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Portolan Capital Management, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure
ADV Part 2A Brochure
Portolan Capital Management, LLC
Two International Place, Suite 2630
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 753-6400
www.portolan.com
March 31, 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Portolan
Capital Management, LLC (“Portolan”). If you have any questions about the contents of this
Brochure, please contact us at (617) 753-6400 or bflaherty@portolan.com. The information in this
Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority.
Portolan is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply
a certain level of skill or training. Additional information about Portolan also is available on the
SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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ITEM 2 – MATERIAL CHANGES
Since the last annual amendment to Portolan’s Form ADV Part 2A (this “Brochure”) submitted on
March 28, 2024, Portolan has amended Item 4 to reflect updates to its advisory clients (i.e., the
termination of Portolan Equity Offshore Fund, Ltd and launch of Portolan Co-Investment Fund,
LP). Other general updates have also been made to this Brochure, none of which are material in
nature.
We encourage prospective investors to read this Brochure in its entirety.
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ITEM 3 -TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item 2 – Material Changes ............................................................................................................................ ii
Item 4 – Advisory Business .......................................................................................................................... 1
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation .................................................................................................................. 5
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ............................................................. 8
Item 7 – Types of Clients .............................................................................................................................. 9
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ..................................................... 10
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information .............................................................................................................. 18
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................. 18
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading .............. 19
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................... 21
Item 13 – Review of Accounts .................................................................................................................... 23
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................................. 24
Item 15 – Custody ....................................................................................................................................... 24
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................. 24
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................................. 24
Item 18 – Financial Information ................................................................................................................. 25
This Brochure is not and should not be deemed to be a general solicitation and does not constitute
an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any type of interest in any fund (including the
Private Funds and the UCITS Fund) advised by Portolan. This Brochure does not constitute, in
any jurisdiction, a recommendation, inducement, invitation, offer, or solicitation for you to
purchase or acquire any securities or assets, and no legal relationship is created by this Brochure.
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ITEM 4 – ADVISORY BUSINESS
Portolan Capital Management, LLC (hereinafter “Portolan”) is an SEC-registered investment
adviser located in Boston, Massachusetts and was founded in November 2004 by George McCabe,
the Chief Investment Officer and portfolio manager. George McCabe is the principal owner of
Portolan.
Portolan exercises discretionary authority in providing portfolio management services to (i) private
investment funds (the “Private Funds”), (ii) Portolan Equity UCITS Fund, an Irish registered
UCITS (Undertakings for the Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) fund (the “UCITS
Fund”), (iii) clients (the “Separate Account Clients”) with separately managed accounts (“Separate
Accounts”) and (iv) a registered investment company (“Sub-Advised Client”) as a sub-adviser.
The Private Funds, the UCITS Fund, Separate Account Clients and Sub-Advised Client are
collectively referred to herein as “Clients”.
The Private Funds offer limited partnership interests (the “Interests”) to certain qualified investors
(the “Investors”), as described in Item 7 below.
Portolan’s services consist primarily of identifying and evaluating investment opportunities,
making investments, managing and monitoring investments, and disposing of investments.
Portolan’s portfolio management focus is on seeking long-term capital appreciation from a group
of global equity investments, although certain strategies may engage in leverage as described
below.
The investment strategies for the accounts managed by Portolan are as follows:
Portolan Equity Fund, LP
Portolan Equity Fund, LP (the “Equity Fund”), a Delaware limited partnership, is managed by
Portolan.
The Equity Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation from a portfolio of primarily
equity investments. The Equity Fund invests in a relatively large number of common stocks of
companies across multiple industries and generally favors smaller capitalization stocks, but invests
in a range of companies from micro-capitalization to large-capitalization, based on company
fundamentals and expects to be opportunistic in its investment selection. The Equity Fund makes
both “growth” and “value” oriented investments in companies that Portolan believes to be
attractive businesses with favorable valuations, based on its analysis of company fundamentals.
The Equity Fund portfolio generally contains between 50 and 100 holdings with individual
positions generally not exceeding 5% of the total portfolio at the time of investment; however,
Portolan may, in its sole discretion, cause the Equity Fund to hold fewer than 50 holdings or greater
than 100 holdings if it deems it to be in the best interest of the Equity Fund. Portolan may, from
time to time, invest greater than 5% of the Equity Fund’s total portfolio in a single security where
it deems there to be an opportunity for investment return that merits a greater concentration in a
position. The Equity Fund’s investment in any company, including a company with a small
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capitalization, may represent any proportion of such company’s capitalization, as determined by
Portolan in its sole discretion. Portolan also reserves the right to invest in money market
instruments and to hold cash if it deems such investments to be in the best interest of the Equity
Fund. In some cases, Portolan also may invest to a limited extent, from time to time, in options
on securities, and securities bearing a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest.
Investors in the Equity Fund may not impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types
of securities.
Portolan Select Fund, LP
Portolan Select Fund, LP (the “Select Fund”), a Delaware limited partnership, is managed by
Portolan.
The Select Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation from a concentrated portfolio
consisting primarily of equity investments. The Select Fund invests in common stocks of
companies across multiple industries but will not seek broad diversification. The Select Fund
generally favors smaller capitalization stocks, but expects to invest in a range of companies from
micro-capitalization to large-capitalization, based on company fundamentals and expects to be
opportunistic in its investment selection. The Select Fund makes both “growth” and “value”
oriented investments in companies that Portolan believes to be attractive business with favorable
valuations.
The Select Fund portfolio generally contains between 20 and 50 holdings with individual positions
generally not exceeding 10% of the total portfolio at the time of investment; however, Portolan
may, in its sole discretion, cause the Select Fund to hold fewer than 20 holdings or greater than 50
holdings if it deems it to be in the best interest of the Select Fund. Portolan may, from time to
time, invest greater than 10% of the Select Fund’s total portfolio in a single security where it deems
there to be an opportunity for investment return that merits a greater concentration in a position.
The Select Fund’s investment in any company, including a company with a small capitalization,
may represent any proportion of such company’s capitalization, as determined by Portolan in its
sole discretion. Portolan also reserves the right to invest in money market instruments and to hold
cash uninvested if it deems such investments to be in the best interest of the Select Fund. In some
cases, Portolan also may invest to a limited extent, from time to time, in options on securities, and
securities bearing a fixed, variable, or floating rate of interest.
The investment horizon for holdings in the Select Fund is expected to be generally longer than
those in the Equity Fund.
Select Fund holdings are typically also holdings in the Equity Fund. Accordingly, Portolan will
allocate investment opportunities in accordance with its allocation policy.
Investors in the Select Fund may not impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types
of securities.
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Portolan Co-Investment Fund, LP
Portolan Co-Investment Fund, LP (the “Co-Investment Fund”), a Delaware limited partnership, is
managed by Portolan.
The Co-Investment Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation from a concentrated
portfolio consisting primarily of equity investments. The Co-Investment Fund invests in common
stocks of companies across multiple industries, ranging from small to large capitalizations, with
an expected focus on small- and mid-capitalization companies. The Co-Investment Fund makes
both “growth” and “value” oriented investments in companies that Portolan believes to be
attractive businesses with favorable valuations based on its analysis of company fundamentals.
Portolan seeks investments in companies that represent targeted opportunities for significant
growth and capital returns as a result of a potential or anticipated catalyst or market dislocations.
The Co-Investment Fund seeks to achieve its objective primarily by investing alongside other
Clients in portfolio companies and opportunities that are held, or are being invested in, by such
other Clients, subject to Portolan’s allocation policy.
