UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a party other than the Registrant [
]
Check the appropriate box:
|
[X] |
Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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[ ] |
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
|
[ ] |
Definitive Proxy Statement |
|
[ ] |
Definitive Additional Materials |
|
[ ] |
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
RENN Fund, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other
Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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[X] |
No fee required. |
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[ ] |
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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[ ] |
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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[ ] |
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule, and the date of its filing. |
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Date filed: |
RENN
fUND, INC.
c/o Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC
470 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON Thursday, September 18, 2025
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
To the Shareholders of RENN FUND, INC.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of RENN Fund, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Fund”), will be held at the
offices of Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC (the “Advisor”), 470 Park Avenue South, 3rd Floor South, New York,
NY 10016 on September 18, 2025 at 2:00 pm EST. The Annual Meeting will also be held in a virtual format conducted via live audio webcast
for the following purposes:
| (1) | to elect Douglas J. Cohen as a Director of the Fund, who
is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until his successor is elected and qualified; |
| (2) | to elect Russell Cleveland as a Director of the Fund, who
is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until his successor is elected and qualified; |
| (3) | to elect Alice C. Brennan as a Director of the Fund, who
is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until her successor is elected and qualified; |
| (4) | to elect Anita L. Allen as a Director of the Fund, who is
to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until her successor is elected and qualified; |
| (5) | to elect Melinda J. Newman as a Director of the Fund, who
is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until her successor is elected and qualified; |
| (6) | to ratify the appointment by the Fund’s Board of Directors
of Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, as the auditor of the Fund for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025; |
In addition, the Fund consider the transaction of such
other business as may properly come before the meeting or at any adjournments or postponements.
The close of business on July 22, 2025, has been fixed
as the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment. The enclosed
proxy is being solicited on behalf of the Board.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The Annual Meeting is currently scheduled to take
place in person, and all stockholders are invited to attend the annual meeting. The Annual Meeting will also be held in a virtual format
conducted via live audio webcast online. The Fund strongly encourages all shareholders who wish to attend and participate in the Annual
Meeting to carefully follow the procedures described herein to ensure they can attend and participate in the Annual Meeting in person
or virtually via live audio webcast online.
In order to participate in the
Annual Meeting, shareholders must register by following this link https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2041112942864183385.
Once registered, an email will be sent containing instructions on how to join the webinar either through the Internet or an audio connection.
The Fund encourages all shareholders to register in advance for the Annual Meeting. Shareholders will be able to listen, vote, and submit
questions from their home or from any location. Questions may also be submitted in advance and emailed to rennfund@horizonkinetics.com.
The Fund suggests all shareholders submit their votes
well in advance of the Annual Meeting. Stockholders may vote on their shares: (1) by telephone; (2) via the Internet; or (3) by completing,
signing, dating, and returning the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed, self-addressed, postage-paid envelope. Specific instructions
for voting by telephone or via the Internet are on the accompanying proxy card. Prompt response by shareholders will reduce the time and
expense of solicitation. To ensure proper representation at the Annual Meeting, please complete, sign, date, and return the proxy card
in the enclosed, self-addressed envelope.
Shareholders may revoke their proxy at any time prior
to the Annual Meeting. If shareholders decide to attend the Annual Meeting virtually and wish to change their vote, they may do so by
faxing their completed proxy card to (718) 765-8730 at the Annual Meeting. Even if a shareholder votes their shares prior to the Annual
Meeting, they still may attend the Annual Meeting either in person or virtually.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ JAY KESSLEN
Jay Kesslen
Vice-President
New York, New York
[ ]
RENN FUND, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON
Thursday, September 18, 2025
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to the shareholders
of RENN Fund, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Fund”). The Fund’s Board of Directors is soliciting proxies to be voted
at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at the offices of Horizon Kinetics Asset Management
LLC, 470 Park Avenue South, 3rd Floor South, New York, NY 10016 on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM Eastern Standard
Time, and at any adjournment(s). The Annual Meeting will also be held in a virtual format conducted via live audio webcast. This Proxy
Statement is being sent to Shareholders on or about July 11, 2025.
All directors are up for election
at this shareholder meeting.
The accompanying proxy card is designed to permit
each shareholder to vote for or against, or to abstain from voting on, the proposals described in this Proxy Statement (collectively,
the “Proposals”). When a shareholder’s executed proxy card specifies a choice with respect to a voting matter, the shares
will be voted accordingly. If no specifications are made, then the proxy will be voted by the persons serving as proxies at the Meeting
FOR the Proposals:
1. to
elect Douglas J. Cohen as a Director of the Fund, who is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until his successor is elected
and qualified;
2. to
elect Russell Cleveland as a Director of the Fund, who is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until his successor is
elected and qualified;
3. to
elect Alice C. Brennan as a Director of the Fund, who is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until her successor is elected
and qualified;
4. to
elect Anita L. Allen as a Director of the Fund, who is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until her successor is elected
and qualified;
5. to
elect Melinda J. Newman as a Director of the Fund, who is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until her successor is
elected and qualified;
6. to
ratify the appointment by the Fund’s Board of Directors of Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, as the auditor of the Fund for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2025;
In addition, we will consider the transaction of such
other business as may properly come before the meeting or at any adjournments or postponements.
The Board of Directors encourages
shareholders to participate in the Annual Meeting either in person or virtually by registering in advance through the following link:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2041112942864183385
Once registered, an email will be
sent containing instructions on how to join the webinar either through the Internet or an audio connection. Shareholders will be able
to listen, vote, and submit questions from any location. Questions may also be submitted in advance and emailed to rennfund@horizonkinetics.com.
Executing and returning the accompanying proxy card will not affect a shareholder’s right to attend the Annual Meeting. Any shareholder
who was given a proxy has the right to revoke it at any time before it is voted by giving written notice of revocation prior to the date
of the meeting to Corporate Secretary, RENN Fund, Inc., c/o Horizon Kinetics Asset Management, LLC, 470 Park Avenue South, 3rd
Floor South, New York, NY 10016, by executing and delivering a later-dated proxy. No revocation notice, or later-dated proxy, however,
will be effective until received by the Fund at, or prior to, the Annual Meeting. Revocation will not affect a vote on any matters taken
prior to the receipt of the revocation. Mere in person or virtual attendance at the Annual Meeting will not by itself revoke the proxy.
In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, officers
and Directors of the Fund and officers, directors, and employees of the Adviser may solicit the return of proxies by mail, telephone,
and facsimile. These persons will not receive additional compensation for their services but will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses
by Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC. After the date of this Proxy Statement, but prior to the date of the Annual Meeting, the Fund
may engage a proxy solicitation firm at a cost to be negotiated but paid for by Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC. Brokerage houses
and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries will be requested by the Fund to forward solicitation material to the beneficial owners
of shares. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC will pay all costs of solicitation.
