Neostellar Capital Corp. 10-Q

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Forward-Looking Statements This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about us, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, statements as to: ● our future operating results; ● our dependence upon our management team and key investment professionals; ● our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies; ● our ability to manage our business and future growth; ● the impact of investments that we expect to make; ● risks related to investments in growth-stage companies, other venture capital-backed companies, and generally U.S. companies; ● our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties; ● our ability to make distributions; ● the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest; ● risks related to the uncertainty of the value of our portfolio investments; ● the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives; ● change in political, economic or industry conditions; ● our expected financings and investments; ● the impact of changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation thereof), including tax laws, on our operations and/or the operation of our portfolio companies; ● the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; ● risks related to market volatility, including general price and volume fluctuations in stock markets; and ● the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation: ● an economic downturn could impair our portfolio companies’ ability to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investments in such portfolio companies; ● an economic downturn could disproportionately impact the market sectors in which a significant portion of our portfolio is concentrated, causing us to suffer losses in our portfolio; ● a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets could impair our investment activities; ● increases in inflation or an inflationary economic environment could adversely affect our portfolio companies’ operating results, causing us to suffer losses in our portfolio; ● interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly because we use leverage as part of our investment strategy; and ● the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our annual report on Form 10-K, and in our other filings with the SEC. 44 Table of Contents Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our annual report on Form 10-K, in the “Risk Factors” sections. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. The following analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto contained elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Overview We are an internally-managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and has elected to be treated, and intends to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return, principally by seeking capital gains on our equity and equity-related investments, and to a lesser extent, income from debt investments. We invest principally in the equity securities of what we believe to be rapidly growing venture-capital-backed emerging companies. We acquire our investments through direct investments in prospective portfolio companies, secondary marketplaces for private companies and negotiations with selling stockholders. In addition, we may invest in private credit and in the founders equity, founders warrants, forward purchase agreements, and private investment in public equity (“PIPE”) transactions of special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”). We may also invest on an opportunistic basis in select publicly traded equity securities or certain non-U.S. companies that otherwise meet our investment criteria, subject to applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. To the extent we make investments in private equity funds and hedge funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” under the 1940 Act by Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act, we will limit such investments to no more than 15% of our net assets. In regard to the regulatory requirements for BDCs under the 1940 Act, some of these investments may not qualify as investments in “eligible portfolio companies,” and thus may not be considered “qualifying assets.” “Eligible portfolio companies” generally include U.S. companies that are not investment companies and that do not have securities listed on a national exchange. If at any time less than 70% of our gross assets are comprised of qualifying assets, including as a result of an increase in the value of any non-qualifying assets or decrease in the value of any qualifying assets, we would generally not be permitted to acquire any additional non-qualifying assets until such time as 70% of our then-current gross assets were comprised of qualifying assets. We would not be required, however, to dispose of any non-qualifying assets in such circumstances. Our investment philosophy is based on a disciplined approach of identifying promising investments in high-growth, venture-backed companies across several key industry themes which may include, among others, social/mobile, cloud computing and big data, internet commerce, financial technology, mobility, and enterprise software. Our investment decisions are based on a disciplined analysis of available information regarding each potential portfolio company’s business operations, focusing on the portfolio company’s growth potential, the quality of recurring revenues, and path to profitability, as well as an understanding of key market fundamentals. Venture capital funds or other