UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________
 
Form 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition period from ________ to ________ .

Commission file number: 0-20671
 
Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
TX
 
75-2533518
(State or other jurisdiction
 
(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
8080 N. Central Expressway, Suite 210,
LB-59, Dallas, TX
 
75206
  (Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 214-891-8294
 
None
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year
if changed since last report)
___________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer £ Accelerated filer  £ Non-accelerated filer S

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes No þ.

As of April 30, 2008 the issuer had 4,463,967 shares of common stock outstanding.




 
RENAISSANCE CAPITAL GROWTH & INCOME FUND III, INC.

INDEX
 
 
Page 
 
 
Number
   
 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
   
 
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
3
     
Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007
 
3
   
 
Schedules of Investments as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007
 
4
 
   
Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
 
14
     
Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
 
15
     
Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
 
16
     
Notes to Financial Statements
 
17
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
23
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
25
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
25
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
   
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
26
   
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
26
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
28
     
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
28
     
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
28
     
Item 5. Other Information
 
28
     
Item 6. Exhibits
 
28
 

 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
(Unaudited)

Item 1. Financial Statements

 
         
 
 
March 31, 2008 
 
December 31, 2007
 
ASSETS
         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
2,618,934
 
$
3,679,949
 
Investments at fair value, cost of $43,606,917
             
and $43,820,011 at March 31, 2008 and
             
December 31, 2007, respectively
   
31,122,075
   
36,251,126
 
Receivables from broker
   
519
   
-
 
Interest and dividends receivable
   
154,634
   
141,402
 
Prepaid and other assets
   
9,571
   
50,663
 
 
 
$
33,905,733
  $ 40,123,140   
               
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
             
               
Liabilities:
             
Accounts payable
 
$
170,462
 
$
57,726
 
Dividend payable
   
-
   
446,397
 
Accounts payable - affiliate
   
328,531
   
374,734
 
Taxes payable on behalf of stockholders
   
-
   
1,485,135
 
               
 
   
498,993
    2,363,992  
Commitments and contingencies
             
               
Net assets:
             
Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 20,000,000
             
shares; 4,673,867 issued; 4,463,967 shares outstanding
   
4,673,867
   
4,673,867
 
Additional paid-in-capital
   
27,648,674
   
27,925,813
 
Treasury stock at cost, 209,900 shares
   
(1,734,967
)
 
(1,734,967
)
Distributable earnings
   
840,688
   
-
 
Net realized gain on investments retained
   
14,463,320
   
14,463,320
 
Net unrealized depreciation of investments
   
(12,484,842
)
 
(7,568,885
)
               
Net assets, equivalent to $7.48 and $8.46 per share
             
at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007,
             
respectively
   
33,406,740
   
37,759,148
 
 
 
$
33,905,733
  $ 40,123,140  

See accompanying notes

3


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Schedules of Investments (continued)
(unaudited)

   
March 31, 2008
 
                   
% of
 
   
Interest
 
Maturity
     
Fair
 
Investment
 
   
Rate
 
Date
 
Cost
 
Value
 
Assets
 
                       
Eligible Portfolio Investments -
                               
Convertible Debentures and
                               
Promissory Notes
                               
                                 
CaminoSoft Corp. -
                               
Promissory note (2)
   
7.00
%
 
01/19/08
 
$
250,000
 
$
250,000
   
0.80
%
                                 
iLinc Communications, Inc. -
                               
Convertible promissory note
   
12.00
   
03/29/12
   
500,000
   
500,000
   
1.61
 
                                 
Integrated Security Systems, Inc. -
                               
Convertible promissory note (2)
   
6.00
   
09/30/08
   
400,000
   
400,000
   
1.29
 
Promissory note (2)
   
8.00
   
09/30/08
   
525,000
   
525,000
   
1.69
 
Promissory note (2)
   
7.00
   
09/30/08
   
200,000
   
200,000
   
0.64
 
Promissory note (2)
   
8.00
   
09/30/08
   
175,000
   
175,000
   
0.56
 
Promissory note (2)
   
8.00
   
09/30/08
   
450,000
   
450,000
   
1.45
 
Convertible promissory note (2)
   
8.00
   
12/14/08
   
500,000
   
500,000
   
1.61
 
Promissory note (2)
   
8.00
   
12/12/08
   
300,000
   
300,000
   
0.96
 
                                 
PetroHunter Energy Corp-
                               
Convertible debenture (1)
   
8.50
   
11/05/12
   
1,000,000
   
1,000,000
   
3.21
 
                                 
Pipeline Data, Inc. -
                               
Convertible debenture
   
8.00
   
06/29/10
   
500,000
   
500,000
   
1.61
 
                                 
Simtek Corporation -
                               
Convertible debenture
   
7.50
   
06/28/09
   
700,000
   
859,091
   
2.76
 
                                 
 
          $ 5,500,000   $ 5,659,091     18.19 %


See accompanying notes

 
4


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Schedules of Investments (continued)
(unaudited)

 
 
March 31, 2008
 
               
% of
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair 
 
Investment 
 
  
 
Shares
 
Cost
 
Value
 
Assets
 
Eligible Portfolio Investments -
                         
Common Stock, Preferred Stock,
                         
and Miscellaneous Securities
                         
                           
Advance Nanotech, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
5,796
 
$
11,199
 
$
1,043
   
0.00
%
                           
AuraSound, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
1,000,000
   
1,000,000
   
1,030,000
   
3.31
 
                           
BPO Management Services, Inc. -
                         
Series D, preferred (2)
   
104,167
   
1,000,000
   
500,000
   
1.61
 
Series D2, preferred (2)
   
52,084
   
500,000
   
250,000
   
.80
 
                           
CaminoSoft Corp. -
                         
Common stock (2)
   
3,620,873
   
5,282,384
   
289,670
   
0.93
 
                           
eOriginal, Inc. -
                         
Series A, preferred stock (2)
   
10,680
   
4,692,207
   
145,462
   
0.47
 
Series B, preferred stock (2)
   
25,646
   
620,329
   
349,299
   
1.12
 
Series C, preferred stock (2)
   