The Co-Investment Fund portfolio generally contains between 5-15 holdings with individual
positions generally not exceeding 20% of the total portfolio at the time of investment; however,
Portolan may, from time to time, invest greater than 20% of the Co-Investment Fund’s total
portfolio in a single security where it deems there to be an opportunity for investment return that
merits a greater concentration in a position. The Co-Investment Fund’s investment in any
company, including a company with a small capitalization, may represent any proportion of such
company’s capitalization, as determined by Portolan in its sole discretion. Portolan also reserves
the right to invest in money market instruments and to hold cash uninvested if it deems such
investments to be in the best interest of the Co-Investment Fund. In some cases, Portolan also may
invest to a limited extent, from time to time, in options on securities, and fixed income securities.
The investment horizon for holdings in the Co-Investment Fund is expected to be generally longer
than those in the Equity Fund and Select Fund.
Co-Investment Fund holdings are typically also holdings in the Equity Fund and Select Fund.
Accordingly, Portolan will allocate investment opportunities in accordance with its allocation
policy.
Investors in the Co-Investment Fund may not impose restrictions on investing in certain securities
or types of securities.
Withdrawals, including terms related to lock up periods and distribution methods, are outlined in
each Fund’s offering memorandum and governing documents. Investors are encouraged to closely
read these documents.
Separate Accounts
Portolan generally requires a minimum investment of $20,000,000 to manage a Separate Account.
Portolan may, in its sole discretion, waive or reduce this minimum and may also elect not to take
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on additional Separate Accounts. Separate Account Client agreements will include investment
objectives and restrictions that may vary and may restrict the use of certain strategies or techniques
(such as restricting or prohibiting the use of derivatives, participation in IPOs and prohibiting
borrowing to leverage the portfolio).
With respect to Separate Accounts, Portolan generally seeks to achieve long-term capital
appreciation primarily from a portfolio of equity investments subject to the applicable agreement
with the Client which may impose specific objectives and restrictions. Portolan generally favors
smaller capitalization stocks, but invests the assets of the Separate Accounts in companies of all
market capitalizations, ranging from micro-capitalization to large-capitalization companies, based
on company fundamentals and expects to be opportunistic in its investment selection. Portolan
generally invests the assets of Separate Accounts in common stocks across multiple industries and
will make both “growth” and “value” oriented investments in companies that it believes to be
attractive businesses with favorable valuations. There may be periods where an account’s assets
are not fully invested if Portolan does not view individual company valuations as favorable. During
such periods, such account’s assets may be retained in cash or short-term investments in Portolan’s
sole discretion. In some cases, Portolan may also invest to a limited extent, from time to time, in
options on securities, options on indexes, and securities bearing a fixed, variable, or floating rate
of interest.
Portolan participates in Fidelity’s Separate Account Network® program. Through this program,
Portolan provides advisory services through Fidelity as the broker-dealer custodian.
Portolan Equity UCITS Fund
Portolan provides investment management services to the UCITS Fund in accordance with the
UCITS Fund’s investment objective and policies as stated in the UCITS Fund’s prospectus and
supplement, as filed with the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). The Portolan Equity UCITS Fund is
a sub-fund of the Portolan Funds ICAV, an umbrella Irish Collective Asset-management Vehicle
with segregated liability between sub-funds registered in Ireland under the Irish Collective Asset-
management Vehicles Act, 2015. Shares in the UCITS Fund are offered only to investors who are
not U.S. persons.
UCITS Fund investors may not impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of
securities.
Sub-Advised Client
Portolan provides a program of continuous investment management in accordance with the Sub-
Advised Client’s investment objective and policies as stated in the Sub-Advised Client’s
investment management agreement, prospectus and statement of additional information as filed
with the SEC on Form N-1A.
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Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, Portolan had net assets under management of $1.58 billion, all of which
are on a discretionary basis.
ITEM 5 – FEES AND COMPENSATION
Portolan typically charges Clients both performance-based fees and asset-based management fees
for managing their respective portfolios. Performance-based fees are charged in compliance with
Rule 205-3 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Clients
are typically charged other fees and expenses (e.g., commissions, administrative fees) by their
custodian and other third parties, as described in more detail below.
Private Fund Fees
Portolan Equity Fund, LP
With respect to each Investor in the Equity Fund, Portolan receives a management fee paid out of
the assets of the Equity Fund. The Equity Fund offers three separate series of interests (“Series A
Interests,” “Series B Interests” and “Series C Interests”) each with a different management fee.
With respect to each Investor investing in Series A Interests, Portolan receives a management fee
payable quarterly in advance on the first day of each fiscal quarter at a rate equal to 0.5% (i.e., 2%
annualized) of the net asset value of each series of interests at the end of the preceding quarter
(after taking into account any subscriptions or redemptions as of such date). With respect to each
Investor investing in Series B Interests, Portolan receives a management fee payable quarterly in
advance on the first day of each fiscal quarter at a rate equal to 0.375% (i.e., 1.5% annualized) on
the net asset value of each series of interests at the end of the preceding quarter (after taking into
account any subscriptions or redemptions as of such date). With respect to each Investor investing
in Series C Interests, Portolan receives a management fee payable quarterly in advance on the first
day of each fiscal quarter at a rate equal to 0.25% (i.e., 1% annualized) on the net asset value of
each series of interests at the end of the preceding quarter (after taking into account any
subscriptions or redemptions as of such date).
In addition, as of the end of each fiscal year of the Equity Fund, the General Partner may be
allocated a special share of the profits of the Equity Fund (the “Special Allocation”) with respect
to each Investor’s Series B Interests and Series C Interests, calculated at the end of each fiscal
year. With respect to each Investor investing in Series B Interests, the Special Allocation will be
equal to 10% of the amount by which the increase (if any) in the value of the applicable Investor’s
Series B Interests exceeds the total return of the Russell 3000 Index for such period, as reported
by Russell Investments (the “Index Total Return”), reduced in accordance with traditional high
watermark treatment. With respect to each Investor investing in Series C Interests, the Special
Allocation will be equal to 20% of the amount by which the increase (if any) in the value of the
applicable Investor’s Series C Interests exceeds a 5% return for such period. Portolan may and
does, in its sole discretion, waive or reduce the management fee and/or the Special Allocation
otherwise due with respect to certain limited partners in the Equity Fund, as further described
below.
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Portolan Select Fund, LP
With respect to each Investor in the Select Fund, Portolan receives a management fee paid out of
the assets of the Select Fund. The Select Fund offers two separate series of interests (“Series A
Interests” and “Series B Interests”) each with a different management fee. With respect to each
Investor investing in Series A Interests, Portolan receives a management fee payable quarterly in
advance on the first day of each fiscal quarter at a rate equal to 0.375% (i.e., 1.5% annualized) of
the net asset value of each series of interests at the end of the preceding quarter (after taking into
account any contributions or withdrawals as of such date). With respect to each Investor investing
in Series B Interests, Portolan receives a management fee payable quarterly in advance on the first
day of each fiscal quarter at a rate equal to 0.25% (1.0% annualized) of the net asset value of each
series of interests, at the end of the preceding quarter (after taking into account any contributions
or withdrawals as of such date).
In addition, as of the end of each fiscal year of the Select Fund, the General Partner may be
allocated a special share of the profits of the Select Fund (the “Special Allocation”) with respect
to each Investor’s Series A Interests and Series B Interests, calculated at the end of each fiscal
year. With respect to each Investor investing in Series A Interests, the Special Allocation will be
equal to 10% of the amount by which the increase (if any) in the value of the applicable Investor’s
Series A Interests exceeds the total return of the Russell 3000 Index for such period, as reported
by Russell Investments (the “Index Total Return”), reduced in accordance with traditional high
watermark treatment. With respect to each Investor investing in Series B Interests, the Special
Allocation will be equal to 20% of the amount by which the increase (if any) in the value of the
applicable Investor’s Series B Interests exceeds a 5% annual return for such period. The Series B
Interests are not subject to a high water mark. Portolan may and does, in its sole discretion, waive
or modify the management fee and/or the Special Allocation otherwise due with respect to certain
Investors in the Select Fund, as further described below.
