessor were, and the operations of Rand SBIC are, consolidated with those of Rand for both financial reporting and tax purposes.

In 2002 Rand and the predecessor SBIC subsidiary filed an initial Exemption Application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seeking an order for a number of operating exemptions that the SEC has commonly granted from certain restrictions under the 1940 Act that would otherwise limit the operations of the wholly-owned subsidiary. After the filing of the Exemption Application, the Corporation had extensive discussions with the staff of the Division of Investment Management of the SEC concerning the application. The principal substantive issue in these discussions was the structure of the predecessor of Rand SBIC as a limited partnership.

Rand formed the predecessor SBIC in 2002 as a limited partnership because that was the organizational form that the SBA strongly encouraged for all new entities seeking licenses as SBICs. Rand organized the SBIC subsidiary in a manner that was consistent with the SBA’s model limited partnership forms for licensed SBICs. In that structure, the general partner of Rand SBIC was a limited liability company whose managers were the principal executive officers of Rand.

2

Table of Contents

Under the rules and interpretations of the SEC applicable to BDCs (which the subsidiary SBIC intended to become), if a BDC is structured in limited partnership form, then it must have general partners who serve as a board of directors, or a general partner with very limited authority and a separate board of directors, all of the persons who serve on the board of directors must be natural persons, and a majority of the directors must not be “interested persons” of the BDC. Since the managers of the limited liability company general partner of the SBIC subsidiary were the principal executive officers of Rand, and since both the limited liability company general partner and the subsidiary SBIC were wholly-owned by Rand, Rand believed that the board of directors of Rand was the functional equivalent of a board of directors for both the general partner limited liability company and for the SBIC limited partnership. Nevertheless, the staff of the Division of Investment Management of the SEC maintained the view that if the limited partnership subsidiary was to be operated as a limited partnership BDC in compliance with the 1940 Act, then the organizational documents of the limited partnership would have to specifically provide that it would have a board of directors consisting of natural persons, a majority of whom would not be “interested persons.”

With the approval of the SBA, effective December 31, 2008 Rand merged the Rand SBIC limited partnership into a new corporation whose board of directors is the same as that of Rand. The SBA formally approved the re-licensing of the new corporation as an SBIC in February 2009. As a result of the merger, Rand SBIC is a wholly-owned corporate subsidiary of Rand, and its board of directors is comprised of the directors of Rand, a majority of whom are not “interested persons” of Rand or Rand SBIC.

Following this merger, in February 2009, the Corporation filed a new Exemption Application with the SEC, which was amended in August 2009, September 2011, and in January 2012 in response to comments from the Staff of the SEC. As amended, the Exemption Application sought an order under Sections 6(c), 12(d)(1)(J) and 57(c) of the 1940 Act for exemptions from the application of Sections 12(d)(1)(A) and (C), 18(a), 21(b), 57(a)(1) through (3), and 61(a) of the 1940 Act, and under Section 57(i) of the 1940 Act and Rule 17d-1 under the 1940 Act to permit certain joint transactions that would otherwise be prohibited by Section 57(a)(4) of the 1940 Act, but which would not be prohibited if Rand and Rand SBIC were a single entity. The application also sought an order under Section 12(h) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Act (the “Exchange Act”) for an exemption from separate reporting requirements for Rand SBIC under Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. In general, the Corporation’s application sought exemptions that would permit:

On February 1, 2012, the SEC issued Release No. 29941 thereby giving notice of application for the grant of an order permitting the joint operations of Rand and Rand SBIC under the exemptions from the provisions of the 1940 Act described above in the Exemption Application. On February 28, 2012, the SEC granted an Order of Exemption for Rand with respect to the operations of Rand SBIC.

At that time, although Rand SBIC was operated as if it were a BDC, it was registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Upon the Corporation’s receipt of the order granting the exemptions described above, on March 28, 2012, Rand SBIC filed an election to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act pursuant to which it may now engage in certain transactions which would be permitted if Rand and Rand SBIC were operated as a single entity, but which are not permitted between a parent BDC and a wholly-owned subsidiary BDC without specific exemptions.

3

Table of Contents

Regulation of the SBIC Subsidiary

SBA Lending Restrictions

The SBA licenses SBICs as part of a program designed to stimulate the flow of private debt and/or equity capital to small businesses. SBICs use funds borrowed from the SBA, together with their own capital, to provide loans to, and make equity investments in, concerns that:

(a) have a tangible net worth not in excess of $18 million and average net income after U.S. federal income taxes for the preceding two completed fiscal years not in excess of $6 million, or

(b) meet size standards set by the SBA that are measured by either annual receipts or number of employees, depending on the industry in which the concerns are primarily engaged.

The types and dollar amounts of the loans and other investments an SBIC that is a BDC may make are limited by the 1940 Act, the SBA Act and SBA regulations. The SBA is authorized to examine the operations of SBICs, and an SBIC’s ability to obtain funds from the SBA is also governed by SBA regulations.

In addition, at the end of each fiscal year, an SBIC must have at least 20% (in total dollars) invested in “Smaller Enterprises.” The SBA defines “Smaller Enterprises” as concerns that:

(a) do not have a net worth in excess of $6 million and have average net income after U.S. federal income taxes for the preceding two years no greater than $2 million, or

(b) meet size standards set by the SBA that are measured by either annual receipts or number of employees, depending on the industry in which the concerns are primarily engaged.

The Corporation complied with this requirement since the inception of the SBIC subsidiary.

SBICs may invest directly in the equity of portfolio companies, but they may not become a general partner of a non-incorporated entity or otherwise become jointly or severally liable for the general obligations of a non-incorporated entity. An SBIC may acquire options or warrants in portfolio companies, and the options or warrants may have redemption provisions, subject to certain restrictions.

SBA Leverage

The SBA raises capital to enable it to provide funds to SBICs by guaranteeing certificates or bonds that are pooled and sold to purchasers of the government guaranteed securities. The amount of funds that the SBA may lend to SBICs is determined by annual Congressional appropriations.

