Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc. - FORM 10-Q

Attached files

file	filename
EX-31.1 - Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.	fp0015399_ex311.htm
EX-32 - Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.	fp0015399_ex32.htm
EX-31.2 - Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.	fp0015399_ex312.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, 2015 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, 2015
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share	7,702,705

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.		FINANCIAL INFORMATION	2
	Item 1.	Financial Statements	2
		Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2014	3
		Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015, and June 30, 2014 and for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015, and June 30, 2014	4
		Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 and the Six Months Ended June 30, 2014	5
		Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (Unaudited) and the Year Ended December 31, 2014	6
		Selected Per Share Data and Ratios for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (Unaudited), 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
		Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) as of June 30, 2015	8
		Notes To Financial Statements (Unaudited)	11
	Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	23
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	31
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	33
PART II.		OTHER INFORMATION	34
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	35
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	35
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	35
	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	35
	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	35
	Item 5.	Other Information	35
	Item 6.	Exhibits	35
SIGNATURES			36

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

See accompanying notes to financial statements

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Statements of Assets and Liabilities


	AS OF JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)			AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014
ASSETS
Investment securities:
Unaffiliated investments at acquisition cost	$	107,709,535		$	118,567,567
Affiliated investments at acquisition cost		15,375,885			13,375,885
Controlled investments at acquisition cost		64,330,580			60,815,580
Total acquisition cost	$	187,416,000		$	192,759,032
Unaffiliated investments at market value	$	106,733,728		$	118,830,054
Affiliated investments at market value		17,191,982			14,916,840
Controlled investments at market value		62,096,467			57,918,973
Total market value * (Note 6)		186,022,177			191,665,867
Cash**		3,633,796			69,014,110
Receivable from dividends and interest		3,412,007			2,729,276
Other assets		25,294			29,993
Total Assets		193,093,274			263,439,246
LIABILITIES
Payable for securities purchased		—			38,253,718
Incentive fees payable (Note 4)		2,831,900			13,716,658
Payable to affiliates (Note 4)		971,371			1,294,481
Consulting fee payable		30,500			23,000
Accrued expenses and other payables		261,896			421,318
Total Liabilities		4,095,667			53,709,175
NET ASSETS	$	188,997,607		$	209,730,071
Net Assets consist of:
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share 100,000,000 shares authorized	$	7,703		$	8,562
Paid-in-capital		184,982,547			204,981,680
Accumulated net investment income		3,485,354			5,832,994
Accumulated net realized gain from security transactions, purchased and written options		1,915,826			—
Net unrealized depreciation on investments and warrants transactions		(1,393,823	)		(1,093,165	)
NET ASSETS	$	188,997,607		$	209,730,071
Shares of Common Stock outstanding		7,702,705			8,562,173
Net asset value per share (Note 2)	$	24.54		$	24.49

*	Includes warrants 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 06/30/15 was 0.01%. Please see https://fundresearch.fidelity.com/mutual-funds/summary/316175504 for additional information.

See accompanying notes to financial statements

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Statements of Operations (Unaudited)


	FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED						FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED
	JUNE 30, 2015			JUNE 30, 2014			JUNE 30, 2015			JUNE 30, 2014
INVESTMENT INCOME
Unaffiliated dividend income	$	68,000		$	—		$	148,000		$	—
Unaffiliated interest		7,681			1,388			15,103			3,572
Affiliated/controlled interest		474,728			466,433			947,463			842,206
Royalty income		—			36,617			14,261			71,869
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME		550,409			504,438			1,124,827			917,647
EXPENSES
Investment advisory fees (Note 4)		971,371			1,278,346			1,994,761			2,570,335
Administration fees		30,087			37,219			63,339			70,245
Custody fees		3,673			4,740			8,175			8,672
Transfer agent fees		8,673			9,007			18,015			17,552
Registration and filing fees		5,734			5,773			11,405			11,483
Professional fees		711,361			95,987			846,435			496,226
Printing fees		59,341			58,074			99,810			102,875
Trustees fees		25,000			15,000			50,000			30,000
Settlement fees		—			838,000			—			838,000
Miscellaneous fees		13,723			20,076			26,831			37,480
TOTAL GROSS EXPENSES		1,828,963			2,362,222			3,118,771			4,182,868
Incentive fee adjustments (Note 4)		(401,080	)		242,048			353,696			(1,432,939	)
TOTAL NET EXPENSES		1,427,883			2,604,270			3,472,467			2,749,929

NET INVESTMENT LOSS		(877,474	)		(2,099,832	)		(2,347,640	)		(1,832,282	)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments:
Net realized gains (losses) from security transactions
Non-affiliated and other assets		121,642			—			1,290,832			132
Net realized gains from written option transactions (1)		473,497			—			624,994			—
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments		(2,603,977	)		(2,810,222	)		(294,886	)		(8,330,700	)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on warrants transactions (1)		3,435			346,405			(5,772	)		(2,423,314	)
Net change in unrealized appreciation on purchased options (1)		—			3,324,453			—			3,324,453
Net change in unrealized appreciation on written options (1)		—			24,754			—			24,754
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments		(2,005,403	)		885,390			1,615,168			(7,404,675	)
Net Decrease In Net Assets Resulting From Operations	$	(2,882,877	)	$	(1,214,442	)	$	(732,472	)	$	(9,236,957	)
Net Decrease In Net Assets Per Share Resulting From Operations (2)	$	(0.37	)	$	(0.13	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(1.02	)

(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

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)


	FOR THE			FOR THE
	SIX MONTHS ENDED			SIX MONTHS ENDED
	JUNE 30, 2015			JUNE 30, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net decrease in Net Assets resulting from operations	$	(732,472	)	$	(9,236,957	)

Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in Net Assets derived from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Purchases of investments		(24,176,276	)		(35,180,659	)
Proceeds from disposition of investments		33,152,358			—
Net purchases from short-term investments		(2,350,000	)		—
Net proceeds from written options		624,994			264,754
Net proceeds from purchased options		—			(1,792,932	)
Proceeds from litigation claim		7,782			132
Increase in dividends, interest, and reclaims receivable		(682,731	)		(586,986	)
Decrease in payable for investment purchased		(38,253,718	)		—
Increase (decrease) in payable to affiliates		(323,110	)		6,315
Decrease in incentive fees payable		(10,884,758	)		(1,432,939	)
Decrease (increase) in other assets		4,699			(153,121	)
Decrease in accrued expenses and other payables		(151,922	)		(410,738	)
Net realized gain from investments		(1,290,832	)		(132	)
Net realized gain from written options		(624,994	)		—
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments, purchased and written options and warrants transactions		300,658			7,404,807
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(45,380,322	)		(41,118,456	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cost from shares redeemed		(19,999,992	)		—
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		(19,999,992	)		—