institutional investors have invested in the vast majority of companies that we evaluate. We seek to deploy capital primarily in the form of non-controlling equity and equity-related investments, including common stock, warrants, preferred stock and similar forms of senior equity, which may or may not be convertible into a portfolio company’s common equity, and convertible debt securities with a significant equity component. Typically, our preferred stock investments are non-income producing, have different voting rights than our common stock investments and are generally convertible into common stock at our discretion. As our investment strategy is primarily focused on equity positions, our investments generally do not produce current income and therefore we may be dependent on future capital raising to meet our operating needs if no other source of liquidity is available. 45 Table of Contents We seek to create a low-turnover portfolio that includes investments in companies representing a broad range of investment themes. Our History We formed in 2010 as a Maryland corporation and operate as an internally managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company. Our investment activities are supervised by our Board of Directors and managed by our executive officers and investments professionals, all of which are our employees. Our date of inception was January 6, 2011, which is the date we commenced development stage activities. We commenced operations as a BDC upon completion of our IPO in May 2011 and began our investment operations during the second quarter of 2011. On and effective June 22, 2020, we changed our name to “SuRo Capital Corp.” from “Sutter Rock Capital Corp.” On and effective March 12, 2019, our Board of Directors approved our internalization (the “Internalization”) and we began operating as an internally-managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. Our Board of Directors approved the Internalization in order to better align the interests of our stockholders with its management. As an internally managed BDC, we are managed by our employees, rather than the employees of an external investment adviser, thereby allowing for greater transparency to stockholders through robust disclosure regarding our compensation structure. As a result of the Internalization, we no longer pay any fees or expenses under an investment advisory agreement or administration agreement, and instead pay the operating costs associated with employing investment management professionals including, without limitation, compensation expenses related to salaries, discretionary bonuses and restricted stock grants. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, this Form 10-Q discusses our business and operations as an internally-managed BDC during the period covered by this Form 10-Q. Portfolio and Investment Activity Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 The value of our investment portfolio will change over time due to changes in the fair value of our underlying investments, as well as changes in the composition of our portfolio resulting from purchases of new and follow-on investments and the sales of existing investments. The fair value, as of June 30, 2023, of all of our portfolio investments, excluding U.S. Treasury bills, was $160,283,146. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we funded investments in an aggregate amount of $13,829,990 (not including capitalized transaction costs or investments in short-term U.S. Treasury investments) as shown in the following table: Portfolio Company Investment Transaction Date Gross Payments Orchard Technologies, Inc. (1) Preferred shares, Series 1 1/13/2023 $ 2,000,000 True Global Ventures 4 Plus Pte Ltd (2) Limited Partner Fund Investment 3/31/2023 1,330,000 PayJoy, Inc. Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) 5/25/2023 500,000 ServiceTitan, Inc. Common shares 6/30/2023 9,999,990 Total $ 13,829,990 (1) On January 13, 2023, we invested $2.0 million in Orchard Technologies, Inc.’s Series 1 Senior Preferred financing round. As part of the transaction, we exchanged a portion of its existing Series D Preferred shares investment for Series 1 Senior Preferred shares, Series 2 Senior Preferred shares, and Common shares. Additionally, our previous investment in the Simple Agreement for Future Equity was converted into additional Series 1 Senior Preferred shares. (2) The previously unfunded capital commitment of $1.3 million was deemed fully contributed in lieu of cash distributions. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we capitalized fees of $14,723. 46 Table of Contents During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we exited or received proceeds from investments in the amount of $7,587,861, net of transaction costs, and realized a net loss on investments of $(13,080,856) (including adjustments to amounts held in escrow receivable) as shown in following table: Portfolio Company Transaction Date Shares Average Net Share Price (1) Net Proceeds Realized Gain/(Loss) (2) Kahoot! ASA (3) Various 38,305 $ 1.97 $ 75,601 $ (100,466 ) NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) (4) Various 123,938 18.50 2,293,102 (186,748 ) Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (5) Various 950,000 3.05 2,895,073 (2,428,701 ) Rent the Runway, Inc. (6) 1/4/2023 79,191 3.05 241,456 (961,837 ) Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) (7) Various N/A N/A 500,000 — True Global Ventures 4 Plus Pte Ltd (8) Various N/A N/A 1,582,629 1,330,000 Ozy Media, Inc. (9) 5/4/2023 3,492,465 N/A — (10,945,024 ) Total $ 7,587,861 $ (13,292,776 ) (1) The average net share price is the net share price realized after deducting all commissions and fees on the sale(s), if applicable. (2) Realized gain/(loss) does not include adjustments to amounts held in escrow receivable. (3) As of March 8, 2023, we had sold our remaining Kahoot! ASA public common shares. (4) As of June 30, 2023, we held 105,820 remaining NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. public common shares. (5) As of June 30, 2023, we held 852,416 remaining Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. public common shares. (6) As of January 4, 2023, we had sold our remaining Rent the Runway, Inc. public common shares. (7) During the six months ended June 30, 2023, approximately $0.6 million was received from Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) related to the 15% term loan due December 23, 2023. Of the proceeds received, approximately $0.5 million repaid a portion of the outstanding principal and the remaining was attributed to interest. (8) The previously unfunded capital commitment of $1.3 million was deemed fully contributed in lieu of cash distributions. (9) On May 4, 2023, we abandoned our investment in Ozy Media, Inc. Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 During the six months ended June 30, 2022, we funded investments in an aggregate amount of $11,000,000 (not including capitalized transaction costs) as shown in the following table: Portfolio Company Investment Transaction Date Gross Payments Shogun Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a Hearth) Convertible Note 5/2/2022 $ 500,000 EDGE Markets, Inc. Preferred Shares, Series Seed 5/18/2022 500,000 Whoop, Inc. Preferred Shares, Series C 6/30/2022 10,000,000 Total $ 11,000,000 During the six months ended June 30, 2022, we capitalized fees of $8,515. During the six months ended June 30, 2022, we exited or received proceeds from investments in the amount of $5,051,279, net of transaction costs, and realized a net gain on investments of $1,130,050 (including adjustments to amounts held in escrow receivable) as shown in following table: Portfolio Company Transaction Date Shares Average Net Share Price (1) Net Proceeds Realized Gain/(Loss) (2) NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) Various 31,028 $ 26.96 $ 836,485 $ 215,799 Rover Group, Inc. Various 474,335 5.61 2,659,209 1,241,310 Rent the Runway, Inc. Various 50,000 3.62 181,115 (578,626 ) Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) (3) Various N/A N/A 500,000 — True Global Ventures 4 Plus Pte Ltd 5/31/2022 N/A N/A 874,470 160,965 Total $ 5,051,279 $ 1,039,448 (1) The average net share price is the net share price realized after deducting all commissions and fees on the sale(s), if applicable. (2) Realized gain/(loss) does not include adjustments to amounts held in escrow receivable. (3) During the six months ended June 30, 2022, approximately $0.6 million has been received from Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) related to the 15% term loan due December 23, 2023. Of the proceeds received, approximately $0.5 million repaid a portion of the outstanding principal and the remaining was attributed to interest. During the six months ended June 30, 2022, we did not write-off any investments and our OneValley, Inc. (f/k/a NestGSV, Inc.) Series B preferred warrants with a strike price of $2.31 expired on May 29, 2022. 47 Table of Contents Results of Operations Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Total Investment Income $ 1,372,218 $ 890,631 $ 2,671,300 $ 1,473,731 Interest income 1,309,073 699,282 2,545,010 1,151,737 Dividend income 63,145 191,349 126,290 321,994 Total Operating Expenses $ 5,177,558 $ 4,701,519 $ 10,698,405 $ 9,509,324 Compensation expense 2,117,872 1,759,261 4,254,626 3,619,963 Directors’ fees 161,661 191,829 322,226 352,394 Professional fees 916,579 1,078,459 1,907,413 2,351,172 Interest expense 1,214,267 1,226,767 2,427,553 2,427,553 Income tax expense 90,826 5,691 620,606 7,741 Other expenses 676,353 439,512 1,165,981 750,501 Net Investment Loss $ (3,805,340 ) $ (3,810,888 ) $ (8,027,105 ) $ (8,035,593 ) Net realized gain/(loss) on investments (13,270,199 ) (1,966,225 ) (13,080,856 ) 1,130,050 Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments 1,455,515 (88,562,575 ) 10,104,446 (66,977,690 ) Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $ (15,620,024 ) $ (94,339,688 ) $ (11,003,515 ) $ (73,883,233 ) Investment Income Investment income increased to $1,372,218 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from $890,631 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The net increase between periods was due to the addition of interest income from U.S. Treasury bills and Xgroup Holdings Limited (d/b/a Xpoint). The increase was offset by a decrease in interest income from Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC, Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) and Neutron Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a/ Lime), plus a decrease in dividend income from NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) and a cessation in dividend income from Treehouse Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. during the three months ended June 30, 2023, relative to the three months ended June 30, 2022. Investment income increased to $2,671,300 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 from $1,473,731 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The net increase between periods was due to the addition of interest income from U.S. Treasury Bills and Xgroup Holdings Limited (d/b/a