10-Q 1 fp0020734_10q.htm
 

 
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period of June 30, 2016 or
 
[   ] TRANSITION QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File Number 333-168195
 
FIRSTHAND TECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
   
MARYLAND
27-3008946
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
Identification No)
   
150 Almaden Boulevard, Suite 1250
 
San Jose, California
95113
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (408) 886-7096
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.       [X] Yes [   ] No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
[   ]        Large Accelerated Filer
[X]        Accelerated Filer
             Non-accelerated Filer
              Smaller Reporting Company
             (Do not check if smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).       [   ] Yes [X] No
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Class
 
Outstanding at July 31, 2016
 
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
 
7,564,824
 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION  2
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
2
 
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2016 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2015
3
 
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016, and June 30, 2015 and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016, and June 30, 2015
4
 
Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
5
 
Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (Unaudited) and the Year Ended December 31, 2015
6
 
Selected Per Share Data and Ratios for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (Unaudited), for the Year Ended December 31, 2015, for the Year Ended December 31, 2014, for the Year Ended December 31, 2013, for the Year Ended December 31, 2012, and for the Period April 18, 2011(Commencement of  Operations) Through December 31, 2011
7
Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) as of June 30, 2016
8
Consolidated Notes To Financial Statements (Unaudited)
11
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
26
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
34
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
35
     
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION  36
   
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
37
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
37
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
37
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
37
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
37
Item 5.
Other Information
37
Item 6.
Exhibits
37
     
SIGNATURES
38


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
2

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities
 
   
AS OF
JUNE 30, 2016
(UNAUDITED)
   
AS OF
DECEMBER 31,
2015
 
ASSETS
           
Investment securities:
           
    Unaffiliated investments at acquisition cost
 
$
80,787,799
   
$
93,589,422
 
    Affiliated investments at acquisition cost
   
11,898,906
     
11,034,882
 
    Controlled investments at acquisition cost
   
89,723,387
     
78,652,059
 
         Total acquisition cost
 
$
182,410,092
   
$
183,276,363
 
    Unaffiliated investments at market value
 
$
54,137,797
   
$
80,268,986
 
    Affiliated investments at market value
   
12,904,758
     
12,928,943
 
    Controlled investments at market value
   
88,152,392
     
77,480,846
 
        Total market value* (Note 6)
   
155,194,947
     
170,678,775
 
Cash**
   
10,651,509
     
767,286
 
Escrow cash
   
     
1,000,000
 
Receivable from dividends and interest
   
573,707
     
3,436,726
 
Other assets
   
48,314
     
786,468
 
    Total Assets
   
166,468,477
     
176,669,255
 
LIABILITIES
               
Payable to affiliates (Note 4)
   
836,291
     
895,372
 
Consulting fee payable
   
51,000
     
29,000
 
Accrued expenses and other payables
   
32,002
     
165,504
 
    Total Liabilities
   
919,293
     
1,089,876
 
NET ASSETS
 
$
165,549,184
   
$
175,579,379
 
Net Assets consist of:
               
    Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share 100,000,000 shares authorized
 
$
7,565
   
$
7,703
 
    Paid-in-capital
   
189,501,405
     
190,538,978
 
    Accumulated net investment loss
   
(1,902,461
)
   
 
    Accumulated net realized gain (loss) from security transactions and written options
   
5,157,820
     
(2,369,714
)
    Net unrealized depreciation on investments and warrants transactions
   
(27,215,145
)
   
(12,597,588
)
NET ASSETS
 
$
165,549,184
   
$
175,579,379
 
Shares of Common Stock outstanding
   
7,564,824
     
7,702,705
 
Net asset value per share (Note 2)
 
$
21.88
   
$
22.79
 
 
*
Includes warrants and purchased options whose primary risk exposure is equity contracts.
**
Cash composed primarily of the Fidelity Institutional Money Market Treasury Portfolio which invests primarily in U.S. Treasury securities. The yield as of  06/30/16 and 12/31/15 was 0.09% and 0.01%, respectively. Please see https://fundresearch.fidelity.com/mutual-funds/summary/316175504 for additional information.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
3

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Statements of Operations
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
 
   
JUNE 30, 2016*
(UNAUDITED)
   
JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)
   
JUNE 30, 2016* (UNAUDITED)
   
JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)
 
INVESTMENT INCOME
                       
Unaffiliated dividend income
 
$
4,342
   
$
68,000
   
$
4,342
   
$
148,000
 
Unaffiliated interest
   
11,231
     
7,681
     
11,467
     
15,103
 
Affiliated/controlled interest
   
201,307
     
474,728
     
360,986
     
947,463
 
Royalty income
   
     
     
     
14,261
 
    TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME
   
216,880
     
550,409
     
376,795
     
1,124,827
 
EXPENSES
                               
Investment advisory fees (Note 4)
   
836,291
     
971,371
     
1,697,112
     
1,994,761
 
Administration fees
   
38,378
     
30,087
     
75,255
     
63,339
 
Custody fees
   
3,539
     
3,673
     
7,077
     
8,175
 
Transfer agent fees
   
6,244
     
8,673
     
13,419
     
18,015
 
Registration and filing fees
   
5,744
     
5,734
     
11,487
     
11,405
 
Professional fees
   
81,717
     
711,361
     
262,405
     
846,435
 
Printing fees
   
18,939
     
59,341
     
37,917
     
99,810
 
Trustees fees
   
25,000
     
25,000
     
50,000
     
50,000
 
Compliance fees
   
44,335
     
     
93,785
     
 
Miscellaneous fees
   
17,142
     
13,723
     
30,799
     
26,831
 
    TOTAL GROSS EXPENSES
   
1,077,329
     
1,828,963
     
2,279,256
     
3,118,771
 
Incentive fee adjustments (Note 4)
   
     
(401,080
)
   
     
353,696
 
    TOTAL NET EXPENSES
   
1,077,329
     
1,427,883
     
2,279,256
     
3,472,467
 
NET INVESTMENT LOSS
   
(860,449
)
   
(877,474
)
   
(1,902,461
)
   
(2,347,640
)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains
(Losses) on Investments:
                               
Net realized gains (losses) from security transactions
                               
Affiliated/controlled
   
864,024
     
     
503,271
     
 
Non-affiliated and other assets
   
3,348,667
     
121,642
     
7,024,263
     
1,290,832
 
Net realized gains from written options transactions (1)
   
     
473,497
     
     
624,994
 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
   
(4,600,443
)
   
(2,603,977
)
   
(20,825,801
)
   
(294,886
)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on warrants transactions (1)
   
271,816
     
3,435
     
6,208,244
     
(5,772
)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains
(Losses) on Investments
   
(115,936
)
   
(2,005,403
)
   
(7,090,023
)
   
1,615,168
 
Net Decrease In Net Assets Resulting From Operations
 
$
(976,385
)
 