Net decrease in cash		(65,380,314	)		(41,118,456	)
Cash - beginning of period		69,014,110			83,179,168
Cash - end of period	$	3,633,796		$	42,060,712

See accompanying notes to financial statements

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Statements of Changes in Net Assets


	FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)			FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment loss	$	(2,347,640	)	$	(10,777,461	)
Net realized gains from security transactions and written and purchased options		1,915,826			67,052,857
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments, and warrants transactions		(300,658	)		(40,291,286	)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations		(732,472	)		15,984,110

FROM DISTRIBUTIONS
From realized gains on investments		—			(53,158,463	)
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS		—			(53,158,463	)

FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
Value of shares repurchased		(19,999,992	)		(9,999,991	)
Net decrease in net assets from capital share transactions		(19,999,992	)		(9,999,991	)
TOTAL DECREASE IN NET ASSETS		(20,732,464	)		(47,174,344	)

NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period		209,730,071			256,904,415
End of period	$	188,997,607		$	209,730,071
Accumulated Net Investment Income	$	3,485,354		$	5,832,994

COMMON STOCK ACTIVITY:
Shares repurchased		(859,468	)		(509,859	)
Net decrease in shares outstanding		(859,468	)		(509,859	)
Shares outstanding, beginning of period		8,562,173			9,072,032
Shares outstanding, end of period		7,702,705			8,562,173

See accompanying notes to financial statements

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, 2015 (UNAUDITED)			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	$	24.49		$	28.32		$	22.90		$	23.92		$	27.01
Income from investment operations:
Net investment loss		(0.30	)		(1.26	)		(1.42	)		(0.39	)		(0.41	)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments		0.35			3.04			7.16			(1.01	)		(2.68	)
Total from investment operations		0.05			1.78			5.74			(1.40	)		(3.09	)

Distributions from:
Realized capital gains		—			(5.86	)		(0.32	)		—			—
Premiums from shares sold in offerings		—			—			—	(2)		0.38			—
Anti-dilutive effect from capital share transactions		—			0.25			—			—			—
Net asset value at end of period	$	24.54		$	24.49		$	28.32		$	22.90		$	23.92
Market value at end of period	$	12.90		$	18.65		$	23.17		$	17.44		$	14.33

Total return
Based on Net Asset Value		0.20	%(A)		12.54	%		25.30	%		(4.26	)%		(11.44	)%(A)
Based on Market Value		(30.83	)%(A)		4.76	%		34.61	%		21.70	%		(46.95	)%(A)
Net assets at end of period (millions)	$	189.0		$	209.7		$	256.9		$	195.9		$	83.63
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets		3.58	%(B)(3)		5.29	%(3)		6.52	%(3)		2.56	%		2.76	%(B)
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets, excluding incentive fees		3.22	%(B)		3.12	%		2.67	%		2.56	%		2.76	%(B)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets		(2.42	)%(B)		(4.31	)%		(5.96	)%		(2.12	)%		(2.28	)%(B)
Portfolio turnover rate		13	%(A)		95	%		17	%		10	%		18	%(A)

(1)	For the period April 18, 2011 (inception) through December 31, 2011.

(2)	Less than $0.005 per share.

(3)	Amount includes the incentive fee. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the year ended December 31, 2014, and the year ended December 31, 2013, the ratio of the incentive fee to average net assets was 0.36%, 2.17%, and 3.85%, respectively.

(A)	Not Annualized.

(B)	Annualized.

See accompanying notes to financial statements

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Schedule of Investments

JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

PORTFOLIO COMPANY (% OF NET ASSETS) AND INDUSTRY	TYPE OF INVESTMENT	SHARES/PAR VALUE ($)		COST BASIS		VALUE
ALIPHCOM, INC. (5.4%) Consumer Electronics	Common Stock *(1)		2,128,005	$	10,108,024	$	10,147,668

CLOUDERA, INC. (0.3%) Software	Common Stock *(1)		20,000		580,000		561,778

GILT GROUPE HOLDINGS, INC. (1.7%) Internet	Common Stock *(1)		198,841		4,558,112		3,284,277

HERA SYSTEMS, INC. (0.1%) Aerospace	Convertible Note (1) Matures December 2015 Interest Rate 5%		250,000		250,000		250,000

HIGHTAIL, INC. (5.2%) Cloud Computing	Preferred Stock - Series E *(1)		2,268,602		9,999,998		9,895,869

HIKU LABS, INC. (0.3%) Consumer Electronics	Convertible Note (1) Matures September 2015 Interest Rate 5%		600,000		600,000		600,000

INTEVAC, INC. (0.8%) Other Electronics	Common Stock *		243,883		2,721,734		1,426,716

INTRAOP MEDICAL CORP. (12.6%)	Preferred Stock - Series A-1 *(1)(2)		6,800,000		6,800,000		5,760,552
Medical Devices	Preferred Stock - Series A-2 *(1)(2)		13,500,000		13,499,940		11,436,390
	Term Note (1)(2) Matures February 2016 Interest Rate 8%		3,000,000		3,000,000		3,000,000
	Convertible Note (1)(2) Matures July 2016 Interest Rate 15%		1,000,000		1,000,000		1,000,000
	Preferred Stock - Series B *(1)(2)		3,000,000		3,000,000		2,541,420
							23,738,362

INVENSENSE, INC. (4.0%) Semiconductors	Common Stock *		500,000		8,003,882		7,550,000

MATTSON TECHNOLOGY, INC. (5.8%) Semiconductor Equipment	Common Stock *		3,280,000		8,239,200		10,988,000

NUTANIX, INC. (2.1%) Networking	Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)		227,272		3,999,987		3,999,987

See accompanying notes to financial statements

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Schedule of Investments - continued
JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

PORTFOLIO COMPANY (% OF NET ASSETS) AND INDUSTRY	TYPE OF INVESTMENT	SHARES/PAR VALUE ($)		COST BASIS		VALUE
PHUNWARE, INC. (5.1%) Mobile Computing	Preferred Stock - Series E *(1)		3,257,328	$	9,999,997	$	9,652,440

