Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
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;
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● 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Portfolio
and Investment Activity
Nine
Months Ended September 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 September 30, 2023, of all of our portfolio investments, excluding short-term U.S. Treasury
bills, was $193,492,718.
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we funded investments in an aggregate amount of $21,133,257 (not including capitalized
transaction costs or investments in short-term U.S. Treasury bills) 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
FourKites, Inc.
Common shares
Various
5,803,269
Shogun Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a Hearth) (3)
Preferred shares, Series B-4
7/12/2023
499,998
Stake Trade, Inc. (d/b/a Prophet Exchange)
Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)
7/26/2023
1,000,000
Total
$ 21,133,257
(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 our 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) On March 31, 2023, the
previously unfunded capital commitment of $1.3 million was deemed fully contributed in lieu
of cash distributions. On March 31, 2023, the full $2.0 million capital commitment to True Global Ventures 4 Plus Fund LP had been called
and funded.
(3) On
July 12, 2023, we invested $0.5 million in Shogun Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a
Hearth)’s Series B-4 Preferred financing round. As part of the transaction, the previous
investment in the Convertible Note was converted into Series B-3 Preferred shares. Additionally,
we received Common Warrants as part of the transaction.
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we capitalized fees of $33,676.
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we exited or received proceeds from investments in the amount of $9,658,163, net of transaction
costs, and realized a net loss on investments of $14,542,137 (including adjustments to amounts held in escrow receivable) as shown
in following table:
Portfolio Company
Transaction Date
Quantity
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
1,539,996
3.06
4,715,375
(3,824,934 )
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
750,000
—
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
$ 9,658,163
$ (14,689,009 )
(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 September 30, 2023, we held 105,820 remaining NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. public common
shares.
(5) As
of September 30, 2023, we held 262,420 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023, approximately $0.9 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 $0.8 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.
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Nine
Months Ended September 30, 2022
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 September 30, 2022, of all of our portfolio investments, excluding short-term U.S. Treasury
bills, was $157,747,892.
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we funded investments in an aggregate amount of $13,415,076 (not including capitalized transaction
costs) as shown in the following table:
Portfolio Company
Investment
Transaction Date
Gross Payments
Shogun Enterprises, Inc.
Convertible Note 0.5%, Due 4/18/2024
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
Xgroup Holdings Limited (d/b/a Xpoint)
Convertible Note 6%, Due 8/17/2023
8/17/2022
1,000,000
Orchard Technologies, Inc.
Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)
9/2/2022
500,000
Forge Global, Inc. (1)
Common Shares
9/30/2022
915,076
Total
$ 13,415,076
(1) On
and effective August 5, 2022, SuRo Capital Corp. notified Forge Global, Inc. of its intent
to net exercise via cashless settlement its 230,144 common warrants in Forge Global, Inc.
into 53,283 shares of Forge Global Inc.’s public common stock, pursuant to the net
exercise formula in the warrant agreement. The exercise was effectuated on September 30,
2022.
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we capitalized fees of $26,206.
During
the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we exited or received proceeds from investments in the amount of $7,776,744, net of transaction
costs, and realized a net loss on investments of $4,011,047 (including adjustments to amounts held in escrow receivable) as
shown in following table:
Portfolio Company
Transaction Date
Quantity
Average Net Share Price (1)
Net Proceeds
Realized Gain/(Loss) (2)
NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) (3)
Various
46,338
$ 23.79
$ 1,102,346
$ 175,196
Rover Group, Inc. (4)
Various
731,527
5.07
3,710,895
1,524,188
Rent the Runway, Inc. (5)
Various
110,000
4.37
480,969
(1,190,461 )
Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) (6)
Various
N/A
N/A
750,000
—
True Global Ventures 4 Plus Pte Ltd (7)
5/31/2022
N/A
N/A
874,470
160,965
Palantir Lending Trust SPV I (8)
7/14/2022
N/A
N/A
611,930
610,790
Enjoy Technology, Inc. (9)
Various
947,297
0.26
246,134
(5,280,642 )
Total
$ 7,776,744
$ (3,999,964 )
(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 September 30, 2022, we held 232,133 remaining NewLake Capital Partners,
Inc. public common shares.
(4) As
of September 30, 2022, we held 106,854 remaining Rover Group, Inc. public
common shares.
(5) As
of September 30, 2022, we held 229,191 remaining Rent the Runway, Inc. public
common shares.
(6) During
the nine months ended September 30, 2022, approximately $0.9 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 $0.8 million repaid a portion of the outstanding
principal and the remaining was attributed to interest.
(7) On
May 31, 2022, we received an $874,470 cash distribution from True Global
Ventures 4 Plus Pte Ltd. we expect to receive three additional distributions
from True Global Ventures 4 Plus of varying amounts.
