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TriplePoint Venture Growth (TPVG)
:TPVG
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TriplePoint Venture Growth (TPVG) Risk Factors

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Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.

TriplePoint Venture Growth disclosed 87 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. TriplePoint Venture Growth reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q3, 2022

Risk Distribution
87Risks
68% Finance & Corporate
13% Legal & Regulatory
8% Macro & Political
6% Tech & Innovation
5% Production
1% Ability to Sell
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

2020
Q4
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
TriplePoint Venture Growth Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q3, 2022

Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 59 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 59 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
87
+1
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
87
+1
From last report
S&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
1Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Sep 2022
1Risks added
0Risks removed
0Risks changed
Since Sep 2022
Number of Risk Changed
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
0
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of TriplePoint Venture Growth in the last period.

Risk Word Cloud

The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 87

Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 59/87 (68%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights13 | 14.9%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Incurring additional leverage could increase the risk of investing in the Company. The use of leverage may increase the likelihood of our defaulting on our obligations.
Leverage magnifies the potential for loss on investments in our indebtedness and on invested equity capital. As we use leverage to partially finance our investments, you will experience increased risks of investing in our securities. If the value of our assets increases, then leveraging would cause the net asset value attributable to our common stock to increase more sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. Conversely, if the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged our business. Similarly, any increase in our income in excess of interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause our net investment income to increase more than it would without the leverage, while any decrease in our income would cause net investment income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could negatively affect our ability to pay common stock dividends, scheduled debt payments or other payments related to our securities. The effects of leverage would cause any decrease in net asset value for any losses to be greater than any increase in net asset value for any corresponding gains. We are permitted, as a BDC, to issue senior securities only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 150% after each issuance of senior securities. If we incur additional leverage, you will experience increased risks of investing in our common stock. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would disfavor the holders of our common stock or of securities convertible into our common stock or warrant investments representing rights to purchase our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
Our Board may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse.
Our Board has the authority, except as otherwise provided in the 1940 Act, to modify or waive certain of our operating policies and strategies without prior notice and without stockholder approval. However, absent stockholder approval, we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or withdraw our election as, a BDC. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies and strategies would have on our business, operating results and the market price of our common stock. Nevertheless, any such changes could materially and adversely affect our business and impair our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and of our charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.
The Maryland General Corporation Law, our charter and our bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control or the removal of our directors. We are subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act, or the "Business Combination Act," the application of which is subject to and may not conflict with any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. Our Board has adopted a resolution exempting from the Business Combination Act any business combination between us and any other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by our Board, including approval by a majority of our directors who are not "interested persons" as such term is defined in the 1940 Act. If the resolution exempting business combinations is repealed or our Board does not approve a business combination, the Business Combination Act may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer. Our bylaws exempt from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, or the "Control Share Acquisition Act," acquisitions of our common stock by any person. If we amend our bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Control Share Acquisition Act, the Control Share Acquisition Act also may make it more difficult for a third party to obtain control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer. However, we will not amend our bylaws to repeal the current exemption from the Control Share Acquisition Act without our Board determining that doing so would be in the best interests of our stockholders and it does not conflict with the 1940 Act. Our charter and bylaws contain other provisions that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including supermajority vote requirements for business transactions that are not approved by a majority of our "continuing directors," provisions of our charter classifying our Board in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and provisions of our charter authorizing our Board to classify or reclassify shares of our stock in one or more classes or series and to cause the issuance of additional shares of our stock, and to amend our charter, without stockholder approval, to increase or decrease the number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions of our charter and bylaws, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
The advisory fee structure we have with our Adviser may create incentives that are not fully aligned with the interests of our stockholders.
In the course of our investing activities, we pay a base management fee and an incentive fee to our Adviser. The Investment Advisory Agreement that we entered into with our Adviser provides that these fees are based on the value of our adjusted gross assets. As a result, investors in our common stock will invest on a "gross" basis and receive distributions on a "net" basis after expenses, resulting in a lower rate of return than one might achieve through direct investments. Because these fees are based on the value of our total assets, our Adviser benefits when we incur debt or use leverage. This fee structure may encourage our Adviser to cause us to borrow money to finance additional investments. Our Board is charged with protecting our interests by monitoring how our Adviser addresses these and other conflicts of interest associated with its management services and compensation. While our Board does not review or approve each investment decision, borrowing or incurrence of leverage, our independent directors periodically review our Adviser's services and fees as well as its portfolio management decisions and portfolio performance. In connection with these reviews, our independent directors consider whether our fees and expenses (including those related to leverage) remain appropriate. As a result of this arrangement, our Adviser may from time to time have interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Our stockholders do not have any input in our Adviser's investment decisions.
Our investments are selected by our Adviser, subject to the approval of its Investment Committee. Our stockholders do not have input into our Adviser's investment decisions. As a result, our stockholders are unable to evaluate any of our potential portfolio investments. These factors increase the uncertainty, and thus the risk, of investing in shares of our common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
Because we generally do not hold controlling equity interests in our portfolio companies, we are not able to exercise control over our portfolio companies or prevent decisions by management that could decrease the value of our investment.
We generally do not hold controlling equity positions in any of our portfolio companies. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company may make business decisions with which we disagree and that the management and/or stockholders of a portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that have a material adverse effect on our interests. Due to the lack of liquidity of the debt and equity investments that we hold in our portfolio, we may not be able to dispose of our investments in the event we disagree with the actions of a portfolio company and may therefore suffer a decrease in the value of our investment.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
Publicly traded securities involve significant risks that differ from those associated with non-traded securities.
Certain of the companies in which we have invested have in the past conducted initial public offerings and become publicly traded, and other current and future portfolio companies may seek to do the same. In the event that a portfolio company completes an initial public offering, we will hold publicly traded securities in such company. Publicly traded securities involve significant risks that differ in type and degree from the risks associated with investments in private companies. These risks include greater volatility in the valuation of such companies, increased likelihood of shareholder litigation against such companies, and increased costs associated with each of the aforementioned risks. As a result, the market value of the publicly traded securities we hold may fluctuate significantly. In addition, we are typically subject to lock-up provisions that prevent us from disposing of our investments for specified periods of time after a portfolio company's initial public offering. In the event that we dispose of any such securities, such securities may be sold at a price less than they otherwise would have been absent restrictions on transfer and/or for less than their initial cost.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
Our common stock may trade below our net asset value per share, which limits our ability to raise additional equity capital.
If our common stock is trading below our net asset value per share, we are not able to issue additional shares of our common stock at the market price without first obtaining the approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. If our common stock trades below our net asset value per share, the higher cost of equity capital may result in it being unattractive to raise new equity, which may limit our ability to grow. The risk of our common stock trading below our net asset value per share is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. We cannot predict whether shares of our common stock will trade above, at or below our net asset value per share.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
Our stockholders will experience dilution in their ownership percentage if they opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan and participating stockholders can experience dilution in the value of their shares if we distribute shares through our dividend reinvestment plan at a price below the then-current NAV.
All dividends declared in cash payable to stockholders that are participants in our dividend reinvestment plan may be reinvested in newly-issued shares of our common stock. As a result, our stockholders that opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of our common stock over time. In addition, we may distribute shares through our dividend reinvestment plan at a price that is below our then-current NAV per share, which would result in dilution of the value of the shares held by stockholders who participate in our dividend reinvestment plan.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10
Investing in our common stock may involve an above average degree of risk.
The investments we make in accordance with our investment strategy may result in a higher amount of risk and higher volatility or loss of principal than alternative investment options. Our investments in venture growth stage companies with secured loans, warrant investments and direct equity investments may be speculative and, therefore, an investment in our common stock may not be suitable for someone with lower risk tolerance.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 11
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.
The market price and liquidity of the market for shares of our common stock may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include: - price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;- significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of BDCs or other companies in our sector, which is not necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies;- any inability to deploy or invest our capital;- fluctuations in interest rates;- any inability to access the capital markets;- realized and unrealized losses in investments in our portfolio companies;- the financial performance of the industries in which we invest;- announcement of strategic developments, acquisitions, and other material events by us or our competitors or operating performance of companies comparable to us;- changes in regulatory policies or tax guidelines, particularly with respect to RICs or BDCs;- perception or reputation of TPC;- loss of our qualification as a RIC or BDC;- changes in earnings or variations in operating results;- changes in accounting guidelines governing valuation of our investments;- any shortfall in revenue or net income or any increase in losses from levels expected by investors or securities analysts;- departure of, or loss of access to, members of our Adviser's senior investment team;- operating performance of companies comparable to us; and - general economic trends and other external factors.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 12
Our business and operation could be negatively affected if we become subject to any securities litigation or shareholder activism, which could cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of investment strategy and impact our stock price.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company's securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. Shareholder activism, which could take many forms or arise in a variety of situations, has increased in the BDC space in recent years. While we are currently not subject to any securities litigation or shareholder activism, due to the potential volatility of our stock price and for a variety of other reasons, we may in the future become the target of securities litigation or shareholder activism. Securities litigation and shareholder activism, including potential proxy contests, could result in substantial costs and divert management's and our board of directors' attention and resources from our business. Additionally, such securities litigation and shareholder activism could give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our relationships with service providers and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. Also, we may be required to incur significant legal fees and other expenses related to any securities litigation and activist shareholder matters. Further, our stock price could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the events, risks and uncertainties of any securities litigation and shareholder activism.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 13
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such common stock for sale, could have an adverse effect on the prevailing market prices for our common stock. If this occurs and continues, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so.
Accounting & Financial Operations6 | 6.9%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results.
We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including our originations and underwriting processes, the interest rate payable on the secured loans we acquire, any prepayments or repayments made on our secured loans, the timing and amount of any warrant or equity investment returns, the timing of any drawdowns requested by our borrowers, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and general economic conditions. In light of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
You may receive shares of our common stock through our dividend reinvestment plan, and we may otherwise choose to pay dividends in our common stock, in which case you may be required to pay tax in excess of the cash you receive.
Our cash distributions to stockholders will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock unless such stockholder has specifically "opted out" of our dividend reinvestment plan so as to receive cash distributions. In addition, we may in the future distribute taxable dividends that are payable in part in shares of our common stock. In accordance with certain applicable U.S. Treasury regulations and published guidance issued by the IRS, a RIC may treat a distribution of its own common stock as fulfilling the RIC distribution requirements if each stockholder may elect to receive his or her entire distribution in either cash or common stock of the RIC, subject to a limitation that the aggregate amount of cash to be distributed to all stockholders must be at least 20% of the aggregate declared distribution. If too many stockholders elect to receive cash, the cash available for distribution must be allocated among the stockholders electing to receive cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock). In no event will any stockholder electing to receive cash, receive less than the lesser of (a) the portion of the distribution such stockholder has elected to receive in cash or (b) an amount equal to his or her entire distribution times the percentage limitation on cash available for distribution. If these and certain other requirements are met, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of the dividend paid in common stock will be equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of common stock. Taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income (or as long-term capital gain to the extent such distribution is properly reported as a capital gain dividend) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. stockholder may be required to pay tax with respect to such dividends in excess of any cash received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our common stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to Non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such dividends including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in common stock. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our common stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize income before, or without, receiving cash representing such income.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, in certain circumstances, we may be required to recognize taxable income prior to when we receive cash, such as the accrual of end-of-term payments, PIK, interest payments and/or OID. Our end-of-term payments are contractual and fixed interest payments due at the maturity date of the loan, including upon prepayment, and are generally a fixed percentage of the original principal balance of the loan. OID decreases our loan balance by an amount equal to the cost basis of the upfront warrant investment received and certain capitalized fees we receive in connection with our loan and is recognized by us as non-cash income over the life of the secured loan. Our secured loans generally include an end-of-term payment and/or PIK interest payment. Such payments, which could be significant relative to our overall investment activities are included in income before we receive any corresponding cash payment. We are also required to include in income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash, including OID. To the extent OID instruments, such as zero coupon bonds and PIK loans, constitute a significant portion of our income, investors will be exposed to typical risks associated with such income that are required to be included in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash, including the following: (a) the higher interest rates of PIK loans reflect the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with these instruments, and PIK instruments generally represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon loans; (b) PIK loans may have unreliable valuations because their accruals require continuing judgments about the collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral; (c) an election to defer PIK interest payments by adding them to loan principal increases our gross assets, thus increasing our Adviser's future base management fees, and increases future investment income, thus increasing the Adviser's future income incentive fees at a compounding rate; (d) market prices of zero-coupon or PIK securities are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and may be more volatile than securities that pay interest periodically and in cash; (e) because OID income is accrued without any cash being received by us, required cash distributions may have to be paid from offering proceeds or the sale of our assets without investors being given any notice of this fact; (f) the deferral of PIK interest increases the loan-to-value ratio, which is a measure of the riskiness of a loan; (g) even if the accounting conditions for income accrual are met, the borrower could still default when our actual payment is due at the maturity of the loan; (h) OID creates risk of non-refundable cash payments to our Adviser on-cash accruals that may never be realized; and (i) because OID will be included in our "investment company taxable income" for the year of the accrual, we may be required to make distributions to stockholders to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement applicable to RICs, even where we have not received any corresponding cash amount. Since, in these cases we may recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the requirement to distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses, if any, to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC and to avoid a 4% U.S. federal excise tax on certain of our undistributed income. In such a case, we may have to sell some of our investments at times we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or reduce new investment originations to meet these distribution requirements. If we are not able to obtain sufficient cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC and thus be subject to corporate-level income tax.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 4
You may not receive distributions or our distributions may not grow over time.
We intend to make distributions on a quarterly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. Our ability to pay distributions might be materially and adversely affected by the impact of one or more of the risks described herein. Due to the asset coverage test applicable to us under the 1940 Act as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. All distributions will be made at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our earnings, financial condition, maintenance of RIC status, compliance with applicable BDC, SBA regulations (when and if applicable) and such other factors as our Board may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure you that we will make distributions to our stockholders in the future.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 5
We are obligated to maintain proper and effective internal control over financial reporting. We may not complete our analysis of our internal control over financial reporting in a timely manner, or our internal controls may not be determined to be effective, which may adversely affect investor confidence in our company and, as a result, the value of our securities.
Complying with Section 404 requires a rigorous compliance program as well as adequate time and resources. We may not be able to complete our internal control evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion. If we are not able to implement the applicable requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, our operations, financial reporting or financial results could be adversely affected. Matters impacting our internal controls may cause us to be unable to report our financial information on a timely basis and thereby subject us to adverse regulatory consequences, including sanctions by the SEC or violations of applicable stock exchange listing rules, and result in a breach of the covenants under the agreements governing any of our financing arrangements. There could also be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of investor confidence in us and the reliability of our financial statements. Additionally, if we identify one or more material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, we will be unable to assert that our internal controls are effective. If we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports. This could have a material adverse effect on us and lead to a decline in the price of our securities. Our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations. Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business and operating results could be harmed and we could fail to meet our financial reporting obligations.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 6
We may not replicate the historical results achieved by TPC or members of its senior investment team.