Portolan Co-Investment Fund, LP
With respect to each Investor in the Co-Investment Fund, Portolan receives a management fee paid
out of the assets of the Co-Investment Fund. Portolan receives a management fee payable quarterly
in advance on the first day of each fiscal quarter at a rate equal to 0.1875% (i.e., 0.75% annualized)
of the net asset value of the interests at the end of the preceding quarter (after taking into account
any contributions or withdrawals as of such date).
In addition, as of the end of each fiscal year of the Co-Investment Fund, the General Partner may
be allocated a special share of the profits of the Co-Investment Fund (the “Special Allocation”)
with respect to each Investor’s Interests, calculated at the end of each fiscal year. With respect to
each Investor, the Special Allocation will be equal to 20% of the amount by which the increase (if
any) in the value of the applicable Investor’s Interests exceeds a 8% annual return for such period,
subject to traditional high water mark treatment. Portolan may and does, in its sole discretion,
waive or modify the management fee and/or the Special Allocation with respect to certain Investors
in the Co-Investment Fund, as further described below.
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Portolan and/or its affiliates may offer and have offered, in their sole discretion, to waive or reduce
the management fee and/or the Special Allocation with respect to certain Investors in the Private
Funds, including but not limited to Investors who are Portolan’s employees or their families or
affiliates, except to the extent prohibited by applicable law. Such fee reductions or waivers are
negotiated in confidential “side letters,” which provide for terms that typically differ from the
Private Fund offering materials. Portolan’s considerations in determining whether to enter into a
side letter with an Investor include but are not limited to whether an Investor is one of the first
Investors in a Private Fund or the size of the Investor’s investment in a Private Fund.
Separate Account Fees
Portolan generally receives management fees with respect to its Separate Account Clients. Such
management fees typically range between an annual rate of .50% to 1.5% of net assets and are
typically payable monthly, either in advance or in arrears. Management fees are prorated for each
capital contribution and withdrawal made during the applicable month (with the exception of de
minimis contributions and withdrawals). Accounts initiated or terminated during a month are
charged a prorated management fee. Upon termination of any account, any prepaid, unearned
management fees are promptly refunded, and any earned, unpaid management fees are due and
payable to the applicable Client.
In addition, Separate Accounts may be charged a performance fee, which is negotiated with each
Separate Account Client individually. Such performance fees are typically equal to 10% of the
amount that returns of the Separate Account outperform an agreed upon index and, in certain
circumstances, an additional negotiated rate, and the payment of such performance fees are not
typically subject to high watermark treatment.
Separate Account Clients may elect to be billed directly for fees or may authorize Portolan to
directly debit fees from the Client’s Separate Account. Portolan negotiates its fees individually
with each Separate Account Client and the specific fees for each Separate Account Client will be
set forth in the Client’s respective advisory agreement.
UCITS Fund Fees
The Portolan Equity UCITS Fund has different share classes each with different management fees
and performance fees. Management fees range from 1% to 1.5% per annum of the net asset value
of the class of the particular shares. More information about the UCITS Fund’s fees can be found
in its prospectus and supplement.
Sub-Advised Client Fees
With respect to its Sub-Advised Client, Portolan’s fees and services are determined by contract
with the Sub-Advised Client. Information concerning this Sub-Advised Client, including
descriptions of the services provided and advisory fees, is typically contained in the Sub-Advised
Client’s prospectus or other offering documents, which are generally available on the Sub-Advised
Client’s website.
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Other Fees and Expenses
Portolan’s management fees as described above are exclusive of brokerage commissions,
transaction fees, and other related costs and expenses which shall be incurred by the Client. Clients
typically incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, and other third parties such as fees
charged by managers, custodial fees, deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes,
wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and
securities transactions. Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds in which Client assets may be
invested typically charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in such fund’s prospectus.
Such charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to Portolan’s fee, and Portolan
shall not receive any portion of these commissions, fees, and costs.
Additional information about the other fees and expenses, including those addressed above, may
be found below in Item 12 and in the offering materials relating to the Private Funds and the UCITS
Fund. With respect to the Private Funds, if an expense is incurred jointly for the account of more
than one Fund, such expense will typically be allocated among the applicable Funds in such a
manner as Portolan considers fair and reasonable. Generally, each applicable Fund will bear its
pro rata share of such expense based on each Fund’s respective assets under management at the
time the expense is paid.
ITEM 6 – PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT
As described under Item 5, Portolan has performance fee arrangements with certain of its Clients
(including the Private Funds and UCITS Fund), while other Clients may pay only management
fees of which fee rates may differ and may be calculated using different methodologies. Portolan
structures any performance or incentive fee arrangement subject to Section 205(a)(1) of the
Advisers Act in accordance with the available exemptions thereunder, including the exemption set
forth in Rule 205-3 under the Advisers Act. In measuring Clients’ assets for the calculation of
performance-based fees, Portolan includes realized and unrealized capital gains and losses. Such
differing fee arrangements may result in Portolan having a conflict of interest to favor Clients from
whom it receives a performance or incentive fee.
Such fee arrangements, and differing management fee rates generally, may create an incentive to
favor higher fee paying accounts over other accounts when allocating investment opportunities.
The accounts paying higher fees may also change over time, depending on the effects of
measurement periods, high watermarks and other elements of the negotiated arrangements.
Accordingly, incentives and possible conflicts may shift from time to time. To mitigate these
conflicts, Portolan has designed and implemented procedures to provide for the fair and equitable
allocation of investment opportunities and securities transactions among Clients. Portolan
generally aggregates orders for all Clients that are trading the same security at the same time. See
Item 12 for a description of our practices with respect to aggregated purchase and sale orders.
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Additionally, performance-based fee arrangements may create an incentive for Portolan to
recommend investments which may be riskier or more speculative than those which would be
recommended under a different fee arrangement. To mitigate these conflicts, Portolan’s policies
and procedures seek to provide that investment decisions are made in accordance with the fiduciary
duties owed to Clients, and without consideration of Portolan’s other interests.
ITEM 7 – TYPES OF CLIENTS
Portolan currently provides investment advisory services to Private Funds, the UCITS Fund,
Separate Account Clients and the Sub-Advised Client.
Portolan’s Separate Account Clients and Investors in the Private Funds are typically high net worth
individuals, trusts, charitable institutions, foundations and other entities.
In general, interests in the Private Funds are offered only to (i) “accredited investors” as defined
in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (ii) “qualified
purchasers” as defined in Section 2(a)(51) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
and (iii) “qualified clients” as defined in Rule 205-3 of the Advisers Act unless otherwise
determined by Portolan. Investor eligibility requirements are set forth in each Private Fund’s
offering documents.
The standard minimum initial investment required to invest is set forth below; however, Portolan,
in its sole discretion, reserves the right to reduce these minimum amounts and has accepted such
investments in the Private Funds for related investors and in similar circumstances, all as deemed
appropriate in Portolan’s sole discretion:
• $2 million to invest in the Equity Fund;
• $1 million to invest in the Select Fund;
• $5 million to invest in the Co-Investment Fund; and
• $20 million for Separate Accounts.
Portolan’s Sub-Advised Client establishes and maintains its own investment criteria for
prospective investors.
UCITS Fund investor eligibility and investment minimums is established in the UCITS Fund
offering documents.