SBA debentures are issued with ten year maturities. Interest only is payable semi-annually until maturity. All of the Corporation’s outstanding SBA debentures may be prepaid without penalty. To reserve the approved SBA debenture leverage the Corporation must pay an upfront 1% commitment fee to the SBA as a partial prepayment of the SBA’s nonrefundable 3% leverage fee. These fees are then expensed over the life of the corresponding SBA debenture instruments. The total remaining SBA commitment available at December 31, 2012 is $4,000,000 which expires on September 30, 2016. At December 31, 2012 the Corporation had $4,900,000 in total outstanding leverage.

Employees

As of December 31, 2012, the Corporation had four employees.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

The Corporation is Subject to Risks Created by the Valuation of its Portfolio Investments

At December 31, 2012, 88% of the Corporation’s portfolio investments are private securities and are not publicly traded. There is typically no public market for securities of the small privately held companies in which the Corporation invests. Investments are valued in accordance with the Corporation’s established valuation policy and are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by the management of the Corporation and

4

Table of Contents

submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. In the absence of a readily ascertainable market value, the estimated value of the Corporation’s portfolio of securities may differ significantly, favorably or unfavorably, from the values that would be placed on the portfolio if a ready market for the securities existed. Any changes in estimated value are recorded in the statement of operations as “Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation.”

The Corporation’s Portfolio Investments are Illiquid

Most of the investments of the Corporation are or will be either equity securities or subordinated debt securities acquired directly from small companies. The Corporation’s portfolio of equity and debt securities is, and will usually be, subject to restrictions on resale and has no established trading market. The illiquidity of most of the Corporation’s portfolio may adversely affect the ability of the Corporation to dispose of the securities at times when it may be advantageous for the Corporation to liquidate investments.

Investing in Private Companies involves a High Degree of Risk

The Corporation typically invests a substantial portion of its assets in small and medium sized private companies. These private businesses may be thinly capitalized, unproven companies with risky technologies, may lack management depth, and may not have attained profitability. Because of the speculative nature and the lack of a public market for these investments, there is significantly greater risk of loss than is the case with securities traded on a public exchange. The Corporation expects that some of its venture capital investments will be a loss and that some will appear likely to become successful but will never realize their potential. The Corporation has been risk seeking rather than risk averse in its approach to venture capital and other investments.

Even if the Corporation’s portfolio companies are able to develop commercially viable products, the market for new products and services is highly competitive and rapidly changing. Commercial success is difficult to predict and the marketing efforts of the portfolio companies may not be successful.

Investing in the Corporation’s Shares May be Inappropriate for the Investor’s Risk Tolerance

The Corporation’s investments, in accordance with its investment objective and principal strategies, result in a greater than average amount of risk and volatility and may result in loss of principal. Its investments in portfolio companies are highly speculative and aggressive and, therefore, an investment in its shares may not be suitable for investors for whom such risk is inappropriate. Neither the Corporation’s investments nor an investment in the Corporation constitutes a balanced investment program.

The Corporation is Subject to Risks Created by its Regulated Environment

The Corporation is regulated by the SBA and the SEC. Changes in the laws or regulations that govern SBICs and BDCs could significantly affect the Corporation’s business. Regulations and laws may be changed periodically, and the interpretations of the relevant regulations and laws are also subject to change. Any change in the regulations and laws governing the Corporation’s business could have a material impact on its financial condition or its results of operations. Moreover, the laws and regulations that govern BDCs and SBICs may place conflicting demands on the manner in which the Corporation operates, and the resolution of those conflicts may restrict or otherwise adversely affect the operations of the Corporation.

The Corporation is Subject to Risks Created by Borrowing Funds from the SBA

The Corporation’s liabilities may include large amounts of debt securities issued through the SBA which have fixed interest rates. Until and unless the Corporation is able to invest substantially all of the proceeds from debentures at annualized interest or other rates of return that substantially exceed annualized interest rates that Rand SBIC must pay the SBA, the Corporation’s operating results may be adversely affected which may, in turn, depress the market price of the Corporation’s common stock.

The Corporation Operates in a Competitive Market for Investment Opportunities

The Corporation faces competition in its investing activities from many entities including other SBICs, private venture capital funds, investment affiliates of large companies, wealthy individuals and other domestic or

5

Table of Contents

foreign investors. The competition is not limited to entities that operate in the same geographical area as the Corporation. As a regulated BDC, the Corporation is required to disclose quarterly and annually the name and business description of portfolio companies and the value of its portfolio securities. Most of its competitors are not subject to this disclosure requirement. The Corporation’s obligation to disclose this information could hinder its ability to invest in certain portfolio companies. Additionally, other regulations, current and future, may make the Corporation less attractive as a potential investor to a given portfolio company than a private venture capital fund.

The Corporation is Dependent Upon Key Management Personnel for Future Success

The Corporation is dependent on the skill, diligence, and the network of business contacts of its two senior officers, Allen F. Grum and Daniel P. Penberthy, for the selection, structuring, closing, monitoring and valuation of its investments. The future success of the Corporation depends to a significant extent on the continued employment of its senior management. The departure of either of its senior officers could materially adversely affect its ability to implement its business strategy. The Corporation does not maintain key man life insurance on any of its officers or employees.

The Corporation’s Portfolio Has a Limited Number of Companies, and May be Subjected to Greater Risk if Any of These Companies Default

The Corporation’s portfolio investment values are concentrated in a small number of companies and as such, it may experience a significant loss in Net Asset Value if one or more of these companies perform poorly or go out of business. The unrealized or realized write down of any one of these companies would negatively impact the Corporation’s Net Asset Value.

Fluctuations of Quarterly Results

The Corporation’s quarterly operating results could fluctuate significantly as a result of a number of factors. These factors include, among others, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which portfolio companies encounter competition in their markets, and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any quarter cannot be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future quarters.

Item 1B.     Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

Item 2.     Properties

The Corporation maintains its offices at 2200 Rand Building, Buffalo, New York 14203, where it leases approximately 1,300 square feet of office space pursuant to a lease agreement that expires December 31, 2015. The Corporation believes that its leased facilities are adequate to support its current staff and expected future needs.