51,249
   
1,059,734
   
698,011
   
2.24
 
Series D, preferred stock (2)
   
36,711
   
500,000
   
500,004
   
1.61
 
                           
Global Axcess Corporation -
                         
Common stock
   
953,333
   
1,261,667
   
247,867
   
0.80
 
                           
Hemobiotech, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
1,200,000
   
1,284,117
   
1,320,000
   
4.24
 
                           
i2 Telecom -
                         
Common stock
   
4,165,316
   
711,200
   
354,052
   
1.14
 
                           
Integrated Security Systems, Inc. -
                         
Common stock (2)
   
33,987,883
   
6,119,791
   
3,046,842
   
9.79
 
Series D, preferred stock (2)
   
7,500
   
150,000
   
16,875
   
0.05
 

See accompanying notes
5

 
Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Schedules of Investments (continued)
(unaudited)

   
March 31, 2008
 
               
% of
 
           
Fair
 
Investment
 
   
Shares
 
Cost
 
Value
 
Assets
 
                   
Eligible Portfolio Investments -
                 
Common Stock, Preferred Stock, and Miscellaneous Securities, continued
                 
                   
Murdoch Security & Investigations, Inc. -
                 
Common stock (1)
   
2,500,000
   
1,250,000
   
1,250,000
   
4.02
 
                           
Narrowstep, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
4,000,000
   
1,000,000
   
240,000
   
0.77
 
                           
Riptide Worldwide, Inc. (Shea Development Corp.) -
                         
Common stock (2)
   
1,838,396
   
1,093,332
   
643,439
   
2.07
 
                           
Simtek Corp. -
                         
Common stock (2)
   
761,672
   
1,999,294
   
1,975,514
   
6.35
 
                           
Symbollon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
607,143
   
500,000
   
485,714
   
1.56
 
                           
Vertical Branding, Inc. –
                         
Common stock (1) (2)
   
1,666,667
   
1,000,000
   
732,554
   
2.35
 
                           
Miscellaneous Securities (3)
         
-
   
140,826
   
0.45
 
                           
         
$
31,035,254
 
$
14,217,172
   
45.68
%

See accompanying notes
 
6

 
Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Schedules of Investments (continued)
(unaudited)

   
March 31, 2008
 
               
% of
 
           
Fair
 
Investment
 
   
Shares
 
Cost
 
Value
 
Assets
 
Other Portfolio Investments -
                 
Common Stock, Preferred Stock, and Miscellaneous Securities
                 
                   
Access Plans USA, Inc. (Precis)-
                 
Common stock (2)
   
890,500
 
$
2,139,777
 
$
935,025
   
3.00
%
                           
AdStar, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
253,500
   
330,718
   
60,840
   
0.20
 
                           
Asian Financial, Inc. -
                         
Common stock (1)
   
130,209
   
500,000
   
500,000
   
1.61
 
                           
A-Power Energy Generation Systems, Ltd. -
                         
Common stock (2)
   
48,000
   
409,256
   
727,200
   
2.34
 
                           
Bovie Medical Corporation -
                         
Common stock
   
500,000
   
907,844
   
3,200,000
   
10.28
 
                           
Comtech Group, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
200,000
   
836,019
   
2,158,000
   
6.93
 
                           
HLS Systems International, Ltd. -
                         
Common stock
   
58,500
   
498,557
   
450,450
   
1.45
 
                           
iLinc Communications, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
23,266
   
13,908
   
6,282
   
0.02
 
                           
Medical Action Industries, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
30,150
   
237,209
   
495,365
   
1.59
 
                           
Points International, Ltd. -
                         
Common stock
   
900,000
   
492,000
   
2,286,000
   
7.35
 

See accompanying notes

7


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Schedules of Investments (continued)
(unaudited)

   
March 31, 2008
 
               
% of
 
           
Fair
 
Investment
 
   
Shares
 
Cost
 
Value
 
Assets
 
                   
Other Portfolio Investments -
                 
Common Stock, Preferred Stock, and Miscellaneous Securities, continued
                 
                   
Silverleaf Resorts, Inc. -
                 
Common stock
   
100,000
   
430,000
   
227,000
   
0.73
 
                           
US Home Systems, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
55,000
   
276,375
   
199,650
   
0.64
 
                           
           
7,071,663
   
11,245,812
   
36.13
%
                           
         
$
43,606,917
 
$
31,122,075
   
100.00
%
                           
Allocation of Investments -
                         
Restricted Shares, Unrestricted Shares, and Other Securities
                         
                           
Restricted Securities (1)(2)
       
$
32,406,848
 
$
16,491,786
   
52.99
%
Unrestricted Securities
       
$
11,200,069
 
$
14,489,463
   
46.56
%
Other Securities (3)
       
$
0
 
$
140,826
   
0.45
%

(1) Restricted securities from a non-public company, or not fully registered, or held less than 6 months.
(2) Restricted securities due to the Fund having a director on issuer’s board and must comply with Rule 144 as an affiliate
(3) Includes Miscellaneous Securities, such as warrants and options.

See accompanying notes
 
8

 
Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Schedules of Investments (continued)
(unaudited)
 
   
December 31, 2007
 
                   
% of
 
   
Interest
 
Maturity
     
Fair
 
Investment
 
   
Rate
 
Date
 
Cost
 
Value
 
Assets
 
                       
Eligible Portfolio Investments -
                     
Convertible Debentures and
Promissory Notes
                     
                       
CaminoSoft Corp. -
                     
Promissory note (2)
   
7.00
%
 
01/19/08
 
$
250,000
 
$
250,000
   
0.69
%
                                 
iLinc Communications, Inc. -
                               
Convertible promissory note
   
12.00
   
03/29/12
   
500,000
   
500,000
   
1.38
 
                                 
Integrated Security Systems, Inc. -
                               
Convertible promissory note (2)
   
6.00
   
09/30/08
   
400,000
   
400,000
   
1.10
 
Promissory note (2)
   
8.00
   
09/30/08
   
525,000
   
525,000
   
1.45
 
Promissory note (2)
   
