As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 9, 2021

 

Registration No. 333-258411

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

AMENDMENT NO. 2

TO

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

 

UNDER

 

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

 

TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   3845   81-4016391

(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

39899 Balentine Drive, Suite 200
Newark, CA 94560
(888) 276-6888

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

Jennifer Ernst
Chief Executive Officer
Tivic Health Systems, Inc.
750 Menlo Avenue, Suite 200
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(888) 276-6888

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

Copies to:

 

Roger C. Rappoport, Esq.
Christopher L. Tinen, Esq.
Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP
1117 California Avenue, Suite 200
Palo Alto, California 94304
(650) 645-9001

Leslie Marlow, Esq.
Hank Gracin, Esq.
Patrick J. Egan, Esq.
Gracin & Marlow, LLP
The Chrysler Building
405 Lexington Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, New York 10174
(212) 907-6457

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box.   x

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨

 

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   x   Smaller reporting company   x
        Emerging growth company   x

 

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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ¨

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of Securities to Be Registered     Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering
Price(1)
      Amount of
Registration
Fee(6)
 
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share(2)(3)   $

17,250,000

    $

1,881.98

 
Representative’s Warrants(4)     -       -  
Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Representative’s Warrants(5)   $

1,078,125

    $ 117.62  
Total   $

18,328,125

    $ 1,999.60  

 

(1) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
   
(2) Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, the shares registered hereby also include an indeterminate number of additional shares of common stock as may from time to time become issuable by reason of stock splits, distributions, recapitalizations or other similar transactions.
   
(3)

Includes the offering price of shares of common stock that the representative of the underwriter has the option to purchase to cover over-allotments, if any.

   
(4) No fee required pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act.
   
(5) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act. The representative’s warrants are exercisable at a per share exercise price equal to 125% of the public offering price. As estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act, the proposed maximum aggregate offering price of the representative’s warrants is $1,078,125, which is equal to 125% of $862,500 (which is 5% of $17,250,000).
   
(6) A filing fee of 1,732.99 was previously paid.

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The information contained in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION   DATED  SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

 

2,727,272 Shares

 

Common Stock

 

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

 

 

This is a firm commitment initial public offering of 2,727,272 shares of common stock of Tivic Health Systems, Inc. We anticipate that the initial public offering price of our shares will be between $5.00 and $6.00. The underwriters have informed us that the gross proceeds of this offering will not be less than $15,000,000.

 

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. We have applied to have our common stock listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TIVC.” No assurance can be given that our application will be approved. The closing of this offering is contingent upon the successful listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market or another national securities exchange.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” and a “smaller reporting company,” each as defined under the federal securities laws and, as such, have elected to comply with certain reduced reporting requirements for this prospectus and may elect to do so in future filings. See the section of this prospectus entitled “Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Smaller Reporting Company.”

 

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 13. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

      Per Share       Total  
Initial public offering price   $     $    
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)   $     $    
Proceeds to us, before expenses   $     $    

 

(1)     Underwriting discounts and commissions do not include a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1.0% of the initial public offering price payable to the underwriters. The registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, also registers for sale those shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants to purchase shares of our common stock to be issued to the representative of the underwriters in connection with this offering. We have agreed to issue the warrants to the representative of the underwriters as a portion of the underwriting compensation payable to the underwriters in connection with this offering. See “Underwriting” for a description of compensation payable to the underwriters.

 

We have granted a 45-day option to the representative of the underwriters to purchase up to 409,090 additional shares of common stock solely to cover over-allotments, if any, at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of our common stock to purchasers on or about                , 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.

 

ThinkEquity

 

The date of this prospectus is                , 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY   2
THE OFFERING   9
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA   11
RISK FACTORS   13
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   31
USE OF PROCEEDS   32
DIVIDEND POLICY   33
CAPITALIZATION   34
DILUTION   36
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS   37
BUSINESS   50
MANAGEMENT   68
EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION   73
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS   81
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS   82
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK   84
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE   87
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS   89
UNDERWRITING   93
LEGAL MATTERS   99
EXPERTS   99
DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES   99
INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL   99
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION   100
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   F-1

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from that contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. When you make a decision about whether to invest in our securities, you should not rely upon any information other than the information in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor the sale of our securities means that the information contained in this prospectus or any free writing prospectus is correct after the date of this prospectus or such free writing prospectus. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy our securities in any circumstances under which the offer or solicitation is unlawful.

 

For investors outside the United States: We have not taken any action that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the securities covered hereby and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in this prospectus concerning our industry and the markets in which we operate, including our general expectations and market position, market opportunity and market share, is based on information from our own management estimates and research, as well as from industry and general publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Management estimates are derived from publicly available information, our knowledge of our industry and assumptions based on such information and knowledge, which we believe to be reasonable. Our management estimates have not been verified by any independent source, and we have not independently verified any third-party information. In addition, assumptions and estimates of our and our industry’s future performance are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in “Risk Factors.” These and other factors could cause our future performance to differ materially from our assumptions and estimates. See “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc., the Tivic Health Systems logo, and other trademarks or service marks of Tivic Health Systems appearing in this prospectus are the property of Tivic Health Systems, Inc. This prospectus also includes trademarks, tradenames and service marks that are the property of other organizations. Solely for convenience, trademarks and tradenames referred to in this prospectus appear without the ® and ™ symbols, but those references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights, or that the applicable owner will not assert its rights, to these trademarks and tradenames.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

The following summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and does not contain all of the information that you should consider in making your investment decision in our common stock. Before investing in our common stock, you should carefully read this entire prospectus, including our financial statements and the related notes included in this prospectus and the information set forth under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” As used in this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company,” and “Tivic Health” refer to Tivic Health Systems Inc.

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc. is a commercial-phase bioelectronic medicine company focused on inflammation. Our first product, ClearUP™ Sinus Relief (“ClearUP”), is a patented handheld device that uses ultra-low current electrical waves to relieve symptoms of sinus and nasal inflammation. ClearUP is a US FDA Class II and EU Class IIa medical device that has received three regulatory clearances: (US FDA 510(k) number K182025, US FDA De Novo number DEN200006 and EU CE Mark Certificate number CE 704687). ClearUP consistently gets high ratings from consumers across multiple sales platforms.

 

McKinsey & Co estimates that bioelectronic medicine “represents a multibillion dollar opportunity even with modest penetration.” Bioelectronic medicine treats disease and conditions by modulating the electrical signals carried along various nerve pathways. The field grew out of the multi-billion-dollar neuromodulation industry and relied, historically, on implantable devices (e.g. pacemakers, spinal implants, deep brain stimulators). We have shown that ClearUP, a non-invasive bioelectronic therapy, can safely and comfortably deliver therapeutic benefits with a favorable safety profile. 

 

We have brought bioelectronic medicine to the home treatment market for nasal allergies, sinus infections, chronic sinusitis, cold and flu. This $9.9 billion U.S. market is dominated by pharmaceuticals. However, through a market research study commissioned by the Company, in which 600 individuals who reported ongoing sinus conditions were electronically surveyed, we discovered that:

 

  · 70% of sufferers are not completely satisfied with current over the counter treatment options;
     
  · 90% are interested in treatments that reduce use of medications; and
     
  · 66% are concerned about side effects.

 

We conducted two published clinical studies with leading research institutions. The first clinical study was a randomized controlled double-blind trial conducted by the Standard University Sinus Center consisting of 71 subjects suffering from sinus pain and congestion, each of whom used either ClearUP or a sham device. The second clinical study was a 30-person study on the use of ClearUP over a period of four weeks conducted by the Allergy and Asthma Associates of Santa Clara Valley Research Center. These studies demonstrated that ClearUP is highly effective at relieving sinus pain from allergic rhinitis and moderate to severe congestion with no substantive side effects. ClearUP has received customer validation with over 500 4- and 5-star reviews across multiple sales platforms.

 

We are currently preparing a second-generation version of ClearUP (“ClearUP Gen 2”) for market. Covered by the same patents, our ClearUP Gen 2 version of ClearUP is designed to lower cost for high-volume manufacturing and distribution. Based on our analysis of regulatory guidance and approval by our designated EU Notified Body (an organization designated by an EU member state to assess the conformity of certain products prior to their release in the EU market), we have determined that ClearUP Gen 2 is covered by the same regulatory clearances as ClearUP, and therefore will not require separate approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) prior to commercialization. However, it is possible the FDA could determine that ClearUP Gen 2 is not covered by the same regulatory clearances as our existing ClearUP device. If the FDA were to make such a determination, we could be forced to cease distribution of ClearUP Gen 2 until we obtain regulatory clearance or approval, and we could be subject to additional enforcement action by the FDA.

 

2

 

 

Our Innovation

 

We combine proprietary algorithms, programmable stimulation parameters, and a patented monopolar delivery mechanism to modulate the nerve signals that control inflammation-driven symptoms like pain and congestion. This design has proven effective in treating sinus and nasal inflammatory conditions and we are researching the clinical utility of this stimulation approach for other clinical conditions. This platform has the potential to accelerate new product development by: (i) extending the existing device platform to other clinical areas, thereby reducing research and development time, and (ii) continuing to benefit from low risk non-invasive device designations and regulatory pathways by the FDA, which typically result in shorter time to approval when compared with invasive devices or new drugs. While it is our intention to bring new products to market, medical device development is inherently uncertain and there is no guarantee that our research and development efforts will lead to approved products for other clinical indications.

 

 

 

3

 

 

We completed a ten-person pilot study with the U.S. Institute for Advanced Sinus Care and Research (Cleveland, OH) to evaluate a new device for the treatment of postoperative pain after sinus surgery. Of the ten individuals who participated in the study, only nine successfully completed it. Outcomes included a decrease in the numeric rating scale for pain reported by participants, indicating pain relief; a decrease in the amount of opioid medication used by participants, as quantified in the participants’ medication diaries; and feasibility for at-home use of the device, as reported by the participants in user feedback questionnaires completed by the participants. The pilot study was conducted to establish clinical feasibility and identify trends and was, therefore, not designed (powered) to establish conclusive, statistically significant results. The trends observed, while not statistically significant, indicated further investigation is warranted. We are developing a controlled clinical study with a top tier academic collaborator to further test the clinical merit of a product candidate in this area.

 

Numerous inflammatory conditions are associated with peripheral nerve activity of the face, including:

 

  · chronic quality-of-life conditions such as migraines (39 million U.S.), temporomandibular joint disorder (31 million U.S.), and tinnitus (50 million U.S.);
     
  · severe, life-altering conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia (150,000 U.S., severe condition); and
     
  · acute conditions such as ear infections (50% of children) and pain and swelling from facial and sinus surgeries (600,000 functional endoscopic surgeries annually, U.S.).

 

Each of these applications would involve regulation of pain and inflammation-related mediators like those seen in sinus and nasal inflammation.

 

Market Opportunity and Regulatory Clearances

 

The FDA first provided clearance of ClearUP in 2019 as a treatment for sinus pain from allergic rhinitis, a condition impacting an estimated 45 million U.S. adults.

 

In early 2021, the FDA granted our De Novo request to expand the label of ClearUP to treat moderate to severe congestion.  The expanded label is not limited to any single cause of congestion, making it possible to market ClearUP for allergies, sinusitis, cold, flu or any other inflammatory condition impacting the sinus and nasal mucosa. With this clearance, the estimated available market for ClearUP expands to over 200 million U.S. adults.

 

Additionally, we have received a CE Mark for ClearUP that broadly covers sinus pain, pressure and congestion. The CE Mark allows us to market ClearUP in the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and numerous other countries that recognize the CE Mark.

 

Additional product development activities are ongoing for two product candidates: (i) npdPP, an at home-use device for treating postoperative pain after sinus surgery, and (ii) npdMI, an at home-use device for treating migraine headaches. These product candidates are still in early stages of development, and will require additional studies and regulatory clearances prior to bringing them to market.

 

 

 

4

 

 

Competition

 

Sinus pain and congestion are typically managed with over the counter pharmaceuticals and saline irrigation of the sinus and nasal cavities. Analgesic medications (e.g., ibuprofen/Advil, acetaminophen/Tylenol, naproxen sodium/Aleve) are used to treat sinus pain. Congestion is often managed with antihistamines (e.g., loratadine/Claritin), oral (e.g., phenylephrine/Sudafed) and intranasal (e.g., oxymetazoline/Afrin) decongestants, and intranasal glucocorticoids (e.g., fluticasone propionate/Flonase).

 

Over the counter pharmaceuticals have historically had the greatest market share for sinus pain and congestion treatments; however, according to Mintel Group Ltd.’s 2020 report on Cough, Cold, Flu, and Allergy Remedies, there is increasing interest among consumers to reduce reliance on drugs and to find non-drug solutions. Non-drug competitors for sinus pain and congestion treatment include nasal irrigation products such as Sinus Rinse and Navage Nasal Care. We believe that other companies selling non-pharmaceutical treatments, specifically nasal irrigation products, represent our closest competitors. ClearUP is an emerging new product offering, and currently has a small market share.

 

5

 

 

Barriers to Entry

 

As a commercial-stage company that has invested our energy into patent protection and regulatory clearances, we believe we have built competitive advantages that include:

 

  · Four issued U.S. patents and 18 additional international and U.S. patents pending;
     
  · Three regulatory clearances: (US FDA 510(k) number K182025, US FDA De Novo number DEN200006 and EU CE Mark Certificate number CE 704687) for use of ClearUP to treat sinus pain, pressure and congestion;
     
  · Two published, peer-reviewed studies in high-impact academic journals; and
     
  · Over 500 4- and 5-star reviews.

 

Growth Strategy

 

Our objective is to become the leading provider of non-invasive bioelectronic treatments for inflammation. With one product in market, the ClearUP Gen 2 version in development, and plans to continue research and development of additional product candidates, the key elements of our growth strategy currently include the following:

 

Expanded Advertising and Channel Expansion. Our existing ClearUP product is currently commercially available and we intend to invest in expanded advertising to reach a larger consumer market as well as seek out larger channel partners to increase revenues. We recently obtained approval to begin selling ClearUP on Walmart.com’s seller-managed platform, and implementation is in process.

 

Expanded Product Offering. We plan to expand our product offerings, first with ClearUP Gen 2, which is a design modification of the ClearUP device. ClearUP Gen 2 has a replaceable battery and is optimized for volume manufacturing and reduced cost of production. Given that ClearUP Gen 2 is a line extension of the ClearUP device, and based on the approval by our designated EU Notified Body (an organization designated by an EU member state to assess the conformity of certain products prior to their release in the EU market) and our assessment of relevant FDA guidance (Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff “Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to and Existing Device” October 25, 2017), we have determined that the Gen 2 device is covered under the same regulatory clearances as ClearUP. If the FDA were to determine that ClearUP Gen 2 is not covered by the same regulatory clearances as our existing ClearUP device, we could be forced to cease distribution of ClearUP Gen 2 until we obtain regulatory clearance or approval, and we could be subject to additional enforcement action by the FDA, which would likely delay our ability to bring our ClearUP Gen 2 device to market. We also intend to continue to develop our platform for additional indications and product candidates.

 

Additional Research and Development. In order to aid the expansion of our product portfolio, we anticipate continued investment into further clinical research for new product candidates, continued patent protection of our proprietary technologies and additional regulatory clearances if and when they become viable.

 

Government Regulation

 

Our products are subject to extensive and rigorous regulation by the FDA and other federal, state and local authorities, as well as foreign regulatory authorities. The FDA regulates, among other things, the research, development, testing, design, manufacturing, approval, labeling, storage, recordkeeping, advertising, promotion and marketing, distribution, post approval monitoring and reporting and import and export of medical devices in the United States to assure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices for their intended use. The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) also regulates the advertising and labeling of our device in the United States. Further, we are subject to laws directed at preventing fraud and abuse, which subject our sales and marketing, training and other practices to government scrutiny.

 

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Risks Associated with our Business

 

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks summarized below. These risks are discussed more fully in the section entitled “Risk Factors” following this prospectus summary. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  · our limited operating history;

 

  · the volatility of our operating results;

 

  · our ability to manage growth as the business scales;

 

  · our history of net losses;

 

  · our ability to generate revenues sufficient to achieve profitability and positive cash flow;

 

  · competition in our industry and our ability to compete effectively;

 

  · our ability to attract, recruit, retain and develop key personnel and qualified employees;

 

  · the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and operations and the market generally;

 

  · risks related to laws, regulations and industry standards;

 

  · risks related to the medical device industry;

 

  · reliance on significant third-party service providers;

 

  · reliance on our chief executive and management team; and

 

  · the other factors described in “Risk Factors.”

