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 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  ☐
Check the appropriate box:

Preliminary Proxy Statement

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
CĪON INVESTMENT CORPORATION
(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):
No fee required.
 ☐
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
 
 
 
 
(1)
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
 
 
 
 
(2)
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
 
 
 
(3)
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):
 
 
 
 
(4)
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(5)
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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.
 
 
 
 
(1)
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(2)
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(4)
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3 Park Avenue, 36th Floor
New York, NY 10016
[•], 20212022
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2021 Special2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) of CĪON Investment Corporation (the “Company”) to be held on [•], [•], 20212022 at [•] p.m. Eastern Time. The Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting, which will be conducted via live webcast.
The Notice of SpecialAnnual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement accompanying this letter provide an outline of the business to be conducted at the Meeting. At the Meeting, you will be asked to:
(i)
approve the applicationelect three directors of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2)Company;
(ii)
authorize flexibility for the Company, with the approval of the Investment Company ActCompany’s board of 1940, as amended,directors, to offer and sell shares of common stock at a price below net asset value during the Company, which would permitnext 12 months following shareholder approval, subject to certain limitations described in the Company to increase the maximum amount of leverage that it is permitted to incur by reducing the asset coverage requirement applicable to the Company from 200% to 150%;proxy statement; and
(ii)(iii)
transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Your vote is extremely important to us. If you will not vote at the Meeting virtually, we urge you to sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided, which is addressed for your convenience and needs no postage if mailed in the United States, or use the internet or telephone voting options to cast your vote.
On behalf of management and the Board of Directors, we thank you for your continued support of the Company.
Sincerely yours,


Mark Gatto
Michael A. Reisner
Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors
Michael A. Reisner
Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE OR USE THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING OPTIONS TO CAST YOUR VOTE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.

CĪON INVESTMENT CORPORATION
3 PARK AVENUE, 36th FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10016

NOTICE OF SPECIALANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON [•], 20212022
To the Shareholders of CĪON Investment Corporation:
Notice is hereby given to the holders of shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Shares”), of CĪON Investment Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), that the 2021 Special2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) will be held on [•], [•], 20212022 at [•] p.m. Eastern Time. The Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting, which will be conducted via live webcast. You will be able to attend the Meeting online and submit your questions during the Meeting by visiting [•]www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CIC2022.
The Meeting is being held for the following purposes:
1.
To elect three directors of the Company, who will each serve for a term of three years, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified;
2.
To consider and vote upon the approval of a proposal to authorize flexibility for the applicationCompany, with the approval of the reducedCompany’s board of directors, to offer and sell Shares at a price below net asset coverage requirementsvalue during the next 12 months following shareholder approval, subject to certain limitations described in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to the Company, which would permit the Company to increase the maximum amount of leverage that it is permitted to incur by reducing the asset coverage requirement applicable to the Company from 200% to 150%;proxy statement; and
2.3.
To consider and transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, INCLUDING EACH OF THE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS, UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE PROPOSALPROPOSALS LISTED ABOVE.
The close of business on [•], 20212022 has been fixed as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Your vote is extremely important to us. For instructions on how to attend and vote your Shares virtually at the Meeting, see the information in the accompanying proxy statement under the heading “Attending the Meeting and Other Voting Options”. If you will not vote at the Meeting virtually, we urge you to sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided, which is addressed for your convenience and needs no postage if mailed in the United States. You may also vote easily and quickly by internet or by telephone. In the event there are not sufficient votes for a quorum or to approve any of the proposalproposals listed above, the Meeting may be postponed or adjourned in order to permit further solicitation of proxies by the Company.
The Company has enclosed a copy of the proxy statement and the proxy card. The proxy statement and the proxy card are also available at www.[•].com.www.proxyvote.com. The Company has also enclosed a copy of the Company’s annual report to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 20202021 (the “Annual Report”) is available at www. [•].com. . Such report is also available to shareholders free of charge, upon request to the Company, Attn: Investor Resources, 3 Park Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10016.at www.cionbdc.com.
 
By Order of the Board of Directors,
 

 
Stephen Roman,
Corporate Secretary
New York, New York
[•], 20212022

CĪON INVESTMENT CORPORATION

3 PARK AVENUE, 36th FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10016

PROXY STATEMENT
SPECIALANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON [•], 20212022
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors (the “Board” and each member thereof, a “Director” and collectively, the “Directors”) of CĪON Investment Corporation, a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), for use at the Company’s 2021 Special2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) to be held on [•], [•], 20212022 at [•] p.m. Eastern Time, or at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of SpecialAnnual Meeting of Shareholders dated [•], 20212022 (the “Notice”). The Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting, which will be conducted via live webcast. You will be able to attend the Meeting online and submit your questions during the Meeting by visiting [•]www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CIC2022.
You may vote your Shares (as defined below)shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Shares”), at the Meeting only if you were a shareholder of record at the close of business on the record date. The Board has fixed the close of business on [•], 20212022 as the record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting. As of the Record Date, the Company had [•] Shares outstanding.
The Meeting is being held for the following purposes:
1.
To elect three directors of the Company, who will each serve for a term of three years, or until their successors are duly elected and qualified (the “Director Proposal”);
2.
To consider and vote upon the approval of a proposal to approveauthorize flexibility for the applicationCompany, with the approval of the reducedBoard, to offer and sell Shares at a price below net asset coverage requirementsvalue (“NAV”) during the next 12 months following shareholder approval, subject to certain limitations described in Section 61(a)(2) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amendedthis proxy statement (the “1940 Act”), to the Company, which would permit the Company to increase the maximum amount of leverage that it is permitted to incur by reducing the asset coverage requirement applicable to the Company from 200% to 150% (the “Leverage“Share Issuance Proposal”); and
2.3.
To consider and transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
If the form of proxy is properly executed and returned in time to be voted at the Meeting, the Shares covered thereby will be voted at the Meeting in accordance with the instructions marked thereon. All properly executed proxies received by the Board that do not specify how Shares should be voted will be voted “FOR” the Leverageeach Proposal, and in the discretion of the persons named as proxies in connection with any other matter which may properly come before the Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. A shareholder who has given a proxy may revoke his or her proxy any time before it is exercised by (i) attending and voting virtually at the Meeting, (ii) giving written notice of such revocation to the Secretary of the Company, or (iii) returning a properly executed, later-dated proxy.
The Company has enclosed a copy of this proxy statement and the proxy card. This proxy statement and the proxy card are also available at www.[•].comwww.proxyvote.com. The Company has also enclosed a copy of the Company’s annual report to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 20202021 (the “Annual Report”) is available at www. [•].com. Such report is also available to shareholders free of charge, upon request to the Company, Attn: Investor Resources, 3 Park Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10016.at www.cionbdc.com.
Quorum Required
A quorum must be present at the Meeting for any business to be conducted. Under the Company’s Bylaws, one-third of the number of Shares entitled to be cast, present virtually or by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each Share held. Abstentions and withheld votes will be treated as Shares that are present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum for transacting business at the Meeting. Broker “non-votes” (that is, proxies from brokers or nominees indicating that such persons have not received instructions from the beneficial owner or other persons entitled to vote shares on a particular matter with respect to which the brokers or nominees do not have discretionary power) will not be treated as present.
The Chairman of the Meeting or the shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting, present virtually or by proxy, shall have the power to adjourn the Meeting from time to time, which would include the ability to adjourn the
1

Meeting to a date not more than 120 days after the Record Date without notice other than the announcement at the Meeting of the future date, time and location of the reconvened Meeting. The persons named as proxies will vote those proxies for such
1

adjournment, unless marked to be voted against theany proposal for which an adjournment is sought. Any business that might have been transacted at the Meeting originally called may be transacted at any such adjourned session(s) at which a quorum is present. If sufficient votes in favor of the proposalone or more proposals have been received by the time of the Meeting, the proposalproposals will be acted upon and such actions will be final.final, regardless of any subsequent adjournment to consider other proposals.
Voting
Shareholders are entitled to cast one vote for each Share held and fractional votes for each fractional Share held. The table below provides a summary of the vote required for the Leverage Proposal,each proposal, with additional discussion thereafter:
Proposal
Vote Allowed and Impact
Vote Required
Leverage Proposal 1 – Election of Directors
Each Share may be voted for the director nominees. Votes that are withheld will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on this proposal. Shares represented by broker non-votes are also not considered votes cast and thus have no effect on this proposal.

Proxies received will be voted “FOR” the election of the director nominees named in this Proxy Statement unless shareholders designate otherwise.
Each director shall be elected by a plurality of all the votes cast at the Meeting virtually or by proxy, provided that a quorum is present.
Proposal 2 – Share Issuance
You may vote for or against or abstain from voting on the LeverageShare Issuance Proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not be included in determining the number ofcount as affirmative votes cast and will therefore have the same effect as a result, will not have any effect onvotes against the result of the vote with respect to the Leverage Proposal. Broker non-votes are not considered votes cast and thus have no effect on the LeverageShare Issuance Proposal.

Proxies receivedIf shareholders approve the Share Issuance Proposal, during a one-year period commencing on the date of such approval, the Company will be voted “FOR”permitted, but not required or otherwise obligated, to offer and sell newly issued Shares at a price below NAV per Share at the approval of the Leverage Proposal unless shareholders designate otherwise.time sold.
TheApproval of the Share Issuance Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of (1) a majority of the votes castoutstanding voting securities entitled to vote at the Meeting virtuallyand (2) a majority of the outstanding Shares entitled to vote at the Meeting that are not held by affiliated persons of the Company. The 1940 Act defines “a majority of outstanding voting securities” of the Company as (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at the Meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company are present or represented by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, whichever is required to approve the Leverage Proposal.less.
LeverageDirector Proposal: The affirmative votedirectors shall be elected by a plurality of a majority ofall the votes cast at the Meeting virtually or by proxy(i.e., more votes for the director than any other option for the position), provided that a quorum is required to approvepresent. Each Share may be
2

voted for the Leverage Proposal. Abstentionsdirector nominees. Proxies received will not be included in determiningvoted “FOR” the numberelection of votes cast and, as a result,the director nominees named herein unless shareholders designate otherwise. Votes that are withheld will not have anyno effect on the resultoutcome of the vote with respect to the Leverage Proposal. Brokeron this proposal. Shares represented by broker non-votes are also not considered votes cast and thus have no effect on this proposal.
Share Issuance Proposal: Approval of the LeverageShare Issuance Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of (1) a majority of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote at the Meeting and (2) a majority of the outstanding Shares entitled to vote at the Meeting that are not held by affiliated persons of the Company. For these purposes, the 1940 Act defines “a majority of outstanding voting securities” of the Company as (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at the Meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company are present or represented by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, whichever is less. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not count as affirmative votes cast and will therefore have the same effect as votes against the Share Issuance Proposal.
Attending the Meeting and Other Voting Options
The Company will be hosting the Meeting live via audio webcast. Any shareholder can attend the Meeting live online at [•]www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CIC2022. If you were a shareholder as of the Record Date, or you hold a valid proxy for the Meeting, you can vote at the Meeting. A summary of the information you need to attend the Meeting online is provided below:
Instructions on how to attend and participate via the Internet, including how to demonstrate proof of Share ownership, are posted at [•]www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CIC2022;
Assistance with questions regarding how to attend and participate via the Internet will be provided at [•] www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CIC2022 on the day of the Meeting;
Webcast starts at [•] p.m., Eastern Time;
You will need your 16-digit control number to enter the Meeting via the Internet; and
Shareholders may submit questions while attending the Meeting via the Internet.
To attend and participate in the Meeting virtually, you will need the 16-digit control number included on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. If your Shares are held in “street name,” you should contact your bank or broker to obtain your 16-digit control number or otherwise vote through your bank or broker. If you lose your 16-digit control number, you may join the Meeting as a “Guest”, but you will not be able to vote, ask questions or access the list of shareholders as of the Record Date. The Company will have technicians ready to assist with any technical difficulties that shareholders may have accessing the virtual meeting website. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting website during the check-in or Meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the Meeting login page.
If you will not vote at the Meeting virtually, please sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided, which is addressed for your convenience and needs no postage if mailed in the United States, or use the internet or telephone voting options to cast your vote. To vote by mail, indicate your instructions, sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying postage pre-paid envelope. To vote by internet or telephone, please use the control number on your proxy card and follow the instructions as described on your proxy card. If the enclosed proxy card is properly executed and received prior to the Meeting and has not been revoked, the
2

Shares represented thereby will be voted in accordance with the instructions marked on the returned proxy card or, if no instructions are marked, the proxy card will be voted “FOR” the proposalproposals and in the discretion of the persons named as proxies in connection with any other matter that may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof. If you have any questions regarding the proxy materials, please contact the Company at 800-343-3736.
The Company combines mailings for multiple accounts going to a single household by delivering to that address in a single envelope a copy of the document (annual reports, prospectuses, proxy statements, etc.) or other communications for all accounts who have consented or are deemed to have consented to receiving such communications in such manner in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). If you do not want the Company to continue consolidating your mailings and would prefer to receive separate mailings of Company communications, or you are now receiving multiple copies of these documents and would like to receive a single copy in the future, please contact the Company’s transfer agent, SS&C Technologies,
3

Inc. (f/k/a DST Systems, Inc.) at (800) 343-3736 or send mail to CĪON Investment Corporation, c/o SS&C Technologies, Inc. (f/k/a DST Systems, Inc.), 430 West 7th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
MEETING TO BE HELD ON [•], 20212022
This Proxy Statement and the other proxy materials are available online at www.[•].comwww.proxyvote.com (please have the control number found on your proxy card ready when you visit this website).
Proxy Solicitation
It is expected that the solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail. The Company’s officers, personnel of CION Investment Management, LLC (“CIM”), the Company’s investment adviser,CIM and any authorized proxy solicitation agent, may also solicit proxies by telephone, internet or in person. If the Company records votes through the internet or by telephone, it will use procedures designed to authenticate shareholders’ identities, to allow shareholders to authorize the voting of their Shares in accordance with their instructions and to confirm that their identities and votes have been properly recorded. The Company has requested that brokers, nominees, fiduciaries, and other persons holding Shares in their names, or in the name of their nominees, which are beneficially owned by others, forward the proxy materials to, and obtain proxies from, such beneficial owners. The Company will reimburse such persons for their reasonable expenses in so doing.
The Company will pay the expenses associated with this proxy statement and solicitation. The Company has engaged Broadridge Financial Services, Inc., an independent proxy solicitation firm, to assist in the distribution of the proxy materials and tabulation of proxies. The cost of such services is estimated to be approximately $[•], which will be paid by the Company.
34