7.00
   
09/30/08
   
200,000
   
200,000
   
0.55
 
Promissory note (2)
   
8.00
   
09/30/08
   
175,000
   
175,000
   
0.48
 
Promissory note (2)
   
8.00
   
09/30/08
   
450,000
   
450,000
   
1.24
 
Convertible promissory note (2)
   
8.00
   
12/14/08
   
500,000
   
500,000
   
1.38
 
Promissory note (2)
   
8.00
   
12/12/08
   
300,000
   
300,000
   
0.83
 
                                 
PetroHunter Energy Corp-
                               
Convertible debenture (1)
   
8.50
   
11/05/12
   
1,000,000
   
1,466,667
   
4.05
 
                                 
Pipeline Data, Inc. -
                               
Convertible debenture
   
8.00
   
06/29/10
   
500,000
   
500,000
   
1.38
 
                                 
Simtek Corporation -
                               
Convertible debenture
   
7.50
   
06/28/09
   
700,000
   
738,182
   
2.04
 
                                 
               
$
5,500,000
 
$
6,004,849
   
16.57
%
 
See accompanying notes

9

 
Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Schedules of Investments (continued)
(unaudited)
 
   
December 31, 2007
 
               
% of
 
           
Fair
 
Investment
 
   
Shares
 
Cost
 
Value
 
Assets
 
Eligible Portfolio Investments -
                 
Common Stock, Preferred Stock, and Miscellaneous Securities
                 
                   
Advance Nanotech, Inc. -
                 
Common stock
   
5,796
 
$
11,199
 
$
1,652
   
0.00
%
                           
AuraSound, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
1,000,000
   
1,000,000
   
1,100,000
   
3.03
 
                           
BPO Management Services, Inc. –
                         
Series D, preferred (2)
   
104,167
   
1,000,000
   
716,667
   
1.98
 
Series D2, preferred (2)
   
52,084
   
500,000
   
358,333
   
0.99
 
                           
CaminoSoft Corp. -
                         
Common stock (2)
   
3,539,414
   
5,275,000
   
283,153
   
0.78
 
                           
eOriginal, Inc. -
                         
Series A, preferred stock (2)
   
10,680
   
4,692,207
   
145,462
   
0.40
 
Series B, preferred stock (2)
   
25,646
   
620,329
   
349,299
   
0.96
 
Series C, preferred stock (2)
   
51,249
   
1,059,734
   
698,011
   
1.93
 
Series D, preferred stock (2)
   
36,711
   
500,000
   
500,004
   
1.38
 
                           
Gaming & Entertainment Group -
                         
Common stock
   
112,500
   
50,625
   
788
   
0.00
 
                           
Gasco Energy, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
775,586
   
465,352
   
1,543,416
   
4.26
 
                           
Global Axcess Corporation -
                         
Common stock
   
953,333
   
1,261,667
   
324,133
   
0.89
 
                           
Hemobiotech, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
1,200,000
   
1,284,117
   
1,680,000
   
4.63
 
                           
i2 Telecom -
                         
Common stock
   
237,510
   
36,200
   
17,814
   
0.05
 
Common stock (2)
   
3,927,806
   
675,000
   
294,585
   
0.81
 
                           
Integrated Security Systems, Inc. -
                         
Common stock (2)
   
30,733,532
   
5,661,058
   
2,766,018
   
7.63
 
Common stock (1)(2)
   
2,175,559
   
400,734
   
195,800
   
0.54
 
Series D, preferred stock (2)
   
7,500
   
150,000
   
16,875
   
0.05
 

See accompanying notes

10

 
Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Schedules of Investments (continued)
(unaudited)

   
December 31, 2007
 
   
Shares    
 
 Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
% of
Investment
Assets
 
                   
Eligible Portfolio Investments -
                 
Common Stock, Preferred Stock, and Miscellaneous Securities, continued
                 
                   
Murdoch Security & Investigations, Inc. -
                 
Common stock (1)
   
2,000,000
   
1,000,000
   
1,000,000
   
2.76
 
                           
Narrowstep, Inc. -
                         
Common stock (1)
   
4,000,000
   
1,000,000
   
440,000
   
1.21
 
                           
                           
Nutradyne Group, Inc.
                         
Common Stock
   
13,917
   
12,500
   
21,571
   
0.06
 
                           
Shea Development Corp.
                         
Common stock (1)(2)
   
1,838,396
   
1,093,332
   
643,439
   
1.78
 
                           
Simtek Corp. -
                         
Common stock (2)
   
640,763
   
1,799,294
   
1,486,570
   
4.10
 
Common stock (1)(2)
   
90,909
   
200,000
   
210,909
   
0.58
 
                           
Symbollon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. -
                         
Common stock (2)
   
607,143
   
500,000
   
391,607
   
1.08
 
                           
Vertical Branding, Inc. –
                         
Common stock (1) (2)
   
1,666,667
   
1,000,000
   
666,667
   
1.84
 
                           
Miscellaneous Securities
         
-
   
187,727
   
0.52
 
                           
         
$
31,248,348
 
$
16,040,500
   
44.24
%
 
See accompanying notes
 
11


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Schedules of Investments (continued)
(unaudited)

   
December 31, 2007
 
   
Shares    
 
 Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
% of
Investment
Assets
 
Other Portfolio Investments -
                 
Common Stock, Preferred Stock, and Miscellaneous Securities
                 
                   
Access Plans USA, Inc. (Precis)-
                 
Common stock (2)
   
890,500
 
$
2,139,777
 
$
952,835
   
2.63
%
                           
AdStar, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
253,500
   
330,718
   
96,330
   
0.27
 
                           
Asian Financial, Inc. -
                         
Common stock (1)
   
130,209
   
500,000
   
500,000
   
1.38
 
                           
Bovie Medical Corporation -
                         
Common stock
   
500,000
   
907,844
   
3,185,000
   
8.79
 
                           
Chardan South China Acquisition Corp. -
                         
Common stock (2)
   