Xpoint). The increase was offset by a decrease in interest income from Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC, Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) and Neutron Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a/ Lime), plus a decrease in dividend income from NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) and a cessation in dividend income from Treehouse Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. during the six months ended June 30, 2023, relative to the six months ended June 30, 2022. Operating Expenses Total operating expenses increased to $5,177,558 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from $4,701,519 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The increase in operating expense was primarily due to an increase in compensation expense associated with an increased headcount and stock-based compensation, income tax expense due to estimates on blocker corporations, offset by a decrease in professional fees during the three months ended June 30, 2023, relative to the six months ended June 30, 2022. Total operating expenses increased to $10,698,405 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 from $9,509,324 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The increase in operating expense was primarily due to an increase in compensation expense associated with an increased headcount and stock-based compensation, income tax expense due to estimates on blocker corporations, offset by a decrease in professional fees during the six months ended June 30, 2023, relative to the six months ended June 30, 2022. Net Investment Loss For the three months ended June 30, 2023, we recognized a net investment loss of $(3,805,340), compared to a net investment loss of $(3,810,888) for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The change between periods resulted from an increase in operating expenses, offset by an increase in total investment income between periods during the three months ended June 30, 2023, relative to the three months ended June 30, 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, we recognized a net investment loss of $(8,027,105), compared to a net investment loss of $(8,035,593) for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The change between periods resulted from an increase in operating expenses, offset by an increase in total investment income between periods during the six months ended June 30, 2023, relative to the six months ended June 30, 2022. Net Realized Gain on Investments For the three months ended June 30, 2023, we recognized a net realized loss on our investments of $(13,270,199), compared to a net realized loss of $(1,966,225) for the three months ended June 30, 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, we recognized a net realized loss on our investments of $(13,080,856), compared to a net realized gain of $1,130,050 for the six months ended June 30, 2022. The components of our net realized gains on portfolio investments for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, excluding U.S. Treasury investments and fluctuations in escrow receivables estimates, are reflected in the tables above, under “—Portfolio and Investment Activity.” 48 Table of Contents Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) of Investments For the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, we had a net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of $1,455,515 and $(88,562,575), respectively . The following tables summarize, by portfolio company, the significant changes in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of our investment portfolio for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. Portfolio Company Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 Portfolio Company Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 Ozy Media, Inc. (1) $ 10,945,024 NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) (1) $ (1,625,807 ) Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (1) 4,227,458 Rover Group, Inc. (1) (1,931,885 ) Shogun Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a Hearth) 4,051,105 Blink Health, Inc. (2,104,711 ) Colombier Sponsor LLC 2,387,898 Skillsoft Corp. (2,474,244 ) Forge Global, Inc. 1,705,490 Varo Money, Inc. (2,700,966 ) Orchard Technologies, Inc. 1,210,675 Enjoy Technology, Inc. (3,741,844 ) Stormwind, LLC 1,206,200 Neutron Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a/ Lime) (3,991,353 ) Whoop, Inc. (1,775,407 ) Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (4,020,739 ) Trax, Ltd. (2,346,683 ) Trax Ltd. (5,588,395 ) Learneo, Inc. (f/k/a Course Hero, Inc.) (18,251,804 ) Course Hero, Inc. (17,273,549 ) Forge Global Holdings, Inc. (41,488,638 ) Other (2) (1,904,441 ) Other (2) (1,620,444 ) Total $ 1,455,515 Total $ (88,562,575 ) (1) The change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) reflected for these investments resulted in full or in part from the full or partial exit of the investment, which resulted in the reversal of previously accrued unrealized appreciation/(depreciation), as applicable. (2) “Other” represents investments for which individual changes in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) was less than $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, we had a net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of $10,104,446 and $(66,977,690), respectively. The following tables summarize, by portfolio company, the significant changes in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of our investment portfolio for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. Portfolio