Shareholders may obtain copies of
the Fund’s proxy materials and of its Annual Shareholders Report for the year ended December 31, 2024, from the Fund’s website
at https://horizonkinetics.com/products/closed-end-funds/renn/ or by calling EQ, our transfer agent, at 1-(888) 776-9962 or 201-299-6210
for international callers, and request that a copy be mailed free of charge.
The Fund’s principal offices are located at
470 Park Avenue South, 3rd Floor South, New York, New York 10016, which is the current address of Horizon Kinetics Asset Management
LLC. Shareholders will be allowed entry into this location or may participate virtually at the Annual Meeting by following the instructions
contained herein.
PURPOSES OF THE MEETING
At the Annual Meeting, shareholders will consider
and vote upon the following matters:
1. to elect
Douglas J. Cohen as a Director of the Fund, who is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until his successor is elected and
qualified;
2. to elect
Russell Cleveland as a Director of the Fund, who is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until his successor is elected and
qualified;
3. to elect
Alice C. Brennan as a Director of the Fund, who is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until her successor is elected and
qualified;
4. to elect
Anita L. Allen as a Director of the Fund, who is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until her successor is elected and
qualified;
5. to elect
Melinda J. Newman as a Director of the Fund, who is to hold office for a term of one (1) year or until her successor is elected and
qualified;
6. to ratify
the appointment by the Fund’s Board of Directors of Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, as the auditor of the Fund for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 2025;
In addition, we will consider the transaction of such
other business as may properly come before the meeting or at any adjournments or postponements.
RECORD DATE AND SHARE OWNERSHIP
The close of business on July 22, 2025, has been fixed
as the record date (the “Record Date”) for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting
and any adjournment. At the close of business on June 30, 2025, the Fund had outstanding [7,015,786] shares of common stock held by approximately
[ ] registered owners and [ ] beneficial owners.
QUORUM REQUIRED
A quorum must be present at the Annual Meeting for
any business to be conducted. The presence at the Annual Meeting, in person, virtually, or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of all
the shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will constitute a quorum. Abstentions will be treated as shares present for quorum purposes.
Shares held in street name for which the broker has not received voting instructions from the record holder and does not have discretionary
authority to vote the shares on certain Proposals (which are considered “Broker Non-Votes” with respect to such Proposals)
will be treated as shares present for quorum purposes.
If a quorum is not present at the Annual Meeting, the
shareholders who are represented may adjourn the Annual Meeting until a quorum is present. The persons named as proxies will vote those
proxies for such adjournment, unless marked to be voted against any Proposal for which an adjournment is sought, to permit the further
solicitation of proxies.
VOTE REQUIRED
Each share of common stock of the Fund is entitled
to one vote on each matter to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting. The common stock is the only class of securities of the Fund entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting. A shareholder is entitled to vote all shares of common stock held of record at the close of business on
the Record Date, in person, virtually, or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting. There are no cumulative voting rights. All votes will be tabulated
by the Inspector of Elections appointed for the meeting, who will separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes, abstentions, and
broker non-votes.
Approval of the election of the Director (Proposal
One). The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is sufficient to independently elect Douglas
J. Cohen as a Director. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be considered votes cast, and therefore will have no effect
on the outcome of the election of the nominees.
Approval of the election of the Director (Proposal
Two). The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is sufficient to independently elect Russell
Cleveland as a Director. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be considered votes cast, and therefore will have no effect
on the outcome of the election of the nominees.
Approval of the election of the Director (Proposal
Three). The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is sufficient to independently elect
Alice C. Brennan as a Director. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be considered votes cast, and therefore will have no
effect on the outcome of the election of the nominees.
Approval of the election of the Director (Proposal
Four). The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is sufficient to independently elect
Anita L. Allen as a Director. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be considered votes cast, and therefore will have no
effect on the outcome of the election of the nominees.
Approval of the election of the Director (Proposal
Five). The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is sufficient to independently elect
Melinda J. Newman as a Director. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be considered votes cast, and therefore will have
no effect on the outcome of the election of the nominees.
Ratification of the Board’s appointment
of auditor of the Fund for the 2025 fiscal year (Proposal Six). The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present, in person,
virtually, or by proxy, and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for the ratification of the selection of the Fund’s
independent auditor. An abstention will have the effect of a vote against the ratification of the appointment of Tait, Weller & Baker
LLP, as the Fund’s independent auditor. Shares represented by broker non-votes, if any, will not be considered entitled to vote
on this Proposal, and therefore will not have any effect on the outcome of the vote to ratify the appointment of the auditor.
Broker-dealers are prohibited from voting on certain
matters for which they have not received voting instructions from the beneficial owners of shares held in street name. Proxies submitted
by brokers for non-routine proposals are considered “broker non-votes” with respect to such matters, and the shares represented
by those proxies will not be considered entitled to vote on such matters but will be deemed present at the Annual Meeting for purposes
of establishing a quorum. Under applicable stock exchange rules, broker-dealers are permitted to vote, in their discretion, on certain
routine matters, such as the ratification of the appointment of auditors. Therefore, the Fund does not expect that there will be any broker
non-votes on Proposal One through Seven.
Additional solicitation. If there are
not enough votes to approve any Proposals at the Annual Meeting, the shareholders who are present or represented may adjourn the Annual
Meeting to permit the further solicitation of proxies. The persons named as proxies will vote those proxies for such adjournment, unless
marked to be voted against any Proposal for which an adjournment is sought to permit, the further solicitation of proxies. Also, a shareholder
vote may be taken on any of the Proposals in this Proxy Statement prior to any such adjournment if there are sufficient votes for approval
of such Proposal.
VOTING ELECTRONICALLY VIA THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE
In lieu of mailing in the proxy card, shareholders
whose shares are registered in their own names may vote either via the Internet or by telephone. Specific instructions to be followed
by any registered shareholder interested in voting via the Internet or by telephone are set forth on the enclosed proxy card. The Internet
and telephone voting procedures are designed to authenticate the shareholder’s identity and to allow shareholders to vote their
shares and confirm that their voting instructions have been properly recorded.
If shares are registered in the name of a bank or
brokerage firm, shareholders may be eligible to vote their shares electronically over the Internet or by telephone. A large number of
banks and brokerage firms are participating in the Broadridge Investor Communications Services online program, which provides eligible
street-name shareholders the opportunity to vote via the Internet or by telephone. If the bank or brokerage firm is participating in that
program, they will furnish a proxy card with instructions. If the proxy card does not reference Internet or telephone information, please
complete and return the proxy card in the self-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided. To vote in person at the Annual Meeting, shareholders
must first obtain a valid legal proxy from their broker, bank or other agent and then register in advance to attend the Annual Meeting.
Shareholders should follow the instructions from their broker or bank included with these proxy materials or contact their broker or bank
to request a legal proxy form.