48,000
   
409,256
   
640,800
   
1.77
 
                           
Comtech Group, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
200,000
   
836,019
   
3,222,000
   
8.89
 
                           
HLS Systems International, Ltd. -
                         
Common stock
   
58,500
   
498,557
   
521,820
   
1.44
 
                           
iLinc Communications, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
23,266
   
13,908
   
12,564
   
0.03
 
                           
Medical Action Industries, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
30,150
   
237,209
   
628,628
   
1.73
 
 
See accompanying notes
 
12

 
Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Schedules of Investments (continued)
(unaudited)

   
December 31, 2007
 
   
Shares    
 
 Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
% of
Investment
Assets
 
                   
Other Portfolio Investments -
                 
Common Stock, Preferred Stock, and Miscellaneous Securities, continued
                 
                   
                   
Points International, Ltd. -
                 
Common stock
   
900,000
   
492,000
   
3,735,000
   
10.30
 
                           
Silverleaf Resorts, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
100,000
   
430,000
   
416,000
   
1.15
 
                           
US Home Systems, Inc. -
                         
Common stock
   
55,000
   
276,375
   
294,800
   
0.81
 
                           
                           
           
7,071,663
   
14,205,777
   
39.19
%
                           
         
$
43,820,011
 
$
36,251,126
   
100.00
%
                           
Allocation of Investments -
                         
Restricted Shares, Unrestricted Shares, and Other Securities
                         
                           
Restricted Securities (1)(2)
       
$
33,766,465
 
$
17,229,476
   
47.54
%
Unrestricted Securities
       
$
10,053,546
 
$
18,833,923
   
51.94
%
Other Securities (3)
       
$
0
 
$
187,727
   
0.52
%
 
(1)
Restricted securities from a non-public company, or not fully registered, or held less than 1 year.
(2)
Restricted securities due to the Fund having a director on issuer’s board and must comply with Rule 144 as an affiliate
(3)
Includes Miscellaneous Securities, such as warrants and options.
 
See accompanying notes
13


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
           
Investment income:
         
Interest income
 
$
112,147
 
$
79,304
 
Dividend income
   
18,399
   
208,884
 
Other income
   
11,307
   
10,876
 
               
     
141,853
   
299,064
 
               
Expenses:
             
General and administrative
   
96,984
   
87,156
 
Legal and professional fees
   
175,210
   
112,802
 
Management fee to affiliate
   
146,797
   
214,109
 
               
     
418,991
   
414,067
 
               
Net investment loss
   
(277,138
)
 
(115,003
)
               
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments:
             
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments
   
(4,915,956
)
 
472,619
 
Net realized gain on investments
   
1,287,083
   
-
 
               
Net gain (loss) on investments
   
(3,628,873
)
 
472,619
 
               
Net income (loss)
 
$
(3,906,011
)
$
357,616
 
               
Net income (loss) per share
 
$
(0.88
)
$
0.08
 
               
Weighted average shares outstanding
   
4,463,967
   
4,463,967
 

See accompanying notes
14


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
           
From operations:
         
Net investment loss
 
$
(277,138
)
$
(115,003
)
Net realized gain on investment
   
1,287,083
   
-
 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments
   
(4,915,956
)
 
472,619
 
               
Net income (loss)
   
(3,906,011
)
 
357,616
 
               
From distributions to stockholders:
             
Cash dividends declared from realized gains
   
(446,397
)
 
-
 
               
               
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
   
(4,352,408
)
 
357,616
 
               
Net assets:
             
Beginning of period
   
37,759,148
   
48,367,442
 
               
End of period
 
$
33,406,740
 
$
48,725,058
 

See accompanying notes
15


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
           
           
Cash flows from operating activities:
         
Net income (loss)
 
$
(3,906,011
)
$
357,616
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net used in operating activities:
             
Net decrease (increase) in unrealized depreciation of Investments
   
4,915,956
   
(472,619
)
Net realized gain on investments
   
(1,287,083
)
 
-
 
Increase in due from broker
   
(519
)
 
-
 
(Increase) decrease in interest and dividend receivables
   
(13,232
)
 
66,694
 
Decrease in prepaid and other assets
   
41,092
   
16,287
 
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
   
112,736
   
(49,765
)
Decrease in accounts payable-affiliate
   
(46,203
)
 
(3,597,786
)
Decrease in taxes payable on behalf of shareholders
   
(1,485,135
)
 
(6,302,806
)
Purchase of investments
   
(315,380
)
 
(653,624
)
Proceeds from sale of investments
   
1,815,558
   
-
 
               
Net cash used in operating activities
   
(168,221
)
 
(10,636,003
)
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
             
Cash dividends
   
(892,794
)
 
 
               
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(1,061,015
)
 
(10,636,003
)
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
   
3,679,949
   
14,835,500
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
 
$
2,618,934
 
$
4,199,497
 

See accompanying notes

16


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31, 2008

Note 1  Organization and Business Purpose
 
Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc., (the “Fund” or the “Registrant”) is a non-diversified, closed-end fund that has elected to be treated as a business development company (a “BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund, a Texas corporation, was organized and commenced operations in 1994.

The investment objective of the Fund is to provide its stockholders long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in privately placed convertible securities and equity securities of emerging growth companies.

RENN Capital Group, Inc. (“RENN Group” or the “Investment Advisor”), a Texas corporation, serves as the Investment Advisor to the Fund. In this capacity, RENN Group is primarily responsible for the selection, evaluation, structure, valuation, and administration of the Fund’s investment portfolio, subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors. RENN Group is a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”).

Note 2  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

We have prepared the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the results for the interim periods. We have omitted certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States pursuant to those rules and regulations, although we believe that the disclosures we have made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. You should read these unaudited interim financial statements in conjunction with our audited financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results we expect for the full year.

Valuation of Investments

Portfolio investments are stated at quoted market or fair value as determined by the Investment Adviser (Note 6). The securities held by the Fund are primarily unregistered and their value does not necessarily represent the amounts that may be realized from their immediate sale or disposition.

Other

The Fund follows industry practice and records security transactions on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the record date. Interest income is recorded as earned on the accrual basis.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Fund considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2008, cash and cash equivalents are at risk to the extent that they exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured amounts. To minimize this risk, the Fund places its cash and cash equivalents with major U.S. financial institutions.

