Hercules Technology Growth Capital, a specialty finance company focused on providing senior secured loans to high-growth venture capital-backed companies in technology-related industries, including technology, biotechnology, life sciences, and energy & renewable technology, announced that Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) has reaffirmed Hercules’ investment grade corporate rating of BBB-. S&P issued a statement announcing the reaffirmation of the rating and stable outlook, as well as its underlying analysis.

“We are very proud of our investment grade corporate credit rating from Standard & Poor’s,” stated Manuel A. Henriquez, chairman and chief executive officer of Hercules. “The investment grade rating underscores our commitment and discipline instilled in our underwriting strategy, as well as the depth and experience of our management and underwriting teams.“

The BBB- rating reflects the company’s low financial leverage, concentration in first-lien senior secured debt investments, diversified funding profile, and track record of low net loan losses since inception. S&P also noted that Hercules funds its business with stable and relatively diverse funding sources and has a long track record of demonstrating its ability to create liquidity from its investments due to monthly amortizing loans.

Since inception (December 2003), Hercules has committed more than $5.5 billion to over 325 companies and is the lender of choice for entrepreneurs and venture capital firms seeking growth capital financing.