PIVOTAL SYSTEMS CORP. (10.9%)	Preferred Stock - Series C * (1)(2)		2,291,260		2,657,862		2,657,862
Semiconductor Equipment	Preferred Stock - Series B *(1)(2)		7,942,811		4,000,000		6,371,961
	Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)		11,914,217		6,000,048		9,557,942
	Convertible Note (1)(2) Matures March 2016 Interest Rate 10%		2,000,000		2,000,000		2,000,000
							20,587,765

QMAT, INC. (6.3%) Advanced Materials	Preferred Stock Warrants - Series A *(1)(2)		2,000,000		0		562,128
	Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)		12,000,240		12,000,240		11,438,112
							12,000,240

QUALCOMM, INC. (3.3%) Communications Equipment	Common Stock		100,000		7,496,400		6,263,000

ROKU, INC. (0.2%) Consumer Electronics	Common Stock *(1)		250,000		437,500		437,500

SILICON GENESIS CORP. (2.8%) **	Preferred Stock - Series 1-F *(1)(2)		912,453		583,060		0
Intellectual Property	Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)		37,982		6,678		0
	Common Stock *(1)(2)		921,892		169,045		0
	Preferred Stock - Series 1-D *(1)(2)		850,830		431,901		0
	Preferred Stock - Series 1-C *(1)(2)		82,914		109,518		0
	Preferred Stock - Series 1-E *(1)(2)		5,704,480		2,946,535		0
	Term Note (1)(2) Matures December 2016 Interest Rate 12%		3,000,000		3,000,000		3,000,000
	Convertible Note (1)(2)		1,250,000		1,610,753		1,250,000
	Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)		5,000,000		0		0
	Convertible Note (1)(2)		1,000,000		1,000,000		1,000,000
	Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)		3,000,000		0		0
							5,250,000

SUNRUN, INC. (4.8%)	Common Stock *(1)		674,820		6,417,495		9,031,791
Renewable Energy

TAPAD, INC. (5.5%)	Preferred Stock - Series B-2 *(1)		492,244		7,149,992		7,149,992
Advertising Technology	Preferred Stock - Series B-1 *(1)		280,048		2,999,986		3,187,114
							10,337,106

See accompanying notes to financial statements

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Schedule of Investments - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

PORTFOLIO COMPANY (% OF NET ASSETS) AND INDUSTRY	TYPE OF INVESTMENT	SHARES/PAR VALUE ($)		COST BASIS		VALUE
TELEPATHY INVESTORS, INC. (3.2%)	Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(3)		15,238,000	$	3,999,999	$	4,000,000
Consumer Electronics	Convertible Note (1)(3) Matures June 2017 Interest Rate 10%		2,000,000		2,000,000		2,000,000
							6,000,000

TURN INC. (8.0%)	Preferred Stock - Series E *(1)		1,798,562		15,000,007		15,114,396
Advertising Technology

TWITTER, INC. (1.9%)	Common Stock		100,000		4,000,540		3,622,000
Social Networking

UCT COATINGS, INC. (0.2%)	Common Stock Warrants *(1)		136,986		0		0
Advanced Materials	Common Stock *(1)		1,500,000		662,235		434,400
	Common Stock Warrants *(1)		33,001		0		0
	Common Stock Warrants *(1)		2,283		67		0
							434,400

VUFINE. INC. (0.3%)	Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)		5,000,000		500,000		500,000
Consumer Electronics	Common Stock *(1)(2)		750,000		15,000		20,100
							520,100

WESTERN DIGITAL CORP. (1.7%)	Common Stock		40,000		4,484,379		3,136,800
Peripherals

WRIGHTSPEED, INC. (5.9%)	Preferred Stock - Series C *(1)(3)		2,267,659		5,999,999		7,276,464
Automotive	Preferred Stock - Series D *(1)(3)		1,100,978		3,375,887		3,915,518
							11,191,982
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(Cost $187,416,000)
—98.4%							186,022,177

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS
OF LIABILITIES — 1.6%							2,975,430

NET ASSETS — 100.0%						$	188,997,607

*	Non-income producing security.

**	On February 17, 2015, Silicon Genesis Corp. filed a Voluntary Petition for Chapter 11 protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Fund currently is the sole secured creditor of Silicon Genesis.

(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.

See accompanying notes to financial statements

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)

Notes to Financial Statements

JUNE 30, 2015 (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 net 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 total assets in privately held companies and in public companies with market capitalizations of 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.”

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 (“GAAP”) 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.

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.

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, 2015, our financial statements include venture capital investments valued at approximately $153.0 million. The fair values of our venture capital investments were determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board” or the “Board of Directors”). 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.

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

RESTRICTED SECURITIES. At June 30, 2015, we held $153,035,661 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 Company is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Company, plus cash or other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses), by the total number of shares outstanding of the Company, 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).

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 Company did not have any written options as of June 30, 2015. The net realized gains/(loss) from written options and the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on written options for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 can be found on the Statement of Operations.

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

The number of option contracts written and the premiums received during the three months ended June 30, 2015 were as follows:

	CONTRACTS			RECEIVED
Options outstanding, beginning of year		—		$	—
Options written during period		8,100			1,384,952
Options closed during period		(1,000	)		(98,668	)
Options expired during period		(5,032	)		(541,326	)
Options exercised during period		(2,068	)		(744,958	)
Options outstanding, end of period		—		$	—

The average volume of the Fund’s derivatives during the three months ended June 30, 2015 is as follows:

		Purchased Options (Contracts)				Warrants (Shares)				Written Options (Contracts)
Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.			—				10,210,252				—

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 attained 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.

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.

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

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. (“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, 2015, accrued incentive fees totaled $2,831,900.

NOTE 5. DEBT

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

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

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.

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (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.