17


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31, 2008

Income Taxes

The Fund has elected the special income tax treatment available to “regulated investment companies” (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) which allows the Fund to be relieved of federal income tax on that part of its net investment income and realized capital gains that it pays out to its stockholders. Such requirements include, but are not limited to certain qualifying income tests, asset diversification tests and distribution of substantially all of the Fund’s taxable investment income to its stockholders. It is the intent of management to comply with all IRC requirements as they pertain to a RIC and to distribute all of the Fund’s taxable investment income and realized long-term capital gains within the defined period under the IRC to qualify as a RIC. Failure to qualify as a RIC would subject the Fund to federal income tax as if the Fund were an ordinary corporation, which could result in a substantial reduction in the Fund’s net assets as well as the amount of cash available for distribution to stockholders. Continued qualification as a RIC requires management to satisfy certain investment diversification requirements in future years. There can be no assurance that the Fund will qualify as a RIC in subsequent years.

Federal income taxes payable on behalf of stockholders on realized gains that the Fund elects to retain are accrued and reflected as tax expense paid on behalf of stockholders on the last day of the tax year in which such gains are realized.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net income (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding of 4,463,967 during the three months ended March 31, 2008, and March 31, 2007.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Note 3  Due to/from Broker

The Fund conducts business with various brokers for its investment activities.  The clearing and depository operations for the investment activities are performed pursuant to agreements with these brokers. “Due to broker” represents unsettled purchase transactions and “due from broker” represents unsettled sales transactions. The Fund is subject to credit risk to the extent the brokers are unable to deliver cash balances or securities, or clear security transactions on the Fund’s behalf.  The Investment Adviser actively monitors the Fund’s exposure to these brokers and believes the likelihood of loss under those circumstances is remote. At March 31, 2008 and 2007, the “due from broker” balance was $519 and $0, respectively. There were no “due to broker” balances.

Note 4 Management Fees and Incentive Fees and Reimbursement

The Investment Adviser for the Fund is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Agreement”), the Investment Adviser performs certain services, including certain management, investment advisory and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Fund. In addition, under the Agreement, the Investment Adviser is reimbursed by the Fund for certain directly allocable administrative expenses. A summary of fees and reimbursements paid by the Fund under either the Agreement or the prospectus is as follows:

18


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31, 2008

Note 4 Management Fees and Incentive Fees and Reimbursement, continued

The Investment Adviser receives a management fee equal to a quarterly rate of 0.4375% of the Fund’s net assets, as determined at the end of such quarter, each payment to be due as of the last day of the calendar quarter. The Fund incurred $146,797, and $214,109 during the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, respectively, for such management fees.

The Investment Adviser receives an incentive fee in an amount equal to 20% of the Fund’s cumulative realized capital gains in excess of cumulative realized capital losses of the Fund after allowance for any unrealized capital depreciation on the portfolio investments of the Fund at the end of the period being calculated less cumulative incentive fees previously accrued. Unrealized capital depreciation equals net unrealized capital losses on each class of security without netting net unrealized capital gains on other classes of securities. The incentive fee is calculated, accrued, and paid on an annual basis as of year end. Because the incentive fee is calculated, accrued, and paid on an annual basis as of each year end and no probability or estimate of the ultimate fee can be ascertained prior to year end, no incentive fee was recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.

The Investment Adviser was reimbursed by the Fund for directly allocable administrative expenses paid by the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Fund. Such reimbursements were $3,885 and $106,382 during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

As of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Fund had an account payable of $328,531 and $374,734, respectively, for the amount due for the fees and expense reimbursements disclosed above.

Note 5 Eligible Portfolio Companies and Investments

Eligible Portfolio Companies 

The Fund invests primarily in convertible securities and equity investments of companies that qualify as Eligible Portfolio Companies as defined in Section 2(a)(46) of the 1940 Act or in securities that otherwise qualify for investment as permitted in Section 55(a)(1) through (5) of the 1940 Act. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act at least 70% of the Fund’s assets, as defined under Section 55 of the 1940 Act, must be invested in Eligible Portfolio Companies, as defined under Section 2(a)(46) of the 1940 Act. In the event the Fund has less than 70% of its assets invested in Eligible Portfolio Investments, then the Fund will be prohibited from making non-eligible investments until such time as the percentage of Eligible Portfolio Investments again exceeds the 70% threshold. The Fund was in compliance with these provisions at March 31, 2008.

Investments
 
Investments are carried in the statements of assets and liabilities, at fair value, as determined in good faith by the Investment Adviser, subject to the approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors. The convertible debt securities held by the Fund generally have maturities between five and seven years and are convertible (at the discretion of the Fund) into the common stock of the issuer at a set conversion price. The common stock underlying these securities is generally unregistered and thinly to moderately traded. Generally, the Fund negotiates registration rights at the time of purchase and the portfolio companies are required to register the shares within a designated period and the cost of registration is borne by the portfolio company. Interest on the convertible securities is generally payable monthly. The convertible debt securities generally contain embedded call options giving the issuer the right to call the underlying issue. In these instances, the Fund has the right of redemption or conversion. The embedded call option will generally not vest until certain conditions are achieved by the issuer. Such conditions may require that minimum thresholds be met relating to underlying market prices, liquidity, and other factors.

19


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31, 2008

Note 6 Valuation of Investments
 
Effective January 1, 2008, the Fund adopted FAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, which establishes a framework for measuring fair value and applies to existing accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. A fair value hierarchy is established within FAS 157 that prioritizes the sources (“inputs”) used to measure fair value into three broad levels: inputs based on quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1 inputs); observable inputs based on corroboration with available market data (Level 2 inputs); and unobservable inputs based on uncorroborated market data or a reporting entity’s own assumptions (Level 3 inputs). The adoption of FAS 157 has not had significant impact on the Fund’s financial statements and has not resulted in any significant changes in the valuation of investments. The Fund’s valuation policies are as follows:

On a weekly basis, RENN Group prepares a valuation to determine fair value of the investments of the Fund. The Board of Directors of the Fund approves the valuation on a quarterly basis. Interim board involvement may occur if material issues arise before quarter end. The valuation principles are described below.

