v3.24.3
N-2
Nov. 27, 2024
USD ($)
shares
Cover [Abstract]  
Entity Central Index Key 0001905088
Amendment Flag false
Entity Inv Company Type N-2
Securities Act File Number 333-262496
Investment Company Act File Number 811-23778
Document Type N-2
Document Registration Statement true
Pre-Effective Amendment false
Post-Effective Amendment true
Post-Effective Amendment Number 2
Investment Company Act Registration true
Investment Company Registration Amendment true
Investment Company Registration Amendment Number 5
Entity Registrant Name ARK VENTURE FUND
Entity Address, Address Line One 200 Central Avenue
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 220
Entity Address, City or Town St. Petersburg
Entity Address, State or Province FL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 33701
City Area Code (727)
Local Phone Number 810-8160
Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed Sale to Public As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement
Dividend or Interest Reinvestment Plan Only false
Delayed or Continuous Offering true
Primary Shelf [Flag] false
Effective Upon Filing, 462(e) false
Additional Securities Effective, 413(b) false
Effective when Declared, Section 8(c) false
Effective upon Filing, 486(b) false
Effective on Set Date, 486(b) true
Effective on Date, 486(b) Nov. 27, 2024
Effective after 60 Days, 486(a) false
Effective on Set Date, 486(a) false
New Effective Date for Previous Filing false
Additional Securities. 462(b) false
No Substantive Changes, 462(c) false
Exhibits Only, 462(d) false
Registered Closed-End Fund [Flag] true
Business Development Company [Flag] false
Interval Fund [Flag] true
Primary Shelf Qualified [Flag] false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
New CEF or BDC Registrant [Flag] false
Fee Table [Abstract]  
Shareholder Transaction Expenses [Table Text Block]
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES        
Sales load (as a percentage of offering price)     None  
Dividend Reinvestment Fees(1)     None  

 

Other Transaction Expenses [Abstract]  
Annual Expenses [Table Text Block]
ANNUAL FUND EXPENSES
(as a percentage of projected average net assets attributable to Shares)(1)(2)
     
Management fee     2.75 %
Interest payments on borrowed funds(3)     0.00 %
Other expenses(4)     1.96 %
Service Fee     0.15 %
Other operating expenses     1.81 %
Total annual fund expenses     4.71 %
Expense reimbursement(5)     1.81 %
Total annual fund expenses after expense reimbursement     2.90 %

 

(1) The expenses of administering the DRP are included in “Other operating expenses.” See “Distributions - Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
(2) Assumes the Fund raises approximately $49 million in net proceeds in the year ending July 31, 2025 resulting in estimated average net assets of approximately $87 million. “Annual Fund Expenses” do not include organizational and offering costs as these costs have been incurred and paid by the Adviser. The Adviser incurred the Fund’s organizational and initial offering costs associated with the Fund’s continuous offering of Shares of $885,178. Pursuant to an expense reimbursement agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, the Fund will be obligated to reimburse the Adviser for any such payments within three years of the Adviser incurring such expenses subject to the limitation that a reimbursement (an “Adviser Reimbursement”) will be made only if and to the extent that: (i) the Fund’s net asset exceeds $125,000,000; and (ii) the Adviser Reimbursement does not cause the Fund’s net assets to fall below $125,000,000.
(3) Interest expenses represent estimated interest related costs the Fund expects to incur in connection with the use of its credit facility. See “Summary of Terms - Leverage.”
(4) “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
(5) The Adviser and the Fund have entered into the Expense Limitation Agreement under which the Adviser has agreed contractually to waive its Management Fee and/or reimburse the Fund’s operating expenses on a monthly basis to the extent that the Fund’s total annualized fund operating expenses (excluding expenses directly related to the costs of making investments; taxes; brokerage costs; acquired fund fees and expenses; expenses of litigation, indemnification and shareholder meetings; organizational expenses; offering costs; and extraordinary expenses) exceed 2.90% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

Pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement, the Adviser may receive reimbursement of any fees waived and/or excess expense payments paid by it pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement within three years of such waiver and/or expense payment, if such reimbursement can be achieved within the Expense Limit or the expense limit that was in effect at the time of the waiver and/or expense payment, whichever is lower, and such reimbursement has been approved by the Trustees of the Fund. The Expense Limitation Agreement will remain in effect until the later of either (i) November 28, 2025 or (ii) the Fund’s average net assets over a 12-month period exceed $250,000,000 unless and until the Board approves its earlier termination.

 

Management Fees [Percent] 2.75% [1],[2]
Interest Expenses on Borrowings [Percent] 0.00% [1],[2],[3]
Other Annual Expenses [Abstract]  
Other Annual Expense 1 [Percent] 0.15% [1],[2],[4]
Other Annual Expense 2 [Percent] 1.81% [1],[2],[4]
Other Annual Expenses [Percent] 1.96% [1],[2],[4]
Total Annual Expenses [Percent] 4.71% [1],[2],[4]
Waivers and Reimbursements of Fees [Percent] 1.81% [1],[2],[5]
Net Expense over Assets [Percent] 2.90% [1],[2]
Expense Example [Table Text Block]

Example:

 

The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in Shares. In calculating the following expense amounts, the Fund has assumed its direct and indirect annual operating expenses and leverage would remain at the percentage levels set forth in the table above (except that the example incorporates the expense reimbursement arrangement for only the first year).

 

An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5.0% annual return:

 

    1 Year     3 Years     5 Years     10 Years  
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return:   $30     $91     $194     $452  

 

The example and the expenses in the tables above should not be considered a representation of the Fund’s future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. While the example assumes a 5.0% annual return, as required by the SEC, the Fund’s performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5.0%. For a more complete description of the various fees and expenses borne directly and indirectly by the Fund, see “Fund Expenses” and “Management Fees.”

Expense Example, Year 01 $ 30
Expense Example, Years 1 to 3 194
Expense Example, Years 1 to 5 452
Expense Example, Years 1 to 10 $ 91
Purpose of Fee Table , Note [Text Block]

The following table illustrates the aggregate fees and expenses that the Fund expects to incur and that Shareholders can expect to bear directly or indirectly. The expenses shown in the table under “Annual Fund Expenses” are estimated based on projected amounts for the current fiscal year.

 

Basis of Transaction Fees, Note [Text Block] as a percentage of offering price
Other Transaction Fees, Note [Text Block] “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
Management Fee not based on Net Assets, Note [Text Block] The Adviser and the Fund have entered into the Expense Limitation Agreement under which the Adviser has agreed contractually to waive its Management Fee and/or reimburse the Fund’s operating expenses on a monthly basis to the extent that the Fund’s total annualized fund operating expenses (excluding expenses directly related to the costs of making investments; taxes; brokerage costs; acquired fund fees and expenses; expenses of litigation, indemnification and shareholder meetings; organizational expenses; offering costs; and extraordinary expenses) exceed 2.90% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Investment Objectives and Practices [Text Block]

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, OPPORTUNITIES AND STRATEGIES 

 

Investment Objective 

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Investment Opportunities and Strategies 

 

The Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, primarily in domestic and foreign equity securities of companies that are relevant to the Fund’s investment theme of disruptive innovation. The Adviser defines “disruptive innovation” as the introduction of a technologically enabled new product or service that potentially changes the way the world works. The Adviser believes that companies relevant to this theme are those that rely on or benefit from the development of new products or services, technological improvements and advancements in scientific research relating to the areas of genomics* (“Genomic Revolution Companies”); innovation in automation and manufacturing (“Automation Transformation Companies”), transportation, energy (“Energy Transformation Companies”), artificial intelligence (“Artificial Intelligence Companies”) and materials; the increased use of shared technology, infrastructure and services (“Next Generation Internet Companies”); and technologies that make financial services more efficient (“FinTech Innovation Companies”).

 

In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Fund may invest, without limit, in privately placed or restricted securities (including in Rule 144A securities, which are privately placed securities purchased by qualified institutional buyers), illiquid securities and securities in which no secondary market is readily available, including those of private companies. Issuers of these securities may not have a class of securities registered, and may not be subject to periodic reporting, pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Fund may invest in such securities without limitation. The Fund currently expects to invest the remainder of its assets in publicly traded securities.

 

In selecting companies that the Adviser believes are relevant to a particular investment theme, the Adviser seeks to identify, using its own internal research and analysis, companies capitalizing on disruptive innovation or that are enabling the further development of a theme in the markets in which they operate. The Adviser’s internal research and analysis leverages insights from diverse sources, including external research, to develop and refine its investment themes and identify and take advantage of trends that have ramifications for individual companies or entire industries. The types of companies that the Adviser believes are Genomic Revolution Companies, Automation Transformation Companies, Energy Transformation Companies, Artificial Intelligence Companies, Next Generation Internet Companies or FinTech Innovation Companies are described below:

 

●Genomic Revolution Companies. Companies that the Adviser believes are substantially focused on and are expected to substantially benefit from extending and enhancing the quality of human and other life by incorporating technological and scientific developments, improvements and advancements in genomics into their business, such as by offering new products or services that rely on genomic sequencing**, analysis, synthesis or instrumentation. These companies may include ones across multiple sectors, such as healthcare, information technology, materials, energy and consumer discretionary. These companies may also develop, produce, manufacture or significantly rely on or enable bionic devices, bio-inspired computing, bioinformatics,*** molecular medicine and agricultural biotechnology.

 

●Automation Transformation Companies. Companies that the Adviser believes are focused on humans capitalizing on the productivity of machines, such as through the automation of functions, processes or activities previously performed by human labor, such as transportation through an emphasis on mobility as a service, or the use of robotics to perform other functions, activities or processes.

 

●Energy Transformation Companies. Companies that the Adviser believes seek to capitalize on innovations or evolutions in: (i) ways that energy is stored or used; (ii) the discovery, collection and/or implementation of new sources of energy, including unconventional sources of oil or natural gas; and/or (iii) the production or development of new materials for use in commercial applications of energy production, use or storage.

 

●Artificial Intelligence Companies. Companies that the Adviser considers to be Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) Companies include companies that: (i) design, create, integrate, or deliver robotics, autonomous technology, and/or AI in the form of products, software, or systems; (ii) develop the building block components for robotics, autonomous technology, or AI, such as advanced machinery, semiconductors and databases used for machine learning; (iii) provides their own value-added services on top of such building block components, but are not core to the companies’ product or service offering; and/or (iv) develop computer systems that are able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.

 

●Next Generation Internet Companies. Companies that the Adviser believes are focused on and expected to benefit from shifting the bases of technology infrastructure from hardware and software to the cloud, enabling mobile and local services, such as companies that rely on or benefit from the increased use of shared technology, infrastructure and services. These companies may include mail order houses which generate the entirety of their business through websites and which offer internet-based products and services, such as streaming media or cloud storage in addition to traditional physical goods. These companies may also include ones that develop, use or rely on innovative payment methodologies, big data, the “internet of things,****” machine learning, and social distribution and media.

 

*The Adviser defines “genomics” as the study of genes and their functions, and related techniques (e.g., genomic sequencing). See Genomics and World Health: Report of the Advisory Committee on Health Research, Geneva, WHO (2002).
**The Adviser uses the term “genomic sequencing” to refer to the techniques that allows researchers to read and decipher the genetic information found in the DNA (i.e., the exact sequence of bases A, C, G and T in a DNA molecule), including the DNA of bacteria, plants, animals and human beings.
***The Adviser defines “bioinformatics” as the science of collecting and analyzing complex biological data such as genetic codes.
****The Adviser defines the “internet of things” as a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, or physical objects that are provided unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.

 

●FinTech Innovation Companies. Companies that the Adviser believes are focused on and expected to benefit from the shifting of the financial sector and economic transactions to technology infrastructure platforms, and technological intermediaries. FinTech Innovation Companies may also develop, use or rely on innovative payment platforms and methodologies, point of sale providers, e-commerce, transactional innovations, business analytics, fraud reduction, frictionless funding platforms, peer-to-peer lending, blockchain technologies,***** intermediary exchanges, asset allocation technology, cryptocurrency,****** mobile payments, and risk pricing and pooling aggregators. The Fund may have exposure to bitcoin indirectly through an investment in GBTC or Canadian exchange-traded products. The Fund may also have exposure to other cryptocurrencies indirectly through an investment in a grantor trust or an investment vehicle to the extent permitted by, and in accordance with, any future law, regulation, guidance, or exemptive relief provided by the SEC or its staff or other regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction. The Fund’s exposure to cryptocurrency may change over time and, accordingly, such exposure may not always be represented in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Adviser will select investments for the Fund that represent its highest-conviction investment ideas within the theme of disruptive innovation, as described above, in constructing the Fund’s portfolio. A disruptive innovation or technology may constitute a small portion of a company’s overall business. As a result, the success of a disruptive innovation or technology may not materially affect the value of the equity securities issued by the company. The Adviser’s process for identifying Genomic Revolution Companies, Automation Transformation Companies, Energy Transformation Companies, Artificial Intelligence Companies, Next Generation Internet Companies and FinTech Innovation Companies uses both “top down” (thematic research sizing the potential total available market, and seeking to surface the prime beneficiaries) and “bottom up” (valuation, fundamental and quantitative measures) approaches. In both the Adviser’s “top down” and “bottom up” approaches, the Adviser evaluates environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) considerations. In its “top down” approach, the Adviser uses the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to integrate ESG considerations into its research and investment process. The Adviser, however, does not use ESG considerations to limit, restrict or otherwise exclude companies or sectors from the Fund’s investment universe. In its “bottom up” approach, the Adviser makes its investment decisions primarily based on its analysis of the potential of individual companies, while integrating ESG considerations into that process. ESG considerations are not the only factors considered by the Adviser and as a result, the companies in which the Fund invests may not be companies with favorable ESG characteristics or high ESG ratings. The Adviser’s highest-conviction investment ideas are those that it believes present the best risk-reward opportunities.