After obtaining a valid legal
proxy from their broker, bank or other agent, to then register to attend the Annual Meeting, shareholders must submit proof of legal
proxy reflecting the number of shares along with their name and email address to EQ. Requests for registration should be directed to
proxy@equiniti.com or to facsimile number 718-765-8730. Written requests can be mailed to:
EQ, PO Box 500, Newark, NJ 07101
Requests for registration must
be labeled as “Legal Proxy” and be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on September 9, 2025. Shareholders will
receive a confirmation of your registration by email after we receive your registration materials.
Shareholders
may attend the Annual Meeting in person or attend virtually. Shareholders must first register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2041112942864183385. Once registered, an email will be sent containing instructions on how to join the webinar either through
the Internet or an audio connection. Shareholders will be able to listen, vote, and submit questions from their home or from any location.
Questions may be submitted in advance and emailed to rennfund@horizonkinetics.com. We encourage shareholders to register for the meeting
prior to the start time leaving ample time for the check in.
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information
known to the Fund with respect to beneficial ownership of the Fund’s common stock as of June 30, 2025, for: (i) all persons who
are beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund’s common stock; (ii) each Director and nominee for Director
of the Fund; and (iii) all executive officers and Directors of the Fund as a group. The Fund has no officers other than the individuals
named in the table below.
Name of Beneficial Owners1 |
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned Directly or Indirectly |
Percent of Class |
Russell Cleveland, Director2 |
359,6183 |
5.13% |
Alice C. Brennan, Director |
2,350 |
0.03% |
Douglas J. Cohen, Director |
500 |
0.01% |
Anita L. Allen, Director |
653 |
0.009% |
Melinda J. Newman, Director |
2,000 |
0.03% |
Murray Stahl, President, Chief Executive Officer, CFO and Co-Portfolio Manager |
561,5864 |
8.00% |
Peter B. Doyle, Co-Portfolio Manager |
13,3345 |
0.19% |
Steven M. Bregman, Co-Portfolio Manager |
4,934 |
0.07% |
Jay Kesslen, Vice-President |
42,863 |
0.61% |
Alun Williams, Treasurer |
1,100 |
0.02% |
Russ Grimaldi, CCO and Secretary |
411 |
0.01% |
Foxhunt Crescent, LP6 |
618,495 |
8.82% |
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group |
1,607,844 |
22.92% |
(12 persons) |
| 1 | The address of all persons named in the table is c/o Horizon
Kinetics Asset Management LLC, 470 Park Avenue South, 4th Fl South, New York, New York 10016. |
| 2 | Mr. Cleveland is an “interested person” of the Fund
as defined by Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act by virtue of being a limited partner in the Cleveland Family Limited Partnership, which
owns more than 5% of the Fund’s securities. |
| 3 | All shares are owned by the Cleveland Family Limited Partnership,
of which Mr. Cleveland is the managing partner and also a limited partner. |
| 4 | Mr. Stahl along with his wife have a direct ownership interest
in 5,802 shares, all of which were purchased with personal funds. Mr. Stahl has an indirect ownership interest in approximately 555,784
shares. These shares were purchased with funds from the accounts that purchased such shares, which includes funds deposited by other
investors including Mr. Stahl. Mr. Stahl disclaims beneficial ownership, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest over the remaining
shares. |
| 5 | These shares are held by Mr. Doyle’s spouse. |
| 6 | https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/919567/000167555023000001/fc13ga23.txt |
None of the above individuals beneficially owns
equity securities in registered investment companies within the same Family of Investment Companies as the Fund. A “Family of
Investment Companies” is two or more registered investment companies that share the same investment adviser and hold
themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investment services. The Fund is not currently
grouped with any such companies. None of the above individuals directly or indirectly owns beneficially or of record any class of
securities of any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser, other than as disclosed above
regarding the Fund.
PROPOSALs
ONE, two, three, FOUR, and FIVE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the Fund’s Restated Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws, the Board of Directors is to consist of no less than three Directors and no more than ten Directors, the number
of which may be increased or decreased from time to time by resolution adopted by a majority of the Board.
The term of office for a Director
shall be one year (“Term”). Thereafter, at each annual meeting, the shareholders shall elect the candidates to fill the vacancy
of all Directors annually. In the event that the number of Directors is increased, the Term of office of such added directorships shall
be one year. In the event that the number of Directors is decreased, the remaining Directors shall serve their Term as elected. At each
annual election, the persons receiving a majority of votes shall be the Directors. The Director so elected shall hold office for the Term
provided and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, disqualification, or
removal.
The nominee for Director who receive the majority
of the votes cast for the directorship will be elected.
INFORMATION CONCERNING NOMINEES AND CONTINUING DIRECTOR
Term of Office. The term of office for
all Directors expires at this Annual Meeting. The term of office for all Directors is one year.
Name7 |
Position(s) Held with the Fund, Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years, and Other Directorships |
Current Term and Time Served |
Portfolios in Fund Complex8 Overseen by Director or Nominee |
Interested Directors: |
Russell Cleveland9 |
Director of the Fund (principal occupation) |
Annual/Since 1994 |
One |
Age 86 |
|
Until 2025 Annual Meeting/Since 1994 |
|
Other Directorships: |
|
|
Former Director of AnchorFree, Inc. |
2012 - 2018 |
|
|
|
|
Former Director of iSatori, Inc., formerly a Portfolio company (nutraceutical preparations) |
2003 - 2015 |
|
|
|
|
Former Director of Cover-All Technologies, Inc., a non-portfolio public company |
2003 - 2015 |
|
|
|
|
Former Director of Access Plans, Inc. (dir. mail/advert) |
2008 - 2009 |
|
|
|
|
Former Director of BPO Management Services, Inc. |
2006 - 2011 |
|
(business process outsourcing) |
|
|
|
|
|
Former Director of CaminoSoft (systems software) |
2004 - 2011 |
| 7 | The address of all persons named in the table is c/o Horizon
Kinetics Asset Management LLC, 470 Park Avenue South, New York, New York 10016. |
| 8 | The term “Fund Complex” means all 1940-Act-registered
investment funds, or separate portfolios of such a fund, which share a common investment adviser (or have investment advisers that are
affiliated persons) or which hold themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investment services.