· Unrestricted common stock of companies listed on an exchange, Nasdaq or in the over-the-counter market is valued at the closing price on the date of valuation.

· Restricted common stock of companies listed on an exchange, Nasdaq or in the over-the-counter market is valued based on the quoted price for an otherwise identical unrestricted security of the same issuer that trades in a public market, adjusted to reflect the effect of any significant restrictions.

· Unlisted preferred stock of companies with common stock listed on an exchange, Nasdaq or in the over-the-counter market is valued at the closing price of the common stock into which the preferred stock is convertible on the date of valuation.

· Debt securities are valued at fair value. We consider, among other things, whether a debt issuer is in default or bankruptcy. We also consider the underlying collateral. Fair value is generally determined to be the greater of the face value of the debt or the market value of the underlying common stock into which the instrument may be converted.

· Unlisted in-the-money options or warrants of companies with the underlying common stock listed on an exchange, Nasdaq or in the over-the-counter market are valued at fair value (the positive difference between the closing price of the underlying common stock and the strike price of the warrant or option). An out-of-the money warrant or option has no value; thus, we assign no value to it.

· Investments in privately held entities are valued at fair value. If there is no independent and objective pricing authority (i.e. a public market) for such investments, fair value is based on the latest sale of equity securities to independent third parties. If a private entity does not have an independent value established over an extended period of time, then the Investment Adviser will determine fair value on the basis of appraisal procedures established in good faith and approved by the Board of Directors.

The following table shows a summary of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis classified under the appropriate level of fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2008:

20


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31, 2008

 
 
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
 
Description
 
March 31, 2008
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Investments
 
$
31,122,075
 
$
20,282,779
 
$
10,839,296
 
$
-
 

As of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) associated with investments held by the Fund was $(12,484,842) and $(7,568,885), respectively. As of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Fund had gross unrealized gains of $6,568,792 and $11,002,265, respectively, and gross unrealized losses of $(19,053,634) and $(18,571,150), respectively.

Note 7 Income Taxes

During both December, 2007 and March, 2008, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share, $446,397, which was designated as a distribution of realized capital gains in accordance with the IRC which assured that any Federal income tax on such realized capital gains, if any, is paid by the Fund’s stockholders. These dividends were paid to the stockholders during January and March, 2008, respectively.

During December, 2007, the Board of Directors, in accordance with rules under Subchapter M of the IRC, declared a deemed dividend for 2007 on net taxable long-term capital gains of $4,243,244 that remained after the cash dividend noted above. The Fund recorded a liability of $1,485,135 (which was paid during the first month of 2008) on its statements of assets and liabilities for taxes payable on behalf of its stockholders as of December 31, 2007. This amount was also recorded as an income tax expense paid on behalf of stockholders in the statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2007. Stockholders of record at December 31, 2007 received a tax credit of $0.33 per share. The balance of $2,758,108 was retained by the Fund during 2007.

Note 8 Commitments and Contingencies

As disclosed in Note 4, the Fund is obligated to pay to the Investment Adviser an incentive fee equal to 20% of the Fund’s cumulative realized capital gains in excess of cumulative capital losses of the Fund after allowance for any capital depreciation on the portfolio investments of the Fund. As incentive fees on capital gains are not due to the Investment Adviser until the capital gains are realized, any obligations for incentive fees based on unrealized capital gains are not reflected in the accompanying financial statements as there is no assurance that the unrealized gains as of the end of any period will ultimately become realized. Had an incentive fee been accrued as a liability based on all unrealized capital gains, net assets of the Fund would have been reduced by $1,332,710 and $2,058,485 as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively.

Note 9 Financial Highlights - Unaudited

Selected per share data and ratios for each share of common stock outstanding throughout the quarters ended March 31, 2008, and March 31, 2007 are as follows:
 
   
2008
 
2007
 
           
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
8.46
 
$
10.84
 
               
Net investment loss
   
(0.06
)
 
(0.03
)
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments
   
(0.82
)
 
0.11
 
               
Total return from investment operations
   
(0.88
)
 
0.08
 
               
Distributions:
             
From net capital gains
   
(0.10
)
 
-
 
               
Contributions:
             
               
From sale of common stock
   
-
   
-
 
 
             
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
7.48
 
$
10.92
 
 
21


Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc.
Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements
March 31, 2008
 
Note 9 Financial Highlights – Unaudited, continued

   
2008
 
2007
 
           
Per share market value, end of period
 
$
5.65
 
$
9.15
 
               
Portfolio turnover rate
   
0.94
%
 
0.00
%
               
Quarterly return (a)
   
(8.13
)%
 
(12.86
)%
               
Ratio to average net assets (b):
             
   
(0.78
)%
 
(0.24
)%
Expenses
   
1.18
%
 
0.41
%
 
(a)
Quarterly return (not annualized) was calculated by comparing the common stock price on the first day of the period to the common stock price on the last day of the period, in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accountant guidelines.
(b)
Average net assets have been computed based on quarterly valuations.

22


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Material Changes in Portfolio Investments

The following material portfolio transactions occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2008:

Asian Financial, Inc. (Duoyuan Digital Printing Technology Industries (China) Co., Ltd.) (Private): During the first quarter of 2008, the Fund received warrants to purchase 15,924 shares of common stock at $5.76 per share. The warrants were issued as a penalty for late registration.

CaminoSoft Corporation (OTCBB:CMSF): In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, the Fund received 81,459 shares of common stock as payment in kind for interest on promissory notes held by the Fund.

Gaming & Entertainment Group, Inc. (OTCPK:GMEI): In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, the Fund sold 112,500 shares of common stock for $519, realizing a loss of $50,106.

Gasco Energy, Inc. (AMEX:GSX): In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, the Fund sold 775,586 shares of common stock for $1,800,348, realizing a gain of $1,334,996.

