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EX-32 - Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.fp0025724_ex32.htm
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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 March 31, 2017 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 April 30, 2017
 
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share
 
7,430,697
 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
2
Item 1.
Financial Statements
2
 
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2016
3
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
4
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) and the Year Ended December 31, 2016
5
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) and the Year Ended December 31, 2016
6
 
Selected Per Share Data and Ratios for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) (Consolidated), for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 (Consolidated), for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 (Consolidated), for the Year Ended December 31, 2014, for the Year Ended December 31, 2013, and for the Year Ended December 31, 2012
7
 
Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) as of March 31, 2017
8
 
Consolidated Notes To Financial Statements (Unaudited)
12
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
26
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
33
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
34
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
35
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
36
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
36
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
36
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
36
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
36
Item 5.
Other Information
36
Item 6.
Exhibits
36
SIGNATURES
37

1

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

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities
   
AS OF MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
   
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016
 
ASSETS
           
Investment securities:
           
Unaffiliated investments at acquisition cost*
 
$
58,809,899
   
$
66,336,448
 
Affiliated investments at acquisition cost
   
13,098,906
     
11,898,906
 
Controlled investments at acquisition cost
   
103,230,584
     
96,551,795
 
Total acquisition cost
 
$
175,139,389
   
$
174,787,149
 
Unaffiliated investments at market value*
 
$
47,140,778
   
$
51,202,592
 
Affiliated investments at market value
   
11,604,776
     
10,410,045
 
Controlled investments at market value
   
90,861,918
     
85,918,212
 
Total market value ** (Note 6)
   
149,607,472
     
147,530,849
 
Cash
   
20,385
     
1,934,247
 
Receivable from dividends and interest
   
993,507
     
820,824
 
Other assets
   
38,216
     
28,513
 
Total Assets
   
150,659,580
     
150,314,433
 
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Payable for securities purchased
   
     
395,532
 
Payable to affiliates (Note 4)
   
1,564,068
     
796,533
 
Consulting fee payable
   
28,500
     
27,250
 
Accrued expenses and other payables
   
250,080
     
182,727
 
Total Liabilities
   
1,842,648
     
1,402,042
 
NET ASSETS
 
$
148,816,932
   
$
148,912,391
 
                 
Net Assets consist of:
               
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share 100,000,000 shares authorized
 
$
7,431
   
$
7,431
 
Paid-in-capital
   
184,698,313
     
184,698,313
 
Accumulated net investment loss
   
(747,390
)
   
 
Accumulated net realized loss from security transactions and written options
   
(9,609,505
)
   
(8,537,053
)
Net unrealized depreciation on investments and warrants transactions
   
(25,531,917
)
   
(27,256,300
)
NET ASSETS
 
$
148,816,932
   
$
148,912,391
 
                 
Shares of Common Stock outstanding
   
7,430,697
     
7,430,697
 
Net asset value per share (Note 2)
 
$
20.03
   
$
20.04
 

*
Includes Fidelity Investments Money Market Treasury Portfolio – Class I, which invests primarily in U.S. Treasury securities. The yields as of 03/31/17 and 12/31/16 were 0.55% and 0.35%, respectively. Please see https://fundresearch.fidelity.com/mutual-funds/summary/316175504 for additional information.
**
Includes warrants and purchased options whose primary risk exposure is equity contracts.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements

3

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED 
 
   
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
   
MARCH 31, 2016 (UNAUDITED)
 
INVESTMENT INCOME
           
Unaffiliated interest
 
$
6,708
    $
236
 
Affiliated/Controlled interest
   
254,090
     
159,679
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME
   
260,798
     
159,915
 
EXPENSES
               
Investment advisory fees (Note 4)
   
741,152
     
860,821
 
Administration fees
   
46,167
     
36,877
 
Custody fees
   
2,774
     
3,538
 
Transfer agent fees
   
7,195
     
7,175
 
Registration and filing fees
   
5,696
     
5,743
 
Professional fees
   
116,141
     
180,688
 
Printing fees
   
14,136
     
18,978
 
Trustees fees
   
25,000
     
25,000
 
Compliance fees
   
26,384
     
49,450
 
Miscellaneous fees
   
23,543
     
13,657
 
TOTAL NET EXPENSES
   
1,008,188
     
1,201,927
 
                 
NET INVESTMENT LOSS
   
(747,390
)
   
(1,042,012
)
                 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments:
               
Net realized gains (losses) from security transactions
               
Affiliated/Controlled
   
     
(360,753
)
Non-affiliated and other assets
   
(1,072,452
)
   
3,675,596
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
   
1,343,720
     
(16,225,358
)
Net change in unrealized appreciation on warrants transactions (1)
   
380,663
     
5,936,428
 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
   
651,931
     
(6,974,087
)
                 
Net Decrease In Net Assets Resulting From Operations
 
$
(95,459
)
  $
(8,016,099
)
                 
Net Decrease In Net Assets Per Share Resulting From Operations (2)
 
$
(0.01
)
  $
(1.04
)

(1)
Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.
(2)
Per share results are calculated based on weighted average shares outstanding for each period.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements

4

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
   
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net decrease in Net Assets resulting from operations
 
$
(95,459
)
 
$
(24,661,554
)
                 
Adjustments to reconcile net decrease in Net Assets derived from operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Purchases of investments
   
(7,511,655
)
   
(76,522,603
)
Proceeds from disposition of investments
   
5,386,177
     
80,015,681
 
Net sales from short-term investments
   
700,786
     
(1,171,203
)
Increase (decrease) in dividends, interest, and reclaims receivable
   
(172,683
)
   
2,615,902
 
Decrease in restricted cash
   
     
1,000,000
 
Increase (decrease) in other assets
   
(9,703
)
   
757,955
 
(Decrease) increase in payable for investment purchased
   
(395,532
)
   
395,532
 
Increase (decrease) in payable to affiliates
   
767,535
     
(98,839
)
Increase in accrued expenses and other payables
   
68,603
     
15,473
 
Net realized loss from investments
   
1,072,452
     
6,167,339
 
Net unrealized (appreciation) and depreciation from investments, other assets, and warrants transactions
   
(1,724,383
)
   
14,658,712
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
   
(1,913,862
)
   
3,172,395
 
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Cost of shares repurchased
   
     
(2,005,434
)
Net cash (used in) financing activities
   
     
(2,005,434
)
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
   
(1,913,862
)
   
1,166,961
 
Cash - beginning of period
   
1,934,247
     
767,286
 
Cash - end of period
 
$
20,385
   
$
1,934,247
 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements

5

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

   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
   
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016
 
FROM OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment loss
 
$
(747,390
)
$
(3,835,503
)
Net realized losses from security transactions, written options, and warrants transactions
   