$
(2,882,877
)
 
$
(8,992,484
)
 
$
(732,472
)
Net Decrease In Net Assets Per Share Resulting From Operations (2)
 
$
(0.13
)
 
$
(0.37
)
 
$
(1.17
)
 
$
(0.10
)
 
*
Consolidated.
1)
Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.
(2)
Per share results are calculated based on weighted average shares outstanding for each period.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
4

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Statements of Cash Flows
 
   
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
 
   
JUNE 30, 2016
(UNAUDITED)*
   
JUNE 30, 2015
(UNAUDITED)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net decrease in Net Assets resulting from operations
 
$
(8,992,484
)
 
$
(732,472
)
Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in Net Assets derived from operations to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
               
Purchases of investments
   
(39,534,269
)
   
(24,176,276
)
Proceeds from disposition of investments
   
49,309,176
     
33,152,358
 
Net purchases from short-term investments
   
(1,381,102
)
   
(2,350,000
)
Net proceeds from written options
   
     
624,994
 
Proceeds from litigation claim
   
     
7,782
 
(Increase) decrease in dividends and interest receivable
   
2,863,020
     
(682,731
)
Decrease in restricted cash
   
1,000,000
     
 
Decrease in payable for investment purchased
   
     
(38,253,718
)
Decrease in payable to affiliates
   
(59,081
)
   
(323,110
)
Decrease in incentive fees payable
   
     
(10,884,758
)
Decrease in other assets
   
738,153
     
4,699
 
Decrease in accrued expenses and other payables
   
(111,502
)
   
(151,922
)
Net realized gain from investments
   
(7,527,534
)
   
(1,290,832
)
Net realized gain from written options
   
     
(624,994
)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments, other assets, and warrants transactions
   
14,617,557
     
300,658
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
10,921,934
     
(45,380,322
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
    Cost of shares repurchased
   
(1,037,711
)
   
(19,999,992
)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
   
(1,037,711
)
   
(19,999,992
)
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
   
9,884,223
     
(65,380,314
)
Cash - beginning of period
   
767,286
     
69,014,110
 
Cash - end of period
 
$
10,651,509
   
$
3,633,796
 
 
*
Consolidated.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
5

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   
FOR THE
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2016
(UNAUDITED)*
   
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2015*
 
FROM OPERATIONS:
           
    Net investment loss
 
$
(1,902,461
)
 
$
(448,549
)
    Net realized gains (losses) from security transactions, written options, and warrants transactions
   
7,527,534
     
(2,197,728
)
    Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments and warrants transactions
   
(14,617,557
)
   
(11,504,423
)
    Net decrease in net assets from operations
   
(8,992,484
)
   
(14,150,700
)
                 
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
    Value of shares repurchased
   
(1,037,711
)
   
(19,999,992
)
    Net decrease in net assets from capital share transactions
   
(1,037,711
)
   
(19,999,992
)
TOTAL DECREASE IN NET ASSETS
   
(10,030,195
)
   
(34,150,692
)
NET ASSETS:
               
    Beginning of period
   
175,579,379
     
209,730,071
 
    End of period
 
$
165,549,184
   
$
175,579,379
 
    Accumulated Net Investment Loss
   
(1,902,461
)
   
 
                 
COMMON STOCK ACTIVITY:
               
    Shares repurchased
   
(137,881
)
   
(859,468
)
    Net decrease in shares outstanding
   
(137,881
)
   
(859,468
)
    Shares outstanding, beginning of period
   
7,702,705
     
8,562,173
 
    Shares outstanding, end of period
   
7,564,824
     
7,702,705
 
 
*
Consolidated.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
6

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Financial Highlights
Selected per share data and ratios for a share outstanding throughout each period

   
FOR THE
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2016*
(UNAUDITED)
 
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2015*
 
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2014
 
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
2013
 
FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2012
   
FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2011(1)
 
Net asset value at beginning of period
 
$
22.79
     
$
24.49
     
$
28.32
     
$
22.90
     
$
23.92
   
$
27.01
   
Income from investment operations:
                                                         
    Net investment loss
   
(0.25
)
(2) 
   
(0.06
)
(2)
 
 
(1.26
)
     
(1.42
)
     
(0.39
)
   
(0.41
)
 
    Net realized and unrealized gains
(losses) on investments
   
(0.92
)
     
(1.78
)
     
3.04
       
7.16
       
(1.01
)
   
(2.68
)
 
Total from investment operations
   
(1.17
)
     
(1.84
)
     
1.78
       
5.74
       
(1.40
)
   
(3.09
)
 
                                                           
Distributions from:
                                                         
    Realized capital gains
   
       
       
(5.86
)
     
(0.32
)
     
     
   
Premiums from shares sold in offerings
   
       
       
       
 
(3)
 
 
0.38
     
   
Anti-dilutive effect from capital share
transactions
   
0.26
       
0.14
       
0.25
       
       
     
   
Net asset value at end of period
 
$
21.88
     
$
22.79
     
$
24.49
     
$
28.32
     
$
22.90
   
$
23.92
   
Market value at end of period
 
$
7.45
     
$
8.17
     
$
18.65
     
$
23.17
     
$
17.44
   
$
14.33
   
                                                           
Total return
                                                         
    Based on Net Asset Value
   
(3.99
)%
(A)
   
(6.94
)%
     
12.54
%
     
25.30
%
     
(4.26
)%
   
(11.44
)%
(A)
    Based on Market Value
   
(8.81
)%
(A)
   
(56.19
)%
     
4.76
%
     
34.61
%
     
21.70
%
   
(46.95
)%
(A)
Net assets at end of period (millions)
 
$
165.5
     
$
175.6
     
$
209.7
     
$
256.9
     
$
195.9
   
$
83.63
   
Ratio of total expenses to average
net assets
   
2.71
%
(B)
   
1.36
%
(4)
 
 
5.29
%
(4)
   
6.52
%
(4)
 
 
2.56
%
   
2.76
%
(B)
Ratio of total expenses to average
net assets, excluding incentive fees
   
2.71
%
(B)
   
2.68
%
     
3.12
%
     
2.67
%
     
2.56
%
   
2.76
%
(B)
Ratio of net investment loss to average
net assets
   
(2.26
)%
(B)
   
(0.24
)%
     
(4.31
)%
     
(5.96
)%
     
(2.12
)%
   
(2.28
)%
(B)
Portfolio turnover rate
   
7
%
(A)
   
22
%
     
95
%
     
17
%
     
10
%
   
18
%
(A)
 
*
Consolidated.
(1)
For the period April 18, 2011 (inception) through December 31, 2011.
(2)
Calculated using average shares outstanding.
(3)
Less than $0.005 per share.
(4)
Amount includes the incentive fee. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014 and the year December 31, 2013, the ratio of the incentive fee to average net assets was (1.32)%, 2.17% and 3.85%, respectively.
(A)
Not Annualized.
(B)
Annualized.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
7