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth, as of the Record Date, the beneficial ownership of the nominees for director, the Company’s executive officers and directors, each person known to the Company to beneficially own 5% or more of the outstanding Shares, and all of the Company’s executive officers and directors as a group. All share amounts reflect the Company’s two-to-one reverse stock split, which became effective on September 21, 2021.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities. Ownership information for those persons who beneficially own 5% or more of the Company’s Shares is based upon information furnished by the Company’s transfer agent and other information obtained from such persons, if available.
Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that each beneficial owner set forth in the table has sole voting and investment power and has the same address as the Company. The Company’s address is 3 Park Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10016.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
Number of Shares
Owned Beneficially(1)
Percentage of
Class(2)
Interested Directors:
 
 
Mark Gatto(3)
27,805.55
*
Michael A. Reisner(3)
27,805.55
*
Independent Directors:
 
 
Robert A. Breakstone
None
None
Peter I. Finlay
None
None
Aron I. Schwartz
None
None
Earl V. Hedin(4)
5,431.18
*
Catherine K. Choi
None
None
Edward J. Estrada
None3,695.00
None*
Executive Officers:
 
 
Keith S. Franz
None15,000.00
None*
Gregg A. Bresner(5)
None15,099.00
None*
Stephen Roman
None3,000.00
None*
Eric A. Pinero
1,500.00
*
All Executive Officers and Directors as a group (11(12 persons)
61,042.2899,336.28
*
*
Less than 1%.
(1)
Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
(2)
Based on a total of [•] Shares issued and outstanding on [•], 2021.2022.
(3)
CION Investment Group, LLC (“CIG”) is the record holder of 55,611.10 Shares. Messrs. Gatto and Reisner control CIG and, as a result, may be deemed to be the indirect beneficial owners of the Shares held by CIG. Messrs. Gatto and Reisner disclaim beneficial ownership of the Shares held by CIG except to the extent of their respective pecuniary interest therein.
(4)
The Hudson Partners Group Incentive Savings Trust (the “Trust”) is the record holder of these Shares. Mr. Hedin is the indirect beneficial owner with sole voting and investment power with respect to the Shares held by the Trust.
(5)
Mr. Bresner is the record holder of 13,599 shares and an investment retirement account is the record holder of 1,500 shares. Mr. Bresner is the indirect beneficial owner with sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares held by the investment retirement account.
45

DOLLAR RANGE OF SECURITIES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY DIRECTORS
Set forth in the table below is the dollar range of equity securities of the Company beneficially owned by each director as of the Record Date.
Name of Director
Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned in the Company(1)(2)(3)
Independent Directors:
 
Robert A. Breakstone
None
Peter I. Finlay
None
Aron I. Schwartz
None
Earl V. Hedin
$50,001 – $100,000
Catherine K. Choi
None
Edward J. Estrada
None$10,001 – $50,000
Interested Directors:
 
Mark Gatto
Over $100,000$100,001 – $500,000
Michael A. Reisner
Over $100,000$100,001 – $500,000
(1)
The dollar rangesrange of equity securities beneficially owned are as follows: none,None, $1 – $10,000, $10,001 – $50,000, $50,001 – $100,000, $100,001 – $500,000, $500,001 – $1,000,000, or over $100,000.$1,000,000.
(2)
The dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned in us is based on the closing price for the Company’s common stock of $[•] on [•], 2022 on the NYSE.
(3)
Beneficial ownership determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Exchange Act.
56

INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
What is the date of the Meeting and howwhere will it be held?
The Meeting will be held on [•], [•], 20212022 at [•] p.m. Eastern Time. The Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting, which will be conducted via live webcast.
What will I be voting on at the Meeting?
On [•], 2021,The Company has proposed for shareholder approval proposals for the Company’selection of directors and authorization to issue Shares commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CION”. At the Meeting, shareholders are being asked to consider and vote upon the approval of a proposal to approve the application of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act to the Company, which would permit the Company to increase the maximum amount of leverage that it is permitted to incur by reducing the asset coverage requirement applicable to the Company from 200% to 150%.below NAV. Please see the summarylist of the Leverage ProposalProposals above and the detailed discussiondiscussions of the Leverageeach Proposal below for more information.
Who can vote at the Meeting?
The Record Date for the determination of holders of Shares entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting, is the close of business on [•], 2021.2022. As of the Record Date, approximately [•] Shares were issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Meeting.
How many votes do I have?
Shareholders are entitled to cast one vote for each Share held and fractional votes for each fractional Share held.
How may I vote?
The Company will be hosting the Meeting live via audio webcast. Any shareholder can attend the Meeting live online at [•]www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CIC2022. If you were a shareholder as of the Record Date, or you hold a valid proxy for the Meeting, you can vote at the Meeting. A summary of the information you need to attend the Meeting online is provided below:
Instructions on how to attend and participate via the Internet, including how to demonstrate proof of Share ownership, are posted at [•]www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CIC2022;
Assistance with questions regarding how to attend and participate via the Internet will be provided at [•] www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/CIC2022 on the day of the Meeting;
Webcast starts at [•] p.m., Eastern Time;
You will need your 16-digit control number to enter the Meeting via the Internet; and
Shareholders may submit questions while attending the Meeting via the Internet.
To attend and participate in the Meeting virtually, you will need the 16-digit control number included on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials. If your Shares are held in “street name,” you should contact your bank or broker to obtain your 16-digit control number or otherwise vote through your bank or broker. If you lose your 16-digit control number, you may join the Meeting as a “Guest”, but you will not be able to vote, ask questions or access the list of shareholders as of the Record Date. The Company will have technicians ready to assist with any technical difficulties that shareholders may have accessing the virtual meeting website. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting website during the check-in or Meeting time, please call the technical support number that will be posted on the Meeting login page.
If you will not vote at the Meeting virtually, please sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided, which is addressed for your convenience and needs no postage if mailed in the United States, or use the internet or telephone voting options to cast your vote. To vote by mail, indicate your instructions, sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying postage pre-paid envelope. To vote by internet or telephone, please use the control number on your proxy card and follow the instructions as described on your proxy card. If the enclosed proxy card is properly executed and received prior to the Meeting and has not been revoked, the Shares represented thereby will be voted in accordance with the instructions marked on the returned proxy card or, if no
6

instructions are marked, the proxy card will be voted “FOR” the proposalproposals and in the discretion of the persons named as proxies in connection with any other matter that may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof. If you have any questions regarding the proxy materials, please contact the Company at 800-343-3736.
7

The Company combines mailings for multiple accounts going to a single household by delivering to that address in a single envelope a copy of the document (annual reports, prospectuses, proxy statements, etc.) or other communications for all accounts who have consented or are deemed to have consented to receiving such communications in such manner in accordance with the rules of the SEC. If you do not want the Company to continue consolidating your mailings and would prefer to receive separate mailings of Company communications, or you are now receiving multiple copies of these documents and would like to receive a single copy in the future, please contact the Company’s transfer agent, SS&C Technologies, Inc. (f/k/a DST Systems, Inc.) at (800) 343-3736 or send mail to CĪON Investment Corporation, c/o SS&C Technologies, Inc. (f/k/a DST Systems, Inc.), 430 West 7th7th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105.
How will proxies be voted?
It is expected that the solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail. The Company’s officers, personnel of CIM and any authorized proxy solicitation agent, may also solicit proxies by telephone, internet or in person. If the Company records votes through the internet or by telephone, it will use procedures designed to authenticate shareholders’ identities, to allow shareholders to authorize the voting of their Shares in accordance with their instructions and to confirm that their identities and votes have been properly recorded. The Company has requested that brokers, nominees, fiduciaries, and other persons holding Shares in their names, or in the name of their nominees, which are beneficially owned by others, forward the proxy materials to, and obtain proxies from, such beneficial owners. The Company will reimburse such persons for their reasonable expenses in so doing.
The Company will pay the expenses associated with this proxy statement and solicitation. The Company has engaged Broadridge Financial Services, Inc., an independent proxy solicitation firm, to assist in the distribution of the proxy materials and tabulation of proxies. The cost of such services is estimated to be approximately $[•], which will be paid by the Company.
How can I change my vote or revoke a proxy?
If the form of proxy is properly executed and returned in time to be voted at the Meeting, the Shares covered thereby will be voted at the Meeting in accordance with the instructions marked thereon. All properly executed proxies received by the Board that do not specify how Shares should be voted will be voted “FOR” the Leverageeach Proposal, and in the discretion of the persons named as proxies in connection with any other matter which may properly come before the Meeting or at any adjournment or postponement thereof. A shareholder who has given a proxy may revoke his or her proxy any time before it is exercised by (i) attending and voting virtually at the Meeting, (ii) giving written notice of such revocation to the Secretary of the Company, or (iii) returning a properly executed, later-dated proxy.
What if I return my proxy card but do not mark it to show how I am voting?
If your proxy card is signed and returned without specifying your choices, your Shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.
What vote is required to approve the Leverage Proposal?each item?
A quorum must be present at the Meeting for any business to be conducted. Under the Company’s Bylaws, one-third of the number of Shares entitled to be cast, present virtually or by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each Share held. Abstentions and withheld votes will be treated as Shares that are present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum for transacting business at the Meeting. Broker “non-votes” (that is, proxies from brokers or nominees indicating that such persons have not received instructions from the beneficial owner or other persons entitled to vote shares on a particular matter with respect to which the brokers or nominees do not have discretionary power) will not be treated as present.
7

The Chairman of the Meeting or the shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting, present virtually or by proxy, shall have the power to adjourn the Meeting from time to time, which would include the ability to adjourn the Meeting to a date not more than 120 days after the Record Date without notice other than the announcement at the Meeting of the future date, time and location of the reconvened Meeting. The persons named as proxies will vote those proxies for such adjournment, unless marked to be voted against theany proposal for which an adjournment is sought. Any business that might have been transacted at the Meeting originally called may be transacted at any such adjourned session(s) at which a quorum is present. If sufficient votes in favor of the proposalone or more proposals have been received by the time of the Meeting, the proposalproposals will be acted upon and such actions will be final.final, regardless of any subsequent adjournment to consider other proposals.
Leverage
8

Director Proposal: The affirmative votedirectors shall be elected by a plurality of a majority ofall the votes cast at the Meeting virtually or by proxy(i.e., more votes for the director than any other option for the position), provided that a quorum is required to approvepresent. Each Share may be voted for the Leverage Proposal. Abstentionsdirector nominees. Proxies received will not be included in determiningvoted “FOR” the numberelection of votes cast and, as a result,the director nominees named herein unless shareholders designate otherwise. Votes that are withheld will not have anyno effect on the resultoutcome of the vote with respect to the Leverage Proposal. Brokeron this proposal. Shares represented by broker non-votes are also not considered votes cast and thus have no effect on this proposal.
Share Issuance Proposal: Approval of the LeverageShare Issuance Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of (1) a majority of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote at the Meeting and (2) a majority of the outstanding Shares entitled to vote at the Meeting that are not held by affiliated persons of the Company. For these purposes, the 1940 Act defines “a majority of outstanding voting securities” of the Company as (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at the Meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company are present or represented by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, whichever is less. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not count as affirmative votes cast and will therefore have the same effect as votes against the Share Issuance Proposal.
What is a “broker non-vote”?
A “broker non-vote” occurs when a broker who holds Shares for the beneficial owner does not vote on a proposal because the broker does not have discretionary voting authority for that proposal and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner of the Shares. Broker non-votes will not be counted as present for the purposes of the Meeting.
Are shareholders entitled to appraisal rights in connection with any of the proposal?proposals?
The proposal,None of the proposals, if approved, does not entitle shareholders to appraisal rights under Maryland law or the Company’s governing documents.Charter.
What constitutes a “quorum”?
Under the Company’s Bylaws, one-third of the number of Shares entitled to be cast, present virtually or by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each Share held.
Whom should I call for additional information about voting by proxy or authorizing a proxy by telephone or Internet to vote my Shares?
If you have any questions regarding the proxy materials, please contact the Company at 800-343-3736.
89