(8) On
July 14, 2022, a final payment was received for the remaining 512,290 Class A common shares
of Palantir Technologies, Inc. that comprised the beneficial equity interest in underlying
shares. The realized gain from our investment in Palantir Lending
Trust SPV I is generated by the proceeds from the sale of shares collateralizing the repaid
promissory note to Palantir Lending Trust SPV I and attributable to the Equity Participation
in Underlying Collateral.
(9) As
of August 12, 2022, we had sold all our public common shares of Enjoy Technology,
Inc.
During
the nine months ended September 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.
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Results
of Operations
Comparison
of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Operating
results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2023
2022
2023
2022
Total Investment Income
$ 1,465,746
$ 519,511
$ 4,137,046
$ 1,993,242
Interest income
1,402,601
411,747
3,947,611
1,563,484
Dividend income
63,145
107,764
189,435
429,758
Total Operating Expenses
$ 4,134,172
$ 4,328,744
$ 14,832,577
$ 13,838,068
Compensation expense
2,123,704
1,836,808
6,378,330
5,456,771
Directors’ fees
161,661
161,661
483,887
514,055
Professional fees
277,075
565,411
2,184,488
2,916,583
Interest expense
1,215,248
1,202,748
3,642,801
3,630,301
Income tax expense
—
74,497
620,606
82,238
Other expenses
356,484
487,619
1,522,465
1,238,120
Net Investment Loss
$ (2,668,426 )
$ (3,809,233 )
$ (10,695,531 )
$ (11,844,826 )
Net realized loss on investments
(1,461,281 )
(5,141,097 )
(14,542,137 )
(4,011,047 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments
29,323,067
(36,951,920 )
39,427,513
(103,929,610 )
Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
$ 25,193,360
$ (45,902,250 )
$ 14,189,845
$ (119,785,483 )
Investment
Income
Investment
income increased to $1,465,746 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 from $519,511 for the three months ended September 30,
2022. The net increase between periods was due to the addition of interest income from short-term U.S. Treasury bills and an
increase in interest income from Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC. The increase was offset by a decrease in interest income from
Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue), Xgroup Holdings Limited (d/b/a Xpoint), and Shogun Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a
Hearth), 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 September 30, 2023,
relative to the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Investment
income increased to $4,137,046 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 from $1,993,242 for the nine months ended September 30,
2022. The net increase between periods was due to the addition of interest income from short-term 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), 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 nine
months ended September 30, 2023, relative to the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Operating
Expenses
Total
operating expenses decreased to $4,134,172 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 from $4,328,744 for the three months ended
September 30, 2022. The decrease in operating expense was primarily due a decrease in professional fees and other expenses, offset
by an increase in compensation expense associated with an increased headcount and stock-based compensation expense during the three
months ended September 30, 2023, relative to the three months ended September 30, 2022.
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Total
operating expenses increased to $14,832,577 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 from $13,838,068 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2022. The increase in operating expense was primarily due to an increase in compensation expense associated with an
increased headcount, stock-based compensation expense and income tax expense related to blocker corporations, offset by a
decrease in professional fees during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, relative to the nine months ended September 30,
2022.
Net
Investment Loss
For
the three months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a net investment loss of $2,668,426 ,
compared to a net investment loss of $3,809,233 for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The change between periods resulted
from an increase in total investment income and a decrease in operating expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2023,
relative to the three months ended September 30, 2022.
For
the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a net investment loss of $10,695,531 , compared to a net investment loss of
$11,844,826 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The change between periods resulted from an increase in total investment income,
offset by an increase in operating expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, relative to the nine
months ended September 30, 2022.
Net
Realized Loss on Investments
For
the three months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a net realized loss on our investments of $1,461,281, compared to a net
realized loss of $5,141,097 for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
For
the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a net realized loss on our investments of $14,542,137, compared to a net
realized loss of $4,011,047 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The components of our net realized gains on portfolio
investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, excluding short-term U.S. Treasury bills and fluctuations
in escrow receivables estimates, are reflected in the tables above, under “—Portfolio and Investment
Activity.”
Net
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) of Investments
For
the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we had a net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of $29,323,067 and
$(36,951,920), respectively. The following tables summarize, by portfolio company, the significant changes in unrealized
appreciation/(depreciation) of our investment portfolio for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Portfolio Company
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Portfolio Company
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
Learneo, Inc. (f/k/a Course Hero, Inc.)
$ 32,856,880
Enjoy Technology, Inc. (1)
$ 5,321,214
ServiceTitan, Inc.
1,948,436
NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) (1)
(1,137,566 )
Forge Global, Inc.
(1,003,231 )
StormWind, LLC
(1,513,211 )
Orchard Technologies, Inc.
(1,286,496 )
Skillsoft Corp.
(1,659,315 )
Aspiration Partners, Inc.
(3,689,833 )
Whoop, Inc.
(1,717,793 )
Course Hero, Inc.
(2,819,949 )
Shogun Enterprises, Inc.
(3,991,271 )
Varo Money, Inc.
(4,090,467 )
Aspiration Partners, Inc.