Our focus in making investments differs from that of TPC. For example, while TPC's portfolio consists primarily of providing financing to venture capital-backed companies across all stages of their development, including the venture growth stage, we pursue an investment strategy that is focused primarily on the venture growth stage. The profile and underwriting characteristics of an early stage venture capital-backed company are very different from those of a later stage venture capital-backed company and/or those of a venture growth stage company. Furthermore, within venture growth stage companies, the uses, structures and value propositions of debt financing vary considerably among companies and industries and require a high degree of venture lending and leasing expertise and technology, life sciences and other high growth industries knowledge, specialization and flexibility from a lender. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will replicate the historical results achieved by TPC or members of its senior investment team and we caution you that our investment returns could be substantially lower than the returns achieved by them in prior periods.
Debt & Financing33 | 37.9%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Added
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
During the three months ended September 30, 2022, we issued 46,412 shares of common stock under our dividend reinvestment plan. These issuances were not subject to the registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The cash paid for shares of common stock issued under our dividend reinvestment plan during the three months ended September 30, 2022 was $0.5 million. Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities None. Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures Not applicable. Item 5.    Other Information FEES AND EXPENSES The following table is being provided to update, as of September 30, 2022, certain information in the Company's effective shelf registration statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-254802), declared effective by the SEC on May 26, 2021, as supplemented by any prospectus supplements relating to our ATM Program. The information is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that an investor in the Company will bear directly or indirectly. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by "you," "us" or "the Company," or that "we" will pay fees or expenses, our stockholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as investors in us. Except as noted below, the following annualized percentages were calculated based on actual expenses incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and net assets as of September 30, 2022, and do not include events occurring subsequent thereto. The table and examples below include all fees and expenses of our consolidated subsidiaries.Stockholder Transaction Expenses:Sales load payable by us (as a percentage of offering price)2.00 %(1)Offering expenses (as a percentage of offering price)0.50 %(2)Dividend reinvestment plan expenses- %(3)Total Stockholder Transaction Expenses (as a percentage of offering price)2.50 %Annual Expenses (as percentage of net assets attributable to common stock):Base management fee payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement3.45 %(4)Incentive fee payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement (20% of net investment income and realized capital gains)1.99 %(5)Interest payments on borrowed funds5.49 %(6)Other expenses1.44 %(7)Total annual expenses12.37 %__________(1)     The maximum agent commission with respect to the shares of our common stock sold under the ATM Program is 2.00%. In the event that our securities are sold to or through underwriters, a corresponding prospectus or prospectus supplement will disclose the applicable sales load.(2)    The percentage reflects estimated offering expenses of approximately $250,000 payable by us for the estimated duration of the ATM Program and assumes we sell all $50.0 million of common stock initially available for sale under the ATM Program.(3) The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in "Other expenses." The plan administrator's fees will be paid by us. We will not charge any brokerage charges or other charges to stockholders who participate in the plan. However, your own broker may impose brokerage charges in connection with your participation in the plan. (4) Our base management fee, payable quarterly in arrears, is calculated at an annual rate of 1.75% of our average adjusted gross assets, including assets purchased with borrowed amounts and other forms of leverage. See "Business-Management Agreements-Investment Advisory Agreement" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 for more information.(5) Assumes that annual incentive fees earned by our Adviser remain consistent with the incentive fees that would have been earned by our Adviser (if not for the cumulative "catch-up" provision explained below) for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 adjusted for any equity issuances. The incentive fee consists of two components, investment income and capital gains, which are largely independent of each other, with the result that one component may be payable even if the other is not payable. Under the investment income component, we pay our Adviser each quarter 20.0% of the amount by which our pre-incentive fee net investment income for the quarter exceeds a hurdle rate of 2.0% (which is 8.0% annualized) of our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, subject to a "catch-up" provision pursuant to which our Adviser receives all of such income in excess of the 2.0% level but less than 2.5% and subject to a total return requirement. The effect of the "catch-up" provision is that, subject to the total return provision discussed below, if pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.5% in any calendar quarter, our Adviser receives 20.0% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income as if the 2.0% hurdle rate did not apply. The foregoing incentive fee is subject to a total return requirement, which provides that no incentive fee in respect of our pre-incentive fee net investment income is payable except to the extent that 20.0% of the cumulative net increase in net assets resulting from operations since March 5, 2014 exceeds the cumulative incentive fees accrued and/or paid since March 5, 2014. In other words, any investment income incentive fee that is payable in a calendar quarter will be limited to the lesser of (i) 20.0% of the amount by which our pre-incentive fee net investment income for such calendar quarter exceeds the 2.0% hurdle rate, subject to the "catch-up" provision and (ii) (x) 20.0% of the cumulative net increase in net assets resulting from operations since March 5, 2014 minus (y) the cumulative incentive fees accrued and/or paid since March 5, 2014. For the foregoing purpose, the "cumulative net increase in net assets resulting from operations" is the sum of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, realized gains and losses and unrealized appreciation and depreciation since March 5, 2014. Under the capital gains component of the incentive fee, we pay our Adviser at the end of each calendar year 20.0% of our aggregate cumulative realized capital gains from inception through the end of that year, computed net of our aggregate cumulative realized capital losses and our aggregate cumulative unrealized depreciation through the end of such year, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees. For the foregoing purpose, our "aggregate cumulative realized capital gains" does not include any unrealized appreciation. It should be noted that we accrue an incentive fee for accounting purposes taking into account any unrealized appreciation in accordance with GAAP. The capital gains component of the incentive fee is not subject to any minimum return to stockholders.(6) "Interest payments on borrowed funds" represent our estimated annual interest payment, fees and credit facility expenses and are based on results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 (annualized), including with respect to the Credit Facility, the 2025 Notes, the 2026 Notes, and the 2027 Notes. The costs associated with any outstanding indebtedness are indirectly borne by our common stockholders. The amount of leverage we employ at any particular time will depend on, among other things, the Board and our Adviser's assessment of the market and other factors at the time at any proposed borrowing. We may also issue preferred stock, subject to our compliance with applicable requirements under the 1940 Act. (7) "Other expenses" (approximately $6.5 million) represent our estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, which are based upon the results of our operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, including payments under the Administration Agreement based on our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by our Administrator. Example The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have assumed we would have no additional leverage and that our annual operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above. 1 Year3 Years5 Years10 YearsYou would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5%          annual return (1)$129 $315 $482 $826 You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5%          annual return entirely from realized gains$139 $340 $515 $866 __________________(1) Assumes no return from net realized capital gains or net unrealized capital appreciation. While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5%. As noted, the example includes the realized capital gains fee from the Investment Advisory Agreement but does not include the income incentive fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, which, assuming a 5% annual return, would either not be payable or have an immaterial impact on the expense amounts shown above. If we achieve sufficient returns on our investments to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, our expenses, and returns to our investors, would be higher. Further, while the example assumes reinvestment of all distributions at NAV, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will receive a number of shares of our common stock determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to a participant by (a) 95% of the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the payment date fixed by the Board in the event that newly issued shares of our common stock are used to implement the dividend reinvestment plan, or (b) the average purchase price of all shares of common stock purchased by the plan administrator in the event that shares are purchased in the open market to implement the requirements of the dividend reinvestment plan, which may be at, above or below NAV. This example and the expenses in the table above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses (including the cost of debt, if any, and other expenses) may be greater or less than those shown. PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DISTRIBUTIONS Our common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol "TPVG." The following table sets forth, for each fiscal quarter during the last two full fiscal years and the current fiscal year to date, the NAV per share of our common stock, the high and low closing sales prices for our common stock, such sales prices as a percentage of NAV per share and quarterly distributions per share.Closing Sales Price(2)Premium/ (Discount) of High Sales Price to NAV(3)Premium/ (Discount) of Low Sales Price to NAV(3)Declared DistributionsPeriodNAV(1)HighLowFourth Quarter of 2022 (through November 1, 2022)*$12.87$10.99**$0.37 Third Quarter of 2022$12.6943200498838$14.47$10.4614.0 %(17.6)%$0.36 Second Quarter of 2022$13.01$17.88$12.1737.4%(6.5)%$0.36 First Quarter of 2022$13.84$18.07$15.8030.6%14.2%$0.36 Fourth Quarter of 2021$14.01$19.05$15.9036.0%13.5%$0.36 Third Quarter of 2021$13.92$16.20$15.0216.4%7.9%$0.36 Second Quarter of 2021$13.03$16.71$14.1728.2%8.7%$0.36 First Quarter of 2021$13.00$15.13$12.8316.4%(1.3)%$0.36 Fourth Quarter of 2020$12.97$13.56$10.494.5%(19.1)%$0.46(4)Third Quarter of 2020$13.28$12.48$9.58(6.0)%(27.9)%$0.36 Second Quarter of 2020$13.17$11.55$4.69(12.3)%(64.4)%$0.36 First Quarter of 2020$12.85$14.42$2.9012.2%(77.4)%$0.36 __________(1) NAV per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the NAV per share on the date of the high and low          sales prices. The NAVs shown are based on outstanding shares at the end of each period.(2) Closing sales price as provided by the NYSE.(3) Calculated as of the respective high or low closing sales price divided by the quarter end NAV and subtracting 1.(4) Includes a $0.10 per share special distribution. *     Not determinable at the time of filing, as NAV has not yet been determined for the fourth quarter of 2022. On November 1, 2022, the reported closing sales price of our common stock was $12.72 per share. As of November 1, 2022, we had 8 stockholders of record, which did not include stockholders for whom shares are held in "nominee" or "street name". Shares of BDCs may trade at a market price that is less than the value of the net assets attributable to those shares. The possibility that shares of our common stock will trade at a discount from NAV or at premiums that are unsustainable over the long term are separate and distinct from the risk that our NAV will decrease. It is not possible to predict whether the shares offered hereby will trade at, above or below NAV.
Debt & Financing - Risk 2
We finance certain of our investments with borrowed money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and increases the risk of investing in us.
We finance certain of our investments with borrowed money when we expect the return on our investment to exceed the cost of borrowing. As of December 31, 2021, we had $200.0 million of principal outstanding under the Credit Facility, $70.0 million of principal outstanding on our 4.50% notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes") and $200.0 million of principal outstanding on our 4.50% notes due 2026 (the "2026 Notes"), before reducing the unamortized debt issuance costs. The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested. The use of leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique and increases the risks associated with investing in shares of our common stock. Lenders will have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders and we would expect such lenders to seek recovery against our assets in the event of a default. We may pledge up to 100% of our assets or the assets of a subsidiary under the terms of any debt instruments we may enter into with lenders. In addition, under the terms of the Credit Facility and any borrowing facility or other debt instrument we may enter into in the future, we are or will likely be required to use the net proceeds of any investments that we sell to repay a portion of the amount borrowed under such facility or instrument before applying such net proceeds to any other uses. If the value of our assets decreases, leveraging would cause our net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged, thereby magnifying losses, potentially triggering mandatory debt payments or asset contributions under the Credit Facility or eliminating our stake in a leveraged investment. Similarly, any decrease in our revenue or income will cause our net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline would also negatively affect our ability to make distributions with respect to our common stock. Our ability to service any debt depends largely on our financial performance and is subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. As a BDC, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities to total senior securities, which generally includes all of our borrowings (other than potential leverage in future Small Business Investment Company, or "SBIC," subsidiaries, should we receive an SBIC license(s), subject to exemptive relief) and any preferred stock that we may issue in the future, of at least 150%. If our asset coverage ratio declines below 150%, we will not be able to incur additional debt and could be required to sell a portion of our investments to repay some debt when it is otherwise disadvantageous for us to do so. This could have a material adverse effect on our operations, and we may not be able to make distributions. The amount of leverage that we employ depends on our Adviser's and the Board's assessment of market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain credit at all or on terms acceptable to us. The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock as of December 31, 2021, assuming various annual returns, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing in the table below. Assumed Return on our Portfolio (Net of Expenses)(10.0)%(5.0)%0.0%5.0%10.0%Corresponding return to common stockholder assuming actual asset coverage as of December 31, 2021(1)(26.7)%(16.0)%(5.3)%5.4 %16.0 %(1)The calculation assumes the Company had (i) $927.7 million in total assets, (ii) $470.0 million in total debt outstanding, (iii) $434.5 million in net assets, (v) and a weighted average cost of borrowings of 4.9%. Based on our outstanding indebtedness of $470.0 million as of December 31, 2021, our investment portfolio would have been required to experience an annual return of at least 2.5% to cover annual interest payments on the outstanding debt. As required by Section 18(a) and 61(a) of the 1940 Act, in connection with the issuance of certain senior securities, a provision must be made by us to prohibit the declaration of any dividend or distribution on the Company's stock, other than a dividend payable in our common stock, or the repurchase of any stock unless at the time of the dividend or distribution declaration or repurchase there is asset coverage (computed in accordance with Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act) of at least 150% on our senior securities after deducting the amount of the dividend, distribution or repurchase. In addition, each of the Credit Facility and the agreements governing the 2025 Notes and the 2026 Notes imposes, and any debt facilities or other borrowing arrangements we may enter into in the future may impose, financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our ability to be subject to tax treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
We may default under the Credit Facility, the agreements governing our outstanding unsecured notes or any future indebtedness or be unable to amend, repay or refinance any such facility or financing arrangement on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In the event we default under the Credit Facility, the agreements governing the 2025 Notes or the 2026 Notes or any future indebtedness or are unable to amend, repay or refinance any such indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, our business could be materially and adversely affected as we may be forced to sell all or a portion of our investments quickly and prematurely at what may be disadvantageous prices to us in order to meet our outstanding payment obligations and/or support working capital requirements under the Credit Facility, the 2025 Notes and the 2026 Notes or any future indebtedness, any of which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Events of default under the Credit Facility include, among other things, (i) a payment default; (ii) a change of control; (iii) bankruptcy; (iv) a covenant default; and (v) breach of a key man clause relating to our Chief Executive Officer, James P. Labe, and our President and Chief Investment Officer, Sajal K. Srivastava; and (vi) our failure to maintain our qualification as a BDC. Following any such default, the administrative agent under the Credit Facility could assume control of the disposition of any or all of our assets or restrict our utilization of any indebtedness, including the selection of such assets to be disposed and the timing of such disposition, including decisions with respect to our warrant investments, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The Master Note Purchase Agreement (the "Note Purchase Agreement") under which the 2025 Notes were issued contains customary terms and conditions for unsecured notes issued in a private placement, including, without limitation, affirmative and negative covenants such as information reporting, maintenance of our status as a BDC within the meaning of the 1940 Act, a minimum asset coverage ratio of 1.50 to 1.00, a minimum interest coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00, and a minimum stockholders' equity requirement. The Note Purchase Agreement also contains customary events of default with customary cure and notice periods, including, without limitation, nonpayment, incorrect representation in any material respect, breach of covenant, cross-default under other indebtedness we have incurred or of our subsidiary guarantors (if any), certain judgments and orders, certain events of bankruptcy, and breach of a key man clause relating to Messrs. Labe and Srivastava. The terms and conditions applicable to the 2026 Notes under the Note Purchase Agreement, as modified by the terms of the First Supplement, dated as of March 1, 2021 (the "First Supplement"), to the Note Purchase Agreement, including events of default and affirmative and negative covenants, are substantially similar to the terms and conditions applicable to the 2025 Notes. Our continued compliance with the covenants under the Credit Facility and the Note Purchase Agreement (as modified by any supplements thereto) depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control, and there can be no assurance that we will continue to comply with such covenants. Our failure to satisfy the respective covenants could result in foreclosure by the lenders under the applicable credit facility or governing instrument or acceleration by the applicable lenders or noteholders, which would accelerate our repayment obligations under the relevant agreement and thereby have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and ability to pay distributions to our stockholders. Because the Credit Facility and the agreements governing the 2025 Notes and 2026 Notes have, and any future credit facilities will likely have, customary cross-default provisions, if the indebtedness under the Credit Facility or represented by the 2025 Notes or the 2026 Notes, or under any future credit facility, is accelerated, we may be unable to repay or finance the amounts due.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