Integrated Security Systems, Inc. (OTCBB:IZZI): In the first quarter of 2008, the Fund received 976,622 shares of common stock as payment in kind for interest on promissory notes held by the Fund. Russell Cleveland received 102,170 shares of common stock for compensation as a member of the company’s board of directors. Mr. Cleveland’s stock was assigned to the Fund.

Murdoch Security and Investigations, Inc. (Private): In the first quarter of 2008, the Fund purchased 500,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock at $0.70 per share for $250,000.

Nutradyne Group, Inc. (OTCBB:NRWS): In the first quarter of 2008, the Fund sold 13,917 shares of common stock for $14,692, realizing a gain of $2,192.

Simtek Corporation (Nasdaq:SMTK): During the first quarter of 2008, the Fund received options to purchase 3,168 shares of common stock at $2.75 per share. The options were received in connection with Robert C. Pearson’s compensation as a member of Simtek’s board of directors.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Fund experienced a net investment loss in the amount of $277,138, compared to a net investment loss in the amount of $115,003 for the same three-month period in 2007. This change was due in part to a decrease in investment income from $299,064 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 to $141,853 for the comparable period of 2008. This decrease in investment income was primarily attributable to less dividend income being earned in 2008. Dividend income for the three-month period ended March 31, 2008 was $18,399 versus $208,884 for the same period in 2007 as a result of dividends earned on portfolio investments and higher treasury balances during the three-month period in 2007. Also, interest income increased from $79,304 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 to $112,147 for the same period of 2008, primarily due to interest earnings on additional investments during 2008.

General and administrative expenses increased from $87,156 in the three months ended March 31, 2007 to $96,984 for the same period in 2008, primarily due to higher expenses related to insurance, director’s fees, and stockholder relations, offset by a reduction in travel expenses. Legal and professional fees also increased from $112,802 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 to $175,210 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as a result of an increase in legal and consulting services during the three months ended March 31, 2008. Management fees decreased from $214,109 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, to $146,797 for the same period in 2008, due to a decline in net asset values in 2008.

23



The net change in unrealized depreciation on investments for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 decreased $472,619 compared to an increase of $4,915,956 for the quarter ended March 31, 2008. This change in unrealized depreciation was due to the fluctuation of market values at each quarter end and the realization of gains or losses upon the disposition of investments.

There were no net realized gains on investments for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 compared to $1,287,083 for the same period of 2008.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net assets decreased $4,352,408 during the three month period from $37,759,148 at December 31, 2007, to $33,406,740 at March 31, 2008. This change is attributable to the net realized gains being offset by the net unrealized losses on investments, the declaration of a $0.10 per share dividend, and the net investment loss for the three-month period ended March 31, 2008.

At the end of the first quarter of 2008, the Fund had cash and cash equivalents of $2,618,934 compared to $3,679,949 at December 31, 2007. This decrease is primarily attributable to taxes paid on behalf of stockholders, cash used for new investments and payments of certain liabilities, offset by proceeds from the sale of certain investments.

Accounts payable increased from $57,726 at December 31, 2007 to $170,462 at March 31, 2008 primarily due to an increase in legal and consulting services during 2008. Finally, accounts payable to affiliate decreased from $374,734 at December 31, 2007 to $328,531 at March 31, 2008, reflecting the payment of management fee for 2007 payable to the Fund’s investment adviser, offset by management fee being accrued for the three month period ended March 31, 2008.

The majority of the Fund’s investments in portfolio companies are individually negotiated, are initially not registered for public trading, and are subject to legal and contractual investment restrictions. Accordingly, many of the portfolio investments are considered non-liquid. This lack of liquidity primarily affects the Fund’s ability to make new investments.

From time to time, funds or securities are deposited in margin accounts and invested in government securities. Government securities used as cash equivalents typically consist of U.S. Treasury securities or other U.S. Government and agency obligations having slightly higher yields and maturity dates of three months or less when purchased. These investments qualify for investment as permitted in Section 55(a)(1) through (5) of the 1094 Act. These securities are generally valued at market price as market prices are generally available for these securities.

Contractual Obligations

The Fund has one contract for the purchase of services under which it will have future commitments: the Investment Advisory Agreement, pursuant to which RENN Group has agreed to serve as the Fund’s Investment Adviser. Such agreement has contractual obligations with fees which are based on values of the portfolio investments which the Fund owns. For further information regarding the Fund’s obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement, see Note 4 of the Financial Statements.

Because the Fund does not enter into other long-term debt obligations, capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations, or purchase obligations that would otherwise be reflected on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities, a table of contractual obligations has not been presented.
 
24

 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Fund is subject to financial market risks, including changes in market interest rates as well as changes in marketable equity security prices. The Fund does not use derivative financial instruments to mitigate any of these risks. The return on the Fund’s investments is generally not affected by foreign currency fluctuations.

A majority of the Fund’s net assets consists of common stocks and warrants and options to purchase common stock in publicly traded companies. These investments are directly exposed to equity price risk, in that a percentage change in these equity prices would result in a similar percentage change in the fair value of these securities.

A lesser percentage of the Fund’s net assets consist of fixed-rate convertible debentures and other debt instruments as well as convertible preferred securities. Since these instruments are generally priced at a fixed rate, changes in market interest rates do not directly impact interest income, although they could impact the Fund’s yield on future investments in debt instruments. In addition, changes in market interest rates are not typically a significant factor in the Fund’s determination of fair value of its debt instruments, because the Fund generally assumes that the debt instruments will be held to maturity, and the fair value of the debt instruments is determined on the basis of the terms of the particular instrument and the financial condition of the issuer.

A small percentage of the Fund’s net assets consist of equity investments in private companies. The Fund would anticipate no impact on these investments from modest changes in public market equity prices. However, should significant changes in market prices occur, there could be a longer-term effect on valuations of private companies which could affect the carrying value and the amount and timing of proceeds realized on these investments.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) required by Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date to provide reasonable assurance that the information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decision regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.
 