(1,072,452
)
   
(6,167,339
)
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments and warrants transactions
   
1,724,383
     
(14,658,712
)
Net decrease in net assets from operations
   
(95,459
)
   
(24,661,554
)
                 
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Value of shares repurchased
   
     
(2,005,434
)
Net decrease in net assets from capital share transactions
   
     
(2,005,434
)
TOTAL DECREASE IN NET ASSETS
   
(95,459
)
   
(26,666,988
)
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of period
   
148,912,391
     
175,579,379
 
End of period
 
$
148,816,932
    $
148,912,391
 
Accumulated Net Investment Loss
 
$
(747,390
)
  $
 
                 
COMMON STOCK ACTIVITY:
               
Shares repurchased
   
     
(272,008
)
Net decrease in shares outstanding
   
     
(272,008
)
Shares outstanding, beginning of period
   
7,430,697
     
7,702,705
 
Shares outstanding, end of period
   
7,430,697
     
7,430,697
 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements

6

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

   
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017* (UNAUDITED)
   
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016*
   
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015*
   
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
   
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
   
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012
 
Net asset value at beginning of period
 
$
20.04
   
$
22.79
   
$
24.49
   
$
28.32
   
$
22.90
   
$
23.92
 
Income from investment operations:
                                               
Net investment loss
   
(0.10
)
   
(0.52
)
   
(0.06
)(1)
   
(1.26
)
   
(1.42
)
   
(0.39
)
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
   
0.09
     
(2.76
)
   
(1.78
)
   
3.04
     
7.16
     
(1.01
)
Total from investment operations
   
(0.01
)
   
(3.28
)
   
(1.84
)
   
1.78
     
5.74
     
(1.40
)
                                                 
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
   
     
0.53
     
0.14
     
0.25
     
     
 
Net asset value at end of period
 
$
20.03
   
$
20.04
   
$
22.79
   
$
24.49
   
$
28.32
   
$
22.90
 
                                                 
Market value at end of period
 
$
7.96
   
$
7.67
   
$
8.17
   
$
18.65
   
$
23.17
   
$
17.44
 
                                                 
Total return
                                               
Based on Net Asset Value
   
(0.05
)%(A)
   
(12.07
)%
   
(6.94
)%
   
12.54
%
   
25.30
%
   
(4.26
)%
Based on Market Value
   
3.78
%(A)
   
(6.12
)%
   
(56.19
)%
   
4.76
%
   
34.61
%
   
21.70
%
Net assets at end of period (millions)
 
$
148.8
   
$
148.9
   
$
175.6
   
$
209.7
   
$
256.9
   
$
195.9
 
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
   
2.75
%(B)
   
2.90
%
   
1.36
%(3)
   
5.29
%(3)
   
6.52
%(3)
   
2.56
%
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets, excluding incentive fees
   
2.75
%(B)
   
2.90
%
   
2.68
%
   
3.12
%
   
2.67
%
   
2.56
%
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets
   
(2.04
)%(B)
   
(2.36
)%
   
(0.24
)%
   
(4.31
)%
   
(5.96
)%
   
(2.12
)%
Portfolio turnover rate
   
4
%(A)
   
49
%
   
22
%
   
95
%
   
17
%
   
10
%

*
Consolidated.
(1)
Calculated using average shares outstanding.
(2)
Less than $0.005 per share.
(3)
Amount includes the incentive fee. For the year ended December 31, 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 (1.32)%, 2.17%, and 3.85%, respectively.
(A)
Not Annualized.
(B)
Annualized.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
7

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
  
PORTFOLIO COMPANY (% OF NET ASSETS) AND INDUSTRY
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
 
SHARES/PAR VALUE ($)
   
COST BASIS
   
VALUE
 
ALIPHCOM, INC. (1.0%)
Consumer Electronics
Common Stock *(1)
 
 
2,128,005
   
$
10,108,024
   
$
1,427,680
 
CLOUDERA, INC. (0.2%)
Software
Common Stock *(1)
   
20,000
     
580,000
     
252,293
 
EQX CAPITAL, INC. (2.7%)
Common Stock *(1)(2)
   
100,000
     
20,000
     
44,430
 
Equipment Leasing
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
   
4,000,000
     
4,000,000
     
3,975,600
 
                       
4,020,030
 
HERA SYSTEMS, INC. (0.9%)
Aerospace
Convertible Note (1)(2)
Matures August 2017
Interest Rate 6%
   
30,000
     
30,000
     
30,000
 
 
Convertible Note (1)(2)
Matures July 2017
Interest Rate 10%
   
200,000
     
200,000
     
200,000
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
   
3,642,324
     
2,000,000
     
1,100,710
 
 
Term Note (1)(2)
Matures July 2017
Interest Rate 3%
   
20,000
     
20,000
     
20,000
 
                       
1,350,710
 
HIGHTAIL, INC. (5.8%)
Cloud Computing
Preferred Stock - Series E *(1)(4)
   
2,268,602
     
9,620,188
     
8,562,611
 
INTRAOP MEDICAL CORP. (19.8%)
Medical Devices
                         
 
Convertible Note (1)(2)
Matures July 2017
Interest Rate 15%
   
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series C *(1)(2)
   
26,856,187
     
26,299,938
     
23,523,334
 
 
Term Note (1)(2)
Matures February 2020
Interest Rate 8%
   
2,000,000
     
2,000,000
     
2,000,000
 
 
Term Note (1)(2)
Matures February 2020
Interest Rate 8%
   
3,000,000
     
3,000,000
     
3,000,000
 
                       
29,523,334
 
NUTANIX, INC. (5.8%)
Networking
Common Stock *
   
459,772
     
7,376,112
     
8,629,920
 
PHUNWARE, INC. (5.0%)
Mobile Computing
Preferred Stock - Series E *(1)
   
3,257,328
     
9,999,997
     
7,381,431
 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
8

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
PORTFOLIO COMPANY (% OF NET ASSETS) AND INDUSTRY
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
 
SHARES/PAR VALUE ($)
   
COST BASIS
   
VALUE
 
PIVOTAL SYSTEMS CORP. (16.8%)
Semiconductor Equipment
Common Stock Warrants -
Class B *(1)(2)
 
 
18,180,475
    $ 0    
$
5,070,534
 
 
Preferred Stock Warrants - Series D *(1)(2)
   
4,158,654
      0      
284,868
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
   
11,914,217
     
6,000,048
     
6,370,532
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series B *(1)(2)
   
13,065,236
     
6,321,482
     
6,985,982
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series C *(1)(2)
   
2,291,260
     
2,657,862
     
2,271,555
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series D *(1)(2)
   