 

Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Smaller Reporting Company

 

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies. As a result:

 

7

 

 

  · we are required to have only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operation in this prospectus;

 

  · we are not required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and financial statements (i.e., an auditor discussion and analysis) compliance with new or revised accounting standards until they are made applicable to private companies;

 

  · we are not required to engage an auditor to provide an attestation to report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;

 

  · we are not required to comply with certain disclosure requirements related to executive compensation, such as the requirement to disclose the correlation between executive compensation and performance and the requirement to present a comparison of our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation to our median employee compensation; and

 

  · we are not required to submit certain executive compensation matters to stockholder advisory votes, such as “say on pay,” “say on frequency” and “say on golden parachute arrangements.”

 

We may take advantage of these reduced reporting and other requirements until the earlier of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering; (ii) the last day of the first fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion; (iii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we are deemed to be 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 held by non-affiliates exceeded $700.0 million as of the last business day of the second fiscal quarter of such fiscal year; or (iv) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.

 

We have elected to take advantage of certain of the reduced disclosure obligations in this prospectus and the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and we may elect to take advantage of other reduced reporting requirements in the future. As a result, the information that we provide to our stockholders may be different than, and not comparable to, information presented by other public reporting companies.

 

We are also a “smaller reporting company” as defined in the Exchange Act and have elected to take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies. We may be a smaller reporting company even after we are no longer an emerging growth company.

 

Corporate Information

 

We were incorporated on September 22, 2016, as a California corporation. Effective as of June 7, 2021, we reincorporated as a Delaware corporation. Our principal executive office is located in Newark, California at 39899 Balentine Drive, Suite 200, Newark, California 94560. Our telephone number is (888) 276-6888 and our corporate website is www.tivichealth.com. Unless expressly noted, none of the information on our corporate website is part of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “TIVC.” No assurance can be given that our application will be approved.

 

8

 

 

THE OFFERING

 

Common stock offered by us 2,727,272 shares.
   
Common stock outstanding before this offering 2,833,958 shares.
   
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering(1) 8,876,679 shares (or 9,285,769 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full).
   
Representative of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares of our common stock 409,090 shares (which may be purchased from us for 45 days from the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments, if any).
   
Use of proceeds

We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $12.9 million (or approximately $15.0 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase up to additional shares of common stock), based on an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

The principal purposes of this offering are to increase our capitalization and financial flexibility, create a public market for our common stock and thereby enable access to the public equity markets for us and our stockholders. We currently anticipate our use of the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing resources, will include: (i) expanding advertising and public relations, growing social media presence, upgrading and optimizing ecommerce infrastructure, online/website design, and branding, and other initiatives to grow sales of ClearUP and to market Tivic Health as a trusted brand for evidence-based health devices and services based on bioelectronic medicine; (ii) expanding our clinical research and development activities to identify and validate new product candidates, move them through pre-clinical and clinical development, and develop go-to-market strategies; (iii) building and launching the next generation of ClearUP Gen 2; and (iv) using the balance for general working capital. Although we may, from time to time, evaluate potential strategic investments and acquisitions, we do not have any definitive agreements in place to make any such acquisitions at this current time. We will have broad discretion in the way that we use the net proceeds of this offering.

 

For additional information please refer to the section entitled “Use of Proceeds” on page 32 of this prospectus.

   
Representative’s Warrants The registration statement of which this prospectus is a part also registers for sale warrants to purchase shares of our common stock which we will issue to the representative of the underwriters as a portion of the underwriting compensation payable to the underwriters in connection with this offering. The warrants will be exercisable for a four-and-one-half year period commencing 180 days following the commencement of sales in this offering at an exercise price equal to 125% of the initial public offering price of the common stock. Please see “Underwriting – Representative’s Warrants” for a description of these warrants.

 

9

 

Risk factors You should read the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus and the other information in this prospectus for a discussion of factors to consider carefully before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.
 
Market Symbol and trading We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “TIVC.” No assurance can be given that our application will be approved.

 

(1) The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering, as set forth above, is based on (i) 2,833,958 shares of our common stock outstanding as of September 1, 2021; (ii) 2,227,116 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of 8,908,600 shares of our outstanding preferred stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering; and (iii) 1,088,333 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding convertible notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $4,429,721, with approximately $59,733 of additional accrued interest as of September 1, 2021, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share). The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering, as set forth above, excludes the following:

 

  · 376,970 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options to purchase shares of common stock outstanding as of September 1, 2021, with a weighted-average exercise price of approximately $0.80 per share;
     
  · 100,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants to purchase shares of common stock, all with an exercise price of approximately $1.04 per share, 50,000 of which warrants were issued to a consultant on July 1, 2021 and 50,000 of which warrants shall be issued to the same consultant as soon as reasonably practicable after consummation of this offering;
     
  · shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants to be issued to the representative of the underwriters as compensation in connection with this offering at an exercise price equal to 125% of the initial offering price of the common stock;

 

  · 70,342 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”), as of September 1, 2021 (the 2017 Plan will terminate effective upon consummation of this offering, after which date no additional shares, options or other equity interests may be issued thereunder); and

 

· 937,500 shares of common stock to be reserved for future issuance under our 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (“2021 Plan”), which will be effective upon the completion of this offering.
     

Unless otherwise indicated, this prospectus reflects and assumes the following:

 

· the conversion of all of our outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock into an aggregate of 2,227,116 shares of common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering;
     
  · the conversion and settlement of the aggregate outstanding principal amount plus accrued interest (approximately $4,429,721 and $59,733, respectively, as of September 1, 2021) under our outstanding convertible promissory notes into approximately 1,088,333 shares of our common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share);
     
· no exercise of outstanding options or warrants;
     
  · no exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase up to 409,090 additional shares of our common stock from us to cover over-allotments, if any;

 

· no exercise of the representative’s warrants to be issued upon consummation of this offering at an exercise price equal to 125% of the initial offering price of the common stock;

 

· the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the effectiveness of our amended and restated bylaws, which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering;
     

· an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimate of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus; and
     

· a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock, which was effected on August 31, 2021 (all share and per share amounts in this prospectus have been presented on a retrospective basis to reflect the reverse stock split).

 

You should carefully read the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus for a discussion of factors that you should consider before deciding to invest in our common stock.

 

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SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following tables summarize our financial data for the periods ended on and as of the dates indicated. We have derived the statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 from our audited financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. We have derived the unaudited financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and as of June 30, 2021 from our unaudited condensed financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America on the same basis as the annual audited financial statements and, in the opinion of management, the unaudited data reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial information in those statements. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected in the future, and results for the period ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2021. You should read the following summary financial data together with our financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, as well as with the information in the section of this prospectus entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

Year ended Six Months Ended
(in thousands, except per share data) December 31, June 30,
2020 2019 2021 2020
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Total revenue $ 860 $ 420 $ 547 $ 246
Cost of sales $ 1,085 $ 709 $ 602 $ 333
Operating expenses
Research and development $ 659 $ 990 $ 399 $ 386
Sales and marketing $ 1,306 $ 1,191 $ 605 $ 517
General and administrative $ 1,014 $ 1,173 $ 1,053 $ 595
Total operating expenses $ 2,979 $ 3,354 $ 2,057 $ 1,498
Interest expense $ (423 ) $ (443 ) $ (497 ) $ (15 )
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities $ (27 ) $ (75 ) $ 1 $ -
Other income $ 15 $ 15 $ 159 $ 13
Provision for income taxes $ - $ 2 $ 1 $ -
Net loss $ (3,639 ) $ (4,148 ) $ (2,450 ) $ (1,587 )
Net loss per share – basic and diluted(1) $ (1.58 ) $ (1.80 ) $ (1.04 ) $ (0.69 )

 

  (1) All share and per share data has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock, which was effected on August 31, 2021.

 

(in thousands)   As of June 30, 2021  
    Actual     Pro Forma (1)     Pro Forma
As
Adjusted (2)
 
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
Balance Sheet Data:                        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,623     $ 2,124     $ 15,049  
Working capital (deficit)   $ (3,139 )   $ 1,185     $ 14,110  
Deferred Offering Costs   $ 363     $ 363     $ -  
Total assets   $ 2,534     $ 3,035     $ 15,597  
Convertible notes payable accrued interest (3)   $ 38     $ -     $ -  
Current portion of convertible notes payable, net of debt discount (4)   $ 1,962     $ -     $ -  
Conversion feature derivative liability   $ 1,823     $ -     $ -  
Convertible notes payable, net of debt discount (5)   $ 857     $ -     $ -  
Total liabilities   $ 6,137     $ 1,457     $ 1,457  
Accumulated deficit   $ (13,502 )   $ (14,625 )   $ (14,625 )
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)   $ (3,603 )   $ 1,578     $ 14,140  

  

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  (1) The pro forma figures give effect to (i) the issuance of an aggregate of 346,979 shares of our common stock upon exercise of stock options by certain holders in August 2021, resulting in aggregate net proceeds to the Company of approximately $50,000; (ii) the issuance of 112,500 restricted shares of common stock to our Chief Financial Officer in July 2021; (iii) the automatic conversion of all our outstanding convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $4,429,721, plus accrued interest of approximately $59,733 (as of September 1, 2021), as described herein, into 1,088,333 shares of common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share); (iv) the conversion of all our outstanding convertible preferred stock described herein into 2,227,116 shares of common stock, which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering; and (v) our issuance of certain convertible notes payable (collectively, the “Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $517,500  in July 2021. After recording $67,500 of original issue discount, the Company received net cash proceeds in the aggregate amount of $450,000 for the Notes. The original issue discount is recorded as a contra liability and will be amortized over the life of the Notes. The Notes bear interest at a rate of three percent (3%) per annum and mature on June 1, 2023.

 

  (2) Pro forma as adjusted balance sheet data reflects the items described in footnote 1 and our sale of 2,727,272 shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimate of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Pro forma as adjusted balance sheet data is illustrative only and will change based on the actual public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price per share of common stock would increase (decrease) the amount of cash and cash equivalents, working capital, total assets, and total stockholders’ equity by approximately $2,495,000, assuming the number of shares of common stock offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares of common stock to be issued in this offering. Each increase (decrease) of 0.5 million shares of common stock offered by us would increase (decrease) the as adjusted amount of cash and cash equivalents, working capital, total assets and total stockholders’ deficit by approximately $2,516,000, assuming the assumed initial public offering price per share of common stock remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
     
  (3) Convertible notes payable accrued interest of $38,000 is included in the other accrued liabilities of $311,000 reflected in the Company’s balance sheet for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
     
  (4) Current portion of convertible notes payable, net of debt discount reflects convertible notes payable issued in 2020 at a face value of $1,987,500, less unamortized debt discount of $25,085 as of June 30, 2021.
     
  (5) Convertible notes payable, net of debt discount reflect convertible notes payable issued in June 2021 at a face value of $1,924,721, less unamortized debt discount of $1,067,476 as of June 30, 2021.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as the other information in this prospectus, including our financial statements and the related notes and the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” before deciding whether to invest in our common stock. The occurrence of any of the events or developments described below could harm our business, financial condition, operating results, and growth prospects. In such an event, the market price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations.

 

Risk Factor Summary

 

Below is a summary of the principal factors that make an investment in our common stock speculative or risky. This summary does not address all of the risks that we face. Additional discussion of the risks summarized in this risk factor summary, and other risks that we face, can be found below and should be carefully considered, together with other information included in this prospectus.

 

  · We have a relatively limited operating history and may not be able to execute on our business strategy.

 

  · Our operating results will likely be volatile and may not be a reliable indicator of our future performance.

 

  · If we fail to manage our growth effectively, including with respect to potential acquisitions of other companies, our business could be materially and adversely affected.

 

  · We have a history of net losses, we may not achieve or maintain profitability in the future, and there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

  · We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.

 

  · We expect that we will need additional capital, which, if obtainable, could dilute the ownership interest of investors.

 

  · Our business plan depends heavily on revenues from our core technology, the clinical and consumer acceptance of which is at this time unproven.

 

  · We depend on our senior management team, and the loss of one or more key personnel or an inability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel may impair our ability to grow our business.

 

  · The product guarantees and warranties we provide on our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

  · Our markets are undergoing continuous change, and our future success will depend on our ability to meet the changing needs of our customers.

 

  · Developing medical technology entails significant technical, regulatory and business risks.

  

  · We may face risks associated with expanding to international markets, including trade disputes that could materially impact our business.

 

  · The size and expected growth of our available market has not been established with precision and may be smaller than we estimate.

 

  · Our insurance may not adequately cover our operating risk.

 

  · Our business could be disrupted by catastrophic occurrences and similar events, including COVID-19.

 

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  · We rely on third parties for sales, marketing, distribution, and other business operations. We also rely on third parties to supply and manufacture our devices, which could be stopped, delayed or made less profitable if any of these third parties fail to provide us with sufficient quantities at acceptable quality levels or prices, or fail to maintain or achieve satisfactory regulatory compliance.

 

  · Changes in the regulatory landscape for our products could render our business model contrary to applicable regulatory requirements, and we may be required to seek additional clearance or approval for our products.

 

  · We are subject to consumer protection laws that regulate our marketing practices and prohibit unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business, and changes in such regulations or laws could require us to modify our products or marketing or advertising efforts.

 

  · Our reliance on vendors in foreign countries, including China, subjects us to risks and uncertainties relating to foreign laws and regulations and changes in relations between the United States and such foreign countries.

 

  · We are highly dependent on our intellectual property (“IP”) and our methods of protecting our IP may not be adequate or could be costly. In addition, we may face risks of claims for IP infringement. We may be unable to enforce our intellectual property rights throughout the world.

 

  · We expect that our stock price may fluctuate significantly, and investors may not be able to resell their shares at or above the initial public offering price. An active trading market for our common stock may never develop.

 

  · We do not expect to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future.

 

  · Future issuances of stock or other securities could dilute the holdings of our stockholders and could materially affect the price of the shares of common stock being issued in connection with this offering.

 

  · We are an “emerging growth company” and a “smaller reporting company,” and the reduced public company reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.

 

  · If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock may decline.

 

  · A significant portion of our total outstanding shares are restricted from immediate resale, but such shares may be sold into the market in the near future. This could cause the market price of our common stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.

 

  · If our operating and financial performance in any given period does not meet any guidance that we provide to the public, the market price of our common stock may decline.

 

  · Actual or perceived failures to comply with applicable data privacy and security laws, regulations, policies, standards, contractual obligations and other requirements related to data privacy and security and changes to such laws, regulations, standards, policies and contractual obligations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Risks Related to Our Financial Condition and Business Model

 

We have a relatively limited operating history and may not be able to execute on our business strategy.

 

We were originally incorporated in 2016 and began selling our first product in 2019. Accordingly, we have a limited operating history, which makes an evaluation of our future prospects and execution ability difficult. Our revenue and income-producing potential is unproven, and our business model and strategy may continue to evolve. Future revenues are contingent upon several factors, including, without limitation, our ability to successfully develop and commercialize ClearUP Gen 2, our ability to develop relationships with channel partners and customers, as well as the clinical and market acceptance of our technology. We may need to make business decisions that could adversely affect our operating results, such as modifications to our pricing strategy, business structure or operations.

 

Our operating results will likely be volatile and may not be a reliable indicator of our future performance.

 

Our future expenses, revenues and operating results may vary significantly from quarter to quarter due to a number of factors, including, without limitation:

 

  · receptiveness of the market to a fundamentally new way of treating target conditions;

 

  · intrinsic variability in spending patterns associated with the conduct of clinical trials;

 

  · fluctuations in demand for our technology, including seasonal variations; and

 

  · delays in introducing new technology to market, including product design, manufacturing, marketing cycles, sales and distribution related delays.

 

We expect that our revenues may be volatile as we develop new technology and obtain new customers and channel partners in the future. The volume and timing of commercial outcomes are difficult to estimate, as the adoption of bioelectronic treatments is immature, and the sales cycle may vary substantially from forecasts.

