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; 42 TABLE OF CONTENTS ● 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. 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 condensed 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, AI/big data/cloud, marketplaces, education technology, social/mobile/consumer, financial technology, and sustainability/alternative energy. 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. 43 TABLE OF CONTENTS 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. 44 TABLE OF CONTENTS Portfolio and Investment Activity Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 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, 2024 of all of our portfolio investments was $182,904,880. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we funded investments in an aggregate amount of $34,999,944 (not including capitalized transaction costs) as shown in the following table: Portfolio Company Investment Transaction Date Gross Payments Supplying Demand, Inc. (d/b/a Liquid Death) Preferred shares, Series F-1 1/18/2024 $ 9,999,996 Canva, Inc. Common shares 4/17/2024 9,999,948 CW Opportunity 2 LP (1) Class A Interest 5/7/2024 15,000,000 Total $ 34,999,944 (1) CW Opportunity 2 LP is an SPV that is invested in the Series C Preferred Shares of CoreWeave, Inc. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we capitalized fees of $73,100. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we exited or received proceeds from investments (not including short-term U.S. Treasury bills) in the amount of $10,551,335, net of transaction costs, and realized a net loss on investments of $453,686 (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) Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (3) Various 112,420 $ 1.92 $ 215,318 $ (411,151 ) PSQ Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a PublicSquare) - Warrants (4) Various 100,000 1.03 102,998 60,067 Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC (5) 6/28/2024 N/A N/A 10,000,000 (6,745 ) True Global Ventures 4 Plus Pte Ltd 6/28/2024 N/A N/A 233,019 — Total $ 10,551,335 $ (357,829 ) (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 February 23, 2024, we had sold our remaining Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. public common shares. (4) As of June 30, 2024, we held 2,296,037 remaining PSQ Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a PublicSquare) public warrants. (5) On June 28, 2024, we redeemed the entirety of our Membership Interest in Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, we did not write-off any investments. 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 short-term 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 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 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. 45 TABLE OF CONTENTS (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. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we exited or received proceeds from investments (not including short-term U.S. Treasury bills) 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. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we did not write-off any investments, not otherwise noted above. 46 TABLE OF CONTENTS Results of Operations Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 2023 2024 2023 Total Investment Income $ 1,027,353 $ 1,372,218 $ 2,555,444 $ 2,671,300 Interest income 1,027,353 1,309,073 2,533,569 2,545,010 Dividend income — 63,145 21,875 126,290 Total Operating Expenses $ 4,682,978 $ 5,177,558 $ 9,433,971 $ 10,698,405 Compensation expense 2,198,509 2,117,872 4,383,827 4,254,626 Directors’ fees 167,825 161,661 338,938 322,226 Professional fees 586,825 916,579 1,315,384 1,907,413 Interest expense 1,214,267 1,214,267 2,428,534 2,427,553 Income tax expense 52,794 90,826 54,894 620,606 Other expenses 462,758 676,353 912,394 1,165,981 Net Investment Loss $ (3,655,625 ) $ (3,805,340 ) $ (6,878,527 ) $ (8,027,105 ) Net realized loss on investments (29,612 ) (13,270,199 ) (453,686 ) (13,080,856 ) Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments (6,965,946 ) 1,455,515 (25,384,316 ) 10,104,446 Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations $ (10,651,183 ) $ (15,620,024 ) $ (32,716,529 ) $ (11,003,515 ) Investment Income Investment income decreased to $1,027,353 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $1,372,218 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The net decrease between periods was due to a decrease in interest income from short-term U.S. Treasury bills and the repayment in full of the Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) term loan as of December 26, 2023, and a decrease in dividend income from NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) following our complete exit in December 2023. The decrease was offset by an increase in interest income on cash during the three months ended June 30, 2024, relative to the three months ended ended June 30, 2023. Investment income decreased to $2,555,444 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $2,671,300 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The net decrease between periods was due to a decrease in interest income from short-term U.S. Treasury bills and the repayment in full of the Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) term loan as of December 26, 2023, and a decrease in dividend income from NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (f/k/a GreenAcreage Real Estate Corp.) following our complete exit in December 2023. The decrease was offset by an increase in interest income received on cash and from Architect Capital PayJoy SPV, LLC during the six months ended June 30, 2024, relative to the six months ended June 30, 2023. Operating Expenses Total operating expenses decreased to $4,682,978 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 from $5,177,558 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in operating expense was primarily due to decreases in income tax expense related to blocker corporations, professional fees, and other expenses, offset by increases primarily in compensation expense and stock-based compensation expense during the three months ended June 30, 2024, relative to the three months ended June 30, 2023. Total operating expenses decreased to $9,433,971 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 from $10,698,405 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in operating expense was primarily due to decreases in income tax expense related to blocker corporations, professional fees, and other expenses, offset by increases primarily in compensation expense and stock-based compensation expense during the six months ended June 30, 2024, relative to the six months ended June 30, 2023. 