Hercules Capital Elects Alfred B. Fichera as Independent Director

What Happened

• On September 17, 2026 Hercules Capital, Inc. increased its Board from seven to eight directors and elected Alfred B. Fichera as an independent, non‑employee director to fill the new seat. Mr. Fichera will serve as a Class I director with a term expiring in 2029 and will serve on the Company’s Audit Committee. The Board and its committees have determined he meets NYSE independence standards and is not an “interested person” under the Investment Company Act.

Key Details

• Board size increased from seven to eight directors; election date: September 17, 2026.
• Mr. Fichera, age 67, served at KPMG from 1982–2019 (roles included Global Head of Alternative Investments and long‑time audit partner); since 2021 he has acted as an expert witness; since Sept 2025 he has been an independent director and Audit Committee chair at Warburg Pincus Access Fund, L.P.
• Compensation: he will receive the Company’s standard non‑employee director annual retainer and restricted stock awards (terms consistent with prior disclosures) and has entered into the Company’s indemnification agreement.
• No related‑party transactions or arrangements requiring disclosure under Item 404 were reported. A press release announcing the appointment is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to the 8‑K.

Why It Matters

• For investors, the appointment adds an experienced audit and alternative‑investments professional to Hercules Capital’s board and Audit Committee, which is directly relevant to financial oversight and governance. The Board’s finding of independence is important for regulatory compliance and investor governance standards. This filing does not report changes to management, financial results, or material transactions beyond director compensation and standard indemnification.