 

If we fail to manage our growth effectively, our business could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We will not be successful unless we are able to generate additional revenues and grow our business, which will likely require us to hire additional employees and expand our technology, product, development and sales and marketing divisions in order to achieve our business plan. Our management systems are emergent. The continued growth of our business may place demands on our management, financial, operational, technological and other resources, and we expect that our growth will require us to continue developing and improving our operational, financial and other internal controls. We may not be able to address these challenges in a cost-effective manner, or at all. If we do not effectively manage our growth, we may not be able to execute on our business plan, respond to competitive pressures, take advantage of market opportunities, satisfy customer requirements or maintain high-quality product offerings, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We have a history of net losses, we may not achieve or maintain profitability in the future, and there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

We have incurred net losses since inception. For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we incurred net losses of $2,450,000, $3,639,000 and $4,148,000, respectively, and at June 30, 2021, we had a working capital deficit of $3,139,000 an accumulated deficit of $13,502,000. Since inception through June 30, 2021, we have spent approximately $11,083,000 on organizational and start-up activities, to recruit key managers and employees, to develop our products, to develop our manufacturing know-how and customer support resources and for research and development. The net losses we incur may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter and may increase as a result of a continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, future costs relating to product development and operating activities may be significantly higher than our historical costs.

 

Our long-term success is dependent upon our ability to successfully develop, commercialize and market our products, earn revenue, obtain additional capital when needed and, ultimately, to achieve profitable operations. We will need to generate significant additional revenue to achieve profitability. Future products may require substantially higher levels of investment than initial products, including investments in research, development, regulatory and/or marketing and sales. It is possible that we will not achieve profitability or that, even if we do achieve profitability, we may not maintain or increase profitability in the future. Our failure to achieve or maintain profitability could negatively impact the value of our common stock.

 

As a result of the above, management has concluded that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans to address this uncertainty are discussed in Note 2 to our financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus. The report of our independent registered public accountant on our financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 also includes explanatory language describing the existence of substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. There have been no adjustments to the accompanying financial statements to reflect this uncertainty.

 

We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Prior to this initial public offering, we were a private company and had limited accounting and financial reporting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls and related procedures. In connection with the audit of our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness in our case arose from an accumulation of significant deficiencies, which amounted to a material weakness in internal controls. Such significant deficiencies identified included insufficient accounting and financial reporting personnel, inadequate segregation of duties, and inadequate application of inventory cost accounting procedures. If we are unable to remedy our material weakness, or if we generally fail to establish and maintain effective internal controls appropriate for a public company, we may be unable to produce timely and accurate financial statements, and we may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective, which could adversely impact our investors’ confidence and our stock price.

 

We expect that we will need additional capital, which, if obtainable, could dilute the ownership interest of investors.

 

We anticipate we will need additional capital to market our products, develop additional products and fund our operations. To the extent that cash from operations and the proceeds from this offering are insufficient to fund our operations, we may need to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-related or convertible debt, or other securities. We cannot be certain that additional financing will be available to us on acceptable terms when required, or at all.

 

If we issue additional equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, our existing stockholders will be subject to dilution. Additionally, sales of substantial amounts of our equity securities could have an adverse effect on the value of our equity and our ability to raise additional capital through future capital increases.

 

Our business plan depends heavily on revenues from our initial products, the clinical and consumer acceptance of which is unproven at this time.

 

Our future growth depends on the commercial success of our technology and initial products. It is not certain that our target customers will choose our technology for technical, cost, support or commercial reasons. If our target customers do not widely adopt and purchase our technology, our future growth will be limited. Further, our resources and investments may not be adequate to achieve the targeted level of manufacturing and sales set out in our business plan.

 

We depend on our senior management team and the loss of one or more key personnel or an inability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel may impair our ability to grow our business.

 

Our future success depends heavily upon the continued services of our executive officers and key personnel, including Jennifer Ernst, our Chief Executive Officer and founder, and Briana Benz, our Chief Financial Officer. We have not entered into employment agreements with most of our executive officers or other key personnel that require them to continue to work for us for any specified period and, therefore, they may terminate employment with us at any time, for any reason and with no advance notice. The replacement of members of our senior management team or other key personnel would likely involve significant time and costs, and the loss of these employees may significantly delay or prevent the achievement of our business objectives.

 

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In addition, our ability to recruit and retain talent in all areas of the business, including but not limited to skilled hires in marketing, product development, regulatory, clinical, quality, logistics, and finance, faces significant competition. We may not be able to hire or retain the type and number of managerial, sales and technical personnel necessary for future success. We will need to devote considerable resources to ensure that we retain our employees in the face of a highly competitive market for talented personnel. If we fail to attract and retain the skilled employees required, this could harm our business and hamper future expansion of our sales and support operations.

 

We rely on third parties for sales, marketing, manufacturing, distribution, and other business operations.

 

For us to be successful, third parties providing us with sales, marketing, manufacturing, distribution and other business operations services must be able to provide us with such services in compliance with regulatory requirements, in accordance with agreed upon specifications, at acceptable costs, and on a timely basis. While our service providers have generally met our expectations in the past, their ability and willingness to continue to do so going forward, and the ability and willingness of any new service provider to meet our expectations in the future, may be limited for several reasons, including our relative importance as a customer or disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we rely on third-party platforms such as Amazon.com, Walgreens.com, BestBuy.com, Walmart.com, FSAStore.com and other specialty online retailers, to distribute our products. We do not have long term agreements in place with certain of our distributors. There is no guarantee that such third parties will continue to allow us to distribute our products through their platforms. Accordingly, we may be exposed to disruptions or reduced qualify of services, including access to distribution channels, due to factors beyond our direct control, which may impact our ability to operate successfully.

 

We may not be able to successfully identify, consummate or integrate acquisitions or to successfully manage the impacts of such transactions on our operations.

 

Part of our business strategy includes investigating growth through acquisitions. We may expand our business by making strategic acquisitions and seeking suitable acquisition targets to enhance our growth. Material acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions involve a number of risks, including: (i) the potential disruption of our ongoing business; (ii) the distraction of management away from the ongoing oversight of our existing business activities; (iii) incurring additional indebtedness; (iv) the anticipated benefits and cost savings of those transactions not being realized fully, or at all, or taking longer to realize than anticipated; (v) an increase in the scope and complexity of our operations; and (vi) the loss or reduction of control over certain of our assets.

 

The pursuit of acquisitions may pose certain risks to us. We may not be able to identify acquisition candidates that fit our criteria for growth and profitability. Even if we are able to identify such candidates, we may not be able to acquire them on terms or financing satisfactory to us. We may incur expenses and dedicate attention and resources associated with the review of acquisition opportunities, whether or not we consummate such acquisitions, which may divert management’s attention from our day-to-day business.

 

Additionally, even if we are able to acquire suitable targets on agreeable terms, we may not be able to successfully integrate their operations with ours. Achieving the anticipated benefits of any acquisition will depend in significant part upon whether we integrate such acquired businesses in an efficient and effective manner. We may not be able to achieve the anticipated operating and cost synergies or long-term strategic benefits of our acquisitions within the anticipated timing, or at all. The benefits from any acquisition will be offset by the costs incurred in integrating the businesses and operations. We may also assume liabilities in connection with acquisitions to which we would not otherwise be exposed. An inability to realize any or all of the anticipated synergies or other benefits of an acquisition as well as any delays that may be encountered in the integration process, which may delay the timing of such synergies or other benefits, could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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The product guarantees and warranties we provide on our products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We provide product guarantees to our customers, pursuant to which we allow for the return of products from customers within 60 days after the original sale. We also provide a one-year warranty for any defective product. Existing and future product guarantees and warranties place us at the risk of incurring future returns and repair and/or replacement costs. While we engage in product quality programs and processes, including monitoring and evaluating the quality of our components sourced from our suppliers, our guaranty and warranty obligation is affected by actual product defect rates, parts and equipment costs and service labor costs incurred in correcting a product defect. Our reserves set aside to cover warranty returns and customer returns may be inadequate due to an unanticipated number of customer returns, undetected product defects, unanticipated component failures or changes in estimates for material, labor and other costs we may incur to replace projected product defects. As a result, if actual customer returns, product defect rates, parts and equipment costs or service labor costs exceed our estimates, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Markets

 

Our ability to compete in the sinus, cold and allergy market is unproven.

 

We compete in the sinus, cold and allergy market segment, a segment with large, entrenched players. We expect to experience competition from current and potential new competitors, some of which may be better established and have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and distribution resources. We encounter competition from larger, well-established and well-financed entities that may continue to acquire, invest in, or form joint ventures with producers of alternate sinus care technologies.

 

Our competitors may be able to respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements than we can. Our market position could erode rapidly as a result of the development of new, superior products and technology by competitors. In addition, current and potential competitors may have greater name recognition, broader physician reach and more extensive customer bases. Increased competition could result in price reductions, lower volume sales, and reduced gross margins. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully against our current or future competitors or that competitive pressures will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our markets are undergoing continuous change, and our future success will depend on our ability to meet the changing needs of our customers.

 

For our business to survive and grow, we must continue to enhance and improve our products and technology to address a broader range of customers’ needs. If new clinical standards and practices emerge, our existing technology may become obsolete. Our future success will depend upon, among other things, our ability to:

 

  · develop and license new technologies that address the increasingly sophisticated and varied needs of prospective customers;

 

  · respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices on a cost-effective and timely basis; and

 

  · respond to shifts in the competitive landscape.

 

Developing medical technology entails significant technical, regulatory and business risks.

 

We may fail to adapt our technology to user requirements or emerging treatment standards. Microcurrent and other neuromodulation therapies are not currently considered standard of care for inflammation and may not ever be considered standard of care. Treatment standards may not evolve to incorporate our product. New industry standards for the development, manufacture and marketing of medical devices may evolve and we may not be able to conform to the changes, meet new standards in a timely fashion or maintain a competitive position in the market. In particular, regulatory standards for electrical treatments of medical conditions are evolving. If we face material delays in introducing our products and new technology, we may fail to attract new customers.

 

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Customer or third-party complaints or negative reviews or publicity about our company or our products could harm our reputation and brand.

 

We are heavily dependent on customers who use our ClearUP device to provide good reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations to contribute to our growth. Customers who are dissatisfied with their experiences with our products or services may post negative reviews. We may also be the subject of blog, forum or other media postings that include inaccurate statements and/or create negative publicity. In addition, any negative news regarding bioelectronic medicine may adversely impact our business. Any negative reviews or publicity, whether real or perceived, disseminated by word-of-mouth, by the general media, by electronic or social networking means or by other methods, could harm our reputation and brand and could severely diminish consumer confidence in our products.

 

We may face risks associated with expanding to international markets.

 

We intend to pursue marketing and selling our products internationally, primarily through distribution arrangements and out-bound regional licensing. We have limited experience operating outside the United States, and we will likely need to rely heavily on distributors and licensees. Expansion into international markets may expose us to, among other things, the following additional risks:

 

  · strain on our managerial resources;

 

  · pricing pressure that we may experience internationally;

 

  · a shortage of high-quality salespeople and distributors;

 

  · competitive disadvantage to competition with established business and customer relationships;

 

  · foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;

 

  · the imposition of additional U.S. and foreign governmental controls or regulations;

 

  · economic instability;

 

  · changes in duties and tariffs, license obligations and other non-tariff barriers to trade;

 

  · the imposition of restrictions on the activities of foreign agents, representatives and distributors;

 

  · scrutiny of foreign tax authorities which could result in significant fines, penalties and additional taxes being imposed on us;

 

  · laws and business practices favoring local companies;

 

  · difficulties in maintaining consistency with our internal guidelines;

 

  · difficulties in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through certain foreign legal systems;

 

  · the imposition of costly and lengthy new export licensing requirements;

 

  · the imposition of U.S. or international sanctions against a country, company, person or entity with whom we do business that would restrict or prohibit continued business with the sanctioned country, company, person or entity; and

 

  · the imposition of new trade restrictions.

 

The size and expected growth of our available market has not been established with precision and may be smaller than we estimate.

 

Our data on the available market for our current products and future products is based on a number of internal and third-party research reports, estimates and assumptions. While we believe that such research, our assumptions and the data underlying our estimates are reasonable, these assumptions and estimates may not be correct. In addition, the statements in this prospectus relating to, among other things, the expected growth in the market for our ClearUP device are based on a number of internal and third-party data, estimates and assumptions, and may prove to be inaccurate. If the actual number of consumers who would benefit from our products, the price at which we can sell future products or the available market for our products is smaller than we estimate, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our insurance may not adequately cover our operating risk or litigation exposure.

 

We have insurance to protect our assets, operations and employees. While we believe our insurance coverage addresses the material risks to which we are exposed and is adequate and customary in our current state of operations, such insurance is subject to coverage limits and exclusions and may not be available for the risks and hazards to which we are exposed. Also, our insurance may be insufficient to cover the costs of any securities-related or other lawsuits or litigation, regardless of the merits of any such lawsuits or litigation. In addition, no assurance can be given that such insurance will be adequate to cover our liabilities or will be generally available in the future or, if available, that premiums will be commercially justifiable or affordable. If we were to incur substantial liability and such damages were not covered by insurance or were in excess of policy limits, or if we were to incur such liability at a time when we are not able to obtain liability insurance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

 

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Our business could be disrupted by catastrophic occurrences and similar events.

 

Our headquarters are located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and we are vulnerable to interruption from catastrophic occurrences, such as earthquakes, floods, fires, power loss, telecommunication failures, terrorist attacks, criminal acts, sabotage, other intentional acts of vandalism and misconduct, geopolitical events, disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and similar events. The San Francisco Bay Area is a region known for seismic activity. Despite any precautions we may take, the occurrence of a natural disaster or other unanticipated problems at our facilities or the facilities of our suppliers and vendors could result in disruptions and other performance and quality problems. If we are unable to develop adequate plans to ensure that our business functions continue to operate during and after a disaster and/or to execute successfully on those plans in the event of a disaster or emergency, our business would be seriously harmed.

 

We rely on third parties to supply and manufacture our devices, and we expect to continue to rely on third parties to manufacture and supply our devices. The supply or manufacture of our devices could be stopped, delayed or made less profitable if any of these third parties fail to provide us with sufficient quantities at acceptable quality levels or prices, or fail to maintain or achieve satisfactory regulatory compliance.

 

We rely on, and expect to continue to rely on, third-party providers for the supply and manufacturing of our devices, including components and electronic parts. The circumstances relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other disasters, have caused significant shortages in the supply of electronic parts. To the extent any of our manufacturers or suppliers is unable to meet our requirements in a timely manner, including as a result of circumstances relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, we may not be able to obtain an adequate supply of electronic parts or components and our business may be adversely affected. We do not control the operational processes of the contract manufacturing organizations with whom we contract and are dependent on these third parties for the production of our devices in accordance with relevant regulations, which include, among other things, quality control, quality assurance and the maintenance of records and documentation. In general, reliance on third-party providers may expose us to more risk than if we were to manufacture our devices ourselves, and such reliance may limit our ability to scale operations.

 

Risks Related to Legal and Regulatory Matters

 

Changes in the regulatory landscape for our products could render our business model contrary to applicable regulatory requirements, and we may be required to seek additional clearance or approval for our products.

 

Our ClearUP device is a US FDA Class II device with FDA clearance for over-the-counter purchase. ClearUP Gen 2 is a design modification of the ClearUP device. Given that ClearUP Gen 2 is a line extension of the ClearUP device, and based on the approval by our designated EU Notified Body (an organization designated by an EU member state to assess the conformity of certain products prior to their release in the EU market) and our assessment of relevant FDA guidance (Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff “Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to and Existing Device” October 25, 2017), we have determined that the ClearUP Gen 2 device is covered under the same regulatory clearances as ClearUP. If the FDA were to determine that our products do not properly satisfy the conditions for FDA clearance as Class II devices, or that our ClearUP Gen 2 device is not covered by the same regulatory clearances as our existing ClearUP device, we could be forced to cease distribution of our products until we obtain regulatory clearance or approval, and we could be subject to additional enforcement action by the FDA. All existing FDA clearances, including those covering our first generation ClearUP device, could be subject to change based on subsequent FDA review or changes in FDA regulations. In addition, many states have laws regarding the provision of medical devices, and if we are found to be in violation of the laws of any state in which our devices are sold, we could be subject to further sanctions at the state level.