PROPOSAL 1
- ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Meeting, shareholders are being asked to consider the election of three of the current directors of the Company, Edward J. Estrada, Peter I. Finlay and Earl V. Hedin. Pursuant to the Company’s charter and Bylaws, the Board may modify the number of directors on the Board, provided that the number of directors will not be fewer than one, the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”), or greater than twelve. Pursuant to the Company’s charter, the Company’s directors are divided into three classes. Each class of directors will hold office for a three-year term. However, the initial members of the three classes had initial terms of one, two and three years, respectively. At each annual meeting of shareholders, the successors to the class of directors whose terms expire at such meeting will be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders held in the third year following the year of their election. Each director will hold office for the term to which he or she is elected and serve until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. The Board is currently comprised of eight directors as set forth below, six of whom are independent:
Director Nominees - Class I (Independent)
(Serve Until the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders in 2022)
Class II (Independent)
(Serve Until the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders in 2023)
Class III (Interested)
(Serve Until the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders in 2024)
Edward J. Estrada
Robert A. Breakstone
Mark Gatto
Peter I. Finlay
Catherine K. Choi
Michael A. Reisner
Earl V. Hedin
Aron I. Schwartz
Messrs. Estrada, Finlay and Hedin have been nominated for election by the Board to each serve a three-year term expiring at the 2025 annual meeting of shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. The directors have agreed to serve as directors if elected and have consented to be named as nominees. No person being nominated as a director is being proposed for election pursuant to any agreement or understanding between any such person and the Company.
TO APPROVE THE COMPANY BECOMING SUBJECT TO THE MINIMUM ASSET COVERAGE RATIO UNDER THE SBCAA OF AT LEAST 150%A shareholder can vote for, or withhold his or her vote from, the director nominees. In the absence of instructions to the contrary, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies to vote such proxy “FOR” the election of the director nominees named herein. If the director nominees should decline or be unable to serve as a director, it is intended that the proxy will be voted for the election of such person or persons as are nominated as replacements. The Board has no reason to believe that any of the persons named will be unable or unwilling to serve.
BackgroundInformation about Director Nominees and 1940 Act RequirementsExecutive Officers
TheCertain information pertaining to the director nominees and other directors and executive officers of the Company is an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified managementset forth below, including their names, ages, a brief description of their recent business experience, including present occupations and employment, certain directorships that each person held during the last five years, and the year in which each person became a director of the Company. The Board oversees the Company’s business and investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC underactivities and is responsible for protecting the 1940 Act.interests of the Company’s shareholders. The responsibilities of the Board include, among other things, the oversight of the Company’s investment activities, the quarterly valuation of the Company’s assets, oversight of the Company’s financing arrangements and corporate governance activities.
Director Independence
A majority of the members of the Board are not “interested persons” of the Company may issue debt securities or preferred stock, which are collectively referred to as “senior securities,” up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. BDCs are generally able to issue senior securities such that their asset coverage,CIM, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% of gross assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities after each issuance of senior securities.
In March 2018, the Small Business Credit Availability Act (“SBCAA”) was enacted into law. The SBCAA, among other things, amended Section 61(a)2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act to add a new Section 61(a)(2) that reducesand as required by Rule 303A.00 in the asset coverage requirement applicableNYSE Listed Company Manual. These individuals are referred to BDCs from 200% to 150% so long as the BDC meets certain disclosure requirements and obtains certain approvals. The reduced asset coverage requirement would permit a BDC to have a ratio of total consolidated equity to outstanding indebtedness of 2:1 (i.e., $2 of debt outstanding for each $1 of equity) as compared to a maximum of 1:1 (i.e., $1 of debt outstanding for each $1 of equity) under the 200% asset coverage requirement. Effectiveness of the reduced asset coverage requirement to a BDC requires approval by either (1) a “required majority,” as defined inCompany’s independent directors (the “Independent Directors”). Section 57(o)2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act defines an “interested person” to include, among other things, any person who has, or within the last two years had, a material business or professional relationship with the Company. The members of such BDC’s board ofthe Board that are not Independent Directors are referred to as interested directors with effectiveness one year after the date of such approval or (2) a majority of votes cast at a special or annual meeting of such BDC’s shareholders at which a quorum is present, which is effective the date after such shareholder approval.(the “Interested Directors”).
The Board has determined that it is advisablethe following director nominees are Independent Directors: Messrs. Estrada, Finlay and in the best interest of the Company and its shareholdersHedin. The Board has determined that the reduced asset coverage requirement for senior securities in Section 61(a)(2) offollowing directors are also Independent Directors: Messrs. Breakstone and Schwartz and Ms. Choi. The Board has determined that the 1940 Act apply to the Company. Therefore,following directors are Interested Directors: Messrs. Gatto and Reisner. Based upon information requested from each director concerning his background, employment and affiliations, the Board has decided to seek approval from the shareholders of this proposal to reduce the minimum asset coverage applicable to the Company effective the date after such shareholder approval. If this proposal is approved by the Company’s shareholders at the Meeting, the asset coverage required for the Company’s senior securities will be 150% rather than 200% and the Company will be permitted to incur double the maximum amount of leverageaffirmatively determined that it is currently permitted to incur.
Recommendation and Rationale
The Board, including the independent directors, has approved and unanimously recommended that the shareholders vote in favornone of the application of the reduced asset coverage requirements in Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act to the Company. The Board concluded that this proposal is in the best interests of the Company and the shareholders. In doing so, the Board considered and evaluated various factors, including the following (each, as discussed more fully below):Independent
the ability to broaden the Company’s portfolio;
the potential impact (both positive and negative) on net investment income, return to shareholders and net asset value;
the additional flexibility to make required RIC distributions without violating the 1940 Act;
the impact on advisory fees payable by the Company to CIM and the related conflicts of interest;
after being approved by shareholders on August 9, 2021, the Company entered into an amended and restated investment advisory agreement with CIM on August 10, 2021, and after completing the Listing on [•], 2021, the Company entered into a further amended and restated investment advisory agreement with CIM on [•], 2021 (together, the “Amended Advisory Agreement”) under which (i) the base management fee payable by the Company was reduced from 2.00% to 1.50%, and further to 1.00% upon shareholder approval of the Leverage Proposal and applying to assets acquired by the Company that are attributable to leverage decreasing the Company’s asset coverage ratio below 200%, (ii) the subordinated incentive fee rate and the incentive fee on capital gains rate were reduced from 20.0% to 17.5%, and (iii) the hurdle rate related to the subordinated incentive fee was reduced from 7.5% per year to 6.5% per year; and
the listing of and commencement of trading of the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange on [•], 2021 under the symbol “CION” (the “Listing”).
9

The Company does not plan to change its investment strategy as a result of its ability to incur additional leverage due to the reduced asset coverage requirement.
Ability to broaden the Company’s portfolio
The Board noted that, as of June 30, 2021, the Company was invested in the securities of 132 portfolio companies across 22 industries with an average investment size of $12.7 million. The ability to access additional debt capital as a result of a reduced asset coverage requirement applicable to the Company will allow the Company to make additional loans to new portfolio companies, and, as a result, increase the diversification as compared to its current portfolio (whether by number of portfolio companies or industries to which the Company has investment exposure). The Company could also make additional loans to existing portfolio companies with no corresponding loss of diversification of its current portfolio.
Potential impact on net investment income, return to shareholders and net asset value
The Board also considered the impact of additional leverage on the Company’s net investment income, noting that additional leverage could increase net investment income. Thus, the Board noted, additional leverage may allow the Company to maintain its historical distribution rate while investing in assets with lower absolute, but better, or more favorable, risk-adjusted, returns than the Company’s current portfolio. Similarly, the Board considered that, if the value of the Company’s assets increases, additional leverage could cause the Company’s net asset value to increase more rapidly than it otherwise would have if the Company did not employ such additional leverage.
Conversely, the Board also noted that if the value of the Company’s assets decreases, increased leverage would cause the Company’s net asset value to decline more rapidly and to a greater extent than it otherwise would have had the Company not employed such increased leverage, thereby accelerating and increasing losses or eliminating an equity stake in a leveraged investment. Similarly, any decrease in the Company’s net investment income will cause its net income to decline more rapidly and to a greater extent than it would have had the Company not employed such increased leverage. Such a decline would also negatively affect the Company’s ability to make distributions on Shares or any outstanding preferred stock. The shareholders bear the burden of any increase in the Company’s expenses as a result of its use of additional leverage, including interest expense, and any increase in the advisory fees payable to CIM. These expenses (which may be higher than the expenses on the Company’s current borrowings due to the rising interest rate environment) would decrease net investment income and, as a result, net asset value, and the Company’s ability to pay such expenses will depend largely on the Company’s financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures.
Effect of Leverage on Return to Shareholders
The following tables illustrate the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in Shares assuming that the Company employs leverage such that its asset coverage equals its actual asset coverage ratio as of June 30, 2021 and hypothetical asset coverage ratios of both 200% and 150%, at various annual returns on the Company’s portfolio as of June 30, 2021, net of expenses. The purpose of these tables is to assist shareholders in understanding the effects of leverage. The calculations in the tables below are hypothetical, and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing in the tables below.
Selected Consolidated Financial
Statement Data (Unaudited)
 
Hypothetical Amounts as of June 30, 2021
Assuming That the Company Had Incurred the
Maximum Amount of Borrowings
That Could Be Incurred by the Company
(dollar amounts in millions)
Actual Amounts As of
June 30, 2021(1)
Under the Currently Applicable 200%
Minimum Asset Coverage Ratio(2)
Under the Proposed 150%
Minimum Asset Coverage Ratio(3)
Total Assets
$1,755
$1,876
$2,802
Total Debt Outstanding
$805
$926
$1,852
Net Assets
$926
$926
$926
Asset Coverage Ratio
215%
200%
150%
(1)
As of June 30, 2021, the Company’s total outstanding indebtedness represented 215% of the Company’s total assets.
(2)
Based on the Company’s total outstanding indebtedness of $805 million as of June 30, 2021 and applying the currently applicable 200% minimum asset coverage ratio, the Company could have incurred up to an additional $121 million of borrowings, bringing the Company’s total indebtedness and total assets to $926 million and $1,876 million, respectively.
10

(3)
Assuming the Company had incurred the maximum amount of borrowings that could be incurred by the Company under the currently applicable 200% minimum asset coverage ratio of $926 million and applying the proposed 150% minimum asset coverage ratio, the Company could have incurred up to an additional $926 million of borrowings, bringing the Company’s total indebtedness and total assets to $1,852 million and $2,802 million, respectively.
Assumed Return on the Company’s Portfolio (Net of Expenses)
(10.00)%
(5.00)%
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
Corresponding return to shareholders assuming actual asset coverage as of June 30, 2021 (215%)(1)
(21.8)%
(12.5)%
(3.2)%
6.2%
15.5%
Corresponding return to shareholders assuming 200% asset coverage as of June 30, 2021(2)
(23.6)%
(13.6)%
(3.6)%
6.4%
16.4%
Corresponding return to shareholders assuming 150% asset coverage as of June 30, 2021(3)
(37.3)%
(22.3)%
(7.3)%
7.7%
22.7%
Directors has, or within the last two years had, a material business or professional relationship with the Company, other than in his capacity as a member of the Board or any Board committee or as a shareholder.
NOMINEES FOR CLASS I – INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Name, Address(1),
Age and
Position(s)
with
Company
Assumes $1,755 million
Term of
Office(2) and
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
Other Public
Directorships Held
by Director During
the Past 5 Years
Edward J. Estrada Age: 49 Director
2021 – 2022
Edward J. Estrada has served as a member of the Board since 2021. Mr. Estrada is the Principal of Estrada Legal Consulting, a legal management consulting business working with law firms on strategy development, implementation and alignment, market positioning, margin improvement, and operational efficiency. Mr. Estrada was in total assets, $805 millionprivate legal practice for 25 years. Most recently, he was a partner with the global law firm, Reed Smith, LLP, in debt outstanding and $926 million in net assetsits Global Financial Industry Group. He has served as of June 30,a director for a family foundation since 2021 and as an average costadvisory and executive board member for certain non-profit businesses. Mr. Estrada counseled his clients in a wide range of funds of 3.6%, which is the Company’s annualized average borrowing cost for the three months ended June 30, 2021.
(2)
Assumes $1,876 million in total assets, $926 million in debt outstandingbusiness matters, including acting as outside counsel, and $926 million in net assetsaddressing their regulatory, transactional and litigation needs. He held multiple leadership positions at Reed Smith, LLP, most recently as of June 30, 2021, and an average cost of funds of 3.6%, which was the Company’s annualized average borrowing cost for the three months ended June 30, 2021. Actual interest payments may be different.
(3)
Assumes $2,802 million in total assets, $1,852 million in debt outstanding and $926 million in net assets as of June 30, 2021, and an average cost of funds of 3.6%, which was the Company’s annualized average borrowing cost for the three months ended June 30, 2021. Actual interest payments may be different.
Based on the Company’s outstanding indebtedness of $805 million as of June 30, 2021 and hypothetical amounts of indebtedness of $926 million and $1,852 million at 200% asset coverage and 150% asset coverage, respectively, and an assumed effective annual interest rate of 3.6% as of that date, the Company’s investment portfolio would have been required to experience an annual return of at least 3.2%, 3.6% and 7.3%, respectively, to cover annual interest payments on the outstanding debt.
Fees and Expenses
For the purposes of this section “Fees and Expenses,” except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this section contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “it,” or that “the Company” will pay fees or expenses, shareholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as investors in the Company.
 
Annualized
Expenses
Based on
Actual
Expenses for
the
Three
Months
Ended
June 30, 2021
Annualized
Expenses
Assuming
Amended Fee
Structure(1)(2)
Was Effective
for the
Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2021
Annualized Expenses on
Hypothetical
Expenses for the Three Months
Ended June 30, 2021 Assuming that the
Amended Fee Structure(1)(2) Was
Effective and that the Company Has
Incurred the Maximum
Amount of Borrowing That Could
Be Incurred by the Company
Estimated Annual Expenses (As a
Percentage of Net Assets Attributable
to Common Stock)
Under the
Currently
Applicable 200%
Minimum Asset
Coverage Ratio
Under the
Proposed 150%
Minimum Asset
Coverage Ratio
Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock):
 
 
 
 
Base management fees
3.6%
2.8%
2.9%
3.4%
Incentive fees payable under investment advisory agreement
0.0%
1.5%
1.6%
2.4%
Interest payments on borrowed funds
3.4%
3.4%
3.9%
7.5%
Other expenses
1.4%
1.4%
1.4%
1.4%
Acquired fund fees and expenses
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Total annual expenses
8.4%
9.1%
9.8%
14.7%
(1)
Effective upon completionglobal chair of the Listingfirm’s Financial Industry Group from 2016 to 2021. Mr. Estrada also served as co-head of Reed Smith, LLP’s U.S. Litigation Group (2010 to 2012), served two terms on [•]the firm’s Executive Committee (2009 and 2014), 2021,served as Managing Partner of the base management fee payable by the CompanyNew York Office (2012 to CIM was reduced from 2.00% to 1.50%2014), and furtherserved as the firm’s Global Head of Business Strategy on the firm’s Senior Management Team (2014 to 1.00% if2016). In his practice, and upon shareholder approvalin his role as global chair of Reed Smith, LLP’s Financial Industry Group, Mr. Estrada counseled clients ranging from private funds to investment and regional banks, and was responsible for identifying and responding to market and industry trends. Mr. Estrada received his J.D. from George Washington Law School in 1997 and his B.A. from Cornell University in 1994.