6,237,978
     
3,975,801
       4,059,676  
                       
25,043,147
 
QMAT, INC. (9.5%)
Advanced Materials
Convertible Note (1)(2)
Matures March 2019
Interest Rate 8%
   
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
   
16,000,240
     
16,000,240
     
10,724,961
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series B *(1)(2)
   
2,000,000
     
2,000,000
     
2,000,000
 
 
Preferred Stock Warrants - Series A *(1)(2)
   
2,000,000
      0      
418,400
 
                       
14,143,361
 
QUICKLOGIC CORP. (0.6%)
Semiconductors
Common Stock *
   
520,000
     
826,089
     
925,600
 
REVASUM, INC. (3.5%)
Common Stock *(1)(2)
   
10,000
     
1,000
     
11,230
 
Semiconductor Equipment
Term Note (1)(2)
                       
 
Matures February 2020
Interest Rate 5%
   
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
   
441,998
     
1,999,997
     
1,521,578
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series Seed *(1)(2)
   
2,200,000
     
2,200,000
     
2,668,160
 
                       
5,200,968
 
                           
ROKU, INC. (1.1%)
Consumer Electronics
Common Stock *(1)
   
1,500,000
     
2,312,500
     
1,706,700
 
RORUS, INC. (0.0%)
Water Purification
Convertible Note (1)
Matures June 2021
Interest Rate 2%
   
50,000
     
50,000
     
50,000
 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
9

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
PORTFOLIO COMPANY (% OF NET ASSETS)AND INDUSTRY
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
 
SHARES
   
COST BASIS
   
VALUE
 
SILICON GENESIS CORP. (4.8%)
Common Stock *(1)(2)
 
 
921,892
   
$
169,045
   
$
22,863
 
Intellectual Property
Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)
   
5,000,000
     
0
     
16,500
 
 
Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)
   
37,982
     
6,678
     
501
 
 
Common Stock Warrants *(1)(2)
   
3,000,000
     
0
     
9,900
 
 
Preferred Stock -Series 1-C *(1)(2)
   
82,914
     
109,518
     
95,376
 
 
Preferred Stock -Series 1-D *(1)(2)
   
850,830
     
431,901
     
265,544
 
 
Preferred Stock -Series 1-E *(1)(2)
   
5,704,480
     
2,946,535
     
2,326,857
 
 
Preferred Stock -Series 1-F *(1)(2)
   
912,453
     
583,060
     
515,810
 
 
Preferred Stock -Series 1-G *(1)(2)(5)
   
48,370,793
     
5,042,479
     
3,660,218
 
 
Preferred Stock -Series 1-H *(1)(2)
   
837,942
     
1,000,000
     
269,482
 
                       
7,183,051
 
SUNRUN, INC. (1.9%)
Renewable Energy
Common Stock *
   
524,820
     
4,954,995
     
2,834,028
 
SVXR, INC. (0.7%)
Semiconductor Equipment
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(3)
   
2,013,491
     
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
 
TELEPATHY INVESTORS, INC. (1.7%)
Consumer Electronics
Convertible Note (1)(2)
Matures January 2017
Interest Rate 10%
   
2,000,000
     
2,000,000
     
633,000
 
 
Convertible Note (1)(2)
Matures January 2018
Interest Rate 10%
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
158,240
 
 
Convertible Note (1)(2)
Matures January 2018
Interest Rate 10%
   
300,000
     
300,000
     
94,944
 
 
Convertible Note (1)(2)
Matures January 2018
Interest Rate 10%
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
158,240
 
 
Convertible Note (1)(2)
Matures January 2018
Interest Rate 10%
   
150,000
     
150,000
     
47,472
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
   
15,238,000
     
3,999,999
     
1,465,896
 
                       
2,557,792
 
TURN INC. (9.7%)
Advertising Technology
Convertible Note (1)
Matures March 2023
Interest Rate 1.48%
   
559,360
     
559,360
     
559,360
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series E *(1)(5)
   
1,798,562
     
11,339,911
     
13,806,481
 
                       
14,365,841
 

See accompanying notes to financial statements
10

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Schedule of Investments - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
  
PORTFOLIO COMPANY (% OF NET ASSETS)AND INDUSTRY
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
 
SHARES/PAR VALUE ($)
   
COST BASIS
   
VALUE
 
UCT COATINGS, INC. (0.4%)
Common Stock *(1)
 
 
1,500,000
   
$
662,235
   
$
584,250
 
Advanced Materials
Common Stock Warrants *(1)
   
2,283
     
67
     
2
 
                       
584,252
 
VUFINE, INC. (1.2%)
Common Stock *(1)(2)
   
750,000
     
15,000
     
900
 
Consumer Electronics 
Convertible Note (1)(2)
Matures February 2018
Interest Rate 6%
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
500,000
 
 
Convertible Note (1)(2)
Matures September 2017
Interest Rate 6%
   
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series A *(1)(2)
   
22,500,000
     
2,250,000
     
338,625
 
                       
1,839,525
 
WRIGHTSPEED, INC. (7.1%)
Automotive 
Convertible Note (1)(3)
Matures May 2017
Interest Rate 10%
   
200,000
     
200,000
     
200,000
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series C *(1)(3)(4)
   
2,267,659
     
6,864,023
     
5,811,330
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series D *(1)(3)
   
1,100,978
     
3,375,887
     
3,218,599
 
 
Preferred Stock - Series E *(1)(3)
   
450,814
     
1,658,996
     
1,374,847
 
                       
10,604,776
 
INVESTMENT COMPANY (0.3%)
Fidelity Investments Money Market Treasury Portfolio - Class I (6)
   
420,422
     
420,422
     
420,422
 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $175,139,389) —100.5%
                     
149,607,472
 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.5)%
                     
(790,540
)
NET ASSETS — 100.0%
                   
$
148,816,932
 
 
*
Non-income producing security.
(1)
Restricted security. Fair Value is determined by or under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors (See note 3).
(2)
Controlled investments.
(3)
Affiliated issuer.
(4)
A portion represents position held in Firsthand Holdings, Ltd. (See Note 1).
(5)
A portion represents position held in Firsthand Development, Ltd. (See Note 1).
(6)
The Fidelity Investments Money Market Portfolio invests primarily in U.S. Treasury securities.
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements
11

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (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 18, 2011.  Under normal circumstances, the Company will invest at least 80% of its assets for investment purposes in technology companies, which are considered to be those companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from products and/or services within the information technology sector or the “cleantech” sector.  Information technology companies include, but are not limited to, those focused on computer hardware, software, telecommunications, networking, Internet, and consumer electronics.  While there is no standard definition of cleantech, it is generally regarded as including goods and services designed to harness renewable energy and materials, eliminate emissions and waste, and reduce the use of natural resources.  In addition, under normal circumstances we will invest at least 70% of our assets in privately held companies and in public companies with market capitalizations less than $250 million.  Our portfolio is primarily composed of equity and equity derivative securities of technology and cleantech companies (as defined above).  These investments generally range between $1 million and $10 million each, although the investment size will vary proportionately with the size of the Company’s capital base. The Company’s shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SVVC.”
 
