11/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/14/2024 15:27
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2024
or
☐ 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: 001-41612
ASSET ENTITIES INC. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
Nevada | 88-1293236 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
100 Crescent Ct, 7th Floor, Dallas, TX | 75201 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(214) 459-3117 |
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) |
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share | ASST | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
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 ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ | ||
Non-accelerated filer ☒ | Smaller reporting company ☒ | ||
Emerging growth company ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
As of November 13, 2024, there were a total of 1,250,000 shares of the registrant's Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, outstanding, and 3,115,176 shares of the registrant's Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, outstanding.
ASSET ENTITIES INC.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
Period Ended September 30, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
||
Item 1. | Financial Statements | 1 |
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 18 |
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 40 |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 40 |
PART II OTHER INFORMATION |
||
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 41 |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 41 |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 41 |
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 42 |
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 42 |
Item 5. | Other Information | 43 |
Item 6. | Exhibits | 43 |
Signatures | 44 |
i
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
ASSET ENTITIES INC.
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page | ||
Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2024 (unaudited) and December 31, 2023 | 2 | |
Statements of Operations | 3 | |
Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity | 4 | |
Statements of Cash Flows | 6 | |
Notes to Financial Statements | 7 |
1
ASSET ENTITIES INC.
Condensed Balance Sheets
As of September 30, |
As of December 31, |
|||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current Assets | ||||||||
Cash | $ | 2,098,406 | $ | 2,924,323 | ||||
Prepaid expenses | 121,214 | 38,681 | ||||||
Total Current Assets | 2,219,620 | 2,963,004 | ||||||
Non-Current Assets | ||||||||
Property and equipment, net | 23,972 | 12,825 | ||||||
Intangible asset | 309,500 | 100,000 | ||||||
Total Non-Current Assets | 333,472 | 112,825 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 2,553,092 | $ | 3,075,829 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
Current Liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts payable and credit card liability | $ | 296,987 | $ | 150,096 | ||||
Contract liabilities | 610 | 3,445 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities | 297,597 | 153,541 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 297,597 | 153,541 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||
Preferred Stock; $0.0001 par value, 50,000,000 authorized | ||||||||
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock; $0.0001 par value, $10,000 stated value, 660 designated, 281 and 0 shares issued and outstanding |
-
|
|||||||
Common Stock; $0.0001 par value, 200,000,000 authorized |
-
|
|||||||
Class A Common Stock; $0.0001 par value, 2,000,000 authorized, 1,250,000 and 1,677,056 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | 125 | 168 | ||||||
Class B Common Stock; $0.0001 par value, 38,000,000 authorized 2,225,889 and 1,207,827 shares issued, respectively | 223 | 121 | ||||||
Additional paid in capital | 12,426,914 | 8,657,190 | ||||||
Treasury Stock, at cost: Class B Common Stock - 50,000 shares | (176,876 | ) | (176,876 | ) | ||||
Accumulated deficit | (9,994,891 | ) | (5,558,315 | ) | ||||
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | 2,255,495 | 2,922,288 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 2,553,092 | $ | 3,075,829 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
2
ASSET ENTITIES INC.
Condensed Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 202,921 | $ | 60,135 | $ | 420,728 | $ | 196,182 | ||||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Contract labor | 133,031 | 56,537 | 381,900 | 141,201 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative | 677,074 | 518,248 | 1,954,076 | 1,361,902 | ||||||||||||
Management compensation | 708,185 | 675,841 | 2,513,562 | 2,275,878 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 1,518,290 | 1,250,626 | 4,849,538 | 3,778,981 | ||||||||||||
Loss from operations | (1,315,369 | ) | (1,190,491 | ) | (4,428,810 | ) | (3,582,799 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (1,315,369 | ) | $ | (1,190,491 | ) | $ | (4,428,810 | ) | $ | (3,582,799 | ) | ||||
Dividend on Series B Preferred Stock | (7,766 | ) |
-
|
(7,766 | ) |
-
|
||||||||||
Net loss attributable to common stockholders | $ | (1,323,135 | ) | $ | (1,190,491 | ) | $ | (4,436,576 | ) | $ | (3,582,799 | ) | ||||
Loss per share of common stock - basic and diluted | $ | (0.41 | ) | $ | (0.43 | ) | $ | (1.47 | ) | $ | (1.35 | ) | ||||
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding - basic and diluted | 3,217,756 | 2,752,200 | 3,005,034 | 2,663,477 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
3
ASSET ENTITIES INC.
Condensed Statement of Stockholders' Equity
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024
(Unaudited)
Series A Convertible | Class A | Class B | Additional | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Common Stock | Paid in | Treasury | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | Stock | Deficit | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance - December 31, 2023 |
-
|
$ |
-
|
1,677,056 | $ | 168 | 1,207,827 | $ | 121 | $ | 8,657,190 | $ | (176,876 | ) | $ | (5,558,315 | ) | $ | 2,922,288 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion from Class A to Class B common stock | - |
-
|
(170,650 | ) | (17 | ) | 170,650 | 17 |
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
326,871 |
-
|
-
|
326,871 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,386,904 | ) | (1,386,904 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance - March 31, 2024 |
-
|
$ |
-
|
1,506,406 | $ | 151 | 1,378,477 | $ | 138 | $ | 8,984,061 | $ | (176,876 | ) | $ | (6,945,219 | ) | $ | 1,862,255 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Series A Convertible Preferred stock issued | 165 |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
1,345,000 |
-
|
-
|
1,345,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B common stock subscription proceeds received, net | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
124,318 | 12 | 194,422 |
-
|
-
|
194,434 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B Common stock issued for restricted stock awards | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
51,800 | 5 | 412,433 |
-
|
-
|
412,438 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B Common stock issued for purchase of intangible asset | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
5,000 | 1 | 9,499 |
-
|
-
|
9,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,726,537 | ) | (1,726,537 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance - June 30, 2024 | 165 | $ |
-
|
1,506,406 | $ | 151 | 1,559,595 | $ | 156 | $ | 10,945,415 | $ | (176,876 | ) | $ | (8,671,756 | ) | $ | 2,097,090 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Series A Convertible Preferred stock issued | 165 |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
1,302,500 |
-
|
-
|
1,302,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B Common stock issued for conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred stock | (49 | ) |
-
|
- |
-
|
368,947 | 37 | 7,729 |
-
|
-
|
7,766 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Conversion from Class A to Class B common stock | - |
-
|
(256,406 | ) | (26 | ) | 256,406 | 26 |
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cancellation of Class B common stock | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
(30,067 | ) | (3 | ) | 3 |
-
|
-
|
-
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
171,274 |
-
|
-
|
171,274 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reverse stock split adjustment | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
71,008 | 7 | (7 | ) |
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend declared - Series A Convertible Preferred stock | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
-
|
-
|
(7,766 | ) | (7,766 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
-
|
-
|
(1,315,369 | ) | (1,315,369 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance - September 30, 2024 | 281 | $ |
-
|
1,250,000 | $ | 125 | 2,225,889 | $ | 223 | $ | 12,426,914 | $ | (176,876 | ) | $ | (9,994,891 | ) | $ | 2,255,495 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
4
ASSET ENTITIES INC.
Condensed Statement of Stockholders' Equity
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Preferred Stock |
Class A Common Stock |
Class B Common Stock |
Additional Paid in |
Treasury | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Capital | Stock | Deficit | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance - December 31, 2022 |
-
|
$ |
-
|
1,677,056 | $ | 168 | 472,946 | $ | 47 | $ | 780,686 | $ |
-
|
$ | (627,118 | ) | $ | 153,783 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B common stock and warrant issued | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
300,000 | 30 | 6,540,463 |
-
|
-
|
6,540,493 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B Common stock issued for restricted stock awards | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
282,200 | 28 | 200,182 |
-
|
-
|
200,210 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
-
|
(1,071,251 | ) | (1,071,251 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance - March 31, 2023 |
-
|
$ |
-
|
1,677,056 | $ | 168 | 1,055,146 | $ | 105 | $ | 7,521,331 | $ |
-
|
$ | (1,698,369 | ) | $ | 5,823,235 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B Common stock issued for restricted stock awards | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
20,000 | 2 | 403,713 |
-
|
403,715 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
-
|
(1,321,057 | ) | (1,321,057 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance - June 30, 2023 |
-
|
$ |
-
|
1,677,056 | $ | 168 | 1,075,146 | $ | 107 | $ | 7,925,044 | $ | (3,019,426 | ) | $ | 4,905,893 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rounding adjustment | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class B Common stock issued for restricted stock awards | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
300,316 |
-
|
300,316 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - |
-
|
- |
-
|
- |
-
|
-
|
(1,190,491 | ) | (1,190,491 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance - September 30, 2023 |
-
|
$ |
-
|
1,677,056 | $ | 168 | 1,075,146 | $ | 107 | $ | 8,225,360 | $ | (4,209,917 | ) | $ | 4,015,718 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
5
ASSET ENTITIES INC.
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (4,428,810 | ) | $ | (3,582,799 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
Stock based compensation | 910,583 | 904,241 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 3,614 | 223 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses | (82,533 | ) | (122,553 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 146,891 | (171,543 | ) | |||||
Contract liabilities | (2,835 | ) | 18,908 | |||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (3,453,090 | ) | (2,953,523 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (14,761 | ) | (7,543 | ) | ||||
Purchase of intangible asset | (200,000 | ) |
-
|
|||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (214,761 | ) | (7,543 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Series A Convertible Preferred stock issued | 2,647,500 |
-
|
||||||
Class B common stock subscription proceeds received, net | 194,434 | 6,845,050 | ||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 2,841,934 | 6,845,050 | ||||||
Net change in cash | (825,917 | ) | 3,883,984 | |||||
Cash at beginning of period | 2,924,323 | 137,177 | ||||||
Cash at end of period | $ | 2,098,406 | $ | 4,021,161 | ||||
NON CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||
Conversion from Class A to Class B common stock | $ | 43 | $ |
-
|
||||
Conversion from Series A Convertible Preferred stock to Class B common stock | $ | 7,766 | $ |
-
|
||||
Class B Common stock issued for purchase of intangible asset | $ | 9,500 | $ |
-
|
||||
Cancellation of Class B common stock | $ | 3 | $ |
-
|
||||
Reverse stock split adjustment | $ | 7 | $ |
-
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.
6
ASSET ENTITIES INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2024
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Organization, Description of Business and Liquidity
Organization
Asset Entities Inc. ("Asset Entities", "we", "us" or the "Company"), began operations as a general partnership in August 2020 and formed Assets Entities Limited Liability Company in the state of California on October 20, 2020. The interim financial statements reflect the operations of the Company from inception of the general partnership. The operations of the Company from inception to prior year-end is reflected in retained earnings. On March 15, 2022, the Company filed Articles of Merger to register and incorporate with the state of Nevada and changed the company name to Asset Entities Inc.
Reverse Stock Split
On June 27, 2024, the Company filed a Certificate of Change pursuant to Section 78.209 of the Nevada Revised Statutes with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada authorizing a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share. The reverse stock split became effective on July 1, 2024.
Prior to the reverse stock split, the Company was authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock, consisting of 10,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 190,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock. As a result of the reverse stock split, the Company will be authorized to issue 40,000,000 shares of common stock, consisting of 2,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 38,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock.
All share and per share information in these financial statements retroactively reflect this reverse stock split.
Description of Business
Asset Entities is an Internet company providing social media marketing, content delivery, and development and design services across Discord, TikTok, and other social media platforms. Based on the rapid growth of our Discord servers and social media following, we have developed three categories of services. First, we provide subscription upgrades to premium content on our investment education and entertainment servers on Discord. Second, we codevelop and execute influencer social media and marketing campaigns for clients. Third, we design, develop and manage Discord servers for clients under our "AE.360.DDM" brand. Our AE.360.DDM service was released in December 2021. All of these services - our Discord investment education and entertainment, social media and marketing, and AE.360.DDM services - are therefore based on our effective use of Discord in combination with ongoing social media outreach on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Liquidity
The Company had an accumulated deficit of $9,994,891 as of September 30, 2024, cash of $2,098,406 as of September 30, 2024, and a net loss of $4,436,576 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. On May 24, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with an investor for the issuance and sale of up to 330 shares of the Company's newly designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for maximum gross proceeds of $3,000,000.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company issued 330 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and received proceeds of $2,647,500, net of discount. Based on the Company's existing cash resources, management believes that the Company will have sufficient funds to carry out the Company's planned operations for at least the next 12 months from the issuance date of the accompanying interim financial statements.
7
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The Company prepares its financial statements in accordance with rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The accompanying interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the Company's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year. While management of the Company believes that the disclosures presented herein are adequate and not misleading, these interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the footnotes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2023, contained in the Company's Form 10-K filed on April 2, 2024.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the interim financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Some of these judgments can be subjective and complex, and, consequently, actual results may differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of balance sheet presentation and reporting of cash flows, the Company considers all unrestricted demand deposits, money market funds and highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of less than 90 days to be cash and cash equivalents. The Company had no cash equivalents at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Periodically, the Company may carry cash balances at financial institutions more than the federally insured limit of $250,000 per institution. The amount in excess of the FDIC insurance as of September 30, 2024, was approximately $1.7 million. The Company has not experienced losses on account balances and management believes, based upon the quality of the financial institutions, that the credit risk with regard to these deposits is not significant.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment loss, if any. Property and equipment are depreciated at rates sufficient to write off their costs less impairment and residual value, if any, over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis.
Category |
Useful life (years) |
|
Building | 39 | |
Machinery and Equipment | 5-10 | |
Office Equipment and Fixtures | 5 | |
Vehicle | 8 |
The Company did not have any Building, Machinery and Equipment, and Vehicle as of September 30, 2024.