Item 3.     Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

6

Table of Contents

Part II

The Corporation’s common stock, par value $0.10 per share (“Common Stock”), is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “RAND.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low closing sales prices per share as reported by NASDAQ:

The Corporation has not paid any cash dividends in its most recent two fiscal years, and it has no intention of paying cash dividends in the 2013 fiscal year.

Treasury Stock

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Profit Sharing and Stock Option Plans

In 2001 the stockholders of the Corporation authorized an Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Option Plan”). The Option Plan provides for the award of options to purchase up to 200,000 common shares to eligible employees. In 2002 the Corporation placed the Option Plan on inactive status as it developed a new profit sharing plan for the Corporation’s employees in connection with the formation of its SBIC subsidiary. As of December 31, 2012, no stock options had been awarded under the Option Plan. Because Section 57(n) of the

7

Table of Contents

1940 Act prohibits maintenance of a profit sharing plan for the officers and employees of a BDC where any option, warrant or right is outstanding under an executive compensation plan, no options will be granted under the Option Plan while any profit sharing plan is in effect with respect to the Corporation.

In 2002, the Corporation established a Profit Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) for its executive officers in accordance with Section 57(n) of the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Corporation will pay its executive officers aggregate profit sharing payments equal to 12% of the net realized capital gains of its SBIC subsidiary, net of all realized capital losses and unrealized depreciation of the SBIC subsidiary, for the fiscal year, computed in accordance with the Plan and the Corporation’s interpretation of the Plan. Any profit sharing paid or accrued cannot exceed 20% of the Corporation’s net income, as defined. The profit sharing payments will be split equally between the Corporation’s two executive officers, both of whom are fully vested in the Plan.

The Corporation accrued $246,000 under the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2012. There were no amounts earned pursuant to the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2010 the Corporation approved and accrued $584,634 under the profit sharing plan, of which $568,694 was paid in 2011. The remaining $15,940 was related to an escrow receivable and was paid in 2012 when the escrow was received. Estimated payroll taxes on the profit sharing have been accrued at December 31, 2012 and 2011. The amounts approved do not exceed the defined limits.

Shareholders of Record

On March 13, 2013 the Corporation had a total of 920 shareholders, which included 102 record holders of its common stock, and an estimated 818 shareholders with shares beneficially owned in nominee name or under clearinghouse positions of brokerage firms or banks.

Stock Repurchase Plan

On November 1, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Corporation’s outstanding Common Stock on the open market at prices that are no greater than the then current net asset value through November 1, 2013. During 2012, the Corporation repurchased 208,698 shares for $556,588 an average of $2.67 per share. At December 31, 2012 the total treasury shares held was 252,798 shares with a total cost of $603,794.

8

Table of Contents

Company Performance Graph

The following graph shows a five-year comparison of cumulative total shareholder returns for the Company’s Common Stock, the NASDAQ Market Index, and an old and new Peer Group, assuming a base index of $100 at the end of 2007. The cumulative total return for each annual period within the five years presented is measured by dividing (1) the sum of (A) the cumulative amount of dividends for the measurement period, assuming dividend investment, and (B) the difference between share prices at the end and at the beginning of the measurement period by (2) the share price at the beginning of the measurement period.

Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return

Assumes Initial Investment of $100

December 2012

Comparison of cumulative total return of one or more companies, peer groups, industry indexes and/or broad markets

FISCAL YEAR ENDING

The Old Peer Group was comprised of the following companies:

Ameritrans Capital Corp (NasdaqCM:AMTC)

Gladstone Investment Corporation (NasdaqGS:GAIN)

Harris & Harris Group, Inc. (NasdaqGM:TINY)

Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. (NasdaqGS: HTGC)

Main Street Capital Corporation (NasdaqGS: MAIN)

MCG Capital Corporation (NasdaqGS:MCGC)

Triangle Capital Corporation (NasdaqGM: TCAP)

The New Peer Group is comprised of the following companies:

Equus Total Return (NYSE:EQS)

Gladstone Investment Corporation (NasdaqGS:GAIN)

9

Table of Contents

Harris & Harris Group, Inc. (NasdaqGM:TINY)

Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc. (NasdaqGS: HTGC)

Main Street Capital Corporation (NasdaqGS: MAIN)

MCG Capital Corporation (NasdaqGS:MCGC)

Triangle Capital Corporation (NasdaqGM: TCAP)

The Corporation selected the New Peer Group on the basis of its belief that the seven issuers in the group are closed end investment companies that have elected to be regulated as BDCs and have investment objectives that are similar to those of the Corporation, and that among the publicly traded companies that have those attributes, they are relatively similar in size to the Corporation.

The performance graph information provided above will not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulations 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act, unless in the future the Corporation specifically requests that the information be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporates it by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act.

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

The following table provides selected consolidated financial data of the Corporation for the periods indicated. You should read the selected financial data set forth below in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and with the consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this report.

Balance Sheet Data as of December 31:

Operating Data for the year ended December 31:

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

You should read the following discussion and analysis of the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report.

10

Table of Contents

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere in this report that do not relate to present or historical conditions are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and in Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Additional oral or written forward-looking statements may be made by the Corporation from time to time, and forward-looking statements may be included in documents that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Corporation’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions and are intended to be made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “believes,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “possible,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” or “plans” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Among the important factors on which such statements are based are assumptions concerning the state of the national economy and the local markets in which the Corporation’s portfolio companies operate, the state of the securities markets in which the securities of the Corporation’s portfolio companies trade or could be traded, liquidity within the national financial markets, and inflation. Forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties described under the caption “Risk Factors” contained in Part I, Item 1A of this report.

There may be other factors not identified that affect the accuracy of the Corporation’s forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date it is made and, except as required by law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. New factors emerge from time to time that may cause the Corporation’s business not to develop as we expect, and we cannot predict all of them.