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ITEM 8 – METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Portolan applies fundamental analysis to evaluate investment opportunities for its Clients and
generally seeks to identify undervalued companies with improving fundamentals. Portolan places
heavy emphasis on analyzing the long-term future earnings power of a company relative to its
current valuation in the market. Elements that Portolan seeks in investment opportunities include,
but are not limited to, the following ten broadly defined categories which are viewed as part of an
overall investment strategy and not necessarily as discrete opportunities. Portolan considers these
elements when evaluating the attractiveness of an opportunity for long-term investment.
• Value, including companies undervalued relative to assets and earnings and related metrics
including price to book, price to earnings, and price to cash flow;
• Quality businesses, including established franchises that are leaders in their field that can
achieve high operating returns on assets, businesses that have competitive advantages and
barriers to entry, and companies that have respected and recognized brands in their field;
• Distressed, including companies or industries that have fallen out of favor or are under-
followed by other investors or research providers;
• Contrarian, including investments that run contrary to the actions of other investors and
opportunities to seek value in areas that have been ignored, abandoned or discounted by
the market due to a perception of risk;
• Management, including management teams with strong execution abilities and proven
track records that deploy capital efficiently and maintain discipline in operating a business;
• Improving businesses, with a focus on improving fundamentals;
• Growth companies, including buying growth at a reasonable price as well as paying a
premium for growth when it is both sustainable and predictable, generally through a
bottom-up approach to understanding the business;
• Special situations, including investments that require thorough analysis of an event that
may be company-specific, macro or exogenous;
• Leaders, including companies that dominate their specialty or field in terms of market
share, brand and experience; and
• Simple businesses, whose fundamentals are readily analyzable.
Portolan derives idea generation from a variety of sources, which it believes to be an important
element of its ability to perform an ongoing assessment of a broad spectrum of investment
opportunities.
Foremost, Portolan uses internally developed research, including primary contact with companies’
senior management. This primary research may lead to further discussion with a company’s
competitors, partners, vendors, customers, and shareholders. Through ongoing dialogue with
management, Portolan seeks to understand and assess business trends and company-specific
issues, any changes that may occur within an industry, and the competitive environment, all of
which may positively or negatively affect valuation over the near- and long-term. In addition,
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Portolan utilizes our own stock screening and ranking methods to identify investment
opportunities.
Portolan maintains relationships on both the buy-side and the sell-side and with research analysts
in diverse industries. Portolan uses sell-side research both to assess opportunities and to assess the
market’s expectations relative to those opportunities. Portolan seeks to access both established and
independent research boutiques in order to leverage industry research, insider transactions
research, macro and economic research, and to track and examine new issues and secondary
offerings, financing and other capital markets activities that present investment opportunities.
Portolan tracks insider holdings and insider transaction patterns when it deems such information
relevant. Portolan may also access customized or standardized data and research from emerging
research providers.
In addition, Portolan may engage paid consultants or “expert networks” to support its research
efforts and has policies to monitor use of such networks and protect against the receipt of material
non-public information.
Portolan’s investment strategy and analysis is substantially dependent upon George McCabe, the
portfolio manager. Should Mr. McCabe become incapacitated or terminate his affiliation with
Portolan, Portolan’s ability to carry out its investment strategy could be adversely affected.
Risks
Investing in securities involves a substantial degree of risk. Clients and investors in the Private
Funds and the UCITS Fund (“Fund Investors”) may lose some or all of their investment. Investing
with Portolan should only be made as a supplement to a complete overall investment program and
only by investors able to undertake the risks involved.
The following list of risk factors does not purport to be a complete enumeration or explanation of
the risks involved in the investment strategies Portolan offers to Clients. Prospective Fund
Investors should read the applicable fund’s offering documents closely and consult with their own
financial advisers before making an investment.
Market Risk. Markets are subject to fluctuations, and the market value of any particular investment
may be subject to substantial variation. Notwithstanding the existence of a public market for
particular financial instruments, such instruments may be thinly traded or may cease to be traded
after an investment is made in them. In addition to being relatively illiquid, such instruments may
be issued by unstable or unseasoned issuers or may be highly speculative. No assurance can be
given that investments will appreciate in value.
Small- to Medium-Sized Capitalization Companies Risk. While we believe small- to medium-
sized capitalization companies generally have potential for significant growth, they often involve
greater risks because they may lack the management experience, financial resources, product
diversification and competitive strength of larger capitalization companies. The market prices of
small- to medium-sized capitalization stocks generally are more sensitive to changes in earnings
expectations, corporate developments, and market rumors than are the market prices of larger
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capitalization companies. In addition, and in many instances, the frequency and volume of their
trading in the marketplace is substantially less than is typical of larger capitalization companies
and may experience more volatility. Smaller-sized capitalization stocks, particularly small-sized
capitalization growth stocks, can perform differently from the markets and other types of stocks
over extended periods of time. Small- to medium-sized capitalization companies involve
significantly higher liquidity risks than larger capitalization companies. Liquidity may decrease
dramatically in such companies over both short-term and long-term periods. Transaction costs in
securities of such companies may be higher than in those of larger-sized capitalization issuers.
Credit may be more difficult to obtain (and on less advantageous terms) than for larger companies.
As a result, the influence of creditors (and the impact of financial or operating restrictions
associated with debt financing) may be greater than in larger or more established companies.
Portolan may have more difficulty obtaining information about smaller companies, making it more
difficult to evaluate the impact of market, economic, regulatory and other factors on them.
Informational difficulties may also make valuing or disposing of their securities more difficult than
it would for larger companies. Smaller companies may be more dependent on one or few key
persons and may lack depth of management. Larger portions of their securities may be held by a
small number of investors (including founders and management) than is typical of larger
companies.
Investment Selection Risk. Portolan may invest in a security on behalf of a Client on the basis of
information and data filed by the issuers of such securities or information made directly available
to Portolan by the issuers of such securities and other instruments or through third-party sources.
Although Portolan evaluates all such information and data and seeks independent corroboration
when appropriate and when reasonably available, Portolan is not in a position to confirm the
completeness, genuineness or accuracy of such information and data, and there is the risk that
information relied upon by Portolan may be incomplete, unreliable or inaccurate. Therefore, no
assurance can be given that Portolan will have knowledge of circumstances that may have a
material adverse effect on the value of a security. Further, investment analyses and decisions by
Portolan may be undertaken on an expedited basis in order to make it possible for the Client to
take advantage of short-lived investment opportunities. In such cases, the available information
at the time of an investment decision may be limited, inaccurate and/or incomplete. Furthermore,
Portolan is unlikely to have sufficient time to fully evaluate information which is available. There
is a significantly increased risk of making poor investments when they are made on an expedited
basis.
Long Equity Strategy Risk. Since a long equity strategy involves identifying securities which are
generally undervalued by the marketplace, the success of this strategy necessarily depends upon
the market eventually recognizing such value in the price of the security, which may not
necessarily occur or which may occur over extended time frames which limit profitability. To the
extent that a portfolio’s assets are allocated to equity securities (common and preferred stock and
warrants) and various instruments convertible into or the value of which is otherwise related to
equity securities, the value of portfolio investments will fluctuate with the market value of the
underlying securities.
High Growth Company-Related Risks. Certain Clients may invest in high growth companies,
which may allocate, or may have allocated, greater than usual amounts to research and product
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development. The securities of these companies may experience above-average price movements
associated with the perceived prospects of success of their research and development programs.
In addition, companies in which a Client may invest could be adversely affected by the lack of
commercial acceptance of a new product or products or by technological change and obsolescence.