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Improvements of a major nature are capitalized. At the time of retirement or other disposition of property and equipment, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gains or losses are reflected in the income.
The long-lived assets of the Company are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC No. 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment" ("ASC No. 360"), whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.
8
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets acquired are recorded at fair value. We test our finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. We test our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we recognize an impairment in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying value. Management uses considerable judgment to determine key assumptions, including projected revenue, royalty rates and appropriate discount rates. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, there were no intangible asset impairment charges.
Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which ranges from 5 to 15 years. Our finite-lived intangible assets include acquired franchise agreements, acquired customer relationships, acquired customer lists, and internally developed software. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets include acquired domain names, trade names, and purchased software.
Intangible assets internally developed are measured at cost. We capitalize costs to develop or purchase computer software for internal use which are incurred during the application development stage. These costs include fees paid to third parties for development services and payroll costs for employees' time spent developing the software. We expense costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and the post-implementation stage. Capitalized development costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software. The capitalization and ongoing assessment of recoverability of development costs requires considerable judgment by management with respect to certain external factors, including, but not limited to, technological and economic feasibility, and estimated economic life.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets Other Than Goodwill
Long-lived assets with finite lives, primarily property and equipment, intangible assets, and operating lease right-of-use assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated cash flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are below the asset's carrying value, then the asset is deemed to be impaired and written down to its fair value.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy to classify and disclose all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, in periods subsequent to their initial measurement. The hierarchy requires the Company to use observable inputs when available, and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs, when determining fair value. The three tiers are defined as follows:
● | Level 1-Observable inputs that reflect quoted market prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; |
● | Level 2-Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly in the marketplace for identical or similar assets and liabilities; and |
● | Level 3-Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions. |
The Company's financial instruments, including cash, prepaid expense and contract liabilities, other current liabilities are carried at historical cost. At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the carrying amounts of these instruments approximated their fair values because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
9
Advertising Expenses
The Company expenses advertising costs as they incurred. Total advertising expenses were $453,976 and $324,570 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and have been included as part of general and administrative expenses.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Accordingly, internal research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Third-party research and development costs are expensed when the contracted work has been performed or as milestone results have been achieved as defined under the applicable agreement.
The Company incurred research and development expenses of $336,719 and $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and have been included as part of contract labor.
Stock based compensation
Service-Based Awards
The Company records stock-based compensation for awards granted to employees, non-employees, and to members of the Board for their services on the Board based on the grant date fair value of awards issued, and the expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally one to three years.
For restricted stock awards ("RSAs") issued under the Company's stock-based compensation plans, the fair value of each grant is calculated based on the Company's stock price on the date of grant.
Share Repurchase
Share repurchases are open market purchases. Share repurchases are generally recorded on the settlement date, as treasury stock. When shares are cancelled, the value of repurchased shares is deducted from stockholders' equity through common stock with the excess over par value recorded to accumulated deficit.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue utilizing the following steps: (i) Identify the contract, or contracts, with a customer; (ii) Identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) Determine the transaction price; (iv) Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; (v) Recognize revenue when the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
Subscriptions
Subscription revenue is related to a single performance obligation that is recognized over time when earned. Subscriptions are paid in advance and can be purchased on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Any quarterly or annual subscription revenue is recognized as a contract liability recorded over the contracted service period.
Marketing
Revenue related to marketing campaign contracts with customers are normally of a short duration, typically less than two (2) weeks.
AE.360.DDM Contracts
Revenue related to AE.360.DDM contracts with customers are normally of a short duration, typically less than one (1) week.
10
Contract Liabilities
Contract liabilities consist of quarterly and annual subscription revenue that have not been recognized. Revenue under these agreements is recognized over the related service period. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, total contract liabilities were $610 and $3,445 respectively. Contract liabilities are expected to be recognized as revenue over a period not to exceed twelve (12) months.
Changes in contract liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 are as follows:
September 30, | ||||
2024 | ||||
Balance, December 31, 2023 | $ | 3,445 | ||
Deferral of revenue |
-
|
|||
Recognition of revenue | (2,835 | ) | ||
Balance, September 30, 2024 | $ | 610 |
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
The Company has adopted ASC Topic 260, "Earnings per Share" which requires presentation of basic earnings per share on the face of the statements of operations for all entities with complex capital structures and requires a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic earnings per share computation. In the accompanying interim financial statements, basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potentially dilutive outstanding shares of common stock during the period to reflect the potential dilution that could occur from common stock issuable through contingent share arrangements, stock options and warrants unless the result would be antidilutive. The Company would account for the potential dilution from convertible securities using the as-if converted method. The Company accounts for warrants and options using the treasury stock method.
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, warrants representing 105,490 shares of common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation from diluted net loss per share as the result was anti-dilutive.
Related Parties
The Company follows ASC 850, "Related Party Disclosures", for the identification of related parties and disclosure of related party transactions and balances. There were no related party transactions except management fees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company paid management fees to their controlling members totaling $2,513,562 and $2,275,878, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company has considered all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and does not believe the adoption of such pronouncements will have a material impact on its interim financial statements.
Note 3. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Office equipment | $ | 28,320 | $ | 13,559 | ||||
Accumulated depreciation | (4,348 | ) | (734 | ) | ||||
$ | 23,972 | $ | 12,825 |
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded depreciation of $3,614 and $223, respectively.
11
Note 4. Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of the following:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Purchased software | $ | 309,500 | $ | 100,000 | ||||
Less: Impairment |
-
|
-
|
||||||
$ | 309,500 | $ | 100,000 |
This intangible asset is an indefinite life asset and not subject to amortization. It is subject to impairment testing. There is no impairment of the intangible asset as of the interim financial statement date.
Note 5. Stockholders' Equity
Authorized Capital Stock
On March 9, 2022, the Company filed Articles of Incorporation with the state of Nevada to authorize the Company to issue 250,000,000 shares, consisting of 10,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share ("Class A Common"), 190,000,000 shares of Class B Common stock, $0.0001 par value per share ("Class B Common"), and 50,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value (the "Preferred Stock").
On June 27, 2024, the Company filed a Certificate of Change pursuant to Section 78.209 of the Nevada Revised Statutes with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada authorizing a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of class A common stock and class B common stock. As a result of the Reverse Stock Split, the Company will be authorized to issue 40,000,000 shares of common stock, consisting of 2,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and 38,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock.
Preferred Stock
The Company shall have the authority to issue the shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series with such rights, preferences and designations as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
On May 24, 2024, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Certificate of Designation") with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada designating 660 shares of the Company's Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, as "Series A Convertible Preferred Stock," and setting forth the voting and other powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights of the Series A Preferred Stock. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock has an initial stated value ("Stated Value") of $10,000 per share.
The Series A Preferred Stock, with respect to the payment of dividends, distributions and payments upon the liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Company, ranks senior to all capital stock of the Company unless the holders of the majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock consent to the creation of other capital stock of the Company that is senior or equal in rank to the Series A Preferred Stock.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive cumulative dividends, in shares of Class B Common Stock or cash on the Stated Value at an annual rate of 6% (which will increase to 12% if a Triggering Event (as defined in the Certificate of Designation) occurs. Dividends will be payable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock or upon any redemption.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to convert shares of Series A Preferred Stock into a number of shares of Class B Common Stock determined by dividing the Stated Value (plus any accrued but unpaid dividends and other amounts due, unless paid by the Company in cash) by the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock (the "Conversion Price"). The initial Conversion Price is $0.75, subject to adjustment including adjustments due to full-ratchet anti-dilution provisions. Holders may elect to convert shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Class B Common Stock at an alternate Conversion Price equal to 85% (or 70% if the Company's Class B Common Stock is suspended from trading on or delisted from a principal trading market or upon occurrence of a Triggering Event) of the average lowest daily volume weighed average price of the Class B Common Stock during the Alternate Conversion Measuring Period (as defined in the Certificate of Designation).
12
On September 4, 2024, the Company, filed an amendment (the "Second Amended Designation") to the Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company (as amended, the "Certificate of Designation"), which amended the original Certificate of Designation, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Asset Entities Inc. filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada on June 14, 2024, by providing that amendments may be made to the beneficial ownership limitation provisions of the Certificate of Designation. The Second Amended Designation became effective immediately upon filing.
Immediately after the filing of the Second Amended Designation, the Company filed an amendment (the "Third Amended Designation") to the Certificate of Designation to amend the conversion and beneficial ownership limitation provisions of the Certificate of Designation. The conversion provisions were amended to provide that a holder of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series A Preferred Stock"), is not prohibited from delivering a Conversion Notice (as defined by the Certificate of Designation) while another Conversion Notice remains outstanding. The beneficial ownership provisions were amended to provide that any conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock that would result in the holder beneficially owning in excess of 4.99% of the shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share ("Class B Common Stock"), will not be effected, and the shares of Class B Common Stock that would cause such excess will be held in abeyance and not issued to the holder until the date the Company is notified by the holder that its ownership is less than 4.99%, at the applicable Conversion Price (as defined by the Certificate of Designation), and subject to the holder's compliance with other applicable procedural requirements for conversion. The Third Amended Designation became effective immediately upon filing.
Securities Purchase Agreement
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
On May 24, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with an investor (the "Investor") for the issuance and sale of up to 330 shares of the Company's newly designated Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share ("Series A Preferred Stock"), for maximum gross proceeds of $3,000,000. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company is required to issue and sell 165 shares of Series A Preferred Stock at each of two closings subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions for each closing. The first closing (the "First Closing") occurred on May 24, 2024 for the issuance and sale of 165 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of $1,500,000. The second closing (the "Second Closing"), for the issuance and sale of 165 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of $1,500,000, will occur on the first business day on which the conditions specified in the Purchase Agreement for the Second Closing are satisfied or waived, including the filing and effectiveness of the Registration Statement and the effectiveness of the Stockholder Consent. In addition, the Company issued a warrant to Boustead for the purchase of 30,800 shares of Class B Common Stock with an exercise price of $3.75 per share. The warrant is exercisable for a period of five years and contains cashless exercise provisions. The Company received $1,345,000, net of offering cost of $155,000.
The Second Closing, for the issuance and sale of 165 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of $1,500,000, occurred on July 29, 2024, which was the first business day on which the conditions specified in the Purchase Agreement for the Second Closing were satisfied or waived. The Company received $1,302,500, net of offering cost of $197,500.
On the date of the Second Closing, the Company was required to issue a warrant to Boustead Securities, LLC for the purchase of 30,800 shares of Class B Common Stock, equal to 7% of the number of shares of Class B Common Stock that may be issued upon conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock sold at the Second Closing at the initial Conversion Price of $3.75 per share, subject to the Exchange Limitation before the effectiveness of the Stockholder Approval (the "Fourth Tail Warrant"). The Fourth Tail Warrant has an exercise price of $3.75 per share.
On July 30, 2024, Boustead's rights to the Fourth Tail Warrant were assigned to an assignee. The Fourth Tail Warrant was consequently cancelled and a new warrant was issued to the assignee.
13
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company issued 330 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for $2,647,500, net of discount.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, 49 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock valued at $497,766 including divided of $7,766 into 412,947 shares of Class B Stock.
The Company had 281 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2024.
Waive of agreement
On September 20, 2024, the Company entered into a Waiver and Consent, dated as of September 20, 2024 (the "Ionic ATM Waiver"), between the Company and Ionic Ventures, LLC ("Ionic"), the sole holder of the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share ("Series A Preferred Stock"). Pursuant to the Waiver and Consent, Ionic waived any prohibition, restriction or adverse adjustment that would otherwise apply to any action of the Company relating to an "at the market offering" (as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")), of equity securities of up to $5 million ("Waived ATM") under the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2024, between the Company and Ionic. Pursuant to the Ionic ATM Waiver, regardless of the terms and conditions of the Ionic Purchase Agreement and the Series A Certificate of Designation, the Company may at any time enter into any agreement relating to a Waived ATM, the filing of a prospectus supplement to a prospectus contained in an effective registration statement that was filed under the Securities Act relating to a Waived ATM, the announcement of a Waived ATM, the issuance, offer, sale, or grant of any shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share ("Class B Common Stock"), relating to a Waived ATM, or the issuance, offer, sale, or grant of any securities in connection with either the provision of goods or services or settlement of any obligations that may otherwise arise with respect to a Waived ATM. In addition, pursuant to the Ionic ATM Waiver, Ionic waived any adjustment to the applicable Conversion Price (as defined in the Series A Certificate of Designation), which partly determines the number of shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon conversion of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, that would otherwise occur as a result of any Waived ATM under the terms of the Series A Certificate of Designation.
On September 26, 2024, the Company entered into a Limited Waiver and Consent, dated as of September 26, 2024 (the "Boustead ATM Waiver"), between the Company and Boustead Securities, LLC. Pursuant to the Boustead ATM Waiver, Boustead waived any condition on, restriction on, compensation rights, or rights of first refusal that would be applicable under the letter agreement, dated November 29, 2021, between the Company and Boustead (the "Boustead Engagement Letter") and the Underwriting Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2023, between the Company and Boustead (as representative of the underwriters named therein) in relation to an "at the market offering" (as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")) of equity securities of up to $5 million (a "Boustead Waived ATM"). Pursuant to the Boustead ATM Waiver, the Company may at any time enter into any agreement relating to a Boustead Waived ATM, the filing of a prospectus supplement to a prospectus contained in an effective registration statement that was filed under the Securities Act relating to a Boustead Waived ATM, the announcement of a Boustead Waived ATM, the issuance, offer, sale, or grant of any shares of the Class B Common Stock relating to a Boustead Waived ATM, or the issuance, offer, sale, or grant of any securities in connection with either the provision of goods or services or settlement of any obligations that may otherwise arise with respect to a Boustead Waived ATM. As consideration, the Boustead ATM Waiver provides that the Company will promptly pay Boustead 3.0% of the gross sales price of all shares of Class B Common Stock sold in connection with any Boustead Waived ATM until the end of the applicability of the provisions of the right of first refusal provisions of the Boustead Engagement Letter.