Business Overview

Rand Capital Corporation (“Rand”) was incorporated under the law of New York in 1969. Beginning in 1971, Rand operated as a publicly traded, closed-end, diversified management company that was registered under Section 8 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). In 2001, Rand elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the 1940 Act. In 2002, Rand formed a wholly-owned subsidiary for the purpose of operating it as a small business investment company (“SBIC”) licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”). The subsidiary received an SBA license to operate as an SBIC in August 2002. The subsidiary, which had been organized as a Delaware limited partnership, was converted into a New York corporation on December 31, 2008, at which time its operations as a licensed small business investment company were continued by a newly formed corporation under the name of Rand Capital SBIC, Inc. (“Rand SBIC”). On February 28, 2012 the SEC granted an Order of Exemption for Rand with respect to the operations of Rand SBIC. At that time, although Rand SBIC was operated as if it were a BDC, it was registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Upon the Corporation’s receipt of the order granting the exemptions described above, on March 28, 2012, Rand SBIC filed an election to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The following discussion describes the operations of Rand and its wholly-owned subsidiary Rand SBIC (collectively, the “Corporation”).

The Corporation anticipates that most, if not all, of its investments in the next year will be originated through Rand SBIC.

The Corporation’s primary business is making subordinated debt and equity investments in small and medium-sized companies that meet certain criteria, including:

1) a qualified and experienced management team

2) a new or unique product or service with a sustainable competitive advantage

3) high potential for growth in revenue and cash flow

4) potential to realize appreciation in an equity position, if any.

11

Table of Contents

The Corporation typically makes initial investments of $500,000 to $1,000,000 directly in a company through equity shares or in debt or loan instruments. The debt instruments generally have a maturity of not more than five years and usually have detachable equity warrants. Interest is either paid currently or deferred.

The Corporation’s management team identifies investment opportunities through a network of investment referral relationships. Investment proposals may, however, come to the Corporation from many other sources, including unsolicited proposals from companies and referrals from banks, lawyers, accountants and other members of the financial community. The Corporation believes that its reputation in the investment community and experience provide a competitive advantage in originating qualified new investments.

In a typical private financing, the management team of the Corporation will review, analyze, and confirm, through due diligence, the business plan and operations of the potential portfolio company. Additionally, the Corporation will become familiar with the portfolio company’s industry and competitive landscape and may conduct reference checks with customers and suppliers of the portfolio company.

Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, the Corporation may make follow-on investments in the portfolio company. Follow-on investments may be made to take advantage of warrants or other preferential rights granted to the Corporation or to increase or maintain the Corporation’s position in a promising portfolio company. The Corporation may also be called upon to provide an additional investment to a portfolio company in order for that company to fully implement its business plans, to develop a new line of business or to recover from unexpected business problems. Follow-on investments in a portfolio company are evaluated individually and may be subject to regulatory restrictions.

The Corporation may exit investments through the maturation of a debt security or when a liquidity event takes place, such as the sale, recapitalization, or initial public offering of a portfolio company. The method and timing of the disposition of the Corporation’s portfolio investments can be critical to the realization of maximum total return. The Corporation generally expects to dispose of its equity securities through private sales of securities to other investors or through an outright sale of the company or a merger. The Corporation anticipates its debt investments will be repaid with interest and hopes to realize further appreciation from the warrants or other equity type instruments it receives in connection with the origination of the investment. The Corporation funds new investments and operating expenses through existing cash balances, investment returns, and interest and principal payments from its portfolio companies.

2012 Highlights and Outlook

In general, the United States and global economic conditions continued to improve throughout 2012 although the U.S. economy did shrink during the fourth quarter of 2012 for the first time since mid-2009. Analysts are attributing the fourth quarter 2012 contraction to non-recurring matters but a full economic recovery may take longer than expected due to various national and international issues which may have an adverse economic impact on all businesses, particularly small businesses. To the extent the financial market conditions continue to improve, the Corporation believes its financial condition and the financial condition of the portfolio companies will improve. It remains difficult to forecast when future exits will happen.

The Corporation’s net asset value increased $.32, or 8.9% during 2012, closing the year at $3.90 per share, up from $3.58 at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2012, the Corporation’s total investment portfolio was valued at $29.8 million, which exceeds its cost basis of $18.5 million, reflecting $11.3 million in net unrealized appreciation.

The Corporation’s common stock traded below its net asset value per share during 2012 and 2011, closing 2012 at $2.34 per share.

During 2012, the Corporation recognized $2,604,621 in total investment income, an increase of $1,312,269 from $1,292,352 of investment income in 2011. The 102% increase is attributable to an increase in dividend income from $516,189 in 2011 to $1,957,621 in 2012. The Corporation received dividends from portfolio companies that are limited liability companies, which as a group comprise approximately 59% of the value of the Corporation’s portfolio at December 31, 2012. Dividends from these portfolio companies may fluctuate from period to period based not only on the profitability of the portfolio company but also on the timing of distributions the companies make.

12

Table of Contents

The Corporation recognized a realized net gain of $831,139 during 2012 and its investment valuation changes resulted in a net increase in unrealized appreciation of $422,567. Total expenses remained fairly steady at $1,795,600 for the year ended December 31, 2012, which represented a $133,926, or 8.1% increase from the 2011 expense amount of $1,661,674.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Corporation prepares its financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities. For a summary of all significant accounting policies, including critical accounting policies, see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this report.

The increasing complexity of the business environment and applicable authoritative accounting guidance require the Corporation to closely monitor its accounting policies and procedures. The Corporation has two critical accounting policies that require significant judgment. The following summary of critical accounting policies is intended to enhance a reader’s ability to assess the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations and the potential volatility due to changes in estimates.

Valuation of Investments

The most important estimate in the preparation of the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements is the valuation of investments and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation.

Investments are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Management of the Corporation and submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. The Corporation invests in loan instruments, debt instruments, and equity instruments. There is no single standard for determining fair value in good faith. As a result, determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment and employing a consistent valuation process. The Corporation analyzes and values each investment quarterly, and records unrealized depreciation for an investment that it believes has become impaired, including where collection of a loan or realization of the recorded value of an equity security is doubtful. Conversely, the Corporation will record unrealized appreciation if it believes that an underlying portfolio company has appreciated in value and, therefore, its equity security has also appreciated in value. These estimated fair values may differ from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed and these differences could be material if the Corporation’s assumptions and judgments differ from results of actual liquidation events.