The Company is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946.
 
CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARIES. On May 8, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the formation of a fully owned and controlled subsidiary (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Company named Firsthand Venture Investors (“FVI”), a California general partnership formed on March 30, 2015. After the close of business on June 30, 2015, the Company contributed substantially all of its assets to FVI in return for a controlling general partner ownership interest in FVI. The transaction was completed July 1, 2015. Under this new structure, we will have all or substantially all of our investment activities conducted through our fully owned subsidiary, FVI.
 
On June 10, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the formation of a fully owned and controlled subsidiary (as defined by the 1940 Act) of FVI named Firsthand Holdings, Ltd. (“FHL”), a Cayman Islands corporation formed on May 4, 2016. Under this structure, we may from time to time transfer investments in the Company held in the Company or FVI to FHL in return for ownership interests in FHL. The net assets of FHL at March 31, 2017, were $6,057,436 or 4.1% of the Company’s consolidated net assets. On September 27, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the formation of a fully owned and controlled subsidiary (as defined by the 1940 Act) of FVI named Firsthand Development, Ltd (“FDL”), a Cayman Islands corporation formed on September 22, 2016. Under this structure, we may from time to time transfer investments in the Company held in the Company or FVI to FDL in return for ownership interests in FDL. The net assets of FDL at March 31, 2017, were $10,017,794 or 6.7% of the Company’s consolidated net assets. The financial statements of the Company, FVI, FHL, and FDL are presented in the report on a consolidated basis.
 
FHL and FDL are both treated as a controlled foreign corporation under the Internal Revenue Code and are not expected to be subject to U.S. federal income tax. FVI is treated as a U.S. shareholder of each of FHL and FDL. As a result, FVI is required to include in gross income for U.S. federal tax purposes all of FHL and FDL’s income, whether or not such income is distributed by FHL or FDL. If a net loss is realized by FHL or FDL, such loss is not generally available to offset the income earned by FVI.
12

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the Company’s financial statements included in this report:
 
USE OF ESTIMATES.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  Interim financial statements are condensed and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s latest annual financial statements. Interim disclosures generally do not repeat those of the annual statements.  It is Management’s opinion that all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the periods presented have been made and all adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.
 
PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT VALUATIONS. Investments are stated at “value” as defined in the 1940 Act and in the applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and in accordance with GAAP.  Value, as defined in Section 2(a)(41) of the 1940 Act, is (i) the market value of those securities for which a market quotation is readily available and (ii) the fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the board of directors for all other securities and assets.  On March 31, 2017, our financial statements include venture capital investments valued at approximately $136.8 million.  The fair values of our venture capital investments were determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board.  Upon sale of these investments, the values that are ultimately realized may be different from what is presently estimated.  The difference could be material. Also see note 6 regarding the fair value of the company’s investments.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.  The Company considers liquid assets deposited with a bank, investments in money market funds, and certain short-term debt instruments with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  These investments represent amounts held with financial institutions that are readily accessible to pay our expenses or purchase investments. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.
 
RESTRICTED SECURITIES. At March 31, 2017, we held $136.8 million in restricted securities.
 
INCOME RECOGNITION. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is accrued as earned. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are amortized over the lives of the respective securities. Other non-cash dividends are recognized as investment income at the fair value of the property received. When debt securities are determined to be non-income producing, the Company ceases accruing interest and writes off any previously accrued interest. These write-offs are recorded as a debit to interest income. 
 
SHARE VALUATION. The net asset value (“NAV”)  per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash or other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent.
 
REALIZED GAIN OR LOSS AND UNREALIZED APPRECIATION OR DEPRECIATION OF PORTFOLIO INVESTMENTS. A realized gain or loss is recognized when an investment is disposed of and is computed as the difference between the Company’s cost basis in the investment at the disposition date and the net proceeds received from such disposition.  Unrealized appreciation or depreciation is computed as the difference between the fair value of the investment and the cost basis of such investment.
 
INCOME TAXES.  As we intend to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Company does not provide for income taxes. The Company recognizes interest and penalties in income tax expense.
13

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
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 market value of the Company’s purchased options as of March 31, 2017 can be found on the Schedule of Investments. The net realized gains/(loss) from purchased and written options and the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on purchased and written options for the year ended March 31, 2017 can be found on the Statement of Operations.
 
The Company had no option transactions for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
 
The average volume of the Fund’s derivatives during the three months ended March 31, 2017, is as follows:
 
 
Purchased Options
(Contracts)
Warrants (Shares)
Written Options
(Contracts)
Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
32,379,394
 
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.
14

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
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.
 
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.
15

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
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, was 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 March 31, 2017, there were no accrued incentive fees.
 
NOTE 5. DEBT
 
The Company does not currently have any significant outstanding debt obligations (other than normal operating expense accruals).
 
NOTE 6. FAIR VALUE
 
Securities traded on, or quoted by, the NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc. (“NASDAQ”) are valued according to the NASDAQ official closing price. Securities traded on other stock exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), are valued at their last reported sale price as of the close of trading of that exchange (normally 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time for the NYSE). If a security is not traded that day, the security will be valued at its most recent bid price.
 
Securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but not quoted by NASDAQ, are valued at the last sale price (or, if the last sale price is not readily available, at the most recent closing bid price as quoted by brokers that make markets in the securities) at the close of trading on the NYSE.
 
Securities traded both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are valued according to the broadest and most representative market.
 
Securities and other assets that do not have market quotations readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by the Board in accordance with the Valuation Procedures adopted by the Valuation Committee of the Board.
 
In pricing illiquid, privately placed securities, the Board of Directors is responsible for (1) determining overall valuation guidelines and (2) ensuring that the investments of the Company are valued within the prescribed guidelines.
 
The Valuation Committee of the Board is responsible for determining the valuation of the Company’s assets within the guidelines established by the Board of Directors. The Valuation Committee of the Board receives information and recommendations from the Adviser and an independent valuation firm.
 
The values assigned to these investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized when that investment is sold, as such amounts depend on future circumstances and cannot reasonably be determined until the individual investments are actually liquidated or become readily marketable.
 