Class A Common Stock
Each share of Class A Common Stock entitles the holder to ten (10) votes, in person or proxy, on any matter on which an action of the stockholders of the Company is sought and is convertible by the holder into one (1) share of Class B Common Stock.
14
As part of a share conversion in March 2022, the Company converted the 97.56% membership interest to 1,951,200 shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company. The Company has reflected this conversion for all periods presented.
The Company had 1,250,000 and 1,677,056 shares of Class A Common Stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Class B Common Stock
Each share of Class B Common Stock entitles the holder to one (1) vote, in person or proxy, on any matter on which an action of the stockholders of the Company is sought.
The Company had 2,225,889 and 1,207,827 shares of Class B Common Stock issued as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Nine months ended September 30, 2024
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company issued Class B common stock as follows:
● | 427,056 shares of Class A common stock were converted into 427,056 shares of Class B common stock. |
● | 124,318 shares of Class B common stock for cash of $194,434 net (Triton Purchase agreement). |
● | 51,800 shares of Class B common stock for restricted stock awards valued at $95,342. |
● | 5,000 shares of Class B common stock for purchase of intangible asset valued at $9,500. |
● | 368,947 shares of Class B common stock for conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred stock. 44,000 shares were not yet issued at September 30, 2024. |
● | 30,067 shares of Class B common stock for cancellation |
● | 71,008 shares of Class B common stock for reverse stock split adjustment valued. |
Treasury Stock
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 50,000 shares of Class B Common stock at $176,876 and recorded as treasury stock as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Triton Purchase Agreement
On June 30, 2023, the Company, entered into a Closing Agreement (the "Closing Agreement") with Triton. Under the Closing Agreement, the Company agreed to sell to Triton shares of class B common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of the Company (the "Class B Common Stock"), having a total value, as determined under the Closing Agreement, of $1,000,000.
15
On August 1, 2023, the Company and Triton entered into an Amended and Restated Closing Agreement (the "Amended and Restated Closing Agreement"). Subject to the terms of the Amended and Restated Closing Agreement, the Company may deliver a closing notice (the "Closing Notice") and issue certain securities to Triton at any time on or before April 30, 2024, pursuant to which Triton will be obligated to purchase such securities of the Company with an aggregate value of $1,000,000 in the following manner. Upon delivery of the Closing Notice, Triton must purchase newly-issued shares of Class B Common Stock of the Company (the "Triton Shares") in an amount equal to up to 9.99% of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock following such purchase, plus pre-funded warrants (the "Triton Pre-Funded Warrants" and together with the Triton Shares, the "Triton Securities") that may be exercised to purchase an amount of newly-issued shares of Class B Common Stock (the "Triton Warrant Shares"), such that the aggregate price of the Triton Shares and the Triton Pre-Funded Warrants together with the exercise price to be paid upon full exercise of the Triton Pre-Funded Warrants will equal a total gross purchase price of $1,000,000. Upon the Company's election to deliver the Closing Notice, the price of each of the Triton Shares will be set at 85% of the lowest daily volume-weighted average price of the Class B Common Stock during the five (5) business days before and five business days after the date of the Closing Notice.
On March 27, 2024, the Company delivered a Closing Notice to Triton (the "Second Closing Notice") for the purchase of 124,318 shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock to Triton Funds LP, a Delaware limited partnership ("Triton"). The price of the shares was required to be 85% of the lowest daily volume-weighted average price of the Class B Common Stock during the five business days prior to the closing of the purchase of the shares (the "Triton Closing"), and the Triton Closing was required to occur within five business days after the date that the Triton Shares were received by Triton, in accordance with the Amended and Restated Closing Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2023, between the Company and Triton, as amended by the Amendment to Amended and Restated Closing Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2023, between the Company and Triton, the Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Closing Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2023, between the Company and Triton, and the Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Closing Agreement, dated as of March 29, 2024, between the Company and Triton (as amended, the "Amended and Restated Closing Agreement"). On April 10, 2024, the date of the Triton Closing, the price of the Triton Shares was determined to be $1.70 per share based on the lowest daily volume-weighted average price of the Class B Common Stock during the five business days prior to the Triton Closing.
In connection with the Triton Closing, pursuant to the Boustead Engagement Letter and the Underwriting Agreement, the Company paid Boustead, as placement agent compensation, a total of $16,907, equal to 7% of the aggregate purchase price and a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1% of the aggregate purchase price for the Triton Shares. In addition, the Company issued a warrant to Boustead for the purchase of 8,702 shares of Class B Common Stock, equal to 7% of the number of the Triton Shares, with an exercise price of $1.70 per share, equal to the purchase price per share of the Triton Shares (the "Tail Warrant"). The Tail Warrant is exercisable for a period of five years and contains cashless exercise provisions.
Sales agreement of Class B Common Stock
On September 27, 2024, the Company entered into a Sales Agreement between the Company and A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (the "Sales Agent"). Pursuant to the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to the offering of the Shares (as defined below), and under terms of the Sales Agreement and the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, filed on September 27, 2024, the Company may, from time to time, in transactions that are deemed to be "at the market offerings" as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), issue and sell through or to the Sales Agent, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $1,791,704 of shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Shares").
The Company will pay the Sales Agent a cash commission of 3.0% of the gross sales price of the Shares sold by the Sales Agent pursuant to the Sales Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Sales Agreement, the Company also agreed to reimburse the Sales Agent for reasonable fees and expenses, not to exceed $60,000 (including but not limited to the reasonable and documented fees and disbursements of its legal counsel), and additional amounts for annual maintenance of the Sales Agreement (including but not limited to the reasonable and documented fees and disbursements of its legal counsel) on a quarterly basis, not to exceed $5,000 per quarter.
16
2022 Equity Incentive Plan
The maximum number of shares of Class B Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2022 Plan is 550,000 shares. Awards that may be granted include: (a) Incentive Stock Options, or ISO, (b) Non-statutory Stock Options, (c) Stock Appreciation Rights, (d) Restricted Stock, the Restricted Stock Units, or RSUs, (f) Stock granted as a bonus or in lieu of another award, and (g) Performance Awards. These awards offer us and our shareholders the possibility of future value, depending on the long-term price appreciation of our Class B Common Stock and the award holder's continuing service with us.
The RSA shares to directors vest quarterly for one year from the date of grantee's appointment as a director. The RSA shares to officers vest annually over three years from the grant date. RSA shares are measured at fair market value on the date of grant and stock-based compensation expense is recognized as the shares vest with a corresponding offset credited to additional paid-in-capital. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $910,583 and $904,241, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, 204,766 RSA shares have vested.
As of September 30, 2024, there was $1,302,748 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.39 years.
Warrant
A summary of activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, follows:
Number of | Weighted Average | Weighted Average | ||||||||||
shares | Exercise Price | Life (years) | ||||||||||
Outstanding, December 31, 2023 | 35,188 | $ | 28.12 | 4.05 | ||||||||
Granted | 70,302 | 3.50 | 4.92 | |||||||||
Expired |
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||
Exercised |
-
|
-
|
-
|
|||||||||
Outstanding, September 30, 2024 | 105,490 | $ | 11.71 | 4.17 |
All the outstanding warrants are exercisable as of September 30, 2024. The intrinsic value of the warrants as of September 30, 2024, is $0.
Note 6. Subsequent Events
Management evaluated all events from the date of the balance sheet, which was September 30, 2024 through November 14, 2024 which was the date these financial statements were available to be issue. Based on our evaluation no material events have occurred that require disclosure.
17
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our plans and financial condition. The following financial information is derived from our condensed financial statements and should be read in conjunction with such condensed financial statements and notes thereto set forth elsewhere herein.
Use of Terms
Except as otherwise indicated by the context and for the purposes of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q only, references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to "we," "us," "our," the "Company," "Asset Entities," and "our company" are to Asset Entities Inc., a Nevada corporation. "Common stock" refers to the Company's Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share. "Class A Common Stock" refers to the Company's Class A Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share. "Class B Common Stock" refers to the Company's Class B Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share. "Preferred stock" refers to the Company's Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share. "Series A Preferred Stock" refers to the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share.
Reverse Stock Split
Unless otherwise noted, the share and per share information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been adjusted to give effect to the one-for-five (1-for-5) reverse stock split of each of the Company's authorized and issued and outstanding Class A Common Stock and the Company's authorized and issued and outstanding Class B Common Stock, which became effective as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on July 1, 2024 (the "Reverse Stock Split").
Note Regarding Trademarks, Trade Names and Service Marks
We use various trademarks, trade names and service marks in our business, including "AE 360 DDM", "Asset Entities Where Assets Are Created", "SiN", "Social Influencer Network", "Ternary D", "Options Swing", and associated marks. For convenience, we may not include the ℠, ® or ™ symbols, but such omission is not meant to indicate that we would not protect our intellectual property rights to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any other trademarks, trade names or service marks referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are the property of their respective owners.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to us. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:
● | our ability to introduce new products and services; |
● | our ability to obtain additional financing to develop additional services and offerings; |
● | anticipated compliance with obligations under intellectual property licenses with third parties; |
● | market acceptance of our new offerings; |
● | competition from existing online offerings or new offerings that may emerge; |
● | our ability to establish or maintain collaborations, licensing or other arrangements; |
18
● | our ability and third parties' abilities to protect intellectual property rights; |
● | our ability to adequately support future growth; |
● | our goals and strategies; |
● | our future business development, financial condition and results of operations; |
● | expected changes in our revenue, costs or expenditures; |
● | growth of and competition trends in our industry; |
● | the accuracy and completeness of the data underlying our or third-party sources' industry and market analyses and projections; |
● | our expectations regarding demand for, and market acceptance of, our services; |
● | our expectations regarding our relationships with investors, institutional funding partners and other parties with whom we collaborate; |
● | fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in the markets in which we operate; and |
● | relevant government policies and regulations relating to our industry. |
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "could," "will," "should," "would," "expect," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "project" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could materially affect results. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, those listed under Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on April 2, 2024 (the "2023 Annual Report"). If one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual events or results may vary significantly from those implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance.
In addition, statements that "we believe" and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.
The forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, there is no undertaking to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason.
19
Overview
Asset Entities is a technology company providing social media marketing and content delivery services across Discord, TikTok, and other social media platforms. We also design, develop and manage servers for communities on Discord. Based on the growth of our Discord servers and social media following, we have developed three categories of services: (1) our Discord investment education and entertainment services, (2) social media and marketing services, and (3) our "AE.360.DDM" brand services. We also offer Ternary v2, a cloud-based subscription management and payment processing solution for Discord communities, which includes a suite of customer relations management tools and Stripe-verified payment processing. All of our services are based on our effective use of Discord as well as other social media including TikTok, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Our Discord investment education and entertainment service is designed primarily by and for enthusiastic Generation Z, or Gen Z, retail investors, creators and influencers. Gen Z is commonly considered to be people born between 1997 and 2012. Our investment education and entertainment service focuses on stock, real estate, cryptocurrency, and NFT community learning programs designed for the next generation. While we believe that Gen Z will continue to be our primary market, our Discord server offering features education and entertainment content covering real estate investments, which is expected to appeal strongly to older generations as well. Our current combined server user membership was approximately 200,000 as of September 30, 2024.
Our social media and marketing services utilize our management's social influencer backgrounds by offering social media and marketing campaign services to business clients. Our team of social influencer independent contractors, which we call our "SiN" or "Social Influencer Network", can perform social media and marketing campaign services to expand our clients' Discord server bases and drive traffic to their businesses, as well as increase membership in our own servers.
Our "AE.360.DDM, Design Develop Manage" service, or "AE.360.DDM", is a suite of services to individuals and companies seeking to create a server on Discord. We believe we are the first company to provide "Design, Develop and Manage," or DDM, services for any individual, company, or organization that wishes to join Discord and create their own community. With our AE.360.DDM rollout, we are uniquely positioned to offer DDM services in the growing market for Discord servers.
Through Ternary v2, our subscription management and payment processing solution for Discord communities, subscribers can monetize and manage their Discord users. Ternary v2 simplifies the process for our subscribers to: (i) sell memberships to their Discord servers on their websites and collect payments through Stripe with daily payouts; (ii) add digital products and services and designate purchase options to their Discord servers; (iii) customize their user Discord permissions and roles and other Discord settings; and (iv) utilize our Discord bot to automatically apply their Discord user settings to authenticate new users, apply customizable permission sets to users, and remove users when their subscriptions expire. As a Stripe-verified partner through Ternary v2, we can also assist subscribers with integrating other platforms into their Discord servers with open application programming interfaces, further extending our platform's capabilities.
We believe that we are a leading provider of all of these services, and that demand for all of our services will continue to grow. We expect to experience rapid revenue growth from our services. We believe that we have built a scalable and sustainable business model and that our competitive strengths position us favorably in each aspect of our business.
Our revenue depends on the number of paying subscribers to our Discord servers. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we received revenue from 1,184 and 298 Asset Entities Discord server paying subscribers, respectively.