On January 1, 2008, the Corporation adopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820, “fair value measurements and disclosures”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

Loan investments are defined as traditional loan financings with no equity features. Debt investments are defined as debt financings that include one or more equity features such as conversion rights, stock purchase warrants, and/or stock purchase options. A financing may also be categorized as a debt financing if it is accompanied by the direct purchase of an equity interest in the company.

The Corporation uses several approaches to determine the fair value of an investment. The main approaches are:

The loan and debt securities may be valued at an amount other than the price the security would command in order to provide a yield to maturity equivalent to the current yield of similar debt securities. A loan or debt instrument may be reduced in value if it is judged to be of poor quality, collection is in doubt or insufficient liquidation proceeds exist.

13

Table of Contents

ASC 820 classifies the inputs used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:

Level 1:    Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, used in the Corporation’s valuation at the measurement date.

Level 2:    Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other observable inputs other than quoted prices.

Level 3:    Unobservable and significant inputs to determining the fair value.

Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement, which is not necessarily an indication of risks associated with the investment.

Any changes in estimated fair value are recorded in the statement of operations as “Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation.”

Under the valuation policy, the Corporation values unrestricted publicly traded securities at the average closing bid price for these securities for the last three trading days of the month. Restricted publicly traded securities are valued at the average closing bid price for the last three trading days of the month and are discounted for the time restriction. See subsequent event footnote disclosure regarding Synacor.

In the valuation process, the Corporation values private securities using the financial information from these portfolio companies, which may include audited and unaudited financial statements, annual projections and budgets prepared by the portfolio company and other financial and non-financial business information supplied by the companies’ management. This information is used to determine financial condition, performance, and valuation of the portfolio companies. The valuation may be reduced if a company’s performance and potential have deteriorated significantly. If the factors which led to the reduction in valuation are overcome, the valuation may be restored.

The fair value determination of each portfolio investment categorized as Level 3 required one or more of the following unobservable inputs:

14

Table of Contents

Equity Securities

Equity Securities may include Preferred Stock, Common Stock, Warrants and Limited Liability Company Interests.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation’s equity investments are EBITDA and revenue multiples, where applicable, the financial, technological development and operational performance of the business, or the senior equity preferences which may exist in a deemed liquidation event. Standard industry multiples may be used when available, however the Corporation’s portfolio companies are typically small and in early stages of development and these industry standards may be adjusted to more closely match the specific financial and operational performance of the portfolio company. Due to the nature of certain investments, fair value measurements may be based on other criteria, which may include third party appraisals. Significant changes to the unobservable inputs may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.

Another key factor used in valuing equity investments is recent arms-length equity transactions with unrelated new investors by the portfolio company. Many times the terms of these equity transactions may not be identical to the equity transactions between the portfolio company and the Corporation, and the impact of the discrepancy in transaction terms on the market value of the portfolio company may be difficult or impossible to quantify.

When appropriate the Black-Scholes pricing model is utilized to estimate the fair value of warrants for GAAP accounting purposes. This model requires the use of highly subjective inputs including expected volatility, expected life, expected dividend rate and expected risk free rate of return in addition to variables for the valuation of minority equity positions in small private and early stage companies. Significant increases (decreases) in any of these unobservable inputs would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.

For recent investments, the Corporation generally relies on the cost basis, which is judged to represent the fair value, unless other fair market value inputs form a basis to depart from cost.

Loan and Debt Securities

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation’s loan and debt securities are the financial, technological development and operational performance of the portfolio company as well as the market acceptance for the portfolio company’s products or service. These inputs will provide an indicator as to the probability of principal recovery of the investment. The Corporation’s debt investments will often be junior secured or unsecured debt securities, lacking sufficient collateral. Fair value may also be determined based on other criteria where appropriate. Significant changes to the unobservable inputs may result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. For recent investments, the Corporation generally relies on its cost basis, which is deemed to represent the fair value, unless other fair market value inputs are identified causing the Corporation to depart from this level.

Revenue Recognition

Interest income generally is recognized on the accrual basis except where the investment is in default or otherwise presumed to be in doubt. In such cases, interest is recognized at the time of receipt. A reserve for possible losses on interest receivable is maintained when appropriate.

The Rand SBIC interest accrual is also regulated by the SBA’s “Accounting Standards and Financial Reporting Requirements for Small Business Investment Companies.” Under these rules interest income cannot be recognized if collection is doubtful, and a 100% reserve must be established. The collection of interest is presumed to be in doubt when there is substantial doubt about a portfolio company’s ability to continue as a going concern or the loan is in default more than 120 days. Management also uses other qualitative and quantitative measures to determine the value of a portfolio investment and the collectability of any accrued interest.

15

Table of Contents

The Corporation may receive distributions from portfolio companies that are limited liability companies. These distributions are classified as dividend income on the statement of operations and are recognized when the amount can be reasonably estimated.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-04, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820), Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) (ASU 2011-04). ASU 2011-04 results in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations. See Note 2- Investments in the December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements for further information regarding valuation technique and quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs utilized by the Corporation to value Level 3 investments.

Financial Condition

Overview:

Net asset value per share (NAV) was $3.90 per share at December 31, 2012 versus $3.58 per share at December 31, 2011.

During 2012, the Corporation paid off $3,100,000 in SBA leverage with interest rates ranging from 4.4 to 6.4% and subsequently drew down $4,000,000 of additional SBA leverage with an interest rate of approximately 3%. The outstanding SBA leverage at December 31, 2012 is $4,900,000. The new leverage drawn down in 2012 will mature in 2022 and 2023.

Cash and cash equivalents approximated 16% of net assets at December 31, 2012 compared to 19% at December 31, 2011.

Composition of the Corporation’s Investment Portfolio

The Corporation’s financial condition is dependent on the success of its portfolio holdings. It has invested substantially all of its assets in small to medium-sized companies. The following summarizes the Corporation’s investment portfolio at the year-ends indicated.