 

Under normal circumstances, substantially all of the Fund’s assets will be invested in equity securities, including common stocks, partnership interests, business trust shares, other equity investments or ownership interests in business enterprises and Private Funds, and preferred stock or debt obligations that are convertible into equity securities. The Fund will invest no more than 15% of its net assets in Private Funds. In addition, the Fund will invest no more than 15% of its net assets in any combination of GBTC and Canadian exchange-traded products with exposure to bitcoin. The Fund’s investments will include early- to late-stage private companies and micro-, small-, medium- and large-capitalization public companies. The Fund’s investments in foreign equity securities will be in both developed and emerging markets. The Fund may invest in foreign securities (including investments in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”)) and securities listed on local foreign exchanges. The Fund may pursue its investment objective by investing up to 25% of its total assets in wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Fund organized under the laws of the United States (“Taxable Subsidiary”) or Cayman Islands (“Cayman Subsidiary” and together with the Taxable Subsidiary, the “Subsidiaries”). The Subsidiaries would hold certain investments or interests in pass-through entities (such as GBTC and certain Private Funds) and allow the Fund to satisfy the RIC tax requirements.

 

The Fund will be concentrated (i.e., more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s assets) in securities of issuers having their principal business activities in groups of industries in the technology sector.

 

The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the 1940 Act, which means that it may invest a high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers and may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer.

 

*****The term “blockchain” refers to a peer-to-peer distributed ledger that is secured using cryptography. A distributed ledger is a shared electronic database where information is recorded and stored across multiple computers; a blockchain is one type of distributed ledger. A blockchain may be open and permissionless or private and permissioned. The Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains are examples of open, public, permissionless blockchains. Blockchain derives its name from the way it stores transaction data in “blocks” that are linked together to form a chain. As the number of transactions grows, so does the blockchain. Blocks record and confirm the time and sequence of transactions, which are then logged into the blockchain network, which is, with respect to public blockchains, governed by rules agreed on by the network participants.
******Cryptocurrencies (also referred to as “virtual currencies” and “digital currencies”) are digital assets designed to act as a medium of exchange. There are numerous cryptocurrencies, the most well-known of which is bitcoin.
Risk Factors [Table Text Block]

Risks Relating to Investment Strategies and Fund Investments 

 

Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities that the Fund holds may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of such securities participate or factors relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. An unfavorable earnings report or a failure to make anticipated dividend payments by an issuer whose securities are held by the Fund may affect the value of the Fund’s investment. Equity securities may also be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market, and a decline in the broader market may affect the value of the Fund’s equity investments.

 

●Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). The Fund may invest in stocks of, warrants to purchase stock of, and other interests in SPACs or similar special purposes entities. A SPAC is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring or merging with an existing company. Because SPACs and similar entities are so-called “blank check companies” and do not have any operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPAC’s management to identify a merger target and complete an acquisition. An investment in a SPAC or similar entity is subject to a variety of risks, including that (i) a significant portion of the monies raised by the SPAC for the purpose of identifying and effecting an acquisition or merger may be expended during the search for a target transaction; (ii) an attractive acquisition or merger target may not be identified at all and the SPAC will be required to return any remaining monies to shareholders; (iii) any proposed merger or acquisition may be unable to obtain the requisite approval, if any, of SPAC shareholders and/or antitrust and securities regulators; (iv) if an acquisition or merger target is identified, the Fund may elect not to participate in, or vote to approve, the proposed transaction or the Fund may be required to divest its interests in the SPAC, due to regulatory or other considerations, in which case the Fund may not reap any resulting benefits; (v) an acquisition or merger once effected may prove unsuccessful and an investment in the SPAC may lose value; (vi) the warrants or other rights with respect to the SPAC held by the Fund may expire worthless or may be repurchased or retired by the SPAC at an unfavorable price; (vii) the Fund may be delayed in receiving any redemption or liquidation proceeds from a SPAC to which it is entitled; (viii) an investment in an SPAC may be diluted by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC; (ix) no or only a thinly traded market for shares of or interests in an SPAC may develop, leaving the Fund unable to sell its interest in an SPAC or to sell its interest only at a price below what the Fund believes is the SPAC interest’s intrinsic value; and (x) the values of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate significantly over time. Until an acquisition or merger is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets, less a portion retained to cover expenses, in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash and does not typically pay dividends in respect of its common stock. As a result, it is possible that an investment in a SPAC may lose value.

 

Market Risk. The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the markets in which the Fund invests fluctuate. The value of the Fund’s investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, such as inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, military conflict, acts of terrorism, social unrest, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, recessions, supply chain disruptions, political instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.

 

For example, an outbreak of an infectious disease may negatively affect economies, markets and individual companies throughout the world, including those in which the Fund invests. The effects of such pandemic to public health and business and market conditions, including exchange trading suspensions and closures may have a significant negative impact on the performance of the Fund’s investments, increase the Fund’s volatility, negatively impact the Fund’s arbitrage and pricing mechanisms, exacerbate pre-existing political, social and economic risks to the Fund, and negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations. The Fund’s operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions in response to a pandemic that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s investment performance.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. Investment companies are classified as either “diversified” or “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the 1940 Act, although it is diversified for Code purposes. An investment company classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act is subject to certain limitations with respect to the value of the company’s assets invested in particular issuers. As a non-diversified investment company, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest a relatively higher proportion of its assets in a relatively smaller number of issuers and may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.

 

Disruptive Innovation Risk. Companies that the Adviser believes are capitalizing on disruptive innovation and developing technologies to displace older technologies or create new markets may not in fact do so. Companies that initially develop a novel technology may not be able to capitalize on the technology. Companies that develop disruptive technologies may face political or legal impediments attributable to competitors, industry groups or local and national governments. These companies may also be exposed to risks applicable to sectors other than the disruptive innovation theme for which they are chosen, and the securities issued by these companies may underperform the securities of other companies that are primarily focused on a particular theme. The Fund may invest in a company that does not currently derive any revenue from disruptive innovations or technologies, and there is no assurance that a company will derive any revenue from disruptive innovations or technologies in the future. A disruptive innovation or technology may constitute a small portion of a company’s overall business. As a result, the success of a disruptive innovation or technology may not materially affect the value of the equity securities issued by the company.

 

Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets will be concentrated in securities of issuers having their principal business activities in groups of industries in the technology sector. To the extent that the Fund continues to be concentrated in groups of industries in the technology sector, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political, business or other conditions that have a negative effect on such industry groups will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.

 

Repurchase Program Risk. As described under “Share Repurchase Program,” the Fund is an “interval fund” and, to provide some liquidity to Shareholders, makes quarterly offers to repurchase between 5% and 25% of its outstanding Shares at NAV, pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act. The Fund believes that these repurchase offers are generally beneficial to the Fund’s Shareholders, and generally are funded from available cash or sales of portfolio securities. However, the repurchase of Shares by the Fund decreases the assets of the Fund and, therefore, may have the effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio. Repurchase offers and the need to fund repurchase obligations may also affect the ability of the Fund to be fully invested or force the Fund to maintain a higher percentage of its assets in liquid investments, which may harm the Fund’s investment performance. Moreover, diminution in the size of the Fund through repurchases may result in untimely sales of portfolio securities, and may limit the ability of the Fund to participate in new investment opportunities. If the Fund uses leverage, repurchases of Shares may compound the adverse effects of leverage in a declining market. In addition, if the Fund borrows money to finance repurchases, interest on that borrowing will negatively affect Shareholders who do not tender their Shares by increasing Fund expenses and reducing any net investment income. Certain Shareholders may from time to time own or control a significant percentage of the Fund’s Shares. Repurchase requests by these Shareholders of their Shares of the Fund may cause repurchases to be oversubscribed, with the result that Shareholders may only be able to have a portion of their Shares repurchased in connection with any repurchase offer. If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed and the Fund determines not to repurchase additional Shares beyond the repurchase offer amount, or if Shareholders tender a number of Shares greater than that which the Fund is entitled to purchase, the Fund will repurchase the Shares tendered on a pro rata basis, and Shareholders will have to wait until the next repurchase offer to make another repurchase request. Shareholders will be subject to the risk of NAV fluctuations during that period. Thus, there is also a risk that some Shareholders, in anticipation of proration, may tender more Shares than they wish to have repurchased in a particular quarter, thereby increasing the likelihood that proration will occur. The NAV of Shares tendered in a repurchase offer may fluctuate between the date a Shareholder submits a repurchase request and the Repurchase Request Deadline, and to the extent there is any delay between the Repurchase Request Deadline and the Repurchase Pricing Date. The NAV on the Repurchase Request Deadline or the Repurchase Pricing Date may be higher or lower than on the date a Shareholder submits a repurchase request. See “Share Repurchase Program.”

 

Communications Sector Risk. The Fund will be more affected by the performance of the communications sector than a fund with less exposure to such sector. Communication companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advancement and the innovation of competitors. Companies in the communications sector may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements and government regulation. Additionally, fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer tastes can drastically affect a communication company’s profitability. While all companies may be susceptible to network security breaches, certain companies in the communications sector may be particular targets of hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in service, which could have a material adverse effect on their businesses.

 

Consumer Discretionary Risk. The consumer discretionary sector may be affected by changes in domestic and international economies, exchange and interest rates, competition, consumers’ disposable income and consumer preferences, social trends and marketing campaigns.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities are preferred stock or debt obligations that are convertible into common stock. Prior to conversion, convertible securities have the same general characteristics as non-convertible debt securities, which generally provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of equity securities of the same or similar issuers. The price of a convertible security will normally vary with changes in the price of the underlying equity security, although the higher yield tends to make the convertible security less volatile than the underlying equity security. As with debt securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decrease as interest rates rise and increase as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, they offer investors the potential to benefit from increases in the market prices of the underlying common stock.

 

Cryptocurrency Risk. Cryptocurrencies (also referred to as “virtual currencies” and “digital currencies”) are digital assets designed to act as a medium of exchange. Cryptocurrency is an emerging asset class with a limited history. There are thousands of cryptocurrencies, the most well-known of which is bitcoin. The Fund may have exposure to bitcoin and Ether, another well-known cryptocurrency indirectly through an investment in GBTC, a privately offered, open-end investment vehicle that invests in bitcoin, ETFs with exposure to bitcoin, Ether, and other cryptocurrencies. Although the Fund does not directly invest in bitcoin or Ether, the Fund’s indirect investments in these digital assets are exposed to risks associated with the price of bitcoin and Ether, which is subject to numerous factors and risks. Investments in or exposure to cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin and Ether, are subject to substantial risks, including significant price volatility, fraud and manipulation, which are generally more pronounced in the crypto asset market. The Fund may also have exposure to other cryptocurrencies indirectly through an investment in a grantor trust or an investment vehicle to the extent permitted by, and in accordance with, any future law, regulation, guidance, or exemptive relief provided by the SEC or its staff or other regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction.

 

Cryptocurrency generally operates without central authority (such as a bank) and is not backed by any government, corporation, or other entity. Cryptocurrency is not generally accepted as legal tender. Regulation of cryptocurrency is still developing. Federal, state and/or foreign governments may restrict the development, use or exchange of cryptocurrency. As digital assets have grown in both popularity and market size, the U.S. Congress and a number of U.S. federal and state agencies have been examining the operations of digital asset networks, digital asset users and the digital asset trading market. Many of these state and federal agencies have brought enforcement actions and issued advisories and rules relating to digital asset markets. Ongoing and future regulatory actions with respect to digital assets generally or any single digital asset in particular may alter, perhaps to a materially adverse extent, the nature of an investment in the cryptocurrency and/or the ability of the Fund to continue to operate.

 

The market for bitcoin and Ether depends on, among other things: the supply and demand for bitcoin or Ether (and their respective futures); the adoption of bitcoin or Ether for commercial uses; the anticipated increase of investments in bitcoin or Ether-related investment products by retail and institutional investors; speculative interest in cryptocurrencies, cryptocurrency futures, and cryptocurrency-related investment products; regulatory or other restrictions on investors’ ability to invest in cryptocurrency futures; and the potential ability to hedge against the price of cryptocurrencies with their respective futures (and vice versa). The market price of bitcoin and Ether has been subject to extreme fluctuations. The price of bitcoin or Ether could fall sharply (potentially to zero) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, regulatory changes, issues impacting the bitcoin network or the Ethereum and Ethereum Class networks, events involving entities that facilitate transactions in bitcoin or Ether, or changes in user preferences in favor of alternative cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, events that impact one cryptocurrency may lead to a decline in the value of other cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin and Ether.

 

Cryptocurrency exchanges and other trading venues on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and, in most cases, largely unregulated. Therefore, cryptocurrency exchanges may be more exposed to fraud and failure than established, regulated exchanges for securities, derivatives and other currencies. However, the digital asset trading platforms on which cryptocurrencies are traded, and which may serve as a pricing source that is used for the purposes of valuing the Fund’s investments, are or may become subject to enforcement actions by regulatory authorities, and such enforcement actions may have a material adverse impact on the Fund, its investments, and its ability to implement its investment strategies. Cryptocurrency exchanges may not have the same features as traditional exchanges to enhance the stability of trading on the exchange, such as measures designed to prevent sudden price swings such as “flash crashes.” As a result, the prices of cryptocurrencies on exchanges may be subject to more volatility than traditional assets traded on regulated exchanges. Cryptocurrency exchanges are also subject to cyber security risks. Cryptocurrency exchanges have experienced cyber security breaches in the past and may be breached in the future, which could result in the theft and/or loss of bitcoin, Ether and other cryptocurrencies and impact the value of bitcoin. Furthermore, cyber security events, legal or regulatory actions, fraud, and technical glitches, may cause a cryptocurrency exchange to shut down temporarily or permanently or otherwise be disrupted which may also adversely affect the value of bitcoin or Ether.