Our Historical Performance
As of September 30, 2024, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $9,994,891 and cash balance of $2,098,406. During the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we had a net loss of $1,315,369 and $1,190,491, respectively. To date, the Company has financed its operations primarily through capital raises and sales of its services. In April 2024, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-278707), which was declared effective by the SEC on April 26, 2024, for potential offerings of up to $100,000,000 in aggregate (the "Shelf Registration Statement"), subject to the requirement that in no event may we sell shares having a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period under the Shelf Registration Statement so long as our public float remains below $75,000,000. In May 2024, the Company completed the first of a two-part private placement of its Series A Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of $1.5 million, and in July 2024, the Company completed the second part of the private placement for an additional $1.5 million in gross proceeds. In September 2024, the Company entered into a Sales Agreement, dated as of September 27, 2024 (the "ATM Sales Agreement"), between the Company and A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (the "Sales Agent"), and filed a prospectus supplement to the Shelf Registration Statement for an "at the market offering" of shares of Class B Common Stock (the "ATM Financing") for gross proceeds of up to $1,791,704. The Company expects that up to approximately $1.0 million of additional gross proceeds may be sold in the ATM Financing, subject to the Company's ability to meet the requirements of SEC rules for the filing of an additional prospectus supplement to the Shelf Registration Statement for such additional amount. Based on the Company's existing cash resources and the cash expected to be received from the ATM Financing and other planned financings, it is expected that the Company will have sufficient funds to carry out the Company's planned operations through September 30, 2025 and for at least 12 months beyond that period. For further discussion, see Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources".
20
Principal Factors Affecting Our Financial Performance
Our operating results are primarily affected by the following factors:
● | our ability to acquire new customers and users or retain existing customers and users; |
● | our ability to offer competitive pricing; |
● | our ability to broaden product or service offerings; |
● | industry demand and competition; |
● | our ability to leverage technology and use and develop efficient processes; |
● | our ability to attract and retain talented employees and contractors; and |
● | market conditions and our market position. |
Emerging Growth Company and Smaller Reporting Company
We qualify as an "emerging growth company" under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "JOBS Act"). As a result, we are permitted to, and intend to, rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements. For so long as we are an emerging growth company, we will not be required to:
● | have an auditor report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; |
● | present three years, instead of two years, of audited financial statements, with correspondingly reduced "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" disclosure in this Annual Report; |
● | comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor's report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements (i.e., an auditor discussion and analysis); |
● | comply with certain greenhouse gas emissions disclosure and related third-party assurance requirements; |
● | submit certain executive compensation matters to stockholder advisory votes, such as "say-on-pay" and "say-on-frequency;" and |
● | disclose certain executive compensation related items such as the correlation between executive compensation and performance and comparisons of the chief executive officer's compensation to median employee compensation. |
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period. Our financial statements may therefore not be comparable to those of companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of our initial public offering, (ii) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our total annual gross revenues are $1,235,000,000 or more, (ii) the date that we become a "large accelerated filer" as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter or (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three year period.
To the extent that we continue to qualify as a "smaller reporting company," as such term is defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, after we cease to qualify as an emerging growth company, certain of the exemptions available to us as an emerging growth company may continue to be available to us as a smaller reporting company, including as to: (i) the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (ii) scaled executive compensation disclosures; (iii) presenting two years of audited financial statements, instead of three years; and (iv) compliance with certain greenhouse gas emissions disclosure and related third-party assurance requirements.
21
Recent Developments
On September 30, 2024, we cancelled 30,067 shares of Class B Common Stock that were granted as restricted stock under the Asset Entities Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") due to the termination of the grantee's employment, which were forfeited and returned to the Plan in accordance with the terms of the Plan.
Results of Operations
Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
Operations Data |
September 30, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
||||||
Revenues | $ | 202,921 | $ | 60,135 | ||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||
Contract labor | 133,031 | 56,537 | ||||||
General and administrative | 677,074 | 518,248 | ||||||
Management compensation | 708,185 | 675,841 | ||||||
Total operating expenses | 1,518,290 | 1,250,626 | ||||||
Loss from operations | (1,315,369 | ) | (1,190,491 | ) | ||||
Net loss | (1,315,369 | ) | (1,190,491 | ) |
Revenues. Our revenues increased 237.4% to approximately $0.20 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from approximately $0.06 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in revenues from the increased number of our Discord server paying subscribers during the three months ended September 30, 2024, including subscribers to the OptionsSwing and Pure Profits Discord servers that the Company acquired in November 2023 and June 2024, respectively, compared to such revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2023, which preceded the acquisitions of the OptionsSwing and Pure Profits Discord servers. There was no material difference in the Company's subscription pricing structure between these periods.
Operating Expenses. Our total operating expenses increased 21.4% to approximately $1.52 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from approximately $1.25 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in advertising, marketing, payroll and other administrative expenses and administrative cost of public filings of approximately $0.24 million and an increase in management compensation costs of approximately $0.03 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to such costs for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Loss From Operations. Our loss from operations increased 10.5% to approximately $1.32 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 from approximately $1.19 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in advertising, marketing, payroll and other administrative expenses and administrative cost of public filings of approximately $0.24 million and an increase in management compensation costs of approximately $0.03 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to such costs for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
22
Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
Operations Data |
September 30, 2024 |
September 30, 2023 |
||||||
Revenues | $ | 420,728 | $ | 196,182 | ||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||
Contract labor | 381,900 | 141,201 | ||||||
General and administrative | 1,954,076 | 1,361,902 | ||||||
Management compensation | 2,513,562 | 2,275,878 | ||||||
Total operating expenses | 4,849,538 | 3,778,981 | ||||||
Loss from operations | (4,428,810 | ) | (3,582,799 | ) | ||||
Net loss | (4,428,810 | ) | (3,582,799 | ) |
Revenues. Our revenues increased 114.5% to approximately $0.42 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from approximately $0.20 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in revenues from the increased number of our Discord server paying subscribers during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, including subscribers to the OptionsSwing and Pure Profits Discord servers that the Company acquired in November 2023 and June 2024, respectively, compared to such revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, which preceded the acquisitions of the OptionsSwing and Pure Profits Discord servers. There was no material difference in the Company's subscription pricing structure between these periods.
Operating Expenses. Our total operating expenses increased 28.3% to approximately $4.85 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from approximately $3.78 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in advertising, marketing, payroll and other administrative expenses and administrative cost of public filings of approximately $0.84 million and an increase in management compensation costs of approximately $0.23 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to such costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Loss From Operations. Our loss from operations increased 23.6% to approximately $4.43 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from approximately $3.58 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in advertising, marketing, payroll and other administrative expenses and administrative cost of public filings of approximately $0.84 million and an increase in management compensation costs of approximately $0.23 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to such costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $9,994,891. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we had a net loss of $4,428,810 and $3,582,799, respectively. To date, we have financed our operations primarily through capital raises and sales of our services. In April 2024, we filed the Shelf Registration Statement, which was also declared effective by the SEC in April 2024, for potential offerings of up to $100,000,000 in aggregate, subject to the requirement that in no event may we sell shares having a value exceeding more than one-third of our public float in any 12-month period under the Shelf Registration Statement so long as our public float remains below $75,000,000. In May 2024, the Company completed the first of a two-part private placement of its Series A Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of $1.5 million, and in July 2024, the Company completed the second part of the private placement for an additional $1.5 million in gross proceeds. In September 2024, the Company entered into the ATM Sales Agreement and filed a prospectus supplement to the Shelf Registration Statement for the ATM Financing for gross proceeds of up to $1,791,704. The Company expects that up to approximately $1.0 million of additional gross proceeds may be sold in the ATM Financing, subject to the Company's ability to meet the requirements of SEC rules for the filing of an additional prospectus supplement to the Shelf Registration Statement for such additional amount. Based on our existing cash resources and the cash expected to be received from the ATM Financing and other planned financings, it is expected that the Company will have sufficient funds to carry out the Company's planned operations through September 30, 2025 and for at least 12 months beyond that period, including the Company's costs associated with being a public reporting company.
23
We may, however, in the future require additional cash resources due to changing business conditions, implementation of our strategy to expand our business, or other investments or acquisitions we may decide to pursue. If our own financial resources are insufficient to satisfy our capital requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain additional credit facilities. The sale of additional equity securities could result in dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could require us to agree to operating and financial covenants that would restrict our operations. Financing may not be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any failure by us to raise additional funds on terms favorable to us, or at all, could limit our ability to expand our business operations and could harm our overall business prospects.
Summary of Cash Flow
The following table provides detailed information about our net cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
2024 | 2023 | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $ | (3,453,090 | ) | $ | (2,953,523 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (214,761 | ) | (7,543 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 2,841,934 | 6,845,050 | ||||||
Net change in cash | (825,917 | ) | 3,883,984 | |||||
Cash at beginning of period | 2,924,323 | 137,177 | ||||||
Cash at end of period | $ | 2,098,406 | $ | 4,021,161 |
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $3.45 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to net cash used in operating activities of approximately $2.95 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in net loss.
Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $0.215 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to $0.008 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. This change was primarily due to the purchase of an intangible asset and increased purchases of property and equipment during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to a lesser amount of such purchases for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $2.84 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to approximately $6.85 million net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. This change was primarily due to the reduced amount of proceeds from the Company's private placements during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the proceeds received from its February 2023 initial public offering.
Initial Public Offering and Underwriting Agreement
On February 2, 2023, the Company entered into the Underwriting Agreement, dated as of February 2, 2023, between the Company and Boustead Securities, LLC, a registered broker-dealer ("Boustead"), as representative of the underwriters named on Schedule 1 thereto (the "Underwriting Agreement"), relating to the Company's initial public offering of 1,500,000 shares of Class B Common Stock (the "IPO Shares"). Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, in exchange for Boustead's firm commitment to purchase the IPO Shares, the Company agreed to sell the IPO Shares to Boustead at a purchase price (the "IPO Price") of $23.25 (93% of the public offering price per share of $25.00, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and before deducting a 0.75% non-accountable expense allowance), and one or more warrants to purchase 7% of the aggregate number of shares of Class B Common Stock sold in the initial public offering, at an exercise price equal to 125% of the public offering price, subject to adjustment (the "Representative's Warrant").
On February 3, 2023, the IPO Shares and 300,000 outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock that were registered for resale as described below were listed and commenced trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market tier of Nasdaq.
24
The closing of the initial public offering took place on February 7, 2023. At the closing, the Company sold the IPO Shares for total gross proceeds of $7,500,000. After deducting the underwriting discounts, commissions, non-accountable expense allowance, and other expenses from the initial public offering, the Company received net proceeds of approximately $6.6 million. The Company also issued Boustead the Representative's Warrant exercisable for the purchase of 21,000 shares of Class B Common Stock at an exercise price of $31.25 per share, subject to adjustment. The Representative's Warrant may be exercised by payment of cash or by a cashless exercise provision, and may be exercised at any time for five years following the date of issuance.
The IPO Shares were offered and sold, and the Representative's Warrant was issued, pursuant to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-267258), as amended, initially filed with the SEC on September 2, 2022, and declared effective by the SEC on February 2, 2023 (the "IPO Registration Statement"), and the final prospectus, dated February 2, 2023 (the "Final IPO Prospectus"), filed with the SEC on February 6, 2023 pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) of the Securities Act. In addition, a total of 300,000 shares of Class B Common Stock were registered for resale by the selling stockholders named in the IPO Registration Statement, and a final prospectus relating to these shares, dated February 2, 2023 (the "Final Resale Prospectus"), was filed with the SEC on February 6, 2023 pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) of the Securities Act. Any resales of these shares occurred at a fixed price of $25.00 per share until the Class B Common Stock was listed on Nasdaq. Thereafter, these sales will occur at fixed prices, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the resale of Class B Common Stock by the selling stockholders.
The IPO Registration Statement also registered for sale shares of Class B Common Stock with a maximum aggregate offering price of $1,125,000 for an additional 45,000 shares of Class B Common Stock at the assumed public offering price of $25.00 per share upon full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option; and up to an additional 3,150 shares of Class B Common Stock underlying the Representative's Warrant with a maximum aggregate offering price of $98,437.50 at the assumed exercise price of $31.25 per share assuming full exercise of the over-allotment option. The underwriters' over-allotment option expired unexercised. The Company has not received any proceeds from the exercise of the Representative's Warrant because it has not been exercised.
On April 4, 2023, Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the IPO Registration Statement (the "Post-Effective Amendment") was filed with the SEC and became effective on April 14, 2023. The Post-Effective Amendment was required to be filed to update the IPO Registration Statement to include, among other things, the information contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. The Post-Effective Amendment maintained the effectiveness of the IPO Registration Statement with respect to the sale of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Representative's Warrant and the resale of the shares of common stock held by the selling stockholders. Updated prospectuses were included with the Post-Effective Amendment. The Post-Effective Amendment also incorporates by reference all documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the termination of the offering described in the prospectuses included with the Post-Effective Amendment.
As stated in the IPO Registration Statement and the Final IPO Prospectus, the Company intended to use the net proceeds from the initial public offering for investment in corporate infrastructure, marketing and promotion of Discord communities, social campaigns, and the Company's "AE.360.DDM" service, expansion of the Company's "SiN" service, increasing staff and company personnel, and general working capital, operating, and other corporate expenses. As stated in the Post-Effective Amendment, the Company intended to use any proceeds from the exercise of the Representative's Warrant for working capital and general corporate purposes.
The following is the Company's reasonable estimate of the uses of the proceeds from the initial public offering from the date of the closing of the offering on February 7, 2023 through September 30, 2024:
● | None was used for construction of plant, building and facilities; |
● | None was used for the purchase and installation of machinery and equipment; |
● | None was used for purchases of real estate; |
25
● | $0.3 million was used for the acquisition of other businesses; |
● | None was used for the repayment of indebtedness; |
● | Approximately $6.0 million was used for working capital; and |
● | None was used for temporary investments. |
As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, none of the proceeds from the initial public offering were used to make direct or indirect payments to any of the Company's directors or officers, any of their associates, any persons owning 10% or more of any class of the Company's equity securities, or any of our affiliates, or direct or indirect payments to any others other than for the direct costs of the offering.