The Corporation’s total investments at fair value, as estimated by management and approved by the Board of Directors, approximated 116% of net assets at December 31, 2012 and 98% of net assets at December 31, 2011.

16

Table of Contents

The change in investments during the year ended December 31, 2012, at cost, is comprised of the following:

The Corporation’s top five portfolio companies represented 58% of total assets at December 31, 2012:

17

Table of Contents

The Corporation’s top five portfolio companies represented 55% of total assets at December 31, 2011:

Below is the geographic breakdown of the Corporation’s investments at fair value as of December 31, 2012 and 2011:

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Corporation’s investment portfolio consisted of the following investments:

Results of Operations

Investment Income

The Corporation’s investment objective is to achieve long-term capital appreciation on its equity investments while maintaining a current cash flow from its debenture and pass through equity instruments. Therefore, the Corporation invests in a mixture of debenture and equity instruments, which will provide a current return on a portion of the investment portfolio. The equity features contained in the Corporation’s investment

18

Table of Contents

portfolio are structured to realize capital appreciation over the long-term and may not generate current income in the form of dividends or interest. In addition, the Corporation earns interest income from investing its idle funds in money market instruments held at well capitalized financial institutions.

Investment income for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased to $2,604,621 from $1,292,352 for the year ended December 31, 2011. This 101% increase was almost entirely attributable to an increase in the dividend income distributed to the Corporation.

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011

Interest from portfolio companies — The portfolio interest income decrease is due to the fact that two investments, Liazon Corporation (Liazon) and Chequed.com (Chequed), were converted from debt instruments to equity instruments in 2011 and therefore did not contribute to interest income during 2012. The Corporation also ceased accruing interest on its EmergingMed.com, Inc. (EmergingMed) investment during the third quarter of 2012. In addition, during 2012 the two Carolina Skiff LLC (Carolina Skiff) investments were accruing interest on a lower compounded principal balance due to the fact that Carolina Skiff paid off approximately $1.3 million in accrued interest in December 2011. The interest recognized for these two instruments for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $215,651 versus $362,258 for the same period in 2011.

After reviewing the portfolio companies’ performance and the circumstances surrounding the investments, the Corporation has ceased accruing interest income on the following investment instruments:

Interest from other investments — The decrease in interest from other investments is primarily due to lower average cash balances throughout 2012. The cash balance at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $4,224,763 and $4,517,985, respectively.

Dividend and other investment income — Dividend income is comprised of distributions from Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) in which the Corporation has invested. The Corporation’s investment agreements with certain LLCs require the LLCs to distribute funds to the Corporation for payment of income taxes on its allocable share of the LLC’s profits. These portfolio companies may also elect to distribute additional discretionary distributions. These dividends will fluctuate based upon the profitability of the LLCs and the timing of the distributions. In addition, in the current year the Corporation has begun to receive dividends from a non-LLC portfolio company.

Dividend income for the year ended December 31, 2012 consisted of a distribution from Gemcor II, LLC (Gemcor) for $1,733,806, New Monarch Machine Tool, Inc. (Monarch) for $191,864, Carolina Skiff LLC (Carolina Skiff) for $24,079, Somerset Gas Transmission Company, LLC (Somerset) for $6,950 and NDT Acquisition LLC (NDT) for $922. Dividend income for the year ended December 31, 2011 consisted of a distribution from Gemcor for $262,284, Monarch for $185,011, Somerset for $63,160, Carolina Skiff for $4,317 and NDT for $1,417. The Corporation exited its debt investment in Monarch in 2008 and still retains a small ownership in the company. Monarch started distributing its profits to its investors during 2011.

19

Table of Contents

Other income — Other income consists of the revenue associated with the amortization of financing fees charged to the portfolio companies upon successful closing of Rand SBIC financings and income associated with board attendance fees. The SBA regulations limit the amount of fees that can be charged to a portfolio company, and the Corporation typically charges 1% to 3% to the portfolio concerns. These fees are amortized ratably over the life of the instrument associated with the fees. The unamortized fees are carried on the balance sheet under “Deferred revenue.”

The income associated with the amortization of financing fees was $2,136 and $5,650 for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The board fees were $11,000 and $12,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

Interest from portfolio companies — The portfolio interest income increase during 2011 was due to the origination of new debenture instruments from Chequed.com and Liazon during late 2010 and 2011 and the accretion of $37,000 of Original Issue Discount (OID) income on the Liazon investment. OID income was created when the Corporation invests in a debenture instrument that has a warrant attached to the instrument. This transaction required an allocation of a portion of the investment cost to the warrant and reduced the debt instrument by an equal amount in the form of a note discount or OID. The note was then reported net of the discount and the discount was accreted into income over the life of the debenture instrument. The debt instrument associated with this OID was paid in full during the second quarter of 2011 and therefore all of the remaining OID was recognized as income.

After reviewing the portfolio companies’ performance and the circumstances surrounding the investments, the Corporation has ceased accruing interest income on the following investment instrument:

Interest from other investments — The increase in interest from other investments was primarily due to higher average cash balances and higher interest yields throughout a majority of 2011. The cash balance at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $4,517,985 and $11,698,653, respectively. The Corporation paid off $6,000,000 in outstanding SBA leverage in early September 2011 that reduced the cash balance at December 31, 2011 and decreased the interest revenue in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Dividend and other investment income — Dividend income was comprised of distributions from Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) in which the Corporation had invested.

Dividend income for the year ended December 31, 2011 consisted of a distribution from Gemcor for $262,284, Monarch for $185,011, Somerset for $63,160, Carolina Skiff for $4,317 and NDT for $1,417.

Dividend income for the year ended December 31, 2010 consisted of distributions from Gemcor for $87,880 and Somerset for $32,191.

Other income — The income associated with the amortization of financing fees was $5,650 and $2,461 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. There was no balance in the deferred revenue account at December 31, 2011.

20

Table of Contents

The income associated with board attendance fees was $12,000 and $13,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Operating Expenses

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011

Operating expenses predominately consist of interest expense on outstanding SBA borrowings, compensation expense, and general and administrative expenses including shareholder and office expenses and professional fees.