None
In the opinion of the Leverage ProposalBoard, Mr. Estrada’s extensive legal experience, particularly with counseling private funds and applying to assets acquired by the Company that are attributable to leverage decreasing the Company’s asset coverage ratio below 200%. The base management fees included in this column assume that these changesinvestment and regional banks on a broad range of legal matters, including, without limitation, litigation and commercial transactions, brings value to the base management fee were in effect as of June 30, 2021.
(2)
Board.
After being approved by shareholders on August 9, 2021, effective August 10, 2021, the calculation of the subordinated incentive fee payable by the Company to CIM was changed such that it is based on net assets rather than “Adjusted Capital”. Also, effective upon completion of the
11

Listing on [•], 2021, the subordinated incentive fee rate and the incentive fee on capital gains rate were reduced from 20.0% to 17.5%, and the hurdle rate related to the subordinated incentive fee was reduced from 7.5% per year to 6.5% per year. The incentive fees included in this column assume that these changes to the subordinated incentive fee and the incentive fee on capital gains were in effect as of June 30, 2021.
The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in Shares. In calculating the following expense amounts, the Company has assumed that annual operating expenses remain at the levels set forth in the table above. This example and the expenses in the table above should not be considered a representation of the Company’s future expenses, and actual expenses (including the cost of debt, if any, and other expenses) may be greater or less than those shown.
Shareholders would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 Share investment
1 Year
3 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Under the Company’s Actual Asset Coverage Ratio of 215% as of June 30, 2021 based on actual expenses
assuming a 5% annual return (none of which is subject to the incentive fee)
$88
$253
$407
$742
 
 
 
 
 
Under the Company’s Actual Asset Coverage Ratio of 215% as of June 30, 2021 assuming amended fee structure effective(1)(2)
assuming a 5% annual return (none of which is subject to the incentive fee)
$80
$232
$375
$698
 
 
 
 
 
Under the Currently Applicable 200% Minimum Asset Coverage Ratio assuming amended fee structure effective(1)(2
assuming a 5% annual return (none of which is subject to the incentive fee)
$86
$248
$398
$731
 
 
 
 
 
Under the Proposed 150% Minimum Asset Coverage Ratio assuming amended fee structure effective(1)(2
assuming a 5% annual return (none of which is subject to the incentive fee)
$129
$358
$552
$917
Name, Address(1),
Age and
Position(s)
with
Company
Effective upon completion
Term of
Office(2) and
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
Other Public
Directorships Held
by Director During
the Past 5 Years
Peter I. Finlay
Age: 60
Director
2016 – 2022
Peter I. Finlay has served as a member of the ListingBoard since 2016. He is the founder and Managing Principal of Ardentis LLC, a corporate finance consulting firm that provides advisory services to companies in the U.S. and international markets. From 2008 to 2013, Mr. Finlay served as Managing Director of ICON Capital, LLC and was responsible for managing new business origination in Europe and North America. Prior to 2008, Mr. Finlay held various management positions both in financial institutions and in relevant industries. From 2006 to 2008, he served as Director of Equipment Finance at Landsbanki Commercial Finance where he established a new industrial finance business with a focus on [•]originating middle market secured debt transactions. From 2003 to 2006, he served as Vice President & Regional Director Europe for GMAC Commercial Finance where he started a new equipment finance business. From 2000 to 2003, Mr. Finlay served as a Director of Project Finance Organization at Bell Labs Lucent Technologies and from 1997 to 1999 he served as a Marketing Director of Structured Finance at Transamerica Leasing, where he established a structured finance operation covering Europe and the Middle East. Mr. Finlay started his career at National Westminster Bank (1979 – 1986) before moving to Barclays (1986 – 1997), 2021,where he held various positions, including Manager in the basemiddle market structured leasing department and Manager in the para-banking inspection department where he was responsible for reviewing risk management fee payable bycompliance and risk underwriting in the Companybank’s European equipment finance subsidiaries.

Since 2014, Mr. Finlay has been the Managing Principal of Ardentis LLC and is also an advisor to CIM was reduced from 2.00%the board of EMM Investments LLC, a privately held asset manager engaged in lending to 1.50%,asset intensive companies. From 2009 to 2011, Mr. Finlay served as Chairman and further to 1.00% if and upon shareholder approvalnon-executive Director of Premier Telesolutions Ltd. (UK).

Mr. Finlay became an Associate of the Leverage ProposalChartered Institute of Bankers in England and applying to assets acquired byWales in 1994 and completed a Diploma in Financial Studies in 1997. He completed an M.B.A. at City University Business School in London in 1997 and subsequently served as a tutor in the Company that are attributable to leverage decreasingevening M.B.A. program.

In the Company’s asset coverage ratio below 200%. The baseopinion of the Board, Mr. Finlay’s experience of working with large financial institutions in the middle market combined with his knowledge of structured finance, risk management fees included assume that these changesand financial control, brings value to the base management fee were in effect as of June 30, 2021.Board.
None
(2)
After being approved by shareholders on August 9, 2021, effective August 10, 2021, the calculation of the subordinated incentive fee payable by the Company to CIM was changed such that it is based on net assets rather than “Adjusted Capital”. Also, effective upon completion of the Listing on [•], 2021, the subordinated incentive fee rate and the incentive fee on capital gains rate were reduced from 20.0% to 17.5%, and the hurdle rate related to the subordinated incentive fee was reduced from 7.5% per year to 6.5% per year. The incentive fees included assume that these changes to the subordinated incentive fee and the incentive fee on capital gains were in effect as of June 30, 2021.
The above table is designed to assist shareholders in understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in the Shares will bear directly or indirectly. While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5% annual return, the Company’s performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5%. The incentive fee under the Amended Advisory Agreement, which, assuming a 5% annual return, would either not be payable or would have an insignificant impact on the expense amounts shown above, is not included in the example. This illustration assumes that the Company will not realize any capital gains (computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation) in any of the indicated time periods. If the Company achieves sufficient returns on its investments, including through the realization of capital gains, to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, its expenses and returns to its investors would be higher. These examples assume reinvestment of all distributions at NAV.
12

Name, Address(1),
Age and
Position(s)
with
Company
Term of
Office(2) and
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
Other Public
Directorships Held
by Director During
the Past 5 Years
Earl V. Hedin
Age: 66
Director
2017 – 2022
Earl V. Hedin has served as a member of the Board since 2017. He is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Hudson Partners Group LLC and its broker-dealer, Hudson Partners Securities LLC, registered with FINRA. The firm assists investment managers in raising institutional capital for hedge funds, private equity and other alternative investment strategies. From 1999 to 2007, Mr. Hedin served as a Senior Managing Director at Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., where he held various senior roles building and guiding the Bear Stearns Asset Management Group. These roles included Chief Financial Officer, Director of Alternatives and co-head and founder of the firm's Private Funds Group. He was responsible for the firm's sponsored venture capital funds and headed the approximately $1 billion private equity fund-of-funds program. During his tenure, he created numerous alternative asset products and helped raise over $3 billion for these funds. Mr. Hedin also created the first hedge fund-of-funds product at Bear Stearns. From 1995 to 1998, he served as a Managing Director – Principal, and worked on several key international financial structuring projects, including the creation of Bear Stearns Irish Bank in Dublin. Additionally, Mr. Hedin created the Bear Stearns Dublin Development Center to reduce technology related costs. From 1994 to 1995, he served as Vice President at Bankers Trust New York Corporation, where he was responsible for strategic planning and management reporting. Prior to that, from 1989 to 1993, he worked as a Vice President and Controller in the firm's Domestic Merchant Bank and directed all financial management functions across a variety of business units. During that time, he was also actively involved in the buying and selling of LBO partnership interests. From 1988 to 1989, he served as Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer of American International Group's credit subsidiary, A.I. Credit Corporation, and managed the firm's liability portfolio. Previously, Mr. Hedin was an Associate in Morgan Stanley's venture capital group as well as the Chief Financial Officer of the group's activities. Prior to that, he served as a Senior Accountant at Price Waterhouse

Mr. Hedin received his M.B.A from Rutgers Graduate School of Management in 1980 and did graduate studies at Carnegie-Mellon University. He received his B.A. from Rutgers College in 1978. Mr. Hedin is a holder of the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is a Certified Public Accountant (retired). Mr. Hedin also holds various FINRA licenses including Series 7, 63, 99, 24 (Securities Principal) and 27 (Financial Principal).

In the opinion of the Board, Mr. Hedin’s extensive experience working with large financial institutions combined with his knowledge of various alternative investment strategies and industries, provides experience and insight that is beneficial to the Company.
None
If the 5% annual return were derived entirely from capital gains and thus subject to the capital gain incentive fee, shareholders would pay expenses on a $1,000 investment as follows:13
Shareholders would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 Share investment
1 Year
3 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Under the Company’s Actual Asset Coverage Ratio of 215% as of June 30, 2021 based on actual expenses
assuming a 5% annual return (none of which is subject to the incentive fee)
$90
$258
$414
$752
 
 
 
 
 
Under the Company’s Actual Asset Coverage Ratio of 215% as of June 30, 2021 assuming amended fee structure effective(1)(2)
assuming a 5% annual return (none of which is subject to the incentive fee)
$88
$255
$409
$745
 
 
 
 
 
Under the Currently Applicable 200% Minimum Asset Coverage Ratio assuming amended fee structure effective(1)(2)
assuming a 5% annual return (none of which is subject to the incentive fee)
$94
$271
$432
$776
 
 
 
 
 
Under the Proposed 150% Minimum Asset Coverage Ratio assuming amended fee structure effective(1)(2)
assuming a 5% annual return (none of which is subject to the incentive fee)
$138
$379
$579
$944

CLASS II – INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Name, Address(1),
Age and
Position(s)
with
Company
Term of
Office(2) and
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
Other Public
Directorships Held
by Director During
the Past 5 Years
Robert A. Breakstone Age: 84 Director
2012 – 2023
Robert A. Breakstone has served as a member of the Board since 2012. He has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Landmark International Group, Inc., an independent consulting firm providing business development, financial, information technology, and marketing services to major corporations and start-up entrepreneurial ventures, since 1995. Previously, Mr. Breakstone served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at GTECH Corporation, a provider of technology-based gaming systems and services, from 1988 to 1995, where he took the firm private in a leveraged buyout and then public again later in an initial public offering. Prior to GTECH, he was President and Chief Executive Officer at Health-tex, Inc., which we believe is a leading marketer and retailer of children’s apparel, from 1985 to 1988, where he led a management buyout of the firm from Chesebrough Pond’s Inc., where he served as Group Vice President and served on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors from 1974 to 1985. Prior to Chesebrough Pond’s, Mr. Breakstone was a Group Executive with the Chase Manhattan Bank N.A. from 1970 to 1974, where he managed major corporate, domestic and international banking divisions. From 1967 to 1970, he was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Systems Audits, Inc., a management consulting firm providing information technology services to the financial industry.

Mr. Breakstone also served on the board of directors of By Design International Ltd., a private, for-profit designer and marketer of women’s apparel and on the advisory board of Hoffinger Industries, Inc., a leader in the above-ground pool/filtration industry. In addition to his prior service as a member of the board of Chesebrough Pond’s, Mr. Breakstone also served on the board of directors of OSF, Inc., a Canadian publicly traded company, from 1996 to 1998 where, as a member of an independent special committee, he was responsible for selling the company to a US-based financial entity.

Mr. Breakstone served as an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of Business at Mercy College from 1999 to 2008. From 1963 to 1967, Mr. Breakstone was an adjunct professor at New York University. In addition, from 1967 to 1969, Mr. Breakstone was an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Pace University. Mr. Breakstone’s degrees include a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.B.A. from the City College of New York.

None
14

Name, Address(1),
Age and
Position(s)
with
Company
Term of
Office(2) and
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
Other Public
Directorships Held
by Director During
the Past 5 Years
Mr. Breakstone has extensive operating experience in both public and private companies in a variety of industries and has served as a member of various boards. This experience has provided Mr. Breakstone, in the opinion of the Board, with experience and insight that is beneficial to the Company.
Catherine K. Choi Age: 50 Director
2021 – 2023
Catherine K. Choi has served as a member of the Board since 2021. Ms. Choi has served as President of BULBRITE Industries, a leading manufacturer and supplier of energy-efficient lighting solutions, since 2009. Founded 50 years ago by her parents, BULBRITE is a family-owned business renowned for its commitment to innovation, education and exceptional service. In her role as President, Ms. Choi oversees all aspects of the company’s operations including sales, marketing, operations, manufacturing and product development. During her tenure as President of BULBRITE, Ms. Choi has expanded sales and services to a broader community and distributor base throughout North America. She has helped expand the breadth of the company’s product line to LED decorative bulbs and patio string lights as well as a line of smart bulbs, Bulbrite Solana®, that has been featured in the Washington Post, Dwell, House Beautiful and Apartment Therapy.

Recipient of the 2021 Women in Lighting Leadership Award and Residential Lighting Industry Leadership Award in 2010, Ms. Choi is an active leader in the lighting industry, current serving on the Lighting Board of Governors for the Dallas Market Center since 2018, and was a former Chair of the American Lighting Association Education Foundation Board from 2013 to 2015. She is an ALA Certified Lighting Specialist. Ms. Choi was recognized as a Woman of Influence in 2013 by the NJ Commerce and Industry Association. She is also an elected member of the President’s Council for Cornell Women since 2017, and has served as a director for the Ridgewood Public Library Foundation since 2017 and for a privately held company in NJ since 2015. Ms. Choi earned her MBA from New York University in 1996 and her BA from Cornell University in 1993. She is the Co-Chair of the NYU Stern Women in Business Alumnae Group, and Advisory Council Member for the Seton Hall Business School Leadership Program

In the opinion of the Board, Ms. Choi’s extensive entrepreneurial experience as the principal executive of a privately owned, family business, brings value to the Board.
None
15

Name, Address(1),
Age and
Position(s)
with
Company
Term of
Office(2) and
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
Other Public
Directorships Held
by Director During
the Past 5 Years
Aron I. Schwartz Age: 51 Director
2012 – 2023
Aron I. Schwartz has served as a member of the Board since 2012. He has been a Managing Director at ACON Investments since July 2014. Mr. Schwartz is the founder of Constructivist Capital, LLC, a firm that works with family offices and alternative asset management firms to pursue attractive investment opportunities. He was previously a consultant to and a Managing Director at Avenue Capital from 2012 to 2014, and held various positions culminating in Managing Director of Fenway Partners, a middle market private equity firm based in New York, from 1999 to 2011. From 1997 to 1999, Mr. Schwartz was an associate in the Financial Entrepreneurs Group of Salomon Smith Barney, where he worked on a variety of financings and advisory assignments. He also serves or has served on the board of directors of a number of other public and private companies, including Invacare Corporation, True Value Company, 1-800 Contacts, Inc., Commonwealth Laminating & Coating, Inc., Easton Bell Sports, Inc., STVT-AAI Education Inc., Igloo Products Corp., APR Energy, PLC, Borden Dairy Holdings and ATU Auto Technick-Unger. In addition, Mr. Schwartz previously served on the board of directors of the Open Road Foundation and US-ASEAN Business Council. Mr. Schwartz, a Certified Management Accountant, received his J.D. and M.B.A with honors from U.C.L.A. and his B.A. and B.S.E. cum laude from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Schwartz has extensive experience in the finance and private equity industries and has served as a member of the board of directors of various public and private companies in a variety of industries. This experience, along with the fact that he is a Certified Management Accountant, has provided Mr. Schwartz, in the opinion of the Board, with experience and insight that is beneficial to the Company.
None
16

INTERESTED DIRECTORS(3)
Name, Address(1),
Age and
Position(s)
with Company
Term of
Office(2) and
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
Other Public
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years
Mark Gatto Age: 49
Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company
2011 – 2024
Mark Gatto serves as Co-Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company (since 2011) and CIG. Mr. Gatto serves on the investment committee of CIM. In addition, Mr. Gatto is a Trustee, Co-President and Co-Chief Executive Officer and serves on the investment allocation committee of CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund, a diversified, closed-end management investment company. He joined CION Investments in 1999. Mr. Gatto was formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Acquisitions Officer from May 2007 through January 2008. He served as Executive Vice President of Business Development from May 2006 through May 2007 and Vice President of Marketing from August 2005 through February 2006. Mr. Gatto was also Associate General Counsel for CIG from November 1999 until October 2000. Previously, Mr. Gatto was an executive for a leading international product development and marketing company from 2000 through 2003 and later co-founded a specialty business-consulting firm in New York City where he served as its managing partner before re-joining CION Investments in 2005. Mr. Gatto was also an attorney in private practice from 1996 through 1999. Mr. Gatto received an M.B.A from the W. Paul Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University, a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, and a B.S. from Montclair State University.