 

The Fund’s investments in cryptocurrency investment vehicles expose the Fund to all of the risks related to cryptocurrencies described above and also expose the Fund to risks related to cryptocurrency investment vehicles directly. Shares of cryptocurrency investment vehicles may trade at a significant premium or discount to NAV. To the extent a cryptocurrency investment vehicle trades at a discount to NAV, the value of the Fund’s investment in the cryptocurrency investment vehicle would typically decrease. Similar to fiat currencies (i.e., a currency that is backed by a central bank or a national, supra-national or quasi-national organization), cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin and Ether, are susceptible to theft, loss and destruction. If a cryptocurrency investment vehicle experiences theft, loss, or destruction of its bitcoin holdings, The Fund’s investments in the cryptocurrency investment vehicle could be harmed. Furthermore, because there is no guarantee that an active trading market for a cryptocurrency investment vehicle will exist at any time, the Fund’s investments in such vehicle may also be subject to liquidity risk, which can impair the value of the Fund’s investments in the cryptocurrency investment vehicle. Investors may experience losses if the value of the Fund’s investments in cryptocurrency investment vehicles declines.

 

In 2022 and early 2023, several large participants in the cryptocurrency industry, including exchanges, lenders and investment firms, declared bankruptcy, which has resulted in a loss of confidence in participants of the digital asset ecosystem and negative publicity surrounding digital assets more broadly. These events have also contributed to financial distress among crypto asset market participants and widespread disruption in those markets. The collateral impacts of these types of failures, or of fraud or other adverse developments in the crypto asset markets, is difficult to predict. Furthermore, negative perception and/or a lack of stability and standardized regulation in the digital asset economy may reduce confidence in the digital asset economy and may result in greater volatility in the prices of bitcoin and other digital assets, including a depreciation in value. In addition, events that impact one cryptocurrency may lead to a volatility or a decline in the value or another cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin or Ether.

 

Bitcoin mining operations consume significant amounts of electricity, which may have a negative environmental impact and give rise to public opinion against allowing, or government regulations restricting, the use of electricity for mining operations. Additionally, miners may be forced to cease operations during an electricity shortage or power outage. Given the energy-intensiveness and electricity costs of mining, miners are restricted in where they can locate mining operations. Any shortage of electricity supply or increase in related costs (or if miners otherwise cease expanding processing power) will negatively impact the viability and expected economic return from bitcoin mining, which will affect the availability of bitcoin in the marketplace. Today, many bitcoin mining operations rely on fossil fuels to power their operations. Public perception of the impact of bitcoin mining on climate change may reduce the demand for bitcoin and increase the likelihood of government regulation. Such events could have a negative impact on the price of bitcoin, bitcoin futures, and the Fund’s performance. In addition, sales of newly mined bitcoin (and sales of bitcoin by large holders) may impact the price of bitcoin.

 

Cryptocurrency Tax Risk. Many significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax treatment of investments in bitcoin are uncertain and an investment in bitcoin may produce income that is not treated as qualifying income for purposes of the income test applicable to regulated investment companies. GBTC is expected to be treated as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and an investment by the Fund in GBTC will generally be treated as a direct investment in bitcoin for such purposes. See “Taxes” in the Fund’s SAI for more information.

 

Currency Risk. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of the Fund’s investments in securities traded in foreign markets and held in foreign currencies. Foreign currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly. They are determined by supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets, the relative merits of investments in different countries, actual or perceived changes in interest rates, and other complex factors. Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments.

 

Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and GDRs are securities typically issued by a bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation and entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign securities. The issuers of certain depositary receipts are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Investment in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Depositary receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. In addition, the issuers of the stock underlying unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States. The issuers of depositary receipts may discontinue issuing new depositary receipts and withdraw existing depositary receipts at any time, which may result in costs and delays in the distribution of the underlying assets to the Fund and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Derivatives Risk. Derivatives involve risks different from, and, in certain cases, greater than, the risks presented by more traditional investments. These include credit risk, liquidity risk, management risk and leverage risk. Derivative products are highly specialized instruments that require an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. In particular, the use and complexity of derivatives require the maintenance of adequate controls to monitor the transactions entered into, the ability to assess the risk that a derivative adds to the Fund’s investment portfolio, and the ability to forecast price, interest rate or currency exchange rate movements correctly. The failure of another party to a derivative to comply with the terms may cause the Fund to incur a loss. The credit risk for exchange-traded or centrally cleared derivatives is generally less than for privately negotiated derivatives through the interposition of a clearinghouse to the exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivative trade, which provides a guarantee of performance. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with many privately negotiated derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous price. Adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, rate or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself.

 

The SEC rule related to the use of derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies requires funds to trade derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions) subject to a value-at-risk (“VaR”) leverage limit, establishment of a derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements. Generally, these requirements apply unless the Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined in the rule. Under the rule, when the Fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it must aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the fund’s asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether the Fund is a limited derivatives user, but for funds subject to the VaR testing, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions must be included for purposes of such testing whether treated as derivatives transactions or not. The SEC also provided guidance in connection with the rule regarding use of securities lending collateral that may limit the Fund’s securities lending activities. These requirements may limit the ability of the Fund to use derivatives and reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may increase the cost of the Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.

 

Emerging Market Securities Risk. Investment in securities (including depositary receipts) of emerging market issuers may present risks that are greater than or different from those associated with securities of developed market issuers due to less developed and liquid markets and such factors as increased social, economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties. These risks include: smaller market capitalization of and less liquidity in securities markets, significant price volatility, restrictions on foreign investment and repatriation of income and dividends, greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability, unstable governments, civil conflicts and war, more substantial governmental involvement in the economy, less governmental supervision and regulation, sanctions or other measures by the United States or other governments, higher transaction costs, unavailability of currency hedging techniques, less stringent investor protection standards, differences in accounting, auditing, financial reporting and recordkeeping standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers and less developed legal systems. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty’s legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries. In certain markets where securities and other instruments are not traded “delivery versus payment,” the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. In addition, emerging markets may be particularly sensitive to future economic or political crises could lead to or exacerbate existing price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies. Emerging market currencies may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries. In addition, emerging securities markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in such transactions. Settlement problems may cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, or be delayed in disposing of a portfolio security. Such a delay could result in possible liability to a purchaser of the security. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable becoming riskier and more volatile. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

Financial Technology Risk. Companies that are developing financial technologies that seek to disrupt or displace established financial institutions generally face competition from much larger and more established firms. Fintech Innovation Companies may not be able to capitalize on their disruptive technologies if they face political and/or legal impediments attributable to competitors, industry groups or local and national governments. Laws generally vary by country, creating some challenges to achieving scale. A Fintech Innovation Company may not currently derive any revenue, and there is no assurance that such company will derive any revenue from innovative technologies in the future. Additionally, Fintech Innovation Companies may be adversely impacted by potential rapid product obsolescence, cybersecurity attacks, increased regulatory oversight and disruptions in the technology they depend on.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. Investment in the securities of foreign issuers involves risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, possible limits on repatriation of income and dividends of foreign issuers, decreased market liquidity and political instability. Because many foreign securities markets may be limited in size, the prices of securities that trade in such markets may be influenced by large traders. Certain foreign markets that have historically been considered relatively stable may become volatile in response to changed conditions or new developments. Increased interconnectivity of world economies and financial markets increases the possibility that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Foreign issuers are often subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping than are U.S. issuers, and therefore, not all material information may be available or reliable. Securities exchanges or foreign governments may adopt rules or regulations that may negatively impact the Fund’s ability to invest in foreign securities or may prevent the Fund from repatriating its investments. In addition, the Fund may not receive shareholder communications or be permitted to vote the securities that it holds, as the issuers may be under no legal obligation to distribute shareholder communications.

 

Certain issuers located in foreign countries in which the Fund invests may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions and/or embargoes imposed by the U.S. Government, other countries and the United Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. Government as state sponsors of terrorism. As a result, an issuer may sustain damage to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer which operates in, or has dealings with, such countries. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is impossible to predict. These types of measures may include, but are not limited to, banning a sanctioned country from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting the settlement of securities transactions by certain investors, and freezing the assets of particular countries, entities, or persons. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, cause a decline in the value and/or liquidity of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in or economically tied to the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in or economically tied to the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country’s currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. Sanctions and other similar measures could limit or prevent the Fund from buying and selling securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), significantly delay or prevent the settlement of securities transactions, and significantly impact the Fund’s liquidity and performance.

 

Securities registration, custody, and settlement may in some instances be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times limit or preclude investment in certain securities and may increase the costs and expenses of the Fund. In addition, the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities from certain of the countries is controlled under regulations, including in some cases the need for certain advance government notification or authority, and if a deterioration occurs in a country’s balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund also could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment.

 

“Follow-on” Investment Risk. Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, the Fund may make additional investments in that portfolio company as “follow-on” investments, in order to: (1) increase or maintain in whole or in part the Fund’s equity ownership percentage; (2) exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or subsequent financing; or (3) attempt to preserve or enhance the value of the Fund’s investment.

 

The Fund may elect not to make follow-on investments or may otherwise lack sufficient funds to make those investments or lack access to desired follow-on investment opportunities. The Fund has the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources and of the investment opportunity. The failure to make follow-on investments may, in some circumstances, jeopardize the continued viability of a portfolio company and the Fund’s initial investment, or may result in a missed opportunity for the Fund to increase the Fund’s participation in a successful operation. Even if the Fund has sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, the Fund may elect not to make a follow-on investment because it may not want to increase its concentration of risk, because it prefers other opportunities, or because the Fund is inhibited by compliance with the desire to qualify to maintain the Fund’s status as a RIC or lack access to the desired follow-on investment opportunity.

 

In addition, the Fund may be unable to complete follow-on investments in its portfolio companies that have conducted an initial public offering as a result of regulatory or financial restrictions.

 

Future Expected Genomic Business Risk. The Adviser may invest some of the Fund’s assets in Genomics Revolution Companies that do not currently derive a substantial portion of their current revenues from genomic-focused businesses and there is no assurance that any company will do so in the future, which may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

Health Care Sector Risk. The profitability of companies in the health care sector may be affected by extensive government regulations, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, limited number of products, product obsolescence due to industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. A major source of revenue for certain companies in the health care sector is payments from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. As a result, such companies are sensitive to legislative changes and reductions in governmental spending for such programs. Failure of health care companies to comply with applicable laws and regulations can result in the imposition of civil and/or criminal fines, penalties and, in some instances, exclusion of participation in government sponsored programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. State or local health care reform measures may also adversely affect health care companies. Health care companies will continue to be affected by the efforts of governments and third-party payors to contain or reduce health care costs. Many health care companies are heavily dependent on patent protection. The expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. Many health care companies are subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. Health care companies are subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. Many new products in the health care sector may be subject to regulatory approvals. The process of obtaining such approvals may be long and costly, and delays or failure to receive such approvals may negatively impact the business of such companies. Companies in the health care sector may be thinly capitalized.

 

●Biotechnology Company Risk. A biotechnology company’s valuation can often be based largely on the potential or actual performance of a limited number of products and can accordingly be greatly affected if one of its products proves, among other things, unsafe, ineffective or unprofitable. Biotechnology companies are subject to regulation by, and the restrictions of, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state and local governments, and foreign regulatory authorities.

 

●Pharmaceutical Company Risk. Companies in the pharmaceutical industry can be significantly affected by, among other things, government approval of products and services, government regulation and reimbursement rates, product liability claims, patent expirations and protection and intense competition.

 

Inflation Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to inflation risk, which is the risk that the intrinsic value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the purchasing power and value of money (i.e., as inflation increases, the values of the Fund’s assets can decline as can the value of the Fund’s distributions). Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change).

 

Information Technology Sector Risk. The information technology sector includes companies engaged in internet software and services, technology hardware and storage peripherals, electronic equipment instruments and components, and semiconductors and semiconductor equipment. Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face rapid product obsolescence due to technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Failure to introduce new products, develop and maintain a loyal customer base, or achieve general market acceptance for their products could have a material adverse effect on a company’s business. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on intellectual property and the loss of patent, copyright and trademark protections may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

 

●Internet Company Risk. Many Internet-related companies have incurred large losses since their inception and may continue to incur large losses in the hope of capturing market share and generating future revenues. Accordingly, many such companies expect to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never be profitable. The markets in which many Internet companies compete face rapidly evolving industry standards, frequent new service and product announcements, introductions and enhancements, and changing customer demands. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. Additionally, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking, telecommunications technologies, or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business.

 

●Semiconductor Company Risk. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of semiconductor companies and, as product cycles shorten and manufacturing capacity increases, these companies may become increasingly subject to aggressive pricing, which hampers profitability. Reduced demand for end-user products, under-utilization of manufacturing capacity, and other factors could adversely impact the operating results of companies in the semiconductor sector. Semiconductor companies typically face high capital costs and may be heavily dependent on intellectual property rights. The semiconductor sector is highly cyclical, which may cause the operating results of many semiconductor companies to vary significantly. The stock prices of companies in the semiconductor sector have been and likely will continue to be extremely volatile.