 

The laws and regulations applicable to the industries in which we operate are continuously evolving. Changes in our regulatory and legal landscape could substantially increase the costs of compliance, increase the time and resources required to bring new products to market, or otherwise negatively impact our business. There can be no assurance that new legislation or regulations will not impose significant additional costs or burdens on our business or subject us to additional liabilities. We may be or become subject to claims that our operations violate these laws or regulations.

 

Our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth may be impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

We are subject to risks related to public health crises, such as the global pandemic associated with COVID-19. In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. Since then, SARS-CoV-2, and the resulting disease COVID-19, has spread to most countries, and all 50 states within the United States. Of significant current concern is the emergence of a number of SARS-CoV-2 variants, some of which have increased transmissibility and may be resistant to current vaccines being administered throughout the world. The impact of such variants cannot be predicted at this time, and could depend on numerous factors, including vaccination rates among the population, the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against such variants and the response by governmental bodies and regulators. The continuing COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact our operations and revenues and overall financial condition by harming the ability or willingness of customers to pay for our products due to macro-economic conditions resulting from the pandemic or the operations of manufacturers, suppliers and other third parties with which we do business. These challenges will likely continue for the duration of the pandemic, which is uncertain, and the macro-economic effects of the pandemic will likely continue far beyond the duration of the pandemic.

 

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Numerous state and local jurisdictions have imposed, and others in the future may impose, “shelter-in-place” orders, quarantines, executive orders and similar government orders and restrictions for their residents to control the spread of COVID-19. The electronics supply chain on which we depend has been impacted by plant closures and reduced operations, resulting in global parts shortages for the electronic industry as a whole. The governor of California, where our headquarters are located, previously issued “shelter-in-place” or “stay at home” orders restricting non-essential activities, travel and business operations, which could potentially be put in place again in the future. Such orders or restrictions have resulted in our offices closing, work stoppages, slowdowns and delays, travel restrictions and cancellation of events, among other effects, thereby negatively impacting our operations. Other potential disruptions may include delays in processing registrations or approvals by applicable state or federal regulatory bodies, delays in product development efforts, and additional government requirements or other incremental mitigation efforts that may further impact our capacity to manufacture, sell and support the use of our ClearUP device. In addition, even after the “shelter-in-place” orders, quarantines, executive orders and similar government orders and restrictions for their residents to control the spread of COVID-19 are lifted, we may continue to experience disruptions to our business.

 

While the potential economic impact brought by, and the duration of, COVID-19 may be difficult to assess or predict, the widespread pandemic has resulted in, and may continue to result in, significant disruption of global financial markets, reducing our ability to access capital, which could negatively affect our future liquidity, including our ability to repay our existing indebtedness. In addition, a recession or market correction resulting from the spread of COVID-19 could materially affect our business and the value of our common stock. The COVID-19 pandemic has also resulted in a significant increase in unemployment in the United States, which may continue even after the pandemic subsides. The occurrence of any such events may lead to reduced disposable income and reduced consumer demand, which could adversely affect the number of our products sold after the pandemic has subsided.

 

We are subject to consumer protection laws that regulate our marketing practices and prohibit unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Our actual or perceived failure to comply with such obligations could harm our business, and changes in such regulations or laws could require us to modify our products or marketing or advertising efforts.

 

In connection with the marketing or advertisement of our products, we could be the target of claims relating to false, misleading, deceptive or otherwise noncompliant advertising or marketing practices, including under the auspices of the FTC and state consumer protection statutes. If we rely on third parties to provide any marketing and advertising of our products, we could be liable for, or face reputational harm as a result of, their marketing practices if, for example, they fail to comply with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

 

If we are found to have breached any consumer protection, advertising, unfair competition or other laws or regulations, we may be subject to enforcement actions that require us to change our marketing and business practices in a manner that may negatively impact us. This could also result in litigation, fines, penalties and adverse publicity that could cause reputational harm and loss of customer trust, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Our reliance on vendors in foreign countries, including China, subjects us to risks and uncertainties relating to foreign laws and regulations and changes in relations between the United States and such foreign countries.

 

Electronic components for our ClearUP devices are sourced primarily from China, and we may in the future source components from vendors located in other foreign countries. Under its current leadership, the government of China has been pursuing economic reform policies, including by encouraging foreign trade and investment. However, there is no assurance that the Chinese government will continue to pursue such policies, that such policies will be successfully implemented, that such policies will not be significantly altered, or that such policies will be beneficial to our partnerships in China. China’s system of laws, as well as the laws of other foreign countries where we may source components, can be unpredictable, especially with respect to foreign investment and foreign trade. The United States government has called for substantial changes to foreign trade policy with China and has raised tariffs on several Chinese goods. China has retaliated with increased tariffs on United States goods. Any further changes in United States trade policy could trigger retaliatory actions by affected countries, including China, resulting in trade wars. Changes to Chinese regulations affecting the manufacture of electronic components may also be unpredictable. Changes to regulations in any other country where we may source components in the future may also be unpredictable and could affect the manufacture of electronic components in such countries and our ability to purchase components on a cost-effective basis. Any regulatory changes and changes in United States and China relations, or changes in relations with the United States any other country where we may source components in the future, may have a material adverse effect on our vendors in China and other such countries which could materially harm our business and financial condition.

 

International trade disputes could result in tariffs and other protectionist measures that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Tariffs could increase the cost of our products and raw materials that go into making them. These increased costs could adversely impact the gross margin that we earn on our products. Tariffs could also make our products more expensive for customers, which could make our products less competitive and reduce consumer demand. Countries may also adopt other protectionist measures that could limit our ability to offer our products. Political uncertainty surrounding international trade disputes and protectionist measures could also have a negative effect on consumer confidence and spending, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may in the future become subject to the requirements of the Sunshine Act.

 

We are not currently subject to the Physician Payment Sunshine Act (“Sunshine Act”), which was enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act. However, if we begin selling our products directly to governmental entities or our products become reimbursable by Medicare or Medicaid, then we may become subject to the Sunshine Act, which will require us to report annually to the Secretary of Health and Human Services: (i) payments or other transfers of value made by us, or by a third-party as directed by us, to physicians and teaching hospitals or to third parties on behalf of physicians or teaching hospitals; and (ii) physician ownership and investment interests in our company. The payments required to be reported include the cost of meals provided to a physician, travel reimbursements and other transfers of value, including those provided as part of contracted services such as speaker programs, advisory boards, consultation services and clinical trial services. Failure to comply with the reporting requirements can result in significant civil monetary penalties ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for each payment or other transfer of value that is not reported (up to a maximum per annual report of $150,000) and from $10,000 to $100,000 for each knowing failure to report (up to a maximum per annual report of $1.0 million). Additionally, becoming subject to the Sunshine Act and the information we disclose could lead to greater scrutiny, which could result in modifications to established practices and additional costs. Additionally, similar reporting requirements have also been enacted on the state level domestically, and an increasing number of countries worldwide have either adopted or are considering adopting similar laws requiring transparency of interactions with healthcare professionals.

 

Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property

 

We are highly dependent on intellectual property (“IP”), and our methods of protecting our IP may not be adequate or could be costly.

 

We rely on a combination of patent and trademark laws, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to protect our IP rights. We are building our IP portfolio, and may not be able to secure sufficient protection to prevent competition from entering the market or from creating competing products.

 

We cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain patent protection on the key components of our technology or that we will be able to obtain patents in key jurisdictions, such as the United States, Europe and Asia. We cannot give assurances that we will develop new products or technologies that are patentable or (to the extent applicable) that any new products will be covered by existing patents, that any issued patent will provide us with any competitive advantages or will not be challenged by third parties, or that the patents of others will not impair our ability to do business.

 

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We cannot guarantee that the applicable governmental authorities will approve any of our future trademark applications. Even if the applications are approved, third parties may seek to oppose or challenge these registrations. A failure to obtain trademark registrations in key jurisdictions could limit our ability to use our trademarks and impede our marketing efforts in those jurisdictions.

 

Despite our efforts to protect our IP, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or obtain and use our technology. Policing the unauthorized use of our technology on a global basis is difficult, and there can be no assurance that the steps taken by us will prevent misappropriation of our technology.

 

We cannot give assurances that our measures for preserving the secrecy of our trade secrets and confidential information will be sufficient to prevent others from obtaining our trade secrets.

 

We generally require our employees, consultants and corporate partners to sign confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements prohibiting them from disclosing any of our trade secrets. Our employment agreements and consulting agreements also contain confidentiality undertakings, as well as non-compete provisions, which prohibit employees, advisors and consultants from acting contrary to our interests during the period of their relationship with us.

 

Despite our efforts to preserve the secrecy of our trade secrets and confidential information, we may not have adequate remedies to preserve our trade secrets or to compensate us fully for our loss if employees, consultants or corporate partners breach confidentiality agreements with us. We cannot give assurances that our trade secrets will provide any competitive advantage, as they may become known to, or be independently developed by, competitors, regardless of the success of any measures we may take to try to preserve their confidentiality.

 

Any failure or inability to protect any of our IP or confidential information, or to enforce our rights against any infringement or misappropriation of our IP or confidential information, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, we may be forced to litigate to enforce or defend our IP, to protect our trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of other parties’ proprietary rights. Any such litigation could be very costly and could distract our management from focusing on operating our business. The existence and/or outcome of any such litigation could harm our business.

 

We may face risks of claims for IP infringement.

 

Our competitors or other persons may have already obtained or may in the future obtain patents or other rights relating to one or more aspects of our technology. Because we have not conducted a formal freedom to operate analysis for patents related to our technology, we may not be aware of issued patents that a third party might assert are infringed by our current or any future technology, which could materially impair our ability to commercialize our current or any future technology. Even if we diligently search third-party patents for potential infringement by our current or any future technology, we may not successfully find patents that our current or any future technology may infringe. If we are unable to secure and maintain freedom to operate, others could preclude us from commercializing our current or future technology. We may in the future become party to, or be threatened with, adversarial proceedings or litigation regarding intellectual property rights with respect to our current and any future technology, whether or not we are actually infringing, misappropriating or otherwise violating the rights of third parties. If we are sued for patent or other intellectual property right infringement, we may be forced to incur substantial costs in defending our self.

 

If litigation were to result in a judgment that we infringed a valid and enforceable patent or other intellectual property right, a court may order us to pay substantial damages to the owner of the patent or other intellectual property right and to stop using any infringing technology or products. This could cause a significant disruption in our business and force us to incur substantial costs to develop and implement alternative, non-infringing technology or products, or to obtain a license from the patent or other intellectual property right owner.

 

We cannot give assurance that we would be able to develop non-infringing alternatives at a reasonable cost that would be commercially acceptable, or that we would be able to obtain a license from any patent or other intellectual property right owner on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

 

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We may be unable to enforce our intellectual property rights throughout the world.

 

The laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. The area of bioelectronic medicine, specifically, is a nascent and emerging industry. To the extent we demonstrate novel means to manage physiological functions, the nature and degree of intellectual property protection we can obtain throughout the world may vary. Many companies have encountered significant problems in protecting and defending intellectual property rights in certain foreign jurisdictions. This could make it difficult for us to stop infringement of our foreign patents, if obtained, or the misappropriation of our other intellectual property rights. For example, some foreign countries have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner must grant licenses to third parties. In addition, some countries limit the enforceability of patents against certain third parties, including government agencies or government contractors. In these countries, patents may provide limited or no benefit. Patent protection must ultimately be sought on a country-by-country basis, which is an expensive and time-consuming process with uncertain outcomes. Accordingly, we may choose not to seek patent protection in certain countries, and we will not have the benefit of patent protection in such countries.

 

Proceedings to enforce our patent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business. Accordingly, our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights in such countries may be inadequate. In addition, changes in the law and legal decisions by courts in the United States and foreign countries may affect our ability to obtain adequate protection for our technology and the enforcement of our intellectual property.

 

Risks Related to Our Stock and this Offering

 

We expect that our stock price may fluctuate significantly and investors may not be able to resell their shares at or above the initial public offering price. An active trading market for our common stock may never develop.

 

Prior to this offering, you could not buy or sell our common stock publicly. Although we have applied to have our common stock listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, no assurance can be given that our application will be approved. Even if our application is approved and our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, an active trading market for our shares may never develop or be sustained following this offering. If an active market for our common stock does not develop or is not maintained, it may be difficult for you to sell shares you purchase in this offering without depressing the market price for the shares, or at all. An inactive trading market may also impair our ability to raise capital to continue to fund operations by selling additional shares of our common stock and may impair our ability to acquire other companies or technologies by using shares of our common stock as consideration.

 

The initial public offering price of our common stock will be determined through negotiations with the underwriters. This determined price may not reflect the price at which investors in the market will be willing to buy and sell our shares following this offering. You may be unable to sell your shares of common stock at or above the initial offering price. The market price of shares of our common stock following this offering could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to many risk factors listed in this section, and others beyond our control, including:

 

  · the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and operations and on market conditions generally;

 

  · the success of our products and of competitive products or technologies;

 

  · regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries;

 

  · the level of expenses related to our products or development programs;

 

  · announcements by us, our partners or our competitors of new products or therapies, significant contracts, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, collaborations, commercial relationships or capital commitments;

 

  · failure to meet or exceed financial estimates and projections of the investment community or that we provide to the public;

 

  · issuance of new or updated research or reports by securities analysts or recommendations for our stock;

 

  · disputes or other developments related to proprietary rights (including patents), litigation matters, and our ability to obtain patent protection for our technologies;

 

  · commencement of, or our involvement in, litigation;

 

  · fluctuations in the valuation of companies perceived by investors to be comparable to us;

 

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  · manufacturing disputes or delays;

 

  · any future sales of our common stock or other securities;

 

  · any change to the composition of the board of directors or key personnel;

 

  · general economic conditions and slow or negative growth of our markets;

 

  · share price and volume fluctuations attributable to inconsistent trading volume levels of our shares;

 

  · announcement or expectation of additional debt or equity financing efforts; and

 

  · other factors described in this section of the prospectus.

 

These and other market and industry factors may cause the market price and demand for our common stock to fluctuate substantially, regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, the stock market in general, and medical device companies in particular, have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. In the past, when the market price of a stock has been volatile, holders of that stock have on occasion instituted securities class action litigation against the company that issued the stock. If any of our stockholders were to bring a lawsuit against us, the defense and disposition of the lawsuit could be costly and divert the time and attention of our management and harm our operating results.

 

We do not expect to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future.

 

We do not expect to pay dividends to our stockholders at any time in the foreseeable future. Anyone considering investing in our stock should not rely on such investment to provide dividend income. Instead, we plan to retain any earnings to establish, maintain and expand our operations and product offerings. In addition, any future debt financing arrangement may contain terms prohibiting or limiting the amount of dividends that may be declared or paid on our stock. Accordingly, investors must rely on sales of their shares after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any return on their investment.

 

Future issuances of stock or other securities could dilute the holdings of stockholders and could materially affect the price of the shares of stock being issued in connection with this offering.

 

We anticipate that we will issue shares of capital stock in conjunction with future funding requirements. Any issuance of new shares of stock, or securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of stock, for the purpose of securing capital will result in the dilution of the ownership interests of our existing stockholders.

 

We have used and intend to continue to use equity incentives for employees, advisors, directors, key consultants and select affiliates. Any issuance of stock upon the conversion of options and/or incentive rights will result in the dilution of the ownership interests of our existing stockholders.

 

In addition, we may in the future decide to offer additional stock or other securities in order to finance new capital-intensive projects, in connection with unanticipated liabilities or expenses or for any other purposes. There is no assurance that we will not decide to conduct offerings of securities in the future. Depending on the structure of any future offering, certain existing stockholders may not have the ability to purchase additional equity securities. If we raise additional funds by issuing additional equity securities, the holdings and voting interests of existing stockholders could be diluted.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” and a “smaller reporting company,” and the reduced public company reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies and smaller reporting companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.

 

We qualify as an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (“JOBS Act”). For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we are permitted and plan to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are applicable to public companies that are not emerging growth companies. These provisions include, but are not limited to: being permitted to have only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations disclosure; an exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirement in the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended (“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”); not being required to comply with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements; reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation arrangements in our periodic reports, registration statements and proxy statements; and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. In addition, the JOBS Act permits emerging growth companies to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We intend to take advantage of certain of the exemptions discussed above.