Company Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 Portfolio Company Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 Colombier Sponsor LLC $ 14,470,770 True Global Ventures 4 Plus Fund Pte Ltd (1) $ 3,106,863 Ozy Media, Inc. (1) 10,945,024 Blink Health, Inc. (2,622,697 ) Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (1) 4,389,675 NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) (1) (2,788,019 ) Shogun Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a Hearth) 4,349,318 Varo Money, Inc. (2,994,723 ) Varo Money, Inc. 2,489,436 Neutron Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a/ Lime) (3,991,353 ) Forge Global, Inc. 1,755,652 Enjoy Technology, Inc. (4,371,009 ) OneValley, Inc. (f/k/a NestGSV, Inc.) (1,679,936 ) Rover Group, Inc. (1) (4,978,791 ) Trax, Ltd. (2,241,286 ) Skillsoft Corp. (5,527,776 ) Whoop, Inc. (2,775,301 ) Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (6,473,525 ) Aspiration Partners, Inc. (2,851,678 ) Trax Ltd. (7,188,572 ) Orchard Technologies, Inc. (3,489,052 ) Course Hero, Inc. (28,304,092 ) Learneo, Inc. (f/k/a Course Hero, Inc.) (17,995,785 ) Other (2) 2,737,609 Other (2) (843,996 ) Total $ 10,104,446 Total $ (66,977,690 ) (1) The change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) reflected for these investments resulted in full or in part from the full or partial exit of the investment, which resulted in the reversal of previously accrued unrealized appreciation/(depreciation), as applicable. (2) “Other” represents investments for which individual changes in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) was less than $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. Recent Developments Portfolio Activity Please refer to “Note 12—Subsequent Events” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2023 for details regarding activity in our investment portfolio from July 1, 2023 through August 8, 2023. We are frequently in negotiations with various private companies with respect to investments in such companies. Investments in private companies are generally subject to satisfaction of applicable closing conditions. In the case of secondary market transactions, such closing conditions may include approval of the issuer, waiver or failure to exercise rights of first refusal by the issuer and/or its stockholders and termination rights by the seller or us. Equity investments made through the secondary market may involve making deposits in escrow accounts until the applicable closing conditions are satisfied, at which time the escrow accounts will close and such equity investments will be effectuated. Share Repurchase Program On August 7, 2023, our Board of Directors authorized an extension of, and a $5.0 million increase in the amount of shares that may be repurchased under, our discretionary Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) October 31, 2024 or (ii) the repurchase of $60.0 million in aggregate amount of our common stock. The timing and number of shares to be repurchased pursuant to our discretionary Share Repurchase Program will depend on a number of factors, including market conditions and alternative investment opportunities. The Share Repurchase Program may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason and does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares of our common stock. Under the Share Repurchase Program, we may repurchase our outstanding common stock in the open market, provided that we comply with the prohibitions under our insider trading policies and procedures and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the Exchange Act. As of August 8, 2023, the dollar value of shares that remained available to be purchased by us under the Share Repurchase Program was approximately $21.4 million. 49 Table of Contents Liquidity and Capital Resources Our liquidity and capital resources are generated primarily from the sales of our investments and the net proceeds from public offerings of our equity and debt securities, including pursuant to our continuous at-the-market offering of shares of our common stock as discussed below under “At-the-Market Offering”. In addition, on December 17, 2021, we issued $75.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Notes due 2026, all of which remain outstanding. For additional information, see below and “Note 10—Debt Capital Activities” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2023. Our primary uses of cash are to make investments, pay our operating expenses, and make distributions to our stockholders. For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, our operating expenses were $10,698,405 and $9,509,324, respectively. Cash Reserves and Liquid Securities June 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Cash $ 24,542,729 $ 40,117,598 Cash Equivalents: U.S. Treasury bills (1) 75,895,534 85,056,817 Securities of publicly traded portfolio companies: Unrestricted securities (2) 11,551,297 13,298,992 Subject to other sales restrictions (3) — 24,493 Securities of publicly traded portfolio companies 11,551,297 13,323,485 Total Cash Reserves and Liquid Securities $ 111,989,560 $ 138,497,900 (1) Consists of short-term U.S. Treasury bills. (2) “Unrestricted securities” represents common stock of our publicly traded portfolio companies that are not subject to any restrictions upon sale. We may incur losses. (3) Securities of publicly traded portfolio companies “subject to other sales restrictions” represents common stock of our publicly traded companies that are subject to certain lock-up restrictions. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, cash decreased to $24,542,729 from $40,117,598 at the beginning of the year. The decrease in cash was primarily due to the repurchase of our common stock pursuant to a modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer (the “Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer”), purchase of new and follow-on investments, interest on the 6.00% Notes due 2026, and to pay our operating expenses offset by the sale or exit of investments, including U.S. Treasury bills and other investment income received. For additional information relating to the Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer, see “Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer” below and “Note 5 - Common Stock” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2023. Currently, we believe we have ample liquidity to support our near-term capital requirements. Consistent with past and current practices, we will continue to evaluate our overall liquidity position and take proactive steps to maintain the appropriate liquidity position based upon the current circumstances. Contractual Obligations A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations as of June 30, 2023 is as follows: Payments Due By Period (in millions) Total Less than 1 year 1–3 years 3–5 years More than 5 years 6.00% Notes due December 30, 2026 (1) $ 75.0 $ — $ — $ 75.0 $ — Operating lease liability 0.2 0.2 — — — Total $ 75.2 $ 0.2 $ — $ 75.0 $ — (1) Reflects the principal balance payable to investors for the 6.00% Notes due 2026 as of June 30, 2023. Refer to “Note 10—Debt Capital Activities” in our condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2023 for more information. Share Repurchase Program During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock under the Share Repurchase Program. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, we repurchased 855,159 and 1,008,676 shares of our common stock under the Share Repurchase Program, respectively. As of June 30, 2023, the dollar value of shares that remained available to be purchased under the Share Repurchase Program was approximately $16.4 million. On October 19, 2022, our Board of Directors approved an extension of the Share Repurchase Program until the earlier of (i) October 31, 2023 or (ii) the repurchase of $55.0 million in aggregate amount of our common stock. 50 Table of Contents Under the Share Repurchase Program, we may repurchase our outstanding common stock in the open market provided that we comply with the prohibitions under our insider trading policies and procedures and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the Exchange Act. For more information on the Share Repurchase Program, see “Note 5—Common Stock” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2023. Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer On March 17, 2023, we commenced the Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer to purchase up to 3,000,000 shares of our common stock from our stockholders, which expired on April 17, 2023. In accordance with the terms of the Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer, we selected the lowest price per share of not less than $3.00 per share and not greater than $4.50 per share. Pursuant to the Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer, we repurchased 3,000,000 shares, representing 10.6% of our outstanding shares, on or about April 21, 2023 at a price of $4.50 per share. We used available cash to fund the purchase of our shares of common stock in the Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer and to pay for all related fees and expenses. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements, including any risk management of commodity pricing or other hedging practices. However, we may employ hedging and other risk management techniques in the future. Equity Issuances & Debt Capital Activities At-the-Market Offering On July 29, 2020, we entered into an At-the-Market Sales Agreement, dated July 29, 2020 (the “Initial Sales Agreement”), with BTIG, LLC, JMP Securities LLC, and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., Inc. (collectively, the “Agents”). Under the Initial Sales Agreement, we may, but have no obligation to, issue and sell up to $50.0 million in aggregate amount of shares of our common stock (the “Shares”) from time to time through the Agents or to them as principal for their own account (the “ATM Program”). On September 23, 2020, we increased the maximum amount of Shares to be sold through the ATM Program to $150.0 million from $50.0 million. In connection with the upsize of the ATM Program to $150.0 million, we entered into the Amendment No. 1 to the At-the-Market Sales Agreement, dated September 23, 2020, with the Agents. We intend to use the net proceeds from the ATM Program to make investments in portfolio companies in accordance with our investment objective and strategy and for general corporate purposes. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, we did not issue or sell shares under the ATM program. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, we issued and sold 0 and 17,807 shares, respectively, under the ATM Program at weighted-average price of $13.01 per share, for gross proceeds of $231,677 and net proceeds of $229,896, after deducting commissions to the Agents on Shares sold. As of June 30, 2023, up to approximately $98.8 million in aggregate amount of the Shares remain available for sale under the ATM Program. Refer to “Note 5—Common Stock” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2023 for more information regarding the ATM Program. 