 

●Software Industry Risk. The software industry can be significantly affected by intense competition, aggressive pricing, technological innovations, and product obsolescence. Companies in the software industry are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as aggressive pricing, new market entrants, competition for market share, short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological developments and the potential for limited earnings and/or falling profit margins. These companies also face the risks that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. These factors can affect the profitability of these companies and, as a result, the value of their securities. Also, patent protection is integral to the success of many companies in this industry, and profitability can be affected materially by, among other things, the cost of obtaining (or failing to obtain) patent approvals, the cost of litigating patent infringement and the loss of patent protection for products (which significantly increases pricing pressures and can materially reduce profitability with respect to such products). In addition, many software companies have limited operating histories. Prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term.

 

Investment Opportunity Risk. The marketplace for venture capital investing has become increasingly competitive. Participation by financial intermediaries has increased, substantial amounts of funds have been dedicated to making investments in the private sector and the competition for investment opportunities is high. Some of the Fund’s potential competitors may have greater financial and personnel resources than the Fund does. There can be no assurances that the Fund will locate an adequate number of attractive investment opportunities. To the extent that the Fund encounters competition for investments, returns to the Fund’s investors may vary.

 

Investments in Venture Capital Funds Risk. The Fund may invest in Private Funds that are venture capital funds. Investments in venture capital funds generally involve more risk than investments in private equity funds focused on later-stage investment due to the nature of the companies in which venture capital funds invest (e.g., startup companies). Venture capital investing tends to be more speculative; there is a greater risk of loss of up to the entire amount invested because the underlying assets are generally attempting to do business in nascent or developing areas; and the competition for gaining market share or a proven product may be particularly intense. Investments in venture capital funds are highly illiquid and there is no guarantee that the Fund will be able to realize its investments in the expected timeframe. In many instances, a venture capital investment may require additional infusions of capital in order to protect earlier investments, although there is no guarantee that such additional investments will lead to a successful investment by the venture capital fund.

 

Issuer Risk. Because the Fund may invest in a limited number of issuers, it is subject to the risk that the value of the Fund’s portfolio may decline due to a decline in value of the equity securities of particular issuers. The value of an issuer’s equity securities may decline for reasons directly related to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers. A change in the financial condition, market perception or credit rating of an issuer of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio may cause the value of its securities to decline.

 

Large-Capitalization Companies Risk. Large-capitalization companies tend to go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. Large-capitalization companies generally are less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange for this potentially lower risk, the value of large capitalization companies may not rise as much as that of smaller capitalization companies.

 

Leverage Risk. The Fund may utilize leverage to the maximum extent permitted by law for investment and other general corporate purposes. The Fund may obtain leverage by issuing preferred shares and/or notes and it may also borrow funds from banks and other financial institutions. The Fund may also gain leverage synthetically through swaps and other derivatives. The use of leverage to purchase additional securities creates an opportunity for increased returns, but also creates risks for the Fund’s common shareholders, including increased variability of the Fund’s net income, distributions, NAV of its common shares in relation to market changes. Leverage is a speculative technique that exposes the Fund to greater risk and increased costs than if it were not implemented. Increases and decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be magnified if the Fund uses leverage. In particular, leverage may magnify interest rate risk, which is the risk that the prices of portfolio securities will fall (or rise) if market interest rates for those types of securities rise (or fall). As a result, leverage may cause greater changes in the Fund’s NAV, which will be borne entirely by the Fund’s common shareholders, and in the price at which its common shares trade in the secondary market. If the Fund issues preferred shares and/or notes or engages in other borrowings, it will have to pay dividends on its preferred shares or interest on its notes or borrowings, which will increase expenses and may reduce the Fund’s return. These dividend payments or interest expenses (which will be borne entirely by common shareholders) may be greater than the Fund’s return on the underlying investments. The Fund’s leveraging strategy, if utilized, may not be successful.

 

The Fund may issue preferred shares and/or notes or other forms of indebtedness as a form of leverage. These means of obtaining leverage would be senior to the Fund’s common shares, such that holders of preferred shares and/or notes or other Fund indebtedness would have priority over the common shareholders in the distribution of the Fund’s assets, including dividends, distributions of principal and liquidating distributions. If preferred shares are issued and outstanding, holders of preferred shares would vote together with the holders of common shares on all matters, including the election of trustees. Additionally, holders of preferred shares would have the right separately to elect two trustees of the Fund, voting separately as a class, and would vote separately as a class on certain matters which may at times give holders of preferred shares disproportionate influence over the Fund’s affairs. If the preferred shares were limited in their term, redemptions of such preferred shares would require the Fund to liquidate its investments and would reduce the Fund’s use of leverage, which could negatively impact common shareholders. In addition, if the Fund elects to issue preferred shares and/or notes (or other forms of indebtedness) its ability to make distributions to its common shareholders or to repurchase its shares will be limited by the asset coverage requirements and other limitations imposed by the 1940 Act and the Fund’s lenders.

 

The Fund will pay (and common shareholders will bear) all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of any preferred shares and/or notes or other forms of indebtedness issued by the Fund, including higher advisory fees. As a result, the Fund cannot assure you that the issuance of preferred shares and/or notes or other forms of indebtedness will provide a higher yield or return to the holders of the Fund’s common shares. If the Fund offers and/or issues preferred shares and/or notes or other forms of indebtedness, the costs of the offering will be borne immediately by the Fund’s common shareholders and result in a reduction of the NAV of the Fund’s common shares.

 

The Fund anticipates that any money borrowed from a bank or other financial institution for investment purposes will accrue interest based on shorter-term interest rates that would be periodically reset. So long as the Fund’s portfolio provides a higher rate of return, net of expenses, than the interest rate on borrowed money, as reset periodically, the leverage may cause common shareholders to receive a higher current rate of return than if the Fund were not leveraged. If, however, long-term and/or short-term rates rise, the interest rate on borrowed money could exceed the rate of return on securities held by the Fund, reducing returns to common shareholders. Developments in the credit markets may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to borrow for investment purposes and may increase the costs of such borrowings, which would reduce returns to common shareholders.

 

There is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. Leverage involves risks and special considerations for common shareholders, including:

 

●the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV and dividend rate of common shares than a comparable portfolio without leverage;
●the risk that fluctuations in interest rates on borrowings or in dividend payments on, principal proceeds distributed to, or redemption of any preferred shares and/or notes or other forms of indebtedness that the Fund has issued will reduce the return to the common shareholders;
●the effect of leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline in the NAV of the Fund’s common shares than if the Fund were not leveraged; and
●leverage may increase expenses (which will be borne entirely by common shareholders), which may reduce total return.

 

If the Fund issues preferred shares and/or notes or other forms of indebtedness, the Fund may be subject to certain restrictions on investments imposed by the guidelines of one or more rating agencies, which may issue ratings for the preferred shares and/or notes or short-term debt securities issued by the Fund, or may be subject to covenants or other restrictions imposed by its lenders. These guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. Certain types of borrowings by the Fund may result in the Fund being subject to covenants relating to asset coverage and portfolio composition requirements. These covenants and restrictions may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Limited Influence Risk. A significant portion of the Fund’s investments may represent minority stakes in privately held companies. As is the case with minority holdings in general, such minority stakes that the Fund may hold will have neither the control characteristics of majority stakes nor the valuation premiums accorded majority or controlling stakes. The Fund may also invest in companies for which the Fund has no right to appoint a director or otherwise exert significant influence.

 

In such cases, the Fund will be reliant on the existing management and board of directors of such companies, which may include representatives of other financial investors with whom the Fund is not affiliated and whose interests may conflict with the Fund’s interests.

 

Liquidity Risk. Although the Fund expects that some of its equity investments will trade on public or private secondary marketplaces, certain of the securities the Fund holds will be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities. In addition, while some portfolio companies may trade on private secondary marketplaces, the Fund can provide no assurance that such a trading market will continue or remain active, or that the Fund will be able to sell its position in any portfolio company at the time it desires to do so and at the price it anticipates. The illiquidity of its investments, including those that are traded on private secondary marketplaces, will make it difficult for the Fund to sell such investments if the need arises. Also, if the Fund is required to liquidate all or a portion of its portfolio quickly, the Fund may realize significantly less than the value at which it has previously recorded its investments. The Fund has no limitation on the portion of its portfolio that may be invested in illiquid securities, and a substantial portion or all of its portfolio may be invested in such illiquid securities from time-to-time.

 

Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk. Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses). Their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities. In addition, because these companies are not well-known to the investing public, do not have significant institutional ownership and are followed by relatively few security analysts, there will normally be less publicly available information concerning their securities compared to what is available for the securities of larger companies. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, regardless of whether the perceptions are based on fundamental analysis, can decrease the value and liquidity of securities held by the Fund.

 

New Fund Risk. There can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case the Board may determine to liquidate the Fund if it determines that liquidation is in the best interest of shareholders. Liquidation of the Fund can be initiated without shareholder approval. As a result, the timing of the Fund’s liquidation may not be favorable to a shareholder.

 

Next Generation Internet Companies Risk. The risks described below apply, in particular, to the Fund’s investment in Next Generation Internet Companies.

 

●Internet Information Provider Company Risk. Internet information provider companies provide Internet navigation services and reference guide information and publish, provide or present proprietary advertising and/or third party content. Such companies often derive a large portion of their revenues from advertising, and a reduction in spending by or loss of advertisers could seriously harm their business. This business is rapidly evolving and intensely competitive, and is subject to changing technologies, shifting user needs, and frequent introductions of new products and services. The research and development of new, technologically advanced products is a complex and uncertain process requiring high levels of innovation and investment, as well as the accurate anticipation of technology, market trends and consumer needs. The number of people who access the Internet is increasing dramatically and a failure to attract and retain a substantial number of such users to a company’s products and services or to develop products and technologies that are more compatible with alternative devices, could adversely affect operating results. Concerns regarding a company’s products, services or processes that may compromise the privacy of users or other privacy related matters, even if unfounded, could damage a company’s reputation and adversely affect operating results.

 

●Catalog and Mail Order House Company Risk. Catalog and mail order house companies may be exposed to significant inventory risks that may adversely affect operating results due to, among other factors: seasonality, new product launches, rapid changes in product cycles and pricing, defective merchandise, changes in consumer demand and consumer spending patterns, or changes in consumer tastes with respect to products. Demand for products can change significantly between the time inventory or components are ordered and the date of sale. The acquisition of certain types of inventory or components may require significant lead-time and prepayment and they may not be returnable. Failure to adequately predict customer demand or otherwise optimize and operate distribution centers could result in excess or insufficient inventory or distribution capacity, result in increased costs, impairment charges, or both. The business of catalog and mail order house companies can be highly seasonal and failure to stock or restock popular products in sufficient amounts during high demand periods could significantly affect revenue and future growth. Increased website traffic during peak periods could cause system interruptions which may reduce the volume of goods sold and the attractiveness of a company’s products and services.

 

Valuation Risk. The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in non-publicly traded securities. As a result, although the Fund expects that some of its equity investments may trade on public or private secondary marketplaces, a market value for its direct investments in certain portfolio companies will typically not be readily determinable. Under the 1940 Act, for the Fund’s investments for which there are no readily available market quotations, including securities that while listed on a private securities exchange, have not actively traded, the Fund will value such securities at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with the Valuation Procedure. While the Board retains ultimate authority as to the appropriate valuation of each such investment, the Board has appointed the Adviser as the Fund’s valuation designee to make fair value determinations. To assist with those determinations, the Adviser’s personnel will prepare portfolio company valuations using, where available, the most recent portfolio company financial statements and forecasts for consideration by the Adviser’s Pricing Committee. The Fund utilizes the services of an independent pricing service, which prepares valuations for each of the Fund’s portfolio investments that are not publicly traded or for which the Fund does not have readily available market quotations, including securities that while listed on a private securities exchange, have not actively traded. The types of factors that the Fund takes into account with respect to the valuation of such non-traded investments include, as relevant and, to the extent available, the valuation of the investment as of the portfolio company’s latest funding round, the portfolio company’s earnings, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparison to valuations of publicly traded companies, comparisons to recent sales of comparable companies, the discounted value of the cash flows of the portfolio company and other relevant factors. This information may not be readily available because it is difficult to obtain financial and other information with respect to private companies, and even where the Fund is able to obtain such information, there can be no assurance that it is complete or accurate. Because such valuations are inherently uncertain and may be based on estimates, the determinations of fair value for certain securities may differ materially from the values that would be assessed if a readily available market quotation for these securities existed.

 

Performance Risk. If a significant investment in one or more companies fails to perform as expected, the Fund’s financial results could be more negatively affected, and the magnitude of the loss could be more significant, than if the Fund had made smaller investments in more companies. The Fund’s financial results could be materially adversely affected if these portfolio companies or any of the Fund’s other significant portfolio companies encounter financial difficulty and fail to repay their obligations or to perform as expected.

 

Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities are contractual obligations that entail rights to distributions declared by the issuer’s board of directors but may permit the issuer to defer or suspend distributions for a certain period of time. Preferred securities may be subject to more fluctuations in market value due to changes in market perceptions of the issuer’s ability to continue to pay dividends. If the Fund owns a preferred security whose issuer has deferred or suspended distributions, the Fund may be required to account for the distribution that has been deferred or suspended for tax purposes, even though it may not have received this income. Preferred securities are subordinated to any debt the issuer has outstanding. Accordingly, preferred stock dividends are not paid until all debt obligations are first met. Preferred securities may lose substantial value if distributions are deferred, suspended or not declared. Preferred securities may also permit the issuer to convert preferred securities into the issuer’s common stock. Preferred Securities that are convertible into common stock may decline in value if the common stock to which preferred securities may be converted declines in value. Preferred securities may be less liquid than equity securities.

 

Private Investments in Public Equities Risk. The Fund may purchase equity securities in a private placement that are issued by issuers who have outstanding, publicly traded equity securities of the same class (“private investments in public equity” or “PIPEs”). Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and the Fund cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions cause the PIPEs to be illiquid during this time. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect.