There has not been, and the Company does not expect, any material change in the planned use of proceeds from the initial public offering as described in the IPO Registration Statement and the Final IPO Prospectus or any exercise of the Representative's Warrant, as described in the Post-Effective Amendment.
Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, as of February 3, 2023, we were subject to a lock-up agreement that provided that we may not, without the prior written consent of Boustead, for 12 months, subject to certain exceptions, (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, change the terms of, or grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of capital stock of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company; (ii) file or cause to be filed any registration statement with the SEC relating to the offering of any shares of capital stock of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company (other than pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8 for employee benefit plans); or (iii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of capital stock of the Company, whether any such transaction described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above is to be settled by delivery of shares of capital stock of the Company or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.
The Underwriting Agreement contains other customary representations, warranties and covenants by the Company, customary conditions to closing, indemnification obligations of the Company and Boustead, including for liabilities under the Securities Act, other obligations of the parties, and termination provisions. The representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Underwriting Agreement were made only for purposes of such agreement and as of specific dates, were solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, and may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the contracting parties. The Underwriting Agreement also provided that the engagement letter agreement between the Company and Boustead, dated November 29, 2021 (the "Boustead Engagement Letter"), remained in full force and effect.
Engagement Letter with Boustead Securities, LLC
The Boustead Engagement Letter expired on February 7, 2024. Following the expiration of the Boustead Engagement Letter, we must compensate Boustead with a cash fee equal to 7% and non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1% of the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of securities in an investment transaction, or up to 10% of the gross proceeds from certain other merger, acquisition, or joint venture, strategic alliance, license, research and development, or other similar transactions, with a party, including any investor in a private placement in which Boustead served as placement agent or in the initial public offering, or who became aware of the Company or who became known to the Company prior to the termination or expiration of the Boustead Engagement Letter, including any Company officers, directors, employees, consultants, advisors, stockholders, members, or partners, for such transactions that occur during the 12-month period following the expiration of the Boustead Engagement Letter, as described further below (the "Tail Rights"). However, see "-ATM Financing - Waivers and Consents to ATM Financing" below.
The Boustead Engagement Letter also provided Boustead a right of first refusal (the "Right of First Refusal") for two years following the expiration of the Boustead Engagement Letter to act as financial advisor, lead managing underwriter, book runner, placement agent, or to act as joint advisor, managing underwriter, book runner, or placement agent on at least equal economic terms, on any public or private financing (debt or equity), merger, business combination, recapitalization or sale of some or all of the equity or assets of the Company. In the event that we engage Boustead to provide such services, Boustead will be compensated consistent with the Boustead Engagement Letter, as described below, unless we mutually agree otherwise. However, see "-ATM Financing - Waivers and Consents to ATM Financing" below.
26
Under the Boustead Engagement Letter, in connection with a transaction as to which Boustead duly exercises the Right of First Refusal or is entitled to the Tail Rights, Boustead shall receive compensation as follows:
● | other than normal course of business activities, as to any sale, merger, acquisition, joint venture, strategic alliance, license, research and development, or other similar agreements, Boustead will accrue compensation under a percentage fee of the Aggregate Consideration (as defined in the Boustead Engagement Letter) calculated as follows: |
○ | 10.0% for Aggregate Consideration of less than $10,000,000; plus |
○ | 8.0% for Aggregate Consideration between $10,000,000 - $25,000,000; plus |
○ | 6.0% for Aggregate Consideration between $25,000,001 - $50,000,000; plus |
○ | 4.0% for Aggregate Consideration between $50,000,001 - $75,000,000; plus |
○ | 2.0% for Aggregate Consideration between $75,000,001 - $100,000,000; plus |
○ | 1.0% for Aggregate Consideration above $100,000,000; |
● | for any investment transaction including any common stock, preferred stock, ordinary shares, convertible stock, limited liability company or limited partnership memberships, debt, convertible debentures, convertible debt, debt with warrants, stock warrants, stock options (excluding issuances to Company employees), stock purchase rights, or any other securities convertible into common stock, any form of debt instrument involving any form of equity participation, and including the conversion or exercise of any securities sold in any transaction, Boustead shall receive upon each investment transaction closing a success fee, payable in (i) cash, equal to 7% of the gross amount to be disbursed to the Company from each such investment transaction closing, plus (ii) a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1% of the gross amount to be disbursed to the Company from each such investment transaction closing, plus (iii) warrants equal to 7% of the gross amount to be disbursed to the Company from each such investment transaction closing, including shares issuable upon conversion or exercise of the securities sold in any transaction, and in the event that warrants or other rights are issued in the investment transaction, 7% of the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants or other rights, and in the event of a debt or convertible debt financing, warrants to purchase an amount of Company stock equal to the 7% of the gross amount or facility received by the Company in a debt financing divided by the warrant exercise share. The warrant exercise price will be the lower of: (i) the fair market value price per share of the Company's common stock as of each such financing closing date; (ii) the price per share paid by investors in each respective financing; (iii) in the event that convertible securities are sold in the financing, the conversion price of such securities; or (iv) in the event that warrants or other rights are issued in the financing, the exercise price of such warrants or other rights; |
● | any such warrants will be transferable in accordance with FINRA rules and SEC regulations, exercisable from the date of issuance and for a term of five years, contain cashless exercise provisions, be non-callable and non-cancelable with immediate piggy-back registration rights, have customary anti-dilution provisions and any future stock issuances, etc., at a price(s) below the exercise price per share, at terms no less favorable than the terms of any warrants issued to participants in the related transaction, and provide for automatic exercise immediately prior to expiration; and |
● | reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the performance of its services, regardless of whether a transaction occurs. |
However, see "-ATM Financing - Waivers and Consents to ATM Financing" below.
The Boustead Engagement Letter contains other customary representations, warranties and covenants by the Company, customary conditions to closing, indemnification obligations of the Company and Boustead, including for liabilities under the Securities Act, other obligations of the parties, and termination provisions. The representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Boustead Engagement Letter were made only for purposes of such agreement and as of specific dates, were solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, and may be subject to limitations agreed upon by the contracting parties.
27
October 2023 and April 2024 Private Placements with Triton Funds LP
Sales to Triton Funds LP
Under a Closing Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2023 (the "Triton Closing Agreement"), between the Company and Triton Funds LP, a Delaware limited partnership ("Triton"), the Company agreed to sell to Triton, at its option, shares of Class B Common Stock having an aggregate value of $1,000,000 ("Triton Shares"), pursuant to a registration statement to be filed and made effective for the resale of the Triton Shares. Subject to the terms of the Triton Closing Agreement, the Company was provided a right to deliver a closing notice (the "Triton Closing Notice") and issue the Triton Shares to Triton at any time before September 30, 2023, pursuant to which Triton had agreed to purchase the Triton Shares for $1,000,000 before deducting a $25,000 administrative fee. The price of each of the Triton Shares was agreed to be 85% of the lowest daily volume-weighted average price of the Class B Common Stock during the five business days prior to the closing of the purchase of the Triton Shares (the "Triton Closing"). The Triton Closing was required to occur within five business days after the Triton Shares were received by Triton. Triton's obligation to purchase the Triton Shares was conditioned on the effectiveness of a registration statement covering the resale of the Triton Shares and Triton's ownership not exceeding 9.99% of the Class B Common Stock outstanding as of June 30, 2023.
The Triton Closing Agreement contained additional requirements, including that the Company maintain the listing of the Class B Common Stock on the primary market on which the Class B Common Stock is listed and provide notice to Triton of certain events affecting registration or that may suspend its right to submit the Triton Closing Notice. The Company also agreed to provide indemnification against liabilities relating to misrepresentations, breaches of obligations, and third-party claims relating to the Triton Closing Agreement, with certain exceptions. The Triton Closing Agreement provided that it would expire either upon the Triton Closing or September 30, 2023.
Under an Amended and Restated Closing Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2023, between the Company and Triton (the "Triton Amended and Restated Closing Agreement"), the Closing Agreement was amended and restated to provide that, subject to its terms and conditions, the Company may deliver a Triton Closing Notice and issue certain securities to Triton at any time on or before September 30, 2023, pursuant to which Triton would be required to purchase such securities of the Company with an aggregate gross purchase price of $1,000,000 in the following manner. Upon delivery of a Triton Closing Notice and the issuance and delivery of securities as described below, Triton would purchase Triton Shares in an amount equal to up to 9.99% of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock following such purchase, pre-funded warrants ("Triton Pre-Funded Warrants" and together with Triton Shares, "Triton Securities") that may be exercised to purchase an amount of newly-issued shares of Class B Common Stock ("Triton Warrant Shares"), or both Triton Shares and Triton Pre-Funded Warrants, such that the aggregate price of the Triton Shares and the Triton Pre-Funded Warrants together with the exercise price to be paid upon full exercise of the Triton Pre-Funded Warrants was required to equal a total gross purchase price of $1,000,000. Any proceeds under the Triton Amended and Restated Closing Agreement must be reduced by a $25,000 administrative fee. The Triton Amended and Restated Closing Agreement also provided that it would expire either upon the date that Triton paid the required purchase price after receiving a Triton Closing Notice, or September 30, 2023. The terms of the price of the Triton Securities and the required date of the Triton Closing were not amended, except that if Triton elected to purchase Triton Pre-Funded Warrants in lieu of Triton Shares, then the purchase price per Triton Pre-Funded Warrant acquired would be reduced by $0.01 with such $0.01 being the exercise price of the Triton Pre-Funded Warrant.
The Triton Amended and Restated Closing Agreement provided that Triton's obligation to purchase the Triton Securities was subject to certain conditions. These conditions included the filing and effectiveness of the required registration statement for the resale of the Triton Securities. In addition, the Class B Common Stock was required to remain listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market tier of Nasdaq, and the issuance of the Triton Securities was required to not violate any requirements of Nasdaq. Triton's purchase requirement was also subject to provisions that prevented Triton from acquiring shares of Class B Common Stock at the time of any sale of the Triton Securities or exercise of the Triton Pre-Funded Warrants that would result in the number of shares beneficially owned by Triton and its affiliates exceeding 9.99% of the total number of shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of the shares under the Triton Amended and Restated Closing Agreement or the Triton Pre-Funded Warrants (the "Triton Beneficial Ownership Limitation"). The Triton Amended and Restated Closing Agreement provided for the issuance of the Triton Pre-Funded Warrants in lieu of issuance of some or all the Triton Shares, with an exercise price of $0.01 per share and with no expiration date, if, in Triton's sole discretion, it would otherwise exceed the Triton Beneficial Ownership Limitation, or otherwise upon Triton's election. For each of the Triton Shares that Triton instead elected to be issuable as Triton Warrant Shares, the number of Triton Shares that we were required to issue to Triton at the time of any sale of the Triton Securities was required to be decreased on a one-for-one basis. We were also required to provide indemnification against liabilities relating to misrepresentations, breaches of obligations, and third-party claims relating to the Triton Amended and Restated Closing Agreement, with certain exceptions.
28
On August 18, 2023, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-274079) to register the offer and sale of the Triton Securities in an amount of up to 177,000 shares of Class B Common Stock consisting of Triton Shares and Triton Warrant Shares, as well as other securities. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on September 6, 2023.
Under an Amendment to Triton Amended and Restated Closing Agreement (the "First Triton Amendment"), dated as of September 27, 2023, the Company and Triton agreed to amend the Triton Amended and Restated Closing Agreement (as amended, the "Amended A&R Closing Agreement") to provide that the Amended A&R Closing Agreement would expire on December 30, 2023 instead of September 30, 2023; to provide that up to an aggregate value of $1,000,000 of the Class B Common Stock, based on the purchase price formula described above, may be sold and purchased pursuant to a Triton Closing Notice; and to amend the form of Triton Closing Notice to provide for a specific number of shares that may be sold to Triton under the Amended A&R Closing Agreement. The First Triton Amendment did not amend any of the other provisions of the Triton Amended and Restated Closing Agreement.
As an incentive to Triton to enter into the First Triton Amendment and agree to the extension of the term under the Amended A&R Closing Agreement to December 30, 2023, the Company indicated to Triton that it would deliver a Triton Closing Notice under the Amended A&R Closing Agreement to sell a number of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to approximately 4.9% of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock prior to the sale. Therefore, on September 29, 2023, under the Amended A&R Closing Agreement, the Company delivered a Triton Closing Notice to Triton (the "First Triton Closing Notice") for the purchase of 52,682 Triton Shares (the "First Triton Shares"), which was the amount of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to approximately 4.9% of the shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding on that date. Pursuant to the Amended A&R Closing Agreement, the closing date for this purchase was required to take place within five business days after the Triton Shares were delivered to Triton. On the date of this Triton Closing (the "First Triton Closing"), Triton was required to pay the Company a purchase price per share equal to 85% of the lowest daily volume-weighted average price of the Class B Common Stock during the five business days prior to the date of the First Triton Closing, the proceeds of which would be reduced by the $25,000 administrative fee, in accordance with the terms of the Amended A&R Closing Agreement.
On October 4, 2023, the First Triton Shares were received by Triton. Pursuant to the Amended A&R Closing Agreement, on the fifth business day following the day that the First Triton Shares were received, Triton was required to pay the Company approximately $45,841, based on a price per share of $1.3447, equal to 85% of $1.582, the lowest daily volume-weighted average price of the Class B Common Stock during the five-business-day period ending October 11, 2023, less the $25,000 administrative fee. The Company received payment of this amount on October 13, 2023.
Under a Second Amendment to Triton Amended and Restated Closing Agreement (the "Second Triton Amendment"), dated as of December 30, 2023, the Company and Triton agreed to amend the Amended A&R Closing Agreement to provide that the Amended A&R Closing Agreement would expire on March 31, 2024, instead of December 30, 2023. The Second Triton Amendment did not amend any of the other provisions of the Amended A&R Closing Agreement.