The Fund is not grouped into a Fund Complex with other 1940-Act-registered investment funds. |
| 9 | Mr. Cleveland is currently considered an “interested person”
of the Fund as defined by Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act by virtue of being a limited partner in the Cleveland Family Limited Partnership,
which owns more than 5% of the Fund’s securities. |
Alice C. Brennan10 |
Director of the Fund |
Until 2025 Annual Meeting/Since 2017 |
One |
Age 72 |
|
|
|
Independent Consultant (legal and compliance risk |
Since 2014 |
|
oversight) (Principal occupation) |
|
|
|
|
|
Director, Greenback Renewable Energy Company II (Sustainable Infrastructure Company) |
Since 2022 |
|
|
|
|
Director, the FRMO Corp. (OTC: FRMO)
Director, Horizon Kinetics Holding Corporation (OTCC:
HKHC) |
Since 2021
Since 2024 |
|
|
|
|
Associate General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer,
Verizon Wireless (prior principal occupation) |
2000-2014
|
Independent Directors |
Douglas J. Cohen |
Director of the Fund |
Until 2025 Annual Meeting/Since 2022 |
One |
Age 63 |
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer, Sunrise Credit Services, Inc. |
2005-2022 |
|
|
|
|
Accounting Manager, Wagner & Zwerman, LLP |
1997-2005 |
|
|
|
|
Senior Accountant, Leon D. Alpern & Company |
1985-1997 |
|
|
|
|
Certified Public Accountant |
Since 1994 |
Anita L. Allen |
Director of the Fund |
Until 2025 Annual Meeting/Since 2024
|
One |
Age 67 |
Independent Consultant (strategy, business process, systems
and organizational performance
KPMG Consulting Partner
|
Since 2005
1993-2005 |
|
|
Other Directorships: |
|
|
|
Currant, Inc. (technology solutions) |
Since 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tingley Rubber Corporation (personal protective equipment) |
2016-2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
National Association of Corporate Directors NJ (NACD New Jersey) |
Since 2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Center for Hope & Safety - Board President |
2005-2014 |
|
| 10 | Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC is the investment adviser
to the Fund and a subsidiary of Horizon Kinetics Holding Corporation. Ms. Brennan is an “interested person” of the Fund as
defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act by virtue of being a director of Horizon Kinetics Holding Corporation. |
Melinda J. Newman |
Director of the Fund |
Until 2025 Annual Meeting/Since 2024 |
One |
Age 59 |
|
|
|
|
Senior Vice-President and Credit Team Leader, TCW Group (investment manager) |
2015-2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Vice-President and Head of Corporation Credit Research, First Pacific Advisors, LLC (investment manager) |
2013-2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager, Post Advisory Group LLC (investment advisory) |
2004-2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Directorships: |
|
|
|
Director, The FRMO Corp (OTC: FRMO)
|
Since 2025
|
|
|
Director, Wharton Alumni for Boards (alumni) |
since 2023 |
|
Co-Portfolio Managers |
|
|
Murray Stahl |
President and CEO of the Fund |
Since 2017 |
Twelve |
Age 71 |
|
|
|
|
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Strategist of Horizon Kinetics Holding |
Annual/Since 1994 |
|
|
Corporation (OTC: HKHC) (Principal Occupation)
Chief Executive Officer, FRMO Corp. (OTC: FRMO) |
Since 2001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Directorships: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director, Texas Pacific Land Corporation (royalty co.) |
Since 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director, Bermuda Stock Exchange (stock exchange) |
Since 2014 |
|
|
Chairman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director, Minneapolis Grain Exchange (commodity |
Since 2013 |
|
|
exchange) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director, MSRH, LLC (investment advisory) |
Since 2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director, Kinetics Mutual Funds (mutual funds)
|
2000 - 2025 |
|
|
Director, FRMO Corp. (OTC: FRMO)
|
2001 - 2025 |
|
|
Director, Winland Electronics, Inc. (environmental |
2015 - 2020 |
|
|
monitoring) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director, IL&FS Securities Services Ltd (securities market |
2008 -2020 |
|
|
services) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven M. Bregman |
Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund |
Since 2021 |
Ten |
Age 65 |
|
Annual/Since 1994 |
|
|
President and Co-Founder, Horizon Kinetics Holding Corporation (OTC: HKHC) (Principal Occupation) |
Since 2001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
President, CFO, and Director, FRMO Corp. |
Since 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director, Winland Electronics |
Since 2021 |
|
Peter B. Doyle |
Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund |
Since 2021 |
Eleven |
Age 62 |
|
|
|
|
Managing Director and Co-Founder, Horizon Kinetics Holding Corporation (OTC: HKHC) (Principal Occupation), President of Kinetics Mutual Funds, Inc., |
Annual/Since 1994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vice President and Director, FRMO Corp. |
Since 2001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Investment Officer, Bankers Trust Company |
1985-1994 |
|
The following table sets forth information about the
dollar range of equity securities owned by each Director in the Fund and, on an aggregate basis, in any registered investment companies
overseen or to be overseen by such person within the same Family of Investment Companies as the Fund.
Name |
Dollar Range of Shares in Fund |
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in Funds Overseen by Director or Nominee in Family of Investment Companies11 |
Interested Directors: |
Russell Cleveland |
Over $100,000 |
Over $100,000 |
Alice C. Brennan |
$0-$10,000 |
$0-$10,000 |
|
|
|
Independent Directors: |
Douglas J. Cohen |
$0-$10,000 |
$0-$10,000 |
Anita L. Allen |
$0-$10,000 |
$0-$10,000 |
Melinda J. Newman |
$0-$10,000 |
$0-$10,000 |
Co-Portfolio Managers: |
Murray Stahl |
Over $100,000 |
Over $100,000 |
Steven M. Bregman |
$0-$10,000 |
$0-$10,000 |
Peter B. Doyle |
$10,000-$50,000 |
$10,000-$50,000 |
Board Member Attributes. The following
is a summary of some of the experience, skills, and attributes that led to the conclusion that each member should serve as a Director
for the Fund:
Douglas J. Cohen
is an Independent Director of the Fund. Mr. Cohen is a CPA, previously employed at Sunrise Credit Services, Inc. for 16 years.
Prior to this, Mr. Cohen was employed as an Accounting Manager for Wagner & Zwerman, LLP and as a Senior Accountant for Leon D. Alpern
& Company. Mr. Cohen is a Director for the Kinetics Mutual Funds, Inc., where he serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee and
as a member of the Pricing Committee. Mr. Cohen received a Bachelor of Business Economics and Accounting in May of 1984 from the State
University of New York at Oneonta.
Russell Cleveland is a Chartered Financial
Analyst with more than 40 years of experience as a specialist in investments in smaller capitalization companies. A graduate of the Wharton
School of Business, Russell Cleveland has served as President of the Dallas Association of Investment Analysts. He also previously served
as the President, Chief Executive Officer, sole Director, and beneficial shareholder of all the shares of RENN Capital Group, Inc. (“RENN
Group”), the prior investment adviser to the Fund. Mr. Cleveland is deemed to be a valuable Board member due to his depth of knowledge
of the Fund, his business judgment, and extensive experience in the field of investment management.