Because we use debt to finance certain of our investments, we are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates, including with respect to the phase-out of LIBOR. In addition, if the Credit Facility or similar financing arrangement were to become unavailable, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because we borrow money to finance certain of our investments, including under the Credit Facility, our net income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates would not have a material adverse effect on our net income in the event we use debt to finance our investments. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net income. In addition, if the Credit Facility or any future financing arrangement were to become unavailable to us and attractive alternative financing sources were not available, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, uncertainty relating to the LIBOR calculation process may adversely affect the value of the LIBOR-indexed, floating-rate debt securities in our portfolio or the cost of our borrowings. National and international regulators and law enforcement agencies have conducted investigations into a number of rates or indices that are deemed to be ‘‘reference rates.'' Actions by such regulators and law enforcement agencies may result in changes to the manner in which certain reference rates are determined, their discontinuance, or the establishment of alternative reference rates. On March 5, 2021, the U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority publicly announced that all U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will either cease to be provided by any administrator or no longer be representative (i) immediately after December 31, 2021 for one-week and two-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings and (ii) immediately after June 30, 2023 for the remaining U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings. In addition, as a result of supervisory guidance from U.S. regulators, some U.S. regulated entities will cease to enter into new LIBOR contracts after January 1, 2022. At this time, no consensus exists as to what rate or rates will become accepted alternatives to LIBOR, although the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee convened by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, has recommended the use of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, SOFR. There are many uncertainties regarding a transition from LIBOR to SOFR or any other alternative benchmark rate that may be established, including, but not limited to, the timing of any such transition, the need to amend all contracts with LIBOR as the referenced rate and, given the inherent differences between LIBOR and SOFR or any other alternative benchmark rate, how any transition may impact the cost and performance of impacted securities, variable rate debt and derivative financial instruments. In addition, SOFR or another alternative benchmark rate may fail to gain market acceptance, which could adversely affect the return on, value of and market for securities, variable rate debt and derivative financial instruments linked to such rates. The effect of the establishment of alternative reference rates or any other reforms to LIBOR or other reference rates (including whether LIBOR will continue to be an acceptable market benchmark) cannot be predicted at this time, and the transition away from LIBOR and other current reference rates to alternative reference rates is complex and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Following any replacement of LIBOR, some or all of our loan agreements may bear interest a lower interest rate, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. Moreover, if LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to renegotiate certain terms of the Credit Facility or any other financing arrangement. If we are unable to do so, amounts drawn under the Credit Facility may bear interest at a higher rate, which would increase the cost of our borrowings and, in turn, affect our results of operations. In addition, any further changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR, which could have an adverse impact on the market value for, or value of, any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Alteration of the terms of a debt instrument or a modification of the terms of other types of contracts to replace an interbank offered rate with a new reference rate could result in a taxable exchange and the realization of income and gain/loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has issued proposed regulations regarding the tax consequences of the transition from interbank offered rates to new reference rates in debt instruments and non-debt contracts. Under the proposed regulations, to avoid such alteration or modification of the terms of a debt instrument being treated as a taxable exchange, the fair market value of the modified instrument or contract must be substantially equivalent to its fair market value before the qualifying change was made. The IRS may withdraw, amend or finalize, in whole or part, these proposed regulations and/or provide additional guidance, with potential retroactive effect. In addition, a rise in the general level of interest rates typically leads to higher interest rates applicable to our secured loans. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates may result in an increase of our income and, as a result, an increase in the incentive fee payable to our Adviser.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
Provisions in the Credit Facility and the agreements governing the 2025 Notes and the 2026 Notes or any future indebtedness may limit our discretion in operating our business.
The Credit Facility is, and any future indebtedness may be, backed by all or a portion of our assets on which the lenders may have a security interest. We may pledge up to 100% of our assets or the assets of our Financing Subsidiary and may grant a security interest in all of our assets under the terms of any debt instrument we enter into with lenders. Any security interests that we grant will be set forth in a security agreement and evidenced by the filing of financing statements by the agent for the lenders. Any restrictive provision or negative covenant in the agreements governing our indebtedness, including the Credit Facility and the Note Purchase Agreement and First Supplement, including applicable diversification and eligibility requirements, or any of our future indebtedness limits or may limit our operating discretion, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. A failure to comply with the restrictive provisions or negative covenants in the Credit Facility or the Note Purchase Agreement and First Supplement or any of our future indebtedness would or may result in an event of default and/or restrict our ability to control the disposition of our assets and our utilization of any indebtedness. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Contractual Obligations."
Debt & Financing - Risk 6
Adverse developments in the credit markets may impair our ability to enter into any other future borrowing facility.
During the economic downturn in the United States that began in mid-2007, many commercial banks and other financial institutions stopped lending or significantly curtailed their lending activity. In addition, in an effort to stem losses and reduce their exposure to segments of the economy deemed to be high risk, some financial institutions limited refinancing and loan modification transactions and reviewed the terms of existing facilities to identify bases for accelerating the maturity of existing lending facilities. If these conditions recur, it may be difficult for us to enter into a new borrowing facility, obtain other financing to finance the growth of our investments or refinance any outstanding indebtedness on acceptable economic terms or at all.
Debt & Financing - Risk 7
If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could fail to qualify as a BDC or be precluded from investing according to our current business strategy.
As a BDC, we may not acquire any assets other than "qualifying assets" unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets. See "Business-Regulation." We believe that most of the investments that we may acquire in the future will constitute qualifying assets. However, we may be precluded from investing in what we believe to be attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 1940 Act. If we do not invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could violate the 1940 Act provisions applicable to BDCs. As a result of such violation, specific rules under the 1940 Act could require us to dispose of investments at inappropriate times in order to come into compliance with the 1940 Act. If we need to dispose of such investments quickly, it could be difficult to dispose of such investments on favorable terms or at all. We may not be able to find a buyer for such investments and, even if we do find a buyer, we may have to sell the investments at a substantial loss. Any such outcomes would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If we do not maintain our status as a BDC, we would be subject to regulation as a registered closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act. As a registered closed-end investment company, we would be subject to substantially more regulatory restrictions under the 1940 Act, which would significantly decrease our operating flexibility. For these reasons, loss of our status as a BDC likely would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, these rules could prevent us from making follow-on investments in existing portfolio companies (which could result in the dilution of our position).
Debt & Financing - Risk 8
Our investment portfolio is recorded at fair value, with our Board having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, its estimate of fair value and, as a result, there is uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments, which may impact our net asset value.
Most of our investments take the form of secured loans, warrant and direct equity investments that are not publicly traded. The fair value of loans and other investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable, and we value these investments at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board. Most of our investments are classified as Level 3 under ASC Topic 820. This means that our valuations are based on unobservable inputs and our own assumptions about how market participants would price the asset or liability in question. Inputs into the determination of the fair value of our investments require significant management judgment or estimation. We retain the services of one or more independent third-party valuation firms to review the valuation of these loans and other investments. The valuation for each portfolio investment, including our Level 3 investments, is reviewed at least annually by an independent third-party valuation firm. However, the Board does not intend to have de minimis investments of less than 1.0% of our gross assets (up to an aggregate of 10.0% of our gross assets) reviewed by an independent third-party valuation firm, given the expenses involved in connection therewith. The Board discusses valuations on a quarterly basis and determines, in good faith, the fair value of each investment in our portfolio based on the input of our Adviser, the independent third-party valuation firm and the Valuation Committee. The types of factors that our Board takes into account in determining the fair value of our investments generally include, as appropriate, such factors as yield, maturity and measures of credit quality, the enterprise value of the company, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the company's ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, our assessment of the support of their venture capital investors, the markets in which the company does business, comparisons to similar publicly traded companies and other relevant factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these loans and other investments existed. Our net asset value could be materially and adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of our loans and other investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of such loans and other investments.
Debt & Financing - Risk 9
We may need to raise additional capital to grow. If additional capital is not available or not available on favorable terms, our ability to grow will be impaired.
We may need additional capital to fund new investments or unfunded commitments and grow our portfolio of investments. We intend to access the capital markets periodically to issue debt or equity securities or borrow from financial institutions in order to obtain such additional capital. Unfavorable economic conditions could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. In addition, there may be fewer lenders familiar with, or willing to provide credit to, firms in our industry. The availability of debt from lenders may be more limited than it is for firms that are not in our industry due to the credit profile of our targeted borrowers or the structure and risk profile of our unrated loans. As a result, we may have difficulty raising additional capital in order to fund our loans and grow our business. In order to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC, we will be required to distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses, if any, to our stockholders. As a result, these earnings will not be available to fund new investments. Under the 1940 Act, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities to total senior securities, which generally includes all of our borrowings and any preferred stock that we may issue in the future, of at least 150%. This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments or sell additional common stock and, depending on the nature of our leverage, to repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales and repayments may be disadvantageous. In addition, the issuance of additional securities could dilute the percentage ownership of our current stockholders in us. We cannot assure you that debt and equity financing will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all, and debt financings may be restricted by the terms of any of our outstanding borrowings. In addition, shares of closed-end investment companies have recently traded at discounts to their net asset values. If our common stock trades below its net asset value, we will not be able to issue additional shares of our common stock at its market price without first obtaining the approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. If additional funds are not available to us, we could be forced to curtail or cease new lending and investment activities and our net asset value could decline. A reduction in the availability of new capital or an inability on our part to access the capital markets successfully could limit our ability to grow our business and execute our business strategy fully and could decrease our earnings, if any, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Debt & Financing - Risk 10
Our Adviser may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to taking actions regarding many investments in which TPC or its affiliates also have an interest.
Although our Adviser has adopted a compliance program that includes conflicts of interest policies and procedures, as well as allocation policies and procedures, that are designed to mitigate the potential actual or perceived conflicts between us, on the one hand, and TPC and its affiliates, on the other hand, it may not eliminate all potential conflicts. TPC and its affiliates may have previously made investments in secured loans, together with, in many cases, attached equity "kickers" in the form of warrant investments, and direct equity investments in some of the same venture growth stage companies in which we expect to invest. In certain of these circumstances, we may have rights and privileges that give us priority over others associated with the issuer, such as TPC or its affiliates. These rights, if exercised, could have a detrimental impact on the value of the investment made by TPC or its affiliates in the issuer, and as a result and subject to the applicable provisions of the Advisers Act and the 1940 Act, our Adviser may not exercise the Company's rights if the Adviser believes TPC or its affiliates would be disadvantaged by the Company taking such action, even if it is in the best interests of our stockholders. In addition, our Adviser may be subject to a conflict in seeking to make an investment in an issuer in which TPC or its affiliates have already invested, and we may still choose to make such investment, where permissible, subject to the approval of a majority of our directors who have no financial interest in the investment and a majority of our independent directors. In such a scenario, our Adviser may be influenced to make an investment or take actions in order to protect the interests of TPC or its affiliates in the issuer.
Debt & Financing - Risk 11
Any unrealized losses we experience on our investment portfolio may be an indication of future realized losses, which could reduce our funds available for distribution and could have a material adverse effect on our ability to service our outstanding borrowings.
As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of our Board. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments are recorded as unrealized losses. Any unrealized losses in our investment portfolio could be an indication of a portfolio company's inability to meet its repayment obligations to us with respect to the affected investments. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions of our funds available for distribution in future periods and could materially and adversely affect our ability to service our outstanding borrowings.
Debt & Financing - Risk 12
Investments in secured loans to companies with foreign operations may involve significant risks in addition to the risks inherent in U.S. investments.
Our investment strategy contemplates making secured loans to companies with foreign operations. As of December 31, 2021, 26.0% of our portfolio at fair value consisted of companies not domiciled in the United States as they did not have their principal place of business in the United States, including investments in European companies. Investing in such companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies or U.S. companies with no foreign operations. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, intellectual property laws, political and social instability, limitations in our ability to perfect our security interests, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets and less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility. In addition, we expect that investing in such companies will expose us to higher administrative, legal and monitoring costs and expenses not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies or U.S. companies with no foreign operations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 13
We may expose ourselves to risks resulting from our use of interest rate hedging transactions.
As of December 31, 2021, 52.1% of our portfolio (at principal balance) had a floating interest rate indexed to the U.S. Prime rate ("Prime Rate"). The remaining 47.9% of our portfolio had a fixed interest rate. Our Credit Facility bears interest at a floating rate indexed to certain indices, including LIBOR and commercial paper rates. We may utilize instruments such as interest rate swaps, caps, collars and/or floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our fixed-rate portfolio positions and/or to hedge against the impact on our net investment income from changes in market interest rates. When we engage in interest rate hedging transactions, we may expose ourselves to risks associated with such transactions. We believe that any hedging transactions that we enter into in the future will not be considered "qualifying assets" under the 1940 Act, which may limit our hedging strategy more than other companies that are not subject to the 1940 Act. Our ability to engage in hedging transactions may also be adversely affected by rules adopted by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), unless our Adviser registers with CFTC as a commodity pool operator or obtains an exemption from such requirement. On February 18, 2020, our Adviser claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore, is not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under such Act. Hedging transactions do not eliminate the risks associated with possible interest rate fluctuations on the value of our investments. These risks include: (i) the possibility that the market will move in a manner or direction that would have resulted in gain for us had an interest rate hedging transaction not been utilized, in which case our performance would have been better had we not engaged in the interest rate hedging transaction; (ii) the risk of imperfect correlation between the risk sought to be hedged and the interest rate hedging transaction used; (iii) potential illiquidity for the hedging instrument used, which may make it difficult for us to close-out or unwind an interest rate hedging transaction; and (iv) the possibility that the counterparty fails to honor its obligation. Furthermore, it may not be possible to hedge against an interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the interest rate being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss.