6.00% Notes due 2026 On December 17, 2021, we issued $ 70.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Notes due 2026 , which bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.00% per year, payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 30 of each year, commencing on March 30, 2022. On December 21, 2021, we issued an additional $ 5.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Notes due 2026. We received approximately $73.0 million in proceeds from the offering, net of underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. The 6.00% Notes due 2026 have a maturity date of December 30, 2026, unless previously repurchased or redeemed in accordance with their terms. We have the right to redeem the 6.00% Notes due 2026, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, on or after December 30, 2024 at a redemption price of 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest. Refer to “Note 10—Debt Capital Activities” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2023 for more information regarding the 6.00% Notes due 2026. 51 Table of Contents Distributions The timing and amount of our distributions, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors and will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution. The following table lists the distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that we have declared since our formation through June 30, 2023. The table is divided by fiscal year according to record date: Date Declared Record Date Payment Date Amount per Share Fiscal 2015: November 4, 2015 (1) November 16, 2015 December 31, 2015 $ 2.76 Fiscal 2016: August 3, 2016 (2) August 16, 2016 August 24, 2016 0.04 Fiscal 2019: November 5, 2019 (3) December 2, 2019 December 12, 2019 0.20 December 20, 2019 (4) December 31, 2019 January 15, 2020 0.12 Fiscal 2020: July 29, 2020 (5) August 11, 2020 August 25, 2020 0.15 September 28, 2020 (6) October 5, 2020 October 20, 2020 0.25 October 28, 2020 (7) November 10, 2020 November 30, 2020 0.25 December 16, 2020 (8) December 30, 2020 January 15, 2021 0.22 Fiscal 2021: January 26, 2021 (9) February 5, 2021 February 19, 2021 0.25 March 8, 2021 (10) March 30, 2021 April 15, 2021 0.25 May 4, 2021 (11) May 18, 2021 June 30, 2021 2.50 August 3, 2021 (12) August 18, 2021 September 30, 2021 2.25 November 2, 2021 (13) November 17, 2021 December 30, 2021 2.00 December 20, 2021 (14) December 31, 2021 January 14, 2022 0.75 Fiscal 2022: March 8, 2022 (15) March 25, 2022 April 15, 2022 0.11 Total $ 12.10 (1) The distribution was paid in cash or shares of our common stock at the election of stockholders, although the total amount of cash distributed to all stockholders was limited to approximately 50% of the total distribution to be paid to all stockholders. As a result of stockholder elections, the distribution consisted of 2,860,903 shares of common stock issued in lieu of cash, or approximately 14.8% of our outstanding shares prior to the distribution, as well as cash of $26,358,885. The number of shares of common stock comprising the stock portion was calculated based on a price of $9.425 per share, which equaled the average of the volume weighted-average trading price per share of our common stock on December 28, 29 and 30, 2015. None of the $2.76 per share distribution represented a return of capital. (2) Of the total distribution of $887,240 on August 24, 2016, $820,753 represented a distribution from realized gains, and $66,487 represented a return of capital. (3) All of the $3,512,849 distribution paid on December 12, 2019 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital. (4) All of the $2,107,709 distribution paid on January 15, 2020 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital. (5 ) All of the $2,516,452 distribution paid on August 25, 2020 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital. (6) All of the $5,071,326 distribution paid on October 20, 2020 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital. (7) All of the $4,978,504 distribution paid on November 30, 2020 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital. (8) All of the $4,381,084 distribution paid on January 15, 2021 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital. (9 ) All of the $4,981,131 distribution paid on February 19, 2021 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital. (10) All of the $6,051,304 distribution paid on April 15, 2021 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital. 52 Table of Contents (11) The distribution was paid in cash or shares of our common stock at the election of stockholders, although the total amount of cash distributed to all stockholders was limited to approximately 50% of the total distribution to be paid to all stockholders. As a result of stockholder elections, the distribution consisted of 2,335,527 shares of common stock issued in lieu of cash, or approximately 9.6% of our outstanding shares prior to the distribution, as well as cash of $29,987,589. The number of shares of common stock comprising the stock portion was calculated based on a price of $13.07 per share, which equaled the average of the volume weighted-average trading price per share of our common stock on May 12, 13, and 14, 2021. None of the $2.50 per share distribution represented a return of capital. (12) The distribution was paid in cash or shares of our common stock at the election of stockholders, although the total amount of cash distributed to all stockholders was limited to approximately 50% of the total distribution to be paid to all stockholders. As a result