Alice C. Brennan has served
as a corporate officer and senior legal executive at global healthcare and technology companies for more than 20 years, where she led
risk management, M&A, governance, and corporate and intellectual property law initiatives. She has deep knowledge of technology trends
and broad knowledge of the financial services sector. Ms. Brennan serves on the Board of Directors of the RENN Fund, Inc., a closed-end
investment company, FRMO Corp, a holding company, and Horizon Kinetics Holding Corporation (OTC: HKHC), an investment manager. Ms. Brennan
also serves on the Board of Directors for Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company II, a clean energy company. Previously, Ms. Brennan served
as Associate General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Verizon Wireless, and prior to that was Vice President, Secretary and Chief
Compliance Officer for Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Ms. Brennan received a Bachelor of Arts from Skidmore College, Master of Arts from
Columbia University, and her Juris Doctor from Hofstra Law School. Ms. Brennan is a NACD Certified Director and a NACD New Jersey Chapter
board member.
| 11 | The term “Family of Investment Companies” means
all 1940-Act-registered investment funds that share the same investment adviser and hold themselves out to investors as related companies
for purposes of investment and investment services. The Fund is grouped into a Family of Investment Companies with no other 1940-Act-registered
investment funds. |
Anita L. Allen is an Independent
Director of the Fund. Ms. Allen is an experienced board director and strategist, skilled in advising companies and boards. Ms. Allen is
president of Allen Advisory Group, a management consulting firm assisting clients with strategy development, digital transformation, and
performance improvement. Ms. Allen chairs Audit and Nom/Gov committees. As a KPMG consulting partner and a practice leader with P&L
responsibility, Ms. Allen was a key contributor to the growth of the management and technology consulting business. She has deep experience
in strategic planning, business process improvement, performance measurement and strategic cost management, internal controls and enterprise
risk, and the design and implementation of information systems across all functional areas. Ms. Allen holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting
from Monmouth University, and is a Certified Public Accountant. She is Board Chair Emeritus of the National Association of Corporate Directors
New Jersey Chapter – NACD New Jersey, and holds the NACD Directorship Certification. She participated as a subject matter expert
in developing the NACD Directorship Certification examination questions and review, and holds the CERT Certificate in Cybersecurity Oversight.
Melinda J. Newman is an Independent Director
of the Fund. Ms. Newman is a senior asset management executive with over 20 years of experience leading investment research teams. In
her most recent operating role at TCW, she led a team of research analysts with $15 billion invested in the corporate credit market. Ms.
Newman has expertise in financial analysis, securities valuation, liquidity management, portfolio construction, risk management, compliance,
and product development. She currently serves on the board of Wharton Alumni for Boards. Ms. Newman previously served as an executive
director and on the Management Committee at Post Advisory Group, a subsidiary of Fortune 500 member Principal Financial Group (NASDAQ:
PFG). Ms. Newman also served on the Financial Oversight Committee of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District in California. She
previously served as an officer and trustee at Beth Shir Shalom in Santa Monica, where she helped the synagogue return to membership growth
after a protracted period of decline. Ms. Newman holds an MBA with Honors in Finance from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania,
where she was named a Palmer Scholar. She is recognized by the National Association of Corporate Directors as NACD Directorship Certified.
Diversity in Board Members.
In selecting nominees for election or re-election to the Board, consideration is given to the presence on the Board of a broad
spectrum of business acumen and personal perspectives. The Fund has members who bring experience in securities and finance, executive
management of corporations, directorships, corporate governance and financial reporting, among others. The Fund has no policy regarding
such, but it intends to keep a diversity of skills and attitudes in its Board makeup, and it assesses those qualities in any present Director
or one who is being considered for nomination to the Board.
Board’s Role in Risk
Management. The Board endeavors to forestall risk by its development of fundamental investment policies for approval by the shareholders
and other policies which are more flexible for the Adviser’s activities on the Fund’s behalf. The Board is also involved in
the assessment and monitoring of risk by virtue of its review of the Fund’s investment activities, noting whether the portfolio
has industry or geographic susceptibilities, by the appointment of the Adviser’s portfolio managers to directorships on portfolio
boards when indicated, and by review of the financial particulars of the Fund, including any occasions of debt. It also considers the
strength of the Adviser’s staff to provide uninterruptible investment and administrative services to the Fund. The Board feels that
its considerable oversight of risk fuses well with the Fund’s leadership structure.
Board Structure. The appointment of
a separate person to serve as chairman would likely require the Fund to incur additional fee expense for the position, which the Board
feels is unwarranted at this time. While not being named as such, the chairs of the Fund’s Audit and Governance Committees in essence
serve as lead independent Directors. They regularly hold meetings without management present to assess matters concerning financial reporting
and administrative risk and portfolio investment parameters and execution risk.
Director Transactions with
Affiliates. As of the record date, all of the independent directors do not own any interest in Horizon Kinetics Asset Management
LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser, or any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Horizon Kinetics Asset
Management LLC; nor has any Director, or a member of his immediate family, engaged in, or had a material interest in, a transaction or
series of similar transactions involving the Fund, RENN Group or Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC which exceeded $120,000 in any
fiscal year during the previous five fiscal years of the Fund; nor is any such transaction being currently considered. Since January 1,
2015, no Director or nominee, or a member of his or her immediate family, has had a material interest in any material transaction or any
currently proposed material transaction involving the Fund, RENN Group or Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC, an officer of the Fund,
RENN Group or Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC, a parent, subsidiary or other affiliate of RENN Group or Horizon Kinetics Asset Management
LLC (or any officer of such a parent, subsidiary or affiliate) or any investment company having the same adviser as the Fund (or any officer
of such an investment company).
Legal Proceedings. There have been no
material pending legal proceedings in which any Director or nominee for Director or any affiliated person of such Director or nominee
is a party adverse to the Fund or has a material interest adverse to the Fund or any of its affiliated persons.
Additional information concerning the Directors may
be included in the Statement of Additional Information contained in the N-2 registration statement filed with the SEC by the Fund. This
information may be obtained without charge by calling 1-646-291-2300.
Board Meetings and Committees. The Board
of Directors held four meetings in 2024. All Directors who served during the year attended 100% of the meetings held during their respective
terms. Ms. Allen and Ms. Newman attended all meetings following their appointments to the Board. The Board has established an Audit Committee,
a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and a Pricing Committee.
The Fund does not have a formal policy regarding Director
attendance at meetings of shareholders. Ms. Brennan and Mr. Cleveland were elected as Directors for the first time at the 2017 Meeting.
Mr. Cohen was elected as a director for the first time at the 2022 Meeting. Ms. Allen and Ms. Newman were appointed as directors on June
6, 2024, by the Board.