Through his broad experiences in business and corporate development, Mr. Gatto brings to the Company a unique business expertise as well as extensive financial and risk assessment abilities. Mr. Gatto’s service with CION Investments provides him with a specific understanding of the Company, its operations, and the business and regulatory issues similar to those issues facing business development companies. Mr. Gatto’s positions as Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company provide the Board with a direct line of communication to, and direct knowledge of the operations of, the Company.
CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund
17

Name, Address(1),
Age and
Position(s)
with Company
Term of
Office(2) and
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s)
Other Public
Directorships
Held by Director
During the Past
5 Years
Michael A. Reisner
Age: 51
Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company
2011 – 2024
Michael A. Reisner serves as Co-Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company (since 2011) and CIG. Mr. Reisner serves on the investment committee of CIM. In addition, Mr. Reisner is a Trustee, Co-President and Co-Chief Executive Officer and serves on the investment allocation committee of CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund, a diversified, closed-end management investment company. He joined CION Investments in 2001. Mr. Reisner was formerly Chief Financial Officer from January 2007 through April 2008. Mr. Reisner was also formerly Executive Vice President — Originations from February 2006 through January 2007. Mr. Reisner was Senior Vice President and General Counsel from January 2004 through January 2006. Mr. Reisner was Vice President and Associate General Counsel from March 2001 until December 2003. Previously, from 1996 to 2001, Mr. Reisner was an attorney in private practice in New York. Mr. Reisner received a J.D., cum laude, from New York Law School and a B.A. from the University of Vermont.

Through his extensive experiences as a senior executive, including his time as chief financial officer of CION Investments, Mr. Reisner brings business expertise, finance and risk assessment skills to the Company. Mr. Reisner’s prior position as a corporate attorney allows him to bring to the Board and the Company the benefit of his experience negotiating and structuring various investment transactions as well as an understanding of the legal, business, compliance and regulatory issues similar to those issues facing business development companies. Mr. Reisner’s positions as Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company provide the Board with a direct line of communication to, and direct knowledge of the operations of, the Company.
CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund
18

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS
Name,
Address(1),
Age and
Position(s)
with Company
Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
Other Public
Directorships Held
by Officer During
the Past 5 Years
Keith S. Franz Age: 53 Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Since 2011
Keith S. Franz has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since 2011. Mr. Franz is principally responsible for the Company’s financial and day-to-day operating activities. Mr. Franz is also the Chief Financial Officer of CIM, the Company’s registered investment advisor. Mr. Franz joined CION Investments in March 2009 and was formerly the Vice President of Finance and Accounting and then a Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer through 2011. Prior to joining CION Investments, Mr. Franz was a senior executive for a business advisory and consulting firm from 2008 to 2009, the Vice President of Corporate Finance for a large publicly traded company from 2004 through 2008 and a Senior Audit Manager with E&Y, LLP in their assurance and business advisory group from 1991 through 2004. Mr. Franz received a B.S. from Binghamton University and is a certified public accountant and a Series 27 Financial and Operations principal.
None
19

Name,
Address(1),
Age and
Position(s)
with Company
Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
Other Public
Directorships Held
by Officer During
the Past 5 Years
Gregg A. Bresner
Age: 55 President and Chief Investment Officer
Since 2016
Gregg A. Bresner joined the Company in 2016. Mr. Bresner has over 25 years of corporate finance, investment and portfolio management experience with a focus in the leveraged finance sector. Prior to joining the Company and CIM, Mr. Bresner worked at investment management and banking firms including Wasserstein Perella & Co., Bankers Trust Company, BT Alex. Brown, Deutsche Bank, Briscoe Capital Management and Plainfield Asset Management. Previously, Mr. Bresner served as the operating Chief Financial Officer of JDS Therapeutics from 2012 to 2016. At JDS, Mr. Bresner led the company's financial, accounting, capital raising, corporate development and human resource functions and completed multiple capital raises, licensing transactions and acquisitions. In 2010, Mr. Bresner co-founded Tyto Capital, an investment firm specializing in private debt and equity investments in U.S. based middle-market companies. Tyto originated and acquired multiple private investments from 2010 to 2012, including an equity investment in JDS Therapeutics. In 2003, Mr. Bresner co-founded Briscoe Capital Management, a registered investment manager and the portfolio manager of the Fairfield Briscoe Senior Capital Fund, a debt fund focused on non-investment grade senior secured debt assets. Mr. Bresner actively managed a diversified loan portfolio of approximately 100 issuers. While at Briscoe, Mr. Bresner successfully raised and utilized approximately $700 million of committed debt facilities with Citigroup and CIBC. In mid-2006, the Briscoe Capital team merged into Plainfield Asset Management, a multi-billion-dollar special situations hedge fund platform. From 2006 to 2010, Mr. Bresner served as a Managing Director of Plainfield, where he sourced and executed direct U.S. debt and equity investments for various Plainfield investment funds.

Mr. Bresner began his investment banking career in the Mergers & Acquisitions group of Wasserstein Perella, where he advised middle-market companies and private equity sponsors on mergers and acquisitions, leveraged recapitalization and restructuring transactions. While at Bankers Trust Company and Deutsche Bank, Mr. Bresner was a senior investment banker in the Financial Sponsors Group where he focused on sourcing, structuring and executing leveraged senior debt, high yield debt and mezzanine financings for private equity sponsors. Mr. Bresner graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and received his M.B.A. from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business, where he was a Beta
None
20

Name,
Address(1),
Age and
Position(s)
with Company
Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years
Other Public
Directorships Held
by Officer During
the Past 5 Years
Gamma Sigma scholar. Mr. Bresner is a holder of the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.
Stephen Roman
Age: 41
Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary
Since 2016
Stephen Roman joined CIG in July of 2013 and since August 2013 has been Vice President of CIM. During his tenure at the Company, Mr. Roman has advised on numerous legal and regulatory matters and managed corporate and securities law compliance matters for the Company’s various corporate entities as well as its registered investment adviser. From November 2012 through June 2013, Mr. Roman served as an attorney in New York. Previously, he was an analyst at Forex Capital Markets. Mr. Roman received a J.D. from the Northwestern University School of Law and a B.S. from New York University. Mr. Roman is a holder of the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and is a member of the CFA Institute.
None
Eric A. Pinero Age: 46
Chief Legal Officer
Since 2021
Eric A. Pinero has served as the Company’s Chief Legal Officer since November 2021 and as Senior Director and Counsel of CIG and its affiliated entities since July 2013. During his tenure at CIG, Mr. Pinero has advised on all legal, compliance and regulatory matters, including, among others, matters related to corporate and securities law compliance for CIG as well as CIG’s sponsored alternative investment products, including the Company. Prior to joining CIG in 2013, Mr. Pinero was an attorney with several highly regarded regional law firms representing both issuers and underwriters concentrating on securities law compliance, public and private debt and equity securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and a diverse range of corporate and commercial transactions. Mr. Pinero received a B.S. in Political Science and History from Roger Williams University and a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.
None
(1)
Effective upon completion of the Listing on [•], 2021, the base management fee payable by the Company to CIM was reduced from 2.00% to 1.50%,
The address for each director and further to 1.00% if and upon shareholder approval of the Leverage Proposal and applying to assets acquired by the Company that are attributable to leverage decreasing the Company’s asset coverage ratio below 200%. The base management fees included assume that these changes to the base management fee were in effect as of June 30, 2021.executive officer is c/o CĪON Investment Corporation, 3 Park Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10016.
(2)
After being approved by shareholders on August 9, 2021, effective August 10, 2021,The Company’s directors are divided into three classes, each holding office for a three-year term. However, the calculationinitial members of the subordinated incentive fee payable bythree classes had initial terms of one, two and three years, respectively. At each annual meeting of shareholders, the successors to the class of directors whose terms expire at such meeting will be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders held in the third year following the year of their election. Each director will hold office for the term to which he or she is elected and serve until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.
(3)
“Interested person” of the Company to CIM was changed such that it is based on net assets rather than “Adjusted Capital”. Also, effective upon completionas defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Listing on [•], 2021, the subordinated incentive fee rate1940 Act. Messrs. Gatto and the incentive fee on capital gains rate were reduced from 20.0% to 17.5%, and the hurdle rate related to the subordinated incentive fee was reduced from 7.5% per year to 6.5% per year. The incentive fees included assume that these changes to the subordinated incentive fee and the incentive fee on capital gains were in effect asReisner are each an “interested person” because of June 30, 2021.their affiliation with CIM.
This example
21

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Risk Oversight and Board Structure
Through its direct oversight role, and indirectly through its committees, the Board performs a risk oversight function for the Company consisting of, among other things, the following activities: (1) at regular and special Board meetings, and on an ad hoc basis as needed, receiving and reviewing reports related to the performance and operations of the Company; (2) reviewing and approving, as applicable, the compliance policies and procedures of the Company; (3) meeting with the portfolio management team to review investment strategies, techniques and the expenses inprocesses used to manage related risks; (4) meeting with, or reviewing reports prepared by, the table above should not be considered a representationrepresentatives of the Company’s future expenses,key service providers, including its investment adviser, administrator, and actual expenses (includingindependent registered public accounting firm, to review and discuss the costCompany’s activities and to provide direction with respect thereto; and (5) engaging the services of debt, if any,the Company’s chief compliance officer to test the compliance procedures of the Company and other expenses) may be greater or less than those shown.certain of its service providers.
Additional flexibility to make required RIC distributions without violatingMessrs. Gatto and Reisner, who are “interested persons” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act,
Prior to serve as the passageco-chief executive officers and co-chairmen of the SBCAA,Board. The Board believes that Messrs. Gatto and Reisner, as the Company’s co-chief executive officers and co-chairmen of the Board, are the directors with the most knowledge of the Company’s business strategy and are best situated to serve as chairmen of the Board. The Company’s charter, as well as regulations governing BDCs generally, require that a majority of the Board be persons other than “interested persons” of the BDC, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act prohibited BDCs from declaring any dividend orAct. The Board does not currently have a lead Independent Director. The Board, after considering various factors, including, among other distribution to holdersthings, its current duties, responsibilities and the overall business of any class of capital stock, in the case of debt securities, or common stock, in the case of preferred stock, unless the asset coverage with respect to such senior securities was at least 200%. By lowering the asset coverage requirement to 150%, the Company, has concluded that its structure is appropriate at this time. The Board will continue to monitor the Company’s structure and determine whether it remains appropriate based on the complexity of the Company’s operations.
There have additional flexibility, subject to compliance with the covenants underbeen no purchases or sales of securities of CIM or its parent or subsidiaries by any of the Company’s financing arrangements, to continue makingdirectors since the distributions to shareholders required to maintain its qualification as a RIC under Subchapter Mbeginning of the Internal Revenue Codemost recently completed fiscal year.
Committees of 1986, as amended. This additional flexibility may be helpful in circumstances where the valueBoard
The Board has established a standing audit committee, a standing nominating and corporate governance committee and a standing compensation committee. The Board met eight times and took action by unanimous written consent seven times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. Each director attended more than 95% of the aggregate of all meetings of the Board held during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. The Company does not have a formal policy regarding director attendance at an annual meeting of shareholders.
Audit Committee
The members of the Company’s assets,audit committee are Robert A. Breakstone, Peter I. Finlay, Aron I. Schwartz, Earl V. Hedin, Catherine K. Choi and thusEdward J. Estrada, each of whom meets the independence standards established by the SEC for audit committees and is independent for purposes of the 1940 Act and the NYSE Listed Company Manual. Mr. Schwartz serves as chairman of the audit committee. The Board has determined that Mr. Schwartz is an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined under Item 407 of Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act. The audit committee operates pursuant to a written charter and meets periodically as necessary. A copy of the audit committee’s charter is available on the Company’s asset coverage, declines, butwebsite: www.cionbdc.com. The audit committee is responsible for selecting, engaging and discharging the levelCompany’s independent registered public accounting firm (the “independent accountants”), reviewing the plans, scope and results of the audit engagement with the Company’s independent accountants, approving professional services provided by the Company’s independent accountants (including compensation therefor), reviewing the independence of the Company’s net investment income remains relatively constant (i.e.,independent accountants and reviewing the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The audit committee also establishes guidelines, reviews preliminary valuations and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the valuation of the Company’s loans and other investments. The audit committee met seven times in 2021.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The members of the Company’s nominating and corporate governance committee are Robert A. Breakstone, Peter I. Finlay, Aron I. Schwartz, Earl V. Hedin, Catherine K. Choi and Edward J. Estrada, each of whom meets the independence standards established by the SEC for governance committees and is independent for purposes of the
22