25


PART II
 
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

None

Item 1A.            Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks described below and all other information contained in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, including our financial statements and the related notes thereto before making a decision to purchase our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or not presently deemed material by us, may also impair our operations and performance. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. If that happens, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

We May be Unable to Participate in Certain Investment Opportunities. As a Business Development Company, we are required to invest at least 70% of our assets directly in “Eligible Portfolio Companies”. As a result, we will be unable to make new investments in companies that are not considered Eligible Portfolio Companies if at any time we have less than 70% of our portfolio invested in companies that are Eligible Portfolio Companies.

Our Growth is Dependent on Investing in Quality Transactions. Sustaining growth depends on our ability to identify, evaluate, finance, and invest in companies that meet our investment criteria. Accomplishing such results on a cost-effective basis is a function of our marketing capabilities and skillful management of the investment process. Failure to achieve future growth could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Failure to Invest Capital Effectively May Decrease Our Stock Price. If we fail to invest our capital effectively, our return on equity may be decreased, which could reduce the price of the shares of our common stock.

Highly Competitive Market for Investments. The Fund has significant competition for investment opportunities. Competitive sources for growth capital for the industry include insurance companies, banks, equipment leasing firms, investment bankers, venture capital and private equity funds, money managers, hedge funds, and private investors. Many of these sources have substantially greater financial resources than are available to the Fund. Therefore, the Fund will have to compete for investment opportunities based on its ability to respond to the needs of the prospective portfolio company and its willingness to provide management assistance. In some instances, the Fund’s requirements that the Fund provide management assistance will cause the Fund to be non-competitive.

Lack of Publicly Available Information on Certain Portfolio Companies. Some of the securities in our portfolio are issued by privately held companies. There is generally little or no publicly available information about such companies, and we must rely on the diligence of our management to obtain the information necessary for our decision to invest. There can be no assurance that such diligence efforts will uncover all material information necessary to make fully informed investment decisions.

Dependence on Key Management. Selecting, structuring and closing our investments depends upon the diligence and skill of our management, which is responsible for identifying, evaluating, negotiating, monitoring and disposing of our investments. Our management's capabilities will significantly impact our results of operations. If we lose any member of our management team and he or she cannot be promptly replaced with an equally capable team member, our results of operations could be significantly impacted.

Failure to Deploy Capital May Lower Returns. Our failure to successfully deploy sufficient capital may reduce our return on equity.
 
26

 
Results May Fluctuate. Our operating results may fluctuate materially due to a number of factors including, among others, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our portfolio companies’ markets, the ability to find and close suitable investments, and general economic conditions. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.

Uncertain Value of Certain Restricted Securities. Our net asset value is based on the values assigned to the various investments in our portfolio, determined in good faith by our board of directors. Because of the inherent uncertainty of the valuation of portfolio securities which do not have readily ascertainable market values, our fair value determinations may differ materially from the values which would be applicable to unrestricted securities having a public market.

Illiquid Securities May Adversely Affect Our Business. Our portfolio contains securities which are subject to restrictions on sale because they were acquired from issuers in "private placement" transactions or because we are deemed to be an affiliate of the issuer. Unless an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 is available, we will not be able to sell these securities publicly without the expense and time required to register the securities under applicable federal and state securities laws. In addition, contractual or practical limitations may restrict our ability to liquidate our securities in portfolio companies, because we may own a relatively large percentage of the issuer's outstanding securities. Sales may also be limited by unfavorable market conditions. The illiquidity of our investments may preclude or delay the disposition of such securities, which may make it difficult for us to obtain cash equal to the value at which we record our investments.

Regulated Industry. Publicly traded investment funds are highly regulated. Changes in securities laws or regulations governing our operations or our failure to comply with those laws or regulations may adversely affect our business.

Failure to Qualify for Favorable Tax Treatment. We may not qualify for pass-through tax treatment as a regulated investment company ("RIC") if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. Failure to qualify as a regulated investment company would subject the Fund to federal income tax as if it were an ordinary corporation, which would result in a substantial reduction in both the Fund’s net assets and the amount of income available for distribution to stockholders. The loss of this pass-through tax treatment could have a material adverse effect on the total return, if any, obtainable from an investment in our common stock.

Highly Leveraged Portfolio Companies. Some of our portfolio companies could incur substantial indebtedness in relation to their overall capital base. Such indebtedness often requires the balance of the loan to be refinanced when it matures. If portfolio companies cannot generate adequate cash flow to meet the principal and interest payments on their indebtedness, the value of our investments could be reduced or eliminated through foreclosure on the portfolio company's assets or by the portfolio company's reorganization or bankruptcy.

Our Common Stock Often Trades at a Discount. The Fund’s stock frequently trades at a discount from net asset value. Stockholders desiring liquidity usually sell their shares at current market value, and therefore may not realize the full net asset value of their shares. This is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that a fund's performance may cause its net asset value to decrease.

Nature of Investment in Our Common Stock. Our stock is intended for investors seeking long-term capital appreciation. Our investments in portfolio securities generally require some time to reach maturity, and such investments generally are illiquid. An investment in our shares should not be considered a complete investment program. Each prospective purchaser should take into account his or her investment objectives as well as his or her other investments when considering the purchase of our shares.

Our Stock Price May Fluctuate Significantly. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly. The market price and marketability of shares of our common stock may from time to time be significantly affected by numerous factors, including our investment results, market conditions, and other influences and events over which we have no control and that may not be directly related to us.
 
27

 
Failure to Meet Listing Standards. We are current in our SEC filings, and we believe we have met all our listing requirements on the American Stock Exchange. However, there can be no assurance that we will continue to meet the American Stock Exchange listing standards or any other listing standards and the stock could be delisted.
 
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None
 
Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None
 
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
None
 
Item 5.  Other Information

None
 
Item 6.  Exhibits

31.1 Certification of the principal executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2 Certification of the principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1 Certification of the principal executive officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2 Certification principal financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
28

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

RENAISSANCE CAPITAL GROWTH & INCOME FUND III, INC.
 
/s/ Russell Cleveland                                 
May 13, 2008
Russell Cleveland, President and
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
   
/s/ Barbe Butschek                                     
May 13, 2008
Barbe Butschek, Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
29