Debt & Financing - Risk 14
We may suffer a loss if a portfolio company defaults on a loan, including the entire or partial loss of the accrued PIK interest, the end-of-term payment and/or OID, such as warrant investments and facility fees due to us. To the extent we invest in OID instruments, including PIK loans, zero coupon bonds, and debt securities with attached warrants, you will be exposed to certain risks associated with such investments.
Our debt-financing products generally offer a flexible payment and covenant structure to our portfolio companies that may not provide the same level of protection to us as more restrictive conditions that traditional lenders typically impose on borrowers. For example, our secured loans generally include an end-of-term payment, PIK interest payment and/or OID, such as warrant investments and facility fees. If a portfolio company fails to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders, the company may default on our loan which could potentially lead to termination of its loans and foreclosure on its assets. If a portfolio company defaults under our loan, this could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize such portfolio company's ability to meet its obligations under the loans or equity securities that we hold, including payment to us of the end-of-term payment, PIK interest payment and/or OID, such as warrant investments and facility fees. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial covenants, with a defaulting portfolio company. To the extent that we invest in OID instruments, including PIK loans, zero coupon bonds, and debt securities with attached warrants, investors will be exposed to the risks associated with the inclusion of such non-cash income in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash, including the following risks: - the interest payments deferred on a PIK loan are subject to the risk that the borrower may default when the deferred payments are due in cash at the maturity of the loan;- the interest rates on PIK loans are higher to reflect the time-value of money on deferred interest payments and the higher credit risk of borrowers who may need to defer interest payments;- PIK instruments may have unreliable valuations because the accruals require judgments about ultimate collectability of the deferred payments and the value of the associated collateral;- an election to defer PIK interest payments by adding them to principal increases our gross assets and, thus, increases future base management fees to the Adviser and, because interest payments will then be payable on a larger principal amount, the PIK election also increases the Adviser's future income incentive fees at a compounding rate;- market prices of OID instruments are more volatile because they are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes than instruments that pay interest periodically in cash;- the deferral of interest on a PIK loan increases its loan-to-value ratio, which is a measure of the riskiness of a loan;- OID creates the risk of non-refundable cash payments to the Adviser based on non-cash accruals that may never be realized;- for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be required to make distributions of OID income to shareholders without receiving any cash and such distributions have to be paid from offering proceeds or the sale of assets without investors being given any notice of this fact; and - the required recognition of OID, including PIK, interest for U.S. federal income tax purposes may have a negative impact on liquidity, because it represents a non-cash component of our taxable income that must, nevertheless, be distributed in cash to investors to avoid it being subject to U.S. federal corporate-level taxation.
Debt & Financing - Risk 15
Prepayments of our loans could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and our ability to make stockholder distributions, increase the risk of violating 1940 Act provisions applicable to BDCs and breaching covenants under our borrowing arrangements, and could result in a decline in the market price of our shares.
We are subject to the risk that the loans we make to our portfolio companies may be repaid prior to maturity. We expect that our investments will generally allow for repayment at any time subject to penalties in certain limited circumstances. When this occurs, we generally reinvest these proceeds in temporary investments, pending their future investment in accordance with our investment strategy. These temporary investments typically have substantially lower yields than the loan being prepaid and we could experience significant delays in reinvesting these amounts. Any future investment may also be at lower yields than the loan that was repaid. As a result, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected if one or more of our portfolio companies elect to prepay amounts owed to us. Prepayments could also negatively impact our ability to make, or the amount of, stockholder distributions with respect to our common stock, which could result in a decline in the market price of our shares. In addition, any such prepayments could materially increase the risk of failing to meet 1940 Act provisions applicable to BDCs, including the qualifying asset test, and increases the risk of breaching covenants under the Credit Facility and under the agreements governing our outstanding unsecured notes, or otherwise triggering an event of default under the relevant borrowing arrangement. These risks are increased to the extent that prepayment levels during a period increase unexpectedly.
Debt & Financing - Risk 16
Our portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies.
We invest a portion of our capital in loans that have a secured collateral position. Our portfolio companies may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt that is secured by and ranks equally with, or senior to, all or a portion of the collateral secured by the loans in which we invest. By their terms, such debt instruments may provide that the holders are entitled to receive payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments in respect of the loans in which we invest or are entitled to receive payment from the disposition of certain collateral or all collateral senior to us. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of debt instruments ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution in respect of our investment. After repaying senior creditors, a portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying its obligation to us. In the case of debt ranking equally with loans in which we invest, we would have to share any distributions on an equal and ratable basis with other creditors holding such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the portfolio company. The senior liens on the collateral secure the portfolio company's obligations under any outstanding senior debt and may secure certain other future debt that may be permitted to be incurred by the portfolio company under the agreements governing the loans. The holders of obligations secured by senior liens on the collateral generally control the liquidation of, and are entitled to receive proceeds from, any realization of the collateral to repay their obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of the collateral in the event of liquidation depends on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from sales of all of the collateral would be sufficient to satisfy the loan obligations secured by the senior liens after payment in full of all obligations secured by other liens on the collateral. If such proceeds were not sufficient to repay amounts outstanding under the loan obligations secured by other liens, then we, to the extent not repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the collateral, will only have an unsecured claim against the portfolio company's remaining assets, if any. The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing the loans we make to our portfolio companies with senior debt outstanding may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one or more intercreditor agreements that we enter into with the holders of such senior debt. Under a typical intercreditor agreement, at any time that obligations that have the benefit of the senior liens are outstanding, any of the following actions that may be taken in respect of the collateral will be at the direction of the holders of the obligations secured by the senior liens: - the ability to cause the commencement of enforcement proceedings against the collateral;- the ability to control the conduct of such proceedings;- the approval of amendments to collateral documents;- releases of liens on the collateral;- waivers of past defaults under collateral documents; and - we may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if our rights, including our security interest in the collateral, are materially and adversely affected.
Debt & Financing - Risk 17
The disposition of our investments may result in contingent liabilities.
A substantial majority of our investments are loans. In connection with the disposition of an investment in loans, we may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs of the portfolio company typical of those made in connection with the sale of a business. We may also be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment to the extent that any such representations turn out to be inaccurate or with respect to potential liabilities. These arrangements may result in contingent liabilities that ultimately result in funding obligations that we must satisfy through our return of distributions previously made to us.
Debt & Financing - Risk 18
Our equity related investments are highly speculative, and we may not realize gains from these investments.
When we make a secured loan, we generally acquire warrant investments in the portfolio company. From time to time we may also acquire equity participation rights in connection with an investment which will allow us, at our option, to participate in current or future rounds of equity financing through direct capital investments in our portfolio companies. In addition, we may be required to accrue OID which decreases the balance on our secured loans by an amount equal to the value of the warrant investment we receive in connection with the applicable secured loan over its lifetime. To the extent we hold these equity related investments, we attempt to dispose of them and realize gains upon our disposition of them. However, the equity related investments we receive and make may not appreciate in value or may decline in value. We also may be unable to realize any value if a portfolio company does not have a liquidity event, such as a sale of the business or public offering, or if the portfolio company defaults under its outstanding indebtedness, which could materially decrease the value of, or prevent us from being able to sell, the underlying equity related investment. As a result, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity related investments and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity related investment may not be sufficient to offset any other losses or OID we experience or accrue.
Debt & Financing - Risk 19
The valuation process for certain of our investments may create a conflict of interest.
For many of our investments, no market-based price quotation is available. As a result, our Board determines the fair value of these secured loans, warrant and equity investments in good faith as described above in "- Risks Relating to our Business and Structure-Our investment portfolio is recorded at fair value, with our Board having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, its estimate of fair value and, as a result, there is uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments, which may impact our net asset value." In connection with that determination, our Adviser's senior investment team provides our Board with valuation recommendations based upon the most recent and available information, which generally includes industry outlook, capitalization, financial statements and projected financial results of each portfolio company. Other than de minimis investments of less than 1% of our gross assets (up to an aggregate of 10% of our gross assets), the valuation for each investment is reviewed by an independent valuation firm annually and the ultimate determination of fair value is made by our Board, including our interested directors, and not by such independent valuation firm. The Board, however, may request at its discretion to have such de minimis investments valued by an independent valuation firm. In addition, Messrs. Labe and Srivastava, each an interested member of our Board, have a material pecuniary interest in our Adviser. The participation of our Adviser's senior investment team in our valuation process, and the pecuniary interest in our Adviser by certain members of our Board, could result in a conflict of interest as our Adviser's base management fee is based, in part, on the value of our average adjusted gross assets, and our Adviser's incentive fee is based, in part, on realized gains and realized and unrealized losses.
Debt & Financing - Risk 20
The Investment Advisory Agreement was not negotiated at arm's length and may not be as favorable to us as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party.
Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, our Adviser is responsible for sourcing, reviewing and structuring investment opportunities for us, underwriting and performing diligence of our investments and monitoring our investment portfolio on an ongoing basis. The Investment Advisory Agreement was negotiated between related parties. Consequently, its terms, including fees payable to our Adviser, may not be as favorable to us as if it had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third party. In addition, we may choose not to enforce, or to enforce less vigorously, our rights and remedies under the Investment Advisory Agreement because of our desire to maintain our ongoing relationship with our Adviser.
Debt & Financing - Risk 21
Our portfolio may lack diversification among portfolio companies which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these companies defaults on its obligations under any of its debt instruments.
Our portfolio consists of a limited number of portfolio companies. Beyond the asset diversification requirements associated with our qualification as a RIC under the Code and any concentration limitations we have agreed or may agree to as part of the Credit Facility or any future financing arrangement or other indebtedness, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and our investments may be concentrated in relatively few companies. As our portfolio may be less diversified than the portfolios of other investment vehicles, we may be more susceptible to failure if a single loan fails. Similarly, the aggregate returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of any one investment.
Debt & Financing - Risk 22
Our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows would be negatively affected if a significant portfolio investment fails to perform as expected.
Our total investment in an individual company may be significant. As a result, if a significant investment fails to perform as expected, it may be subject to multiple credit rating downgrades on our internal rating scale within a short period of time. As a result of such deterioration in the performance of a significant investment, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be more negatively affected and the magnitude of the loss could be more significant than if we had made smaller investments in more companies.
Debt & Financing - Risk 23
Some of our portfolio companies may need additional capital, which may not be readily available.
Venture growth stage companies may require additional equity financing if their cash flow from operating activities is insufficient to satisfy their continuing growth, working capital and other requirements. Each round of venture financing is typically intended to provide a venture capital-backed company with only enough capital to reach the next stage of development. We cannot predict the circumstances or market conditions under which our venture growth stage companies will seek additional capital. It is possible that one or more of our venture growth stage companies will not be able to raise additional financing or may be able to do so only at a price or on terms unfavorable to us, either of which would negatively impact our investment returns, the fair value of our portfolio and our ability to restructure our investments. Some of these companies may be unable to obtain sufficient financing from private investors, public or private capital markets or traditional lenders. This may have a significant impact if the companies are unable to obtain certain federal, state or foreign agency approval for their products or the marketing thereof, if regulatory review processes extend longer than anticipated and the companies need continued funding for their operations during these times. Accordingly, financing these types of companies may entail a higher risk of loss than would financing companies that are able to utilize traditional credit sources.
Debt & Financing - Risk 24
Unlike traditional lenders, we offer a flexible payment and covenant structure to our portfolio companies and may choose not to take advantage of certain opportunities due to our long-term investment philosophy to develop and maintain deep and longstanding relationships with TPC's select group of leading venture capital investors, borrowers and entrepreneurs and to preserve our reputation.
As part of the Four Rs, our core investment philosophy, we seek to develop and maintain deep and longstanding relationships with TPC's select group of leading venture capital investors, borrowers and entrepreneurs and to preserve our reputation. Accordingly, our debt-financing products generally offer borrowers a flexible payment and covenant structure that may not provide us with the same level of protection as more restrictive conditions that traditional lenders typically impose on borrowers. Furthermore, there may be situations with borrowers on our Credit Watch List where we believe that a member of TPC's select group of venture capital investors intends to, expresses their intent to, or provides subject to milestones or contingencies, continued support, assistance and/or financial commitment to the borrower and our Adviser, based on such representation, may determine to modify or waive a provision or term of our existing loan which we would otherwise be entitled to enforce. The terms of any such modification or waiver may not be as favorable to us as we could have required, or had the right to require, and we may choose to enforce less vigorously our rights and remedies under our loans than traditional lenders due to our investment philosophy to preserve our reputation and maintain a strong relationship with the applicable venture capital investor or borrower based on their representations made to us.
Debt & Financing - Risk 25
If the assets securing the loans that we make decrease in value, then we may lack sufficient collateral to cover losses.
We believe that our borrowers generally are able to repay our loans from their available capital, future capital-raising transactions or current and/or future cash flow from operations. However, to attempt to mitigate credit risks, we typically take a secured collateral position. There is a risk that the collateral securing our secured loans may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise, may be liquidated at a price lower than what we consider to be fair value and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of a borrower to raise additional capital. In some circumstances, other creditors have claims having priority over our senior lien. Although for certain borrowers, we may be the only form of secured debt (other than potentially specific equipment financing), other borrowers may also have other senior secured debt, such as revolving loans and/or term loans, having priority over our senior lien. At the time of underwriting our loans, we generally only consider growth capital loans for prospective borrowers with sufficient collateral that covers the value of our loan as well as the revolving and/or term loans that may have priority over our senior lien; however, there may be instances in which we have incorrectly estimated the current or future potential value of the underlying collateral or the underlying collateral value has decreased, in which case our ability to recover our investment may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, a substantial portion of the assets securing our investment may be in the form of intellectual property, inventory and equipment and, to a lesser extent, cash and accounts receivable. Intellectual property, if any, that is securing our loan could lose value if, among other things, the borrower's rights to the intellectual property are challenged or if the borrower's license to the intellectual property is revoked or expires. Inventory may not be adequate to secure our loan if our valuation of the inventory at the time that we made the loan was not accurate or if there is a reduction in the demand for the inventory. Similarly, any equipment securing our loan may not provide us with the anticipated security if there are changes in technology or advances in new equipment that render the particular equipment obsolete or of limited value, or if the borrower fails to adequately maintain or repair the equipment. The residual value of the equipment at the time we would take possession may not be sufficient to satisfy the outstanding debt and we could experience a loss on the disposition of the equipment. Any one or more of the preceding factors could materially impair our ability to recover our investment in a foreclosure.