 

Privately Held Company Risk. The Fund invests in privately held companies. Investments in privately held companies involve a number of significant risks, including the following:

 

●these companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of the Fund realizing any guarantees it may have obtained in connection with its investment;
●they typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;
●they typically depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse effect on the portfolio company and, in turn, on the Fund;
●there is generally little public information about these companies. These companies and their financial information are not subject to the Exchange Act (as defined above) and other regulations that govern public companies, and the Fund may be unable to uncover all material information about these companies, which may prevent the Fund from making a fully informed investment decision and cause the Fund to lose money on its investments;
●they generally have less predictable operating results and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position;
●the Fund’s executive officers, Trustees and the Adviser may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from the Fund’s investments in the Fund’s portfolio companies;
●changes in laws and regulations, as well as interpretations of relevant laws and regulations, may adversely affect their business, financial structure or prospects; and
●they may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs.

 

Regular Realization Event Risk. The Fund does not expect regular realization events (e.g., mergers, refinancings or public offerings), if any, to occur in the near term with respect to the majority of the Fund’s portfolio companies. The Fund expects that its holdings of equity securities may require several years to appreciate in value, and it can offer no assurance that such appreciation will occur. Even if such appreciation does occur, it is likely that the Fund and its shareholders could wait for an extended period of time before any appreciation or sale of the Fund’s investments, and any attendant distributions of gains, may be realized.

 

Rights and Warrants Risk. Rights and warrants are option securities permitting their holders to subscribe for other securities. Rights and warrants do not represent an ownership interest in an issuer or carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities. Investment in rights and warrants may thus be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a right or a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to expiration.

 

Sector Risk. The Fund may, from time to time, invest more heavily in companies in a particular economic sector or sectors. Economic or regulatory changes adversely affecting such sectors may have more of an impact on the Fund’s performance than if the Fund held a broader range of investments.

 

Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in small- and medium capitalization companies and, therefore, will be subject to certain risks associated with small- and medium-capitalization companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage so that less market research is available about their operations, and they may be in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences, with little or no record of profitability. In addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources and less competitive strength than large-capitalization companies. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of larger capitalization companies.

 

Temporary Defensive Strategy Risk. When the Fund pursues a temporary defensive strategy inconsistent with its principal investment strategies, it may not achieve its investment objective.

Effects of Leverage [Text Block]

Effects of Leverage

 

Assuming that borrowings represent approximately 5% of the Fund’s net assets, as of July 31, 2024, and that the Fund bears expenses relating to such borrowings at an annual effective interest rate of 7.3% (based on interest rates for such borrowings as of a recent date), the annual return that the Fund’s portfolio must experience (net of expenses not related to borrowings) in order to cover the costs of such borrowings would be approximately 0.37%. These figures are estimates based on current market conditions, used for illustration purposes only. Actual expenses associated with borrowings used by the Fund may vary frequently and may be significantly higher or lower than the rate used for the example above.

 

The following table is furnished in response to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effects of the Fund’s leverage due to borrowings on corresponding Share total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (consisting of income and changes in the value of investments held in the Fund’s portfolio) of -10%, -5%, 0%, 5% and 10%. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of the investment portfolio returns expected to be experienced by the Fund. The table further assumes that the Fund’s borrowings represent approximately 5% of the Fund’s net assets and an annual rate of interest of 7.9% (as discussed above). Your actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing below.

 

Assumed Return of Portfolio (Net of Expenses)   (10.00)%   (5.00)%   0.00%   5.00%   10.00%
Corresponding Share Total Return   (11.37)%   (6.04)%   (0.71)%   4.61%   9.94%

 

Corresponding Share total return is composed of two elements — the Share dividends paid by the Fund (the amount of which is largely determined by the net investment income of the Fund after paying interest expenses on the Fund’s borrowings) and gains or losses on the value of the securities the Fund owns.

Effects of Leverage [Table Text Block]
Assumed Return of Portfolio (Net of Expenses)   (10.00)%   (5.00)%   0.00%   5.00%   10.00%
Corresponding Share Total Return   (11.37)%   (6.04)%   (0.71)%   4.61%   9.94%

 

Return at Minus Ten [Percent] (11.37%)
Return at Minus Five [Percent] (6.04%)
Return at Zero [Percent] (0.71%)
Return at Plus Five [Percent] 4.61%
Return at Plus Ten [Percent] 9.94%
Effects of Leverage, Purpose [Text Block]

The following table is furnished in response to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effects of the Fund’s leverage due to borrowings on corresponding Share total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (consisting of income and changes in the value of investments held in the Fund’s portfolio) of -10%, -5%, 0%, 5% and 10%. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of the investment portfolio returns expected to be experienced by the Fund. The table further assumes that the Fund’s borrowings represent approximately 5% of the Fund’s net assets and an annual rate of interest of 7.9% (as discussed above). Your actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing below.

 

Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract]  
Capital Stock [Table Text Block]

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE 

 

The following description is based on relevant portions of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, as amended, and on the Fund’s Declaration of Trust and bylaws. This summary is not intended to be complete. Please refer to the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, as amended, and the Declaration of Trust and bylaws, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, for a more detailed description of the provisions summarized below. 

 

Shares of Beneficial Interest 

 

The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Fund’s issuance of an unlimited number of Shares of beneficial interest of each class, no par value per share. Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust and as permitted by Delaware law, Shareholders are entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to stockholders of private corporations organized for profit under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended (the “DGCL”) and therefore generally will not be personally liable for the Fund’s debts or obligations.

 

Shares 

 

Under the terms of the Declaration of Trust, all Shares, when consideration for Shares is received by the Fund, will be fully paid and nonassessable. Distributions may be paid to Shareholders if, as and when authorized and declared by the Board. Shares will have no preference, preemptive, appraisal, conversion or redemption rights, and will be freely transferable, except where their transfer is restricted by law or contract. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Board shall have the power to repurchase or redeem Shares. In the event of the Fund’s dissolution, after the Fund pays or adequately provides for the payment of all claims and obligations of the Fund, and upon the receipt of such releases, indemnities and refunding agreements deemed necessary by the Board, each Share will be entitled to receive, according to its respective rights, a pro rata portion of the Fund’s assets available for distribution, subject to any preferential rights of holders of the Fund’s outstanding preferred Shares, if any. Each whole Share will be entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional Share will be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. Shareholders shall be entitled to vote on all matters on which a vote of Shareholders is required by the 1940 Act, the Declaration of Trust or a resolution of the Board. There will be no cumulative voting in the election or removal of Trustees. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Fund is not required to hold annual meetings of Shareholders. The Fund only expects to hold Shareholder meetings to the extent required by the 1940 Act or pursuant to special meetings called by the Board or a majority of Shareholders.

 

Preferred Shares and Other Securities 

 

The Declaration of Trust provides that the Board may, subject to the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions and the requirements of the 1940 Act, authorize and cause the Fund to issue securities of the Fund other than Shares (including preferred Shares, debt securities or other senior securities), by action of the Board without the approval of Shareholders. The Board may determine the terms, rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions of such securities as the Board sees fit.

 

Preferred Shares could be issued with rights and preferences that would adversely affect Shareholders. Preferred Shares could also be used as an anti-takeover device. Every issuance of preferred Shares will be required to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act requires, among other things, that (i) immediately after issuance of preferred Shares and before any distribution is made with respect to the Shares and before any purchase of Shares is made, the aggregate involuntary liquidation preference of such preferred Shares together with the aggregate involuntary liquidation preference or aggregate value of all other senior securities must not exceed an amount equal to 50% of the Fund’s total assets after deducting the amount of such distribution or purchase price, as the case may be; and (ii) the holders of preferred Shares, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class to elect two Trustees at all times and to elect a majority of the Trustees if distributions on such preferred Shares are in arrears by two years or more. Certain matters under the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred Shares.

Outstanding Securities [Table Text Block]

The following table sets forth information about the Fund’s outstanding Shares as of October 31, 2024:

 

Title of Class   Amount
Authorized
    Amount Held
by the Fund or
for its Account
    Amount Outstanding
Exclusive of Amount
Held by the Fund or for
its Account
 
Common shares of beneficial interest, no par value per share   Unlimited     None     2,565,303  
Equity Securities Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Equity Securities Risk. The value of the equity securities that the Fund holds may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of such securities participate or factors relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. An unfavorable earnings report or a failure to make anticipated dividend payments by an issuer whose securities are held by the Fund may affect the value of the Fund’s investment. Equity securities may also be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market, and a decline in the broader market may affect the value of the Fund’s equity investments.

 

●Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs). The Fund may invest in stocks of, warrants to purchase stock of, and other interests in SPACs or similar special purposes entities. A SPAC is a publicly traded company that raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring or merging with an existing company. Because SPACs and similar entities are so-called “blank check companies” and do not have any operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the SPAC’s management to identify a merger target and complete an acquisition. An investment in a SPAC or similar entity is subject to a variety of risks, including that (i) a significant portion of the monies raised by the SPAC for the purpose of identifying and effecting an acquisition or merger may be expended during the search for a target transaction; (ii) an attractive acquisition or merger target may not be identified at all and the SPAC will be required to return any remaining monies to shareholders; (iii) any proposed merger or acquisition may be unable to obtain the requisite approval, if any, of SPAC shareholders and/or antitrust and securities regulators; (iv) if an acquisition or merger target is identified, the Fund may elect not to participate in, or vote to approve, the proposed transaction or the Fund may be required to divest its interests in the SPAC, due to regulatory or other considerations, in which case the Fund may not reap any resulting benefits; (v) an acquisition or merger once effected may prove unsuccessful and an investment in the SPAC may lose value; (vi) the warrants or other rights with respect to the SPAC held by the Fund may expire worthless or may be repurchased or retired by the SPAC at an unfavorable price; (vii) the Fund may be delayed in receiving any redemption or liquidation proceeds from a SPAC to which it is entitled; (viii) an investment in an SPAC may be diluted by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights to purchase shares of the SPAC; (ix) no or only a thinly traded market for shares of or interests in an SPAC may develop, leaving the Fund unable to sell its interest in an SPAC or to sell its interest only at a price below what the Fund believes is the SPAC interest’s intrinsic value; and (x) the values of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate significantly over time. Until an acquisition or merger is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets, less a portion retained to cover expenses, in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash and does not typically pay dividends in respect of its common stock. As a result, it is possible that an investment in a SPAC may lose value.

 

Market Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Market Risk. The value of the Fund’s assets will fluctuate as the markets in which the Fund invests fluctuate. The value of the Fund’s investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events, such as inflation (or expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, market instability, debt crises and downgrades, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, regulatory events, other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, military conflict, acts of terrorism, social unrest, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, recessions, supply chain disruptions, political instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics.

 

For example, an outbreak of an infectious disease may negatively affect economies, markets and individual companies throughout the world, including those in which the Fund invests. The effects of such pandemic to public health and business and market conditions, including exchange trading suspensions and closures may have a significant negative impact on the performance of the Fund’s investments, increase the Fund’s volatility, negatively impact the Fund’s arbitrage and pricing mechanisms, exacerbate pre-existing political, social and economic risks to the Fund, and negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations. The Fund’s operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions in response to a pandemic that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund’s investment performance.

 

Non-Diversification Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Non-Diversification Risk. Investment companies are classified as either “diversified” or “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the 1940 Act, although it is diversified for Code purposes. An investment company classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act is subject to certain limitations with respect to the value of the company’s assets invested in particular issuers. As a non-diversified investment company, the Fund is subject to the risk that it will be more volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest a relatively higher proportion of its assets in a relatively smaller number of issuers and may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.

 

Disruptive Innovation Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Disruptive Innovation Risk. Companies that the Adviser believes are capitalizing on disruptive innovation and developing technologies to displace older technologies or create new markets may not in fact do so. Companies that initially develop a novel technology may not be able to capitalize on the technology. Companies that develop disruptive technologies may face political or legal impediments attributable to competitors, industry groups or local and national governments. These companies may also be exposed to risks applicable to sectors other than the disruptive innovation theme for which they are chosen, and the securities issued by these companies may underperform the securities of other companies that are primarily focused on a particular theme. The Fund may invest in a company that does not currently derive any revenue from disruptive innovations or technologies, and there is no assurance that a company will derive any revenue from disruptive innovations or technologies in the future. A disruptive innovation or technology may constitute a small portion of a company’s overall business. As a result, the success of a disruptive innovation or technology may not materially affect the value of the equity securities issued by the company.

 

Concentration Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Concentration Risk. The Fund’s assets will be concentrated in securities of issuers having their principal business activities in groups of industries in the technology sector. To the extent that the Fund continues to be concentrated in groups of industries in the technology sector, the Fund will be subject to the risk that economic, political, business or other conditions that have a negative effect on such industry groups will negatively impact the Fund to a greater extent than if the Fund’s assets were invested in a wider variety of sectors or industries.