of stockholder elections, the distribution consisted of 2,225,193 shares of common stock issued in lieu of cash, or approximately 8.4% of our outstanding shares prior to the distribution, as well as cash of $29,599,164. The number of shares of common stock comprising the stock portion was calculated based on a price of $13.55 per share, which equaled the average of the volume weighted-average trading price per share of our common stock on August 11, 12, and 13, 2021. None of the $2.25 per share distribution represented a return of capital. (13) The distribution was paid in cash or shares of our common stock at the election of stockholders, although the total amount of cash distributed to all stockholders was limited to approximately 50% of the total distribution to be paid to all stockholders. As a result of stockholder elections, the distribution consisted of 2,170,807 shares of common stock issued in lieu of cash, or approximately 7.5% of our outstanding shares prior to the distribution, as well as cash of $28,494,812. The number of shares of common stock comprising the stock portion was calculated based on a price of $13.39 per share, which equaled the average of the volume weighted-average trading price per share of our common stock on November 11, 12, and 13, 2021. None of the $2.00 per share distribution represented a return of capital. (14) All of the $23,338,915 distribution paid on January 14, 2022 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital. (15 ) All of the $3,441,824 distribution paid on April 15, 2022 represented a distribution from realized gains. None of the distribution represented a return of capital. We intend to focus on making equity-based investments from which we will derive primarily capital gains. As a consequence, we do not anticipate that we will pay distributions on a quarterly basis or become a predictable distributor of distributions, and we expect that our distributions, if any, will be much less consistent than the distributions of other BDCs that primarily make debt investments. If there are earnings or realized capital gains to be distributed, we intend to declare and pay a distribution at least annually. The amount of realized capital gains available for distribution to stockholders will be impacted by our tax status. Our current intention is to make any future distributions out of assets legally available therefrom in the form of additional shares of our common stock under our dividend reinvestment plan, except in the case of stockholders who elect to receive dividends and/or long-term capital gains distributions in cash. Under the dividend reinvestment plan, if a stockholder owns shares of common stock registered in its own name, the stockholder will have all cash distributions (net of any applicable withholding) automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock unless the stockholder opts out of our dividend reinvestment plan by delivering a written notice to our dividend paying agent prior to the record date of the next dividend or distribution. Any distributions reinvested under the plan will nevertheless be treated as received by the U.S. stockholder for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although no cash distribution has been made. As a result, if a stockholder does not elect to opt out of the dividend reinvestment plan, it will be required to pay applicable federal, state and local taxes on any reinvested dividends even though such stockholder will not receive a corresponding cash distribution. Stockholders that hold shares in the name of a broker or financial intermediary should contact the broker or financial intermediary regarding any election to receive distributions in cash. So long as we qualify and maintain our tax treatment as a RIC, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute at least annually to our stockholders as dividends. Rather, any tax liability related to income earned by the RIC will represent obligations of our investors and will not be reflected in our consolidated financial statements. See “Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies— U.S. Federal and State Income Taxes ” and “Note 9—Income Taxes” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2023 for more information. The Taxable Subsidiaries included in our condensed consolidated financial statements are taxable subsidiaries, regardless of whether we are taxed as a RIC. These taxable subsidiaries are not consolidated for income tax purposes and may generate income tax expenses as a result of their ownership of the portfolio companies. Such income tax expenses and deferred taxes, if any, will be reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements. 53 Table of Contents Critical Accounting Policies Critical accounting policies and practices are the policies that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results, and require management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. These include estimates of the fair value of our Level 3 investments and other estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. It is likely that changes in these estimates will occur in the near term. Our estimates are inherently subjective in nature and actual results could differ materially from such estimates. See “Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2023 for further detail regarding our critical accounting policies and recently issued or adopted accounting pronouncements. Related-Party Transactions See “Note 3—Related-Party Arrangements” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2023 for more information.