Under a Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Closing Agreement (the "Third Triton Amendment"), dated as of March 29, 2024, the Company and Triton agreed to amend the Amended A&R Closing Agreement to provide that the Amended A&R Closing Agreement would expire on April 30, 2024, instead of March 31, 2024. The Third Triton Amendment did not amend any of the other provisions of the Amended A&R Closing Agreement.
Pursuant to the Amended A&R Closing Agreement, as amended by each of the Second Triton Amendment and the Third Triton Amendment, on March 27, 2024, the Company delivered a Triton Closing Notice to Triton informing Triton that the Company had elected to exercise its right to sell Triton 124,318 Triton Shares (the "Second Triton Shares"). The price of each of the Second Triton Shares was required to be 85% of the lowest daily volume-weighted average price of the Class B Common Stock during the five business days prior to the Triton Closing for the sale of the Second Triton Shares (the "Second Triton Closing"), and the Second Triton Closing was required to occur within five business days after the date that the Second Triton Shares were received by Triton.
On April 10, 2024, the date of the Second Triton Closing, the price of the Second Triton Shares was determined to be $1.70 per share based on the lowest daily volume-weighted average price of the Class B Common Stock during the five business days prior to the Second Triton Closing. On April 17, 2024, the Company received gross proceeds of $211,341.
29
Compensation to Boustead Securities, LLC
In connection with the First Triton Closing, pursuant to the Boustead Engagement Letter and the Underwriting Agreement, the Company was required to pay Boustead a fee equal to 7% of the aggregate purchase price, and non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1% of the aggregate purchase price for the First Triton Shares. In addition, the Company issued a warrant (the "October 2023 Boustead Warrant") to Boustead for the purchase of 3,688 shares of Class B Common Stock, equal to 7% of the number of the First Triton Shares, with an exercise price of $1.3447 per share, subject to adjustment, a five-year term, and cashless exercise and registration rights.
In connection with the Second Triton Closing, pursuant to the Boustead Engagement Letter and the Underwriting Agreement, the Company paid Boustead, as placement agent compensation, a fee equal to 7% of the aggregate purchase price and a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1% of the aggregate purchase price for the Second Triton Shares. In addition, the Company issued a warrant (the "April 2024 Boustead Warrant") to Boustead for the purchase of 8,702 shares of Class B Common Stock, equal to 7% of the number of the Second Triton Shares, with an exercise price of $1.70 per share, subject to adjustment, a five-year term, and cashless exercise and registration rights.
Exhibits
The Triton Closing Agreement, the Triton Amended and Restated Closing Agreement, the First Triton Amendment, the Second Triton Amendment, the Third Triton Amendment, the form of the Triton Pre-Funded Warrant, and the form of the October 2023 Boustead Warrant and April 2024 Boustead Warrant are filed as Exhibit 10.25, Exhibit 10.26, Exhibit 10.27, Exhibit 10.30, Exhibit 10.32, Exhibit 4.6, and Exhibit 4.7 to the 2023 Annual Report, respectively, and the description above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such exhibits.
June 2024 TommyBoyTV Asset Purchase Agreement
Under an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Asset Purchase Agreement"), dated as of June 21, 2024, among the Company, TommyBoyTV, LLC (the "Seller"), and Tomas Cvercko, the owner of all of the membership interests of Seller (the "Member"), the Company agreed to purchase all of the Seller's right, title, and interest in and to substantially all of the assets and properties owned by the Seller and used in connection with its business of Discord development, social media, online community management, marketing, and analytics for the payment of $200,000 in cash (the "Cash Consideration"), the issuance of 5,000 shares of Class B Common Stock (the "Stock Consideration"), and other good and valuable consideration as described herein.
Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, on June 21, 2024, the Company paid the Seller $200,000 and issued the Stock Consideration to the Member, and the Seller and the Member delivered title to all of the assets of the Seller. The Stock Consideration vested immediately upon issuance.
Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to assume certain liabilities including the obligations, duties and liabilities with respect to the contracts used in conducting or relating to the business of the Seller and other specified assets, in each case only to the extent arising from and after June 21, 2024. These assumed liabilities also exclude any obligations arising from the Seller's breach or default before June 21, 2024.
The Asset Purchase Agreement also contains mutual indemnification provisions with respect to breaches of representations and warranties as well as to certain third-party claims, and indemnification by the Company of the Seller and the Member with respect to certain damages with respect to the assumed liabilities and certain other liabilities asserted by a third party arising after June 21, 2024. In the case of indemnification provided with respect to breaches of certain non-fundamental representations and warranties, the indemnifying party will only become liable for indemnified losses to the extent that the amount exceeds an aggregate threshold of $25,000. However, this threshold limitation does not apply to claims by the Company for breaches by the Seller or the Member of certain fundamental representations and warranties. In addition, the Company's aggregate remedy with respect to any and all indemnifiable losses may in no event exceed the purchase price, consisting of the Cash Consideration.
30
Private Placements of Series A Preferred Stock
Under a Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2024, as amended by a First Amendment to Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 13, 2024 (as amended, the "Ionic Purchase Agreement"), between the Company and Ionic Ventures, LLC, a California limited liability company ("Ionic"), the Company agreed to the issuance and sale of up to 330 shares of the Company's newly designated Series A Preferred Stock for maximum gross proceeds of $3,000,000. The shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Class B Common Stock. Pursuant to the Ionic Purchase Agreement, the Company is required to issue and sell 165 shares of Series A Preferred Stock at each of two closings subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions for each closing.
The first closing (the "First Ionic Closing") occurred on May 24, 2024 for the issuance and sale of 165 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of $1,500,000. The second closing (the "Second Ionic Closing"), for the issuance and sale of 165 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of $1,500,000, was required to occur on the first business day on which the conditions specified in the Ionic Purchase Agreement for the Second Ionic Closing were satisfied or waived, including the filing and effectiveness of the First Registration Statement (as defined below) and the effectiveness of the Stockholder Approval (as defined below). On July 29, 2024, the conditions to the occurrence of the Second Ionic Closing were met. As a result, on July 29, 2024, the Company issued and sold 165 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Ionic for gross proceeds of $1,500,000.
Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with the Ionic Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to provide certain registration rights to Ionic, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 24, 2024, between the Company and Ionic (the "Ionic Registration Rights Agreement"). The Ionic Registration Rights Agreement provides for the registration for resale of any and all shares of Class B Common Stock issuable to Ionic with respect to the shares of Series A Preferred Stock under the Ionic Purchase Agreement (the "Registrable Conversion Shares"). Within the later of 15 calendar days of the First Ionic Closing or May 24, 2024, the Company was required to file a registration statement (the "First Registration Statement") for the offer and resale of the maximum number of Registrable Conversion Shares permitted to be covered in accordance with applicable SEC rules, regulations and interpretations. The First Registration Statement was required to be declared effective within 45 days of the First Ionic Closing, or 90 days if the First Registration Statement received a review. Pursuant to these requirements, a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-280020), was originally filed by the Company with the SEC on June 7, 2024, and as amended, was filed to register the offer and resale of 385,894 shares of Class B Common Stock, which was considered the maximum number of Registrable Conversion Shares permitted to be covered in accordance with applicable SEC rules, regulations and interpretations, and was declared effective by the SEC on July 24, 2024. Following the Second Ionic Closing, which occurred on July 29, 2024, for the issuance and sale of an additional 165 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of $1,500,000, the Company was required to file a registration statement (the "Second Registration Statement") within 45 days of the Second Ionic Closing for the offer and resale of the maximum number of Registrable Conversion Shares permitted to be covered in accordance with applicable SEC rules, regulations and interpretations. The Second Registration Statement was required to be declared effective within 45 days of the Second Ionic Closing, or 90 days if the Second Registration Statement received a review. Pursuant to these requirements, a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-281438), was originally filed by the Company with the SEC on August 9, 2024, and as amended, was filed to register the offer and resale of 482,120 shares of Class B Common Stock, which was considered the maximum number of Registrable Conversion Shares permitted to be covered in accordance with applicable SEC rules, regulations and interpretations, and was declared effective by the SEC on September 11, 2024.
In the event the number of shares of Class B Common Stock available under the First Registration Statement and the Second Registration Statement is insufficient to cover all of the Registrable Conversion Shares, the Company will be required to file at least one additional registration statement (each of such additional registration statement, the First Registration Statement, and the Second Registration Statement, and collectively, the "Registration Statement") within 14 days of the date that the necessity arises and that such additional Registration Statement may be filed under SEC rules to cover such Registrable Conversion Shares up to the maximum permitted to be covered under SEC rules, which must be made effective within 45 days of such date, or 90 days if such additional Registration Statement receives a review. Any failure to meet the filing deadline for either the First Registration Statement or the Second Registration Statement ("Filing Failure") would have resulted in liquidated damages of 20,000 shares of Class B Common Stock. Any failure to meet the effectiveness deadline for any Registration Statement ("Effectiveness Failure") will result in liquidated damages of 20,000 shares of Class B Common Stock. Each of the shares issuable upon a Filing Failure or an Effectiveness Failure must also be covered by a Registration Statement to the same extent as the Registrable Conversion Shares. The Company will be required to use its best efforts to keep each Registration Statement effective until all such shares of Class B Common Stock are sold or may be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act ("Rule 144"), and without the requirement for us to be in compliance with the current public information requirement under Rule 144.
The form of the Registration Rights Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Company on August 14, 2024, and the description above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such exhibit.
31
Terms of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock under Certificate of Designation and Securities Purchase Agreement
Pursuant to the Ionic Purchase Agreement, on May 24, 2024, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada (the "Initial Certificate of Designation"), as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to Designation (the "First Designation Amendment") filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada on June 14, 2024, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to Designation (the "Second Designation Amendment") filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada on September 4, 2024 at 9:58 AM Pacific Daylight Time, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to Designation (the "Third Designation Amendment") filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada on September 4, 2024 at 11:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time (as amended, the "Certificate of Designation"), designating 660 shares of the Company's preferred stock as "Series A Convertible Preferred Stock," $0.0001 par value per share, and setting forth the voting and other powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights of the Series A Preferred Stock. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock has an initial stated value ("Stated Value") of $10,000 per share.
The Series A Preferred Stock ranks senior to all other capital stock of the Company with respect to the payment of dividends, distributions and payments upon the liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Company, unless the holders of the majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock consent to the creation of other capital stock of the Company that is senior or equal in rank to the Series A Preferred Stock.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive cumulative dividends, in shares of Class B Common Stock (or cash at the Company's option) on the Stated Value at an annual rate of 6% (which will increase to 12% if a Triggering Event (as defined in the Certificate of Designation) occurs until such Triggering Event, if curable, is cured). Dividends will be payable upon conversion or redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock.
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to convert shares of Series A Preferred Stock into a number of shares of Class B Common Stock determined by dividing the Stated Value of such shares (plus any accrued but unpaid dividends and other amounts due, unless paid by the Company in cash) by the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock (the "Conversion Price"). The initial Conversion Price is $3.75, subject to adjustment including adjustments due to full-ratchet anti-dilution provisions. Holders may elect to convert shares of Series A Preferred Stock to Class B Common Stock at an alternate Conversion Price equal to 85% (or 70% if the Company's Class B Common Stock is suspended from trading on or delisted from a principal trading market or upon occurrence of a Triggering Event) of the average of the lowest daily volume weighed average price of the Class B Common Stock during the Alternate Conversion Measuring Period (as defined in the Certificate of Designation).
A holder of Series A Preferred Stock may not convert the Series A Preferred Stock into Class B Common Stock to the extent that such conversion would cause such holder's beneficial ownership of Class B Common Stock to exceed 4.99% of the outstanding Class B Common Stock immediately after conversion, which may be increased by the holder to up to 9.99% upon no fewer than 61 days' prior notice (the "Series A Beneficial Ownership Limitation"). Any conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock that would result in the holder beneficially owning in excess of 4.99% of the shares of Class B Common Stock will not be effected, and the shares of Class B Common Stock that would cause such excess will be held in abeyance and not issued to the holder until the date the Company is notified by the holder that its ownership is less than 4.99%, at the applicable Conversion Price, and subject to the holder's compliance with other applicable procedural requirements for conversion. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are not prohibited from delivering a Conversion Notice (as defined by the Certificate of Designation) while another Conversion Notice remains outstanding.
The Certificate of Designation provides that the Conversion Price may not be lower than a floor price (the "Floor Price") of $0.4275 per share, subject to adjustment for stock splits and similar transactions. If the Conversion Price would be less than the Floor Price, then, subject to the terms and conditions of the Certificate of Designation, the Stated Value will automatically increase in the manner provided pursuant to the Certificate of Designation, as described in the following paragraph. The Series A Preferred Stock also may not be converted except to the extent that the shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon such conversion may be resold pursuant to Rule 144 or an effective and available registration statement.