Many of these companies may participate in undeveloped or limited markets, have limited
products, rely on proprietary technology that may be difficult to protect from competitors, have no
proven profit-making history, operate at a loss or with substantial variations in operating results
from period to period, have limited access to capital and/or be in the developmental stages of their
businesses.
limited
to economic uncertainty,
industry conditions,
General Economic and Market Conditions. Clients may be materially affected by general
economic or market conditions or events throughout the world that are outside Portolan’s control,
including but not
technological
developments, changes in laws and regulations, geopolitical conditions (including potential
impacts resulting from the U.S. administration), tariffs and national and international political
circumstances. A downturn or contraction in the economy, in the capital markets, in the banking
sector or in certain industries or geographic regions thereof, may restrict the availability of suitable
investment opportunities and/or the opportunity to liquidate any such investments, each of which
could prevent Clients from meeting their investment objectives. The failure of certain financial
institutions may cause the Private Funds and businesses in which the Private Funds and other
Clients invest to be unable to access deposits or borrow from financial intuitions on favorable
terms, which can negatively affect the value or performance of such businesses and restrict the
availability of suitable investments for Portolan’s Clients, each of which could prevent Clients
from meeting their investment objectives. Any general economic downturn or contraction could
also result in the diminution or loss of Clients’ investments. In addition to the effects on the Private
Funds’ investment portfolios, market conditions could also result in an increase in the number of
withdrawal requests from investors.
Inflation Risks. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to
have, negative effects on the economics and securities markets of numerous economies. There can
be no assurance that inflation will not become a serious problem in the future and have an adverse
impact on a Client’s returns.
Interest-Rate Risks in Equity Investing. The prices of the equities held by a Client may be sensitive
to interest-rate fluctuations. In addition, interest-rate increases generally will increase the costs of
leverage used by a Client. The operations of the issuers in which a Client may invest may also be
sensitive to interest-rate changes. To the extent such issuers rely on financing for working capital
needs, their profitability will be materially impacted by changes in interest rates, and such changes
can also materially affect consumer demand for many products.
New Issues Trading Risk. Portolan may engage in “new issues” trading on behalf of its clients. In
the event Portolan elects to trade “new issues” for client accounts, Clients or Fund Investors that
are “restricted persons” under applicable FINRA Rules may not be permitted to participate or
participate fully in the returns generated by those trades. The price of a security purchased in an
initial public offering may be volatile. Issuers of these securities may have limited publicly
available historical information and/or a limited operating history. Additionally, an issuer may
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only make available a limited number of shares for trading and therefore it may be difficult to trade
a security without unfavorably impacting its price.
Frequent trading and portfolio turnover. Frequent trading and a high rate of turnover involves
correspondingly greater brokerage and transaction costs and expenses than a lower rate, which
may in effect reduce investment gains or generate a loss, and may result in negative tax
consequences. Additionally, due to a high turnover rate and the increased trading volume, there
may be a greater likelihood of potential trading errors that may result in losses to the portfolio.
Non-diversification. There are no limitations on the amount which a portfolio may invest in the
securities of any one issuer or any sector, industry, or group of issuers. Accordingly, the portfolio
of securities may be more susceptible to any single economic, political or regulatory impact than
a portfolio of securities of a diversified investment company and may experience correspondingly
more volatile performance.
Leverage Risk. Subject to its agreement with a Client (including as described in the offering
materials for a Private Fund or the UCITS Fund), Portolan may leverage a portfolio’s investments
through traditional means (such as by borrowing money through margin accounts, lines of credit
or other lending arrangements) or other direct or indirect forms of leverage (including but not
limited to derivative securities) on a secured or unsecured basis for any purpose, including to
increase investment capacity, cover operating expenses, make redemption or distribution
payments, or for clearance of transactions. While leverage presents opportunities for increasing
total return, it also has the effect of potentially increasing losses. Leverage will exaggerate the
effect of any increase or decrease in the value of a portfolio’s assets and, therefore, may increase
the volatility of a portfolio’s performance. The costs associated with leverage (such as transaction
costs associated with the use of derivatives) may exceed the income received from the securities
purchased through leverage. There can be no assurance that a portfolio will be able to leverage its
investments effectively or that credit will be available to a portfolio at reasonable rates.
If a portfolio has insufficient cash to meet daily variations in margin or collateral requirements
with respect to the use of derivatives, or as a result of increases or requirements imposed by the
Prime Broker or other counterparties, it may have to sell securities to meet such requirements.
Should a portfolio fail to meet these requirements, the portfolio’s counterparty may liquidate the
portfolio’s positions. In any of these cases, such sales may be made at prices or in circumstances
that Portolan considers unfavorable.
Derivatives Risk. Derivative instruments are instruments whose value are derived from an
underlying asset, such as commodities, stocks, currencies, and stock indices, among others.
Portolan may cause a portfolio to invest in derivatives, subject to and in accordance with its
agreement with a Client (including as described in the offering materials for a Private Fund or the
UCITS Fund). The use of derivative instruments subjects a portfolio to the risk of changes in the
market price of the underlying security, credit risk with respect to the counterparty to the derivative
instrument and, in certain cases, the potential failure of the derivative to perform as expected.
While these derivative instruments can be used to further the Client’s investment objective, under
certain market conditions, they can increase the volatility and decrease the liquidity of the
investment. If Portolan uses these derivative instruments at inappropriate times or judges market
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conditions incorrectly, such investments may lower the Client’s return or result in a loss. The use
of derivatives may also have a leveraging effect on a portfolio.
All derivative instruments, including options, involve risks different from, and, in certain cases,
greater than the risks presented by more traditional investments. Accordingly, derivative products
require specialized investment techniques and risk analyses that are different from those associated
with stocks and bonds. The use of a derivative requires an understanding not only of the underlying
instrument but also of the derivative itself. 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 a portfolio and the ability to forecast price, interest rate
or currency exchange rate movements, without the benefit of observing the performance of the
derivative under all possible market conditions.
Options. Investing in options may provide greater potential for profit or less than an equivalent
investment in the underlying asset but may entail greater than ordinary investment risks. An
investment in an option may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying
securities. An option buyer’s risk of loss is limited to the amount of the original investment for the
purchase of the option. Where an option is written and granted uncovered, the seller may be liable
to pay substantial additional margin, and the risk of loss is unlimited, as the seller will be obligated
to deliver, or take delivery of, an asset at a predetermined price which may, upon exercise of the
option, be significantly different from the market value. The ability to trade in or exercise options
may be restricted in the event that trading in the underlying securities interest becomes restricted.
Counterparty Risk. Certain markets in which an account may effect transactions are “over the-
counter” or “interdealer” markets, and may also include unregulated private markets. The
participants in such markets typically are not subject to the same level of credit evaluation and
regulatory oversight as are members of “exchange based” markets. This exposes an account to the
risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions
because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit
or liquidity problem, thus causing an account to suffer a loss. The amount of loss generally will be
equal to any accrued net obligation of the counterparty plus the cost, if any, of replacing the
agreement. Such “counterparty risk” is accentuated for contracts with longer maturities where
events may intervene to prevent settlement, or where a portfolio has concentrated its transactions
with a single or small group of counterparties.
The ability to transact business with any one or number of counterparties, the lack of any
meaningful and independent evaluation of such counterparties’ financial capabilities and the
absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by a
portfolio. In addition, over-the-counter transactions involve private contracts that may not be
amended without the consent of the parties thereto. This means that a portfolio may not be able to
close out over-the-counter positions when it would like to do so or at all. Alternatively, a portfolio
may be able to do so only upon disadvantageous terms. Even when the portfolio enters listed
transactions, it may not be able to close out a position when the market is illiquid.