 

Repurchase Program Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Repurchase Program Risk. As described under “Share Repurchase Program,” the Fund is an “interval fund” and, to provide some liquidity to Shareholders, makes quarterly offers to repurchase between 5% and 25% of its outstanding Shares at NAV, pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act. The Fund believes that these repurchase offers are generally beneficial to the Fund’s Shareholders, and generally are funded from available cash or sales of portfolio securities. However, the repurchase of Shares by the Fund decreases the assets of the Fund and, therefore, may have the effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio. Repurchase offers and the need to fund repurchase obligations may also affect the ability of the Fund to be fully invested or force the Fund to maintain a higher percentage of its assets in liquid investments, which may harm the Fund’s investment performance. Moreover, diminution in the size of the Fund through repurchases may result in untimely sales of portfolio securities, and may limit the ability of the Fund to participate in new investment opportunities. If the Fund uses leverage, repurchases of Shares may compound the adverse effects of leverage in a declining market. In addition, if the Fund borrows money to finance repurchases, interest on that borrowing will negatively affect Shareholders who do not tender their Shares by increasing Fund expenses and reducing any net investment income. Certain Shareholders may from time to time own or control a significant percentage of the Fund’s Shares. Repurchase requests by these Shareholders of their Shares of the Fund may cause repurchases to be oversubscribed, with the result that Shareholders may only be able to have a portion of their Shares repurchased in connection with any repurchase offer. If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed and the Fund determines not to repurchase additional Shares beyond the repurchase offer amount, or if Shareholders tender a number of Shares greater than that which the Fund is entitled to purchase, the Fund will repurchase the Shares tendered on a pro rata basis, and Shareholders will have to wait until the next repurchase offer to make another repurchase request. Shareholders will be subject to the risk of NAV fluctuations during that period. Thus, there is also a risk that some Shareholders, in anticipation of proration, may tender more Shares than they wish to have repurchased in a particular quarter, thereby increasing the likelihood that proration will occur. The NAV of Shares tendered in a repurchase offer may fluctuate between the date a Shareholder submits a repurchase request and the Repurchase Request Deadline, and to the extent there is any delay between the Repurchase Request Deadline and the Repurchase Pricing Date. The NAV on the Repurchase Request Deadline or the Repurchase Pricing Date may be higher or lower than on the date a Shareholder submits a repurchase request. See “Share Repurchase Program.”

 

Communications Sector Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Communications Sector Risk. The Fund will be more affected by the performance of the communications sector than a fund with less exposure to such sector. Communication companies are particularly vulnerable to the potential obsolescence of products and services due to technological advancement and the innovation of competitors. Companies in the communications sector may also be affected by other competitive pressures, such as pricing competition, as well as research and development costs, substantial capital requirements and government regulation. Additionally, fluctuating domestic and international demand, shifting demographics and often unpredictable changes in consumer tastes can drastically affect a communication company’s profitability. While all companies may be susceptible to network security breaches, certain companies in the communications sector may be particular targets of hacking and potential theft of proprietary or consumer information or disruptions in service, which could have a material adverse effect on their businesses.

 

Consumer Discretionary Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Consumer Discretionary Risk. The consumer discretionary sector may be affected by changes in domestic and international economies, exchange and interest rates, competition, consumers’ disposable income and consumer preferences, social trends and marketing campaigns.

 

Convertible Securities Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities are preferred stock or debt obligations that are convertible into common stock. Prior to conversion, convertible securities have the same general characteristics as non-convertible debt securities, which generally provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of equity securities of the same or similar issuers. The price of a convertible security will normally vary with changes in the price of the underlying equity security, although the higher yield tends to make the convertible security less volatile than the underlying equity security. As with debt securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decrease as interest rates rise and increase as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, they offer investors the potential to benefit from increases in the market prices of the underlying common stock.

 

Cryptocurrency Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Cryptocurrency Risk. Cryptocurrencies (also referred to as “virtual currencies” and “digital currencies”) are digital assets designed to act as a medium of exchange. Cryptocurrency is an emerging asset class with a limited history. There are thousands of cryptocurrencies, the most well-known of which is bitcoin. The Fund may have exposure to bitcoin and Ether, another well-known cryptocurrency indirectly through an investment in GBTC, a privately offered, open-end investment vehicle that invests in bitcoin, ETFs with exposure to bitcoin, Ether, and other cryptocurrencies. Although the Fund does not directly invest in bitcoin or Ether, the Fund’s indirect investments in these digital assets are exposed to risks associated with the price of bitcoin and Ether, which is subject to numerous factors and risks. Investments in or exposure to cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin and Ether, are subject to substantial risks, including significant price volatility, fraud and manipulation, which are generally more pronounced in the crypto asset market. The Fund may also have exposure to other cryptocurrencies indirectly through an investment in a grantor trust or an investment vehicle to the extent permitted by, and in accordance with, any future law, regulation, guidance, or exemptive relief provided by the SEC or its staff or other regulatory agency or body having jurisdiction.

 

Cryptocurrency generally operates without central authority (such as a bank) and is not backed by any government, corporation, or other entity. Cryptocurrency is not generally accepted as legal tender. Regulation of cryptocurrency is still developing. Federal, state and/or foreign governments may restrict the development, use or exchange of cryptocurrency. As digital assets have grown in both popularity and market size, the U.S. Congress and a number of U.S. federal and state agencies have been examining the operations of digital asset networks, digital asset users and the digital asset trading market. Many of these state and federal agencies have brought enforcement actions and issued advisories and rules relating to digital asset markets. Ongoing and future regulatory actions with respect to digital assets generally or any single digital asset in particular may alter, perhaps to a materially adverse extent, the nature of an investment in the cryptocurrency and/or the ability of the Fund to continue to operate.

 

The market for bitcoin and Ether depends on, among other things: the supply and demand for bitcoin or Ether (and their respective futures); the adoption of bitcoin or Ether for commercial uses; the anticipated increase of investments in bitcoin or Ether-related investment products by retail and institutional investors; speculative interest in cryptocurrencies, cryptocurrency futures, and cryptocurrency-related investment products; regulatory or other restrictions on investors’ ability to invest in cryptocurrency futures; and the potential ability to hedge against the price of cryptocurrencies with their respective futures (and vice versa). The market price of bitcoin and Ether has been subject to extreme fluctuations. The price of bitcoin or Ether could fall sharply (potentially to zero) for various reasons, including, but not limited to, regulatory changes, issues impacting the bitcoin network or the Ethereum and Ethereum Class networks, events involving entities that facilitate transactions in bitcoin or Ether, or changes in user preferences in favor of alternative cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, events that impact one cryptocurrency may lead to a decline in the value of other cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin and Ether.

 

Cryptocurrency exchanges and other trading venues on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and, in most cases, largely unregulated. Therefore, cryptocurrency exchanges may be more exposed to fraud and failure than established, regulated exchanges for securities, derivatives and other currencies. However, the digital asset trading platforms on which cryptocurrencies are traded, and which may serve as a pricing source that is used for the purposes of valuing the Fund’s investments, are or may become subject to enforcement actions by regulatory authorities, and such enforcement actions may have a material adverse impact on the Fund, its investments, and its ability to implement its investment strategies. Cryptocurrency exchanges may not have the same features as traditional exchanges to enhance the stability of trading on the exchange, such as measures designed to prevent sudden price swings such as “flash crashes.” As a result, the prices of cryptocurrencies on exchanges may be subject to more volatility than traditional assets traded on regulated exchanges. Cryptocurrency exchanges are also subject to cyber security risks. Cryptocurrency exchanges have experienced cyber security breaches in the past and may be breached in the future, which could result in the theft and/or loss of bitcoin, Ether and other cryptocurrencies and impact the value of bitcoin. Furthermore, cyber security events, legal or regulatory actions, fraud, and technical glitches, may cause a cryptocurrency exchange to shut down temporarily or permanently or otherwise be disrupted which may also adversely affect the value of bitcoin or Ether.

 

The Fund’s investments in cryptocurrency investment vehicles expose the Fund to all of the risks related to cryptocurrencies described above and also expose the Fund to risks related to cryptocurrency investment vehicles directly. Shares of cryptocurrency investment vehicles may trade at a significant premium or discount to NAV. To the extent a cryptocurrency investment vehicle trades at a discount to NAV, the value of the Fund’s investment in the cryptocurrency investment vehicle would typically decrease. Similar to fiat currencies (i.e., a currency that is backed by a central bank or a national, supra-national or quasi-national organization), cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin and Ether, are susceptible to theft, loss and destruction. If a cryptocurrency investment vehicle experiences theft, loss, or destruction of its bitcoin holdings, The Fund’s investments in the cryptocurrency investment vehicle could be harmed. Furthermore, because there is no guarantee that an active trading market for a cryptocurrency investment vehicle will exist at any time, the Fund’s investments in such vehicle may also be subject to liquidity risk, which can impair the value of the Fund’s investments in the cryptocurrency investment vehicle. Investors may experience losses if the value of the Fund’s investments in cryptocurrency investment vehicles declines.

 

In 2022 and early 2023, several large participants in the cryptocurrency industry, including exchanges, lenders and investment firms, declared bankruptcy, which has resulted in a loss of confidence in participants of the digital asset ecosystem and negative publicity surrounding digital assets more broadly. These events have also contributed to financial distress among crypto asset market participants and widespread disruption in those markets. The collateral impacts of these types of failures, or of fraud or other adverse developments in the crypto asset markets, is difficult to predict. Furthermore, negative perception and/or a lack of stability and standardized regulation in the digital asset economy may reduce confidence in the digital asset economy and may result in greater volatility in the prices of bitcoin and other digital assets, including a depreciation in value. In addition, events that impact one cryptocurrency may lead to a volatility or a decline in the value or another cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin or Ether.

 

Bitcoin mining operations consume significant amounts of electricity, which may have a negative environmental impact and give rise to public opinion against allowing, or government regulations restricting, the use of electricity for mining operations. Additionally, miners may be forced to cease operations during an electricity shortage or power outage. Given the energy-intensiveness and electricity costs of mining, miners are restricted in where they can locate mining operations. Any shortage of electricity supply or increase in related costs (or if miners otherwise cease expanding processing power) will negatively impact the viability and expected economic return from bitcoin mining, which will affect the availability of bitcoin in the marketplace. Today, many bitcoin mining operations rely on fossil fuels to power their operations. Public perception of the impact of bitcoin mining on climate change may reduce the demand for bitcoin and increase the likelihood of government regulation. Such events could have a negative impact on the price of bitcoin, bitcoin futures, and the Fund’s performance. In addition, sales of newly mined bitcoin (and sales of bitcoin by large holders) may impact the price of bitcoin.

 

Cryptocurrency Tax Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Cryptocurrency Tax Risk. Many significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax treatment of investments in bitcoin are uncertain and an investment in bitcoin may produce income that is not treated as qualifying income for purposes of the income test applicable to regulated investment companies. GBTC is expected to be treated as a grantor trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and an investment by the Fund in GBTC will generally be treated as a direct investment in bitcoin for such purposes. See “Taxes” in the Fund’s SAI for more information.

 

Currency Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Currency Risk. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of the Fund’s investments in securities traded in foreign markets and held in foreign currencies. Foreign currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly. They are determined by supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets, the relative merits of investments in different countries, actual or perceived changes in interest rates, and other complex factors. Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments.

 

Depositary Receipts Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and GDRs are securities typically issued by a bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation and entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign securities. The issuers of certain depositary receipts are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Investment in depositary receipts may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market. Depositary receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. In addition, the issuers of the stock underlying unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States. The issuers of depositary receipts may discontinue issuing new depositary receipts and withdraw existing depositary receipts at any time, which may result in costs and delays in the distribution of the underlying assets to the Fund and may negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Derivatives Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Derivatives Risk. Derivatives involve risks different from, and, in certain cases, greater than, the risks presented by more traditional investments. These include credit risk, liquidity risk, management risk and leverage risk. Derivative products are highly specialized instruments that require an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions. In particular, the use and complexity of derivatives require the maintenance of adequate controls to monitor the transactions entered into, the ability to assess the risk that a derivative adds to the Fund’s investment portfolio, and the ability to forecast price, interest rate or currency exchange rate movements correctly. The failure of another party to a derivative to comply with the terms may cause the Fund to incur a loss. The credit risk for exchange-traded or centrally cleared derivatives is generally less than for privately negotiated derivatives through the interposition of a clearinghouse to the exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivative trade, which provides a guarantee of performance. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with many privately negotiated derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous price. Adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, rate or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself.

 

The SEC rule related to the use of derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies requires funds to trade derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions) subject to a value-at-risk (“VaR”) leverage limit, establishment of a derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements. Generally, these requirements apply unless the Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined in the rule. Under the rule, when the Fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it must aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the fund’s asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether the Fund is a limited derivatives user, but for funds subject to the VaR testing, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions must be included for purposes of such testing whether treated as derivatives transactions or not. The SEC also provided guidance in connection with the rule regarding use of securities lending collateral that may limit the Fund’s securities lending activities. These requirements may limit the ability of the Fund to use derivatives and reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may increase the cost of the Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.

 

Emerging Market Securities Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Emerging Market Securities Risk. Investment in securities (including depositary receipts) of emerging market issuers may present risks that are greater than or different from those associated with securities of developed market issuers due to less developed and liquid markets and such factors as increased social, economic, political, regulatory, or other uncertainties. These risks include: smaller market capitalization of and less liquidity in securities markets, significant price volatility, restrictions on foreign investment and repatriation of income and dividends, greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability, unstable governments, civil conflicts and war, more substantial governmental involvement in the economy, less governmental supervision and regulation, sanctions or other measures by the United States or other governments, higher transaction costs, unavailability of currency hedging techniques, less stringent investor protection standards, differences in accounting, auditing, financial reporting and recordkeeping standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers and less developed legal systems. In addition, the Fund is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty’s legal obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging markets countries. In certain markets where securities and other instruments are not traded “delivery versus payment,” the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. In addition, emerging markets may be particularly sensitive to future economic or political crises could lead to or exacerbate existing price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies. Emerging market currencies may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries. In addition, emerging securities markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in such transactions. Settlement problems may cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, or be delayed in disposing of a portfolio security. Such a delay could result in possible liability to a purchaser of the security. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable becoming riskier and more volatile. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

Financial Technology Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Financial Technology Risk. Companies that are developing financial technologies that seek to disrupt or displace established financial institutions generally face competition from much larger and more established firms. Fintech Innovation Companies may not be able to capitalize on their disruptive technologies if they face political and/or legal impediments attributable to competitors, industry groups or local and national governments. Laws generally vary by country, creating some challenges to achieving scale. A Fintech Innovation Company may not currently derive any revenue, and there is no assurance that such company will derive any revenue from innovative technologies in the future. Additionally, Fintech Innovation Companies may be adversely impacted by potential rapid product obsolescence, cybersecurity attacks, increased regulatory oversight and disruptions in the technology they depend on.