32
If a conversion of Series A Preferred Stock would have resulted in the issuance of an amount of shares of Class B Common Stock exceeding 19.99% of the Company's common stock outstanding as of the date of the signing of the related binding agreement, which number of shares would be reduced, on a share-for-share basis, by the number of shares of common stock issued or issuable pursuant to any transaction or series of transactions that may be aggregated with the transactions contemplated by the Certificate of Designation under applicable rules of Nasdaq, including Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) (such amount, the "Exchange Limitation"), the Conversion Price would have been required to be at least equal to the price (the "Minimum Price") that would be the lower of the last closing price of the stock immediately preceding the signing of the related binding agreement and the average closing price for the five Trading Days (as defined below) immediately preceding the signing of the related binding agreement, before the effectiveness of the approval of such number of the holders of the outstanding shares of the Company's voting securities as required by the Bylaws of the Company (the "Bylaws") and the Nevada Revised Statutes ("NRS"), to ratify and approve all of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (as defined in the Ionic Purchase Agreement), including the issuance of all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock and shares of Class B Common Stock upon conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, all as may be required by the applicable rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Capital Market tier of Nasdaq (or any successor entity) (the "Stockholder Approval"). In the event that the Conversion Price on a Conversion Date (as defined in the Certificate of Designation) would have been less than the applicable Minimum Price or the Floor Price if not for the immediately preceding sentence, then, upon any conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, the Stated Value will automatically be increased by an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (A) the higher of (I) the highest price that the Class B Common Stock trades at on the Trading Day immediately preceding the Conversion Date and (II) the applicable Conversion Price and (B) the difference obtained by subtracting (I) the number of shares of Class B Common Stock delivered (or to be delivered) to the holder on the applicable Conversion Date with respect to such conversion of shares of Series A Preferred Stock from (II) the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the Stated Value (plus any accrued but unpaid dividends and other amounts due on such shares) of the Series A Preferred Stock being converted that the holder has elected to be the subject of the applicable conversion, by (y) the applicable Conversion Price.
The Ionic Purchase Agreement required that the Company obtain the Stockholder Approval, by the prior written consent of the requisite stockholders as required by the Bylaws and the NRS, to ratify and approve all of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, including the issuance of all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock and shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such shares pursuant to the Ionic Purchase Agreement, all as may be required by the applicable rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Capital Market tier of Nasdaq (or any successor entity). The Ionic Purchase Agreement and the Certificate of Designation further required that the Company file a Preliminary Information Statement on Schedule 14C with the SEC within 10 days of the date of the First Ionic Closing followed by the filing of a Definitive Information Statement on Schedule 14C with the SEC within 20 days of the date of the First Ionic Closing, or within 45 days of the date of the First Ionic Closing if delayed due to a court or regulatory agency, including but not limited to the SEC, which was required to disclose the Stockholder Approval. In accordance with the rules of the SEC, the Stockholder Approval was required to become effective 20 days after the Definitive Information Statement was sent or given in accordance with SEC rules.
In accordance with the requirements and provisions described above, on May 24, 2024, the Company obtained the execution of a written consent in lieu of a special meeting of a majority of the voting power of the stockholders of the Company approving a resolution approving the issuance of Class B Common Stock in aggregate in excess of the limitations provided by Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), including that an amount of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to or greater than 20% of the total common stock or voting power outstanding on the date of the Certificate of Designation may be issued pursuant to the Certificate of Designation at a price that may be less than the Minimum Price. On May 31, 2024, the Company filed a Preliminary Information Statement on Schedule 14C with the SEC. On June 13, 2024, the Company filed a Definitive Information Statement on Schedule 14C with the SEC disclosing the Stockholder Approval. As of the 20th day following actions meeting these and other applicable requirements, the Company is permitted to issue more than the limited number of shares as defined by the Exchange Limitation, at a Conversion Price that may be below the Minimum Price.
Under the Ionic Purchase Agreement, if the closing price of the Class B Common Stock falls below $3.75 per share, the holder's total sales of Class B Common Stock will be restricted. The holder may only sell either the greater of $25,000 per Trading Day or 15% of the daily trading volume of the Class B Common Stock reported by Bloomberg, LP, until the closing price exceeds $3.75. "Trading Day" is defined as a day on which the principal trading market for the Class B Common Stock is open for trading for at least six hours.
33
In addition, while any of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, if the closing price of the Class B Common Stock is equal to or less than $0.4275 per share for a period of ten consecutive Trading Days, then the Company will promptly take all corporate action necessary to authorize a reverse stock split of the Class B Common Stock by a ratio equal to or greater than 300% of the quotient obtained by dividing $0.4275 by the lowest closing price of the Class B Common Stock during such ten-Trading Day period, including calling a special meeting of stockholders to authorize such reverse stock split or obtaining written consent for such reverse stock split, and voting the management shares of the Company in favor of such reverse stock split.
The Series A Preferred Stock will automatically convert to Class B Common Stock upon the 24-month anniversary of the initial issuance date of the Series A Preferred Stock.
The Company will have the right at any time to redeem all or any portion of the Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding at a price equal to 110% of the Stated Value plus any accrued but unpaid dividends and other amounts due.
Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will generally have the right to vote on an as-converted basis with the Class B Common Stock, subject to the Series A Beneficial Ownership Limitation.
Under the Ionic Purchase Agreement, the Company generally may not sell securities in a financing transaction while Ionic beneficially owns any shares of Series A Preferred Stock or common stock until the end of the 30-day period following the initial date of the effectiveness of each Registration Statement or during any Alternate Conversion Measuring Period. In addition, the Company may not file any other registration statement or any offering statement under the Securities Act, other than a registration statement on Form S-8 or supplements or amendments to registration statements that were filed and effective as of the date of the Ionic Purchase Agreement (solely to the extent necessary to keep such registration statements effective and available and not with respect to any Subsequent Placement), unless each of the First Registration Statement and the Second Registration Statement is effective and the respective prospectuses are available for use, or the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and underlying shares of Class B Common Stock may be resold without limitation under Rule 144. Additionally, the Company may not, directly or indirectly, redeem, or declare or pay any cash dividend or distribution on, any securities of the Company without the prior express written consent of Ionic (other than as required by the Certificate of Designation).
The Initial Certificate of Designation, the First Designation Amendment, Second Designation Amendment and the Third Designation Amendment are filed as Exhibit 3.3, Exhibit 3.4, Exhibit 3.6 and Exhibit 3.7 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, respectively, and the description above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such exhibits. The form of the Ionic Purchase Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Company on August 14, 2024, and the description above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such exhibit.
Compensation to Boustead Securities, LLC
In connection with each of the First Ionic Closing and the Second Ionic Closing, pursuant to the Boustead Engagement Letter and the Underwriting Agreement, the Company was required to pay Boustead a fee equal to 7% of the aggregate purchase price and a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1% of the aggregate purchase price for the Series A Preferred Stock. On the date of the First Ionic Closing, we therefore paid Boustead a total amount of $120,000. In addition, the Company was required to issue a warrant to Boustead for the purchase of 30,800 shares of Class B Common Stock, equal to 7% of the number of shares of Class B Common Stock that may be issued upon conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock sold at the First Ionic Closing at the initial Conversion Price of $3.75 per share (the "May 2024 Boustead Warrant"). On the date of the Second Ionic Closing, we paid Boustead a total amount of $120,000. In addition, on the date of the Second Ionic Closing, the Company was required to issue a warrant to Boustead for the purchase of 30,800 shares of Class B Common Stock, equal to 7% of the number of shares of Class B Common Stock that may be issued upon conversion of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock sold at the Second Ionic Closing at the initial Conversion Price of $3.75 per share (the "July 2024 Boustead Warrant").
Pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2024, among Boustead, Sutter Securities, Inc., a registered broker-dealer and an affiliate of Boustead ("Sutter"), and the Company (the "First July 2024 Boustead Warrant Assignment Agreement"), all of the rights to the July 2024 Boustead Warrant were assigned by Boustead to Sutter. Pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2024, among Sutter, Michael R. Jacks (the "Warrant Assignee"), Boustead, and the Company (the "Second July 2024 Boustead Warrant Assignment Agreement"), all of the rights to the July 2024 Boustead Warrant were assigned by Sutter to the Warrant Assignee, a registered representative of Sutter. Pursuant to the First July 2024 Boustead Warrant Assignment Agreement and the Second July 2024 Boustead Warrant Assignment Agreement, the July 2024 Boustead Warrant was cancelled, and a warrant (the "July 2024 Assignee Warrant") was issued to the Warrant Assignee. The terms of the July 2024 Assignee Warrant are identical to those of the July 2024 Boustead Warrant.
34
The May 2024 Boustead Warrant and the July 2024 Boustead Assignee Warrant have an exercise price of $3.75 per share, subject to adjustment, five-year terms, and cashless exercise and piggyback registration rights.
The May 2024 Boustead Warrant was filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Company on August 14, 2024, and the description above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such exhibit. The July 2024 Assignee Warrant is filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the description above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such exhibit. The First July 2024 Boustead Warrant Assignment Agreement and the Second July 2024 Boustead Warrant Assignment Agreement are filed as Exhibit 10.4 and Exhibit 10.5 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, respectively, and the description above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such exhibits.
ATM Financing
ATM Sales Agreement
On September 27, 2024, the Company entered into the ATM Sales Agreement with the Sales Agent. Under the terms of the ATM Sales Agreement, the Company may, from time to time, in transactions that are deemed to be "at the market offerings" as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, issue and sell through or to the Sales Agent, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $1,791,704 of shares of the Company's Class B Common Stock (the "ATM Shares"). The issuance and sale of the ATM Shares to or through the Sales Agent from time to time will be effected pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement and the prospectus supplement filed by the Company with the SEC on September 30, 2024 relating to the offering of the ATM Shares and the accompanying base prospectus.
Pursuant to the ATM Sales Agreement, the Company may issue and sell the ATM Shares from time to time through or to the Sales Agent, acting as sales agent or principal, subject to the terms and conditions of the ATM Sales Agreement. The Company may instruct the Sales Agent to make such sales, and the Sales Agent, as agent, will use its commercially reasonable efforts to sell the ATM Shares within the parameters set forth in the Company's notice to sell, and subject to the satisfaction of the Company's obligations as set forth in the ATM Sales Agreement. The Company will designate the parameters within which the ATM Shares must be sold, including at a minimum the number to be sold, the time period during which sales are requested to be made, any limitation on the number of the ATM Shares that may be sold in any one trading day, and any minimum price below which sales may not be made. The Company has no obligation to sell, and the Sales Agent is not obligated to buy or sell, any of the ATM Shares under the ATM Sales Agreement and may at any time suspend offers under the ATM Sales Agreement or terminate the ATM Sales Agreement as provided for in the ATM Sales Agreement. The offering of the ATM Shares pursuant to the related prospectus supplement to the Shelf Registration Statement and the accompanying base prospectus will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of the ATM Shares pursuant to such prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus having an aggregate sales price of $1,791,704, and (ii) the termination by the Company or the Sales Agent of the ATM Sales Agreement pursuant to its terms.
The Sales Agent may sell ATM Shares by any method permitted by law deemed to be an "at the market offering" as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act.
Unless otherwise agreed between the Company and the Sales Agent, settlement for sales of the ATM Shares will occur on the first trading day following the date on which any sales are made. Sales of the ATM Shares will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as the Company and the Sales Agent may agree. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.
The Company will pay the Sales Agent a cash commission of 3.0% of the gross sales price of the ATM Shares sold by the Sales Agent pursuant to the ATM Sales Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the ATM Sales Agreement, the Company also agreed to reimburse the Sales Agent for reasonable fees and expenses, not to exceed $60,000 (including but not limited to the reasonable and documented fees and disbursements of its legal counsel), and additional amounts for annual maintenance of the ATM Sales Agreement (including but not limited to the reasonable and documented fees and disbursements of its legal counsel) on a quarterly basis, not to exceed $5,000 per quarter.
35
Each of the Company and the Sales Agent has the right, by giving written notice as specified in the ATM Sales Agreement, to terminate the ATM Sales Agreement in its sole discretion at any time upon five (5) days' prior written notice. The Sales Agent also has the right to terminate the ATM Sales Agreement at any time in certain circumstances, including in the event of the occurrence of a material adverse change with respect to the Company, the failure of the Company to perform its obligations under the ATM Sales Agreement, any failure to fulfill any condition to the obligations of the Sales Agent under the ATM Sales Agreement, or any suspension or limitation of trading of the ATM Shares.
The ATM Sales Agreement contains certain covenants, representations and warranties customary for an agreement of this type. The Company agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to the Sales Agent against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and the ATM Shares cannot be sold in any state or jurisdiction in which the offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any state or jurisdiction. Any offer will be made only by means of a prospectus, consisting of a prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, forming a part of the effective registration statement.
A copy of the ATM Sales Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the description above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such exhibit.
Waivers and Consents to ATM Financing
On September 20, 2024, the Company entered into a Waiver and Consent, dated as of September 20, 2024 (the "Ionic ATM Waiver"), between the Company and Ionic, pursuant to which Ionic waived any prohibition, restriction or adverse adjustment that would otherwise apply to any action of the Company relating to an "at the market offering" (as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act), of equity securities of up to $5 million ("Waived ATM Financing") under the Ionic Purchase Agreement or the Certificate of Designation. Pursuant to the Ionic ATM Waiver, regardless of the terms and conditions of the Ionic Purchase Agreement and the Certificate of Designation, the Company may at any time enter into any agreement relating to a Waived ATM Financing, the filing of a prospectus supplement to a prospectus contained in an effective registration statement that was filed under the Securities Act relating to a Waived ATM Financing, the announcement of a Waived ATM Financing, the issuance, offer, sale, or grant of any shares of Class B Common Stock relating to a Waived ATM Financing, or the issuance, offer, sale, or grant of any securities in connection with either the provision of goods or services or settlement of any obligations that may otherwise arise with respect to a Waived ATM Financing. In addition, pursuant to the Ionic ATM Waiver, Ionic waived any adjustment to the applicable Conversion Price, which partly determines the number of shares of Class B Common Stock issuable upon conversion of a share of Series A Preferred Stock, that would otherwise occur as a result of any Waived ATM Financing under the terms of the Certificate of Designation.