APPROACHES TO DETERMINING FAIR VALUE. GAAP defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). In effect, GAAP applies fair value terminology to all valuations whereas the 1940 Act applies market value terminology to readily marketable assets and fair value terminology to other assets.
16

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
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.
-
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.
17

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (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 March 31, 2017:
 
   
LEVEL 1 QUOTED PRICES
   
LEVEL 2 OTHER SIGNIFICANT OBSERVABLE INPUTS
   
LEVEL 3 SIGNIFICANT UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS
 
Assets
                 
Common Stocks
                 
Advanced Materials
 
$
   
$
   
$
584,250
 
Consumer Electronics
   
     
     
3,135,280
 
Equipment Leasing
   
     
     
44,430
 
Intellectual Property
   
     
     
22,863
 
Networking
   
8,629,920
     
     
 
Renewable Energy
   
2,834,028
     
     
 
Semiconductor
   
925,600
     
     
 
Semiconductors Equipment
   
     
     
11,230
 
Software
   
     
     
252,293
 
Total Common Stocks
   
12,389,548
     
     
4,050,346
 
Preferred Stocks
                       
Advanced Materials
   
     
     
12,724,961
 
Advertising Technology
   
     
     
13,806,481
 
Aerospace
   
     
     
1,100,710
 
Automotive
   
     
     
10,404,776
 
Cloud Computing
   
     
     
8,562,611
 
Consumer Electronics
   
     
     
1,804,521
 
Equipment Leasing
   
     
     
3,975,600
 
Intellectual Property
   
     
     
7,133,287
 
Medical Devices
   
     
     
23,523,334
 
Mobile Computing
   
     
     
7,381,431
 
Semiconductor Equipment
   
     
     
24,877,483
 
Total Preferred Stocks
   
     
     
115,295,195
 
Asset Derivatives *
                       
Equity Contracts
   
     
     
5,800,705
 
Total Asset Derivatives
   
     
     
5,800,705
 
Convertible Notes
                       
Advanced Materials
   
     
     
1,000,000
 
Advertising Technology
   
     
     
559,360
 
Aerospace
   
     
     
250,000
 
Automotive
   
     
     
200,000
 
Consumer Electronics
   
     
     
2,591,896
 
Medical Devices
   
     
     
6,000,000
 
Semiconductor Equipment
   
     
     
1,000,000
 
Water Purification
   
     
     
50,000
 
Total Convertible Notes
   
     
     
11,651,256
 
Investment Company
   
420,422
     
     
 
Total
 
$
12,809,970
   
$
   
$
136,797,502
 
 
*
Asset derivatives include warrants.
18

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
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 March 31, 2017.
 
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
12/31/16
   
NET
PURCHASES
   
NET
SALES
   
NET
REALIZED
GAINS /
(LOSSES)
   
NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION) (1)
   
TRANSFERS IN
(OUT) OF
LEVEL 3
   
BALANCE
AS OF 3/31/17
 
Common Stocks
                                         
Advanced Materials
 
$
394,200
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
190,050
   
$
   
$
584,250
 
Consumer Electronics
   
3,037,441
     
     
     
     
97,839
     
     
3,135,280
 
Equipment Leasing
   
44,430
     
     
     
     
     
     
44,430
 
Intellectual Property
   
14,750
     
     
     
     
8,113
     
     
22,863
 
Networking
   
10,990,390
     
     
     
     
(2,360,470
)
   
(8,629,920
)
   
 
Semiconductor Equipment
   
7,524
     
     
     
     
3,706
     
     
11,230
 
Software
   
245,466
     
     
     
     
6,827
     
     
252,293
 
Preferred Stocks
                                                       
Advanced Materials
   
12,724,961
     
     
     
     
     
     
12,724,961
 
Advertising Technology 
   
9,757,918
     
     
     
     
4,048,563
     
       13,806,481  
Aerospace
   
445,456
     
     
     
     
655,254
     
     
1,100,710
 
Automotive
   
10,410,045
     
     
     
     
(5,269
)
   
     
10,404,776
 
Cloud Computing
   
8,550,361
     
     
     
     
12,250
     
     
8,562,611
 
Consumer Electronics
   
3,752,749
     
     
     
     
(1,948,228
)
   
       1,804,521  
Equipment Leasing
   
3,975,600
     
     
     
     
     
     
3,975,600
 
Intellectual Property
   
6,137,917
     
     
     
     
995,370
     
     
7,133,287
 
Medical Devices
   
24,511,642
     
     
     
     
(988,308
)
   
     
23,523,334
 
Mobile Computing
   
7,365,796
     
     
     
     
15,635
     
     
7,381,431
 
Semiconductor Equipment
   
21,883,997
     
2,999,997
     
     
     
(6,511
)
   
       24,877,483  
19

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
INVESTMENTS AT FAIR
VALUE USING SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS
(LEVEL 3)
 
BALANCE AS OF
12/31/16
   
NET
PURCHASES/
CONVERSION
   
NET SALES/
CONVERSION
   
NET
REALIZED
GAINS /
(LOSSES)
   
NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION) (1)
   
TRANSFERS
IN
(OUT) OF
LEVEL 3
   
BALANCE
AS OF 3/31/17
 
Asset Derivatives
                                         
Equity Contracts
 
$
5,420,042
   
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
380,663
   
$
   
$
5,800,705
 
Convertible/Term Notes
                                                       
Advanced Materials
   
     
1,000,000
     
     
     
     
     
1,000,000
 
Advertising Technology
   
559,360
     
     
     
     
     
     
559,360
 
Aerospace
   
71,208
     
220,000
     
(41,208
)
   
     
     
     
250,000
 
Automotive
   
     
200,000
     
     
     
     
     
200,000
 
Consumer Electronics
   
2,913,612
     
500,000
     
     
     
(821,716
)
   
     
2,591,896
 
Medical Devices
   
4,000,000
     
2,000,000
     
     
     
     
     
6,000,000
 
Semiconductor Equipment
   
     
1,000,000
     
     
     
     
     
1,000,000
 
Water Purification
   
50,000
     
     
     
     
     
     
50,000
 
Total
 
$
137,264,865
   
$
7,919,997
   
$
(41,208
)
 
$
   
$
283,768
   
$
(8,629,920
)
 
$
136,797,502
 
 
(1)
The net change in unrealized depreciation from Level 3 instruments held as of March 31, 2017 was $3,465,953.
 
The below chart represents quantitative disclosure about significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements at March 31, 2017.
 