47 TABLE OF CONTENTS Net Investment Loss For the three months ended June 30, 2024, we recognized a net investment loss of $3,655,625, compared to a net investment loss of $3,805,340 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The change between periods resulted from a decrease in total investment income and operating expenses during the three months ended June 30, 2024, relative to the three months ended June 30, 2023. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recognized a net investment loss of $6,878,527, compared to a net investment loss of $8,027,105 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The change between periods resulted from a decrease in operating expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2024, relative to the six months ended June 30, 2023. Net Realized Loss on Investments For the three months ended June 30, 2024, we recognized a net realized loss on our investments of $29,612, compared to a net realized loss of $13,270,199 for the three months ended June 30, 2023. The components of our net realized losses on portfolio investments for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, excluding short-term U.S. Treasury bills and fluctuations in escrow receivables estimates, are reflected in the tables above, under “—Portfolio and Investment Activity.” For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we recognized a net realized loss on our investments of $453,686, compared to a net realized loss of $13,080,856 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The components of our net realized losses on portfolio investments for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, 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 June 30, 2024 and 2023, we had a net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of $(6,965,946) and $1,455,515, 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, 2024 and 2023. Portfolio Company Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 Portfolio Company Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 Blink Health, Inc. $ 8,312,921 Ozy Media, Inc. (1) $ 10,945,024 ServiceTitan, Inc. 1,039,251 Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (1) 4,227,458 Stormwind, LLC (1,865,441 ) Shogun Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a Hearth) 4,051,105 PSQ Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a PublicSquare) (2,561,945 ) Colombier Sponsor LLC 2,387,898 Learneo, Inc. (f/k/a Course Hero, Inc.) (13,945,631 ) Forge Global, Inc. 1,705,490 Orchard Technologies, Inc. 1,210,675 Stormwind, LLC 1,206,200 Whoop, Inc. (1,775,407 ) Trax, Ltd. (2,346,683 ) Learneo, Inc. (f/k/a Course Hero, Inc.) (18,251,804 ) Other (2) 2,054,899 Other (2) (1,904,441 ) Total $ (6,965,946 ) Total $ 1,455,515 (1) The change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) reflected for these investments resulted 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, 2024 and 2023. 48 TABLE OF CONTENTS For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we had a net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of $(25,384,316) and $10,104,446, 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, 2024 and 2023. Portfolio Company Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Portfolio Company Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 Blink Health, Inc. $ 8,178,720 Colombier Sponsor LLC $ 14,470,770 ServiceTitan, Inc. 2,484,626 Ozy Media, Inc. (1) 10,945,024 FourKites, Inc. 1,904,023 Nextdoor Holdings, Inc. (1) 4,389,675 Xgroup Holdings Limited (d/b/a Xpoint) 1,114,839 Shogun Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a Hearth) 4,349,318 Orchard Technologies, Inc. (1,158,150 ) Varo Money, Inc. 2,489,436 Residential Homes for Rent, LLC (d/b/a Second Avenue) (1,379,719 ) Forge Global, Inc. 1,755,652 Forge Global, Inc. (2,257,374 ) OneValley, Inc. (f/k/a NestGSV, Inc.) (1,679,936 ) PSQ Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a PublicSquare) (2,497,333 ) Trax, Ltd. (2,241,286 ) StormWind, LLC (3,761,225 ) Whoop, Inc. (2,775,301 ) Learneo, Inc. (f/k/a Course Hero, Inc.) (26,944,664 ) Aspiration Partners, Inc. (2,851,678 ) Orchard Technologies, Inc. (3,489,052 ) Learneo, Inc. (f/k/a Course Hero, Inc.) (17,995,785 ) Other (2) (1,068,059 ) Other (2) 2,737,609 Total $ (25,384,316 ) Total $ 10,104,446 (1) The change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) reflected for these investments resulted 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, 2024. Recent Developments Note Repurchase Program On August 6, 2024, our Board of Directors approved a discretionary note repurchase program (the “Note Repurchase Program”) which allows us to repurchase up to 46.67%, or $35.0 million in aggregate principal amount, of our 6.00% Notes due 2026 through open market purchases, including block purchases, in such manner as will comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the Exchange Act. As of August 7, 2024, we had not repurchased any of the 6.00% Notes due 2026 under the Note Repurchase Program. Convertible Notes On August 6, 2024, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Note Purchase Agreement”), by and between the Company and the purchaser identified therein (the “Purchaser”), pursuant to which we may issue up to a maximum of $75.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Convertible Notes due 2029 (the “Convertible Notes”). Pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, we agreed to issue and sell, and the Purchaser agreed to purchase, up to $25.