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

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, 2015:

	LEVEL 1 QUOTED PRICES		LEVEL 2 OTHER SIGNIFICANT OBSERVABLE INPUTS		LEVEL 3 SIGNIFICANT UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS
Assets
Common Stocks
Advanced Materials	$	—	$	—	$	434,400
Communications Equipment		6,263,000		—		—
Consumer Electronics		—		—		10,605,268
Internet		—		—		3,284,277
Other Electronics		1,426,716		—		—
Peripherals		3,136,800		—		—
Renewable Energy		—		—		9,031,791
Semiconductor Equipment		10,988,000		—		—
Semiconductors		7,550,000		—		—
Social Networking		3,622,000		—		—
Software		—		—		561,778
Total Common Stocks		32,986,516		—		23,917,514
Preferred Stocks
Advanced Materials		—		—		11,438,112
Advertising Technology		—		—		25,451,502
Automotive		—		—		11,191,982
Cloud Computing		—		—		9,895,869
Consumer Electronics		—		—		4,500,000
Medical Devices		—		—		19,738,362
Mobile Computing		—		—		9,652,440
Networking		—		—		3,999,987
Semiconductor Equipment		—		—		18,587,765
Total Preferred Stocks		—		—		114,456,019
Asset Derivatives *
Equity Contracts		—		—		562,128
Total Asset Derivatives		—		—		562,128
Convertible Notes
Aerospace		—		—		250,000
Consumer Electronics		—		—		2,600,000
Intellectual Property		—		—		5,250,000
Medical Devices		—		—		4,000,000
Semiconductor Equipment		—		—		2,000,000
Total Convertible Notes		—		—		14,100,000
Total	$	32,986,516	$	—	$	153,035,661

*	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, 2015.

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (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 12/31/14		NET PURCHASES		NET SALES		NET REALIZED GAINS		NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION)⁽¹⁾			TRANSFERS IN (OUT) OF LEVEL 3		BALANCE AS OF 6/30/15
Common Stocks
Advanced Materials	$	607,650	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	(173,250	)	$	—	$	434,400
Consumer Electronics		11,820,642		452,500		—		—		(1,667,874	)		—		10,605,268
Internet		2,547,272		—		—		—		737,005			—		3,284,277
Renewable Energy		5,061,960		—		—		—		3,969,831			—		9,031,791
Software		—		580,000		—		—		(18,222	)		—		561,778
Preferred Stocks
Advanced Materials		11,432,476		—		—		—		5,636			—		11,438,112
Advertising Technology		19,323,228		5,999,995		—		—		128,279			—		25,451,502
Automotive		10,916,840		—		—		—		275,142			—		11,191,982
Cloud Computing		9,999,998		—		—		—		(104,129	)		—		9,895,869
Consumer Electronics		4,000,000		500,000		—		—		—			—		4,500,000
Medical Devices		15,986,250		3,000,000		—		—		752,112			—		19,738,362
Mobile Computing		9,999,997		—		—		—		(347,557	)		—		9,652,440
Networking		—		3,999,987		—		—		—			—		3,999,987
Semiconductor Equipment		18,682,483		—		—		—		(94,718	)		—		18,587,765
Asset Derivatives
Equity Contracts		567,900		—		—		—		(5,772	)		—		562,128
Convertible Notes
Aerospace		—		250,000		—		—		—			—		250,000
Consumer Electronics		500,000		2,100,000		—		—		—			—		2,600,000
Intellectual Property		5,250,000		—		—		—		—			—		5,250,000
Medical Devices		4,000,000		—		—		—		—			—		4,000,000
Semiconductor Equipment		2,000,000		—		—		—		—			—		2,000,000
Total	$	132,696,696	$	16,882,482	$	—	$	—	$	3,456,483		$	—	$	153,035,661

(1)	The net change in unrealized depreciation from Level 3 instruments held as of June 30, 2015 was $3,456,483.

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

The below chart represents quantitative disclosure about significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements at June 30, 2015:

	FAIR VALUE AT 6/30/15	VALUATION TECHNIQUES	UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS	RANGE (WEIGHTED AVG.)
Direct venture capital investments: Advanced Materials	$12.4M	Market Comparable Companies	EBITDA Multiple	5.6x - 7.7x
		Prior Transaction Analysis	Revenue Multiple	0.9x - 1.3x
			Volatility	47.49% - 54.68%
			Risk-Free Rate	1.62%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	28.5% - 32.3%
Direct venture capital investments: Advertising Technology	$25.5M	Market Comparable Companies	Revenue Multiple	0.7x
		Prior Transaction Analysis	Volatility	53.59%
			Risk-Free Rate	0.64%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.0%
Direct venture capital investments: Aerospace	$0.2M	Prior Transaction Analysis	Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.0%
Direct venture capital investments: Automotive	$11.2M	Prior Transaction Analysis	Volatility	63.92%
			Risk-Free Rate	1.00%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.0%
Direct venture capital investments: Cloud Computing	$9.9M	Prior Transaction Analysis	Volatility	39.63%
Direct venture capital investments: Cloud Computing			Risk-Free Rate	0.27%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.0%
Direct venture capital investments: Consumer Electronics	$17.7M	Prior Transaction Analysis	Volatility	45.94% - 61.73%
			Risk-Free Rate	0.27% - 1.62%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.0% - 28.6%
Direct venture capital investments: Intellectual Property	$5.3M	Market Comparable Companies	Revenue Multiple	1.0x - 1.3x
			Volatility	47.38%
			Risk-Free Rate	0.11%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.0%
Direct venture capital investments: Internet	$3.3M	Prior Transaction Analysis	Volatility	43.38%
			Risk-Free Rate	0.27%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	13.4%
Direct venture capital investments: Medical Devices	$23.7M	Market Comparable Companies	Revenue Multiple	2.0x - 2.4x
			Volatility	75.05%
		Prior Transaction Analysis	Risk-Free Rate	1.31%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.0%
Direct venture capital investments: Mobile Computing	$9.6M	Market Comparable Companies	Revenue Multiple	1.4x - 1.8x
			Volatility	80.09%
		Prior Transaction Analysis	Risk-Free Rate	0.64%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.0%

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

	FAIR VALUE AT 6/30/15	VALUATION TECHNIQUES	UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS	RANGE (WEIGHTED AVG.)
Direct venture capital investments: Networking	$4.0M	Prior Transaction Analysis	Volatility	26.44%
			Risk-Free Rate	0.27%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	8.2%
Direct venture capital investments: Renewable Energy	$9.0M	Prior Transaction Analysis	Volatility	75.75%
			Risk-Free Rate	0.01%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	11.8%
Direct venture capital investments: Semiconductor Equipment	$20.6M	Prior Transaction Analysis	Volatility	41.36%
			Risk-Free Rate	1.00%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.0%
Direct venture capital investments: Software	$0.6M	Prior Transaction Analysis	Volatility	57.10%
			Risk-Free Rate	0.28%
			Discount for Lack of Marketability	0.0%

NOTE 7. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually, for the special tax treatment afforded RICs under 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.