 
FAIR VALUE AT
3/31/17
VALUATION TECHNIQUES
UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS
RANGE
(WEIGHTED AVG.)
Direct venture capital investments: Advanced Materials
$14.7M
Market Comparable Companies
Prior Transaction Analysis
Option Pricing Model
EBITDA Multiple
7.8x - 10.0x
Years to Expiration
5 years
Volatility
55.0%
Risk-Free Rate
1.93%
Discount for Lack of Marketability
24.3%
Direct venture capital investments: Advertising Technology
$14.4M
Market Comparable Companies
Probability-Weighted Expected Return
Option Pricing Model
Revenue Multiple
0.5x
Probability of Acquisition
75%
Years to Expiration
1.5 years
Volatility
55.0%
Risk-Free Rate
1.15%
Direct venture capital investments: Aerospace
$1.4M
Prior Transaction Analysis
Probability-Weighted Expected Return
Option Pricing Model
Going Concern Probability
55%
Years to Expiration
5 years
Volatility
60.0%
Risk-Free Rate
1.93%
Direct venture capital investments: Automotive
$10.6M
Prior Transaction Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
3 years
Volatility
55.0%
Risk-Free Rate
1.50%
20

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
continued
FAIR VALUE AT
3/31/17
VALUATION TECHNIQUES
UNOBSERVABLE INPUTS
RANGE
(WEIGHTED AVG.)
Direct venture capital investments: Cloud Computing
$8.5M
Market Comparable Companies
Prior Transaction Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Revenue Multiple
1.5x - 1.8x
Years to Expiration
2 years
Volatility
40.0%
Risk-Free Rate
1.27%
Direct venture capital investments: Consumer Electronics
$7.5M
Market Comparable Companies
Prior Transaction Analysis
Probability-Weighted Expected Return
Invested Capital(Cost)
Option Pricing Model
Revenue Multiple
0.9x - 1.1x
IPO Exit Probability
75%
Merger & Acquisition Probability
25%
Going Concern Probability
40% - 100%
Years to Expiration
1 year - 5 years
Volatility
50.0% - 70.0%
Risk-Free Rate
1.03% - 1.93%
Discount for Lack of Marketability
0.0% - 25.8%
Adjustment for Market Movement
0.0% - 18.6%
Direct venture capital investments: Equipment Leasing
$4.0M
Prior Transaction Analysis
Years to Expiration
5 years
Volatility
50.05%
Risk-Free Rate
1.93%
Direct venture capital investments: Intellectual Property
$7.2M
Prior Transaction Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
5 years
Volatility
55%
Risk-Free Rate
1.96%
Discount for Lack of Marketability
0% - 24.3%
Adjustment for Market Movement
(8.9%)
Direct venture capital investments: Medical Devices
$29.5M
Market Comparable Companies
Prior Transaction Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Revenue Multiple
2.8x - 3.4x
Years to Expiration
4 years
Volatility
50.0%
Risk-Free Rate
1.72%
Direct venture capital investments: Mobile Computing
$7.4M
Prior Transaction Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
2 years
Volatility
60.0%
Risk-Free Rate
1.27%
Direct venture capital investments: Semiconductor Equipment
$31.2M
Prior Transaction Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
2 years - 5 years
Volatility
40.0% - 55.0%
Risk-Free Rate
1.27% - 1.93%
Discount for Lack of Marketability
0.0% - 15.5%
Direct venture capital investments: Software
$0.3M
Prior Transaction Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
1 year
Volatility
55.0%
Risk-Free Rate
1.03%
Direct venture capital investments: Water Purification
$0.1M
Prior Transaction Analysis
Option Pricing Model
Years to Expiration
5 years
Volatility
40.0%
Risk-Free Rate
1.93%
21

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 7.  FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually, for the special tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).  As provided in the Code, in any fiscal year in which a BDC so qualifies and distributes at least 90% of its taxable net income, the BDC (but not the shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on the income distributed.  Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made.  To avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, the Company intends to declare as dividends in each calendar year at least 98% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and 98.2% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the 12 months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts, if any, from prior years.
 
The reorganization described in Note 1 (the formation of FVI as a fully owned subsidiary for investment activities) was structured to avoid any adverse tax consequences for the Company and its shareholders. The Company’s engaging in investment activities through FVI does not, in our view, jeopardize the Company’s ability to continue to qualify as a RIC under the Code.
 
The following information is based upon the federal income tax cost of portfolio investments as of March 31, 2017.
 
Gross unrealized appreciation
 
$
11,776,189
 
Gross unrealized depreciation
   
(37,308,106
)
Net unrealized depreciation
 
$
(25,531,917
)
Federal income tax cost
 
$
175,139,389
 
 
The Company is subject to tax provisions that establish a minimum threshold for recognizing, and a system for measuring, the benefits of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Taxable years ending 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 remain open to federal and state audit. As of December 31, 2016, 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 March 31, 2017.
 
PURCHASES AND SALES
     
Purchases of investment securities
 
$
7,511,655
 
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities
 
$
5,386,177
 
 
NOTE 9.  SHARE BUYBACK/TENDER OFFER
 
SHARE BUYBACKS. On April 26, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved a discretionary share repurchase plan (the “Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund was authorized to purchase in the open market up to $2 million worth of its common stock. The Plan allowed the Fund to acquire its own shares at certain thresholds below its net asset value (NAV) per share, in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. The intent of the Plan was to increase NAV per share and thereby enhance shareholder value. The Fund completed the repurchase plan in September 2016, having repurchased and retired a total of 272,008 shares of stock, at a total cost of approximately $2 million. As of March 31, 2017, the Fund had 7,430,697 shares outstanding.
22

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
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.
 
NOTE 10.  INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES AND CONTROLLED INVESTMENTS
 
Under the 1940 Act, the Company is required to identify investments where it owns greater than 5% (but less than 25%) of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting shares as an affiliate of the Company. Also, under the 1940 Act, the Company is required to identify investments where it owns greater than 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting shares as a controlled investment of the Company. A summary of the Company’s investments in affiliates and controlled investments for the period from December 31, 2016, through March 31, 2017, is noted below:
 
 
 
SHARES/PAR ACTIVITY
   
 
   
 
           
AFFILIATE/ CONTROLLED INVESTMENT*
 
BALANCE AT 12/31/16
   
PURCHASES/
MERGER
   
SALES/ MATURITY/ EXPIRATION
   
BALANCE AT 3/31/17
   
REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
   
INTEREST
   
VALUE 3/31/17
   
ACQUISITION
COST
 
EQX, Inc. Common Stock*
   
100,000
     
     
     
100,000
   
$
   
$
   
$
44,430
   
$
20,000
 
EQX, Inc. Preferred Stock - Series A*
   
4,000,000
     
     
     
4,000,000
     
     
     
3,975,600
     
4,000,000
 
Hera Systems, Inc. Term Note*
   
41,208
     
     
(41,208
)
   
     
     
70
     
     
 
Hera Systems, Inc. Series A Preferred*
   
3,642,324
     
     
     
3,642,324
     
     
     
1,100,710
     
2,000,000
 
Hera Systems, Inc. Term Note*
   
     
20,000
     
     
20,000
     
     
130
     
20,000
     
20,000
 
Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*
   
     
200,000
     
     
200,000
     
     
3,278
     
200,000
     
200,000
 
Hera Systems, Inc. Convertible Note*
   
30,000
     
     
     