 

Foreign Securities Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Foreign Securities Risk. Investment in the securities of foreign issuers involves risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities. These additional risks include greater market volatility, the availability of less reliable financial information, higher transactional and custody costs, taxation by foreign governments, possible limits on repatriation of income and dividends of foreign issuers, decreased market liquidity and political instability. Because many foreign securities markets may be limited in size, the prices of securities that trade in such markets may be influenced by large traders. Certain foreign markets that have historically been considered relatively stable may become volatile in response to changed conditions or new developments. Increased interconnectivity of world economies and financial markets increases the possibility that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions. Foreign issuers are often subject to less stringent requirements regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping than are U.S. issuers, and therefore, not all material information may be available or reliable. Securities exchanges or foreign governments may adopt rules or regulations that may negatively impact the Fund’s ability to invest in foreign securities or may prevent the Fund from repatriating its investments. In addition, the Fund may not receive shareholder communications or be permitted to vote the securities that it holds, as the issuers may be under no legal obligation to distribute shareholder communications.

 

Certain issuers located in foreign countries in which the Fund invests may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions and/or embargoes imposed by the U.S. Government, other countries and the United Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. Government as state sponsors of terrorism. As a result, an issuer may sustain damage to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer which operates in, or has dealings with, such countries. The type and severity of sanctions and other similar measures, including counter sanctions and other retaliatory actions, that may be imposed could vary broadly in scope, and their impact is impossible to predict. These types of measures may include, but are not limited to, banning a sanctioned country from global payment systems that facilitate cross-border payments, restricting the settlement of securities transactions by certain investors, and freezing the assets of particular countries, entities, or persons. The imposition of sanctions and other similar measures could, among other things, cause a decline in the value and/or liquidity of securities issued by the sanctioned country or companies located in or economically tied to the sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or companies located in or economically tied to the sanctioned country, devaluation of the sanctioned country’s currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the sanctioned country and throughout the world. Sanctions and other similar measures could limit or prevent the Fund from buying and selling securities (in the sanctioned country and other markets), significantly delay or prevent the settlement of securities transactions, and significantly impact the Fund’s liquidity and performance.

 

Securities registration, custody, and settlement may in some instances be subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times limit or preclude investment in certain securities and may increase the costs and expenses of the Fund. In addition, the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities from certain of the countries is controlled under regulations, including in some cases the need for certain advance government notification or authority, and if a deterioration occurs in a country’s balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund also could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment.

 

Follow-on Investment Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

“Follow-on” Investment Risk. Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, the Fund may make additional investments in that portfolio company as “follow-on” investments, in order to: (1) increase or maintain in whole or in part the Fund’s equity ownership percentage; (2) exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or subsequent financing; or (3) attempt to preserve or enhance the value of the Fund’s investment.

 

The Fund may elect not to make follow-on investments or may otherwise lack sufficient funds to make those investments or lack access to desired follow-on investment opportunities. The Fund has the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources and of the investment opportunity. The failure to make follow-on investments may, in some circumstances, jeopardize the continued viability of a portfolio company and the Fund’s initial investment, or may result in a missed opportunity for the Fund to increase the Fund’s participation in a successful operation. Even if the Fund has sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, the Fund may elect not to make a follow-on investment because it may not want to increase its concentration of risk, because it prefers other opportunities, or because the Fund is inhibited by compliance with the desire to qualify to maintain the Fund’s status as a RIC or lack access to the desired follow-on investment opportunity.

 

In addition, the Fund may be unable to complete follow-on investments in its portfolio companies that have conducted an initial public offering as a result of regulatory or financial restrictions.

 

Future Expected Genomic Business Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Future Expected Genomic Business Risk. The Adviser may invest some of the Fund’s assets in Genomics Revolution Companies that do not currently derive a substantial portion of their current revenues from genomic-focused businesses and there is no assurance that any company will do so in the future, which may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

Health Care Sector Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Health Care Sector Risk. The profitability of companies in the health care sector may be affected by extensive government regulations, restrictions on government reimbursement for medical expenses, rising costs of medical products and services, pricing pressure, an increased emphasis on outpatient services, limited number of products, product obsolescence due to industry innovation, changes in technologies and other market developments. A major source of revenue for certain companies in the health care sector is payments from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. As a result, such companies are sensitive to legislative changes and reductions in governmental spending for such programs. Failure of health care companies to comply with applicable laws and regulations can result in the imposition of civil and/or criminal fines, penalties and, in some instances, exclusion of participation in government sponsored programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. State or local health care reform measures may also adversely affect health care companies. Health care companies will continue to be affected by the efforts of governments and third-party payors to contain or reduce health care costs. Many health care companies are heavily dependent on patent protection. The expiration of patents may adversely affect the profitability of these companies. Many health care companies are subject to extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims. Health care companies are subject to competitive forces that may make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. Many new products in the health care sector may be subject to regulatory approvals. The process of obtaining such approvals may be long and costly, and delays or failure to receive such approvals may negatively impact the business of such companies. Companies in the health care sector may be thinly capitalized.

 

●Biotechnology Company Risk. A biotechnology company’s valuation can often be based largely on the potential or actual performance of a limited number of products and can accordingly be greatly affected if one of its products proves, among other things, unsafe, ineffective or unprofitable. Biotechnology companies are subject to regulation by, and the restrictions of, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state and local governments, and foreign regulatory authorities.

 

●Pharmaceutical Company Risk. Companies in the pharmaceutical industry can be significantly affected by, among other things, government approval of products and services, government regulation and reimbursement rates, product liability claims, patent expirations and protection and intense competition.

 

Inflation Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Inflation Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to inflation risk, which is the risk that the intrinsic value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the purchasing power and value of money (i.e., as inflation increases, the values of the Fund’s assets can decline as can the value of the Fund’s distributions). Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly as a result of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change).

 

Information Technology Sector Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Information Technology Sector Risk. The information technology sector includes companies engaged in internet software and services, technology hardware and storage peripherals, electronic equipment instruments and components, and semiconductors and semiconductor equipment. Information technology companies face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an adverse effect on profit margins. Information technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may face rapid product obsolescence due to technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Failure to introduce new products, develop and maintain a loyal customer base, or achieve general market acceptance for their products could have a material adverse effect on a company’s business. Companies in the information technology sector are heavily dependent on intellectual property and the loss of patent, copyright and trademark protections may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

 

●Internet Company Risk. Many Internet-related companies have incurred large losses since their inception and may continue to incur large losses in the hope of capturing market share and generating future revenues. Accordingly, many such companies expect to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and may never be profitable. The markets in which many Internet companies compete face rapidly evolving industry standards, frequent new service and product announcements, introductions and enhancements, and changing customer demands. The failure of an Internet company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. Additionally, the widespread adoption of new Internet, networking, telecommunications technologies, or other technological changes could require substantial expenditures by an Internet company to modify or adapt its services or infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on an Internet company’s business.

 

●Semiconductor Company Risk. Competitive pressures may have a significant effect on the financial condition of semiconductor companies and, as product cycles shorten and manufacturing capacity increases, these companies may become increasingly subject to aggressive pricing, which hampers profitability. Reduced demand for end-user products, under-utilization of manufacturing capacity, and other factors could adversely impact the operating results of companies in the semiconductor sector. Semiconductor companies typically face high capital costs and may be heavily dependent on intellectual property rights. The semiconductor sector is highly cyclical, which may cause the operating results of many semiconductor companies to vary significantly. The stock prices of companies in the semiconductor sector have been and likely will continue to be extremely volatile.

 

●Software Industry Risk. The software industry can be significantly affected by intense competition, aggressive pricing, technological innovations, and product obsolescence. Companies in the software industry are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as aggressive pricing, new market entrants, competition for market share, short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological developments and the potential for limited earnings and/or falling profit margins. These companies also face the risks that new services, equipment or technologies will not be accepted by consumers and businesses or will become rapidly obsolete. These factors can affect the profitability of these companies and, as a result, the value of their securities. Also, patent protection is integral to the success of many companies in this industry, and profitability can be affected materially by, among other things, the cost of obtaining (or failing to obtain) patent approvals, the cost of litigating patent infringement and the loss of patent protection for products (which significantly increases pricing pressures and can materially reduce profitability with respect to such products). In addition, many software companies have limited operating histories. Prices of these companies’ securities historically have been more volatile than other securities, especially over the short term.

 

Investment Opportunity Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Investment Opportunity Risk. The marketplace for venture capital investing has become increasingly competitive. Participation by financial intermediaries has increased, substantial amounts of funds have been dedicated to making investments in the private sector and the competition for investment opportunities is high. Some of the Fund’s potential competitors may have greater financial and personnel resources than the Fund does. There can be no assurances that the Fund will locate an adequate number of attractive investment opportunities. To the extent that the Fund encounters competition for investments, returns to the Fund’s investors may vary.

 

Investments in Venture Capital Funds Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Investments in Venture Capital Funds Risk. The Fund may invest in Private Funds that are venture capital funds. Investments in venture capital funds generally involve more risk than investments in private equity funds focused on later-stage investment due to the nature of the companies in which venture capital funds invest (e.g., startup companies). Venture capital investing tends to be more speculative; there is a greater risk of loss of up to the entire amount invested because the underlying assets are generally attempting to do business in nascent or developing areas; and the competition for gaining market share or a proven product may be particularly intense. Investments in venture capital funds are highly illiquid and there is no guarantee that the Fund will be able to realize its investments in the expected timeframe. In many instances, a venture capital investment may require additional infusions of capital in order to protect earlier investments, although there is no guarantee that such additional investments will lead to a successful investment by the venture capital fund.

 

Issuer Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Issuer Risk. Because the Fund may invest in a limited number of issuers, it is subject to the risk that the value of the Fund’s portfolio may decline due to a decline in value of the equity securities of particular issuers. The value of an issuer’s equity securities may decline for reasons directly related to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services. The value of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. The value of securities of smaller issuers can be more volatile than that of larger issuers. A change in the financial condition, market perception or credit rating of an issuer of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio may cause the value of its securities to decline.

 

Large-Capitalization Companies Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Large-Capitalization Companies Risk. Large-capitalization companies tend to go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. Large-capitalization companies generally are less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange for this potentially lower risk, the value of large capitalization companies may not rise as much as that of smaller capitalization companies.

 

Leverage Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Leverage Risk. The Fund may utilize leverage to the maximum extent permitted by law for investment and other general corporate purposes. The Fund may obtain leverage by issuing preferred shares and/or notes and it may also borrow funds from banks and other financial institutions. The Fund may also gain leverage synthetically through swaps and other derivatives. The use of leverage to purchase additional securities creates an opportunity for increased returns, but also creates risks for the Fund’s common shareholders, including increased variability of the Fund’s net income, distributions, NAV of its common shares in relation to market changes. Leverage is a speculative technique that exposes the Fund to greater risk and increased costs than if it were not implemented. Increases and decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be magnified if the Fund uses leverage. In particular, leverage may magnify interest rate risk, which is the risk that the prices of portfolio securities will fall (or rise) if market interest rates for those types of securities rise (or fall). As a result, leverage may cause greater changes in the Fund’s NAV, which will be borne entirely by the Fund’s common shareholders, and in the price at which its common shares trade in the secondary market. If the Fund issues preferred shares and/or notes or engages in other borrowings, it will have to pay dividends on its preferred shares or interest on its notes or borrowings, which will increase expenses and may reduce the Fund’s return. These dividend payments or interest expenses (which will be borne entirely by common shareholders) may be greater than the Fund’s return on the underlying investments. The Fund’s leveraging strategy, if utilized, may not be successful.

 

The Fund may issue preferred shares and/or notes or other forms of indebtedness as a form of leverage. These means of obtaining leverage would be senior to the Fund’s common shares, such that holders of preferred shares and/or notes or other Fund indebtedness would have priority over the common shareholders in the distribution of the Fund’s assets, including dividends, distributions of principal and liquidating distributions. If preferred shares are issued and outstanding, holders of preferred shares would vote together with the holders of common shares on all matters, including the election of trustees. Additionally, holders of preferred shares would have the right separately to elect two trustees of the Fund, voting separately as a class, and would vote separately as a class on certain matters which may at times give holders of preferred shares disproportionate influence over the Fund’s affairs. If the preferred shares were limited in their term, redemptions of such preferred shares would require the Fund to liquidate its investments and would reduce the Fund’s use of leverage, which could negatively impact common shareholders. In addition, if the Fund elects to issue preferred shares and/or notes (or other forms of indebtedness) its ability to make distributions to its common shareholders or to repurchase its shares will be limited by the asset coverage requirements and other limitations imposed by the 1940 Act and the Fund’s lenders.

 

The Fund will pay (and common shareholders will bear) all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of any preferred shares and/or notes or other forms of indebtedness issued by the Fund, including higher advisory fees. As a result, the Fund cannot assure you that the issuance of preferred shares and/or notes or other forms of indebtedness will provide a higher yield or return to the holders of the Fund’s common shares. If the Fund offers and/or issues preferred shares and/or notes or other forms of indebtedness, the costs of the offering will be borne immediately by the Fund’s common shareholders and result in a reduction of the NAV of the Fund’s common shares.