1940 Act and the NYSE Listed Company Manual. Mr. Breakstone serves as chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee. The nominating and corporate governance committee operates pursuant to a written charter and meets periodically as necessary. A copy of the nominating and corporate governance committee’s charter is available on the Company’s website: www.cionbdc.com.The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for selecting, researching, and nominating directors for election by the Company’s shareholders, selecting nominees to fill vacancies on the Board or a committee of the Board, developing and recommending to the Board a set of corporate governance principles and overseeing the evaluation of the Board and the Company’s management. The nominating and corporate governance committee will consider shareholders’ proposed nominations for directors. The nominating and corporate governance committee met four times in 2021.
The nominating and corporate governance committee considers candidates suggested by its members and other directors, as well as the Company’s management and shareholders. A shareholder who wishes to recommend a prospective nominee for the Board must provide notice to the Company’s corporate secretary in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Company’s Bylaws, the nominating and corporate governance committee charter and any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding director nominations. Nominations should be sent to Stephen Roman, Corporate Secretary, CĪON Investment Corporation, 3 Park Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10016. To have a candidate considered by the nominating and corporate governance committee, a shareholder must submit the recommendation in writing and must include the following information:
The name of the shareholder and evidence of the person’s ownership of Shares, including the number of Shares owned and the length of time of the ownership;
The name of the candidate, the candidate’s resume or a listing of his or her qualifications to be a director of the Company continuesand the person’s consent to have cash available to make any necessary distributions to shareholders). If the Company were to fail to make required distributions and no longer qualifybe named as a RIC, the Company would be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes.
Impact on advisory fees paiddirector if selected by the Companynominating and corporate governance committee and nominated to the Board; and
If requested by the nominating and corporate governance committee, a completed and signed director’s questionnaire.
Compensation Committee
The base management feemembers of the Company’s compensation committee are Robert A. Breakstone, Peter I. Finlay, Aron I. Schwartz, Earl V. Hedin, Catherine K. Choi and Edward J. Estrada, each of whom meets the independence standards established by the SEC for compensation committees and is independent for purposes of the 1940 Act and the NYSE Listed Company Manual. The Company currently does not have a chairperson of the compensation committee. The compensation committee operates pursuant to a written charter and meets periodically as necessary. A copy of the compensation committee’s charter is available on the Company’s website: www.cionbdc.com. The compensation committee is responsible for determining, or recommending to the Board for determination, the compensation, if any, of the Company’s co-chief executive officers and all other executive officers. The compensation committee also assists the Board with matters related to compensation generally, except with respect to compensation of the directors.
The Company’s executive officers do not receive any direct compensation from the Company. However, the compensation payable to CIM pursuant to the investment advisory agreement was calculated at an annual rate of 2.0%has been separately approved by a majority of the average valueIndependent Directors, as well as the Company’s shareholders in 2021. As none of the Company’s gross assets (excluding cash and cash equivalents so that investorsexecutive officers currently is compensated by the Company, the compensation committee does not produce and/or review a report on executive compensation practices. The compensation committee did not hold any formal meetings in 2021.
Compensation of Directors
Directors who do not payalso serve in an executive officer capacity for the base management fee on such assets) at the endCompany or CIM are entitled to receive annual cash retainer fees, fees for attending Board and committee meetings and annual fees for serving as a committee chairperson. These directors are Robert A. Breakstone, Peter I. Finlay, Aron I. Schwartz, Earl V. Hedin, Catherine K. Choi and Edward J. Estrada. These directors are paid (i) annual cash retainer fees of the two most recently completed calendar quarters$90,000; (ii) fees for attending Board and iscommittee meetings (in-person or telephonically) of $800 per meeting; and (iii) annual fees of $25,000 for serving as a committee chairperson (per committee). Amounts payable under this arrangement are determined and paid quarterly in arrears. The Board considered the fact that incurring additional leverage will increase the base management fee payable to CIM irrespective of the return on the incremental assets and also noted that sourcing additional investment opportunities to deploy any additional capital will require additional time and effort on the part of CIM and its investment personnel.
In addition, as additional leverage would magnify increases, if any, in the Company’s investment income, as noted above, the Company’s net investment income may exceed the quarterly hurdle rate for payment of the subordinated
1323

incentive feeThe Company also reimburses each of the above directors for all reasonable and authorized business expenses in accordance with the Company’s policies as in effect from time to time. The Company did not pay compensation to its directors who also serve in an executive officer capacity for the Company or CIM for the year ended December 31, 2021.
The Company’s directors were paid compensation of $512,433 in connection with their service on income payablethe Board during the year ended December 31, 2021. No director or executive officer receives pension or retirement benefits from the Company.
Communications Between Shareholders and the Board of Directors
The Board welcomes communications from the Company’s shareholders. Shareholders may send communications to the Board, or to any particular director, to the following address: c/o CĪON Investment Corporation, 3 Park Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Shareholders should indicate clearly the director or directors to whom the communication is being sent so that each communication may be forwarded directly to the appropriate director(s).
Code of Business Conduct
The Company has adopted a code of business conduct pursuant to Rule 17j-1 promulgated under the 1940 Act, which applies to, among others, its officers, including its Co-Chief Executive Officers and its Chief Financial Officer, as well as the members of the Board. The Company’s code of business conduct can be accessed via the Company’s website at www.cionbdc.com. The Company intends to disclose any amendments to or waivers of required provisions of the code of business conduct on Form 8-K or on the Company’s website.
Practice and Policies Regarding Personal Trading and Hedging of Equity
The Company has also established a policy designed to prohibit the officers, directors, and certain employees of CIM and its affiliates from purchasing or selling the Company’s shares while in possession of material nonpublic information, or otherwise using such information for their personal benefit or in any manner that would violate applicable laws and regulations. The policy also prohibits all directors and officers from engaging in hedging or monetization transactions or similar arrangements with respect to the Company’s securities without prior approval of the Company’s chief compliance officer.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
The Company has adopted corporate governance guidelines pursuant to Section 303A.09 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, which can be accessed via the Company’s website at www.cionbdc.com.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The Company’s executive officers do not receive any direct compensation from the Company. The Company does not currently have any employees and does not expect to have any employees. Services necessary for the Company’s business are provided by individuals who are officers of CIM or by individuals who were contracted by CIM to work on behalf of the Company, pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory agreement or administration agreement. Each of the Company’s executive officers is an officer of CIM, and the day-to-day investment operations and administration of the Company’s portfolio are managed by CIM. In addition, the Company reimburses CIM for the Company’s allocable portion of expenses incurred by CIM in performing its obligations under the administration agreement, including the allocable portion of the cost of the Company’s officers and their respective staffs determined under the administration agreement.
The investment advisory agreement and the administration agreement each provides that CIM and its officers, directors, controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated with them acting as the Company’s agent shall be entitled to indemnification (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) for any liability or loss suffered by CIM or such other person, and CIM and such other person shall be held harmless for any loss or liability suffered by the Company, if (i) CIM has determined, in good faith, that the course of conduct which caused the loss or liability was in the Company’s best interests, (ii) CIM or such other person was acting on behalf of or performing services for the Company, (iii) the liability or loss suffered was not the result of willful malfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence by CIM or an affiliate thereof acting as the Company’s agent, and (iv) the indemnification or agreement to hold CIM or such other person harmless is only recoverable out of the Company’s net assets and not from the Company’s shareholders.
24

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
The Company has procedures in place for the review, approval and monitoring of transactions involving the Company and certain persons related to the Company. For example, the Company has a code of business conduct that generally prohibits any employee, officer or director from engaging in any transaction where there is a conflict between such individual’s personal interest and the interests of the Company. Waivers to the code of business conduct can generally only be obtained from the Chief Compliance Officer, the Co-Chairmen of the Board or the Chairman of the audit committee of the Board and are publicly disclosed as required by applicable law and regulations. In addition, the audit committee reviews all related person transactions for potential conflict of interest situations on an ongoing basis in accordance with the Company’s code of ethics, code of business conduct and other applicable policies and procedures, and all such transactions are approved or ratified by the audit committee as set forth in the audit committee charter.
Messrs. Gatto and Reisner, the Company’s Co-Chairmen and Co-Chief Executive Officers, also serve as Co-Chief Executive Officers of CIM. In addition, Messrs. Gatto and Reisner each directly and indirectly own approximately 38% of CIG’s ownership of CIM.
The Company has entered into an investment advisory agreement with CIM. Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, atthe Company pays CIM a lower average unlevered returnbase management fee and an incentive fee. The Company has also entered into an administration agreement with CIM, pursuant to which the Company reimburses CIM for administrative expenses it incurs on the Company’s portfolio. The Board also noted that the incentive fee payable bybehalf.
On January 1, 2019, the Company entered into a servicing agreement with CIM’s affiliate, Apollo Investment Administration, L.P., or AIA, pursuant to CIM may create an incentivewhich AIA furnishes the Company with administrative services including, but not limited to, loan and high yield trading services, trade and settlement support, and monthly valuation reports and support for CIM to make investmentsall broker quoted investments. AIA is reimbursed for administrative expenses it incurs on the Company’s behalf in performing its obligations, provided that such reimbursement is reasonable, and costs and expenses incurred are riskydocumented.
The Company’s executive officers, certain of its directors and certain other finance professionals of CION Investments also serve as executives of CIM and officers of the Company and Messrs. Gatto and Reisner are directors of CION Securities, LLC, the dealer manager for the offering of Shares, which ended on January 25, 2019. In addition, the Company’s executive officers and directors and the members of CIM and members of the investment committee serve or more speculative than wouldmay serve as officers, directors or principals of entities that operate in the same, or related, line of business as the Company does or of investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles managed by the Company’s affiliates. These investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles may have investment objectives similar to the Company’s investment objective. The Company may compete with entities managed by CIM and its affiliates for capital and investment opportunities. As a result, the Company may not be given the caseopportunity to participate in certain investments made by investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles managed by CIM or its affiliates or by members of the investment committee. However, to fulfill its fiduciary duties to each of its clients, CIM intends to allocate investment opportunities in a manner that is fair and equitable over time and is consistent with CIM’s allocation policy, investment objective and strategies so that the Company is not disadvantaged in relation to any other client. CIM has agreed with the Board that allocations among the Company and other investment funds affiliated with CIM will be made based on capital available for investment in the asset class being allocated. The Company expects that its available capital for investments will be determined based on the amount of cash on-hand, existing commitments and reserves, if any, and the targeted leverage level and targeted asset mix and other investment policies and restrictions set by the Board or as imposed by applicable laws, rules, regulations or interpretations.
Policies and Procedures for Managing Conflicts
CIM and its affiliates have both subjective and objective procedures and policies in place designed to manage the potential conflicts of interest between CIM’s fiduciary obligations to the Company and its similar fiduciary obligations to other clients. For example, such policies and procedures may be designed so that, when appropriate, certain investment opportunities may be allocated on an alternating basis that is fair and equitable among the Company and their other clients. An investment opportunity that is suitable for multiple clients of CIM and its affiliates may not be capable of being shared among some or all of such clients and affiliates due to the limited scale of the opportunity or other factors, including regulatory restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act. There can be no assurance that CIM’s or its affiliates’ efforts to allocate any particular investment opportunity fairly among all clients
25

for whom such opportunity is appropriate will result in an allocation of all or part of such opportunity to the Company. Not all conflicts of interest can be expected to be resolved in the Company’s favor.
The principals of CIM have managed and will continue to manage investment vehicles with similar or overlapping investment strategies. In order to address these issues, CIM has put in place an investment allocation policy that addresses the co-investment restrictions set forth under the 1940 Act and seeks to ensure the equitable allocation of investment opportunities when the Company is able to co-invest with other accounts managed by CIM and affiliated entities. In the absence of receiving exemptive relief from the SEC that would permit greater flexibility relating to co-investments, CIM will apply the investment allocation policy. When the Company engages in such compensation arrangement,permitted co-investments, it will do so in a manner consistent with CIM’s allocation policy. Under this allocation policy, a fixed percentage of each opportunity, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during cyclical economic downturns.
The Amended Advisory Agreementmay vary based on asset class and the Listing.
At the Company’s reconvened 2021 annual meeting of shareholders on August 9, 2021, shareholders approved the Amended Advisory Agreement, which was entered into byfrom time to time, will be offered to the Company and similar eligible accounts, as periodically determined by CIM and approved by the Board, including all of the Independent Directors. The allocation policy further provides that allocations among the Company and other accounts will generally be made pro rata based on August 10, 2021 and [•], 2021, and became effective uponeach account’s capital available for investment, as determined, in the Listing on [•], 2021, except forCompany’s case, by the changeBoard, including the Independent Directors. It is the Company’s policy to base its determinations as to the calculationamount of capital available for investment on such factors as: the amount of cash on-hand, existing commitments and reserves, if any, the targeted leverage level, the targeted asset mix and other investment policies and restrictions set by the Board or imposed by applicable laws, rules, regulations or interpretations. The Company expects that these determinations will be made similarly for other accounts. In situations where co-investment with other entities managed by CIM or its affiliates is not permitted or appropriate, such as when there is an opportunity to invest in different securities of the incentive fee payablesame issuer, CIM will need to decide whether the Company or such other entity or entities will proceed with the investment. CIM will make these determinations based on its policies and procedures, which generally require that such opportunities be offered to eligible accounts in a manner that will be fair and equitable over time.
Share Repurchase Policy
On September 15, 2021, the Board, including the Independent Directors, approved a share repurchase policy authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $50 million of its outstanding common stock after the listing of its shares of common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, which occurred on October 5, 2021 under the symbol “CION”. Under the share repurchase policy, the Company expects to purchase shares of its common stock through various means such as open market transactions, including block purchases, and privately negotiated transactions. The number of shares repurchased and the timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchases will be determined at the Company’s discretion. Factors are expected to include, but are not limited to, share price, trading volume and general market conditions, along with the Company’s general business conditions. The policy may be suspended or discontinued at any time and does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of shares of its common stock.
As part of the share repurchase policy, the Company intends to enter into a trading plan adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act based in part on historical trading data with respect to its shares. The 10b5-1 trading plan would permit common stock to be repurchased at a time that the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws or self-imposed trading restrictions. The 10b5-1 trading plan will be administered by an independent broker and will be subject to price, market volume and timing restrictions.
Competition
Certain officers of CIM are simultaneously providing investment management services to certain funds managed by its affiliates. CIM may determine that it is based on net assets rather than “Adjusted Capital”,appropriate for the Company and one or more other investment accounts managed by CIM or any of its affiliates to participate in an investment opportunity. As a BDC, the Company is subject to certain regulatory restrictions in making its investments with entities with which wasthe Company may be restricted from doing so under the 1940 Act, unless the Company obtains an exemptive order from the SEC or co-invests alongside such affiliates in accordance with existing regulatory guidance. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will obtain such exemptive relief. Even if the Company receives exemptive relief, CIM’s investment committee may determine that the Company should not dependent uponparticipate in a co-investment transaction.
Affiliated Dealer Manager
The dealer manager is an affiliate of CIM. This relationship may have created conflicts in connection with the Listing. Underdealer manager’s due diligence obligations under the Amended Advisory Agreement:federal securities laws. Although the dealer manager examined
26