Debt & Financing - Risk 26
We make debt investments in venture growth stage companies that generally do not have sufficient cash resources to repay our loan in full at the time of its origination.
We invest primarily in venture growth stage companies that generally do not have sufficient cash-on-hand to satisfy our loan in full at the time we originate the loan. Following our investment, these companies may be unable to successfully scale operations and increase revenue as we had anticipated at the time we made the investment. In certain circumstances, these companies may not be able to generate meaningful customer sales, commitments or orders due to unfavorable market conditions. As a result, the company may not generate sufficient cash flow to service our loan and/or the company's venture capital investors may no longer provide the company with meaningful invested equity capital to provide a debt financing cushion to our loan. As a consequence, the company may (i) request us to restructure our loan resulting in the delay of principal repayment, the reduction of fees and/or future interest rates and/or the possible loss of principal or (ii) experience bankruptcy, liquidation or similar financial distress. We may be unable to accommodate any such restructuring request due to the eligibility requirements under the Credit Facility or otherwise. The bankruptcy, liquidation and/or recovery process has a number of significant inherent risks for us as a creditor. Many events in a bankruptcy proceeding are the product of contested matters and adversarial proceedings and are beyond the control of the creditors. A bankruptcy filing by one of our portfolio companies may adversely and permanently affect our investment in that company. If the proceeding is converted to liquidation, the liquidation value of the company may not equal the fair value that was believed to exist at the time of our investment. The duration of a bankruptcy, liquidation and/or recovery proceeding is also difficult to predict, and a creditor's return on investment can be materially and adversely affected by delays until the plan of reorganization or liquidation ultimately becomes effective. The administrative costs in connection with a bankruptcy proceeding are frequently high and would be paid out of the debtor's estate prior to any return to creditors. Because the standards for classification of claims under bankruptcy law are vague, our influence with respect to the obligations we own may be lost by increases in the number and amount of claims or by different treatment. In the early stages of the bankruptcy process, it is often difficult to estimate the extent of, or even to identify, any contingent claims that might be made. In addition, certain claims that have priority by law (for example, claims for taxes) may be substantial.
Debt & Financing - Risk 27
There may be circumstances when our debt investments could be subordinated to claims of other creditors or we could be subject to lender liability claims.
Even though we structure many investments as secured loans, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, and based upon principles of equitable subordination as defined by existing case law, a bankruptcy court could subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors and transfer any lien securing such subordinated claim to the bankruptcy estate. The principles of equitable subordination defined by case law have generally indicated that a claim may be subordinated only if its holder is guilty of misconduct or where the senior loan is re-characterized as an equity investment and the senior lender has actually provided significant managerial assistance to the bankrupt debtor. We may also be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by us with respect to a borrower's business or instances where we exercise control over the borrower. It is possible that we could become subject to a lender's liability claim, including as a result of actions taken in rendering significant managerial assistance or actions to compel and collect payments from the borrower outside the ordinary course of business. Such risk of equitable subordination may be potentially heightened with respect to various portfolio investments that we may be deemed to control.
Debt & Financing - Risk 28
The lack of liquidity in our investments may materially and adversely affect our ability to meet our investment objectives.
The majority of our assets are invested in illiquid loans and a substantial portion of our investments in leveraged companies are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or are otherwise less liquid than more broadly traded public securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if the need arises. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we have previously recorded our investments. To the extent that we invest in equity or equity-linked securities of privately-held companies, there can be no assurances that a trading market will develop for the securities that we wish to liquidate, or that the subject companies will permit their shares to be sold through such marketplaces. A lack of initial public offering opportunities for venture capital-backed companies could lead to companies staying longer in our portfolio as private entities that continue to require private funding. This situation may adversely affect the amount of available funding for venture growth stage companies. A lack of initial public offering opportunities for venture capital-backed companies can also cause some venture capital firms to change their strategies, leading some of them to reduce funding of their portfolio companies and making it more difficult for such companies to access capital and to fulfill their potential, which can result in unrealized depreciation and realized losses in such companies by other companies such as ourselves who are co-investors in such companies. Even if a subject portfolio company completes an initial public offering, we are typically subject to lock-up provisions that prohibit us from selling our investments into the public market for specified periods of time after the initial public offering. As a result, the market price of securities that we hold may decline substantially before we are able to sell these securities following an initial public offering.
Debt & Financing - Risk 29
Terms relating to redemption may have a material adverse effect on the return on any debt securities that we may issue.
If debt securities are redeemable at our option, such as the 2025 Notes and 2026 Notes, we may choose to redeem debt securities at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on debt securities. In addition, if debt securities are subject to mandatory redemption, we may be required to redeem debt securities also at times when prevailing interest rates are lower than the interest rate paid on debt securities. In this circumstance, an investor may not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as the debt securities being redeemed. Subject to the terms of the governing agreements, we may redeem the 2025 Notes and/or the 2026 Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option at par plus accrued interest to the prepayment date and, if applicable, a make-whole premium. In addition, we are obligated to offer to prepay the 2025 Notes and the 2026 Notes at par plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the date of prepayment, if certain change in control events occur.
Debt & Financing - Risk 30
We may not be able to prepay the 2025 Notes or the 2026 Notes upon a change in control.
The agreements governing the 2025 Notes and the 2026 Notes require us to offer to prepay all of the issued and outstanding notes upon the occurrence of certain change in control events, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Upon a change in control event, holders of the 2025 Notes, 2026 Notes and any additional notes issued under the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement may require us to prepay for cash some or all of the notes at a prepayment price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes being prepaid, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of prepayment. If a change in control were to occur, we may not have sufficient funds to prepay any such accelerated indebtedness.
Debt & Financing - Risk 31
The 2025 Notes and 2026 Notes are unsecured and therefore are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we have currently incurred or may incur in the future.
The 2025 Notes and 2026 Notes are not secured by any of our assets or any of the assets of our subsidiaries and rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsubordinated, unsecured indebtedness. As a result, the 2025 Notes and 2026 Notes are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we or our subsidiaries have currently incurred and may incur in the future (or any indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which we subsequently grant security) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. In any liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or other similar proceeding, the holders of any of our existing or future secured indebtedness and the secured indebtedness of our subsidiaries may assert rights against the assets pledged to secure that indebtedness in order to receive full payment of their indebtedness before the assets may be used to pay other creditors, including the holders of the 2025 Notes and 2026 Notes.
Debt & Financing - Risk 32
The 2025 Notes and 2026 Notes are structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.
The 2025 Notes and 2026 Notes are obligations exclusively of TriplePoint Venture Growth BDC Corp. and not of any of our subsidiaries. None of our current subsidiaries is a guarantor of the 2025 Notes or the 2026 Notes, and the 2025 Notes and the 2026 Notes are generally not required to be guaranteed by any subsidiaries we may acquire or create in the future. Except to the extent we are a creditor with recognized claims against our subsidiaries, all claims of other creditors of our subsidiaries, including claims under the Credit Facility, have priority over our equity interests in such subsidiaries (and therefore over the claims of our creditors, including holders of the 2025 Notes and the 2026 Notes) with respect to the assets of such subsidiaries. Even if we are recognized as a creditor of one or more of our subsidiaries, our claims would still be effectively subordinated to any security interests in the assets of any such subsidiary and to any indebtedness or other liabilities of any such subsidiary senior to our claims, including under the Credit Facility. Consequently, the 2025 Notes and the 2026 Notes, as well as any additional notes issued under the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement, are or will be structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of any of our subsidiaries and any subsidiaries that we may in the future acquire or establish. In addition, our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, including under the Credit Facility or otherwise, all of which would be structurally senior to the 2025 Notes and the 2026 Notes.
Debt & Financing - Risk 33
A downgrade, suspension or withdrawal of the credit rating, if any, assigned by a rating agency to us or any of our outstanding unsecured notes, including the 2025 Notes and the 2026 Notes, or change in the debt markets could cause the liquidity or market value of our securities to decline significantly.
Our credit ratings are an assessment by rating agencies of our ability to pay our debts when due. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the value and trading prices, if any, of our outstanding unsecured notes, including the 2025 Notes and the 2026 Notes. These credit ratings may not reflect the potential impact of risks relating to the structure or marketing of the notes. Credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security, and may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the issuing organization in its sole discretion. We undertake no obligation to maintain our credit ratings or to advise any holders of our unsecured notes of any changes in our credit ratings, except as may be required under the terms of any applicable indenture or other governing document, including the Note Purchase Agreement. There can be no assurance that our credit ratings will remain for any given period of time or that such credit ratings will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by the rating agency if in their judgment future circumstances relating to the basis of the credit ratings, such as adverse changes in our business or operations, so warrant. Any downgrades to us or our securities could increase our cost of capital or otherwise have a negative effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In this regard, the fixed rate of the 2025 Notes and 2026 Notes and any additional notes that may be issued under the Note Purchase Agreement is subject to a 1.00% increase in the event that a Below Investment Grade Event (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement, including as modified by the First Supplement) occurs, which risk is increased as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conditions of the financial markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future, which could have an adverse effect on the market prices and value of our unsecured notes.
Corporate Activity and Growth7 | 8.0%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Our portfolio companies may have limited operating histories and financial resources.
Our portfolio consists of investments in companies that have relatively limited operating histories. Generally, very little public information exists about these companies, and we are required to rely on the ability of our Adviser to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. If we are unable to uncover all material information about these companies, we may not make a fully informed investment decision, and we may lose money on our investments. These companies may be particularly vulnerable to U.S. and foreign economic downturns such as the recent recession and may have limited access to capital. These businesses also frequently have less diverse product lines and a smaller market presence than larger competitors and may experience substantial variations in operating results. They may face intense competition, including from companies with greater financial, technical, operational and marketing resources, and typically depend upon the expertise and experience of a single individual executive or a small management team. Our success depends, in large part, upon the abilities of the key management personnel of our portfolio companies, who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of our portfolio companies. Competition for qualified personnel is intense at any stage of a company's development. The loss of one or more key managers can hinder or delay a company's implementation of its business plan and harm its financial condition. Our portfolio companies may not be able to attract and retain qualified managers and personnel. Any inability to do so may negatively affect our investment returns. In addition, our existing and future portfolio companies may compete with each other for investment or business opportunities and the success of one could negatively impact the other. Furthermore, some of our portfolio companies do business in regulated industries and could be affected by changes in government regulation. Accordingly, these factors could impair their cash flow or result in other events, such as bankruptcy, which could limit their ability to repay their obligations to us, and may materially and adversely affect the return on, or the recovery of, our investment. As a result, we may lose our entire investment in any or all of our portfolio companies.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Our existing and/or future portfolio companies may not draw on any of our unfunded obligations or may draw our outstanding unfunded obligations at a time when our capital is not readily available.
A commitment to extend credit is a formal agreement to lend funds to our portfolio companies as long as there is no violation of any condition established under the agreement. The actual borrowing needs of our portfolio companies under these commitments have historically been lower than the contractual amount of the commitments. A portion of these commitments expire without being drawn upon, and as such, the total amount of unfunded commitments does not reflect our expected future cash funding requirements. As of December 31, 2021, our unfunded obligations to 22 portfolio companies totaled $191.7 million. Our credit agreements generally contain customary lending provisions that allow us relief from funding obligations for previously made commitments in instances where the underlying company experiences material adverse events that affect the financial condition or business outlook for the company. We cannot assure you that any of these unfunded commitments or any future obligations will be drawn by the venture growth stage companies. We have also entered into commitments with certain portfolio companies that permit an increase in the commitment amount in the future in the event that conditions to such increases are met. If such conditions to increase are met, these amounts may become unfunded commitments if not drawn prior to expiration. As of December 31, 2021, we did not have any backlog of potential future commitments. The actual borrowing needs of our portfolio companies may exceed our expected funding requirements, especially during a challenging economic environment when our portfolio companies may be more dependent on our credit commitments due to the lack of available credit elsewhere, an increasing cost of credit or the limited availability of financing from venture capital firms. In addition, investors in some of our portfolio companies may fail to meet their underlying investment commitments due to liquidity or other financing issues, which may increase our portfolio companies' borrowing needs. Any failure to meet our unfunded credit commitments in accordance with the actual borrowing needs of our portfolio companies may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We intend to use cash flow from normal and early principal repayments, indebtedness, any proceeds from any subsequent equity or debt offerings, and available cash to fund our outstanding unfunded obligations. However, there can be no assurance that we will have sufficient capital available to fund these commitments as they come due. We may rely on assumptions, estimates, assurances and other information related to potential non-utilization of unfunded commitments by our portfolio companies as well as related to potential exit events, principal prepayments, and fee payments. To the extent these assumptions, estimates, assurances and other information are incorrect or events are delayed, we may not be able to fund commitments as they come due. To the extent we are not able to fund commitments as they come due, we may be forced to sell assets, modify the terms of our commitments or default on our commitments, and as a result, our business could be materially and adversely affected.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
Our investment strategy includes a primary focus on venture growth stage companies, which are subject to many risks, including dependence on the need to raise additional capital, volatility, intense competition, shortened product life cycles, changes in regulatory and governmental programs, periodic downturns, and below investment grade ratings, which could cause you to lose all or part of your investment in us.
We invest primarily in venture growth stage companies, many of which may have narrow product lines and small market shares, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors' actions and market conditions, as well as to general economic downturns, compared to more mature companies. The revenues, income (or losses), and projected financial performance and valuations of venture growth stage companies can and often do fluctuate suddenly and dramatically. For these reasons, investments in our portfolio companies, if rated by one or more ratings agency, would typically be rated below "investment grade," which refers to securities rated by ratings agencies below the four highest rating categories. Our target venture growth stage companies may be geographically concentrated and are therefore highly susceptible to materially negative local, political, natural and economic events. In addition, high growth industries are generally characterized by abrupt business cycles and intense competition. Overcapacity in high growth industries, together with cyclical economic downturns, may result in substantial decreases in the value of many venture growth stage companies and/or their ability to meet their current and projected financial performance to service our debt. Furthermore, venture growth stage companies also typically rely on venture capital and private equity investors, or initial public offerings, or sales for additional capital. Venture capital firms in turn rely on their limited partners to pay in capital over time in order to fund their ongoing and future investment activities. To the extent that venture capital firms' limited partners are unable or choose not to fulfill their ongoing funding obligations, the venture capital firms may be unable to continue operationally and/or financially supporting the ongoing operations of our portfolio companies, which could have a material adverse impact on our financing arrangement with the portfolio company. These companies, their industries, their products and customer demand and the outlook and competitive landscape for their industries are all subject to change, which could have a material adverse impact on their ability to execute their business plans and generate cash flow or raise additional capital that would serve as the basis for repayment of our loans. Therefore, the venture growth stage companies in which we invest may face considerably more risk of loss than do companies at other stages of development.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
There are conflicts related to our arrangements with TPC and our Administrator.