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
PORTFOLIO COMPANY
(% OF NET ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
 
SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)
 
COST BASIS
 
VALUE
 
ALIPHCOM, INC. (0.6%)
Consumer Electronics
Common Stock *(1)
   
2,128,005
   
$
10,108,024
   
$
1,058,257
 
CLOUDERA, INC. (0.4%)
Software
Common Stock *(1)
   
20,000
     
580,000
     
603,432
 
EQX CAPITAL, INC. (1.2%)
Equipment Leasing
Common Stock *(1)(2)
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
   
100,000
2,000,000
     
20,000
2,000,000
     
20,000
2,000,000
 
                       
2,020,000
 
HERA SYSTEMS, INC. (0.4%)
Aerospace
Preferred Stock - Series A (1)(2)
   
3,642,324
     
2,000,000
     
697,505
 
HIGHTAIL, INC. (5.2%)
Cloud Computing
Preferred Stock - Series E *(1)
   
2,268,602
     
9,932,738
     
8,588,927
 
HIKU LABS, INC. (1.4%)
Consumer Electronics
Preferred Stock - Series A (1)
   
3,280,191
     
2,124,074
     
2,280,061
 
INTEVAC, INC. (0.8%)
Other Electronics
Common Stock *
   
243,883
     
2,721,734
     
1,385,256
 
INTRAOP MEDICAL CORP. (16.1%)
Medical Devices
Preferred Stock - Series C *(1)(2)
Term Note (1)(2)
    Matures February 2017
    Interest Rate 8%
Convertible Note (1)(2)
    Matures July 2016
    Interest Rate 15%
   
26,856,187
 
 
3,000,000
 
 
1,000,000
     
26,299,938
 
 
3,000,000
 
 
1,000,000
     
22,655,879
 
 
3,000,000
 
 
1,000,000
 
                       
26,655,879
 
INVENSENSE, INC. (1.5%)
Semiconductors
Common Stock *
   
400,000
     
6,380,014
     
2,452,000
 
NUTANIX, INC. (3.1%)
Networking
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)
   
227,272
     
3,999,987
     
5,092,256
 
PHUNWARE, INC. (4.2%)
Mobile Computing
Preferred Stock - Series E *(1)
   
3,257,328
     
9,999,997
     
6,995,763
 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
8

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
PORTFOLIO COMPANY
(% OF NET ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
 
SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)
 
COST BASIS
 
VALUE
 
PIVOTAL SYSTEMS CORP. (15.5%)
Semiconductor Equipment
Preferred Stock - Series C *(1)(2)
Preferred Stock - Series B *(1)(2)
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
Convertible Note (1)(2)
   Matures December 2016
   Interest Rate 20%
Convertible Note (1)(2)
   Matures December 2016
   Interest Rate 10%
Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)
   
2,291,260
13,065,236
11,914,217
 
 
500,000
 
 
881,102
18,180,475
   
$
2,657,862
6,321,482
6,000,048
 
 
500,000
 
 
881,102
0
   
$
2,493,807
8,087,381
7,374,900
 
 
500,000
 
 
881,102
6,234,812
 
                       
25,572,002
 
PURE STORAGE, INC. (0.1%)
Computer Storage
Common Stock*
   
14,000
     
336,000
     
152,600
 
QMAT, INC. (10.0%)
Advanced Materials
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
Preferred Stock Warrants -
   Series A *(1)(2)
   
16,000,240
 
2,000,000
     
16,000,240
 
0
     
16,000,240
 
599,600
 
                       
16,599,840
 
ROKU, INC. (1.0%)
Consumer Electronics
Common Stock *(1)
   
1,500,000
     
2,312,500
     
1,713,750
 
SILICON GENESIS CORP. (4.6%)
Intellectual Property
Preferred Stock - Series 1-E *(1)(2)
Preferred Stock - Series 1-C *(1)(2)
Preferred Stock - Series 1-G *(1)(2)
Preferred Stock - Series 1-H *(1)(2)
Preferred Stock - Series 1-D *(1)(2)
Common Stock *(1)(2)
Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)
Preferred Stock -Series 1-F *(1)(2)
Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)
Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)
   
5,704,480
82,914
48,370,793
837,942
850,830
921,892
37,982
912,453
5,000,000
3,000,000
     
2,946,535
109,518
8,580,979
1,000,000
431,901
169,045
6,678
583,060
0
0
     
2,667,985
92,441
3,736,160
300,067
254,398
17,885
365
580,594
10,000
6,000
 
                       
7,665,895
 
SUNRUN, INC. (2.4%)
Renewable Energy
Common Stock *
   
674,820
     
6,417,495
     
4,001,683
 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
9

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
PORTFOLIO COMPANY
(% OF NET ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
 
SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)
 
COST BASIS
 
VALUE
 
TELEPATHY INVESTORS, INC. (4.0%)
Consumer Electronics
Convertible Note (1)(2)
     Matures January 2018
     Interest Rate 10%
Convertible Note (1)(2)
     Matures January 2018
     Interest Rate 10%
Convertible Note (1)(2)
     Matures January 2018
     Interest Rate 10%
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
Convertible Note (1)(2)
     Matures June 2017
     Interest Rate 10%
   
 
 
150,000
 
 
500,000
 
 
300,000
15,238,000
 
 
2,000,000
   
 
 
$
 
 
150,000
 
 
500,000
 
 
300,000
3,999,999
 
 
2,000,000
   
 
 
$
 
 
150,000
 
 
500,000
 
 
300,000
3,719,596
 
 
2,000,000
 
                       
6,669,596
 
TURN INC. (6.0%)
Advertising Technology
Convertible Note (1)
     Matures March 2023
     Interest Rate 1.48%
Preferred Stock - Series E *(1)
   
559,360
1,798,562
     
559,360
15,000,007
     
559,360
9,275,004
 
                       
9,834,364
 
UCT COATINGS, INC. (0.2%)
Advanced Materials
Common Stock Warrants *(1)
Common Stock *(1)
   
2,283
1,500,000
     
67
662,235
     
3
325,350
 
                       
325,353
 
VUFINE, INC. (1.4%)
Consumer Electronics
Common Stock *(1)(2)
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
   
750,000
22,500,000
     
15,000
2,250,000
     
21,675
2,250,000
 
                       
2,271,675
 
WRIGHTSPEED, INC. (7.8%)
Automotive
Preferred Stock - Series C *(1)(3)
Preferred Stock - Series D *(1)(3)
Preferred Stock - Series E *(1)(3)
   
2,267,659
1,100,978
450,814
     
6,864,023
3,375,887
1,658,996
     
7,323,858
3,921,904
1,658,996
 
                       
12,904,758
 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS —
5.8% ($9,654,095)
                         
iShares Short Treasury Bond ETF
     
42,100
     
4,647,229
     
4,649,945
 
SPDR Barclays 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF*
     
109,500
     
5,006,339
     
5,004,150
 
                       
9,654,095
 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
10

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
PORTFOLIO COMPANY
(% OF NET ASSETS)
AND INDUSTRY
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
 
SHARES/PAR
VALUE ($)
 
COST BASIS
 
VALUE
 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
                         
(Cost $182,410,092) — 93.7%
                   
$
155,194,947
 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 6.3%                      
10,354,237
 
                           
NET ASSETS — 100.0%
                   
$
165,549,184
 

*
Non-income producing security.
(1)
Restricted security. Fair Value is determined by or under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors (See note 3).
(2)
Controlled investments.
(3)
Affiliated issuer.