 

The Fund anticipates that any money borrowed from a bank or other financial institution for investment purposes will accrue interest based on shorter-term interest rates that would be periodically reset. So long as the Fund’s portfolio provides a higher rate of return, net of expenses, than the interest rate on borrowed money, as reset periodically, the leverage may cause common shareholders to receive a higher current rate of return than if the Fund were not leveraged. If, however, long-term and/or short-term rates rise, the interest rate on borrowed money could exceed the rate of return on securities held by the Fund, reducing returns to common shareholders. Developments in the credit markets may adversely affect the ability of the Fund to borrow for investment purposes and may increase the costs of such borrowings, which would reduce returns to common shareholders.

 

There is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful. Leverage involves risks and special considerations for common shareholders, including:

 

●the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV and dividend rate of common shares than a comparable portfolio without leverage;
●the risk that fluctuations in interest rates on borrowings or in dividend payments on, principal proceeds distributed to, or redemption of any preferred shares and/or notes or other forms of indebtedness that the Fund has issued will reduce the return to the common shareholders;
●the effect of leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline in the NAV of the Fund’s common shares than if the Fund were not leveraged; and
●leverage may increase expenses (which will be borne entirely by common shareholders), which may reduce total return.

 

If the Fund issues preferred shares and/or notes or other forms of indebtedness, the Fund may be subject to certain restrictions on investments imposed by the guidelines of one or more rating agencies, which may issue ratings for the preferred shares and/or notes or short-term debt securities issued by the Fund, or may be subject to covenants or other restrictions imposed by its lenders. These guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. Certain types of borrowings by the Fund may result in the Fund being subject to covenants relating to asset coverage and portfolio composition requirements. These covenants and restrictions may negatively affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Limited Influence Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Limited Influence Risk. A significant portion of the Fund’s investments may represent minority stakes in privately held companies. As is the case with minority holdings in general, such minority stakes that the Fund may hold will have neither the control characteristics of majority stakes nor the valuation premiums accorded majority or controlling stakes. The Fund may also invest in companies for which the Fund has no right to appoint a director or otherwise exert significant influence.

 

In such cases, the Fund will be reliant on the existing management and board of directors of such companies, which may include representatives of other financial investors with whom the Fund is not affiliated and whose interests may conflict with the Fund’s interests.

 

Liquidity Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Liquidity Risk. Although the Fund expects that some of its equity investments will trade on public or private secondary marketplaces, certain of the securities the Fund holds will be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities. In addition, while some portfolio companies may trade on private secondary marketplaces, the Fund can provide no assurance that such a trading market will continue or remain active, or that the Fund will be able to sell its position in any portfolio company at the time it desires to do so and at the price it anticipates. The illiquidity of its investments, including those that are traded on private secondary marketplaces, will make it difficult for the Fund to sell such investments if the need arises. Also, if the Fund is required to liquidate all or a portion of its portfolio quickly, the Fund may realize significantly less than the value at which it has previously recorded its investments. The Fund has no limitation on the portion of its portfolio that may be invested in illiquid securities, and a substantial portion or all of its portfolio may be invested in such illiquid securities from time-to-time.

 

Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk. Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable (and some companies may be experiencing significant losses). Their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities. In addition, because these companies are not well-known to the investing public, do not have significant institutional ownership and are followed by relatively few security analysts, there will normally be less publicly available information concerning their securities compared to what is available for the securities of larger companies. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, regardless of whether the perceptions are based on fundamental analysis, can decrease the value and liquidity of securities held by the Fund.

 

New Fund Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

New Fund Risk. There can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case the Board may determine to liquidate the Fund if it determines that liquidation is in the best interest of shareholders. Liquidation of the Fund can be initiated without shareholder approval. As a result, the timing of the Fund’s liquidation may not be favorable to a shareholder.

 

Next Generation Internet Companies Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Next Generation Internet Companies Risk. The risks described below apply, in particular, to the Fund’s investment in Next Generation Internet Companies.

 

●Internet Information Provider Company Risk. Internet information provider companies provide Internet navigation services and reference guide information and publish, provide or present proprietary advertising and/or third party content. Such companies often derive a large portion of their revenues from advertising, and a reduction in spending by or loss of advertisers could seriously harm their business. This business is rapidly evolving and intensely competitive, and is subject to changing technologies, shifting user needs, and frequent introductions of new products and services. The research and development of new, technologically advanced products is a complex and uncertain process requiring high levels of innovation and investment, as well as the accurate anticipation of technology, market trends and consumer needs. The number of people who access the Internet is increasing dramatically and a failure to attract and retain a substantial number of such users to a company’s products and services or to develop products and technologies that are more compatible with alternative devices, could adversely affect operating results. Concerns regarding a company’s products, services or processes that may compromise the privacy of users or other privacy related matters, even if unfounded, could damage a company’s reputation and adversely affect operating results.

 

●Catalog and Mail Order House Company Risk. Catalog and mail order house companies may be exposed to significant inventory risks that may adversely affect operating results due to, among other factors: seasonality, new product launches, rapid changes in product cycles and pricing, defective merchandise, changes in consumer demand and consumer spending patterns, or changes in consumer tastes with respect to products. Demand for products can change significantly between the time inventory or components are ordered and the date of sale. The acquisition of certain types of inventory or components may require significant lead-time and prepayment and they may not be returnable. Failure to adequately predict customer demand or otherwise optimize and operate distribution centers could result in excess or insufficient inventory or distribution capacity, result in increased costs, impairment charges, or both. The business of catalog and mail order house companies can be highly seasonal and failure to stock or restock popular products in sufficient amounts during high demand periods could significantly affect revenue and future growth. Increased website traffic during peak periods could cause system interruptions which may reduce the volume of goods sold and the attractiveness of a company’s products and services.

 

Valuation Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Valuation Risk. The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in non-publicly traded securities. As a result, although the Fund expects that some of its equity investments may trade on public or private secondary marketplaces, a market value for its direct investments in certain portfolio companies will typically not be readily determinable. Under the 1940 Act, for the Fund’s investments for which there are no readily available market quotations, including securities that while listed on a private securities exchange, have not actively traded, the Fund will value such securities at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with the Valuation Procedure. While the Board retains ultimate authority as to the appropriate valuation of each such investment, the Board has appointed the Adviser as the Fund’s valuation designee to make fair value determinations. To assist with those determinations, the Adviser’s personnel will prepare portfolio company valuations using, where available, the most recent portfolio company financial statements and forecasts for consideration by the Adviser’s Pricing Committee. The Fund utilizes the services of an independent pricing service, which prepares valuations for each of the Fund’s portfolio investments that are not publicly traded or for which the Fund does not have readily available market quotations, including securities that while listed on a private securities exchange, have not actively traded. The types of factors that the Fund takes into account with respect to the valuation of such non-traded investments include, as relevant and, to the extent available, the valuation of the investment as of the portfolio company’s latest funding round, the portfolio company’s earnings, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparison to valuations of publicly traded companies, comparisons to recent sales of comparable companies, the discounted value of the cash flows of the portfolio company and other relevant factors. This information may not be readily available because it is difficult to obtain financial and other information with respect to private companies, and even where the Fund is able to obtain such information, there can be no assurance that it is complete or accurate. Because such valuations are inherently uncertain and may be based on estimates, the determinations of fair value for certain securities may differ materially from the values that would be assessed if a readily available market quotation for these securities existed.

 

Performance Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Performance Risk. If a significant investment in one or more companies fails to perform as expected, the Fund’s financial results could be more negatively affected, and the magnitude of the loss could be more significant, than if the Fund had made smaller investments in more companies. The Fund’s financial results could be materially adversely affected if these portfolio companies or any of the Fund’s other significant portfolio companies encounter financial difficulty and fail to repay their obligations or to perform as expected.

 

Preferred Securities Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred securities are contractual obligations that entail rights to distributions declared by the issuer’s board of directors but may permit the issuer to defer or suspend distributions for a certain period of time. Preferred securities may be subject to more fluctuations in market value due to changes in market perceptions of the issuer’s ability to continue to pay dividends. If the Fund owns a preferred security whose issuer has deferred or suspended distributions, the Fund may be required to account for the distribution that has been deferred or suspended for tax purposes, even though it may not have received this income. Preferred securities are subordinated to any debt the issuer has outstanding. Accordingly, preferred stock dividends are not paid until all debt obligations are first met. Preferred securities may lose substantial value if distributions are deferred, suspended or not declared. Preferred securities may also permit the issuer to convert preferred securities into the issuer’s common stock. Preferred Securities that are convertible into common stock may decline in value if the common stock to which preferred securities may be converted declines in value. Preferred securities may be less liquid than equity securities.

 

Private Investments in Public Equities Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Private Investments in Public Equities Risk. The Fund may purchase equity securities in a private placement that are issued by issuers who have outstanding, publicly traded equity securities of the same class (“private investments in public equity” or “PIPEs”). Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and the Fund cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions cause the PIPEs to be illiquid during this time. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect.

 

Privately Held Company Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Privately Held Company Risk. The Fund invests in privately held companies. Investments in privately held companies involve a number of significant risks, including the following:

 

●these companies may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of the Fund realizing any guarantees it may have obtained in connection with its investment;
●they typically have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;
●they typically depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse effect on the portfolio company and, in turn, on the Fund;
●there is generally little public information about these companies. These companies and their financial information are not subject to the Exchange Act (as defined above) and other regulations that govern public companies, and the Fund may be unable to uncover all material information about these companies, which may prevent the Fund from making a fully informed investment decision and cause the Fund to lose money on its investments;
●they generally have less predictable operating results and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position;
●the Fund’s executive officers, Trustees and the Adviser may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from the Fund’s investments in the Fund’s portfolio companies;
●changes in laws and regulations, as well as interpretations of relevant laws and regulations, may adversely affect their business, financial structure or prospects; and
●they may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs.

 

Regular Realization Event Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Regular Realization Event Risk. The Fund does not expect regular realization events (e.g., mergers, refinancings or public offerings), if any, to occur in the near term with respect to the majority of the Fund’s portfolio companies. The Fund expects that its holdings of equity securities may require several years to appreciate in value, and it can offer no assurance that such appreciation will occur. Even if such appreciation does occur, it is likely that the Fund and its shareholders could wait for an extended period of time before any appreciation or sale of the Fund’s investments, and any attendant distributions of gains, may be realized.

 

Rights and Warrants Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Rights and Warrants Risk. Rights and warrants are option securities permitting their holders to subscribe for other securities. Rights and warrants do not represent an ownership interest in an issuer or carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities. Investment in rights and warrants may thus be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a right or a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to expiration.

 

Sector Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Sector Risk. The Fund may, from time to time, invest more heavily in companies in a particular economic sector or sectors. Economic or regulatory changes adversely affecting such sectors may have more of an impact on the Fund’s performance than if the Fund held a broader range of investments.

 

Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Small- and Medium-Capitalization Companies Risk. The Fund may invest in small- and medium capitalization companies and, therefore, will be subject to certain risks associated with small- and medium-capitalization companies. These companies are often subject to less analyst coverage so that less market research is available about their operations, and they may be in early and less predictable periods of their corporate existences, with little or no record of profitability. In addition, these companies often have greater price volatility, lower trading volume and less liquidity than larger more established companies. Small- and medium-capitalization companies tend to have smaller revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and experience, smaller shares of their product or service markets, fewer financial resources and less competitive strength than large-capitalization companies. Returns on investments in securities of small- and medium-capitalization companies could trail the returns on investments in securities of larger capitalization companies.

 

Temporary Defensive Strategy Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Temporary Defensive Strategy Risk. When the Fund pursues a temporary defensive strategy inconsistent with its principal investment strategies, it may not achieve its investment objective.

Business Contact [Member]  
Cover [Abstract]  
Entity Address, Address Line One 251 Little Falls Drive
Entity Address, City or Town Wilmington
Entity Address, State or Province DE
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 19808
Contact Personnel Name Corporation Service Company
Common Shares [Member]  
Other Annual Expenses [Abstract]  
Basis of Transaction Fees, Note [Text Block] as a percentage of projected average net assets attributable to Shares
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract]  
Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] Common shares of beneficial interest, no par value per share
Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] | shares
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] | shares 2,565,303
[1] Assumes the Fund raises approximately $49 million in net proceeds in the year ending July 31, 2025 resulting in estimated average net assets of approximately $87 million. “Annual Fund Expenses” do not include organizational and offering costs as these costs have been incurred and paid by the Adviser. The Adviser incurred the Fund’s organizational and initial offering costs associated with the Fund’s continuous offering of Shares of $885,178. Pursuant to an expense reimbursement agreement between the Fund and the Adviser, the Fund will be obligated to reimburse the Adviser for any such payments within three years of the Adviser incurring such expenses subject to the limitation that a reimbursement (an “Adviser Reimbursement”) will be made only if and to the extent that: (i) the Fund’s net asset exceeds $125,000,000; and (ii) the Adviser Reimbursement does not cause the Fund’s net assets to fall below $125,000,000.
[2] The expenses of administering the DRP are included in “Other operating expenses.” See “Distributions - Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
[3] Interest expenses represent estimated interest related costs the Fund expects to incur in connection with the use of its credit facility. See “Summary of Terms - Leverage.”
[4] “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
[5] The Adviser and the Fund have entered into the Expense Limitation Agreement under which the Adviser has agreed contractually to waive its Management Fee and/or reimburse the Fund’s operating expenses on a monthly basis to the extent that the Fund’s total annualized fund operating expenses (excluding expenses directly related to the costs of making investments; taxes; brokerage costs; acquired fund fees and expenses; expenses of litigation, indemnification and shareholder meetings; organizational expenses; offering costs; and extraordinary expenses) exceed 2.90% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.