 

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In addition, we are currently a “smaller reporting company,” as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), and have elected to take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies. 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 exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation requirements pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements. We will continue to be a “smaller reporting company” until we have more than $250 million in public float (based on our common stock) measured as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter or, in the event we have no public float (based on our common stock), annual revenues of more than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year.

 

As a result, the information we provide will be different than the information that is available with respect to other public companies. In this prospectus, we have not included all of the executive compensation-related information that would be required if we were not an emerging growth company. We cannot predict whether investors will find our common stock less attractive if we rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock, and the market price of our common stock may be more volatile.

 

If we are unable to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock may decline.

 

As a public company, we will be required to maintain internal control over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal controls. In addition, beginning with our second annual report on Form 10-K, we will be required to furnish a report by management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The process of designing, implementing and testing the internal control over financial reporting required to comply with this obligation is time consuming, costly and complicated. If we identify material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, if we are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, or if we are unable to assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could decline, and we could also become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our common stock is listed, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources.

 

A significant portion of our total outstanding shares of common stock are restricted from immediate resale but may be sold into the market in the near future. This could cause the market price of our common stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.

 

Subject to certain exceptions, without the prior written consent of ThinkEquity LLC, as representative of the underwriters, our current stockholders, during the period ending 6 months after the date of this prospectus, and our officers and directors and, during the period ending 12 months after the date of this prospectus, have agreed not to: (i) offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive shares of common stock; (ii) file any registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) relating to the offering of any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock; or (iii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of common stock, subject to certain exceptions. ThinkEquity, in its sole discretion, may release the common stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above in whole or in part at any time with or without notice. See the section of this prospectus entitled “Underwriting.”

 

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The market price of our common stock may decline significantly when the restrictions on resale by our existing stockholders lapse. A decline in the market price of our common stock might impede our ability to raise capital through the issuance of additional shares of common stock or other equity securities.

 

If our operating and financial performance in any given period does not meet any guidance that we provide to the public, the market price of our common stock may decline.

 

We may, but are not obligated to, provide public guidance on our expected operating and financial results for future periods. Any such guidance will be comprised of forward-looking statements subject to the risks and uncertainties described in this prospectus and in our other public filings and public statements. Our actual results may not always be in line with or exceed any guidance we have provided, especially in times of economic uncertainty. If, in the future, our operating or financial results for a particular period do not meet any guidance we provide or the expectations of investment analysts, or if we reduce our guidance for future periods, the market price of our common stock may decline. Even if we do issue public guidance, there can be no assurance that we will continue to do so in the future.

 

Investors in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution

 

The initial public offering price of our common stock is substantially higher than the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our common stock. Therefore, if you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you will pay a price per share that substantially exceeds our pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering. Based on the assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, you will experience immediate dilution of $3.91 per share, representing the difference between our pro forma net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering and the initial public offering price. In addition, if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares, or outstanding options and warrants are exercised, you could experience further dilution. For a further description of the dilution that you will experience immediately after this offering, see the section of this prospectus entitled “Dilution.”

 

Participation in this offering by our existing stockholders and/or their affiliated entities may reduce the public float of our common stock.

 

To the extent certain of our existing stockholders and their affiliated entities participate in this offering, such purchases would reduce the non-affiliate public float of our shares, meaning the number of shares of our common stock that are not held by officers, directors and controlling stockholders. A reduction in the public float could reduce the number of shares that are available to be traded at any given time, thereby adversely impacting the liquidity of our common stock and depressing the price at which you may be able to sell shares of common stock purchased in this offering.

 

We will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds to us from this offering and may not use them effectively.

 

We will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds to us from this offering, including for any of the purposes described in the section of this prospectus entitled “Use of Proceeds,” and you will not have the opportunity as part of your investment decision to assess whether the net proceeds are being used appropriately. Because of the number and variety of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering, our ultimate use may vary substantially from our currently intended use. Investors will need to rely upon the judgment of our management with respect to the use of proceeds. Pending use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities, such as money market accounts, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and guaranteed obligations of the U.S. government that may not generate a high yield for our stockholders. If we do not use the net proceeds that we receive in this offering effectively, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects could be harmed, and the market price of our common stock could decline.

 

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents, which will be effective upon completion of this offering, and under Delaware law, could make an acquisition of our company more difficult, limit attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management and limit the market price of our common stock.

 

Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as they will be in effect upon the closing of this offering, may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control or changes in our management. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will include provisions that:

 

  · authorize our board of directors to issue, without further action by the stockholders, shares of undesignated preferred stock with terms, rights, and preferences determined by our board of directors that may be senior to our common stock;

 

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  · require that any action to be taken by our stockholders be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting and not by written consent;

 

  · specify that special meetings of our stockholders can be called only by our board of directors, the chairperson of our board of directors, our Chief Executive Officer or our President (in the absence of a Chief Executive Officer);

 

  · establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting, including proposed nominations of persons for election to our board of directors;

 

  · prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors;

 

  · establish that our board of directors will be divided into three classes—Class I, Class II, and Class III—with each class serving staggered three-year terms;

 

  · provide that, so long as our board of directors is classified, directors may only be removed for cause;

 

  · provide that vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of directors then in office, even though less than a quorum; and

 

  · require the approval of our board of directors or the holders of two-thirds of our outstanding shares of voting stock to amend our bylaws and certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation.

 

These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management. In addition, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which generally, subject to certain exceptions, prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations with any “interested” stockholder for a period of three years following the date on which the stockholder became an “interested” stockholder. Any of the foregoing provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock, and they could deter potential acquirers of our company, thereby reducing the likelihood that you would receive a premium for your shares of our common stock in an acquisition.

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering, will provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the federal district court for the District of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for certain disputes between us and our stockholders, which could result in increased costs for our stockholders to bring a claim and could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, both of which will be in effect upon consummation of this offering, will provide that, unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, in the event that the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware or other state courts of the State of Delaware) is the exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by, or other wrongdoing by, any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company to the Company or our stockholders, creditors or other constituents; (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws; (iv) any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws; or (v) or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine; provided that, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Securities Act, Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction; and provided further that, if and only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware dismisses any such action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, or the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, such action may be brought in another state or federal court sitting in the State of Delaware. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will also provide that the federal district courts of the United States of America will be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action against us or any of our directors, officers, employees or agents and arising under the Securities Act or Exchange Act. Nothing in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws will preclude stockholders that assert claims under the Exchange Act from bringing such claims in state or federal court, subject to applicable law.

 

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We believe these provisions may benefit us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law and federal securities laws by chancellors and judges, as applicable, particularly experienced in resolving corporate disputes, efficient administration of cases on a more expedited schedule relative to other forums and protection against the burdens of multi-forum litigation. However, this choice of forum provision could result in increased costs for our stockholders to bring a claim and could may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Furthermore, the enforceability of similar choice of forum provisions in other companies’ certificates of incorporation has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that a court could find these types of provisions to be inapplicable or unenforceable. While the Delaware courts have determined that such choice of forum provisions are facially valid, a stockholder may nevertheless seek to bring a claim in a venue other than those designated in the exclusive forum provisions, and there can be no assurance that such provisions will be enforced by a court in those other jurisdictions. If a court were to find the choice of forum provision that will be contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.

 

General Risk Factors

 

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish unfavorable or inaccurate research about our business, the market price and trading volume of our common stock could decline.

 

The market price and trading volume of our common stock following the completion of this offering will be heavily influenced by the way analysts interpret our financial information and other disclosures. We do not have control over these analysts. If few securities analysts commence coverage of us, or if industry analysts cease coverage of us, our stock price would be negatively affected. If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, downgrade our common stock, or publish negative reports about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our common stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price to decline and could decrease the trading volume of our common stock.

 

We will incur increased costs and become subject to additional regulations and requirements as a result of becoming a public company, which could lower our profits or make it more difficult to run our business.

 

As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we have not incurred as a private company, including costs associated with public company reporting requirements. We also have incurred and will continue to incur costs associated with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and related rules implemented by the SEC, and the exchange our securities will be listed on. The expenses generally incurred by public companies for reporting and corporate governance purposes have been increasing. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly, although we are currently unable to estimate these costs with any degree of certainty. These laws and regulations also could make it more difficult or costly for us to obtain certain types of insurance, including director and officer liability insurance, and we may be forced to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. These laws and regulations could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors, on our board committees or as our executive officers. Furthermore, if we are unable to satisfy our obligations as a public company, we could be subject to delisting of our common stock, fines, sanctions, other regulatory action and potentially civil litigation.

 

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Actual or perceived failures to comply with applicable data privacy and security laws, regulations, policies, standards, contractual obligations and other requirements related to data privacy and security and changes to such laws, regulations, standards, policies and contractual obligations could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The global data protection landscape is rapidly evolving, and there has been an increasing focus on privacy and data protection issues with the potential to affect our business. We are subject to numerous state, federal and foreign laws, requirements and regulations governing the collection, transmission, use, disclosure, storage, retention and security of personal and personally-identifying information, such as information that we may collect in connection with conducting our business in the United States and abroad. Implementation standards and enforcement practices are likely to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future, and we cannot yet determine the impact future laws, regulations, standards or perception of their requirements may have on our business. This evolution may create uncertainty in our business; affect our ability to operate in certain jurisdictions; or to collect, store, transfer use and share personal information; necessitate the acceptance of more onerous obligations in our contracts; result in liability or impose additional costs on us. The cost of compliance with these laws, regulations and standards is high and is likely to increase in the future. Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with federal, state or foreign laws or regulation, our internal policies and procedures, or our contracts governing our processing of personal information could result in negative publicity, government investigations and enforcement actions, fines, imprisonment of company officials and public censure, claims by third parties, damage to our reputation and loss of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Changes in accounting standards and subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by management related to complex accounting matters could significantly affect our financial results.

 

U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and related pronouncements, implementation guidelines and interpretations with regard to a wide variety of matters that are relevant to our business, such as, but not limited to, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, trade promotions and income taxes are highly complex and involve many subjective assumptions, estimates and judgments by our management. Changes to these rules or their interpretation or changes in underlying assumptions, estimates or judgments by our management could significantly change our reported results.

 

We are subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, and similar laws, and non-compliance with such laws could subject us to criminal or civil liability and harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (“FCPA”), U.S. domestic bribery laws, the UK Bribery Act 2010, and other anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws in the countries in which we conduct business. Anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws have been enforced aggressively in recent years and are interpreted broadly to generally prohibit companies, their employees, and their third-party intermediaries from authorizing, offering, or providing, directly or indirectly, improper payments or benefits to recipients in the public or private sector. As we increase our international sales and business and sales to the public sector, we may engage with business partners and third-party intermediaries to market our products and to obtain necessary permits, licenses, and other regulatory approvals. In addition, we or our third-party intermediaries may have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state-owned or affiliated entities. We can be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of these third-party intermediaries, our employees, representatives, contractors, partners, and agents, even if we do not explicitly authorize such activities. While we have policies and procedures to address compliance with such laws, there is a risk that our employees and agents will take actions in violation of our policies and applicable law, for which we may be ultimately held responsible. As we expand internationally, our risks under these laws may increase.

 

Detecting, investigating, and resolving actual or alleged violations of anti-corruption laws can require a significant diversion of time, resources, and attention from senior management. In addition, noncompliance with anti-corruption, anti-bribery, or anti-money laundering laws could subject us to whistleblower complaints, investigations, sanctions, settlements, prosecution, enforcement actions, fines, damages, other civil or criminal penalties or injunctions, suspension or debarment from contracting with certain persons, reputational harm, adverse media coverage, and other collateral consequences. If any subpoenas or investigations are launched, or governmental or other sanctions are imposed, or if we do not prevail in any possible civil or criminal proceeding, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be harmed.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus may contain certain “forward-looking” statements as such term is defined by the SEC in its rules, regulations and releases, which represent our expectations or beliefs, including but not limited to, statements concerning our operations, economic performance, financial condition, growth and acquisition strategies, investments, and future operational plans. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intent,” “could,” “estimate,” “might,” “plan,” “predict” or “continue” or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements, by their nature, involve substantial risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including uncertainty related to acquisitions, governmental regulation, managing and maintaining growth, the operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, volatility of stock price, commercial viability of our product candidates and any other factors discussed in this and other registrant filings with the SEC.

 

These risks and uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to those set forth under “Risk Factors” of this prospectus. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or the risk factors described in this prospectus or in the documents we incorporate by reference, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason after the date of this prospectus.

 

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding, among other things:

 

  · our ability to continue as a going concern;

 

  · our anticipated needs for working capital;

 

  · our ability to secure additional financing;

 

  · we have incurred significant losses since our inception and anticipate that we will continue to incur losses in the future;

 

  · regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries;

 

  · developments or disputes concerning patent applications, issued patents or other proprietary rights;

 

  · the level of expenses related to our product development and operations; and

 

  · our efforts to expand our products and our business.

 

Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, without limitation, the risks outlined under “Risk Factors” and matters described in prospectus generally. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus will in fact occur. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. In addition to the information expressly required to be included in this prospectus, we will provide such further material information, if any, as may be necessary to make the required statements, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Assuming a public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, we estimate that the net proceeds to us from the sale of our common stock in this offering will be approximately $12.9 million (or $15.0 million if the representative of the underwriters exercises its over-allotment option in full), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $2.5 million (or $2.9 million if the representative of the underwriters exercises its over-allotment option in full), assuming the number of shares we sell, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, an increase (decrease) of 0.5 million shares offered would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $2.5 million, assuming the assumed public offering price remains the same, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

The principal purposes of this offering are to increase our capitalization and financial flexibility, create a public market for our common stock and thereby enable access to the public equity markets for us and our stockholders. We currently anticipate our use of the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing resources, will include:

 

· approximately $5.8 million to expand our sales and marketing efforts, including (i) expanding advertising and public relations; (ii) growing our social media presence; (iii) upgrading and optimizing ecommerce infrastructure, online/website design; and (iv) other initiatives to grow sales of ClearUP and to market Tivic Health as a trusted brand for evidence-based health bio-electronic health devices and services based on bioelectronic medicine;

 

· approximately $2.2 million to expand clinical research and development activities to identify and validate new product candidates, move them through pre-clinical and clinical development, and develop go-to-market strategies;

 

· approximately $0.5 million to build and launch the next generation of ClearUP Gen 2; and

 

· the balance for working capital, business development opportunities, general corporate purposes, including expanding our insurance, legal, finance, and compliance investments to support operating as a public company.

 

Although we may, from time to time, evaluate potential strategic investments and acquisitions, we do not have any definitive agreements in place to make any such acquisitions at this current time. We will have broad discretion in the way that we use the net proceeds of this offering. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Stock and this Offering.”

 

The expected use of net proceeds from this offering represents our intentions based upon our current plans and business conditions, which could change in the future as our plans and business conditions evolve and change. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures may vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including the progress of our development and any unforeseen cash needs. As a result, our management will have broad discretion over how these proceeds are used. Proceeds held by us will be invested in short-term investments until needed for the uses described above.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, for use in our business and therefore do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors after taking into account various factors, including our financial condition, operating results, and current and anticipated cash needs. Investors should not purchase our common stock with the expectation of receiving cash dividends.