ETF Exchange-traded fund.
SPDR Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipt
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
11

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1.  THE COMPANY

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.  (the “Company,” “us,” “our,” and “we”), is a Maryland corporation and an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).  The Company acquired its initial portfolio of securities through the reorganization of Firsthand Technology Value Fund, a series of Firsthand Funds, into the Company.  The reorganization was completed on April 15, 2011.  The Company commenced operations on April 18th, 2011.  Under normal circumstances, the Company will invest at least 80% of its assets for investment purposes in technology companies, which are considered to be those companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from products and/or services within the information technology sector or the “cleantech” sector.  Information technology companies include, but are not limited to, those focused on computer hardware, software, telecommunications, networking, Internet, and consumer electronics.  While there is no standard definition of cleantech, it is generally regarded as including goods and services designed to harness renewable energy and materials, eliminate emissions and waste, and reduce the use of natural resources.  In addition, under normal circumstances we will invest at least 70% of our assets in privately held companies and in public companies with market capitalizations less than $250 million.  Our portfolio is primarily composed of equity and equity derivative securities of technology and cleantech companies (as defined above).  These investments generally range between $1 million and $10 million each, although the investment size will vary proportionately with the size of the Company’s capital base. The Company’s shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SVVC.”

The Company is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.

CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARIES. On May 8, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the formation of a fully owned and controlled subsidiary (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Company named Firsthand Venture Investors (“FVI”), a California general partnership formed on March 30, 2015. After the closing of business on June 30, 2015, the Company contributed substantially all of its assets to FVI in return for a controlling general partner ownership interest in FVI. The transaction was completed July 1, 2015. Under this new structure, we will have all or substantially all of our investment activities conducted through our fully owned subsidiary, FVI.

On June 10, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the formation of a fully owned and controlled subsidiary (as defined by the 1940 Act) of FVI named Firsthand Holdings, Ltd. (“FHL”), a Cayman Islands corporation formed on May 4, 2016. Under this structure, we may from time to time transfer investments in the Company held in the Company or FVI to FHL in return for ownership interests in FHL. The net assets of FHL at June 30, 2016, were $5,158,556 or 3.1% of the Company’s consolidated net assets. As a result, the financial statements of the Company, FVI and FHL are presented in the report on a consolidated basis.

FHL is treated as a controlled foreign corporation under the Internal Revenue Code and is not expected to be subject to U.S. federal income tax. FVI is treated as a U.S. shareholder of FHL. As a result, FVI is required to include in gross income for U.S. federal tax purposes all of FHL’s income, whether or not such income is distributed by FHL. If a net loss is realized by FHL, such loss is not generally available to offset the income earned by FVI.

NOTE 2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements included in this report:

USE OF ESTIMATES.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
12

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)

INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  Interim financial statements are condensed and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s latest annual financial statements. Interim disclosures generally do not repeat those of the annual statements.  It is Management’s opinion that all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the periods presented have been made and all adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.

PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT VALUATIONS. Investments are stated at “value” as defined in the 1940 Act and in the applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and in accordance with GAAP.  Value, as defined in Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act, is (i) the market value of those securities for which a market quotation is readily available and (ii) the fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the board of directors for all other securities and assets.  On June 30, 2016, our financial statements include venture capital investments valued at approximately $131.0 million.  The fair values of our venture capital investments were determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board.  Upon sale of these investments, the values that are ultimately realized may be different from what is presently estimated.  The difference could be material. Also see note 6 regarding the fair value of the company’s investments.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.  The Company considers liquid assets deposited with a bank, investments in money market funds, and certain short-term debt instruments with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  These investments represent amounts held with financial institutions that are readily accessible to pay our expenses or purchase investments.  Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

RESTRICTED SECURITIES.  At June 30, 2016, we held $137.5 million in restricted securities.

INCOME RECOGNITION.  Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.  Interest income is accrued as earned.  Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized over the lives of the respective securities.  Other non-cash dividends are recognized as investment income at the fair value of the property received.  When debt securities are determined to be non-income producing, the Company ceases accruing interest and writes off any previously accrued interest.  These write-offs are recorded as a debit to interest income. 

SHARE VALUATION.  The net asset value (“NAV”)  per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash or other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent.

REALIZED GAIN OR LOSS AND UNREALIZED APPRECIATION OR DEPRECIATION OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS. A realized gain or loss is recognized when an investment is disposed of and is computed as the difference between the Company’s cost basis in the investment at the disposition date and the net proceeds received from such disposition.  Unrealized appreciation or depreciation is computed as the difference between the fair value of the investment and the cost basis of such investment.

INCOME TAXES.  As we intend to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Company does not provide for income taxes.  The Company recognizes interest and penalties in income tax expense.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION.   The accounting records of the Company are maintained in U.S. dollars.  All assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the rate of exchange of such currencies against U.S. dollars on the date of valuation.

SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS.   Securities transactions are accounted for on the date the transaction for the purchase or sale of the securities is entered into by the Company (i.e., trade date).
13

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)

CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK.  The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions and, at times, cash held in checking accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limit.

OPTIONS. The Company is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives and may enter into options written to hedge against changes in the value of equities. The Company may purchase put and call options to attempt to provide protection against adverse price effects from anticipated changes in prevailing prices of securities or stock indices.  The Company may also write put and call options. When the Company writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Company is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current fair value of the option written.

Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Company on the expiration date as realized gains from investments. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or, if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security or currency in determining whether the Company has realized a gain or loss. The Company as writer of an option bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option. 

The market value of the Company’s purchased options as of June 30, 2016 can be found on the Schedule of Investments. The net realized gains/(loss) from purchased and written options and the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on purchased and written options for the period ended June 30, 2016 can be found on the Statement of Operations.
 