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 2011, 2012, and 2013 remain open to federal and state audit. As of December 31, 2014, 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 three months ended June 30, 2015.

PURCHASES AND SALES
Purchases of investment securities	$	24,176,276
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities	$	33,152,358

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 9. 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, 2014 through June 30, 2015, is noted below:

	SHARES/PAR ACTIVITY
AFFILIATE/ CONTROLLED INVESTMENT*	BALANCE AT 12/31/14		PURCHASES/ MERGER		SALES/ MATURITY/ EXPIRATION		BALANCE AT 6/30/15		REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)		INTEREST		VALUE 6/30/15		ACQUISITION COST
IntraOp Medical Corp. Series A-1 Preferred*		6,800,000		—		—		6,800,000	$	—	$	—	$	5,760,552	$	6,800,000
IntraOp Medical Corp. Series A-2 Preferred*		13,500,000		—		—		13,500,000		—		—		11,436,390		13,499,940
IntraOp Medical Corp. Series B Preferred*		—		3,000,000		—		3,000,000		—		—		2,541,420		3,000,000
IntraOp Medical Corp. Term Note*		1,000,000		—		—		1,000,000		—		74,384		1,000,000		1,000,000
IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*		3,000,000		—		—		3,000,000		—		119,014		3,000,000		3,000,000
Pivotal Systems, Series A Preferred*		11,914,217		—		—		11,914,217		—		—		9,557,942		6,000,048
Pivotal Systems, Series B Preferred*		7,942,811		—		—		7,942,811		—		—		6,371,961		4,000,000
Pivotal Systems, Series C Preferred*		2,291,260		—		—		2,291,260		—		—		2,657,862		2,657,862
Pivotal Systems, Convertible Note*		2,000,000		—		—		2,000,000		—		109,123		2,000,000		2,000,000
QMAT, Preferred Stock Series A*		12,000,240		—		—		12,000,240		—		—		11,438,112		12,000,240
QMAT, Series A Warrant*		2,000,000		—		—		2,000,000		—		—		562,128		—
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common*		921,892		—		—		921,892		—		—		—		169,045
Silicon Genesis Corp., Convertible Note*		1,250,000		—		—		1,250,000		—		290,141		1,250,000		1,610,753
Silicon Genesis Corp., Convertible Note*		1,000,000		—		—		1,000,000		—		180,776		1,000,000		1,000,000
Silicon Genesis Corp., Term Note*		3,000,000		—		—		3,000,000		—		169,581		3,000,000		3,000,000
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrant*		37,982		—		—		37,982		—		—		—		6,678
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrant*		5,000,000		—		—		5,000,000		—		—		—		—
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrant*		3,000,000		—		—		3,000,000		—		—		—		—

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

	SHARES/PAR ACTIVITY
AFFILIATE/ CONTROLLED INVESTMENT*	BALANCE AT 12/31/14		PURCHASES/ MERGER		SALES/ MATURITY/ EXPIRATION		BALANCE AT 6/30/15		REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)		INTEREST		VALUE 6/30/15		ACQUISITION COST
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-C Preferred*		82,914		—		—		82,914	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	109,518
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-D*		850,830		—		—		850,830		—		—		—		431,901
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E Preferred*		5,704,480		—		—		5,704,480		—		—		—		2,946,535
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-F Preferred*		912,453		—		—		912,453		—		—		—		583,060
Telepathy Investors, Inc. Convertible Note		—		2,000,000		—		2,000,000		—		4,444		2,000,000		2,000,000
Telepathy Investors, Inc. Series A Preferred		15,238,000		—		—		15,238,000		—		—		4,000,000		3,999,999
Vufine, Inc. Series A Preferred*		—		5,000,000		—		5,000,000		—		—		500,000		500,000
Vufine, Inc. Common*		—		750,000		—		750,000		—		—		20,100		15,000
Wrightspeed, Inc. Series C Preferred		2,267,659		—		—		2,267,659		—		—		7,276,464		5,999,999
Wrightspeed, Inc. Series D Preferred		1,100,978		—		—		1,100,978		—		—		3,915,518		3,375,887
Total Affiliates and Controlled Investments													$	79,288,449	$	79,706,465
Total Affiliates													$	17,191,982	$	15,375,885
Total Controlled Investments													$	62,096,467	$	64,330,580

*	Controlled investment.

As of June 30, 2015, Kevin Landis represents the Company and sits on the board of directors of IntraOp Medical, Inc.; Phunware, Inc.; Pivotal Systems, Inc.; QMAT, Inc.; Silicon Genesis Corporation; Telepathy Investors, Inc.; Vufine, Inc.; and Wrightspeed, Inc. Serving on boards of directors of portfolio companies may cause conflicts of interest. The Adviser has adopted various procedures to ensure that the Company will not be unfavorably affected by these potential conflicts.

NOTE 10. TENDER OFFER

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.

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements - continued

JUNE 30, 2015 (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 11. SILICON GENESIS BANKRUPTCY FILING

SILICON GENESIS

On February 17, 2015, Silicon Genesis Corp. filed a Voluntary Petition for Chapter 11 protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Company currently is the only secured creditor of Silicon Genesis.

NOTE 12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On May 8, 2015, the Board of Directors of Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc. (“SVVC”) approved the formation of a fully owned subsidiary of SVVC named Firsthand Venture Investors (“FVI”). SVVC will contribute substantially all of its assets to FVI in return for ownership interest in FVI. The transaction was completed on July 1, 2015. Following the closing of the transaction, SVVC will have all or substantially all of its investment activities conducted through FVI. The Board believes this new structure has the potential to improve the operational and tax efficiency of SVVC.

On August 4, 2015, Sunrun completed the initial public offering of its common stock, at a price of $14.00 per share. The company’s stock began trading under the symbol “RUN” on August 5, 2015.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The matters discussed in this report, as well as in future oral and written statements by management of the Company, include forward-looking statements based on current management expectations that involve substantial risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements related to future events or our future financial performance. We generally identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar words. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new investments and to achieve certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this report should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans or objectives will be achieved. The forward-looking statements contained in this report include, without limitations, statements as to:

●	our future operating results;

●	our business prospects and the prospects of our prospective portfolio companies;

●	the impact of investments that we expect to make;

●	the impact of a protracted decline in the liquidity of the credit markets on our business;

●	our informal relationships with third parties;

●	the expected market for venture capital investments and our addressable market;

●	the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

●	our ability to access the equity market;

●	the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

●	our expected financings and investments;

●	our regulatory structure and tax status;

●	our ability to operate as a business development company and a regulated investment company;

●	the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;

●	the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operation of our portfolio companies;

●	the timing, form, and amount of any dividend distributions;

●	impact of fluctuation of interest rates on our business;

●	valuation of any investments in portfolio companies particularly those having no liquid trading market; and

●	our ability to recover unrealized losses.