 

Pursuant to our existing certificate of incorporation, the holders of our preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends prior to and in preference to any dividends on common stock, when and if declared by our board of directors. Any additional dividends will be paid ratably to holders of common and preferred stock, with the holders of preferred stock participating on an as-converted basis. Our existing certificate of incorporation also provides that we may not pay or set aside any dividends on shares of any class or series of capital stock without the prior written consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of preferred stock. All outstanding shares of our preferred stock, however, will be converted into shares of common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our cash, cash equivalents, debt securities and other investments available for sale and securities and our capitalization as of June 30, 2021:

 

  · on an actual basis;

 

  · on a pro forma basis to give effect to (i) the issuance of an aggregate of 346,979 shares of our common stock upon exercise of stock options by certain holders in August 2021, resulting in aggregate net proceeds to the Company of approximately $50,000; (ii) the issuance of 112,500 restricted shares of common stock to our Chief Financial Officer in July 2021; (iii) the automatic conversion of all our outstanding convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $4,429,721, plus accrued interest of approximately $59,733 (as of September 1, 2021), as described herein, into 1,088,333 shares of common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share); (iv) the conversion of all our outstanding convertible preferred stock described herein into 2,227,116 shares of common stock, which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering; (v) our issuance of certain convertible notes payable (collectively, the “Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $517,500 (resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $450,000 after recording an original issue discount of $67,500) in July 2021; and (vi) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation immediately prior to the completion of this offering; and

 

  · on a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to the pro forma adjustments and to give further effect to the sale of 2,727,272 shares of our common stock in this offering, assuming an initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

All share and per share data has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock, which was effected on August 31, 2021. The pro forma and pro forma as adjusted information below is illustrative only, and our capitalization following the corporate conversion and the completion of this offering will depend on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. You should read the following information together with the information contained under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited and unaudited financial statements and the accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

As of June 30, 2021
    Actual     Pro
Forma(1)
    Pro Forma
As Adjusted(1)(2)
 
          (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
      (in thousands, except share
and per share amounts)
 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments   $ 1,623     $ 2,124     $ 15,049  
Deferred offering costs   $ 363     $ 363     $ -  
Convertible notes payable, accrued interest (3)   $ 38     $ -     $ -  
Current portion of convertible notes payable, net of debt discount(4)   $ 1,962     $ -     $ -  
Conversion feature derivative liability   $ 1,823     $ -     $ -  
Convertible notes payable, net of debt discount (5)   $ 857     $ -     $ -  
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):                        
Convertible preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,113,621 shares authorized, 8,908,600 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 10,000,000 shares authorized and no shares outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted   $ 1     $ -     $ -  
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, 2,374,479 issued and outstanding, actual; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 6,149,407 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma (unaudited); 8,876,679 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted (unaudited)   $ -     $ 1     $ 1  
Additional paid-in capital   $ 9,898     $ 16,201     $ 28,764  
Accumulated deficit   $ (13,502 )   $ (14,625 )   $ (14,625 )
                         
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)   $ (3,603 )   $ 1,578     $ 14,140  
                         
Total capitalization   $ 1,077     $ 1,578     $ 14,140  

  

(1) This pro forma and pro forma as adjusted information is illustrative only and will depend on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

 

(2) Each $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) would increase or decrease, as applicable, the pro forma as adjusted amounts of each of our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, common stock and additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity (deficit), and total capitalization by approximately $2,495,000, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each increase or decrease of 0.5 million shares in the number of shares offered by us would increase or decrease, as applicable, the pro forma as adjusted amounts of each of our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, additional paid-in capital, total stockholders’ equity (deficit) and total capitalization by approximately $2,516,000, assuming the assumed initial public offering price remains the same, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
   
(3) Convertible notes payable accrued interest of $38,000 is included in the other accrued liabilities of $311,000 reflected in the Company’s balance sheet for the six months ended June 30, 2021.
   
(4) Current portion of convertible notes payable, net of debt discount reflects convertible notes payable issued in 2020 at a face value of $1,987,500, less unamortized debt discount of $25,085 as of June 30, 2021.
   
(5) Convertible notes payable, net of debt discount reflect convertible notes payable issued in June 2021 at a face value of $1,924,721, less unamortized debt discount of $1,067,476 as of June 30, 2021.

  

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The number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted in the table above is based on (i) 2,374,479 shares of our common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2021; (ii) 346,979 shares of our common stock issued upon exercise of stock options by certain holders in August 2021; (iii) 112,500 restricted shares of common stock issued to our Chief Financial Officer in July 2021; (iv) 2,227,116 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of 8,908,600 shares of our outstanding preferred stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering; and (v) 1,088,333 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding convertible notes in the principal amount of approximately $4,429,721, with approximately $59,733 of additional accrued interest (as of September 30, 2021), based on an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share). The number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding, pro forma and pro forma as adjusted in the table above excludes the following:

 

  · 376,970 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options to purchase shares of common stock outstanding as of September 1, 2021, with a weighted-average exercise price of $0.80 per share;
     
  · 100,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants to purchase shares of common stock, all with an exercise price of approximately $1.04 per share, 50,000 of which warrants were issued to a consultant on July 1, 2021 and 50,000 of which warrants shall be issued to the same consultant as soon as reasonably practicable after consummation of this offering;
     
  · shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants to be issued to the representative of the underwriters as compensation in connection with this offering;

 

  · 70,342 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance as of September 1, 2021 under our 2017 Plan (the 2017 Plan will terminate effective upon consummation of this offering, after which date no additional shares, options or other equity interests may be issued thereunder); and

 

  · 937,500 shares of common stock to be reserved for future issuance under our 2021 Plan, which will be effective upon the completion of this offering.

 

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DILUTION

 

If you invest in our common stock, your ownership interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share of our common stock and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after this offering. Net tangible book value per share represents the book value of our total tangible assets less the book value of our total liabilities divided by the number of shares of common stock then issued and outstanding.

 

Our historical net tangible book value of our common stock as of June 30, 2021 was $(3,966,000), or $(1.67) per share (as adjusted to reflect the 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock, which was effected on August 31, 2021).

 

The pro forma net tangible book value of our common stock as of June 30, 2021 was $1,215,000 or $0.20 per share, after giving effect to (i) the issuance of an aggregate of 346,979 shares of our common stock upon exercise of stock options by certain holders in August 2021, resulting in aggregate net proceeds to the Company of approximately $50,000; (ii) the issuance of 112,500 restricted shares of common stock to our Chief Financial Officer in July 2021; (iii) the automatic conversion of all our outstanding convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $4,429,721, plus accrued interest of approximately $59,733 (as of September 1, 2021), as described herein, into 1,088,333 shares of common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share); (iv) the conversion of all our outstanding convertible preferred stock described herein into 2,227,116 shares of common stock, which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering; (iii) our issuance of certain convertible notes payable in the aggregate principal amount of $517,500 (resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $450,000 after recording an original issue discount of $67,500) in July 2021; and (v) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation immediately prior to the completion of this offering.

 

After giving further effect to the receipt of the net proceeds from our sale of shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $5.50 per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of June 30, 2021, would have been $14,401,000, or $1.59 per share. This represents an immediate increase in pro forma net tangible book value of $18,106,000 to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $3.91 per share to investors purchasing common stock in this offering.

 

We calculate dilution per share to new investors by subtracting the pro forma net tangible book value per share from the public offering price paid by the new investor. The following table illustrates the dilution to new investors on a per share basis:

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share           $ 5.50   
Historical net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2021   $ (1.67 )        
Pro forma increase per share attributable to the pro forma transactions described in the preceding paragraphs     1.87          
Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2021   $ 0.20          
Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to this offering   $ 1.39          
Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering           $ 1.59  
Dilution per share to new investors in this offering           $ 3.91  

 

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price of $5.50 would increase (decrease) our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by $1.87 per share and the dilution to new investors by $3.63 per share, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, an increase (decrease) of 0.5 million shares offered would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value by $1.78 per share and the dilution to new investors by $3.72 per share, assuming the assumed public offering price remains the same, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

If the representative of the underwriters’ option to purchase 409,090 additional shares to cover over-allotments is exercised in full, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering would be $1.74 per share, representing an immediate increase to existing stockholders of $1.55 per share, and immediate dilution to new investors in this offering of $3.76 per share, in each case assuming an initial public offering price of $5.50 per share.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, the foregoing calculations:

 

  · assume no exercise by the representative of the underwriters of its over-allotment option;

 

  · give effect to the 1-for-4 reverse stock split with respect to our issued and outstanding shares of common stock effected on August 31, 2021;

 

  · Exclude 376,970 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options to purchase shares of common stock outstanding as of September 1, 2021, with a weighted-average exercise price of $0.80 per share;
     
  · exclude 100,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants to purchase shares of common stock, all with an exercise price of approximately $1.04 per share, 50,000 of which warrants were issued to a consultant on July 1, 2021 and 50,000 of which warrants shall be issued to the same consultant as soon as reasonably practicable after consummation of this offering;
     
  · excludes shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants to be issued to the representative of the underwriters as compensation in connection with this offering at an exercise price equal to 125% of the initial offering price of the common stock;
     
  · 70,342 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance as of September 1, 2021 under our 2017 Plan (the 2017 Plan will terminate effective upon consummation of this offering, after which date no additional shares, options or other equity interests may be issued thereunder); and

 

  · exclude 937,500 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance pursuant to our 2021 Plan.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with “Selected Financial Data” and the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed in “Risk Factors” and in other parts of this prospectus.

 

Overview

 

We are a bioelectronic device company delivering non-invasive neuromodulation products for treatment of inflammatory conditions. Bioelectronic medicine, also referred to as electroceuticals or neuromodulation, is the treatment of disease and conditions by preferentially activating electrical functions of the body to modify central or peripheral nerve activity.

 

Business Developments

 

Since our formation in September 2016, we have devoted substantially all of our efforts to research and development, to regulatory clearance and to early market development and testing for our first product, released September 2019 in the United States. We are not profitable and have incurred losses in each year since our inception. Our net loss was $2,450,000, $3,639,000 and $4,148,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of June 30, 2021, we had an accumulated deficit of $13,502,000. We currently have one product approved for sale with two United States indications and CE Mark. We expect to incur sales and marketing costs to drive adoption and market access in the United States market, with later expansion under the CE Mark. We expect to incur additional research and development expenses related to extending the indications for our product(s). We expect to incur additional general and administrative expenses related to scaling our operations and operating as a public company.

 

In February 2018, we initiated the FDA pivotal trial for ClearUP Sinus Pain Relief, a handheld neuromodulation device targeting the symptoms of sinus inflammation, and secured FDA clearance in January 2019. In February 2020, we were granted the CE Mark for ClearUP and in March 2021, the FDA extended the use of ClearUP to allow broader marketing. We expect that our operating expenses will increase significantly as we discover, acquire, validate and develop additional product candidates; seek regulatory approval and, if approved, proceed to commercialization of new products; obtain, maintain, protect and enforce our intellectual property portfolio; and hire additional personnel. Furthermore, we have incurred and will continue to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company that we did not experience as a private company. We expect to continue to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future.

 

We have funded our operations primarily from the issuance and sale of convertible preferred stock and convertible notes payable and the sale of our products. As of June 30, 2021, we had $1,623,000 in cash and cash equivalents.

 

We currently generate sales revenue through both owned channels and third-party online retailers. Our ability to grow sales revenue will depend on successfully executing a comprehensive marketing campaign to drive additional sales through existing and new channels. Long-term growth will be commensurate with our ability to successfully identify, develop, and secure regulatory approval of one or more additional product candidates beyond ClearUP. Until such time as we can generate significant revenue from product sales, if ever, we expect to finance our operations through private or public equity or debt financings, collaborative or other arrangements with corporate sources, or through other sources of financing. Adequate funding may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. If we fail to raise capital or enter into such agreements as and when needed, we may have to significantly delay, scale back or discontinue the development and commercialization of our products and/or future product candidates.

 

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We rely heavily on third-party service providers, including marketing agencies, clinical research organizations and academic research partnerships, finance and accounting support, legal support, and contract manufacturing organizations to carry out our operations. We expect to increase headcount selectively, but will continue to rely significantly on third-party service providers with specialized expertise and/or facilities.

 

Components of Results of Operations

 

Revenue

 

Revenue is generated by the sale of our products. In 2019, our sales came primarily through pre- and post-launch sales on product discovery platforms and our owned and operated website, with sales initiated on Amazon.com in late 2019. In 2020, revenue came through our owned and operated websites, Amazon.com and online retail.

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales consists primarily of the materials and services to manufacture our products, the internal personnel costs to oversee manufacturing and supply chain functions, and the shipment of goods to customers. A significant portion of our cost of sales is currently in fixed and semi-fixed expenses associated with the management of manufacturing and supply chain. Cost of sales is expected to increase on an absolute basis as sales volume increases. Cost of sales is expected to decrease as a proportion of revenue with (1) the release of our second generation ClearUP design, optimized for mass manufacturing, and (2) the allocation of fixed and semi-fixed expenses over increasing unit sales volume.

 

Gross Margin

 

Our gross margin has been and will continue to be affected by a variety of factors, including sales volumes, product and channel mix, pricing strategies, costs of finished goods, and product return rates. We expect our gross margin to increase with the launch of ClearUP Gen 2 and increasing sales volume over which fixed and semi-fixed costs are allocated. Any increase in gross margin will likely fluctuate from quarter to quarter as we continue to introduce new products, new manufacturing and suppliers and adopt new technologies.

 

Operating Expenses

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

Our research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred to conduct research, including the discovery, development and validation of product candidates. Research and development expenses include personnel costs, including stock-based compensation expense, third-party contractor services, including development and testing of prototype devices, and maintenance of limited in-house research facilities. We expense research and development costs as they are incurred. We expect research and development expenses to increase with the discovery and validation of new product candidates.

 

Sales and Marketing Expenses

 

Sales and marketing expenses include personnel costs and expenses for advertising and other marketing services. Personnel costs consist of salaries, bonuses, benefits and stock-based compensation. We expect sales and marketing expenses to increase as we expand the marketing of our products and pursue sales growth.

 

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General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses include personnel costs, expenses for outside professional services and other expenses. Personnel costs consist of salaries, bonuses, benefits and stock-based compensation. Outside professional services consist of legal, finance, accounting and audit services, and other consulting fees. We expect general and administrative expenses to increase as we build our operational infrastructure. We expect general and administrative expenses will decrease as a proportion of revenue as revenue scales against fixed and semi-fixed administrative expenses.

 

Other Income / Expense, Net

 

Other expense, net primarily consists of the fair value adjustments related to the derivative liability for conversion rights, amortization of debt discount included in interest expense and the loss from the extinguishment of debt from the conversion of the convertible notes to preferred stock.

 

Results of Operations

 

Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

 

    Six Months Ended June 30,        
Statement of operations data:   2021     2020     Change  
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)        
Revenue   $ 547     $ 246     $ 301  
Cost of sales     602       333       269  
Gross loss     (55 )     (87 )     32  
Operating expenses:                        
Research and development     399       386       13  
Sales and marketing     605       517       88  
General and administrative     1,053       595       458  
Total operating expenses     2,057       1,498       559  
Loss from operations     (2,112 )     (1,585 )     (527 )
Other income (expense):                        
Interest expense     (497 )     (15 )     (482 )
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities     1       -       1  
Other income     159       13       146  
Total other income (expense)     (337 )     (2 )     (335 )
Loss before provision for income taxes     (2,449 )     (1,587 )     (862 )
Provision for income taxes     1       -       1  
Net loss   $ (2,450 )   $ (1,587 )   $ (863 )

 

Revenue

 

Revenue increased $301,000 (122%) from $246,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 to $547,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, primarily attributable to increased unit sales of 114% and a reduction in consumer pricing incentives during the six months ended June 30, 2021 from the six months ended June 30, 2020 in response to COVID-19. Our unit sales were significantly adversely impacted starting in February 2020 as COVID-19 responses in our major channel (Amazon) compromised fulfillment of orders and disrupted our largely digital launch campaigns resulting in increased consumer pricing incentives during the six months ended June 30, 2020.

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $602,000 compared to $333,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2020, an increase of $269,000 or 81%, primarily attributable to higher unit sales of 114% in the six months ended June 30, 2021 as compared to the six months ended March 2020. Gross loss for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $(55,000) or negative 10% compared to $(87,000) or negative 35% as a percentage of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Gross margin improved primarily due to a reduction in consumer pricing incentives during the six months ended June 30, 2021 from the six months ended June 30, 2020 when incentives were offered in response to COVID-19 and due to higher volume absorbing fixed costs of third-party logistics support and allocated costs of Company personnel. We expect our gross margins to remain negative until the launch of ClearUP Gen 2 planned for in 2022.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development expenses increased by $13,000 from $386,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 compared to $399,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The emphasis of activity in 2020 was primarily related to completion of a four-week at home clinical study supporting the application for a CE Mark for ClearUP. Activity in 2021 was primarily focused on developing the next generation of product, ClearUP Gen 2, and preparation for seeking FDA approval for a second indication for the ClearUP product line.

 

Sales and Marketing Expenses

 

Sales and marketing expenses increased to $605,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $517,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The increase of $88,000 was due to increased expenditures for optimization services related to the Company’s e-commerce platform.

 

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General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses were $1,053,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $595,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase of $458,000 was primarily due to audit fees, consulting fees and other professional services to upgrade the accounting and finance function and to obtain an audit.