the base management fee payable byinformation in the prospectus for accuracy and completeness, due to its affiliation with CIM, no independent review of the Company was reduced from 2.00% to 1.50%, and further to 1.00% upon shareholder approvalmade in connection with the distribution of Shares in the Leverage Proposal and applying to assets acquired byoffering, which ended on January 25, 2019.
Co-Investment Opportunities
As a BDC, the Company that are attributableis subject to leverage decreasingcertain regulatory restrictions in negotiating or investing in certain investments with entities with which the Company’s asset coverage ratio below 200%,
the subordinated incentive fee rate and the incentive fee on capital gains rate were reduced from 20.0% to 17.5%, and
the hurdle rate related to the subordinated incentive fee was reduced from 7.5% per year to 6.5% per year.
These changes, in the aggregate, may lead to the payment of higher or lower fees to CIM for its management of the Company depending upon the Company’s performance.
Other Considerations
The Board noted that holders of any senior securities, including any additional senior securities that Company may be able to issueprohibited from doing so under the 1940 Act, such as a result ofCIM and its affiliates, unless the reduced asset coverage requirements, will have fixed-dollar claims onCompany obtains an exemptive order from the Company’s assets that are superior to the claims of the shareholders. In the case of a liquidation event, holders of these senior securities would receive proceeds to the extent of their fixed claims before any distributions are made to the shareholders, and the issuance of additional senior securities may result in fewer proceeds remaining for distribution to the shareholders if the assets purchased with the capital raise from such issuances decline in value.
SEC. The Board also discussed the additional disclosures required upon the modification of the asset coverage requirement. Such additional disclosure includes a requirement to disclose the approval of the 150% asset coverage requirement in a filingCompany has filed an application with the SEC within five business daysseeking an exemptive order from such restrictions, but there can be no assurances the SEC will ultimately grant the relief sought in the exemptive application. Co-investments made under the exemptive relief, if granted, would be subject to compliance with the conditions and other requirements contained in the exemptive relief provided by the SEC. The Company is limited in its ability to engage in co-investment transactions with CIM and its affiliates without exemptive relief from the SEC. Even if the Company receives exemptive relief, CIM’s investment committee may determine that the Company should not participate in a co-investment transaction.
Material Non-Public Information
The Company’s senior management, members of CIM’s investment committee and other investment professionals from CIM may serve as directors of, or in a similar capacity with, companies in which the Company invests or in which it is considering making an investment. Through these and other relationships with a company, these individuals may obtain material non-public information that might restrict the Company’s ability to buy or sell the securities of such approval. Following such approval,company under the Company will be required to include in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K the principal amount or liquidation preference of its senior securities and its asset coverage ratio aspolicies of the datecompany or applicable law.
Required Vote
Each director shall be elected by a plurality of the most recent financial statements, the fact that the 150% asset coverage had been approved by the Company and the effective date of such approval along with the principal risk factors associated with the Company’s senior securities. The Board noted that such disclosure requirements were not anticipated to be burdensome to the Company.
The affirmative vote of a majority ofall the votes cast at the Meeting virtually or by proxy, provided that a quorum is requiredpresent. Each Share may be voted for the director nominees. In the absence of instructions to approve the Leverage Proposal. Abstentionscontrary, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies to vote such proxy “FOR” the election of the director nominees named above. Votes that are withheld will not be included in determining the number of votes cast and, as a result, will not have anyno effect on the resultoutcome of the vote with respect to the Leverage Proposal. Brokeron this proposal. Shares represented by broker non-votes are also not considered votes cast and thus have no effect on this proposal.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF
THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES NAMED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.
27

PROPOSAL 2 - APPROVAL TO OFFER AND SELL SHARES AT A PRICE
BELOW NET ASSET VALUE
Background
The 1940 Act generally prohibits the LeverageCompany, as a BDC, from offering and selling Shares at a price per Share, after deducting selling commissions and dealer manager fees, below the then-current NAV per Share unless the Company meets certain exceptions.
One such exception would permit the Company to sell or otherwise issue Shares during the next year at a price below the Company’s then-current NAV if its shareholders approve such a sale and the Company’s directors make certain determinations prior to the sale or issuance of such Shares. A majority of the Company’s independent directors and a majority of the Company’s directors who have no financial interest in the sale would be required to make a determination as to whether such sale would be in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders prior to selling Shares at a price below NAV per share if the Company’s shareholders were to approve such a proposal. A majority of the Company’s independent directors and a majority of the Company’s directors who have no financial interest in the sale, in consultation with the underwriter or underwriters of the offering if it is to be underwritten, would also be required to determine in good faith, and as of a time immediately prior to the first solicitation by or on behalf of the Company of firm commitments to purchase the Company’s Shares or immediately prior to the issuance of such Shares, that the price at which the Shares is to be sold is not less than a price which closely approximates its market value, less any distributing commission or discount.
The Company is seeking the approval of its shareholders so that it may, in one or more public or private offerings of its Shares, sell or otherwise issue Shares, not exceeding 25% of its then outstanding Shares, at a price below NAV, subject to the conditions set forth in this proposal. The Board, including all of the Independent Directors, recommends the proposal to the shareholders for their approval. If approved, the authorization would be effective for securities issued during a twelve-month period following shareholder approval.
Reasons to Offer Shares Below NAV
Status as a RIC and Maintaining a Favorable Debt to Equity Ratio
As a BDC and a regulated investment company (“RIC”) for tax purposes, the Company is dependent on its ability to raise capital through the issuance of its Shares. RICs generally must distribute substantially all of their earnings to shareholders as dividends in order to achieve pass-through tax treatment, which prevents the Company from retaining any meaningful amount of earnings to support operations, which may include making new investments (including investments into existing portfolio companies). The Company must also comply with the 150% asset coverage requirement in order to incur debt or issue senior securities. Because BDCs must determine the fair value of the assets in their portfolio quarterly, an unfavorable shift in market dynamics or the existence of underperforming assets may lower that determination of fair value and therefore proportionately increase the value of balance sheet debt compared to assets.
Failure to maintain the required asset coverage ratio could have severe negative consequences for the Company, including the inability to pay distributions and breach of covenants in the Company’s credit facilities or other borrowings. Although the Company does not currently expect to breach the asset coverage ratio requirement, the markets it operates in and the general economy are currently exceptionally volatile and uncertain. Even if the underlying performance of one or more portfolio companies may not indicate an impairment or inability to repay all principal and interest in full, volatility in the capital markets may negatively impact the valuations of investments and create unrealized capital depreciation on certain investments. Any such write-downs in value (as well as unrealized capital depreciation based on the underlying performance of the Company’s portfolio companies, if any) will negatively impact the Company’s total assets and the resulting asset coverage ratio. Issuing additional equity would allow the Company to realign its debt to equity ratio and avoid these negative consequences. In addition to meeting legal requirements applicable to BDCs, having a more favorable debt to equity ratio would also generally strengthen the Company’s balance sheet and give it more flexibility to fully execute its business strategy.
Current Market Conditions
From time to time, capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. The market is currently experiencing such a period of severe instability due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to contain it. In addition, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 0.25% in March 2022, and recently indicated
28

that, in light of the economic recovery and higher than anticipated inflation, it expects to raise interest rates a few more times in 2022. However, the timing, number and amount of any such future interest rate increases are uncertain. This period of market disruption and instability may adversely affect the Company’s access to sufficient debt and equity capital. Debt capital that will be available, if any, may be at a higher cost and on less favorable terms and conditions. Further, although the Company has terminated its public offering, it may be advantageous to seek to raise additional equity capital in private placements, which would be greatly aided by the flexibility of being able to offer Shares at a price below current NAV. This access to equity capital will allow the Company to better negotiate with its lenders and avoid the Company from being a forced seller of assets in this current marketplace. It will also preserve financial flexibility during these uncertain times for other purposes, such as providing liquidity to troubled portfolio companies by participating in a capital restructurings. In addition, the Company believes that additional attractive investment opportunities may present themselves during this period.
Conditions to the Sale of the Company’s Shares Below NAV
If shareholders approve this proposal, the Company will sell Shares at a price below NAV per Share, exclusive of sales compensation, only if the following conditions are met:
a majority of the Independent Directors who have no financial interest in the sale have approved the sale;
a majority of such Independent Directors, who, in consultation with the underwriter or underwriters of the offering, if any, have determined in good faith, and as of a time immediately prior to the first solicitation by or on behalf of the Company of firm commitments to purchase such securities, or immediately prior to the sale of such securities, that the price at which such securities are to be sold is not less than a price which closely approximates the market value of those securities, less any underwriting commission or discount; and
the cumulative number of Shares sold pursuant to such authority does not exceed 25% of the Company’s then outstanding Shares immediately prior to each such sale.
Key Shareholder Considerations
Before voting on this proposal or giving proxies with regard to this matter, shareholders should consider the dilutive effect of the issuance of the Company’s Shares at less than NAV per share. Any sale of Shares at a price below NAV would result in immediate dilution to existing shareholders. Since under this proposal the Company’s Shares could be issued at a price that is substantially below the NAV per share, the dilution could be substantial. This dilution would include reduction in the NAV per share as a result of the issuance of Shares at a price below the NAV per share, and a proportionately greater decrease in a shareholder’s interest in the earnings and assets of the Company and voting interest in the Company, than the increase in the assets of the Company resulting from such issuance. If this proposal is approved, the Board may, consistent with its fiduciary duties, approve the sale or otherwise issue the Company’s Shares at any discount to its then current NAV per share; however, the Board will consider the potential dilutive effect of the issuance of Shares at a price below the NAV per Share when considering whether to authorize any such issuance and will act in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders in doing so.
The 1940 Act establishes a connection between common share sale price and NAV because, when shares of common stock or other specific securities are sold at a sale price below NAV per share, the resulting increase in the number of outstanding shares is not accompanied by a proportionate increase in the net assets of the issuer. Further, if current shareholders of the Company do not purchase any Shares to maintain their percentage interest, regardless of whether such offering is above or below the then current NAV, their voting power will be diluted. For an illustration of the potential dilutive effect of an offering of the Company’s Shares at a price below NAV, please see the table below under the heading “Examples of Dilutive Effect of the Issuance of Shares at a Price Below NAV.”
It should be noted that the cumulative number of Shares sold below NAV pursuant to this proposal is limited to 25% of the Company’s then-outstanding Shares immediately prior to each such sale. While the Company will aggregate all Shares sold below NAV throughout the year for purposes of this limit, the maximum is based on the percentage of outstanding Shares at the time of each offering and if the Company issues additional Shares throughout the year, the Company would be able to issue more Shares below NAV before reaching the 25% limit. Furthermore, there would be no limit on the discount to NAV at which Shares could be sold.
The Company has not offered or sold any Shares at a price below NAV per Share pursuant to the share issuance proposal that was approved by shareholders at the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders. While the Company has no
29

immediate plans to sell its Shares at a price below NAV per Share pursuant to this Share Issuance Proposal, it is seeking shareholder approval now in order to maintain access to the markets if the Company determines it should sell Shares at a price below NAV per Share, which typically must be undertaken quickly. The final terms of any such sale will be determined by the Board at the time of issuance and the Shares will not include preemptive rights. Also, because the Company has no immediate plans to issue any Shares, it is impracticable to describe the transaction or transactions in which such Shares would be issued. Instead, any transaction where the Company issues such Shares, including the nature and amount of consideration that would be received by the Company at the time of issuance and the use of any such consideration, will be reviewed and approved by the Board at the time of issuance. If the Share Issuance Proposal is approved, no further authorization from the shareholders will be solicited prior to any such issuance in accordance with the terms of this proposal.
Examples of Dilutive Effect of the Issuance of Shares at a Price Below NAV
Impact on Existing Shareholders who do not Participate in the Offering
Existing shareholders who do not participate in an offering at a price below NAV or who do not buy additional Shares in the secondary market or in the public market on the New York Stock Exchange at the same or lower price obtained by the Company in the offering face the greatest potential risks. These shareholders will experience an immediate dilution in the NAV of the Shares they hold and will also experience a disproportionately greater decrease in their participation in the Company’s earnings and assets and their voting power than the increase the Company will experience in its assets and voting interests due to such offering.
The following chart illustrates the level of NAV dilution that would be experienced by a nonparticipating shareholder in three different hypothetical offerings of different sizes and levels of discount from NAV. The examples assume that the issuer has 1,000,000 Shares outstanding, $15,000,000 in total assets and $5,000,000 in total liabilities. Based on these assumptions, the current net asset value of the Company and NAV thus would be $10,000,000 and $10.00, respectively. The table below illustrates the dilutive effect on nonparticipating Shareholder A of (1) an offering of 50,000 Shares (5% of the outstanding Shares) at $9.50 per Share after offering expenses and commissions (a 5% discount from NAV); (2) an offering of 100,000 Shares (10% of the outstanding Shares) at $9.00 per Share after offering expenses and commissions (a 10% discount from NAV); (3) an offering of 200,000 Shares (20% of the outstanding Shares) at $8.00 per Share after offering expenses and commissions (a 20% discount from NAV); (4) an offering of 250,000 Shares (25% of the outstanding Shares) at $7.50 per Share after offering expenses and commissions (a 25% discount from NAV) and (5) an offering of 250,000 Shares (25% of the outstanding Shares) at $0.00 per Share after offering expenses and commissions (a 100% discount from NAV). The offering document pursuant to which any discounted offering is made will include a chart for these examples based on the actual number of Shares in such offering and the actual discount from the most recently determined NAV. It is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only.
 