The increase in operating expenses during the year ended December 31, 2012 is comprised primarily of a $323,000 increase in Bonus and Profit Sharing expense, a $74,795 increase in Bad Debt expense and a 24% or $19,500 increase in Directors’ Fees. Bonus and Profit Sharing expense increased due to the accrual of $246,000 in profit sharing obligations and $136,000 in bonus accrual for the year ended December 31, 2012. The Directors’ Fee expense increased due to a change in the Directors’ fee structure during the year ended December 31, 2012. This increase is offset by a 68% or $364,500 decrease in SBA interest expense. Interest expense decreased due to the fact that the Corporation paid off a total of $9,100,000 in SBA leverage during 2011 and 2012 and drew down $4,000,000 in SBA leverage during 2012 at lower interest rates.

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

The decrease in operating expenses during the year ended December 31, 2011 was comprised primarily of a 52% or $586,834 decrease in salary expense and a 38% or $72,969 decrease in the related employee benefit expense. Salary expense decreased due to the fact that the Corporation accrued $660,634 in bonus and profit sharing obligations during the year ended December 31, 2010 and $63,130 in bonus expense for the year ended December 31, 2011. There was no profit sharing earned during the year ended December 31, 2011. In addition, SBA interest expense decreased 7% or $39,077 during 2011 due to the fact that the Corporation paid down $6,000,000 in debentures during the third quarter of 2011.

Net Realized Gains and Losses on Investments

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Corporation recognized a realized gain of $1,351,771 on the sale of 305,344 shares of Synacor, Inc. (Synacor). Synacor completed an Initial Public Offering (IPO) at $5.00 per share on February 10, 2012 trading on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SYNC”. The Corporation owned 986,187 shares prior to the IPO. As of December 31, 2012, the Corporation owns 680,843 shares of Synacor.

The Corporation also realized a loss on SmartPill Corp. for ($17,653) during the year ended December 31, 2012 when the portfolio company was sold.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Corporation recognized a loss of ($1,780,612) on Niagara Dispensing, a loss of ($293,519) on Associates and a loss of ($131,420) on Innov-X Systems, Inc. (Innovex).

The Corporation recognized a realized loss of ($1,780,612) on its investment in Niagara Dispensing after the company was sold during 2011. As part of the sale proceeds, the Corporation obtained an equity membership in

21

Table of Contents

an acquisition corporation which was entitled to a multi-year royalty on future product sales. Associates ceased doing business in the first quarter of 2011. The Corporation exited the Innovex investment in 2010 and parts of the proceeds were held in escrow. This realized loss is a result of an adjustment to the escrow receivable balance.

Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Corporation recognized a loss of ($1,780,612) on Niagara Dispensing, a loss of ($293,519) on Associates and a loss of ($131,420) on Innov-X Systems, Inc. (Innovex).

The Corporation recognized a realized loss of ($1,780,612) on its investment in Niagara Dispensing after the company was sold during 2011. As part of the sale proceeds, the Corporation obtained an equity membership in an acquisition corporation which was entitled to a multi-year royalty on future product sales. Associates ceased doing business in the first quarter of 2011. The Corporation exited the Innovex investment in 2010 and parts of the proceeds were held in escrow. This realized loss is a result of an adjustment to the escrow receivable balance.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Corporation recognized realized gains of $4,403,984 on Innovex and $ 2,719,569 on GridApp. There were also realized losses of ($721,918) on Wineisit, ($642,974) on Golden Goal, ($631,547) on APF, ($68,000) on ADAM, ($49,830) on Bioworks, and ($46,542) on Photonic.

The Corporation sold its investment in Innovex to Olympus NDT Corporation on July 1, 2010 and received approximately $5.6 million in net proceeds for its debt and equity securities. The realized gain from the sale was $4,403,984 and included $886,330 that was held in escrow. The Corporation received $54,910 of this escrow during 2010. The escrow balance was adjusted during 2011 and the remainder was received during 2012.

The Corporation exited its investment in GridApp with the sale of the entity to BMC Software, Inc. in November 2010. The Corporation received approximately $4.3 million in proceeds and recognized a realized gain on the sale of $2,719,569. This gain included $957,563 that was held in escrow that was received during 2012.

The Corporation recognized a realized loss of ($721,918) on its investment in Wineisit after the company reorganized during the fourth quarter of 2010 into a new entity named Advantage 24/7 LLC (Advantage 24/7). As part of this reorganization the Corporation obtained a controlling interest in Advantage 24/7. The Corporation evaluated the new entity’s business and determined that the investment had a fair value of $100,000.

The Adam and Golden Goal investments were written off during 2010 after each of the businesses were sold and the Corporation recognized realized losses of ($68,000) on Adam and ($642,974) on Golden Goal. In addition, the Corporation sold its investment in Bioworks, Inc. and recognized a $49,830 realized loss.

The Corporation recognized a realized loss on APF Group, Inc. (APF). APF filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in 2009.

The Corporation sold 30,500 shares of Photonic Products Group, Inc (Photonic) stock. Photonic was a publicly traded stock (NASDAQ symbol: PHPG.OB). The average sales price of Photonic was $1.00/share and the cost basis of the stock was $2.50/share.

Change in Unrealized Appreciation of Investments

22

Table of Contents

The increase in unrealized appreciation for the year ended December 31, 2012 was comprised of the following items:

The fair values of the Gemcor, Ultra-Scan and Carolina Skiff investments were increased based on improvements in their respective businesses during 2012.

In accordance with its valuation policy, the Corporation increased the value of its holdings in Liazon based on another significant equity financing during 2012 by a new non-strategic outside investor that had a higher valuation for Liazon than its prior financing rounds.

Synacor, as a publicly traded stock, is marked to market at the end of each quarter. The stock had restrictions on its sale that expired on August 11, 2012. The Corporation valued its 680,843 shares of Synacor at the three day average bid price of $5.20 at December 31, 2012.