Eric Sites resigned
as a Director of the Fund effective May 16, 2025. Murray Stahl resigned as a Director of the Fund effective June 5, 2025, however, he
continues to serve as Co-Portfolio Manager. Mr. Stahl and Mr. Sites attended all meetings held by
the Board during 2024.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee
is appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. In 2024, the Audit Committee
held three meetings. The primary duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are:
· |
to select and approve the compensation of the Fund’s independent auditors, including those to be retained for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit review or attest services for the Fund; |
· |
to monitor the independence and performance of the Fund’s independent auditors, who report directly to the Audit Committee; |
· |
to oversee generally the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Fund and the audits of its financial statements; |
· |
to review the reports and recommendations of the Fund’s independent auditors; |
· |
to provide an avenue of communication among the independent auditors, management, and the Board of Directors; and |
· |
to address any matters between the Fund and its independent auditors regarding financial reporting. |
During 2024, the Audit Committee held three meetings
and was comprised of four Directors, Douglas J. Cohen, Alice C. Brennan, Melinda J. Newman and Anita L. Allen. Upon completion of the
merger in August of 2024, between Horizon Kinetics LLC and Scott’s Liquid Gold, Inc., Ms. Brennan no longer serves as a member of
the Audit Committee due to her service on the Board of Directors for Horizon Kinetics Holding Corporation.
The Audit Committee has a written charter, a copy
of which is attached as Appendix B.
SEC rules recommend that an audit committee have a
member who is a “financial expert.” The SEC rules do not require that an audit committee financial expert have any additional
duties, obligations or liabilities, and he is not considered an expert under the Securities Act of 1933. The Board of Directors determined
that Douglas J. Cohen, Melinda J. Newman, and Anita L. Allen satisfy the standard for “audit committee financial expert(s)”
within the meaning of the rules.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee was created in January 2004 and is responsible for nominating individuals to
serve as Directors and to address such governance matters as the Board may request from time to time.
In its assessment of
each potential nominee for Director, the Committee reviews the nominee’s judgment, experience, independence, financial literacy,
knowledge of emerging growth companies, understanding of the Fund and its investment objectives, and such other factors as the Committee
may determine. The Committee also considers the ability of a nominee to devote the time and effort necessary to fulfill his or her responsibilities.
The Committee has no formal policy regarding the consideration of nominees for election as directors that may be recommended by shareholders
of the Fund but would consider any qualified persons who might be recommended by shareholders in appropriate circumstances.
During 2024, the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee held one meeting and was compromised of four Directors, Douglas Cohen, Alice C. Brennan, Anita L. Allen, and Melinda J. Newman.
Upon completion of the merger in August of 2024, between Horizon Kinetics LLC and Scott’s Liquid Gold, Inc., Ms. Brennan no longer
serves as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee due to her service on the Board of Directors for Horizon Kinetics
Holding Corporation.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee has a written charter, a copy of which is attached as Appendix A to the Fund’s proxy statement.
Pricing Committee. The Pricing Committee
held two meetings in 2024 and was compromised of four i Directors, Douglas Cohen, Alice C. Brennan, Anita L. Allen, and Melinda J. Newman.
Upon completion of the merger in August of 2024, between Horizon Kinetics LLC and Scott’s Liquid Gold, Inc., Ms. Brennan no longer
serves as a member of the Pricing Committee due to her service on the Board of Directors for Horizon Kinetics Holding Corporation.
Director Compensation. The Fund does
not pay any fees to, or reimburse expenses of, its Directors who are considered “interested persons” of the Fund. Directors
who are not interested persons of either the Fund or its investment adviser – Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC – began
receiving compensation in the amount of $1,800 for each board meeting attended, effective March 7, 2024, and are entitled to out-of-pocket
expenses for each quarterly meeting attended. For the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2024, the aggregate compensation paid by the
Fund to each Director, and the aggregate compensation paid by any other funds in a Fund Complex with the Fund to each Director, is set
forth below:
Name of Director |
|
Aggregate Deferred Compensation from Fund |
|
Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses |
|
Estimated Annual Benefits upon Retirement |
|
Total 2024 Compensation from Fund and Fund Complex12 |
Russell Cleveland13 |
|
$ 0 |
|
$ 0 |
|
$ 0 |
|
$ 0 |
Alice C. Brennan14 |
|
$ 0 |
|
$ 0 |
|
$ 0 |
|
$ 3,600 |
Douglas Cohen |
|
$ 0 |
|
$ 0 |
|
$ 0 |
|
$ 7,200 |
Anita L. Allen |
|
$0 |
|
$0 |
|
$0 |
|
$3,600 |
Melinda J. Newman |
|
$0 |
|
$0 |
|
$0 |
|
$3,600 |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation.
During the last completed fiscal year of the Fund,
no executive officer of the Fund was a director or member of a compensation committee of any entity of which a member of the Fund’s
Board was or is an executive officer.
| 12 | The term “Fund Complex” means all 1940-Act-registered
investment funds, or separate portfolios of such a fund, which share a common investment adviser (or have investment advisers that are
affiliated persons) or which hold themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investment services.
The Fund is not currently grouped into a Fund Complex with any other such funds. |
| 13 | Mr. Cleveland is an “interested person” as defined
by Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act by virtue of being a limited partner in the Cleveland Family Limited Partnership, which owns more
than 5% of the Fund’s securities. |
| 14 | Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC is the investment adviser
to the Fund and a subsidiary of Horizon Kinetics Holding Corporation. Ms. Brennan is an “interested person” of the Fund as
defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act by virtue of being a director of Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC. |
PROPOSAL ONE
electiOn
of Douglas Cohen as A Director of the Fund
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast
at the Annual Meeting is sufficient to independently elect Douglas Cohen as a Director. The term of office is one year or until his successor
is elected and qualified. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be considered votes cast, and therefore will have no effect
on the outcome of the election of the nominees.
The Board
recommends shareholders vote FOR the election of Douglas Cohen as a Director of the Fund.
PROPOSAL
TWO
election
of RUSSELL CLEVELAND AS A Director of the Fund
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast
at the Annual Meeting is sufficient to independently elect Russell Cleveland as a Director. The term of office is one year or until his
successor is elected and qualified. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be considered votes cast, and therefore will have
no effect on the outcome of the election of the nominees.
The Board
recommends shareholders vote FOR the election of RUSSELL CLEVELAND as a Director of the Fund.
PROPOSAL THREE
election
of ALICE C. BRENNAN AS A Director of the Fund
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast
at the Annual Meeting is sufficient to independently elect Alice C. Brennan as a Director. The term of office is one year or until her
successor is elected and qualified. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be considered votes cast, and therefore will have
no effect on the outcome of the election of the nominees.
The Board
recommends shareholders vote FOR the election of ALICE C. BRENNAN as a Director of the Fund.
PROPOSAL FOUR
election
of ANITA L. ALLEN AS A Director of the Fund
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast
at the Annual Meeting is sufficient to independently elect Anita L. Allen as a Director. The term of office is one year or until her successor
is elected and qualified. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be considered votes cast, and therefore will have no effect
on the outcome of the election of the nominees.
