Kroll Bond Rating Agency has affirmed the BBB+ issuer andsenior unsecured debt ratings with a stable outlook for

The rating agency said the ratings reflect the company's focuson senior secured debt, positive asset quality performance and appropriateleverage metrics. Additionally, the ratings are supported by Hercules Capital'sproven access to capital markets, its expertise in investing in venture-backedcompanies with strong growth potential as well as robust risk management andmonitoring practices, Kroll said.