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<!--Generated by DFIN XBRL Instance Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ - Version R3.0 - on 13-June-2025 [03:05:27] {AM}-->
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<link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
<link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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<link:roleType roleURI="http://www.hercules.com/role/N2InvestmentObjectives" id="N2InvestmentObjectives">
<link:definition>1002 - Disclosure - N-2 - [Investment Objectives]</link:definition>
<link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
<link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
<link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
</link:roleType>
<link:roleType roleURI="http://www.hercules.com/role/N2RiskFactors" id="N2RiskFactors">
<link:definition>1003 - Disclosure - N-2 - [Risk Factors]</link:definition>
<link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
<link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
<link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
</link:roleType>
<link:roleType roleURI="http://www.hercules.com/role/N2LongTermDebt" id="N2LongTermDebt">
<link:definition>1004 - Disclosure - N-2 - [Long Term Debt]</link:definition>
<link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
<link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
<link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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