 

Other Income (Expense), Net

 

Other income (expense), net for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is primarily due to amortization of debt discount of $469,000 and the fair value remeasurement of the convertible feature derivative liability of $27,000. There were no similar expenses in the six months ended June 30, 2020 as there was no convertible debt activity during this period.

 

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

 

The following table summarizes our results of operations (in thousands):

 

    Year Ended December 31,        
Statement of operations data:   2020     2019     Change  
Revenue   $ 860     $ 420     $ 440  
Cost of sales     1,085       709       376  
Gross loss     (225 )     (289 )     64  
Operating expenses:                        
Research and development     659       990       (331 )
Sales and marketing     1,306       1,191       115  
General and administrative     1,014       1,173       (159 )
Total operating expenses     2,979       3,354       (375 )
Loss from operations     (3,204 )     (3,643 )     439  
Other income (expense):                        
Interest expense     (423 )     (443 )     20  
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities     (27 )     (75 )     48  
Other income     15       15       -  
Total other income (expense)     (435 )     (503 )     68  
Loss before provision for income taxes     (3,639 )     (4,146 )     507  
Provision for income taxes     -       2       (2 )
Net loss   $ (3,639 )   $ (4,148 )   $ 509  

 

Revenue

 

Revenue increased $440,000 (105%) from $420,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $860,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase is attributable to a full year of sales in the year ended December 31, 2020 and the addition of new sales channels. We commenced sales in September 2019, and therefore revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 includes only four months of sales. Our product sales were significantly adversely impacted in the first half of 2020 as COVID-19 responses in our major channel (Amazon) compromised fulfillment of orders and disrupted the Company’s largely digital launch campaigns. Approximately 72% of sales were secured in the second half of 2020 after the Company launched new sales channel relationships with online retailers.

 

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Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $1,085,000 compared to $709,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, an increase of $376,000 or 53%. The increase in cost of sales was due to higher sales volume in 2020. Gross margin is negative due to the cost of third-party logistics support and Company personnel exceeding the contribution from the low volume of revenue. Cost of sales as a proportion of revenue decreased by 42% with allocation of these expenses across a larger sales volume.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development expenses decreased by $331,000 from $990,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $659,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The emphasis of activity in 2019 was primarily related to completion of pre-launch clinical studies supporting the release of ClearUP in September 2019. Activity in 2020 was primarily focused on product improvement and obtaining additional regulatory clearances, including an FDA De Novo grant for treatment of moderate to severe congestion and a CE Mark for treatment of sinus pain, pressure, and congestion.

 

Sales and Marketing Expenses

 

Sales and marketing expenses increased to $1,306,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $1,191,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase of $115,000 was due to selective advertising campaigns used to drive increased revenue.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses were $1,014,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $1,173,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease of $159,000 was primarily due to higher level of legal and other professional services incurred prior to the release of the initial production model in 2019 offset by higher compensation in 2020.

 

Other Income (Expense), Net

 

Other income (expense), net decreased by $68,000 from $503,000 expense in the year ended December 31, 2019 to $435,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease is due to a lower expense from the fair value remeasurement of the convertible feature derivative liability of $48,000 and lower amortization of debt discount of $20,000.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Sources of Liquidity

 

From our inception through June 30, 2021, we have generated $1,827,000 revenue from product sales and have incurred operating losses and negative cash flows from our operations. As of June 30, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,623,000, a working capital deficit of $3,139,000 and an accumulated deficit of $13,502,000. We have financed our operations to date primarily through issuances of SAFE instruments, convertible notes and convertible preferred stock. In 2019, we sold an aggregate of 2,787,854 shares of our convertible preferred stock to accredited investors, generating net proceeds of $3,843,000, and borrowings from convertible notes payables issued to investors in the amount of $1,710,000. In 2020, we borrowed $1,573,000 by issuing convertible notes and issued notes payable to borrow $195,000. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, we borrowed $2,163,000 by issuing convertible notes payable.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we incurred net losses of $2,450,000, $3,639,000 and $4,148,000, respectively, and used $1,571,000, $3,027,000 and $3,670,000 of cash for operations, respectively. Management expects to incur substantial additional operating losses for at least the next two years to expand our markets, complete development of new products, obtain regulatory approvals, launch and commercialize our products and continue research and development programs.

 

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Recent Developments 

 

In April 2021, we issued a convertible note payable for total proceeds of $115,000. The note is unsecured, has interest accrued at a rate of 3% per annum and has a term of thirteen months.

 

On May 11, 2021, the SBA approved forgiveness of our PPP Loan, including accrued interest. The amount forgiven by the SBA was $157,000.

 

Effective as of June 7, 2021, the Company reincorporated as a Delaware corporation.

 

From June 2021 through July 2021, we issued convertible notes payables for total proceeds of $1,866,000, of which proceeds a total of $450,000 was not received by us until July 2021. The notes were issued at an original issue discount of $244,000 with principal outstanding of $2,110,000. The notes are unsecured, have a term of twenty-three months, and accrue interest at a rate of 3% per annum.

 

In June 2021, we issued convertible notes payable for total proceeds of $232,000. The notes are unsecured, have a term of twenty-three months, and accrue interest at a rate of 3% per annum.

 

In June 2021, we issued a convertible notes payable to our Chief Executive Officer for total proceeds of $100,000. The note is unsecured, has a term of twenty-three months, and accrues interests at a rate of 3% per annum.

 

In August 2021, after receiving Board approval of the same on July 29, 2021, holders of a majority of our issued and outstanding securities authorized our Board, acting in its sole discretion without further approval of our stockholders, to effect a reverse split of our issued and outstanding common stock, at a ratio of not less than 1-for-2, but not more than 1-for-15, at any time on or before July 29, 2021. On August 29, 2021, our Board approved a reverse split ratio of 1-for-4, and on August 31, 2021, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to implement the reverse stock split.

 

We intend to raise additional capital through the issuance of additional equity and debt. If financing is not available at adequate levels, we may need to reevaluate our operating plans. Based on projected activities, management projects that cash and cash equivalents on hand are not sufficient to support operations for at least the next 12 months following issuance of the financial statements for fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, which raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Plan of Operation and Future Funding Requirements

 

We use our capital resources primarily to fund operating expenses, primarily marketing and advertising for ClearUP and general operating expenses. We plan to increase our marketing and advertising investments to drive sales of ClearUP through existing and new channels. Our advertising investments will focus principally on driving adoption of the second generation version of ClearUP. We plan to increase our research and development investments to identify and validate new product candidates, move them through pre-clinical and clinical development, and develop go-to-market strategies that leverage our existing sales channels and call points. At this time, due to the inherently unpredictable nature of research and new product adoption, we cannot reasonably estimate the costs we will incur and the timelines that will be required to complete development, obtain marketing approval and commercialize future product candidates, if at all. For the same reasons, we are also unable to predict how quickly we will ramp-up revenue from ClearUP product sales or whether, or when, if ever, we may achieve profitability from the sales of one or more products. Clinical and preclinical development timelines, the probability of success, and sell-in costs can differ materially from expectations. In addition, we cannot forecast which product candidates may be best developed and/or monetized through future collaborations, when such arrangements will be secured, if at all, and to what degree such arrangements would affect our development plans and capital requirements.

 

We have generated operating losses in each period since inception. We have incurred an accumulated deficit of $13,502,000 through June 30, 2021. We expect to incur additional losses in the future as we expand both our marketing and research and development activities. Based on our current plans, we expect that proceeds from the initial public offering will be sufficient to fund the company for 18 months. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, however, and we could use our capital resources sooner than we expect.

 

The timing and amount of our operating expenditures will depend largely on:

  

  ·

the timing and progress of sales initiatives driving top-line revenue;

 

  ·

the timing and adoption rate of ClearUP Gen 2 at lower cost of goods;

 

  ·

the payment terms and timing of commercial contracts entered into for manufacturing and sales of our products to and through third-party retailers;

 

  ·

the timing and progress of preclinical and clinical development activities;

 

  ·

the number and scope of preclinical and clinical programs we decide to pursue;

 

  ·

the timing and amount of milestone payments we may receive under any future collaboration agreements;

 

  ·

our ability to source new business opportunities through licenses and research and development programs and to establish new collaboration arrangements;

 

  ·

the costs involved in prosecuting and enforcing patent and other intellectual property claims;

 

  ·

the cost and timing of additional regulatory approvals beyond those currently held by us; and

 

  · our efforts to enhance operational systems and hire additional personnel, including personnel to support finance, sales, marketing, operations and development of our product candidates and satisfy our obligations as a public company.

 

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Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial revenue from product sales, we expect to fund our operations and capital funding needs through equity and/or debt financings. We may also consider entering into collaboration arrangements or selectively partnering with third parties for clinical development and commercialization. The sale of additional equity would result in additional dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of additional debt would result in debt service obligations and the instruments governing such debt could provide for operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations or our ability to incur additional indebtedness or pay dividends, among other items. If we raise additional funds through governmental funding, collaborations, strategic partnerships and alliances or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are not able to secure adequate additional funding, we may be forced to make reductions in spending, extend payment terms with suppliers, liquidate assets where possible, and/or suspend or curtail planned programs. Any of these actions could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

Cash Flows

 

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the period indicated (in thousands):

 

    Year Ended     Six Months Ended  
    December 31,     June 30,  
    2020     2019     2021     2020  
                (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
Cash used in operating activities   $ (3,027 )   $ (3,670 )   $ (1,571 )   $ (1,952 )
Cash used in investing activities     -       (31 )     -       -  
Cash provided by financing activities     1,760       5,553       2,150       376  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   $ (1,267 )   $ 1,852     $ 579     $ (1,576 )

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $1,571,000, which consisted primarily of net loss of $2,450,000 decreased by non-cash charges of $319,000 and increased by a net change of $560,000 in our net operating assets. The non-cash charges primarily consisted of debt discount amortization of $469,000 and stock-based compensation of $18,000 offset by forgiveness of the PPP loan of $157,000. The change in our net operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $974,000 offset by an increase in accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets and deferred offering costs of $414,000.

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $1,952,000, which consisted primarily of net loss of $1,587,000 decreased by non-cash charges of $69,000 and decreased by a net change of $434,000 in our net operating assets. The non-cash charges primarily consisted of stock-based compensation of $48,000 and amortization of debt discount of $15,000. The change in our net operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable, inventory and prepaid expenses and other current assets of $107,000 and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $327,000.

 

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2020, was $3,027,000, which consisted primarily of net loss of $3,639,000 decreased by non-cash charges of $568,000 and decreased by a net change of $44,000 in our net operating assets. The non-cash charges primarily consisted of debt discount amortization of $411,000, stock-based compensation of $78,000, and change in fair value remeasurement of derivative liabilities of $27,000. The change in our net operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to an increase in inventory, accompanied by a decrease in accrued liabilities in 2020.

  

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Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2019, was $3,670,000, which consisted primarily of net loss of $4,148,000 decreased by non-cash charges of $546,000 and increased by a net change of $68,000 in our net operating assets. The non-cash charges primarily consisted of debt discount amortization of $351,000, change in fair value remeasurement of derivative liabilities of $75,000, and noncash interest of $93,000. The change in our net operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to an increase in current assets of $637,000 offset by increased payables and accrued liabilities of $569,000 in 2019.

 

Investing Activities

 

We had no investing activities during the six month periods ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

 

Our investing activities used $31,000 of cash during the year ended December 31, 2019, which consisted of purchases of property and equipment. We had no investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

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Financing Activities

 

Our financing activities provided $2,150,000 of cash during the six months ended June 30, 2021, which consisted primarily of convertible notes payable borrowings of $2,163,000 offset by repayment of notes payable borrowings of $19,000.

 

Our financing activities provided $376,000 of cash during the six months ended June 30, 2020, which consisted primarily of convertible notes payable borrowings of $210,000, PPP loan borrowing of $156,000 and proceeds from the issuance of our convertible preferred stock of $10,000.

 

Our financing activities provided $1,760,000 of cash during the year ended December 31, 2020, which consisted primarily of convertible notes payable borrowings of $1,573,000, borrowings of $156,000 in the form of the federal Paycheck Protection Program and borrowings of $39,000 to finance our insurance policies.

 

Our financing activities provided $5,553,000 of cash during the year ended December 31, 2019, which consisted primarily of proceeds from the issuance of our convertible preferred stock of $3,843,000, and convertible notes payable borrowings of $1,710,000.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

 

Convertible Promissory Notes

 

From June 2020 through December 2020, we issued unsecured convertible promissory notes (the “2020 Bridge Notes”) in the amount of approximately $1.57 million to accredited investors pursuant to the terms of a Note Purchase Agreement dated June 1, 2020, as amended in October 2020. The 2020 Bridge Notes have a maturity date of June 1, 2022, and are generally convertible into the Company’s equity securities at a per share conversion price that will be computed on the basis of a Cap of $40 million or a Discount Rate of 25%, whichever results in the issuance of a greater number of equity securities to the investors. In August 2021, the 2020 Bridge Notes were amended to provide that, in addition to the foregoing conversion terms, in the event that the Company consummates an initial public offering of its common stock prior to the occurrence of a Qualified Financing, a Change of Control or the Maturity (all as defined in the 2020 Bridge Note), then the outstanding principal amount and, at the election of the Company, all accrued but unpaid interest thereon as of the date of conversion shall be converted into shares of common stock as of immediately prior to the consummation of the initial public offering at a per share price equal to the lesser of (i) 75% of the per share public offering price and (ii) the quotient resulting from dividing the $40 million Cap by the Company’s capitalization on a fully diluted basis, as of immediately prior to closing of the initial public offering.

 

From March 2021 through April 2021, we issued unsecured convertible promissory notes in the amount of approximately $0.4 million to accredited investors. These notes were issued as part of the same offering as the 2020 Bridge Notes, accrue interest at a rate of 3% per annum, and mature on June 1, 2022.

 

The 2020 Bridge Notes, including those issued from March to April 2021, having aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,987,500, will convert into an aggregate of approximately 493,160 shares of our common stock in connection with this offering, based on accrued interest of $46,833 through September 1, 2021, an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share).

 

From June 2021 through July 2021, we issued convertible notes payables for total proceeds of approximately $1.86 million to accredited investors, of which proceeds a total of $0.45 million was not received by the Company until July 2021. The notes were issued at an original issue discount of approximately $0.24 million with principal outstanding of approximately $2.11 million. The notes are unsecured, have a term of twenty-three months, and accrue interest at a rate of 3% per annum.

 

In June 2021, we issued a convertible note payable to our Chief Executive Officer for total proceeds of $0.10 million. The note is unsecured, has a term of twenty-three months, and accrues interests at a rate of 3% per annum.

 

In June 2021, we issued convertible notes payable for total proceeds of approximately $0.23 million. The notes are unsecured, have a term of twenty-three months, and accrue interest at a rate of 3% per annum.

 

All of the convertible notes payable issued in June 2021 (collectively, the “2021 Notes”) are generally convertible into the Company’s equity securities at a per share conversion price that will be computed on the basis of a Cap of $40 million or a Discount Rate of 25%, whichever results in the issuance of a greater number of equity securities to the investors. In the event that the Company consummates an initial public offering of its common stock prior to the occurrence of a Qualified Financing, a Change of Control or the Maturity (all as defined in the 2021 Notes), then the outstanding principal amount and, at the election of the Company, all accrued but unpaid interest thereon as of the date of conversion shall be converted into shares of common stock as of immediately prior to the consummation of the initial public offering at a per share price equal to the lesser of (i) 75% of the per share public offering price and (ii) the quotient resulting from dividing the $40 million Cap by the Company’s capitalization on a fully diluted basis, as of immediately prior to closing of the initial public offering. The 2021 Notes, having aggregate principal amount of approximately $2,442,221, will convert into an aggregate of approximately 595,173 shares of our common stock in connection with this offering, based on accrued interest of $12,900 through September 1, 2021, an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share).

 

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Warrants

 

In July 2021, we entered into a consulting agreement, pursuant to which 50,000 warrants to purchase common stock were granted and an additional 50,000 warrants to purchase common stock are to be granted as soon as practicable following consummation of our initial public offering, pursuant to upon an effective registration agreement. The warrants, including those to be issued in the future, are exercisable upon issuance, have an exercise price of $1.04 per share and have a term of five years. The consulting agreement is effective as of February 2021, has a monthly fee of $5,000 and a term of two years.