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes (the “Initial Notes”). Thereafter, upon mutual agreement between the Company and the Purchaser, we may issue additional Convertible Notes for sale in subsequent offerings (the “Additional Notes”), or issue additional notes with modified pricing terms (the “New Notes”), in the aggregate for both the Additional Notes and the New Notes, up to a maximum of $50.0 million in one or more private offerings. The Purchaser will acquire, and we will issue, up to $25.0 million of the Initial Notes on or about August 14, 2024 (the “Initial Closing Date”), and thereafter at such time and date as the Purchaser and we mutually agree to purchase and sell any Additional Notes. Interest on the Convertible Notes will be paid quarterly in arrears on March 30, June 30, September 30, and December 30, at a rate of 6.50% per year, beginning September 30, 2024. The Convertible Notes will mature on August 14, 2029 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option on or after August 6, 2027 upon the fulfillment of certain conditions. The Convertible Notes will be convertible into shares of our common stock at the Purchaser’s sole discretion at an initial conversion rate of 129.0323 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, subject to adjustment as provided in the Note Purchase Agreement. The net proceeds from the offering will be used to repay outstanding indebtedness, make investments in accordance with our investment objective and investment strategy, and for other general corporate purposes. The Note Purchase Agreement includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants by the Company. Portfolio Activity Please refer to “Note 12—Subsequent Events” to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 30, 2024 for details regarding activity in our investment portfolio from July 1, 2024 through August 7, 2024. 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. 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 “Equity Issuances and Debt Capital Activities — At-the-Market Offering”. In addition, on December 17, 2021, we issued $75.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Notes due December 30, 2026 (the “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, 2024. 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, 2024 and 2023, our operating expenses including interest payments on our debt obligations were $9,433,971 and $10,698,405, respectively. Cash Reserves and Liquid Securities June 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 Cash $ 54,379,773 $ 28,178,352 Cash Equivalents: U.S. Treasury bills (1) — 63,810,855 Securities of publicly traded portfolio companies: Unrestricted securities (2) 3,241,634 6,970,612 Subject to other sales restrictions (3) 8,502,229 8,542,386 Securities of publicly traded portfolio companies 11,743,863 15,512,998 Total Cash Reserves and Liquid Securities $ 66,123,636 $ 107,502,205 (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 currently 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 portfolio companies that are currently subject to certain lock-up restrictions. During the six months ended June 30, 2024, cash increased to $54,379,773 from $28,178,352 at the beginning of the year. The increase in cash was primarily due to the sale or exit of investments, including short-term U.S. Treasury bills and other investment income received, offset by the purchase of new investments, repurchase of our common stock pursuant to a modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer (the “Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer”), payment of our operating expenses, and payment of interest on the 6.00% Notes due 2026. 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, 2024. 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, 2024 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 2026 (1) $ 75.0 $ — $ 75.0 $ — $ — Operating lease liability 0.1 0.1 — — — Total $ 75.1 $ 0.1 $ 75.0 $ — $ — (1) Reflects the principal balance payable to investors for the 6.00% Notes due 2026 as of June 30, 2024. Refer to “Note 10—Debt Capital Activities” in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 30, 2024 for more information. Share Repurchase Program During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock under the discretionary open-market share repurchase program (the “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. As of June 30, 2024, the dollar value of shares that remained available to be purchased under the Share Repurchase Program was approximately $20.7 million. Currently, the Share Repurchase Program is authorized until the earlier of (i) October 31, 2024 or (ii) the repurchase of $60.0 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (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 June 30, 2024. Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer On February 20, 2024, we commenced the Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of our common stock from our stockholders, which expired on April 1, 2024. In accordance with the terms of the Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer, we selected the lowest price per share of not less than $4.00 per share and not greater than $5.00 per share. Pursuant to the Modified Dutch Auction Tender Offer, we repurchased 2,000,000 shares, representing 7.9% of our then-outstanding shares, on or about April 5, 2024 at a price of $4.70 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, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 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 and Debt Capital Activities At-the-Market Offering On July 29, 2020, we entered into an At-the-Market Sales Agreement, dated July 29, 2020 (as amended, the “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 $150.0 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”). 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, 2024, we did not issue or sell Shares under the ATM program. As of June 30, 2024, up to approximately $98.8 million in aggregate amount of the Shares remain available for sale under the ATM Program. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, we did not issue or sell Shares under the ATM program. Refer to “Note 5—Common Stock” to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 30, 2024 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, 2024 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, 2024. 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 condensed 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, 2024 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 Estimates and 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 condensed 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, 2024 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, 2024 for more information.