Prior
to
Sale
Below
NAV
Example 1
5% Offering At
5% Discount
Example 2
10% Offering At
10% Discount
Example 3
20% Offering At
20% Discount
Example 4
25% Offering At
25% Discount
Example 5
25% Offering At
100% Discount
 
Following
Sale
%
Change
Following
Sale
%
Change
Following
Sale
%
Change
Following
Sale
%
Change
Following
Sale
%
Change
Offering Price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Price per Share to Public
$10.00
$9.47
$8.42
$7.89
Net Proceeds per Share to Issuer
$9.50
$9.00
$8.00
$7.50
Decrease to NAV
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Shares Outstanding
1,000,000
1,050,000
5.00%
1,100,000
10.00%
1,200,000
20.00%
1,250,000
25.00%
1,250,000
25.00%
NAV per Share
$10.00
$9.98
(0.24)%
$9.91
(0.91)%
$9.67
(3.33)%
$9.50
(5.00)%
$8.00
(20.00)%
Dilution to Shareholder
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares Held by Shareholder A
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
Percentage Held by Shareholder A
1.0%
0.95%
(4.76)%
0.91%
(9.09)%
0.83%
(16.67)%
0.80%
(20.00)%
0.80%
(20.00)%
Total Asset Values
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total NAV Held by Shareholder A
$100,000
$99,762
(0.24)%
$99,091
(0.91)%
$96,667
(3.33)%
$95,000
(5.00)%
$80,000
(20.00)%
30

 
Prior
to
Sale
Below
NAV
Example 1
5% Offering At
5% Discount
Example 2
10% Offering At
10% Discount
Example 3
20% Offering At
20% Discount
Example 4
25% Offering At
25% Discount
Example 5
25% Offering At
100% Discount
 
Following
Sale
%
Change
Following
Sale
%
Change
Following
Sale
%
Change
Following
Sale
%
Change
Following
Sale
%
Change
Total Investment by Shareholder A (Assumed to be $10.00 per Share)
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
Total Dilution to Shareholder A (Total NAV Less Total Investment)
$(238)
$(909)
$(3,333)
$(5,000)
$(20,000)
Per Share Amounts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NAV per Share Held by Shareholder A
$9.98
$9.91
$9.67
$9.50
$8.00
Investment per Share Held by Shareholder A (Assumed to be $10.00 per Share on Shares Held Prior to Sale)
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00
Dilution per Share Held by Shareholder A (NAV per Share Less Investment per Share)
$(0.02)
$(0.09)
$(0.33)
$(0.50)
$(2.00)
Percentage Dilution to Shareholder A (Dilution per Share Divided by Investment per Share)
(0.24)%
(0.91)%
(3.33)%
(5.00)%
(20.00)%
Impact on Existing Shareholders Who Participate in the Offering
Existing shareholders who participate in an offering at a price below NAV or who buy additional Shares in the secondary market or in the public market on the New York Stock Exchange at the same or lower price as the Company obtains in the offering (after expenses and commissions) will experience the same types of NAV dilution as the nonparticipating shareholders, although at a lower level, to the extent they purchase less than the same percentage of the discounted offering as their interest in the Company’s Shares immediately prior to the offering. The level of NAV dilution will decrease as the number of Shares such shareholders purchase increases. Existing shareholders who buy more than such percentage will experience NAV dilution but will, in contrast to existing shareholders who purchase less than their proportionate share of the offering, experience accretion in NAV over their investment per Share and will also experience a disproportionately greater increase in their participation in the Company’s earnings and assets and their voting power than the Company’s increase in assets and voting interests due to such offering. The level of accretion will increase as the excess number of Shares such shareholder purchases increases. Even a shareholder who over-participates will, however, be subject to the risk that the Company may make additional discounted offerings in which such shareholder does not participate, in which case such a shareholder will experience NAV dilution as described above in such subsequent offerings.
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The below examples assume that the issuer has 1,000,000 Shares outstanding, $15,000,000 in total assets and $5,000,000 in total liabilities. Based on these assumptions, the current net asset value of the Company and NAV thus would be $10,000,000 and $10.00, respectively. The table below illustrates the dilutive and accretive effect in the hypothetical 25% discount offering from the prior chart for Shareholder A that acquires Shares equal to (1) 50% of their proportionate share of the offering (i.e., 1,250 Shares, which is 0.50% of the offering of 250,000 Shares rather than their 1.00% proportionate share) and (2) 150% of their proportionate share of the offering (i.e., 3,750 Shares, which is 1.50% of the offering of 250,000 Shares rather than their 1.00% proportionate share). The offering document pursuant to which any discounted offering is made will include a chart for these examples based on the actual number of Shares in such offering and the actual discount from the most recently determined NAV. It is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only.
 
Prior to
Sale Below
NAV
50% Participation
150% Participation
 
Following
Sale
%
Change
Following
Sale
%
Change
Offering Price
 
 
 
 
 
Price per Share to public
$7.89
$7.89
Net proceeds per Share to issuer
$7.50
$7.50
Increases in Shares and Decrease to NAV
 
 
 
 
 
Total Shares outstanding
1,000,000
1,250,000
25.00%
1,250,000
25.00%
NAV per Share
$10.00
$9.50
(5.00)%
$9.50
(5.00)%
(Dilution)/Accretion to Participating Shareholder A
 
 
 
 
 
Shares held by Shareholder A
10,000
11,250
12.50%
13,750
37.50%
Percentage held by Shareholder A
1.00%
0.90%
(10.00)%
1.10%
10.00%
Total Asset Values
 
 
 
 
 
Total NAV held by Shareholder A
$100,000
$106,875
6.88%
$130,625
30.63%
Total investment by Shareholder A (assumed to be $10.00 per Share on Shares held prior to sale)
$100,000
$109,863
9.86%
$129,588
29.59%
Total (dilution)/accretion to Shareholder A (total NAV less total investment)
$(2,988)
$1,037
Per Share Amounts
 
 
 
 
 
NAV held by Shareholder A
$9.50
$9.50
Investment per Share held by Shareholder A (assumed to be $10.00 per Share on shares held prior to sale)
$10.00
$9.77
(2.30)%
$9.42
(5.80)%
(Dilution)/accretion per Share held by Shareholder A (NAV less investment per Share)
$(0.27)
$0.08
Percentage (dilution)/accretion to Shareholder A (dilution/accretion per Share divided by investment per Share)
(2.76)%
0.85%
Impact on New Investors
The following examples illustrate the level of NAV dilution or accretion that would be experienced by a new shareholder in the Company in three different hypothetical Share offerings of different sizes and levels of discount from NAV per Share, although it is not possible to predict the level of market price decline that may occur. Actual sales prices and discounts may differ from the presentation below.
Investors who are not currently shareholders of the Company, but who participate in an offering by the Company below NAV and whose investment per Share is greater than the resulting NAV per Share due to expenses and any commissions paid by the Company, will experience an immediate decrease, albeit small, in the NAV of their Shares
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and their NAV per Share compared to the price they pay for their Shares. Investors who are not currently shareholders of the Company and who participate in an offering by the Company below NAV per Share and whose investment per Share is also less than the resulting NAV per Share due to expenses and any commissions paid by the Company being significantly less than the discount per Share, will experience an immediate increase in the NAV of their Shares and their NAV per Share compared to the price they pay for their Shares. All of these investors will experience a disproportionately greater participation in the Company’s earnings and assets and their voting power than the Company’s increase in assets, potential earning power and voting interests. These investors will, however, be subject to the risk that the Company may make additional discounted offerings in which such new shareholder does not participate, in which case such new shareholder will experience dilution as described above in such subsequent offerings by the Company. These investors may also experience a decline in the market price of their Shares, which often reflects to some degree announced or potential increases and decreases in NAV per Share. Their decrease could be more pronounced as the size of the offering and level of discounts increases.
The following examples illustrate the level of NAV dilution or accretion that would be experienced by a new shareholder who purchases the same percentage (1.00%) of the Shares in the three different hypothetical offerings of Shares of different sizes and levels of discount from NAV per Share. The examples assume that the issuer has 1,000,000 Shares outstanding, $15,000,000 in total assets and $5,000,000 in total liabilities. Based on these assumptions, the current NAV and NAV per Share thus would be $10,000,000 and $10.00, respectively. The table below illustrates the dilutive and accretive effects on Shareholder A at (1) an offering of 50,000 Shares (5% of the outstanding Shares) at $9.50 per Share after offering expenses and any commissions (a 5% discount from NAV); (2) an offering of 100,000 Shares (10% of the outstanding Shares) at $9.00 per Share after offering expenses and any commissions (a 10% discount from NAV); and (3) an offering of 200,000 Shares (20% of the outstanding Shares) at $8.00 per Share after offering expenses and any commissions (a 20% discount from NAV).
 
Prior
to
Sale
Below
NAV
Example 1
5% Offering at
5% Discount
Example 2
10% Offering at
10% Discount
Example 3
20% Offering at
20% Discount
 
Following
Sale
%
Change
Following
Sale
%
Change
Following
Sale
%
Change
Offering Price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Price per Share to public
$10.05
$9.52
$8.47
Net offering proceeds per Share to issuer
$9.50
$9.00
$8.00
Decrease to NAV
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Shares outstanding
1,050,000
5.00%
1,100,000
10.00%
1,200,000
20.00%
NAV per Share
$9.98
(0.20)%
$9.91
(0.90)%
$9.67
(3.30)%
Dilution to Shareholder A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares held by Shareholder A
500
1,000
2,000
Percentage held by Shareholder A
Total Asset Values
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total NAV held by Shareholder A
$4,990
$9,910
$19,340
Total investment by Shareholder A
$5,025
$9,952
$16,940
Total dilution to Shareholder A (total NAV less total investment)
$(35)
$390
$2,400
Per Share Amounts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NAV per Share held by Shareholder A
$9.98
$9.91
$9.67
Investment per Share held by Shareholder A
$10.05
$9.52
$8.47
Dilution per Share held by Shareholder A (NAV per Share less investment per Share)
$(0.07)
$0.39
$1.20
Percentage dilution to Shareholder A (dilution per Share divided by investment per Share)
(0.70)%
4.10%
14.17%
The discount to NAV is a result of market perception that moves the Share price and thus NAV is only one determinant of market value.
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Notwithstanding the dilutive effect of any equity financing on the Company’s NAV, the Board has considered the Company’s potential need to obtain additional capital for the repayment of indebtedness, investment or other corporate purposes discussed in this proxy statement. With more capital to utilize, the Board believes that the Company would be able to pay down its outstanding indebtedness or make investments with more significant earnings and growth potential. The Board further believes that over time the value of the incremental assets available for investment or other uses, taken together with the other factors previously discussed, may be reflected positively in the market price of the Shares and that such increases may exceed the initial dilutive effects that the Company is likely to experience in its NAV due to offerings of Shares in accordance with this proposal.
Other Considerations
In reaching its recommendation to shareholders to approve the Share Issuance Proposal, the Board considered a possible source of conflict of interest due to the fact that the proceeds from the issuance of additional Shares may increase the management fees that the Company pays to CIM as such fees are partially based on the amount of the Company’s gross assets. The Board, including a majority of the Independent Directors, concluded that the benefits to the Company’s shareholders from increasing the Company’s capital base outweighed any detriment from increased management fees, especially considering that the management fees would increase regardless of whether the Company offers Shares at a price below NAV per Share or above NAV per Share. The Board also considered the effect of the following factors:
the costs and benefits of an offering of Shares below NAV per Share compared to other possible means for raising capital or concluding not to raise capital;
the size of an offering of Shares in relation to the number of Shares outstanding;
the general conditions of the securities markets; and
any impact on operating expenses associated with an increase in capital.
Required Vote
Approval of the Share Issuance Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of (1) a majority of the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote at the Meeting and (2) a majority of the outstanding Shares entitled to vote at the Meeting that are not held by affiliated persons of the Company. The 1940 Act defines “a majority of outstanding voting securities” of the Company as (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at the Meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company are present or represented by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, whichever is less. You may vote for or against or abstain on the Share Issuance Proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not count as affirmative votes cast and will therefore have the same effect as votes against the Share Issuance Proposal.
If shareholders approve the Share Issuance Proposal, during a one-year period commencing on the date of such approval, the Company will be permitted, but not required or otherwise obligated, to offer and sell newly issued Shares at a price below NAV per Share at the time sold. If the Share Issuance Proposal is not approved, the Company will not be permitted to sell its shares below NAV except as may otherwise be permitted by the 1940 Act.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL
OF THE LEVERAGESHARE ISSUANCE PROPOSAL.
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SUBMISSION OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Requirements for Shareholder Proposals to Be Considered for Inclusion in the Company’s Proxy Materials
Proposals that a shareholder intends to present at the Company’s 20222023 annual meeting of shareholders, which we refer to as the “2022“2023 Annual Meeting,” and wishes to be considered for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy for the 20222023 Annual Meeting must be received no later than 5:00[•] p.m., Eastern Time, on February 10, 2022.[•], 2023. All proposals must comply with SEC Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, which lists the requirements for the inclusion of shareholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials. Shareholder proposals must be delivered to the Company’s Secretary by mail at the address provided below. As the rules of the SEC make clear, simply submitting a timely proposal does not guarantee that the proposal will be included in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy for the 20222023 Annual Meeting.
Requirements for Other Shareholder Proposals to Be Brought Before the 20222023 Annual Meeting and Director Nominations
Pursuant to the provisions of the Company’s Bylaws, which we refer to as the “Bylaws,” notice of any proposal that a shareholder intends to present at the 20222023 Annual Meeting, but does not intend to have included in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy for the 20222023 Annual Meeting, as well as any director nominations, must be delivered to the Company’s Secretary by mail at the address provided below and must be received by the Company’s Secretary at the address provided below not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of the mailing of the Notice of Annual Meeting for the 20212022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Accordingly, any notice given by a shareholder must be received no earlier than 5:00[•] p.m., Eastern Time, on January 11, 2022,[•], 2023, and not later than 5:00 p.m.the close of business on [•], Eastern Time, on February 10, 2022.2023. To be in proper form, the notice must be submitted by a shareholder of record and must include the information required by the current Bylaws with respect to each director nomination or proposal that the shareholder intends to present at the 20222023 Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner of Shares held by a broker or other custodian, you should contact the broker or other custodian that holds your Shares for information about how to register your Shares directly in your name as a shareholder of record.
Notices of intention to present proposals at the 20222023 Annual Meeting and/or director nominations must be addressed to and received by Stephen Roman, Corporate Secretary, CĪON Investment Corporation, 3 Park Avenue, 36th36th Floor, New York, NY 10016, not later than 5:00 p.m.on or before [•], Eastern Time, on February 10, 2022.2023. The Company will not consider any proposal or nomination that is not timely. The Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with or otherwise does not meet the Bylaws or SEC requirements for submitting a proposal or nomination, or other applicable requirements. A shareholder who wishes to submit a proposal or nomination is encouraged to seek independent counsel about the Bylaws and SEC requirements.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board does not intend to present any other business at the Meeting, nor is it aware that any shareholder intends to do so. If, however, any other matters are properly brought before the Meeting, the persons named in the proxy will vote thereon in accordance with their judgment.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD
All interested parties, including shareholders, may send communications to the Board or any of its members by addressing such communication to the relevant party(ies), c/o CĪON Investment Corporation, 3 Park Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10016.
KEY SERVICE PROVIDERS
Adviser.CION Investment Management, LLC, located at 3 Park Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10016, serves as the Company’s investment adviser.
Administrator.CION Investment Management, LLC, located at 3 Park Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10016, also serves as the Company’s administrator and furnishes the Company with office equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services.
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Custodian.U.S. Bank, N.A., which has its principal office at One Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110, serves as custodian for the Company. U.S. Bank, N.A. also performs certain administrative functions on behalf of the Company.
Distribution Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar.SS&C Technologies, Inc. (f/k/a DST Systems, Inc.), which has its principal office at 333 West 11th Street, 5th5th Floor, Kansas City, MO 64105, serves as the Company’s distribution paying agent, transfer agent and registrar.
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