Gladstone Investment Corporation functions as a private equity firm, channeling its investments into the lower middle market. Its primary activities involve strategic acquisitions, buyouts of mature enterprises, corporate recapitalizations, and refinancing existing debt. The fund utilizes a broad spectrum of financial instruments, including various senior debt securities such as senior loans, term loans, credit lines, and notes; senior subordinated debt instruments; and junior subordinated debt, encompassing mezzanine loans and subordinated notes. It also invests in limited liability company interests, warrants, and options. Critically, the fund does not engage in early-stage or start-up ventures. Its investment focus is on small and mid-sized United States-based companies within the manufacturing, consumer products, and business services/distribution sectors. Debt investments typically range from $5 million to $30 million, while equity investments are usually between $10 million and $40 million. Target companies generally have annual sales between $20 million and $100 million, and EBITDA between $3 million and $20 million. The fund frequently seeks minority equity ownership combined with a board seat, but also demonstrates a preference for securing majority stakes in its portfolio companies. Investments are typically maintained for around seven years, with exit strategies including outright sale, recapitalization, an initial public offering, or a sale to a third party.