30,000
     
     
444
     
30,000
     
30,000
 
IntraOp Medical Corp. Series C Preferred*
   
26,856,187
     
     
     
26,856,187
     
     
     
23,523,334
     
26,299,938
 
IntraOp Medical Corp. Convertible Note*
   
1,000,000
     
     
     
1,000,000
     
     
49,770
     
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
 
IntraOp Medical Corp. Term Note*
   
3,000,000
     
     
     
3,000,000
     
     
59,178
     
3,000,000
     
3,000,000
 
IntraOp Medical Corp. Term Note*
   
     
2,000,000
     
     
2,000,000
     
     
21,918
     
2,000,000
     
2,000,000
 
Pivotal Systems, Series A Preferred*
   
11,914,217
     
     
     
11,914,217
     
     
     
6,370,532
     
6,000,048
 
23

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
   
SHARES/PAR ACTIVITY          
                     
AFFILIATE/ CONTROLLED INVESTMENT*
 
BALANCE AT 12/31/16
   
PURCHASES/ MERGER
   
SALES/ MATURITY/ EXPIRATION
   
BALANCE AT 3/31/17
   
REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
   
INTEREST
   
VALUE3/31/17
   
ACQUISITION COST
 
Pivotal Systems, Series B Preferred*
   
13,065,236
     
     
     
13,065,236
   
$
   
$
   
$
6,985,982
   
$
6,321,483
 
Pivotal Systems, Series C Preferred*
   
2,291,260
     
     
     
2,291,260
     
     
     
2,271,555
     
2,657,862
 
Pivotal Systems, Series D Preferred*
   
6,237,978
     
     
     
6,237,978
     
     
     
4,059,676
     
3,975,801
 
Pivotal Systems, Series D Warrant
   
4,158,654
     
     
     
4,158,654
     
     
     
284,868
     
 
Pivotal Systems, Common Stocks Warrants - B*
   
18,180,475
     
     
     
18,180,475
     
     
     
5,070,534
     
 
QMAT, Preferred Stock Series A*
   
16,000,240
     
     
     
16,000,240
     
     
     
10,724,961
     
16,000,240
 
QMAT, Preferred Stock Series B*
   
2,000,000
     
     
     
2,000,000
     
     
     
2,000,000
     
2,000,000
 
QMAT, Series A Warrant*
   
2,000,000
     
     
     
2,000,000
     
     
     
418,400
     
 
QMAT, Convertible Note*
   
     
1,000,000
     
     
1,000,000
     
     
3,945
     
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
 
Revasum, Term Note*
   
     
1,000,000
     
     
1,000,000
     
     
4,167
     
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
 
Revasum, Common Stock*
   
10,000
     
     
     
10,000
     
     
     
11,230
     
1,000
 
Revasum, Preferred Stock*
   
2,200,000
     
     
     
2,200,000
     
     
     
2,668,160
     
2,200,000
 
Revasum, Preferred Stock Series A*
   
     
441,998
     
     
441,998
     
     
     
1,521,578
     
1,999,997
 
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common *
   
921,892
     
     
     
921,892
     
     
     
22,863
     
169,045
 
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrant*
   
37,982
     
     
     
37,982
     
     
     
501
     
6,678
 
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrant*
   
5,000,000
     
     
     
5,000,000
     
     
     
16,500
     
 
Silicon Genesis Corp., Common Warrant*
   
3,000,000
     
     
     
3,000,000
     
     
     
9,900
     
 
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-C Preferred*
   
82,914
     
     
     
82,914
     
     
     
95,376
     
109,518
 
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-D Preferred*
   
850,830
     
     
     
850,830
     
     
     
265,544
     
431,901
 
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-E Preferred*
   
5,704,480
     
     
     
5,704,480
     
     
     
2,326,857
     
2,946,535
 
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-F Preferred*
   
912,453
     
     
     
912,453
     
     
     
515,810
     
583,060
 
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-G Preferred*
   
48,370,793
     
     
     
48,370,793
     
     
     
3,660,218
     
5,042,479
 
24

Firsthand Technology Value Fund, Inc.
Consolidated Notes to Financial Statements - continued
MARCH 31, 2017 (UNAUDITED)
 
   
SHARES/PAR ACTIVITY
                         
AFFILIATE/ CONTROLLED INVESTMENT*
 
BALANCE AT 12/31/16
   
PURCHASES/ MERGER
   
SALES/ MATURITY/ EXPIRATION
   
BALANCE AT 3/31/17
   
REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
   
INTEREST
   
VALUE 3/31/17
   
ACQUISITION COST
 
Silicon Genesis Corp., Series 1-H Preferred*
   
837,942
     
     
     
837,942
     
     
     
269,482
     
1,000,000
 
SVXR, Inc., Preferred Stock Series A
   
     
2,113,491
     
(100,000
)
   
2,013,491
     
     
173
     
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
 
Telepathy Investors, Inc. Convertible Note*
   
2,000,000
     
     
     
2,000,000
     
     
54,863
     
633,000
     
2,000,000
 
Telepathy Investors, Inc. Convertible Note*
   
150,000
     
     
     
150,000
   
$
   
$
3,699
   
$
47,472
   
$
150,000
 
Telepathy Investors, Inc. Convertible Note*
   
500,000
     
     
     
500,000
     
     
12,329
     
158,240
     
500,000
 
Telepathy Investors, Inc. Convertible Note*
   
300,000
     
     
     
300,000
     
     
7,908
     
94,944
     
300,000
 
Telepathy Investors, Inc. Convertible Note*
   
500,000
     
     
     
500,000
     
     
12,329
     
158,240
     
500,000
 
Telepathy Investors, Inc. Series A Preferred*
   
15,238,000
     
     
     
15,238,000
     
     
     
1,465,896
     
3,999,999
 
Vufine, Inc., Series A Preferred*
   
22,500,000
     
     
     
22,500,000
     
     
     
338,625
     
2,250,000
 
Vufine, Inc., Convertible Note*
   
     
500,000
     
     
500,000
     
     
3,123
     
500,000
     
500,000
 
Vufine, Inc., Common Stock*
   
750,000
     
     
     
750,000
     
     
     
900
     
15,000
 
Vufine, Inc., Convertible Note*
   
1,000,000
     
     
     
1,000,000
     
     
14,794
     
1,000,000
     
1,000,000
 
Wrightspeed, Inc. Series C Preferred
   
2,267,659
     
     
     
2,267,659
     
     
     
5,811,330
     
6,864,023
 
Wrightspeed, Inc. Series D Preferred
   
1,100,978
     
     
     
1,100,978
     
     
     
3,218,599
     
3,375,887
 
Wrightspeed, Inc. Convertible Note
   
     
200,000
     
     
200,000
     
     
1,972
     
200,000
     
200,000
 
Wrightspeed, Inc. Series E Preferred
   
450,814
     
     
     
450,814
     
     
-
     
1,374,847
     
1,658,996
 
Total Affiliates and Controlled Investments
                                 
$
   
$
254,090
     
102,466,694
     
116,329,490
 
Total Affiliates
                                 
$
   
$
2,145
     
11,604,776
     
13,098,906
 
Total Controlled Investments
                                 
$
   
$
251,945
   
$
90,861,918
   
$
103,230,584
 
 
*
Controlled investment.
 