We have entered into the License Agreement with TPC under which TPC granted us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the name "TriplePoint" and the TriplePoint logo. We have also entered into the Administration Agreement with our Administrator pursuant to which we are required to pay our Administrator an amount equal to the allocable portion of our Administrator's overhead resulting from its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent and the allocable portion of the cost of our Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Financial Officer and their respective staffs. This creates conflicts of interest that our Board will monitor. For example, under the terms of the License Agreement, we are unable to preclude TPC from licensing or transferring the ownership of the "TriplePoint" name to third parties, some of which may compete against us. Consequently, we are unable to prevent any damage to goodwill that may occur as a result of the activities of TPC or others. Furthermore, in the event the License Agreement is terminated, we will be required to change our name and cease using "TriplePoint" as part of our name. Any of these events could disrupt our recognition in the market place, damage any goodwill we may have generated and otherwise harm our business.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5
Our failure to make protective or follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our portfolio.
Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, we may make additional investments in that portfolio company as "protective" and/or "follow-on" investments, in order to attempt to preserve or enhance the value of our initial investment. We may elect not to make follow-on investments or otherwise lack sufficient funds to make those investments. We have the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources. The failure to make follow-on investments may, in some circumstances, jeopardize the continued viability of a portfolio company, result in a diminished current value or impair the ability or likelihood for a full recovery of the value of our initial investment, or may result in a missed opportunity for us to increase our participation in a successful operation. Even if we have sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, we may elect not to make a follow-on investment because we do not want to increase our concentration of risk, we prefer other opportunities, we are subject to BDC requirements that would prevent such follow-on investments or the follow-on investment would affect our qualification as a RIC.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 6
If we are unable to manage our growth, our results of operations could suffer.
Rapid growth of our portfolio would require expanded portfolio monitoring, increased personnel, expanded operational and financial systems and new and expanded control procedures. Our Adviser may be unable to attract sufficient qualified personnel or successfully manage expanded operations. As our portfolio expands, we may periodically experience constraints that would adversely affect our Adviser's ability to identify and capitalize on investment opportunities, conduct a thorough and efficient diligence and credit analysis, close financing transactions in a timely fashion and/or effectively monitor our portfolio companies. Failure to manage growth effectively could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 7
Our business model depends, in part, upon TPC's relationships with a select group of leading venture capital investors. Any inability of TPC to maintain or develop these relationships, or the failure of these relationships to result in referrals of investment opportunities for us, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We depend, in part, upon TPC to maintain industry relationships, including with a select group of leading venture capital investors, and we utilize these relationships to source and identify potential investment opportunities, although this group of leading venture capital investors, which may be modified from time to time, is not obligated to provide us with referrals for investment opportunities. If TPC fails to maintain or develop such relationships, or if we fall out of favor with such venture capital investors, it could decrease our access to these investors or their support and we may not be able to grow our investment portfolio. We can offer no assurance that these relationships will result in any investment opportunities for us in the future. In addition, any harm to the reputation of TPC and/or its select group of leading venture capital investors or their relationships could decrease our deal flow and the outlook of our investments which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 11/87 (13%)Below Sector Average
Regulation7 | 8.0%
Regulation - Risk 1
Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates and to make investments in venture growth stage companies along with our affiliates is restricted by the 1940 Act which may limit the scope of investment opportunities available to us.
We are prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our independent directors and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities will be our affiliate for purposes of the 1940 Act. In addition, any venture growth stage company in which TPC or its affiliates own 5% or more of its outstanding voting securities will be our affiliate for purposes of the 1940 Act. We are generally prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to such affiliate without the prior approval of our independent directors and, in certain cases, the SEC. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain "joint" transactions with certain of our affiliates, which could include concurrent investments in the same company, without prior approval of our independent directors and, in some cases, the SEC. We are prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to any person that controls us or who owns more than 25% of our voting securities and certain of that person's affiliates, or entering into prohibited joint transactions with such persons, absent the prior approval of the SEC. As a result of these restrictions, we may be prohibited from (i) buying or selling any security (other than any security of which we are the issuer) from or to any company that is advised or managed by TPC or our Adviser or any of their affiliates or in which TPC or our Adviser or any of their affiliates hold an interest or (ii) modifying any security that we hold in a company in which TPC or our Adviser or any of their affiliates also hold an interest without the prior approval of the SEC, which may limit our ability to take any action with respect to an existing investment or potential investment regardless of whether we conclude that the action may be in the best interest of our stockholders. Our investment strategy includes investments in secured loans to companies, together with, in many cases, attached equity "kickers" in the form of warrant investments, and direct equity investments. TPC and the Adviser also manage, and in the future may manage, other investment funds, accounts or vehicles that invest or may invest in companies and investments similar to those in our investment portfolio. Although we were formed to expand the venture growth stage business segment of TPC's investment platform, subject to its allocation policy and applicable law, other vehicles sponsored or managed by our Adviser's senior investment team also invest in venture growth stage companies or may have prior investments outstanding to potential borrowers. As a result, members of our Adviser's senior investment team and the Investment Committee, in their roles at TPC, may face conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities among us and other investment vehicles managed by TPC with similar or overlapping investment objectives. Generally, when a particular investment would be appropriate for us as well as one or more other investment funds, accounts or vehicles managed by our Adviser's senior investment team, such investment will be apportioned by our Adviser's senior investment team in accordance with (1) our Adviser's internal conflict of interest and allocation policies, (2) the requirements of the Advisers Act and (3) certain restrictions under the 1940 Act regarding co-investments with affiliates. Co-investment opportunities will be allocated amongst us, TPC and/or investment funds, accounts and vehicles managed by the Adviser or its affiliates: (1) consistent with both the Adviser's allocation policies and procedures and the conditions of the Exemptive Order, as applicable; and (2) in a manner reasonably designed to ensure that investment opportunities are allocated fairly and equitably over time. Such apportionment may not be strictly pro rata, depending on the good faith determination of all relevant factors, including, without limitation, differing investment objectives, amount of capital available for each potential investing entity, diversification considerations, regulatory restrictions and the terms of our or the respective governing documents of such investment funds, accounts or investment vehicles. These procedures could, in certain circumstances, limit whether or not a co-investment opportunity is available to us, the timing of acquisitions and dispositions of investments, the price paid or received by us for investments or the size of the investment purchased or sold by us. We may co-invest with TPC and/or investment funds, accounts and vehicles managed by TPC or its affiliates where doing so is consistent with our investment strategy as well as applicable law and SEC staff interpretations. We generally are only permitted to co-invest with TPC and/or such investment funds, accounts and vehicles where the only term that is negotiated is price. However, on March 28, 2018 we, TPC and our Adviser received the Exemptive Order from the SEC, which permits greater flexibility to negotiate the terms of co-investments with TPC and/or investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles managed by TPC or its affiliates in a manner consistent with our investment objective, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements and other pertinent factors. Pursuant to the Exemptive Order, we are permitted to co-invest with our affiliates if, among other things, a "required majority" (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of our independent directors make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including, but not limited to, that (1) the terms of the potential co-investment transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to us and our stockholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of us or our stockholders on the part of any person concerned, and (2) the potential co-investment transaction is consistent with the interests of our stockholders and is consistent with our then-current investment objective and strategies.
Regulation - Risk 2
Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we, raise additional capital. As a BDC, the necessity of raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage. The net asset value per share of our common stock may be diluted if we issue or sell securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock.
We may issue debt securities or preferred stock and/or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to collectively as "senior securities," up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted as a BDC to issue senior securities in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 150% (i.e., the amount of debt may not exceed 662/3% of the value of our assets) after each issuance of senior securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous to us in order to repay a portion of our indebtedness. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our common stockholders. To the extent we have senior securities outstanding, we will be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss. We are not generally able to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock at a price below then-current net asset value per share of our common stock if our Board determines that such sale is in our best interests, and if our stockholders approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our Board, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any distributing commission or discount). If we raise additional funds by issuing common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, then the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time will decrease and you may experience dilution. In addition, at our 2018 Annual Stockholders Meeting, our stockholders authorized our ability to issue options, warrants or rights to subscribe to, convert to, or purchase shares of our common stock, which may include convertible preferred stock and convertible debentures, under appropriate circumstances in connection with our capital raising and financing activities, subject to applicable restrictions under the 1940 Act (including, without limitation, that at the date of issuance of the options, warrants or rights, (i) the number of shares that would result from the exercise or conversion of all of the Company's options, warrants or rights to subscribe to, convert to, or purchase our common stock does not exceed 25% of our then-outstanding shares, and (2) the exercise or conversion price thereof is not less than the market value per share of our common stock). Such authorization has no expiration. We may also use newly issued shares to implement our dividend reinvestment plan, whether our shares are trading at a premium or at a discount to our then-current net asset value per share. Any decision to issue or sell securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock would be subject to the determination by our board of directors that such issuance or sale is in our and our stockholders' best interests. If we issue warrants or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock, subject to certain limitations, the exercise or conversion price per share at the time of exercise or conversion could be less than the net asset value per share of our common stock at the time of exercise or conversion, and because we would incur expenses in connection with any such issuance of options, warrants or convertible debt, such exercise or conversion could result in a dilution of net asset value per share of our common stock at the time of such exercise. Any exercise of options, warrants or securities to subscribe for or convertible into shares of our common stock at an exercise or conversion price that is below net asset value at the time of such exercise or conversion, would result in an immediate dilution to our then-existing common stockholders. This dilution would include reduction in net asset value as a result of the proportionately greater decrease in a stockholder's interest in our earnings and assets and voting interests in us than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance.
Regulation - Risk 3
Previously enacted legislation allows us to incur additional leverage.
The 1940 Act generally prohibits us from incurring indebtedness unless immediately after such borrowing we have an asset coverage for total borrowings of at least 200% (i.e., the amount of debt may not exceed 50% of the value of our assets). However, the SBCAA, signed into law in March 2018, modified the 1940 Act by allowing a BDC to increase the maximum amount of leverage it may incur by lowering the required asset coverage ratio of 200% to an asset coverage ratio of 150% (i.e., the amount of debt may not exceed 662/3% of the value of our assets), if certain requirements are met. On April 24, 2018, the Board unanimously approved the application of the modified asset coverage requirements set forth in Section 61(a) of 1940 Act. In addition, at a special meeting of stockholders held on June 21, 2018, our stockholders approved the application of the 150% minimum asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act, and we became subject to the 150% minimum asset coverage ratio effective June 22, 2018. Thus, we are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of debt and one class of stock senior to our common stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 150% immediately after each such issuance. As of December 31, 2021, the Company's asset coverage for borrowed amounts was 192%.
Regulation - Risk 4
A failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC may significantly reduce our operating flexibility.
If we fail to maintain our status as a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company that is required to register under the 1940 Act, which would subject us to additional regulatory restrictions and significantly decrease our operating flexibility. In addition, any such failure could cause an event of default under our outstanding indebtedness, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 5
Our investments in the life sciences industry are subject to extensive government regulation, litigation risk and certain other risks particular to that industry.
We have invested and plan to continue investing in venture growth stage companies in the life sciences industry that are subject to extensive regulation by the Food and Drug Administration and, to a lesser extent, federal, state and other foreign agencies. If any of these companies fail to comply with applicable regulations, they could be subject to significant penalties and claims that could materially and adversely affect their operations. In addition, governmental budgetary constraints affecting the regulatory approval process, new laws, regulations or judicial interpretations of existing laws and regulations might materially and adversely affect a company in this industry. Venture growth stage companies in the life sciences industry may also have a limited number of suppliers of necessary components or a limited number of manufacturers for their products, and therefore face a risk of disruption to their manufacturing process if they are unable to find alternative suppliers when needed. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the operations of a company in this industry and, in turn, impair our ability to timely collect principal and interest payments owed to us.
Regulation - Risk 6
Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations may adversely affect our business or cause us to alter our business strategy.
We and our portfolio companies are subject to regulation by laws and regulations at the local, state, federal and, in some cases, foreign levels. These laws and regulations, as well as their interpretation, may be changed from time to time, and new laws and regulations may be enacted. Accordingly, any change in these laws or regulations, changes in their interpretation, or newly enacted laws or regulations could require changes to certain business practices of us or our portfolio companies, negatively impact the operations, cash flows or financial condition of us or our portfolio companies, impose additional costs on us or our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies. Additionally, changes to the laws and regulations governing our operations related to permitted investments may cause us to alter our investment strategy in order to avail ourselves of new or different opportunities. Such changes could result in material differences to the strategies and plans set forth herein and may shift our investment focus to other types of investments in which our Adviser's senior investment team may have little or no expertise or experience. Any such changes, if they occur, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Regulation - Risk 7
Changes to U.S. tariff and import/export regulations may have a negative effect on our portfolio companies and, in turn, harm us.
There has been ongoing discussion and commentary regarding potential significant changes to U.S. trade policies, treaties and tariffs, creating significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and other countries with respect to trade policies, treaties and tariffs. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between the impacted nations and the United States. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our portfolio companies' access to suppliers or customers and have a material adverse effect on their business, financial condition and results of operations, which in turn would negatively impact us.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 1.1%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Our Adviser's liability is limited under the Investment Advisory Agreement and we have agreed to indemnify our Adviser against certain liabilities, which may lead our Adviser to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, our Adviser has not assumed any responsibility to us other than to render the services called for under that agreement. It is not responsible for any action of our Board in following or declining to follow our Adviser's advice or recommendations. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, our Adviser and its professionals and any person controlling or controlled by our Adviser are not liable to us, any subsidiary of ours, our directors, our stockholders or any subsidiary's stockholders or partners for acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, except those resulting from acts constituting criminal conduct, gross negligence, willful misfeasance, bad faith or reckless disregard of the duties that our Adviser owes to us under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In addition, as part of the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to indemnify our Adviser and its professionals from and against any claims or liabilities, including reasonable legal fees and other expenses reasonably incurred, arising out of or in connection with our business and operations or any action taken or omitted on our behalf pursuant to authority granted by the Investment Advisory Agreement, except where attributable to criminal conduct, willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of the Adviser's or such person's duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of the Adviser's duties and obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement. These protections may lead our Adviser to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.