The Mid America Brick investment was written down during the year ended December 31, 2012 after a review by the Corporation’s management of its financials and an analysis of the liquidation preferences of senior securities. The Emerging Med and NDT investments were written down based on a financial analysis of the company.

The increase in unrealized appreciation for the year ended December 31, 2011 was comprised of the following items:

The Corporation increased its value in Synacor based on an analysis of the financial and operational growth of the portfolio company. Synacor, Inc. filed a Form S-1 registration statement on November 18, 2011 with the SEC and completed an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on February 10, 2012 trading on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol “SYNC.”

23

Table of Contents

The Corporation recognized appreciation on its equity investment in Gemcor based on the improved financial condition of the portfolio company. Per the Corporation’s valuation policy, a portfolio company can be valued based on a conservative financial measure if the portfolio company has been self-financing and has had positive cash flow from operations for at least the past two fiscal years.

In accordance with its valuation policy, the Corporation increased the value of its holdings in Liazon based on a significant equity financing during 2011 by a new non-strategic outside investor that had a higher valuation for this portfolio company.

For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

The increase in unrealized appreciation for the year ended December 31, 2011 was comprised of the following items:

The Corporation increased its value in Synacor based on an analysis of the financial and operational growth of the portfolio company. Synacor, Inc. filed a Form S-1 registration statement on November 18, 2011 with the SEC and completed an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on February 10, 2012 trading on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol “SYNC.”

The Corporation recognized appreciation on its equity investment in Gemcor based on the improved financial condition of the portfolio company. Per the Corporation’s valuation policy, a portfolio company can be valued based on a conservative financial measure if the portfolio company has been self-financing and has had positive cash flow from operations for at least the past two fiscal years.

In accordance with its valuation policy, the Corporation increased the value of its holdings in Liazon based on a significant equity financing during the second quarter of 2011 by a new non-strategic outside investor that had a higher valuation for this portfolio company.

24

Table of Contents

The decrease in unrealized appreciation for the year ended December 31, 2012 was comprised of the following items:

In accordance with its valuation policy, the Corporation increased the value of its holdings in SOMS based on a significant equity financing during 2010 by a new, non-strategic outside investor.

The Corporation’s fair value of Niagara Dispensing was decreased during the year ended December 31, 2010 after a review by the Corporation of Niagara Dispensing’s financials and an analysis of the liquidation preferences of senior securities.

All of these value adjustments resulted from a review by management using the guidance set forth by ASC 820 and the Corporation’s established valuation policy.

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations

The Corporation accounts for its operations under GAAP for investment companies. The principal measure of its financial performance is “net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations” on its consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the net increase in net assets from operations was $1,939,767 as compared to a net increase of $1,348,303 in 2011 and a net decrease of ($155,063) in 2010.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Corporation’s principal objective is to achieve capital appreciation. Therefore, a significant portion of the investment portfolio is structured to maximize the potential for capital appreciation and certain of the Corporation’s portfolio investments may be structured to provide little or no current yield in the form of dividends or interest payments.

As of December 31, 2012, the Corporation’s total liquidity, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, was $4,224,763.

Net cash provided by operating activities has averaged approximately $123,000 over the last three years and management anticipates cash will continue to be provided at similar levels. The cash flow may fluctuate based on realized gains and the associated income taxes paid.

The Corporation used approximately $3,598,000 in net cash flow from investing activities for the fiscal year 2012 and $1,742,000 during fiscal year 2011 and provided approximately $4,730,000 in net cash flow from investing activities in fiscal 2010. The Corporation will generally use cash in investing activities as it builds its portfolio utilizing its available cash and proceeds from liquidations of portfolio investments. The Corporation anticipates that it will continue to exit investments over the next several years. However, significant liquidating events within the Corporation’s investment portfolio are difficult to project with any certainty.

25

Table of Contents

The following table summarized the SBA leverage at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

The following table summarizes the cash to be received over the next five years from portfolio companies based on contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012. This table does not include any escrow receivable amounts. These payments represent scheduled principal and interest payments that are contained in the investment documents of each portfolio company.

The preceding table only includes debenture instruments and does not include any equity investments which may provide additional proceeds upon exit of these securities.

Management expects that the cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2012, coupled with the available $4,000,000 in SBA leverage and the scheduled interest and dividend payments on its portfolio investments, will be sufficient to meet the Corporation’s cash needs throughout 2013. The Corporation is also evaluating potential exits from portfolio companies to increase the amount of liquidity available for new investments, operating activities and future SBA debenture obligations.

Contractual Obligations

The following table shows the Corporation’s specified contractual obligations at December 31, 2012. The Corporation does not have any capital lease obligations or other long-term liabilities reflected on its balance sheet.

Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Corporation’s investment activities contain elements of risk. The portion of the Corporation’s investment portfolio consisting of equity and debt securities in private companies is subject to valuation risk. Because there is typically no public market for the equity and debt securities in which it invests, the valuation of the equity interests in the portfolio is stated at “fair value” as determined in good faith by the management of the Corporation and submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. This is in accordance with the Corporation’s investment valuation policy. (The discussion of valuation policy contained in “Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Investments” in the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this report is hereby incorporated herein by reference.) In the absence of readily ascertainable market values, the estimated value of the Corporation’s portfolio may differ significantly from the values that would be placed on the portfolio if a ready market for the investments existed. Any changes in valuation are recorded in the Corporation’s consolidated statement of operations as “Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments.”

26

Table of Contents

At times a portion of the Corporation’s portfolio may include marketable securities traded in the over-the-counter market. In addition, there may be a portion of the Corporation’s portfolio for which no regular trading market exists. In order to realize the full value of a security, the market must trade in an orderly fashion or a willing purchaser must be available when a sale is to be made. Should an economic or other event occur that would not allow markets to trade in an orderly fashion, the Corporation may not be able to realize the fair value of its marketable investments or other investments in a timely manner.

As of December 31, 2012, the Corporation did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or hedging or similar derivative financial instrument investments.

27

Table of Contents

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following consolidated financial statements and consolidated supplemental schedule of the Corporation and report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon are set forth below:

28

Table of Contents

RAND CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

December 31,