As of March 31, 2017, Kevin Landis represents the Company and sits on the board of directors of Hera Systems, Inc.;  IntraOp Medical, Inc.; Phunware, Inc.; Pivotal Systems, Inc.; QMAT, Inc.; Revasum, Inc.; Silicon Genesis Corp.; 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.
25

NOTE 11.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On February 22, 2017, Turn, Inc. announced that it had agreed to be acquired by Amobee, a subsidiary of SingTel, one of the largest mobile network operators in Singapore. The acquisition was completed in April 2017 and the Fund expects to receive approximately $13.5 million in proceeds related to the transaction during the second quarter of 2017. The Fund may receive additional consideration at a later date, if certain conditions are met.
 
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.
26

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 preferred stock, and convertible and term notes. The fair value of our investment portfolio was approximately $149.6 million as of March 31, 2017, as compared to approximately $147.5 million as of December 31, 2016.
 
The following table summarizes the fair value of our investment portfolio by industry sector as of March 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016.
 
 
March 31, 2017
December 31, 2016
Semiconductor Equipment
21.0%
18.1%
Medical Devices
19.8%
19.2%
Advanced Materials
9.9%
9.1%
Advertising Technology
9.7%
6.9%
Automotive
7.1%
7.0%
Networking
5.8%
7.4%
Cloud Computing
5.8%
5.7%
Consumer Electronics
5.0%
6.5%
Mobile Computing
5.0%
4.9%
Intellectual Property
4.8%
4.1%
Equipment Leasing
2.7%
2.7%
27

continued
March 31, 2017
December 31, 2016
Renewable Energy
1.9%
2.4%
Aerospace
0.9%
0.4%
Semiconductor
0.6%
0.3%
Software
0.2%
0.2%
Water Purification
0.0%
0.0%
Other Electronics
0.9%
Computer Storage
0.1%
Money Market Fund
0.3%
0.0%
Exchange-Traded Funds
3.2%
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets
(0.5)%
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities
0.9%
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 on the next page 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.
28

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.
(GRAPHIC)
 
(GRAPHIC)
 
(GRAPHIC)
  
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2017 to the three months ended March 31, 2016.
 
INVESTMENT INCOME
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we had investment income of $260,798 primarily attributable to interest accrued on convertible/term note investments with QMAT, Revasum, Vufine, Telepathy Investors and IntraOp Medical Corp.
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we had investment income of $159,915 primarily attributable to interest accrued on convertible/term note investments with Pivotal Systems, Telepathy Investors and IntraOp Medical Corp.
 
The higher level of investment income in the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016 was due to the increased investments in convertible/term notes.
 
OPERATING EXPENSES
Gross operating expenses totaled approximately $1,008,188 during the three months ended March 31, 2017, and $1,201,927 during the three months ended March 31, 2016.
29

Significant components of gross operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017, were management fee expense of $741,152 and professional fees (audit, legal, and consulting) of $116,141. Significant components of operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016, were management fee expense of $860,821 and professional fees (audit, legal, and consulting) of $180,688.

The lower level of gross operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to  the three months ended March 31, 2016 is primarily attributable to a decrease in  our total net assets, on which the investment advisory fees are based.

NET INVESTMENT  LOSS
The net investment loss was $(747,390) for the three months ended March 31, 2017, and $(1,042,012) for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

The lesser net investment loss in the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016 is primarily due to a decrease in  our total net assets, on which the investment advisory fees are based and an increase to investment income from convertible/term notes.

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 March 31, 2017, and March 31, 2016, is shown below.

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
 
Realized losses
 
$
(1,072,452
)
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
   
1,724,383
 
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments
 
$
651,931
 
 
   
As of March 31, 2017
 
Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments
 
$
11,776,189
 
Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments
   
(37,308,106
)
Net unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments
 
$
(25,531,917
)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
Realized gains
 
$
3,314,843
 
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
   
(10,288,930
)
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments
 
$
(6,974,087
)
 
   
As of March 31, 2016
 
Gross unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments
 
$
15,290,850
 
Gross unrealized depreciation on portfolio investments
   
(38,177,368
)
Net unrealized appreciation on portfolio investments
 
$
(22,886,518
)
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we recognized net realized losses of approximately $1,072,452 from the sale of investments. Realized losses were substantially higher than those in the year-ago period due to the sale of Intevac, Sunrun and Pure Storage.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, net unrealized depreciation on total investments decreased by $1,724,383. 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 an increase in the fair value of our portfolio companies, notably Turn and Hera.
30

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recognized net realized gains of approximately $3,314,843 from the sale of investments, notably the sale of TapAd to Telenor.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, net unrealized depreciation on total investments increased by $10,288,930. 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 Sunrun, Turn and Aliphcom.

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 in income tax expense.

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS AND CHANGE IN NET ASSETS PER SHARE
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the net decrease in net assets resulting from operations totaled $95,459 and basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per share for the three months ended March 31, 2017, was $(0.01).

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the net decrease in net assets resulting from operations totaled $8,016,099 and basic and fully diluted net change in net assets per share for the three months ended March 31, 2017, was $(1.04).

The lesser decrease in net assets resulting from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, is due primarily to a decrease in unrealized depreciation from investments, most notably Turn and Hera.

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.
31

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 March 31, 2017, 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 the purchase of public and private securities. Since that date, we have purchased private securities with an aggregate cost of approximately $350,000 and public securities with an aggregate cost of approximately $163,000.

On February 22, 2017, Turn, Inc. announced that it had agreed to be acquired by Amobee, a subsidiary of SingTel, one of the largest mobile network operators in Singapore. The acquisition was completed in April 2017 and the Fund expects to receive approximately $13.5 million in proceeds related to the transaction during the second quarter of 2017. The Fund may receive additional consideration at a later date, if certain conditions are met.
32

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 March 31, 2017, a portion of the Company’s assets (0.01%) was 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.
33

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, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
34

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
35

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 March 31, 2017 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
36

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: May 9, 2017 
  
By: -s- Kevin Landis
    Kevin Landis 
    Chief Executive Officer
                                                                                         
Dated: May 9, 2017 
  
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