The average volume of the Fund’s derivatives during the six months ended June 30, 2016 is as follows:

 
Purchased Options
(Contracts)
Warrants (Shares)
Written Options
(Contracts)
Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
20,574,811
 
NOTE 3.  BUSINESS RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

We plan to invest a substantial portion of our assets in privately-held companies, the securities of which are inherently illiquid.  We also seek to invest in small publicly-traded companies that we believe have exceptional growth potential and to make opportunistic investments in publicly-traded companies, both large and small.  In the case of investments in small publicly-traded companies, although these companies are publicly traded, their stock may not trade at high volumes, and prices can be volatile, which may restrict our ability to sell our positions.  These privately held and publicly traded businesses tend to lack management depth, have limited or no history of operations and typically have not at
tained profitability.  Because of the speculative nature of our investments and the lack of public markets for privately held investments, there is greater risk of loss than is the case with traditional investment securities.

We do not choose investments based on a strategy of diversification.  We also do not rebalance the portfolio should one of our portfolio companies increase in value substantially relative to the rest of the portfolio.  Therefore, the value of our portfolio may be more vulnerable to events affecting a single sector, industry or portfolio company and, therefore, may be subject to greater volatility than a company that follows a diversification strategy.

Because there is typically no public or readily-ascertainable market for our interests in the small privately-held companies in which we invest, the valuation of those securities is determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee, comprised of all members of the Board who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, in accordance with our Valuation Procedures and is subject to significant estimates and judgments.  The determined value of the securities in our portfolio may differ significantly from the values that would be placed on these securities if a ready market for the securities existed.  Any changes in valuation are recorded in our Statement of Operations as “Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation on investments.”  Changes in valuation of any of our investments in privately-held companies from one period to another may be volatile.
14

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)

The Board may, from time to time, engage an independent valuation firm to provide it with valuation assistance with respect to certain of our portfolio investments.  The Company intends to continue to engage an independent valuation firm to provide us with assistance regarding our determination of the fair value of select portfolio investments each quarter unless directed by the Board to cancel such valuation services.  The scope of the services rendered by an independent valuation firm is at the discretion of the Board.  The Board is ultimately and solely responsible for determining the fair value of the Company’s investments in good faith.

With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available or when such market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value, the Board has approved a multi-step valuation process to be followed each quarter, as described below:

 (1) each quarter the valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially valued by the Valuation Committee of the Advisor (as defined below) (the “Adviser Valuation Committee”) or the independent valuation firm;

 (2) the Valuation Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis reviews the preliminary valuation of the Adviser Valuation Committee and that of the independent valuation firms and makes the fair value determination, in good faith, based on the valuation recommendations of the Adviser Valuation Committee and the independent valuation firms; and

 (3) at each quarterly Board meeting, the Board considers the valuations recommended by the Adviser Valuation Committee and the independent valuation firms that were previously submitted to the Valuation Committee of the Board and ratifies the fair value determinations made by the Valuation Committee of the Board.
 
NOTE 4.  INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEE

The Company has entered into an investment management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) with Firsthand Capital Management, Inc., which was previously known as SiVest Group, Inc. (“FCM” or the “Adviser”),
pursuant to which the Company will pay FCM a fee for providing investment management services consisting of two components—a base management fee and an incentive fee.

The base management fee will be calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of our gross assets.  For services rendered under the Investment Management Agreement, the base management fee will be payable quarterly in arrears.  The base management fee will be calculated based on the average of (1) the value of our gross assets at the end of the current calendar quarter and (2) the value of our gross assets at the end of the preceding calendar quarter; and will be appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the current calendar quarter.  Base management fees for any partial quarter will be pro-rated.

The incentive fee is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Management Agreement, as of the termination date), commencing on April 15, 2011, and equals 20% of the Company’s realized capital gains, if any, on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid incentive fees, provided that the incentive fee determined as of December 31, 2015, will be calculated for a period of shorter than twelve calendar months to take into account any realized gains computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation from inception. As of June 30, 2016, there were no accrued incentive fees.
15

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 5.  DEBT

The Company does not currently have any significant outstanding debt obligations (other than normal operating expense accruals).

NOTE 6. FAIR VALUE

Securities traded on, or quoted by, the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”) are valued according to the NASDAQ official closing price. Securities traded on other stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), are valued at their last reported sale price as of the close of trading of that exchange (normally 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time for the NYSE). If a security is not traded that day, the security will be valued at its most recent bid price.

Securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but not quoted by NASDAQ, are valued at the last sale price (or, if the last sale price is not readily available, at the most recent closing bid price as quoted by brokers that make markets in the securities) at the close of trading on the NYSE.

Securities traded both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most representative market.

Securities and other assets that do not have market quotations readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by the Board in accordance with the Valuation Procedures adopted by the Valuation Committee of the Board.

In pricing illiquid, privately placed securities, the Board of Directors is responsible for (1) determining overall valuation guidelines and (2) ensuring that the investments of the Company are valued within the prescribed guidelines.

The Valuation Committee of the Board is responsible for determining the valuation of the Company’s assets within the guidelines established by the Board of Directors.  The Valuation Committee of the Board receives information and recommendations from the Adviser and an independent valuation firm.

The values assigned to these investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized when that investment is sold, as such amounts depend on future circumstances and cannot reasonably be determined until the individual investments are actually liquidated or become readily marketable.

APPROACHES TO DETERMINING FAIR VALUE.  GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  In effect, GAAP applies fair value terminology to all valuations whereas the 1940 Act applies market value terminology to readily marketable assets and fair value terminology to other assets.

The main approaches to measuring fair value utilized are the market approach, the income approach, and the asset-based approach.  The choice of which approach to use in a particular situation depends on the specific facts and circumstances associated with the Company, as well as the purpose for which the valuation analysis is being conducted.  FCM and the independent valuation firm rely primarily on the market and income approaches. We also considered the asset-based approach in our analysis because certain of the portfolio companies do not have substantial operating earnings relative to the value of their underlying assets.
16

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
              -
Market Approach (M): The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.  For example, the market approach often uses market multiples derived from a set of comparables.  Multiples might lie in ranges with a different multiple for each comparable.  The selection of where within the range each appropriate multiple falls requires the use of judgment in considering factors specific to the measurement (qualitative and quantitative).
 
              -
Income Approach (I): The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts (for example, cash flows or earnings) to a single present value amount (discounted).  The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts.  Those valuation techniques include present value techniques and the multi-period excess earnings method, which is used to measure the fair value of certain assets.
 
              -
Asset-Based Approach (A): The asset-based approach examines the value of a company’s assets net of its liabilities to derive a value for the equity holders.
 
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT. In accordance with the guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board on fair value measurements and disclosures under GAAP, the Company discloses the fair value of its investments in a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value.  The hierarchy gives the highest priority to valuations based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to valuations based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation (Level 3 measurements).

The guidance establishes three levels of the fair value hierarchy as follows:
 
Level 1 -
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the date of measurement.
   
Level 2 -
Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument in an inactive market, prices for similar instruments in an active or inactive market, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, yield curves, default rates, and similar data.
   