On September 26, 2024, the Company entered into a Limited Waiver and Consent, dated as of September 26, 2024 (the "Boustead ATM Waiver"), between the Company and Boustead. Pursuant to the Boustead ATM Waiver, Boustead waived any condition on, restriction on, compensation rights, or rights of first refusal that would be applicable under the Boustead Engagement Letter and the Underwriting Agreement in relation to a Waived ATM Financing. Pursuant to the Boustead ATM Waiver, the Company may at any time enter into any agreement relating to a Waived ATM Financing, the filing of a prospectus supplement to a prospectus contained in an effective registration statement that was filed under the Securities Act relating to a Waived ATM Financing, the announcement of a Waived ATM Financing, the issuance, offer, sale, or grant of any shares of the Class B Common Stock relating to a Waived ATM Financing, or the issuance, offer, sale, or grant of any securities in connection with either the provision of goods or services or settlement of any obligations that may otherwise arise with respect to a Waived ATM Financing. As consideration, the Boustead ATM Waiver provides that the Company will promptly pay Boustead 3.0% of the gross sales price of all shares of Class B Common Stock sold in connection with any Waived ATM Financing until the end of the applicability of the provisions of the right of first refusal provisions of the Boustead Engagement Letter.
The Ionic ATM Waiver and the Boustead ATM Waiver are filed as Exhibit 10.2 and Exhibit 10.3 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, respectively, and the description above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such exhibits.
36
Contractual Obligations
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we had no significant cash requirements for capital expenditures or other cash needs under any contractual or other obligations, except as follows.
Lease Agreements
Under an Office Agreement, dated as of January 25, 2022, between the Company and Regus Management Group, LLC ("Regus Management"), the Company leased an office located at 100 Crescent Court, 7th Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201, for a daily payment of $32.82. The term of the lease was from February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023.
Under an Office Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2022, between the Company and Regus Management, the Company leased an office located at 100 Crescent Court, 7th Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201, for a daily payment of $44.63. The term of the lease was from June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023.
Under a Renewal Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2022, between the Company and Regus Management, the Company leased an office located at 100 Crescent Court, 7th Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201, for a monthly payment of $1,085. The term of the lease was from February 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024.
Under an Office Move Agreement, dated as of March 3, 2023, between the Company and Regus Management, the Company transferred an office lease to a different office located at 100 Crescent Court, 7th Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201, for a monthly payment of $4,989. The term of the agreement was from March 7, 2023 to May 31, 2023.
Under a Renewal Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2023, between the Company and Regus Management, the Company leased an office located at 100 Crescent Court, 7th Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201, for a monthly payment of $5,104. The term of the lease was from June 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024.
Under a Renewal Service Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2023, between the Company and Regus Management, the Company leases an office located at 100 Crescent Court, 7th Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201, for a total monthly payment of $1,228. The term of the lease is from February 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025.
Under a Renewal Service Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2023, between the Company and Regus Management, the Company leases an office located at 100 Crescent Court, 7th Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201, for a total monthly payment of $5,329. The term of the lease is from March 1, 2024 to November 30, 2024.
In addition, under a Renewal Service Agreement, dated as of June 9, 2024, between the Company and Regus Management, the Company will lease an office located at 100 Crescent Court, 7th Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201, for a total monthly payment of $1,981. The term of the lease will be from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on our historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. While our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our financial statements included with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we believe that the following accounting policies are critical to understanding our historical and future performance, as these policies relate to the more significant areas involving management's judgments and estimates. We believe our most critical accounting policies and estimates relate to the following:
37
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets acquired are recorded at fair value. We test our finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. We test our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, we recognize an impairment in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying value. Management uses considerable judgment to determine key assumptions, including projected revenue, royalty rates and appropriate discount rates. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, there were no intangible asset impairment charges.
Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which ranges from 5 to 15 years. Our finite-lived intangible assets include acquired franchise agreements, acquired customer relationships, acquired customer lists, and internally developed software. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets include acquired domain names, trade names, and purchased software.
Intangible assets internally developed are measured at cost. We capitalize costs to develop or purchase computer software for internal use which are incurred during the application development stage. These costs include fees paid to third parties for development services and payroll costs for employees' time spent developing the software. We expense costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and the post-implementation stage. Capitalized development costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software. The capitalization and ongoing assessment of recoverability of development costs requires considerable judgment by management with respect to certain external factors, including, but not limited to, technological and economic feasibility, and estimated economic life.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets Other Than Goodwill
Long-lived assets with finite lives, primarily property and equipment, intangible assets, and operating lease right-of-use assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated cash flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are below the asset's carrying value, then the asset is deemed to be impaired and written down to its fair value.
Advertising Expenses
The Company expenses advertising costs as they incurred. Total advertising expenses were $453,976 and $324,570 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and have been included as part of general and administrative expenses.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Accordingly, internal research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Third-party research and development costs are expensed when the contracted work has been performed or as milestone results have been achieved as defined under the applicable agreement.
The Company incurred research and development expenses of $336,719 and $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and have been included as part of contract labor.
38
Stock based compensation
Service-Based Awards
The Company records stock-based compensation for awards granted to employees, non-employees, and to members of the Board for their services on the Board based on the grant date fair value of awards issued, and the expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally one to three years.
For restricted stock awards ("RSAs") issued under the Company's stock-based compensation plans, the fair value of each grant is calculated based on the Company's stock price on the date of grant.
Share Repurchase
Share repurchases are open market purchases. Share repurchases are generally recorded on the settlement date, as treasury stock. When shares are cancelled, the value of repurchased shares is deducted from stockholders' equity through common stock with the excess over par value recorded to accumulated deficit.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue utilizing the following steps: (i) Identify the contract, or contracts, with a customer; (ii) Identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) Determine the transaction price; (iv) Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; (v) Recognize revenue when the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
Subscriptions
Subscription revenue is related to a single performance obligation that is recognized over time when earned. Subscriptions are paid in advance and can be purchased on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Any quarterly or annual subscription revenue is recognized as a contract liability recorded over the contracted service period.
Marketing
Revenue related to marketing campaign contracts with customers are normally of a short duration, typically less than two (2) weeks.
AE.360.DDM Contracts
Revenue related to AE.360.DDM contracts with customers are normally of a short duration, typically less than one (1) week.
Contract Liabilities
these agreements is recognized over the related service period. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, total contract liabilities were $610 and $3,445 respectively. Contract liabilities are expected to be recognized as revenue over a period not to exceed twelve (12) months.
Changes in contract liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 are as follows:
September 30, | ||||
2024 | ||||
Balance, December 31, 2023 | $ | 3,445 | ||
Deferral of revenue | - | |||
Recognition of revenue | (2,835 | ) | ||
Balance, September 30, 2024 | $ | 610 |
39
Earnings per Share of Common Stock
The Company has adopted ASC Topic 260, "Earnings per Share" which requires presentation of basic earnings per share on the face of the statements of operations for all entities with complex capital structures and requires a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic earnings per share computation. In the accompanying interim financial statements, basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potentially dilutive outstanding shares of common stock during the period to reflect the potential dilution that could occur from common stock issuable through contingent share arrangements, stock options and warrants unless the result would be antidilutive. The Company would account for the potential dilution from convertible securities using the as-if converted method. The Company accounts for warrants and options using the treasury stock method.
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, warrants representing 105,490 shares of common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation from diluted net loss per share as the result was anti-dilutive.
Related Parties
The Company follows ASC 850, "Related Party Disclosures", for the identification of related parties and disclosure of related party transactions and balances. There were no related party transactions except management fees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company paid management fees to their controlling members totaling $2,513,562 and $2,275,878, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company has considered all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and does not believe the adoption of such pronouncements will have a material impact on its interim financial statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) prior to the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our disclosure controls and procedures were, in design and operation, effective at a reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
40
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these, or other matters, may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We are not currently aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities
On February 2, 2023, the Company entered into the Underwriting Agreement with Boustead, as representative of the underwriters named on Schedule 1 thereto, relating to the Company's initial public offering of the IPO Shares. Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, in exchange for Boustead's firm commitment to purchase the IPO Shares, the Company agreed to sell the IPO Shares to Boustead at the IPO Price as reduced by a 0.75% non-accountable expense allowance, and the Representative's Warrant.
On February 3, 2023, the IPO Shares and 300,000 outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock that were registered for resale as described below were listed and commenced trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market tier of Nasdaq.
The closing of the initial public offering took place on February 7, 2023. At the closing, the Company sold the IPO Shares for total gross proceeds of $7,500,000. After deducting the underwriting discounts, commissions, non-accountable expense allowance, and other expenses from the initial public offering, the Company received net proceeds of approximately $6.6 million. The Company also issued Boustead the Representative's Warrant exercisable for the purchase of 21,000 shares of Class B Common Stock at an exercise price of $31.25 per share, subject to adjustment. The Representative's Warrant may be exercised by payment of cash or by a cashless exercise provision, and may be exercised at any time for five years following the date of issuance.
The IPO Shares were offered and sold, and the Representative's Warrant was issued, pursuant to the IPO Registration Statement, initially filed with the SEC on September 2, 2022, and declared effective by the SEC on February 2, 2023, and the Final IPO Prospectus filed with the SEC on February 6, 2023 pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) of the Securities Act. In addition, a total of 300,000 shares of Class B Common Stock were registered for resale by the selling stockholders named in the IPO Registration Statement and the related Final Resale Prospectus. Any resales of these shares occurred at a fixed price of $25.00 per share until the Class B Common Stock was listed on Nasdaq. Thereafter, these sales will occur at fixed prices, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the resale of Class B Common Stock by the selling stockholders.
The IPO Registration Statement also registered for sale shares of Class B Common Stock with a maximum aggregate offering price of $1,125,000 for an additional 45,000 shares of Class B Common Stock at the assumed public offering price of $25.00 per share upon full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option; and up to an additional 3,150 shares of Class B Common Stock underlying the Representative's Warrant with a maximum aggregate offering price of $98,437.50 at the assumed exercise price of $31.25 per share assuming full exercise of the over-allotment option. The underwriters' over-allotment option expired unexercised. The Company has not received any proceeds from the exercise of the Representative's Warrant because it has not been exercised.
On April 4, 2023, the Post-Effective Amendment was filed with the SEC and became effective on April 14, 2023. The Post-Effective Amendment was required to be filed to update the IPO Registration Statement to include, among other things, the information contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. The Post-Effective Amendment maintained the effectiveness of the IPO Registration Statement with respect to the sale of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Representative's Warrant and the resale of the shares of common stock held by the selling stockholders. Updated prospectuses were included with the Post-Effective Amendment. The Post-Effective Amendment also incorporates by reference all documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the termination of the offering described in the prospectuses included with the Post-Effective Amendment.
41
As stated in the IPO Registration Statement and the Final IPO Prospectus, the Company intended to use the net proceeds from the initial public offering for investment in corporate infrastructure, marketing and promotion of Discord communities, social campaigns, and the Company's "AE.360.DDM" service, expansion of the Company's "SiN" service, increasing staff and company personnel, and general working capital, operating, and other corporate expenses. As stated in the Post-Effective Amendment, the Company intended to use any proceeds from the exercise of the Representative's Warrant for working capital and general corporate purposes.
The following is the Company's reasonable estimate of the uses of the proceeds from the initial public offering from the date of the closing of the offering on February 7, 2023 through September 30, 2024:
● | None was used for construction of plant, building and facilities; |
● | None was used for the purchase and installation of machinery and equipment; |
● | None was used for purchases of real estate; |
● | $0.3 million was used for the acquisition of other businesses; |
● | None was used for the repayment of indebtedness; |
● | Approximately $6.0 million was used for working capital; and |
● | None was used for temporary investments. |
As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, none of the proceeds from the initial public offering were used to make direct or indirect payments to any of the Company's directors or officers, any of their associates, any persons owning 10% or more of any class of the Company's equity securities, or any of our affiliates, or direct or indirect payments to any others other than for the direct costs of the offering.
There has not been, and the Company does not expect, any material change in the planned use of proceeds from the initial public offering as described in the IPO Registration Statement and the Final IPO Prospectus or any exercise of the Representative's Warrant, as described in the Post-Effective Amendment.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, we did not sell any equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act and that were not previously disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
Purchases of Equity Securities
No repurchases of our common stock were made during the three months ended September 30, 2024.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
42
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.
We have no information to disclose that was required to be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K during the three months ended September 30, 2024 but was not reported, other than as disclosed below. There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our board of directors where those changes were implemented after the Company last provided disclosure of such procedures.
Pursuant to the First July 2024 Boustead Warrant Assignment Agreement, all of the rights to the July 2024 Boustead Warrant were assigned by Boustead to Sutter. Pursuant to the Second July 2024 Boustead Warrant Assignment Agreement, all of the rights to the July 2024 Boustead Warrant were assigned by Sutter to the Warrant Assignee, a registered representative of Sutter. Pursuant to the First July 2024 Boustead Warrant Assignment Agreement and the Second July 2024 Boustead Warrant Assignment Agreement, the July 2024 Boustead Warrant was cancelled, and the July 2024 Assignee Warrant was issued to the Warrant Assignee. The terms of the July 2024 Assignee Warrant are identical to those of the July 2024 Boustead Warrant.
The July 2024 Assignee Warrant is filed as Exhibit 4.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the description above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such exhibit. The First July 2024 Boustead Warrant Assignment Agreement and the Second July 2024 Boustead Warrant Assignment Agreement are filed as Exhibit 10.4 and Exhibit 10.5 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, respectively, and the description above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such exhibits.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.
* | Filed herewith |
** | Furnished herewith |
43
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 thereunto duly authorized.
Date: November 14, 2024 | ASSET ENTITIES INC. | |
/s/ Arshia Sarkhani | ||
Name: | Arshia Sarkhani | |
Title: | Chief Executive Officer and President | |
(Principal Executive Officer) | ||
/s/ Matthew Krueger | ||
Name: | Matthew Krueger | |
Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
(Principal Accounting and Financial Officer) |
44