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this report relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this prospectus contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking information due to the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” appearing elsewhere herein.

OVERVIEW

We are an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company organized as a Maryland corporation that has elected to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. As such, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For instance, we generally have to invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets,” including securities of private or micro-cap public U.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. In addition, for tax purposes we have elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. FCM serves as our investment adviser and manages the investment process on a daily basis.

Our investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital, principally by seeking capital gains on our equity and equity-related investments. There can be no assurance that we will achieve our investment objective. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of our net assets for investment purposes in technology companies. We consider technology companies to be those companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from products and/or services within the information technology sector or in 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 invest at least 70% of our total assets in privately held companies and public companies with market capitalizations of 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 our capital base. We acquire our investments through direct investments in private companies, negotiations with selling shareholders, and in organized secondary marketplaces for private securities.

While our primary focus is to invest in illiquid private technology and cleantech companies, we also may invest in micro-cap publicly traded companies. In addition, we may invest up to 30 percent of the portfolio in opportunistic investments that do not constitute the private companies and micro-cap public companies described above. These other investments may include investments in securities of public companies that are actively traded or in actively traded derivative securities such as options on securities or security indices. These other investments may also include investments in high-yield bonds, distressed debt, or securities of public companies that are actively traded and securities of companies located outside of the United States. Our investment activities are managed by FCM.

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

We make investments in securities of both public and private companies. Our portfolio investments consist principally of equity and equity-like securities, including common and preferred stock, warrants for the purchase of common and stock, and convertible debt. The fair value of our investment portfolio was approximately $186.0 million as of June 30, 2015 as compared to approximately $191.7 million as of December 31, 2014.

The following table summarizes the fair value of our investment portfolio by industry sector as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

	June 30, 2015	December 31, 2014
Semiconductor Equipment	16.7%	19.0%
Advertising Technology	13.5%	9.3%
Medical Devices	12.6%	9.5%
Consumer Electronics	9.4%	7.7%
Advanced Materials	6.5%	6.0%
Automotive	5.9%	5.2%
Cloud Computing	5.2%	4.8%
Mobile Computing	5.1%	4.8%
Renewable Energy	4.8%	2.4%
Semiconductors	4.0%	5.3%
Communications Equipment	3.3%	3.5%
Intellectual Property	2.8%	2.5%
Networking	2.1%	0.0%
Social networking	1.9%	0.0%
Peripherals	1.7%	2.1%
Internet	1.7%	4.5%
Other Electronics	0.8%	0.9%
Software	0.3%	3.9%
Aerospace	0.1%	0.0%
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities	1.6%	8.6%
Net Assets	100.0%	100.0%

MATURITY OF PRIVATE COMPANIES IN THE CURRENT PORTFOLIO

The Fund invests in private companies at various stages of maturity. As our portfolio companies mature, they move from the “early (development) stage” to the “middle (revenue) stage” and then to the “late stage.” We expect that this continuous progression may create a pipeline of potential exit opportunities through initial public offerings (IPOs) or acquisitions. Of course, some companies do not progress.

The illustration below describes typical characteristics of companies at each stage of maturity and where we believe our current portfolio companies fit within these categories. We expect some of our portfolio companies to transition between stages of maturity over time. The transition may be forward if the company is maturing and is successfully executing its business plan or may be backward if the company is not successfully executing its business plan or decides to change its business plan substantially from its original plan.

EARLY STAGE	MIDDLE STAGE	LATE STAGE

Developing product or service for market, high level of research and development, little or no revenue.	Established product, customers, business model; limited revenues.	Appreciable revenue; may be break-even or profitable; IPO or acquisition candidate.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of the three months ended June 30, 2015 to the three months ended June 30, 2014.

INVESTMENT INCOME

For the three months ended June 30, 2015, we had investment income of $550,409 primarily attributable to interest accrued on convertible/term note investments with Silicon Genesis Corporation, Pivotal Systems, and IntraOp Medical Corp.

For the three months ended June 30, 2014, we had interest income of $504,438 primarily attributable to interest accrued on convertible/term note investments with Silicon Genesis Corporation and IntraOp Medical Corp.

The higher level of interest income in the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014 was due to new convertible note investments in IntraOp Medical Corp. and Pivotal Systems.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Gross operating expenses totaled approximately $1,828,963 during the three months ended June 30, 2015 and $2,362,222 during the three months ended June 30, 2014.

Significant components of gross operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2015, were management fee expense of $971,371, and professional fees (audit, legal, and consulting) of $711,361. Significant components of operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2014, were management fee expense of $1,278,346, settlement fees expense of $838,000 and professional fees (audit, legal, and consulting) of $95,987.

The lower level of gross operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014 is primarily attributable to fees associated with the settlement of our proxy contest in the three months ended June 30, 2014 and a decrease in our total net assets, on which the investment advisory fees are based.

NET INVESTMENT LOSS

The net investment loss was $877,474 for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and $2,099,832 for the three months ended June 30, 2014.

The lesser net investment loss in the three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014 is primarily due to fees associated with the settlement of our proxy contest in the three months ended June 30, 2014 and an incentive fee adjustment. Each quarter that we are in a net realized/unrealized gain position, we must accrue for an incentive fee and adjust the fee quarterly based on investment appreciation/depreciation in that quarter. In the three months ended June 30, 2015, we decreased our incentive fee accrual by $401,080 due to depreciation of our investments during the quarter.

NET INVESTMENT REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES AND UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION

A summary of the net realized and unrealized gains and loss on investments for the three month periods ended June 30, 2015, and June 30, 2014, is shown below.

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
Realized gains	$	595,139
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments		(2,600,542	)
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments	$	(2,005,403	)

	As of June 30, 2015
Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments	$	14,017,439
Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments		(15,411,262	)
Net unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments	$	(1,393,823	)

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
Realized gains	$	0
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments		885,390
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments	$	885,390

	As of June 30, 2014
Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments	$	50,972,251
Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments		(19,203,691	)
Net unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments	$	31,768,560

During the three months ended June 30, 2015, we recognized net realized gains of $595,139. Realized gains were higher than those in the year-ago period due to no sales of securities during the three months ended June 30, 2014.