Level 3 -
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability based on the best information available.
 
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security.  To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment.  Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy.  In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.  The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Company’s net assets as of June 30, 2016:
17

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
   
LEVEL 1 QUOTED PRICES
   
LEVEL 2 OTHER SIGNIFICANT OBSERVABLE INPUTS
   
LEVEL 3 SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS
 
Assets
  Common Stocks
                 
     Advanced Materials
 
$
   
$
   
$
325,353
 
     Computer Storage
   
152,600
     
     
 
     Consumer Electronics
   
     
     
2,793,682
 
     Equipment Leasing
   
     
     
20,000
 
     Intellectual Property
   
     
     
17,885
 
     Other Electronics
   
1,385,256
     
     
 
     Renewable Energy
   
4,001,683
     
     
 
     Semiconductors
   
2,452,000
     
     
 
     Software
   
     
     
603,432
 
     Total Common Stocks
   
7,991,539
     
     
3,760,352
 
  Preferred Stocks
                       
     Advanced Materials
   
     
     
16,000,240
 
     Advertising Technology
   
     
     
9,275,004
 
     Aerospace
   
     
     
697,505
 
     Automotive
   
     
     
12,904,758
 
     Cloud Computing
   
     
     
8,588,927
 
     Consumer Electronics
   
     
     
8,249,657
 
     Equipment Leasing
   
     
     
2,000,000
 
     Intellectual Property
   
     
     
7,631,645
 
     Medical Devices
   
     
     
22,655,879
 
     Mobile Computing
   
     
     
6,995,763
 
     Networking
   
     
     
5,092,256
 
     Semiconductor Equipment
   
     
     
17,956,088
 
     Total Preferred Stocks
   
     
     
118,047,722
 
  Asset Derivatives *
                       
     Equity Contracts
   
     
     
6,850,777
 
     Total Asset Derivatives
   
     
     
6,850,777
 
  Convertible Notes
                       
     Advertising Technology
   
     
     
559,360
 
     Consumer Electronics
   
     
     
2,950,000
 
     Medical Devices
   
     
     
4,000,000
 
     Semiconductor Equipment
   
     
     
1,381,102
 
  Total Convertible Notes
   
     
     
8,890,462
 
Exchange-Traded Funds
   
9,654,095
     
     
 
Total
 
$
17,645,634
   
$
   
$
137,549,313
 
 
*
Asset derivatives include warrants.
 
At the end of each calendar quarter, management evaluates the Level 2 and Level 3 assets and liabilities for changes in liquidity, including, but not limited to: whether a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price, the depth and consistency of prices from third-party services, and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market.  Additionally, management evaluates the Level 1 and Level 2 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.  Transfers in and out of the levels are recognized at the value at the end of the quarter.  There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 as of June 30, 2016.
18

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets (at either the beginning or the ending of the quarter) for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.

INVESTMENTS AT FAIR VALUE USING SIGNIFICANT UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS (LEVEL 3)
 
BALANCE AS OF 12/31/15
   
NET
PURCHASES
   
NET
SALES
   
NET
REALIZED GAINS/
(LOSSES)
   
NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION) (1)
   
TRANSFERS IN (OUT) OF
LEVEL 3
   
BALANCE
AS OF 6/30/16
 
Common Stocks
                                         
  Advanced Materials
 
$
203,901
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
121,452
   
$
   
$
325,353
 
  Computer Storage
   
185,283
     
     
     
     
(32,683
)
   
(152,600
)
   
 
  Consumer
     Electronics
   
6,171,863
     
     
     
     
(3,378,181
)
   
     
2,793,682
 
  Equipment Leasing
   
     
20,000
     
     
     
     
     
20,000
 
  Intellectual Property
   
     
     
     
     
17,885
     
     
17,885
 
  Internet
   
333,317
     
     
(341,749
)
   
(4,216,363
)
   
4,224,795
     
     
 
  Renewable Energy
   
7,148,368
     
     
(6,417,495
)
   
     
(730,873
)
   
     
 
  Software
   
557,216
     
     
     
     
46,216
     
     
603,432
 
Preferred Stocks
                                                       
  Advanced Materials
   
14,000,240
     
2,000,000
     
     
     
     
     
16,000,240
 
  Advertising
    Technology
   
24,708,708
     
     
(17,335,528
)
   
7,185,549
     
(5,283,725
)
   
     
9,275,004
 
  Aerospace 
   
2,000,000
     
     
     
     
(1,302,495
)
   
     
697,505
 
  Automotive
   
12,928,943
     
4,779,956
     
(4,779,956
)
   
864,024
     
(888,209
)
   
     
12,904,758
 
  Cloud Computing
   
9,999,998
     
373,540
     
(373,540
)
   
(67,260
)
   
(1,343,811
)
   
     
8,588,927
 
  Consumer
    Electronics
   
7,438,704
     
750,000
     
     
     
60,953
     
     
8,249,657
 
  Equipment Leasing
   
     
2,000,000
     
     
     
     
     
2,000,000
 
  Intellectual Property
   
     
9,580,979
     
     
     
(1,949,334
)
   
     
7,631,645
 
  Medical Devices
   
22,655,879
     
     
     
     
     
     
22,655,879
 
  Mobile Computing
   
7,110,747
     
     
     
     
(114,984
)
   
     
6,995,763
 
  Networking
   
4,772,712
     
     
     
     
319,544
     
     
5,092,256
 
  Semiconductor 
    Equipment
   
23,370,825
     
     
     
     
(5,414,737
)
   
     
17,956,088
 
Asset Derivatives
                                                       
  Equity Contracts
   
642,600
     
     
     
     
6,208,177
     
     
6,850,777
 
Convertible Notes
                                                       
  Advertising
    Technology
   
     
559,360
     
     
     
     
     
559,360
 
 
19

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
INVESTMENTS AT FAIR VALUE USING SIGNIFICANT UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS (LEVEL 3)
 
BALANCE AS OF 12/31/15
   
NET
PURCHASES
   
NET
SALES
   
NET
REALIZED GAINS/(LOSSES)
   
NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION) (1)
   
TRANSFERS IN (OUT) OF
LEVEL 3
   
BALANCE
AS OF 6/30/16
 
  Consumer Electronics
 
$
2,000,000
   
$
950,000
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
2,950,000
 
   Intellectual Property
   
3,630,383
     
     
(5,250,000
)
   
(360,753
)
   
1,980,370
     
     
 
  Medical Devices
   
4,000,000
     
     
     
     
     
     
4,000,000
 
  Semiconductor Equipment
   
     
1,381,102
     
     
     
     
     
1,381,102
 
Total
 
$
153,859,687
   
$
22,394,937
   
$
(34,498,268
)
 
$
3,405,197
   
$
(7,459,640
)
 
$
(152,600
)
 
$
137,549,313
 
 
(1)
The net change in unrealized depreciation from Level 3 instruments held as of June 30, 2016 was $(12,640,136).