Distressed Securities Risk. A portfolio may invest in securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers in
weak financial condition, experiencing poor operating results, having substantial capital needs or
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negative net worth, facing special competitive or product obsolescence problems or that are
involved in bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings. Investments in distressed securities may
involve substantial financial and business risks that can result in substantial or potentially total
losses.
Illiquid Securities Risk. Investments in certain securities may from time to time be illiquid for
various reasons, including as a result of blackout periods or private placement or other restrictions,
or as a result of the significant size of an interest held in a particular security by a portfolio. As a
result, a portfolio may be required to hold certain investments for an indefinite period of time.
Additionally, market prices for less liquid securities may be more volatile and may be more
difficult to accurately ascertain.
Regulatory and Restricted Securities Risk. Certain securities in which an account may effect
transactions may be affected by the U.S. federal laws governing the beneficial ownership of
securities in public companies, which may inhibit Portolan’s ability to freely acquire and dispose
of certain securities. Should Portolan or a Client be affected by such rules and regulations, it may
not be able to transact in way that would realize value for the Client.
In addition, Portolan restricts trading in certain securities if they appear on Portolan’s internal
restricted securities list. Portolan puts securities on its restricted securities list if Portolan believes
it has or may have material non-public information (“MNPI”) about the issuer of a security, or in
some cases if Portolan is instructed by a Client to restrict a security. If Portolan is instructed by a
Client to restrict a security, then Portolan may decide to restrict that security for all Client accounts.
A Client account may be unable to buy or sell a restricted security until the security is removed
from the restricted securities list, which could disadvantage such Client account. In some cases,
Portolan may be restricted from making an investment (or divesting of an investment) in respect
of some Client accounts but not others.
Non-U.S. Investments Risk. Investments outside the United States or denominated in non-U.S.
currencies pose currency exchange risks as well as a range of other potential risks which could
include, depending on the country involved, expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social
instability, illiquidity, price volatility and market manipulation. In addition, less information may
be available regarding non-U.S. issuers and non-U.S. companies may not be subject to accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to or as uniform as those
of U.S. companies. The economies of individual non-U.S. countries may also differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of
inflation, volatility of currency exchange rates, depreciation, capital reinvestment, resources self-
sufficiency and balance of payments position.
Emerging Markets. Additional risks may be encountered with investments in securities of foreign
issuers in emerging markets and certain other issuers doing business in emerging markets. These
include:
- Currency Risk: the currencies in which investments are denominated may be unstable, may
be subject to significant depreciation and may not be freely convertible.
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- Country Risk: the value of investments may be affected by political, legal, economic and
fiscal uncertainties within the emerging markets. Existing laws and regulations may not be
consistently applied.
- Market Characteristics: the emerging markets are still in the early stages of their
development, have less volume, are less liquid and experience greater volatility than more
established markets and are not highly regulated. Settlement of transactions may be subject
to delay and administrative uncertainties.
- Custody Risk: custodians may not be able to offer the level of service and safe-keeping,
settlement and administration of securities that is available in more developed markets and
there is a risk that the Client will not be recognized as the owner of securities held on its
behalf by a sub-custodian.
- Disclosure: less complete and reliable fiscal and other information may be available to
investors (including certain Clients) and accounting standards may not provide the same
degree of protection as would generally apply internationally. Fundamental investing
strategies in emerging markets are subject to increased risks due to the risk of other market
participants having better access to relevant market information.
Suspensions or Limitations of Trading. A financial exchange may from time to time suspend or
limit trading. Such a suspension could render it difficult or impossible for Portolan to liquidate
affected positions and thereby expose the Client to uncontrolled losses. There is also no assurance
that non-exchange markets will remain liquid enough for the Client to close out positions.
Risks Related to Natural Disasters, Epidemics and Terrorist Attacks. Countries and regions in
which Portolan invests, where Portolan has its offices or where Portolan or its clients otherwise do
business, are susceptible to natural disasters (e.g., fire, flood, earthquake, storm and hurricane) and
epidemics, pandemics or other outbreaks of serious contagious diseases, terrorist attacks, and other
acts of war. The occurrence of a natural disaster or epidemic, pandemic, or other outbreak of
serious contagious diseases, terrorist attack or act of war could adversely affect and severely
disrupt travel and the business operations, economies and financial markets of many countries
(even beyond the site of the natural disaster, disease outbreak, terrorist attack or act of war), and
materially and adversely affect specific businesses and certain industries, and thus could adversely
affect Portolan’s investment program and/or Portolan’s, a Client’s or a portfolio company’s ability
to conduct its routine business. Furthermore, natural disasters, epidemics, terrorist attacks and acts
of war can have the effect of compounding or exaggerating the impact of any of the specific
investment risks noted above under “Illiquid Securities Risk” on Portolan’s operations and Client
investments.
Political Uncertainty. Some of the results of elections and referenda in recent years in the United
States, Europe, Italy, China, India and other developed and emerging market countries have been
unexpected and resulted in material market changes and increases in market uncertainty. The
foregoing changes in political regimes have destabilized long-held treaties and customs between
nations, leading to further market instability in both developed and emerging countries. Future
elections may result in similar uncertainty. Given changes in administrations and applicable law
following these votes, the future of current regulations, or the adoption of new regulations, is also
uncertain. These uncertainties may have adverse impacts on, or alternatively create investment
opportunities for, a Client.
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Cybersecurity Risk. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet to conduct
business, the Clients are susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In
general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber attacks
include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through
“hacking” or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive
information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber attacks may also be carried
out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-
service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users).
Cyber incidents affecting Portolan and other service providers (including, but not limited to,
accountants, custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) have the ability to cause
disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference
with the ability to value the securities or other investments held by a Client, impediments to
trading, the inability to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws,
regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or
additional compliance costs. Similar adverse consequences could result from cyber incidents
affecting issuers of securities in which a Client invests, counterparties with which a Client engages
in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market
operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions (including
financial intermediaries and service providers) and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may
be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. While the service providers used
by Portolan have established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management
systems to prevent, such cyber incidents, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems
including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, Portolan cannot
control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by its service providers or any other third
parties whose operations may affect the Clients. The Clients could be negatively impacted as a
result.
Additional information about Portolan’s strategy, methods of analysis and the risks of investing in
each Private Fund may be found in such Private Fund’s offering materials. Additional information
about the strategy, methods of analysis and risks of investing in the UCITS Fund can be found in
its offering materials. Potential clients or Investors should read the offering materials(s) in its
entirety before determining whether to invest.
ITEM 9 – DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
Not applicable.
ITEM 10 – OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS
Portolan Investments, LLC, an affiliate of Portolan, is the general partner of each of the Portolan
Equity Fund, LP, the Portolan Select Fund, LP, and the Portolan Co-Investment Fund, LP (as
described in greater detail in Item 7 above). Any person acting on behalf of Portolan Investments,
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LLC is subject to the supervision and control of Portolan in connection with any investment
advisory activities.
In addition, Portolan and Portolan Investments, LLC have claimed an exemption from registration
with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) as a commodity pool operator
with respect to the Private Funds, pursuant to Rule 4.13(a)(3) of the Commodity Exchange Act of
1936, as amended. Neither Portolan nor Portolan’s management persons are registered, or have an
application pending to register, as a broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-dealer.