Taxation & Government Incentives3 | 3.4%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
We will be subject to corporate-level income tax and may default under our current or future borrowing arrangements if we are unable to qualify or maintain our qualification and tax treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.
To qualify for tax treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, we must meet certain source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution requirements. The distribution requirement for a RIC generally is satisfied if we distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses, if any, to our stockholders on an annual basis. Because we incur debt, we are subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level income tax and default under applicable covenants under any financing arrangements. To qualify as a RIC, we must also meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each calendar quarter. Failure to meet these tests may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of our qualification as a RIC. Because most of our investments are in private companies, any such dispositions may be made at disadvantageous prices and may result in substantial losses. If we fail to qualify as a RIC for any reason and become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate income taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of funds available for distributions to our stockholders and the amount of funds available for new investments.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2
Our incentive fee may induce our Adviser to pursue speculative investments and to use leverage when it may be unwise to do so.
The incentive fee payable by us to our Adviser may create an incentive for our Adviser to make investments on our behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The way in which the incentive fee payable to our Adviser is determined, which is calculated separately in two components as a percentage of the interest and other investment income in excess of a quarterly minimum hurdle rate and as a percentage of the realized gain on invested capital, may encourage our Adviser to use leverage or take additional risk to increase the return on our investments. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would disfavor the holders of our common stock or of securities convertible into our common stock or warrant investments representing rights to purchase our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock. In addition, our Adviser receives the incentive fee based, in part, upon net capital gains realized on our investments. Unlike the portion of the incentive fee based on investment income, there is no minimum level of gain applicable to the portion of the incentive fee based on net capital gains. As a result, our Adviser may have an incentive to invest more in investments that are likely to result in capital gains as compared to income producing securities or to advance or delay realizing a gain in order to enhance its incentive fee. This practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns. A rise in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead to higher interest rates applicable to certain of our debt investments and may accordingly result in a substantial increase of the amount of incentive fees payable to our Adviser with respect to our pre-incentive fee net investment income.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 3
We may pay our Adviser an incentive fee on certain investments that include a deferred interest feature.
We underwrite our loans to generally include an end-of-term payment, a PIK interest payment and/or OID. Our end-of-term payments are contractual and fixed interest payments due at the maturity date of the loan, including upon prepayment, and are generally a fixed percentage of the original principal balance of the loan. The portion of our end-of-term payments which equal the difference between our yield-to-maturity and the stated interest rate on the loan are recognized as non-cash income or OID until they are paid. In addition, in connection with our equity related investments, we may be required to accrue OID which decreases the balance on our secured loans by an amount equal to the value of the warrant investment we receive in connection with the applicable secured loan over its lifetime. Under these types of investments, we accrue interest during the life of the loan on the end-of-term payment, PIK interest payment and/or OID but do not receive the cash income from the investment until the end of the term. However, our pre-incentive fee net investment income, which is used to calculate the income portion of our incentive fee, includes accrued interest. Thus, a portion of this incentive fee is based on income that we have not yet received in cash, such as an end-of-term payment, a PIK interest payment and/or OID.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 7/87 (8%)Below Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment4 | 4.6%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
Deterioration in the economy and financial markets increases the likelihood of adverse effects on our financial position and results of operations. Such economic adversity could impair our portfolio companies' financial positions and operating results and affect the industries in which we invest, which could, in turn, harm our operating results.
The broader fundamentals of the United States economy remain mixed. In the event that the United States economy contracts, it is likely that the financial results of venture growth stage companies, like those in which we invest, could experience deterioration or limited growth from current levels, which could ultimately lead to difficulty in meeting their debt service requirements and an increase in defaults. Consequently, we can provide no assurance that the performance of certain portfolio companies will not be negatively impacted by economic cycles, industry cycles or other conditions, which could also have a negative impact on our future results. Although we have been able to secure access to additional liquidity, including through the Credit Facility, public and private debt issuances and equity offerings, the potential for volatility in the debt and equity capital markets provides no assurance that debt or equity capital will be available to us in the future on favorable terms, or at all. Further, if the price of our common stock falls below our net asset value per share, we will be limited in our ability to sell new shares if we do not have stockholder authorization to sell shares at a price below net asset value per share. We did not seek stockholder authorization to sell shares of our common stock below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock at our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders and do not intend to seek such authorization at our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Worldwide economic conditions, economic recessions or downturns, as well as political and economic conditions, could impair our venture growth stage companies and harm our operating results.
The business and operating results of our venture growth stage companies may be impacted by worldwide economic conditions. Any conflict or uncertainty, including due to regulatory changes, natural disasters, public health concerns, political unrest or safety concerns, could harm their financial condition and results of operations and cash flows. In addition, if the government of any country in which products are developed, manufactured or sold sets technical or regulatory standards for products developed or manufactured in or imported into their country that are not widely shared, it may lead some of their customers to suspend imports of their products into that country, require manufacturers or developers in that country to manufacture or develop products with different technical or regulatory standards and disrupt cross-border manufacturing, marketing or business relationships which, in each case, could harm the business of our venture growth stage company investments. Many of the venture growth stage companies in which we make investments are susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay our secured loans during such periods. Adverse economic conditions may decrease the value of collateral securing some of our secured loans. Economic slowdowns or recessions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in revenues, net income and assets. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could prevent us from increasing our investments and materially and adversely impact our financial condition, result of operations and cash flows.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3
We are currently operating in a period of capital markets disruption and economic uncertainty.
The U.S. capital markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption following the global outbreak of COVID-19. Disruptions in the capital markets in the past have increased the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. These and future market disruptions and/or illiquidity would be expected to have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Unfavorable economic conditions also would be expected to increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders, including existing lenders, not to extend credit to us or renew or expand existing credit facilities. These events have limited and could continue to limit our investment originations, limit our ability to grow and have a material negative impact on our operating results and the fair values of our debt and equity investments.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 4
Global capital markets could enter a period of severe disruption and instability or an economic recession. These conditions have historically affected and could again materially and adversely affect debt and equity capital markets in the United States and around the world and could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.
The U.S. and global capital markets have, from time to time, experienced periods of disruption characterized by the freezing of available credit, a lack of liquidity in the debt capital markets, significant losses in the principal value of investments, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market, the failure of major financial institutions and general volatility in the financial markets. During these periods of disruption, general economic conditions deteriorated with material adverse consequences for the broader financial and credit markets, and the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole, and financial services firms in particular, was reduced significantly. These conditions may reoccur for a prolonged period of time or materially worsen in the future. Increases to budget deficits or direct and contingent sovereign debt may create concerns about the ability of certain nations to service their sovereign debt obligations, and risks resulting from any current or future debt crisis in Europe, the United States or elsewhere could have a detrimental impact on the global economy and the financial condition of financial institutions generally. The global capital markets have experienced periods of instability over the past several years. These market and economic disruptions, the potential trade war with China and the impact of public health epidemics may have a material adverse impact on the ability of our portfolio companies to fulfill their end customers' orders due to supply chain delays, limited access to key commodities or technologies or other events that impact their manufacturers or their suppliers. Such events have affected, and may in the future affect, the global and U.S. capital markets, and our business, financial condition or results of operations. The United Kingdom (the "UK") formally left the European Union (the "EU") on January 31, 2020 (commonly known as "Brexit"), followed by an implementation period, during which EU law continued to apply in the UK and the UK maintained its EU single market access rights and EU customs union membership. The implementation period expired on December 31, 2020. Consequently, the UK has become a third country vis-à-vis the EU, without access to the single market or membership of the EU customs union. During the implementation period, on December 30, 2020, the UK and the EU signed a trade and cooperation agreement (the "TCA") to govern their ongoing relationship. The TCA was officially ratified by the UK Parliament on December 30, 2020, and was ratified by the EU Parliament and Council on April 27, 2021. It is anticipated that further details of the relationship between the UK and the EU will continue to be negotiated even after formal ratification of the TCA. Over time, UK regulated firms and other UK businesses may be adversely affected by the terms of the TCA (assuming it is formally ratified by the EU), as compared with the position prior to the expiration of the implementation period on December 31, 2020. For example, the TCA introduces new customs checks, as well as new restrictions on the provision of cross-border services and on the free movement of employees. These changes have the potential to materially impair the profitability of a business, and to require it to adapt or even relocate. Although it is probable that any adverse effects flowing from the UK's withdrawal from the EU will principally affect the UK (and those having an economic interest in, or connected to, the UK), given the size and global significance of the UK's economy, the impact of the withdrawal is unpredictable and likely to be an ongoing source of instability, produce significant currency fluctuations, and/or have other adverse effects on international markets, international trade agreements and/or other existing cross-border cooperation arrangements (whether economic, tax, fiscal, legal, regulatory or otherwise). The withdrawal of the UK from the EU could therefore adversely affect us. In addition, although it seems less likely following the expiration of the transition period than at the time of the UK's referendum, the withdrawal of the UK from the EU could have a further destabilizing effect if any other member states were to consider withdrawing from the EU, presenting similar and/or additional potential risks and consequences to our business and financial results. The current global financial market situation, global supply-chain disruptions and various social and political circumstances in the U.S. and around the world (including wars and other forms of conflict, terrorist acts, security operations and catastrophic events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and global health epidemics), may contribute to increased market volatility and economic uncertainties or deterioration in the U.S. and worldwide. These factors could cause interest rates to be volatile, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt and equity capital markets on favorable terms and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Unfavorable economic conditions, including future recessions, also could increase our funding costs or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. Market conditions may in the future make it difficult to extend the maturity of or refinance our existing indebtedness, including the Credit Facility and our outstanding unsecured notes and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business. If we are unable to raise or refinance debt, then our equity investors may not benefit from the potential for increased returns on equity resulting from leverage and we may be limited in our ability to make new commitments or to fund existing commitments to our portfolio companies. In addition, the illiquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to sell such investments if required. As a result, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we have recorded our investments.
Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 2.3%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Events outside of our control, including relating to public health crises, supply-chain disruptions, geopolitical conflicts, including acts of war, and inflation, could negatively affect our portfolio companies' and our results of operations and financial condition, as well as the amount or frequency of our distributions to stockholders.
Periods of market volatility have occurred and could continue to occur in response to pandemics or other events outside of our control. These types of events have adversely affected, and could continue to adversely affect, operating results for us and for our portfolio companies. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to, and for an unknown period of time will continue to lead to, disruptions in local, regional, national and global markets and economies affected thereby, including the United States. With respect to U.S. and global credit markets and the economy in general, this outbreak has resulted in, and until fully resolved is likely to continue to result in, the following (among other things): (i) restrictions on travel and the temporary closure of many corporate offices, retail stores, and manufacturing facilities and factories, resulting in significant disruption to the business of many companies, including supply chains and demand, as well as layoffs of employees; (ii) increased draws by borrowers on lines of credit; (iii) increased requests by borrowers for amendments or waivers of their credit agreements to avoid default, increased defaults by borrowers and/or increased difficulty in obtaining refinancing; (iv) volatility in credit markets, including greater volatility in pricing and spreads; and (v) evolving proposals and actions by state and federal governments to address the problems being experienced by markets, businesses and the economy in general, which may not adequately address the problems being facing such persons. The pandemic is having, and any future continuation of the pandemic could have, an adverse impact on the markets and the economy in general. Although it is impossible to predict the precise nature and consequences of these events, or of any political or policy decisions and regulatory changes occasioned by emerging events or uncertainty on applicable laws or regulations that impact us and our portfolio companies and investments, it is clear that these types of events are impacting and will, for at least some time, continue to impact us and our portfolio companies; in many instances the impact will be adverse and material. Any potential impact to our results of operations will depend to a large extent on future developments and new information that could emerge regarding the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken by authorities and other entities to contain the spread or treat its impact, all of which are beyond our control. These potential impacts, while uncertain, could adversely affect our and our portfolio companies' operating results and financial condition. The COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty regarding the extent and duration of its impact has had a material adverse impact on the venture capital fundraising environment, including with respect to the venture growth stage companies in which we invest. Our portfolio companies generally require additional equity financing every twelve to twenty-four months. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased risk that one or more of our venture growth stage portfolio companies will not be able to raise additional financing or may be able to do so only at a price or on terms unfavorable to us, which risk may be amplified with respect to portfolio companies that have already taken steps to reduce or modify business operations or are operating in industries that are, or are perceived to be, more adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Such events would likely have a negative impact our investment returns, the fair value of our investment and our ability to restructure such investment on favorable terms if such portfolio company's cash flow from operating activities is insufficient to satisfy its continuing growth, working capital and other requirements or if such portfolio company is otherwise unable to access the benefits of one of the U.S. federal government stimulus programs that may be made available or meet the performance requirements necessary to forgive all or a portion of any loans made to it thereunder, as applicable. In addition, as a result of the financial stress caused by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, other investors in our portfolio companies may be unable to, or may choose not to, fulfill their ongoing funding obligations with respect to certain of our portfolio companies, may be unable to continue supporting the ongoing operations of our portfolio companies operationally and/or financially, or may seek to restructure or otherwise modify their existing investments in our portfolio companies in a manner that is detrimental to our investment, which could have a material adverse impact on our financing arrangement with the portfolio company and on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we intend to use cash and cash equivalents on hand, our available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, our anticipated cash flows from operations, including from contractual monthly portfolio company payments and cash flows and prepayments, and any proceeds from equity or debt offerings, to fund our outstanding unfunded obligations. Depending on the severity and duration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations and financial condition, there can be no assurance that we will have sufficient capital available to fund these commitments as they come due, which could harm the reputation of the Company and TPC among its select group of venture capital investors and in the venture capital market generally. Any such occurrence could decrease our deal flow and the outlook of our investments, resulting in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. This pandemic has also caused, and may continue to cause, disruption to our portfolio companies' global supply chain and business operations. In particular, shortages in commodities and materials, including shortages and reductions in allocations of electronic and other components from key suppliers, labor shortages and elevated levels of employee absenteeism, freight delays and other supply chain constraints and disruptions have significantly delayed or disrupted, and may continue to adversely impact, both our portfolio companies' suppliers' and third-party vendors' and our portfolio companies' ability to manufacture and deliver products and/or services to their end-users and customers. Our portfolio companies have also experienced a significant increase in commodity, parts and material component inflation in 2021 and 2022, as well as inflation in other costs, such as labor, packaging, freight and energy prices. Continued supply chain disruptions and delays, as well as continued heightened inflation, could lead to continued periodic production interruptions and other inefficiencies that could negatively impact our portfolio companies' productivity, margin performance and results of operations, which could result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic previously contributed to a decrease in the fair value of certain of our portfolio investments, and there may be additional decreases in the fair value of our portfolio investments going forward. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic and the related disruption and financial distress experienced by our portfolio companies may have a material adverse effect on our investment income received from portfolio investments, particularly our interest income. Any decreases in our net investment income would increase the portion of our cash flows dedicated to servicing existing borrowings under the Credit Facility, our outstanding unsecured notes and distribution payments to stockholders. Depending on the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the extent of its impact on our portfolio companies' operations and our net investment income, any future distributions to our stockholders may be for amounts less than our historical distributions, may be made less frequently than historical practices, and may be made in part cash and part stock (as per each stockholder's election), subject to a limitation that the aggregate amount of cash to be distributed to all stockholders must be at least 20% of the aggregate declared distribution. In addition, particularly because our investment strategy contemplates making secured loans to companies with foreign operations, including in Europe, the warfare, political turmoil or terrorist attacks in Ukraine could materially and adversely impact our and our portfolio companies' financial condition, result of operations and cash flows. In February 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine. Although the severity and duration of the ongoing military action are highly unpredictable, the conflict in Ukraine could materially disrupt operations of our portfolio companies in Europe and/or increase their costs and may disrupt future their plans. In addition, Russia's prior annexation of Crimea, recent recognition of two separatist republics in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine and subsequent military interventions in Ukraine have led to sanctions being levied by the United States, European Union and other countries against Russia, with additional potential sanctions threatened and/or proposed. Russia's military incursion and the resulting sanctions could adversely affect the global economy and financial markets and thus could affect our and our portfolio companies' business, operations, operating results and financial condition as well as, potentially, the price of our common stock. The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions and resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict, but could be substantial. Any such disruptions caused by Russian military action or resulting sanctions may magnify the impact of other risks described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
The effect of global climate change may impact the operations of our portfolio companies.