The below chart represents quantitative disclosure about significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements at June 30, 2016.
 
 
FAIR VALUE AT 6/30/16
 
VALUATION TECHNIQUES
UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS
RANGE
(WEIGHTED AVG.)
Direct venture capital investments: Advanced Materials
$16.9M
 
Market Comparable
  Companies
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Revenue Multiple
Years to Expiration
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
Discount for Lack of Marketability
0.6x
5 years
54.52% - 64.55%
1.01%
33.2% - 38.1%
Direct venture capital investments: Advertising
Technology
$9.8M
 
Market Comparable
  Companies
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Revenue Multiple
Years to Expiration
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
0.3x
2 years
55.45%
0.58%
Direct venture capital  investments: Aerospace
$0.7M
 
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
Probability-Weighted
  Expected Return
Option Pricing Model
Going Concern Probability
Years to Expiration
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
50%
5 years
62.34%
1.01%
Direct venture capital  investments: Automotive
$12.9M
 
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
3 years
63.64%
0.71%
Direct venture capital investments: Cloud Computing
$8.6M
 
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
2 years
37.32%
0.58%
 
20

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
 
FAIR VALUE AT 6/30/16
 
VALUATION TECHNIQUES
UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS
RANGE
(WEIGHTED AVG.)
Direct venture capital  investments: Consumer Electronics
$13.9M
 
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
Probability-Weighted
  Expected Return
Invested Capital(Cost)
Option Pricing Model
IPO Exit Probability
Merger & Acquisition Probability
Years to Expiration
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
Discount for Lack of Marketability
75%
25%
2 years - 5 years
50.26% - 64.94%
0.58% - 1.01%
0.0% - 31.0%
Direct venture capital  investments: Equipment Leasing
$2.0M
 
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
   
Direct venture capital  investments: Intellectual Property
$7.7M
 
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
Discount for Lack of Marketability
5 years
50.58%
1.01%
31.10%
Direct venture capital  investments: Medical Devices
$26.7M
 
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
4 years
59.86%
0.86%
Direct venture capital investments: Mobile Computing
$7.0M
 
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
2 years
65.26%
0.58%
Direct venture capital investments: Networking
$5.1M
 
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
Discount for Lack of Marketability
0.5 years
36.94%
0.36%
8.1%
Direct venture capital investments: Semiconductor
Equipment
$25.6M
 
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
Discount for Lack of Marketability
2 years
50.0%
0.58%
21.2%
Direct venture capital investments: Software
$0.6M
 
Prior Transaction
  Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
Volatility
Risk-Free Rate
Discount for Lack of Marketability
1 year
55.30%
0.45%
16.9%
 
NOTE 7.  FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually, for the special tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).  As provided in the Code, in any fiscal year in which a BDC so qualifies and distributes at least 90% of its taxable net income, the BDC (but not the shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on the income distributed.  Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made.  To avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, the Company intends to declare as dividends in each calendar year at least 98% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and 98.2% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the 12 months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts, if any, from prior years.
21

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
The reorganization described in Note 1 (the formation of FVI as a fully owned subsidiary for investment activities) was structured to avoid any adverse tax consequences for the Company and its shareholders. The Company’s engaging in investment activities through FVI does not, in our view, jeopardize the Company’s ability to continue to qualify as a RIC under the Code.

The Company is subject to tax provisions that establish a minimum threshold for recognizing, and a system for measuring, the benefits of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Taxable years ending 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 remain open to federal and state audit. As of December 31, 2015, management has evaluated the application of these provisions to the Company and has determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Company’s financial statements for uncertain tax provisions.
 
NOTE 8.  INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

Investment transactions (excluding short-term investments) were as follows for the six months ended June 30, 2016.

PURCHASES AND SALES
     
Purchases of investment securities
 
$
39,534,269
 
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities
 
$
49,193,492
 
 
NOTE 9.  SHARE BUYBACK

SHARE BUYBACK. In connection with our agreement with a shareholder, we agreed to establish an open-market purchase program to purchase up to $10 million of our common stock during certain periods in 2014 in which the market price of the common stock was below our NAV; On December 5, 2014, we completed the open market purchase program offer after reaching its $10 million goal. A total of 509,859 shares were purchased in the buyback at an average price of approximately $19.61 per share.

On April 26, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved a discretionary share repurchase plan (the “Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund may purchase in the open market up to $2 million worth of its common stock. The Plan allows the Fund to acquire its own shares at certain thresholds below its net asset value (NAV) per share, in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. The intent of the Plan is to increase NAV per share and thereby enhance shareholder value. Executing the Plan may also moderate the discount at which the Fund’s shares currently trade. Based on the closing price of $7.40 per share for the Fund’s common stock as of April 26, 2016 on the Nasdaq Global Market, the Fund has been authorized to repurchase approximately 3.5% of its outstanding stock. The Fund expects the Plan will be in effect until September 30, 2016, or until the approved dollar amount has been used to repurchase shares. There is no assurance that the Fund will purchase shares at any specific discount levels or in any specific amounts. There is no assurance that market price of the Fund’s shares, either absolutely or relative to NAV, will increase as a result of any share repurchases, or that the plan will enhance shareholder value over the long term.
 
TENDER OFFER. In connection with our agreement with a shareholder, we agreed to commence an issuer tender offer for up to $20 million of our shares of common stock at a purchase price per share equal to 95% of the Fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”) as of the close of ordinary trading on the NASDAQ Global Market on December 31, 2014 (the “Offer”). On December 22, 2014, the Fund commenced a tender offer to purchase up to $20 million of its issued and outstanding common shares for cash at a price per share equal to 95% of the NAV determined on December 31, 2014 ($23.2702 per share). The tender offer, which expired on January 22, 2015 at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, was oversubscribed. Because the number of shares tendered exceeded the maximum amount of its offer, the Fund purchased shares from tendering shareholders on a pro-rata basis based on the number of shares properly tendered. Of the 5,044,728 shares properly tendered, the Fund purchased 859,468 shares of common stock pursuant to the tender offer.
22

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 10.  INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES AND CONTROLLED INVESTMENTS

Under the 1940 Act, the Company is required to identify investments where it owns greater than 5% (but less than 25%) of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting shares as an affiliate of the Company. Also, under the 1940 Act, the Company is required to identify investments where it owns greater than 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting shares as a controlled investment of the Company. A summary of the Company’s investments in affiliates and controlled investments for the period from December 31, 2015, through June 30, 2016 is noted below:

   
SHARES/PAR ACTIVITY
                         
AFFILIATE/
CONTROLLED INVESTMENT*
 
BALANCE AT 12/31/15
   
PURCHASES/
MERGER
   
SALES/
MATURITY/
EXPIRATION
   
BALANCE AT 6/30/16
   
REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
   
INTEREST
   
VALUE
6/30/16
   
ACQUISITION COST
 
EQX, Inc. Common Stock*
   
-
     
100,000
     
-
     
100,000
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
20,000
   
$
20,000
 
EQX, Inc. Preferred Stock -
Series A*
   
-
     
2,000,000
     
-
     
2,000,000
     
-
     
-
     
2,000,000
     
2,000,000
 
Hera Systems, Inc.
Series A Preferred*
   
3,642,324
     
-
     
-
     
3,642,324
     
-
     
-
     
697,505
     
2,000,000
 
IntraOp Medical Corp.
Series C Preferred*
   
26,856,187
     
-
     
-
     
26,856,187
     
-
     
-
     
22,655,879
     
26,299,938
 
IntraOp Medical Corp.
Convertible Note*
   
1,000,000
     
-
     
-
     
1,000,000
     
-
     
74,795
     
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
 
IntraOp Medical Corp.
Term Note*
   
3,000,000
     
-
     
-
     
3,000,000
     
-
     
119,671
     
3,000,000
     
3,000,000
 
Pivotal Systems,
Series A Preferred*
   
11,914,217
     
-
     
-
     
11,914,217
     
-
     
-
     
7,374,900
     
6,000,048
 
Pivotal Systems,
Series B Preferred*
   
13,065,236
     
-
     
-
     
13,065,236
     
-
     
-
     
8,087,381
     
6,321,482
 
Pivotal Systems,
Series C Preferred*
   
2,291,260
     
-
     
-
     
2,291,260
     
-
     
-
     
2,493,807
     
2,657,862
 
Pivotal Systems,
Convertible Note*
   
-
     
500,000
     
-
     
500,000
     
-
     
21,918
     
500,000
     
500,000
 
Pivotal Systems,
Convertible Note*
   
-
     
881,102
     
-
     
881,102
     
-
     
20,559
     
881,102
     
881,102
 
Pivotal Systems,
Common Stocks Warrants*
   
-
     
18,180,475
     
-
     
18,180,475
     
-
     
-
     
6,234,812
     
-
 
QMAT, Preferred Stock
Series A*
   
14,000,240
     
2,000,000
     
-
     
16,000,240
     
-
     
-
     
16,000,240
     
16,000,240
 
QMAT, Series A Warrant*
   
2,000,000
     
-
     
-
     
2,000,000
     
-
     
-
     
599,600
     
-
 
 
23

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
   
SHARES/PAR ACTIVITY
                                 
AFFILIATE/
CONTROLLED INVESTMENT*
 
BALANCE AT 12/31/15
   
PURCHASES/
MERGER
   
SALES/
MATURITY/
EXPIRATION
   
BALANCE AT 6/30/16
   
REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
   
INTEREST
   
VALUE
6/30/16
   
ACQUISITION COST
 
Silicon Genesis Corp.,
Common *
   
921,892
     
-
     
-
     
921,892
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
17,885
   
$
169,045
 
Silicon Genesis Corp.,
Convertible Note*
   
1,250,000
     
-
     
(1,250,000
)
   
-
     
(360,753
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Silicon Genesis Corp.,
Convertible Note*
   
1,000,000
     
-
     
(1,000,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Silicon Genesis Corp.,
Term Note*
   
3,000,000
     
-
     
(3,000,000
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Silicon Genesis Corp.,
Common Warrant*
   
37,982
     
-
     
-
     
37,982
     
-
     
-
     
365
     
6,678
 
Silicon Genesis Corp.,
Common Warrant*
   
5,000,000
     
-
     
-
     
5,000,000
     
-
     
-
     
10,000
     
-
 
Silicon Genesis Corp.,
Common Warrant*
   
3,000,000
     
-
     
-
     
3,000,000
     
-
     
-
     
6,000
     
-
 
Silicon Genesis Corp.,
Series 1-C Preferred*
   
82,914
     
-
     
-
     
82,914
     
-
     
-
     
92,441
     
109,518
 
Silicon Genesis Corp.,
Series 1-D Preferred*
   
850,830
     
-
     
-
     
850,830
     
-
     
-
     
254,398
     
431,901
 
Silicon Genesis Corp., 
Series 1-E Preferred*
   
5,704,480
     
-
     
-
     
5,704,480
     
-
     
-
     
2,667,985
     
2,946,535
 
Silicon Genesis Corp.,
Series 1-F Preferred*
   
912,453
     
-
     
-
     
912,453
     
-
     
-
     
580,594
     
583,060
 
Silicon Genesis Corp.,
Series 1-G Preferred*
   
-
     
48,370,793
     
-
     
48,370,793
     
-
     
-
     
3,736,160
     
8,580,979
 
Silicon Genesis Corp.,
Series 1-H Preferred*
   
-
     
837,942
     
-
     
837,942
     
-
     
-
     
300,067
     
1,000,000
 
Telepathy Investors, Inc.
Convertible Note*
   
2,000,000
     
-
     
-
     
2,000,000
     
-
     
101,111
     
2,000,000
     
2,000,000
 
Telepathy Investors, Inc.
Convertible Note*
   
-
     
150,000
     
-
     
150,000
     
-
     
411
     
150,000
     
150,000
 
Telepathy Investors, Inc.
Convertible Note*
   
-
     
500,000
     
-
     
500,000
     
-
     
9,863
     
500,000
     
500,000
 
Telepathy Investors, Inc.
Convertible Note*
   
-
     
300,000
     
-
     
300,000
     
-
     
12,658
     
300,000
     
300,000
 
Telepathy Investors, Inc.
Series A Preferred*
   
15,238,000
     
-
     
-
     
15,238,000
     
-
     
-
     
3,719,596
     
3,999,999
 
Vufine, Inc.,
Series A Preferred*
   
15,000,000
     
7,500,000
     
-
     
22,500,000
     
-
     
-
     
2,250,000
     
2,250,000
 
Vufine, Inc., Common Stock*
   
750,000
     
-
     
-
     
750,000
     
-
     
-
     
21,675
     
15,000
 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
24

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
JUNE 30, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
   
SHARES/PAR ACTIVITY
                                 
AFFILIATE/
CONTROLLED INVESTMENT*
 
BALANCE AT 12/31/15
   
PURCHASES/
MERGER
   
SALES/
MATURITY/
EXPIRATION
   
BALANCE AT 6/30/16
   
REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
   
INTEREST
   
VALUE
6/30/16
   
ACQUISITION COST
 
Wrightspeed, Inc.
Series C Preferred
   
2,267,659
     
1,480,000
     
(1,480,000
)
   
2,267,659
   
$
864,024
   
$
-
   
$
7,323,858
   
$
6,864,023
 
Wrightspeed, Inc.