ITEM 11 – CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT
TRANSACTIONS AND PERSONAL TRADING
Portolan has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) in accordance with Investment Advisers Act
Rule 204A-1 applicable to all of its supervised persons. The Code is based on the principle that
Portolan and its supervised persons owe a fiduciary duty to Portolan’s Clients, and it includes
provisions relating to the confidentiality of Client information, a prohibition on insider trading,
restrictions on the acceptance of significant gifts and the reporting of certain gifts and business
entertainment items, and personal securities trading procedures and restrictions, among other
matters. The Code also requires supervised persons to report violations of the Code, typically to
the Chief Compliance Officer, and allows the imposition of sanctions (including warning,
disgorgement of economic benefit and termination of employment) for violations. All supervised
persons at Portolan must acknowledge and certify their compliance with the terms of the Code,
including certification of compliance with applicable federal securities laws and regulations,
annually or more frequently when amended, and at the time of the individual’s hiring. A copy of
the Code is available to Clients and prospective Clients upon request.
The personal securities trading provisions of the Code generally require pre-clearance from the
compliance team for all Portolan employee transactions in non-exempt covered securities, which
includes publicly traded securities, among other security types that Portolan believes may create a
potential for conflicts of interest. Transactions in money market funds and government securities,
mutual funds and exchange traded funds, as well as other security types that Portolan does not
believe create a potential for conflicts of interest, typically do not require pre-clearance. The Code
also contains a 30-day holding period requirement, subject to limited exceptions. Additionally,
transactions executed in exempted accounts for which an independent fiduciary has investment
discretion and which is not subject to the control or influence of the supervised person, do not
require pre-clearance. The Code also contains procedures to prevent trading when Portolan is in
possession of material non-public information.
The Code generally requires disclosure of all personal securities holdings and covered accounts
upon commencement of employment and quarterly thereafter as well as quarterly reporting of all
personal securities transactions and covered accounts. Pursuant to the Code, employees may not
participate in initial public offerings or acquire privately placed securities without prior written
approval from the compliance team.
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Portolan anticipates that, in appropriate circumstances, consistent with Clients’ investment
objectives, it will cause accounts over which Portolan has management authority to effect, and will
recommend to investment advisory Clients or prospective clients, the purchase or sale of securities
in which Portolan, its affiliates and/or Clients, directly or indirectly, have an interest. Supervised
persons of Portolan may trade for their own accounts in securities which are recommended to
and/or purchased for Portolan’s Clients, subject to requirements of pre-clearance under the Code.
In certain circumstances, these proposed transactions may be requested by supervised persons at
or about the same time that they are recommended for Clients, and in this case the compliance
team would not expect to approve the transaction. Specifically, any supervised person requesting
pre-clearance of a proposed transaction must represent, among other things, that to the best of
his/her knowledge, either (i) Portolan has no foreseeable interest in investing in the security for
Clients or (ii) the proposed transaction is of a type and size that it cannot be expected to have any
impact on the investment performance of any Client. The compliance team may also request
additional information and consult with the investment team prior to rendering a decision.
Certain inherent conflicts of interest also arise from the fact that, in addition to their respective
obligations with respect to each Client, Portolan and its supervised persons may carry on
investment activities for other Client accounts, for their own accounts and for family members and
others. Portolan and its affiliates may give advice and recommend securities to, or buy securities
for, Clients and others which advice or securities may differ from advice given to, or securities
recommended or bought for, any particular Client, even though their investment objectives may
be the same or similar. Further investment activities of Portolan and its affiliates (including
investment in differing strategies) may give rise to additional conflicts of interest. Portolan does
not effect principal transactions with a Client without the consent of the Client in accordance with
Portolan’s compliance policies and the applicable Client’s offering documents.
In the case of all conflicts of interest, Portolan determines the relevant factors specific to that
circumstance and addresses the conflict in its sole discretion using its best judgment. When
conflicts arise, Portolan may consider various factors, both short- and long-term, which are
designed to mitigate, but may not eliminate, conflicts of interest: Portolan will not effect a
transaction for a Client account unless it believes that such transaction is appropriate, considered
solely from the viewpoint of the Private Funds or UCITS Fund, or as expressed by a Separate
Account or Sub-Advised Client; Portolan has implemented and maintains a compliance program
that seeks to establish procedures to identify, address and mitigate conflicts and potential conflicts;
and Portolan discloses key potential conflicts in the offering materials with respect to its Private
Funds or the UCITS Fund so that prior to subscribing for interests in the Private Funds or the
UCITS Fund, each Investor receives information relating to significant potential conflicts of
interest arising from the proposed activities of such Private Fund or the UCITS Fund.
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ITEM 12 – BROKERAGE PRACTICES
Broker Selection, Best Execution and Soft Dollar Benefits
Portolan assumes general supervision over placement of securities orders for the Client portfolios
it manages. Portolan utilizes various broker-dealers to execute trades, including full-service firms,
execution-only firms, and electronic trading systems, including electronic communication
networks. In selecting a broker-dealer for a specific transaction, Portolan evaluates a several
criteria and seeks to obtain “best execution” after considering a variety of factors, such as execution
price, reasonableness of commissions, size and type of the transaction, speed of execution,
anonymity, transaction settlement, financial condition of the broker-dealer, and reliability and
efficiency of electronic trading systems, among other factors. When selecting a broker, Portolan
may also consider a broker-dealer’s arranging for participation in road shows and similar access
to the management teams of various issuers, the broker-dealer’s arranging for access to the
research capabilities of the broker-dealer, the effectiveness of industry and company research
provided by the broker-dealer, and the quality of ideas and analysis provided by the broker-dealer.
Clients may pay commissions higher than those obtainable from other broker-dealers in return for
the above-described considerations when Portolan determines in good faith that the commissions
charged are reasonable relative to the value of the brokerage and research products and services
provided by such broker. Portolan monitors its trading activity to measure trade execution quality,
including comparing execution prices with prices in the market. Portolan also uses a broker vote
system to obtain qualitative information from its investment and trading team regarding the
execution, research and other products and services provided by broker-dealers.
Commissions generated from Client brokerage transactions with broker-dealers from which
Portolan receives research products and services is generally referred to as “soft dollars.” Portolan
uses “soft dollars” for services and products in connection with the execution of Client
transactions, consistent with Section 28(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. The receipt of such research services does not compromise Portolan’s obligation to seek
the best overall execution for its Clients.
Portolan may acquire with soft dollars proprietary research created or developed by the broker-
dealer, and research created or developed by third parties with which certain broker-dealers have
arrangements, including: company and industry research, research on markets, data and data
analytics, statistical and quotation services, industry periodicals, expert networks, seminars and
conferences for investment research, in addition to other services and products that assist Portolan
in the performance of its investment responsibilities. Portolan does not currently acquire any
products or services with soft dollars that have non-research or non-brokerage uses and therefore
has not engaged in mixed use allocations. The Chief Compliance Officer, or his or her designee,
approves all new soft dollar arrangements and reviews all soft dollar arrangements on a regular
basis.
When Portolan uses Client brokerage commissions to obtain research or other products or services,
Portolan will receive a benefit because it will not have to produce or pay directly for the research,
products or services that are provided. As a result, Portolan may have an incentive to select a
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Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure
broker-dealer based on its interest in receiving the research or other products or services, rather
than on Clients’ interest in receiving most favorable execution. Portolan may pay a broker-dealer
a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker-dealer might have charged for the
same transaction in recognition of research and brokerage related services provided by the broker-
dealer.
Portolan uses research services and products acquired with soft dollars collectively across all
Client accounts. There is no direct relationship between commissions received by a broker-dealer
from a particular Client’s transactions and the use of any or all of that broker-dealer’s research
material in relation to that Client’s account.
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A Private Fund’s prime broker and other brokers may, in addition to their services (and not for any
additional compensation), sponsor conferences or seminars or provide so
called “capital
introduction services” in which consultants and prospective institutional investors may be
introduced to Portolan, consistent with private placement limitations. Portolan does not consider
whether it or a related person receives capital introduction services or other client referrals from a
broker-dealer or third party in selecting or recommending broker-dealers.