During the three months ended June 30, 2015, net unrealized appreciation on total investments decreased by $2,600,542. The change in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of our private investments is based on portfolio asset valuations determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. This change in net unrealized depreciation was primarily composed of a decrease in the fair value of our portfolio companies, notably Mattson and Aliphcom.

During the three months ended June 30, 2014, we did not recognize any net realized gains.

During the three months ended June 30, 2014, net unrealized appreciation on total investments increased by $885,390. The change in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of our private investments is based on portfolio asset valuations determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. This change in net unrealized appreciation was primarily composed of an increase in the fair value of our portfolio companies, notably Facebook and Twitter.

INCOME AND EXCISE TAXES

It is our intent to continue to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code; accordingly, the Company does not provide for income taxes. The Company does, however, recognize interest and penalties, if any, as an income tax expense.

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS AND CHANGE IN NET ASSETS PER SHARE

For the three months ended June 30, 2015, the net decrease in net assets resulting from operations totaled $2,882,877 and basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per share for the three months ended June 30, 2015 was $(0.37).

For the three months ended June 30, 2014, the net decrease in net assets resulting from operations totaled $1,214,442 and basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per share for the three months ended June 30, 2014 was $(0.13).

The larger decrease in net assets resulting from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the increase in net assets resulting from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2014, is due primarily to a slower growth in our unrealized appreciation on investments.

The following information is a comparison for the six months ended June 30, 2015, and the six months ended June 30, 2014.

INVESTMENT INCOME

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, we had investment income of $1,124,827 primarily attributable to interest accrued on convertible/term note investments with Silicon Genesis Corporation, Pivotal Systems and IntraOp Medical Corp.

For the six months ended June 30, 2014, we had investment income of $917,647 primarily attributable to interest accrued on convertible/term note investments with Silicon Genesis Corporation and IntraOp Medical Corp.

The higher level of interest income in the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014 was due primarily to new convertible note investments in IntraOp Medical Corp. and Pivotal Systems.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Gross operating expenses totaled approximately $3,118,771 during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and $4,182,868 during the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Significant components of gross operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2015, were management fee expense of $1,994,761 and professional fees (audit, legal, and consulting) of $846,435. Significant components of operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2014, were management fee expense of $2,570,335, settlement fees expense of $838,000 and professional fees (audit, legal, and consulting) of $496,226.

The lower level of gross operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014 is primarily attributable to fees associated with the settlement of our proxy contest in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and an decrease in our total net assets, on which the investment advisory fees are based.

NET INVESTMENT LOSS

The net investment loss was $2,347,640 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and $1,832,282 for the six months ended June 30, 2014.

The higher net investment loss in the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014 is primarily due to an incentive fee adjustment. Each quarter that we are in a net realized/unrealized gain position, we must accrue for an incentive fee and adjust the fee quarterly based on investment appreciation/depreciation in that quarter. In the six months ended June 30, 2015, we increased our incentive fee accrual by $353,696 due to gains realized on our investments during the six months ended June 30, 2015.

NET INVESTMENT REALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES AND UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION

A summary of the net realized and unrealized gains and loss on investments for the six month periods ended June 30, 2015, and June 30, 2014, is shown below.

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
Realized gains	$	1,915,826
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments		(300,658	)
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments	$	1,615,168

	As of June 30, 2015
Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments	$	14,017,439
Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments		(15,411,262	)
Net unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments	$	(1,393,823	)

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
Realized gains	$	132
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments		(7,404,807	)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments	$	(7,404,675	)

	As of June 30, 2014
Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments	$	50,972,251
Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments		(19,203,691	)
Net unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments	$	31,768,560

During the six months ended June 30, 2015, we recognized net realized gains of $1,915,826 from the sale of investments. Realized gains were substantially higher than those in the year-ago period because there were no sales of investments during the six months ended June 30, 2014.

During the six months ended June 30, 2015, net unrealized appreciation on total investments decreased by $300,658. The change in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of our private investments is based on portfolio asset valuations determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. This change in net unrealized appreciation was primarily composed of a decrease in the fair value of our portfolio companies, notably Aliphcom.

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, we recognized net realized gains of $132 from a class action settlement.

During the six months ended June 30, 2014, net unrealized appreciation on total investments decreased by $7,404,807. The change in net unrealized appreciation and depreciation of our private investments is based on portfolio asset valuations determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. This change in net unrealized appreciation was primarily composed of a decrease in the fair value of our portfolio companies, notably Twitter.

INCOME AND EXCISE TAXES

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS AND CHANGE IN NET ASSETS PER SHARE

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the net decrease in net assets resulting from operations totaled $732,472 and basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per share for the six months ended June 30, 2015 was $(0.10).

For the six months ended June 30, 2014, the net decrease in net assets resulting from operations totaled $9,236,957 and basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per share for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $(1.02).

The lesser decrease in net assets resulting from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to the increase in net assets resulting from operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014, is due primarily to the realized gain from investments, most notably Workday and Arm Holdings.

DISTRIBUTION POLICY

Our board of directors will determine the timing and amount, if any, of our distributions. We intend to pay distributions on an annual basis out of assets legally available therefore. In order to qualify as a RIC and to avoid corporate-level tax on our income, we must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, on an annual basis. In addition, we also intend to distribute any realized net capital gains (i.e., realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) at least annually.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The Fund does not have any Contractual Obligations that meet the requirements for disclosure under Item 303 of Regulation S-K.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Fund does not have any Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

This discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements will require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets, and any other parameters used in determining such estimates could cause actual results to differ. In addition to the discussion below, we will describe our critical accounting policies in the notes to our future financial statements.