The Board
recommends shareholders vote FOR the election of ANITA L. ALLEN As a Director of the Fund.
PROPOSAL FIVE
election
of MELINDA J. NEWMAN AS A Director of the Fund
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast
at the Annual Meeting is sufficient to independently elect Melinda J. Newman as a Director. The term of office is one year or until her
successor is elected and qualified. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be considered votes cast, and therefore will have
no effect on the outcome of the election of the nominees.
The Board
recommends shareholders vote FOR the election of MELINDA J. NEWMAN As a Director of the Fund.
PROPOSAL SIX
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
The Board of Directors selected
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP to audit the Fund for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. Tait, Weller & Baker LLP was appointed
as independent auditor to the Fund by Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC on April 20, 2017, and served as the Fund’s independent
auditor for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Its selection was approved by the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors, including
a majority of the directors who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP performed
the Fund’s audit for the fiscal year(s) ended December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023. There were no disagreements between the
Fund and Tait, Weller & Baker LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing
scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, would have caused it to
make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its reports on the financial statements of the Fund for such year.
During the Fund’s two previous
fiscal years, which ended December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, and in the subsequent interim period through June 30, 2025 there were
no “reportable events” (as defined in Item 304(a)(l)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).
A representative of Tait, Weller
& Baker LLP, is expected to attend the Annual Meeting, and will respond to appropriate questions from shareholders and will have the
opportunity to make a statement, should he or she so desire.
The following table presents fees
paid by the Fund for professional services rendered by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, for the fiscal years which ended December 31, 2023,
and December 31, 2024.
Fee Category |
|
Fees for 2023 |
Fees for 2024 |
Audit Fees |
|
$ 29,000 |
$ 29,000 |
Audit-Related Fees |
|
0 |
0 |
Tax Fees |
|
$ 4,000 |
$ 4,000 |
All Other Fees |
|
0 |
0 |
Total Fees |
|
$ 33,000 |
$ 33,000 |
Audit Fees were for professional
services rendered for the audit of the Fund’s annual financial statements. No tax or other non-audit fees were incurred or paid
by the Fund to the independent audit firm of Tait, Weller & Baker LLP for either of the fiscal years indicated in the table.
The Audit Committee has adopted
a pre-approval policy that provides for the prior consideration by the Audit Committee of any audit or non-audit services that may be
provided by its independent auditor to the Fund. Audit services were approved as delineated on the auditor’s engagement letter before
services were commenced. Tax or other non-audit fees were pre-approved regarding the auditor for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
Neither has the Audit Committee pre-approved its auditors providing any non-audit services for the Adviser, or any entity controlling,
controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund, nor is it aware of any such situation
that would require its pre-approval.
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP’s
address is 50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900, Philadelphia, PA 19102. No conflicts between the Fund and the auditor occurred
during the conduct of the audit for the year ended December 31, 2024.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee has reviewed
and discussed the Fund’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, with the Fund’s management.
The Audit Committee has discussed with Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, the Fund’s independent auditor, the matters required to be
discussed by the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures
and the letter of Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, required by current authoritative standards and has discussed with the auditor its independence.
Based on the review and discussions
described above, among other things, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements of
the Fund be included in the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. The Fund’s Annual
Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which includes the Fund’s audited financial statements for that
year, was previously distributed to the Fund’s shareholders.
The affirmative vote of a majority
of shares present, in person, virtually, or by proxy, and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for the ratification of the
selection of the Fund’s independent auditors.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR
THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP, AS THE FUND’S INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 2025.
DISSENTER’S RIGHTS
The Texas Business Organizations
Code does not grant shareholders of a Texas corporation dissenter’s rights with respect to any of the Proposals covered by this
Proxy Statement.
SECTION 16(a)
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, requires the Fund’s officers and Directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Fund’s
equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Such reporting individuals are required by SEC regulations
to furnish the Fund with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file.
To the Fund’s knowledge, all Section 16(a) filings
relating to the Fund’s common stock applicable to its officers, Directors, and greater-than-10% beneficial owners were timely filed
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
SUBMISSION
OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, shareholders may present proper Proposals for inclusion in the Fund’s proxy statement
for consideration at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders by submitting Proposals to the Fund in a timely manner. A shareholder may submit
a Proposal for inclusion in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2025, if such Proposal is submitted
to the Fund on or prior to the 120th day before the date in 2025 that is the same date as the date on which the Proxy Statement for last
year’s Annual Meeting was mailed, which submission deadline was March 26, 2025. Any Shareholder Proposal to be submitted for consideration
at the Annual Meeting to be held in 2025 was required to have been sent prior to March 26, 2025, to Corporate Secretary, RENN Fund, Inc.,
c/o Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC, 470 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016.
OTHER
BUSINESS
As provided by Texas law and
the Fund’s bylaws, only business within the purposes described in the accompanying notice may be conducted at the Annual Meeting.
If any other matter within such purposes properly comes before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment(s), then the persons named in the
proxy will vote on such matters pursuant to the proxy in their discretion and as they deem appropriate.
Unless you submit instructions to the contrary
to the Fund, annual reports to shareholders, proxy materials, and notices of internet availability of proxy materials will be furnished
by “householding,” that is, only one set of materials, together with the appropriate number of proxy cards, will be sent
to any residential address on record for more than one shareholder. You may request in writing or by telephone that in the future
you should be sent an individual set of materials, in which case you will then commence receiving individual sets of materials for any
mailings occurring 30 days or more after your request. To make such a request you should contact our transfer agent, Equiniti Trust Company,
LLC (“EQ”) at their company headquarters, 28 Liberty Street, Floor 53, New York, NY 10005, telephone (718) 921-8200, Extension
6412. For general communications, such as notices and or contracts, requests should be made to EQ, PO Box 500, Newark, NJ 07101. Requests
related to delivering any campaign materials can be made to EQ Document Solutions, C/O DFX Logistics, 1 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ 07608.
You may also access a copy of the proxy materials (but not a votable copy of the proxy card) from the Fund’s website at https://horizonkinetics.com/products/closed-end-funds/renn/
SHAREHOLDER
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD
Generally, shareholders who have questions or concerns
regarding the Fund should contact Board of Directors of RENN Fund, c/o Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC, 470 Park Avenue South, New
York, NY 10016. All communications must contain a clear notation indicating that it is a “Shareholder—Board Communication”
or a “Shareholder—Director Communication” and must identify the author as a shareholder. The Corporate Secretary will
forward the correspondence, if appropriate, to the Chairman of the Board or to any individual Director to whom the communication is directed.
The Fund reserves the right not to forward to the Board any communication that is hostile, threatening, illegal, not reasonably related
to the Fund or its business, or similarly inappropriate. The Corporate Secretary has authority to discard or disregard any inappropriate
communication or to take any other action that it deems to be proper with respect to any inappropriate communications.
Shareholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders in person or virtually. However, whether shareholders plan to attend the Annual Meeting, shareholders are requested
to promptly vote their proxy online, or by telephone, or by completing, signing, and returning the proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid
envelope. Please refer to the proxy card for details.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Jay Kesslen
Vice-President
New York, New York
[ ]
APPENDIX A
NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER
RENN FUND, INC.
Purpose
The purpose of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) is as follows:
| · | consider qualified candidates to serve as Board members; |
| · | consider and nominate nominees for election as Board members; and |
| · | at the direction of the Board of Directors, consider various corporate governance policies and procedures. |
Committee Membership
The Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee shall consist of at least two members. The members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
shall meet the applicable membership and independence requirements under National Association of Securities Dealers (“FINRA”)
Rule 4200.
The members of the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall be appointed annually by the Board. The Board from time to time may remove members
of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and fill any resulting vacancy.
Meetings
The Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee shall hold at least one meeting per year and such additional meetings as the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee shall determine.
Committee Duties and Powers
To carry out its purpose, the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee shall have the following duties and powers:
Identification
of Potential Board Members. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall seek and identify individuals qualified to become
members of the Board, consistent with its nominating criteria.
Nomination of Director
Nominees. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall consider and nominate nominees for election at each annual meeting
of the shareholders of the Company.
Independence and
Qualification of Members of the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall review with the Board at least annually
the qualifications of new and existing members of the Board, considering the level of independence of individual members, together with
such other factors as the Board may deem appropriate, including overall skills, financial literacy and experience, to ensure the Company’s
on-going compliance with the independence and other standards set by FINRA.
Corporate Governance. The Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee shall, at the direction of the Board, consider various corporate governance policies and procedures.
Reports to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee shall make regular reports to the Board.
Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee Charter. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall review and assess this charter and recommend any proposed
changes to the Board for approval.
Other Duties. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee also shall perform such additional duties and have such additional responsibilities and functions as the Board from time to
time may determine.
Updated: June 5,2025
APPENDIX B
AMENDED CHARTER
OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE RENN FUND, INC.
Renn Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) certifies
that it has adopted this amended Charter (the “Charter”) as its formal written audit committee charter, effective as of July
6, 2017 and amended as noted below.
I. Audit Committee Purpose
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors
to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Audit Committee’s primary duties and responsibilities are
to:
| · | Appoint and approve the compensation of the Fund’s
independent auditors, including those to be retained for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit
review or attest services for the Fund; |
| · | Review the scope of their audit services and
the annual results of their audits; |
| · | Monitor the independence and performance of the
Fund’s independent auditors; |
| · | Oversee the accounting and financial reporting
processes of the Fund and the audits of its financial statements, generally; |
| · | Review the reports and recommendations of the
Fund’s independent auditors; |
| · | Provide an avenue of communication among the
independent auditors, management and the Board of Directors; and |
| · | Resolve any disagreements between management
of the Fund and its independent auditors regarding financial reporting. |
The Fund’s independent auditors must report
directly to the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee has the authority to conduct
any investigation appropriate to fulfilling its responsibilities, and it has direct access to the independent auditors as well as
anyone in the organization. The Audit Committee has the ability to retain, at the Fund’s expense, special legal, accounting,
or other consultants or experts it deems necessary in the performance of its duties, and it shall have the ability to determine the
compensation to be paid to such outside consultants or experts.
II. Audit Committee Composition and Meetings
The Audit Committee shall be comprised of two or more
directors as determined by the Board, each of whom shall be independent directors meeting the independence and other requirements of the
American Stock Exchange and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All members of the Committee
shall:
| · | Not have participated in the preparation of the
financial statements of the Fund or any subsidiary at any time in the last three years; and |
| · | Have a basic understanding of finance and accounting
and be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company’s balance sheet, income statements and
cash flow statement, among others. |
In addition, at least one member of the Committee
shall have accounting or related financial management expertise, as defined by the applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)
regulation.
If an Audit Committee Chair is not designated or present,
the members of the Committee may designate a Chair by majority vote of the Committee membership. The Committee shall meet from time to
time as it shall determine, but not less than on a semiannual basis. The Committee may meet with management or the independent auditors
to discuss any matters that the Committee may determine.
III. Audit Committee Responsibilities and Duties
In addition to fulfilling the purposes described above,
the Audit Committee shall have the following specific responsibilities and duties:
Review Procedures.
| · | Periodically review and assess the adequacy of
the Charter. |
| · | Submit the Charter to the Board of Directors
for approval and have the document filed in accordance with SEC regulations. |
| · | Review, along with management and independent
auditors, the Fund’s annual audited financial statements prior to filing or distribution. |
| · | Review all proposed related party transactions
and submit its findings and recommendations to the independent Directors of the Board for their final approval. |
| · | Review with management and the independent auditors
the Fund’s quarterly financial results prior to the release of earnings and/or the Fund’s quarterly financial statements prior
to filing or distribution. Discuss any significant changes to the Fund’s accounting principles and any items required to be communicated
by the independent auditors in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) SAS 61. |
Independent Auditors.
| · | The independent auditors are ultimately accountable
to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors. It is the Audit Committee’s responsibility to ensure that it has received a formal
written statement from independent auditors delineating all relationships between the Fund and the independent auditor. The Audit Committee
shall review the independence and performance of the auditors and shall have the responsibility for, and authority to, appoint and/or
discharge the independent auditors, and to approve the fees and other compensation to be paid to the independent auditors. |
| · | On an annual basis, the Committee should review
and discuss with the independent auditors all significant relationships they have with the Fund that could impair the auditor’s
independence. |
| · | Prior to releasing the year-end earnings, discuss
the results of the audit with the independent auditors and discuss certain matters required to be communicated to audit committees in
accordance with AICPA SAS 61. |
| · | Consider the independent auditor’s judgments
about the quality and appropriateness of the Fund’s accounting principles as applied in its financial reporting. |
Other Audit Committee Responsibilities.
| · | Annually prepare a report to shareholders as
required by the SEC for inclusion in the Fund’s annual proxy statement. |
| · | Establish and periodically review the Fund’s
procedures for (a) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Fund regarding accounting, internal accounting controls
or auditing matters, and (b) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Fund regarding questionable accounting or auditing
matters. |
| · | Perform any other activities consistent with
the Charter, the Fund’s by-laws, and governing law, as the Committee or the Board deems necessary or appropriate. |
| · | Maintain minutes of meetings and periodically
report to the Board of Directors on significant results of the foregoing activities. |
| · | Determine the funding necessary to cover the
ordinary administrative expenses of the Audit Committee that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties. |
Last Reviewed: June 2025