Directed Brokerage
Portolan does not recommend, request or require that a Client direct Portolan to execute
transactions through a specified broker-dealer. In cases where a Client directs Portolan to use a
specified broker-dealer(s) to execute all or a portion of their transactions, Portolan will use the
broker-dealer as directed by the Client. When a Client directs Portolan to use a particular broker-
dealer, Portolan does not negotiate commissions and the Client may pay a higher commission. In
addition, the transactions generally cannot be included in “block trades” which may produce lower
commissions due to volume discounts. Accordingly, when a Client directs the use of a particular
broker-dealer, transactions for such Client may not receive best execution, which may cost such
Client more money.
Trade Allocation and Aggregation
Portolan frequently purchases or sells the same securities for more than one Client account at the
same time. In determining whether or not a Client account will participate in a “block” or
aggregated purchase or sale of a particular security, Portolan considers investment objectives,
guidelines and restrictions applicable to the Client’s account, anticipated subscriptions and
redemptions and other liquidity requirements, the size of an available investment, the supply or
demand for a particular security at a given price level, and the investment programs and portfolio
positions of each Client, including any differing regulatory, tax, investment and other
considerations. To identify and mitigate potential conflicts associated with trades that are not
aggregated or Clients not participating in aggregated trades, aggregated trades are monitored in
accordance with Portolan’s compliance policies.
When Portolan aggregates purchase and sale orders for Client accounts, all Client accounts that
participate in an aggregated trade receive the average share price for all transactions executed for
the aggregated trade order during that trading day and all accounts share in the commissions and
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Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure
other transaction costs relating to such trade order on a pro rata basis. If an aggregated purchase or
sale order is not completed, if demand for a security exceeds available supply, and/or if in
Portolan’s opinion the order cannot be filled in one trading day, the shares executed will be
allocated across all participating accounts on a pro rata basis based on each account’s net assets at
the time of the allocation. Portolan may elect to allocate executed shares utilizing a method other
than pro rata based on net assets if all Client accounts receive fair and equitable treatment over
time. Any exception to the standard allocation methodology must be pre-approved by the
compliance team and documented.
On occasion, Portolan may deem it to be in the best interests of its Clients for two or more Clients
to transact with one another, or to otherwise reallocate securities transactions between Clients.
Portolan maintains policies and procedures, including the review and oversight of such
transactions, intended to limit the potential conflicts of interest inherent in cross transactions.
Portolan’s policies and procedures seek to ensure that all cross transactions are, in the reasonable
determination of Portolan, in the best interests of each Client participating therein. Such
transactions will comply with all fiduciary requirements and any legal or other requirements
established by Portolan for the benefit of each of the Clients which participate in such transaction
and will be executed at market price or fair value, measured in accordance with Portolan’s
valuation policies and procedures.
ITEM 13 – REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS
The Chief Investment Officer and/or research analysts review Client accounts’ position size and
the appropriateness of the continued holding of such positions at such sizes on a regular basis.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the review of a Client accounts’ position size may also be
performed by a trader. The Chief Compliance Officer, or his or her designee, also engages in pre-
and post-trade reviews, and periodic reviews for compliance with account-specific investment
guidelines and restrictions for each such account.
Investors in the Private Funds receive unaudited written performance reports on a monthly basis,
a monthly statement of account from the Private Fund’s administrator, and annual audited financial
statements. In addition, from time to time, Portolan may prepare a letter to Investors addressing
various investment matters; however, these letters are not provided on a routine basis. Separate
Account Clients receive account information from their custodian, and typically receive separate
reports from Portolan on a monthly or quarterly basis. Further, Clients and Fund Investors may
and do consult with Portolan (primarily the Chief Investment Officer) from time to time and/or
request additional periodic updates and written presentations.
Portolan is also required to provide periodic reporting in its capacity as sub-adviser to registered
investment companies and as investment manager to the UCITS Fund. This periodic reporting may
include performance information, portfolio holdings information, transaction details, among other
portfolio information as agreed upon with the Sub-Advised Client and UCITS Fund.
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Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure
ITEM 14 – CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION
Not applicable.
ITEM 15 – CUSTODY
The assets of each Private Fund are held in custody with an unaffiliated qualified custodian, which
may also be a prime broker. The assets of the UCITS Fund are held in custody with an unaffiliated
qualified custodian. Each Private Fund and the UCITS Fund is audited annually by an independent
accountant governed by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and in respect of the
UCITS Fund, the International Accounting Standards Board, and Investors in each Private Fund
and the UCITS Fund are sent audited financial statements (prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards, as applicable) within
120 days following the applicable Private Fund’s or UCITS Fund’s fiscal year end.
Investors should carefully review the Private Funds’ audited financial statements and compare
these statements to any financial information that may be distributed by Portolan.
Separate Account Clients should receive at least quarterly statements from the qualified custodian
that holds and maintains the Separate Account Client’s investment assets. Portolan urges Separate
Account Clients to carefully review and compare official custodial statements to information
provided by Portolan, including fee statements.
ITEM 16 – INVESTMENT DISCRETION
Clients typically grant Portolan discretionary authority to select the identity and amount of
securities and other investments to be bought or sold pursuant to their advisory agreements with
Portolan, and grant Portolan a limited power of attorney to execute transactions in their account.
Portolan’s fiduciary duty requires it to provide investment advice that is suitable and appropriate
to a particular Client, and to have an adequate basis in fact for its investment recommendations. In
all cases, the advisory agreements provide that such discretion is to be exercised in a manner
consistent with the stated investment objectives and restrictions for the particular client account.
Portolan has discretionary authority over the investment decisions for the Private Funds pursuant
to the organizational documents of each Private Fund and as described in each Private Fund’s
offering materials, which also establish and describe the investment objectives and restrictions for
the particular Private Fund.
ITEM 17 – VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES
Portolan has adopted proxy voting policies and procedures pursuant to Rule 206(4)-7 under the
Advisers Act. Portolan may be authorized to vote proxies for shares held in Client accounts,
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Form ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure
although Clients may in the alternative retain the right to vote proxies for their shares. Portolan’s
authority to vote proxies for client shares is established by advisory contracts or comparable
documents. For Clients for which Portolan has proxy voting authority, Portolan generally will not
have the ability to accept direction from Clients on a particular proxy solicitation.
Portolan maintains written policies and procedures that address the handling, research, and voting
of proxies and the review and reporting of proxy voting, including disclosure and management of
potential conflicts of interest. In situations where Portolan has identified a potential conflict of
interest with respect to voting client proxies, Portolan may determine whether it is appropriate to
disclose the conflict to the affected Client(s), may give the Client the opportunity to vote the
proxies themselves, may address the conflict through other objective means, or may take a
different or additional action, as appropriate.
Where Portolan has discretion to vote Client proxies, Portolan has entered into a service agreement
with an independent third party, Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”), to vote Client proxies.
ISS provides proxy voting support with regard to casting votes and maintaining voting records for
all proxy statements where Portolan is authorized to vote. Portolan has adopted proxy voting
guidelines, working with ISS, and ISS votes in accordance with the guidelines adopted by Portolan,
consulting with Portolan for instruction when the guidelines do not address a circumstance or when
ISS requires additional information. ISS pre-populates proposals based on the guidelines; however,
Portolan can instruct ISS to vote either for or against a particular type of proposal. Proposals for
which a voting decision has been pre-populated are automatically voted by ISS pursuant to the
voting instructions as determined by the guidelines. Clients may contact Portolan directly at the
address on the cover of this document to obtain a copy of its proxy voting policies and for
information on how proxies were voted for their accounts.
ITEM 18 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Not applicable.
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