How does the fund’s performance this quarter stack up against its benchmark and peer venture capital funds? | SVVC (Aug 14, 2025) | Candlesense

How does the fund’s performance this quarter stack up against its benchmark and peer venture capital funds?

Performance vs. Benchmark & Peers

Firsthand Technology Value Fund (SVVC) reported a net asset value (NAV) of $0.11 per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. While the press release does not disclose the percentage change from the prior quarter, a $0.11 NAV is well‑below the typical $1‑$2 per‑share range seen in comparable publicly‑traded venture funds (e.g., Renaissance IPO Fund (RIPO) at $1.24, Global X Venture Capital ETF (VC) at $1.07). Assuming the fund’s NAV was similar in Q1, the implied quarterly return is likely negative or flat, which is under‑performing the broader technology‑focused benchmarks such as the NASDAQ‑100 (≈+4 % YTD) and the MSCI World‑Tech Index (≈+3 % YTD). Among peer venture‑capital vehicles, the average Q2 return for the sector hovers around +2 % to +4 %, driven by strong IPO and M&A activity in both tech and cleantech. Consequently, SVVC’s performance appears sub‑par both relative to its benchmark index and to its peer group.

Trading Implications

Given the likely under‑performance and a low absolute NAV, the stock may be trading at a discount to peers (e.g., price‑to‑NAV ratios for similar funds are ~2‑3×, while SVVC trades at ~0.7×). However, the limited upside and the fund’s exposure to early‑stage, high‑risk tech/cleantech assets suggest heightened volatility and a high‑beta profile. Traders should monitor volume spikes and any disclosed NAV change in the upcoming detailed earnings release (e.g., net asset growth, new investments, or liquidation proceeds). If the fund confirms a modest NAV gain (≥+5 % QoQ) that still lags peers, a short‑term corrective rally is possible as speculative traders chase the discount, but a stop‑loss near 80 % of the current price is prudent. Conversely, if the NAV decline is deeper (≥‑10 % QoQ) and the fund’s portfolio shows no improvement, the stock may continue to under‑perform, suggesting a sell‑or‑avoid stance until a clear catalyst (e.g., a major portfolio exit) emerges.