Leadership Transition at Horizon Technology Finance: Michael Balkin Takes the Helm

Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: HRZN), a specialty finance company specializing in venture debt and secured lending, has unveiled its succession plan with significant leadership changes set for June 5, 2025. Founders Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr. and Gerald A. Michaud will step down from their executive roles, while Michael P. Balkin, previously an independent director since June 2023, will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer.

New Leadership Era for Venture Debt Specialist

Michael P. Balkin’s appointment represents a strategic shift in company direction, bringing decades of investment management expertise to the venture finance sector. With over three decades of experience as a Partner and Co-Manager of the Small-Cap Growth Fund at William Blair, combined with his tenure as Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Magnetar Investment Management—a subsidiary of Magnetar Capital—Balkin brings a wealth of portfolio construction knowledge to Horizon’s expanding platform.

The transition underscores Horizon’s commitment to strengthening its venture debt operations and directing capital toward high-quality, small-cap growth companies. As an externally managed entity affiliated with Monroe Capital, Horizon has positioned itself as a leading specialty finance provider to venture capital and private equity-backed companies across technology, life sciences, healthcare information services, and sustainability sectors.

Recognizing Outgoing Leadership

Pomeroy will remain as Chairman of the Board following his retirement, ensuring continuity in strategic oversight. Michaud will remain engaged with the company through year-end, facilitating a smooth knowledge transfer. Pomeroy acknowledged Balkin’s qualifications, noting his experience in investment portfolio management and his track record developing small-cap and technology companies as both portfolio manager and board member.

Theodore L. Koenig, Chairman and CEO of Monroe Capital, emphasized that the succession planning reflects collaborative governance and positions Balkin to guide Horizon into its next growth phase. Monroe Capital, a premier asset management firm, specializes in private credit strategies including direct lending, technology finance, venture debt, structured credit, and real estate investments.

Strategic Focus on Warrant-Backed Returns

Balkin outlined his vision upon accepting the role, emphasizing continuity with Horizon’s core investment objective: maximizing portfolio returns through dual income generation from debt investments and capital appreciation via warrants received during lending transactions. The strategy maintains focus on portfolio diversification, risk mitigation, and sustainable growth across Horizon’s footprint—headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, with offices in Pleasanton, California, and investment professionals distributed nationwide.

This leadership evolution reflects the maturation of Horizon’s business model and positions the company to capitalize on continued demand for venture debt financing in growth-stage companies.