(4,626,914 )
Forge Global Holdings, Inc.
(17,782,022 )
Other (2)
497,311
Other (2)
(2,934,626 )
Total
$ 29,323,067
Total
$ (36,951,920 )
(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 September 30, 2023 and 2022.
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For
the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we had a net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of $39,427,513 and $(103,929,610),
respectively. The following tables summarize, by portfolio company, the significant changes in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)
of our investment portfolio for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Portfolio Company
Net Change in Unrealized
Appreciation/(Depreciation) For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2023
Portfolio Company
Net Change in Unrealized
Appreciation/(Depreciation) For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2022
PSQ Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a PublicSq.)
$ 15,395,054
True Global Ventures 4 Plus Fund Pte Ltd (1)
$ 3,106,863
Learneo, Inc. (f/k/a Course Hero, Inc.)
14,861,095
Whoop, Inc.
(1,724,978 )
Ozy Media, Inc. (1)
10,945,024
StormWind, LLC
(2,108,140 )
Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (1)
5,304,938
Blink Health, Inc.
(3,561,393 )
Shogun Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a Hearth)
4,187,278
NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) (1)
(3,925,585 )
ServiceTitan, Inc.
1,940,351
Neutron Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a/ Lime)
(3,991,353 )
Varo Money, Inc.
1,689,042
Shogun Enterprises, Inc.
(4,022,725 )
Whoop, Inc.
(2,389,579 )
Aspiration Partners, Inc.
(4,284,109 )
Trax, Ltd.
(2,927,814 )
Rover Group, Inc. (1)
(5,221,903 )
Orchard Technologies, Inc.
(4,775,546 )
Varo Money, Inc.
(7,085,189 )
Aspiration Partners, Inc.
(6,541,511 )
Trax Ltd.
(7,139,557 )
Skillsoft Corp.
(7,187,091 )
Nextdoor Holdings, Inc.
(7,410,781 )
Forge Global Holdings, Inc.
(17,541,727 )
Course Hero, Inc.
(31,124,041 )
Other (2)
1,739,181
Other (2)
(707,901 )
Total
$ 39,427,513
Total
$ (103,929,610 )
(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 nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Recent
Developments
Portfolio
Activity
Please
refer to “Note 12—Subsequent Events” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2023 for
details regarding activity in our investment portfolio from October 1, 2023 through November 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.
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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 September 30, 2023.
Our
primary uses of cash are to make investments, pay our operating expenses, and make distributions to our stockholders. For the nine months
ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, our operating expenses were $14,832,577 and $13,838,068, respectively.
Cash Reserves and Liquid Securities
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Cash
$ 73,503,279
$ 40,117,598
Cash Equivalents:
U.S. Treasury bills (1)
20,265,064
85,056,817
Securities of publicly traded portfolio companies:
Unrestricted securities (2)
11,637,102
13,298,992
Subject
to other sales restrictions (3)
14,353,896
24,493
Securities of publicly traded portfolio companies
25,990,998
13,323,485
Total Cash Reserves and Liquid Securities
$ 119,759,341
$ 138,497,900
(1) Consists
of short-term U.S. Treasury bills.
(2) “Unrestricted
securities” represents common stock and warrants 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023, cash increased to $73,503,279 from $40,117,598 at the beginning of the year. The increase
in cash was primarily due to the exit of short-term U.S. Treasury bills and other portfolio investment exits, and investment income
received. These increases were offset by the repurchase of our common stock pursuant to a modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer (the
“Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer”) and Share Repurchase Program, purchase of new and follow-on investments, interest on the 6.00% Notes due 2026,
and to pay our operating expenses. For additional information relating to the Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer or Share Repurchase Program, see
“Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer” below and “Note 5 - Common Stock” to our condensed consolidated
financial statements as of September 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.
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Contractual
Obligations
A
summary of our significant contractual payment obligations as of September 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 September 30, 2023.
Refer to “Note 10—Debt Capital Activities” in our condensed consolidated
financial statements as of September 30, 2023 for more information.
Share
Repurchase Program
During
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we repurchased 186,493 shares of our common stock under the Share Repurchase Program.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, we repurchased 0 and 1,008,676 shares, respectively, of our common stock under the Share
Repurchase Program. As of September 30, 2023, the dollar value of shares that remained available to be purchased under the Share
Repurchase Program was approximately $20.7 million. On August 7, 2023, our Board of Directors authorized an extension of, and an increase in the amount of shares of our common stock that may be repurchased under, the 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.
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
and the rules promulgated thereunder. For more information on the Share Repurchase Program, see “Note 5—Common
Stock” to our condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 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 September 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 nine months ended September 30, 2023, we did not issue or sell shares under the ATM program. During the three and nine
months ended September 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 September 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 September 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 September 30, 2023 for
more information regarding the 6.00% Notes due 2026.
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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 September 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.
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(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 September 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.
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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 September 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 September 30, 2023 for
more information.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.