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

As a business development company, we generally invest in illiquid equity and equity derivatives of securities of venture capital stage technology companies. Under written procedures established by our board of directors, securities traded on stock exchanges, or quoted by NASDAQ, are valued according to the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”) official closing price, if applicable, or at their last reported sale price as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time). 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. We obtain these market values from an independent pricing service or at the mean between the bid and ask prices obtained from at least two brokers or dealers (if available, otherwise by a principal market maker or a primary market dealer). In addition, a large percentage of our portfolio investments are in the form of securities that are not publicly traded. The fair value of securities and other investments that are not publicly traded may not be readily determinable. We value these securities quarterly at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors. Our board of directors may use the services of a nationally recognized independent valuation firm to aid it in determining the fair value of these securities. The methods for valuing these securities may include: fundamental analysis (sales, income, or earnings multiples, etc.), discounts from market prices of similar securities, purchase price of securities, subsequent private transactions in the security or related securities, or discounts applied to the nature and duration of restrictions on the disposition of the securities, as well as a combination of these and other factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and 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 securities existed. Our net asset value could be adversely affected if our determinations regarding the fair value of our investments were materially higher than the values that we ultimately realize upon the disposal of such securities.

Revenue Recognition

We record interest or dividend income on an accrual basis to the extent that we expect to collect such amounts. We do not accrue as a receivable interest on loans and debt securities if we have reason to doubt our ability to collect such interest. Loan origination fees, original issue discount, and market discount are capitalized, and we amortize any such amounts as interest income. Upon the prepayment of a loan or debt security, any unamortized loan origination is recorded as interest income. We will record prepayment premiums on loans and debt securities as interest income when we receive such amounts.

Net Realized Gains or Losses and Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation

We measure realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflects the change in portfolio investment values during the reporting period, including any reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation, when gains or losses are realized.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standards setting bodies that are adopted by us as of the specified effective date. We believe that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on our financial statements upon effectiveness.

Inflation

Inflation has not had a significant effect on our results of operations in any of the reporting periods presented herein. However, our portfolio companies have experienced, and may in the future experience, the impacts of inflation on their operating results.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent to the close of the fiscal quarter on June 30, 2015, and through the date of the issuance of the financial statements included herein, a number of material events related to our portfolio of investments occurred, consisting primarily of purchased securities. Since that date, we have purchased private securities with an aggregate cost of approximately $300,000 and sold public securities with an aggregate value of approximately $3.5 million.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The Company’s business activities contain elements of risk. We consider the principal types of market risk to be valuation risk and small company investment risk.

VALUATION RISK

Value, as defined in Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act, is (i) the market price for those securities for which market quotations are readily available and (ii) fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board of Directors for all other assets.

Because there is typically no public market for our interests in the small privately-held companies in which we invest, the valuation of the securities in that portion of our portfolio is determined in good faith by our Board of Directors with the assistance of our Valuation Committee, comprised of the independent members of our Board of Directors, in accordance with our Valuation Procedures. In addition, the Board of Directors may use the services of a nationally recognized independent valuation firm to aid it in determining the fair value of some of these securities. In the absence of a readily ascertainable market value, the determined value of our portfolio of securities may differ significantly from the values that would be placed on the portfolio if a ready market for such securities existed. Determining fair value requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances of each portfolio investment, although our valuation policy is intended to provide a consistent basis for determining fair value of the portfolio investments. The methods for valuing these securities may include: fundamental analysis (sales, income, or earnings multiples, etc.), discounts from market prices of similar securities, purchase price of securities, subsequent private transactions in the security or related securities, or discounts applied to the nature and duration of restrictions on the disposition of the securities, as well as a combination of these and other factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and 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 securities existed.

Furthermore, changes in valuation of any of our investments in privately-held companies from one period to another may be volatile.

Investments in privately held, immature companies are inherently more volatile than investments in more mature businesses. Such immature businesses are inherently fragile and easily affected by both internal and external forces.

Our portfolio companies can lose much or all of their value suddenly in response to an internal or external adverse event. Conversely, these immature businesses can gain suddenly in value in response to an internal or external positive development.

The values assigned to our assets are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized, as these amounts depend on future circumstances and cannot be reasonably determined until the individual investments are actually liquidated or become readily marketable. Upon sale of investments, the values that are ultimately realized may be different from what is presently estimated. This difference could be material.

PRIVATELY PLACED SMALL COMPANIES RISK

The Company invests in small companies, and its investments in these companies are considered speculative in nature. The Company’s investments often include securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale that adversely affect the liquidity and marketability of such securities. As a result, the Company is subject to risk of loss which may prevent our shareholders from achieving price appreciation, dividend distributions and return of capital.

WE CURRENTLY HOLD A PORTION OF OUR ASSETS IN CASH

As of June 30, 2015, a portion of the Company’s assets (approximately 2%) is invested in cash and/or cash equivalents, which are expected to earn low yields. Given the current low interest rate environment, to the extent the management fee and other operating expenses exceed interest income on the cash holdings of the Company, the Company may experience losses. Furthermore, the investment advisory fee payable by us will not be reduced while our assets are invested in cash-equivalent securities.

In some cases, particularly for primary transactions, it is to our advantage to hold sufficient cash reserve so that we can make additional subsequent investments in these companies in order to (a) avoid having our earlier investments become diluted in future dilutive financings, (b) invest additional capital into existing portfolio companies in case additional investments are necessary, and/or (c) exercise warrants, options, or convertible securities that were acquired as part of the earlier transactions. For this reason, in the case of primary transactions (as opposed to secondary transactions where we do not buy the securities from the issuing companies but instead from existing stockholders), we typically reserve cash in an amount at least equal to our initial investment for such follow-on opportunities. Cash reserves held with respect to a particular investment should, therefore, decline as it is held longer, and will typically not be needed once that portfolio company becomes public or we determine it is no longer in our best interest to make investments in such portfolio company.

We may from time to time liquidate various investments. We are required to distribute substantially all of our net realized gains to stockholders on an annual basis and, therefore, will generally hold the proceeds of liquidated investments in cash pending its distribution.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.


(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures		As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and provided reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting		There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We are not a party to any material pending legal proceeding, and no such proceedings are known to be contemplated.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

There have been no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2014 in response to Item 1A of Part 1 of Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.


EXHIBIT NUMBER		DESCRIPTION

	31.1	Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	31.2	Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	32.	Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


	FIRSTHAND TECHNOLOGY VALUE FUND, INC.

Dated: August 10, 2015
	By:	/s/ Kevin Landis
		Kevin Landis
		Chief Executive Officer

Dated: August 10, 2015
	By:	/s/ Omar Billawala
		Omar Billawala
		Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX


EXHIBIT NUMBER		DESCRIPTION

	31.1	Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	31.2	Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

	32.	Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc. - FORM 10-Q - August 10, 2015

Attached files

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc. Reports