There may be evidence of global climate change. Climate change creates physical and financial risk, and some of our portfolio companies may be adversely affected by climate change. Extreme weather conditions in general require more system backup, adding to costs, and can contribute to increased system stresses, including service interruptions. In addition, as a result of the potential governmental response to climate change, some of our portfolio companies may become subject to new or strengthened regulations or legislation that could increase their operating costs and/or decrease their revenues.
Capital Markets1 | 1.1%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
The nature of our approach to our business may lead to volatility and variability from period to period with respect to new originations. Our financial condition and results of operations depends upon our ability to effectively manage credit, deploy capital and grow our business.
Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our Adviser's ability to manage our business and to grow our investments and earnings. This depends on our Adviser's ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our underwriting criteria. Furthermore, our Adviser may choose to slow or accelerate new business originations depending on market conditions, rate of investment of TPC's select group of leading venture capital investors, our Adviser's knowledge, expertise and experience, and other market dynamics. The achievement of our investment objective on a cost-effective basis depends upon our Adviser's execution of our investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us and, to a lesser extent, our access to financing on acceptable terms. Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of our Adviser's origination capabilities, management of the investment process, ability to provide efficient services and access to financing sources on acceptable terms. Our Adviser's senior investment team also has substantial responsibilities in connection with the management of TPC's investment vehicles and business segments. We caution you that the principals of our Adviser may be called upon to provide and currently do provide significant managerial assistance to portfolio companies and other investment vehicles which are managed by the Adviser. These activities may distract them from servicing new investment opportunities for us or slow our rate of investment. Any failure to manage our business and our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 5/87 (6%)Below Sector Average
Innovation / R&D1 | 1.1%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
Our investments are concentrated in technology, life sciences and other high growth industries, including clean technology, some of which are subject to extensive government regulation, which exposes us to the risk of significant loss if any of these industry sectors experiences a downturn.
A consequence of our investment strategy is that our investment returns will be materially and adversely affected if the companies or the industries we target perform poorly. Beyond the asset diversification requirements to which we will be subject as a RIC and any concentration limitations we have agreed or may agree to as part of the Credit Facility or any future financing arrangement or other indebtedness, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification or limitations on the size of our investments in any one company and our investments could be concentrated in relatively few industries. Our investments may be subject to extensive regulation by U.S. and foreign federal, state and/or local agencies. Changes in existing laws, rules or regulations, or judicial or administrative interpretations thereof, or new laws, rules or regulations could have an adverse impact on the business and industries of our portfolio companies. In addition, changes in government priorities or limitations on government resources could also adversely impact our portfolio companies. We are unable to predict whether any such changes in laws, rules or regulations will occur and, if they do occur, the impact of these changes on our portfolio companies and our investment returns. Furthermore, if any of our portfolio companies fail to comply with applicable regulations, they could be subject to significant penalties and claims that could materially and adversely affect their operations. Our portfolio companies may be subject to the expense, delay and uncertainty of the regulatory approval process for their products and, even if approved, these products may not be accepted in the marketplace. Our portfolio investments are concentrated the technology, life sciences and other high growth industries, including clean technology. As a result, a downturn in any of these industries and particularly those in which we are heavily concentrated could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Trade Secrets3 | 3.4%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
If our portfolio companies are unable to protect their intellectual property rights, our business and prospects could be harmed. If our portfolio companies are required to devote significant resources to protecting their intellectual property rights, then the value of our investment could be reduced.
Our future success and competitive position depend in part upon the ability of our venture growth stage companies to obtain and maintain proprietary technology used in their products and services, which will often represent a significant portion of the collateral securing our loans. Venture growth stage companies will rely, in part, on patent, trade secret and trademark law to protect that technology, but competitors may misappropriate their intellectual property, and disputes as to ownership of intellectual property may arise. Venture growth stage companies may have also failed to properly obtain intellectual property ownership that, under intellectual property laws, by default resides with the personnel who created the intellectual property. Consequently, venture growth stage companies may, from time to time, be required to institute litigation in order to enforce their patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights, to protect their trade secrets, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against claims of infringement. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources. Similarly, if a venture growth stage company is found to infringe upon or misappropriate a third party's patent or other proprietary rights, that company could be required to pay damages to such third party, alter its own products or processes, obtain a license from the third party and/or cease activities utilizing such proprietary rights, including making or selling products utilizing such proprietary rights. Any of the foregoing events could negatively affect both the company's ability to service our debt obligation and the value of any equity securities that we own, as well as any collateral securing our obligation.
Trade Secrets - Risk 2
Our relationship with certain portfolio companies may expose us to our portfolio companies' trade secrets and confidential information which may require us to be parties to non-disclosure agreements and restrict us from engaging in certain transactions.
Our relationship with some of our portfolio companies may expose us to our portfolio companies' trade secrets and confidential information (including transactional data and personal data about their employees and clients) that may require us to be parties to non-disclosure agreements and restrict us from engaging in certain transactions. Unauthorized access or disclosure of such information may occur, resulting in theft, loss or other misappropriation. Any theft, loss, improper use, such as insider trading or other misappropriation of confidential information could have a material adverse impact on our competitive positions, our relationship with our portfolio companies and our reputation and could subject us to regulatory inquiries, enforcement and fines, civil litigation and possible financial liability or costs.
Trade Secrets - Risk 3
Our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively affected if we are unable to recover our principal investment as a result of a negative pledge or lack of a security interest on the intellectual property of our venture growth stage companies.
In some cases, we collateralize our loans with a secured collateral position in a venture growth stage company's assets, which may include a negative pledge or, to a lesser extent, no security on their intellectual property. In the case of a negative pledge, the venture growth stage company cannot encumber or pledge their intellectual property without our permission. In the event of a default on a loan, the intellectual property of the venture growth stage company will most likely be liquidated to provide proceeds to pay the creditors of the company. There can be no assurance that our security interest, if any, in the proceeds of the intellectual property will be enforceable in a court of law or bankruptcy court or that there will not be others with senior or pari passu credit interests.
Cyber Security1 | 1.1%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
The failure in cyber security systems, as well as the occurrence of events unanticipated in our Adviser's disaster recovery systems and management continuity planning or a support failure from external providers during a disaster could impair our ability to conduct business effectively.
The occurrence of a disaster, such as a cyber-attack against us or against a third-party that has access to our data or networks, a natural catastrophe, an industrial accident, failure of our disaster recovery systems, or consequential employee error, could have an adverse effect on our ability to communicate or conduct business, negatively impacting our operations and financial condition. This adverse effect can become particularly acute if those events affect our electronic data processing, transmission, storage, and retrieval systems, or impact the availability, integrity, or confidentiality of our data. We depend heavily upon computer systems to perform necessary business functions. Despite our implementation of a variety of security measures, our computer systems, networks, and data, like those of other companies, could be subject to cyber-attacks and unauthorized access, use, alteration, or destruction, such as from physical and electronic break-ins or unauthorized tampering. If one or more of these events occurs, it could potentially jeopardize the confidential, proprietary, and other information processed, stored in, and transmitted through our computer systems and networks. Such an attack could involve gaining unauthorized access to our information systems for purposes of misappropriating assets, stealing confidential information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption and result in disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, regulatory penalties, liability for stolen assets or information, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance costs, litigation and damage to our business relationships, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Third parties with which we do business may also be sources of cybersecurity or other technological risk. We outsource certain functions and these relationships allow for the storage and processing of our information, as well as client, counterparty, employee, and borrower information. While we engage in actions to reduce our exposure resulting from outsourcing, ongoing threats may result in unauthorized access, loss, exposure, destruction, or other cybersecurity incident that affects our data, resulting in increased costs and other consequences as described above.
Production
Total Risks: 4/87 (5%)Below Sector Average
Employment / Personnel3 | 3.4%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Our Adviser or our Administrator can resign upon 60 days' notice and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within that time, or at all, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our Adviser has the right under the Investment Advisory Agreement to resign at any time upon 60 days' written notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. Similarly, our Administrator has the right under the Administration Agreement to resign at any time upon 60 days' written notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If our Adviser or our Administrator were to resign, we may not be able to find a new investment adviser, administrator or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 60 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely to experience a disruption, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows as well as our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders are likely to be materially and adversely affected and the market price of our shares may decline. In addition, the coordination of our internal management and investment or administrative activities, as applicable, is likely to suffer if we are unable to identify and reach an agreement with a single institution or group of executives having the expertise possessed by our Adviser and our Administrator. Even if we are able to retain comparable management, whether internal or external, the integration of such management and their lack of familiarity with our investment objective may result in additional costs and time delays that may materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
We are dependent upon our executive officers, our Adviser's senior investment team and, in particular, Messrs. Labe and Srivastava, for our success and upon our Adviser's access to such individuals pursuant to the Staffing Agreement. If our Adviser were to lose such access, our ability to achieve our investment objective could be significantly harmed.
Our Adviser has entered into the Staffing Agreement with TPC. Pursuant to the Staffing Agreement, TPC has made and will continue to make, subject to the terms of the Staffing Agreement, its investment and portfolio management and monitoring teams available to our Adviser. We believe that the Staffing Agreement (i) provides us with access to deal flow generated by TPC in the ordinary course of its business; (ii) provides us with access to TPC's investment professionals, including its senior investment team led by Messrs. Labe and Srivastava, and TPC's non-investment employees; and (iii) commits certain key senior members of TPC's Investment Committee to serve as members of our Adviser's Investment Committee. Under the Staffing Agreement, TPC is required to make the Adviser aware of any financings that TPC evaluates, originates, or in which TPC participates, and the Adviser is responsible for allocating the investment opportunities among its affiliates fairly and equitably over time in accordance with its allocation policy. We depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of our Adviser's senior investment team and our executive officers to achieve our investment objective. We cannot assure you that TPC will fulfill its obligations under the Staffing Agreement or its allocation policy. Further, the Staffing Agreement may be terminated with 60 days' prior written notice, and we cannot assure you that the Staffing Agreement will not be terminated by TPC or that our Adviser will continue to have access to the professionals and Investment Committee of TPC or its information and deal flow. The loss of any such access would limit our ability to achieve our investment objective and operate as we anticipate. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 3
Our success depends on the ability of TPC and our Adviser to attract and retain qualified personnel in a competitive environment.
Our growth requires that TPC and our Adviser retain and attract new investment and administrative personnel in a competitive market. Their ability to attract and retain personnel with the requisite credentials, experience and skills depends on several factors including, but not limited to, their and our reputations and their ability to offer competitive wages, benefits and professional growth opportunities. Many of the entities with whom TPC and our Adviser compete for experienced personnel, including investment funds, have greater resources than they have.
Costs1 | 1.1%
Costs - Risk 1
We incur significant costs as a result of being a public company.
Public companies incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Accordingly, we incur significant additional costs as a result of being a public company. These requirements may place a strain on our systems and resources. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, which are discussed below. In order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls, significant resources and management oversight are required. We have implemented procedures, processes, policies and practices for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public companies. These activities may divert management's attention from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We expect to incur significant additional annual expenses related to these steps and, among other things, directors' and officers' liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, transfer agent fees, additional administrative expenses payable to the Administrator to compensate it for hiring additional accounting, legal and administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal fees and similar expenses.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 1/87 (1%)Below Sector Average
Competition1 | 1.1%
Competition - Risk 1
We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, and we may not be able to compete effectively.
Our competitors include both existing and newly formed equity and debt focused public and private funds, other BDCs, investment banks, venture-oriented banks, commercial financing companies and, to the extent they provide an alternative form of financing, private equity and hedge funds. One or more of our competitors may have or develop relationships with TPC's select group of leading venture capital investors. We may also be limited in our ability to make an investment pursuant to the restrictions under the 1940 Act to the extent one or more of our affiliates has an existing investment with such obligor. Additionally, many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than us. For example, we believe some of our competitors may have access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of investments and establish more relationships than us. Furthermore, many of our competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a BDC or to the distribution and other requirements we must satisfy to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC. The competitive pressures we face may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We do not compete primarily on the financing terms we offer and believe that some competitors make loans with rates that are comparable or lower than our rates. We may lose some investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors' pricing, terms and structure. However, if we match our competitors' pricing, terms and structure, we may experience decreased net interest income, lower yields and increased risk of credit loss. As a result of this competition, we may not be able to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities from time to time, and we may not be able to identify and make investments that are consistent with our investment objective.
See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
      They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
        It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
          How do companies disclose their risk factors?
          Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
            Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
              Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
                According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
                  How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
                  Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
                    You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
                      Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
                        A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
                          What are all the risk factor categories?
                          TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
                          1. Financial & Corporate
                          • Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
                          • Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
                          • Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
                          • Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
                          2. Legal & Regulatory
                          • Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
                          • Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
                          • Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
                          • Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
                          3. Production
                          • Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
                          • Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
                          • Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
                          • Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
                          4. Technology & Innovation
                          • Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
                          • Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
                          • Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
                          • Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
                          5. Ability to Sell
                          • Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
                          • Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
                          • Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
                          • Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
                          6. Macro & Political
                          • Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
                          • Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
                          • International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
                          • Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.
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