Hercules Capital Inc. (NYSE: HTGC) announced record new debt and equity commitments of $1.81 billion for the first quarter of 2026, according to a company statement.

The specialty finance company originated the commitments to 16 new and 12 existing portfolio companies during the three months ended March 31, 2026. This figure represents an all-time high for the San Mateo, California-based lender.

"This record setting originations performance is a result of our position as the partner of choice for some of the industry's most innovative growth stage companies and the scale and diversification of our direct lending platform," said Scott Bluestein, chief executive officer and chief investment officer of Hercules Capital.

The company provides senior secured venture growth loans to venture capital-backed companies in technology and life sciences industries. Since its inception in December 2003, Hercules has committed more than $27 billion to over 700 companies.

Bluestein noted that the company maintained its disciplined underwriting standards while achieving the record and remained focused on balancing investments between life sciences and technology sectors. The company expanded commitments to several existing portfolio companies during the quarter in addition to the new commitments.

Hercules trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HTGC. The company also has retail bond issuances of 6.25% Notes due 2033 trading under NYSE: HCXY.

The company operates through its wholly owned subsidiary Hercules Adviser LLC, which maintains an asset management business managing investments for external parties.