 

Office Lease

 

We lease office space in Newark, California under a cancelable operating lease agreement. Rent expense recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $6,000 and $19,000, respectively. Rent expense recorded during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $55,000 and $67,000, respectively.

 

We enter into contracts in the normal course of business with our contract manufacturer and other vendors to assist in the manufacturing of our products and performance of our research and development activities and other services for operating purposes. These contracts generally provide for termination on notice, and therefore are cancelable contracts and not included in the table of contractual obligations and commitments.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates

 

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in those financial statements and accompanying notes. Although we believe that the estimates we use are reasonable, due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making those estimates, actual results reported in future periods could differ from those estimates.

 

We believe that the accounting policies described below involve a high degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, these are the policies we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of our operations.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue from product sales in accordance with Financial accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”). The standard applies to all contracts with customers, except contracts that are within scope of other standards, such as leases, insurance, collaboration arrangements and financial instruments.

 

Under Topic 606, an entity recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that an entity determines are in within the scope of Topic 606, the entity performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) 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; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable the entity will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. At contract inceptions, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of Topic 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines those that are performance obligations and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.

 

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The Company sells its products through direct sales and third-party retailers. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods is transferred to the customers or retailer, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. Revenue associated with products holding rights of return are recognized when the Company concludes there is not a risk of significant revenue reversal in the future periods for the expected consideration in the transaction.

 

Based on the Company’s assessment, it was determined that there were no contract assets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and 2019 because receivables outstanding are unconditional and only the passage of time is required before payment of that consideration is due. The Company may receive payments at the onset of the contract and before goods have been delivered. In such instances, the Company records a deferred revenue liability. The Company recognizes these contract liabilities as sales after the revenue criteria are met.

 

The Company relies on third parties to have procedures in place to detect and prevent credit card fraud, as the Company has exposure to losses from fraudulent charges. The Company records the losses related to chargebacks as incurred.

 

The Company has also elected to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price sales taxes remitted to governmental authorities.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We measure all stock options and other stock-based awards granted to our employees, directors, consultants and other non-employee service providers based on the fair value on the date of the grant. Compensation expense related to awards to employees and directors with service-based vesting conditions is recognized on a straight-line basis based on the grant date fair value over the associated service period of the award, which is typically the vesting term. Compensation expense related to awards to employees with performance-based vesting conditions is recognized based on grant date fair value over the requisite service period using the accelerated attribution method to the extent achievement of the performance condition is probable. Non-employee option awards are measured at the earlier of the commitment date for performance by the counterparty or the date when the performance is complete, and compensation expense is recognized in the same manner as if we had paid cash for goods or services.

 

We classify stock-based compensation expense in our statement of operations in the same way the award recipient’s payroll costs are classified or in which the award recipients’ service payments are classified.

 

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options on the date of grant. Using the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires management to make significant assumptions and judgments. We determined these assumptions for the Black-Scholes option-pricing model as discussed below.

 

  · Expected Term—The expected term represents the period that the stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. As we do not have sufficient historical experience for determining the expected term of the stock option awards granted, we based our expected term for awards issued to employees and non-employees using the simplified method which is presumed to be the midpoint between the vesting date and the end of the contracted term.

 

  · Risk-Free Interest Rate—The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of grant for zero-coupon U.S. Treasury constant maturity notes with terms approximately equal to the stock-based awards’ expected term.

 

  · Expected Volatility—Since we do not have a trading history of common stock, the expected volatility was derived from the average historical stock volatilities of the common stock of several public companies within the industry that we consider to be comparable to our business over a period equivalent to the expected term of the stock-based awards.

 

  · Dividend Rate—The expected dividend rate is zero as we have not paid and do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

  · Fair Value of Common Stock—Prior to our initial public offering (“IPO”), the fair value of the shares of common stock underlying the stock-based awards was determined by our board of directors with input from management. Because there was no public market for our common stock, our board of directors determined the fair value of our common stock at the time of grant of the stock-based award by considering a number of objective and subjective factors, including having valuations of the common stock performed by a third-party valuation specialist, as further described below.

 

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As of June 30, 2021, the total compensation cost related to nonvested service-based awards not yet recognized is $65,000. The weighted-average period over which the nonvested awards is expected to be recognized is 1.9 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2021 was $717,000, of which $618,000 related to vested options and $99,000 related to unvested options.

 

Common Stock Valuations

 

The fair value of the shares of common stock underlying our stock-based awards prior to our IPO was determined by our board of directors with input from management and contemporaneous third-party valuations. We believe that our board of directors had the relevant experience and expertise to determine the fair value of our common stock prior to our IPO. Given the absence of a public trading market of our common stock, and in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Practice Aid, Valuation of Privately-Held Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation, our board of directors exercised reasonable judgment and considered numerous and subjective factors to determine the best estimate of the fair value of our common stock at each grant date. These factors include:

 

  · contemporaneous valuations of our common stock performed by independent third-party specialists;

 

  · the prices, rights, preferences and privileges of our convertible preferred stock relative to those of our common stock;

 

  · the prices of common or convertible preferred stock sold to third-party investors by us;

 

  · lack of marketability of our common stock;

 

  · our actual operating and financial performance;

 

  · current business conditions and projections;

 

  · hiring of key personnel and the experience of our management;

 

  · the history of the company and notable milestones;

 

  · our stage of development;

 

  · likelihood of achieving a liquidity event, such as an initial public offering or a merger or acquisition of our company given prevailing market conditions;

 

  · the market performance of comparable publicly traded companies; and

 

  · the U.S. and global capital market conditions.

 

In valuing our common stock, our board of directors determined the equity value of our business using the hybrid method with input from management and contemporaneous third-party valuations. The hybrid method is based upon the probability-weighted value across two scenarios, being (i) successfully consummating an initial public offering and (ii) alternative scenarios in which an initial public offering is not consummated. The hybrid method can be a useful alternative to explicitly modeling all probability-weighted expected return scenarios in situations when the company has transparency into one or more near term exits but is unsure about what will occur if current plans do not materialize. In the first scenario, the potential exit date, the probability exit value and the likelihood of interim financings were considered. In the second scenario, which was assigned the residual probability, the potential exit date, the equity volatility, the assumed interest rate, the dividend yield and equity inflection points at which the allocation of proceeds changes were considered. The valuation method considers the total number of shares authorized and outstanding, as well as recent issuances of both preferred and common stock.

 

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Application of these approaches involves the use of estimates, judgment and assumptions that are highly complex and subjective, such as those regarding the time to the liquidation event and volatility. Changes in these estimates and assumptions or the relationships between these assumptions impact our valuations as of each valuation date and may have a material impact on the valuation of common stock.

 

Following our IPO, the fair value of each share of underlying common stock will be based on the closing price of our common stock as reported by the Nasdaq Capital Market, or such other national securities exchange that our common stock is listed on, on the date of grant or as otherwise provided in the proposed 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. Future expense amounts for any particular period could be affected by changes in our assumptions or market conditions.

 

Derivative Instruments

 

The Company issued certain convertible notes in 2018, 2019 and 2020, which notes contained put options. These embedded put options are not considered clearly and closely related to the debt host and result in embedded derivatives that must be bifurcated and accounted for separately from the debt host. Accordingly, the Company has recorded these as a derivative financial liability.

 

Derivative financial liabilities are initially recorded at fair value, with gains and losses arising for changes in fair value recognized in the statement of operations at each period end while such instruments are outstanding. The liability is being valued using a probability weighted expected return model. The derivative financial liability related to convertible notes issued in 2018 and 2019 was derecognized upon conversion of the convertible notes in 2019.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

For a description of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2 of the notes to our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

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BUSINESS

 

Business Overview

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc. is a commercial-phase bioelectronic medicine company focused on inflammation. Our first product, ClearUP™ Sinus Relief (ClearUP), is a patented handheld device that uses ultra-low current electrical waves to relieve symptoms of sinus and nasal inflammation. ClearUP is a US FDA Class II and EU Class IIa medical device that has received three regulatory clearances: (US FDA 510(k) number K182025, US FDA De Novo number DEN200006 and EU CE Mark Certificate number CE 704687). ClearUP consistently gets high ratings from consumers across multiple sales platforms.

 

McKinsey & Co estimates that bioelectronic medicine “represents a multibillion dollar opportunity even with modest penetration.” Bioelectronic medicine treats disease and conditions by modulating the electrical signals carried along various nerve pathways. The field grew out of the multi-billion-dollar neuromodulation industry and relied, historically, on implantable devices (e.g. pacemakers, spinal implants, deep brain stimulators). We have shown that ClearUP, a non-invasive bioelectronic therapy, can safely and comfortably deliver therapeutic benefits with a favorable safety profile. 

 

We have brought bioelectronic medicine to the home treatment market for nasal allergies, sinus infections, chronic sinusitis, cold and flu. This $9.9 billion U.S. market is dominated by pharmaceuticals. However, through a market research study commissioned by the Company, in which 600 individuals who reported ongoing sinus conditions were electronically surveyed, we discovered that:

 

  · 70% of sufferers are not completely satisfied with over the counter treatment options;

 

  · 90% are interested in treatments that reduce use of medications; and

 

  · 66% are concerned about side effects.

 

We conducted two published clinical studies with leading research institutions. The first clinical study was a randomized controlled double-blind trial conducted by the Standard University Sinus Center consisting of 71 subjects suffering from sinus pain and congestion, each of whom used either ClearUP or a sham device. The second clinical study was a 30-person study on the use of ClearUP over a period of four weeks conducted by the Allergy and Asthma Associates of Santa Clara Valley Research Center. These studies demonstrated that ClearUP is highly effective at treating sinus pain from allergic rhinitis and moderate to severe congestion with no substantive side effects. ClearUP has received customer validation over 500 4- and 5-star reviews across multiple sales platforms.

 

We are currently preparing a second generation version of ClearUP, ClearUP Gen 2, for market. Covered by the same patents, our ClearUP Gen 2 version of ClearUP is designed to lower cost for high-volume manufacturing and distribution. Based on our analysis of regulatory guidance and approval by our designated EU Notified Body (an organization designated by an EU member state to assess the conformity of certain products prior to their release in the EU market), we have determined that ClearUP Gen 2 is covered by the same regulatory clearances as ClearUP, and therefore will not require separate approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) prior to commercialization. However, it is possible the FDA could determine that ClearUP Gen 2 is not covered by the same regulatory clearances as our existing ClearUP device. If the FDA were to make such a determination, we could be forced to cease distribution of ClearUP Gen 2 until we obtain regulatory clearance or approval, and we could be subject to additional enforcement action by the FDA.

 

Core Technology

 

We combine proprietary algorithms, programmable stimulation parameters, and a patented monopolar delivery mechanism to modulate the nerve signals that control inflammation-driven symptoms like pain and congestion. we are researching the clinical utility of this stimulation approach for other clinical conditions. This platform has the potential to accelerate new product development by: (i) extending the existing device platform to other clinical areas, thereby reducing research and development time, and (ii) continuing to benefit from low risk non-invasive device designations and regulatory pathways by the FDA, which typically result in shorter time to approval when compared with invasive devices or new drugs. While it is our intention to bring new products to market, medical device development is inherently uncertain and there is no guarantee that our research and development efforts will lead to approved products for other clinical indications.

 

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Key elements of our platform include:

 

    · a proprietary algorithmic means of detecting areas of dense nerve innervation and blood vessels, which help guide a user to the optimal treatment locations;

 

    · a proprietary algorithmic means of adapting treatment currents and detection to the unique physiological attributes of the technology’s user at the time of use;

 

    · a proprietary algorithmic means of dynamically adjusting treatment levels to maintain both efficacy and comfort;

 

    · programmability of the stimulation protocols via firmware to deliver varied stimulation protocols for different physical and disease targets, providing accelerated opportunities for new product applications; and

 

    · a unique monopolar design that enables ultra-low currents to pass through skin and tissue while maintaining nearly imperceptible current levels.

 

This combination creates a platform for non-invasively influencing peripheral activity with an ultra-low current level.

 

Numerous inflammatory conditions are associated with peripheral nerve activity of the face, including:

 

  · chronic quality-of-life conditions such as migraines (39 million U.S.) and tinnitus (50 million U.S.);

 

  · severe, life-altering conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia (150,000 U.S., severe condition); and

 

  · acute conditions such as ear infections (50% of children) and pain and swelling from facial and sinus surgeries (600,000 functional endoscopic surgeries annually, U.S.).

 

Each of these applications would involve regulation of pain and inflammation-related mediators like those seen in sinus and nasal inflammation.

 

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First Product in Market

 

Our first product in market, based on our core technology, is ClearUP™ Sinus Relief (“ClearUP”). ClearUP has received FDA clearance for treating various symptoms of allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies), sinusitis and cold and flu. It is available without prescription.

 

Since launching in late 2019 and through June 30, 2021, we sold over 20,000 units of ClearUP through our own websites, Amazon.com, Walgreens.com, BestBuy.com, Walmart.com, FSAStore.com and other specialty online retailers.

 

 

 

Market Opportunity

 

The FDA initially gave ClearUP 510(k) clearance as an allergy treatment in January 2019. As a treatment for allergy-related sinus pain, we believe that the available market for ClearUP is approximately 45 million U.S. adults.

 

Factors such as industrialization, climate change, and changing lifestyles are increasing the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, making this a large and growing segment.

 

The FDA granted ClearUP a subsequent De Novo clearance in March 2021, which expanded ClearUP’s label, enabling marketing of ClearUP for allergies, sinusitis, cold, flu, and any inflammatory condition involving congestion. With this De Novo clearance, we believe that the available market for ClearUP expands to over 200 million U.S. adults. Based upon our market research (conducted by a national sampling company, which electronically surveyed 600 individuals reporting ongoing sinus conditions) indicating that 27% of consumers are willing to pay the current retail price for ClearUP, we estimate an available U.S. market of approximately $8 billion.

 

According to Mintel Group Ltd., over-the-counter allergy, cough, cold and flu treatments were a $9.9 billion market in 2019 in the U.S. alone. According to our research, among recurring sufferers (those who reported having an ongoing chronic sinus condition), 90% are interested in treatments that reduce use of medications, 66% are concerned about the side effects of pharmaceutical choices, and over 43% are concerned about addiction. We commissioned this research, and it was conducted by a national sampling company, which electronically surveyed 600 individuals reporting ongoing sinus conditions. Only subjects who reported having an ongoing chronic sinus condition were eligible to participate in the study.

 

In clinical research studies pertaining to ClearUP:

 

  · 82% of participants indicated that they prefer it to their current treatments;(1) and

 

  · 77% of participants indicated that they would recommend ClearUP.(2)

 

(1) Data from a 71-person randomized controlled study conducted by a third-party academic research center.

(2) Data from a 30-person open label trial conducted by a third-party clinical research organization.

 

Additionally, we have received a CE Mark for international marketing. The CE Mark for ClearUP covers an equally broad set of conditions related to sinonasal inflammation with the symptoms pain, pressure and congestion. The CE Mark allows sales in the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and numerous other countries that recognize the CE Mark for regulatory governance. We believe that ClearUP is an international opportunity.

 

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Competitive Landscape

 

Pharmaceutical Treatments

 

Sinus pain and congestion can be caused by allergic rhinitis (allergies), rhinosinusitis, sinus infections, cold and flu and are most often treated with over-the-counter products targeted symptomatically.

 

  · Sinus pain/pressure is usually managed with analgesic medications (e.g., ibuprofen/Advil, acetaminophen/Tylenol, naproxen sodium/Aleve). Analgesic medications provide short periods of relief and are often associated with side effects including stomach pain, bleeding, ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, nervousness, and rash.

 

  · Congestion is treated with a variety of approaches:

 

  o Antihistamine medications are often a first-line therapy for allergy-related symptoms and research indicates that they are effective for treating allergy symptoms such as itchiness, but are less effective for congestion. Antihistamine medications (e.g., loratadine/Claritin) are generally well-tolerated but may have side-effects including headache, sleepiness, fatigue, dry mouth, and sore throat.

 

  o Oral decongestants (e.g., phenylephrine/Sudafed) used to treat congestion have been demonstrated to exert poor to moderate efficacy, and are associated with nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, dizziness, tachycardia, heart palpitations, syncope, headache, sweating, nausea or vomiting, trembling, paleness, and weakness.

 

  o Intranasal decongestants (e.g., oxymetazoline/Afrin) are more effective than oral decongestants. However, they have reduced effectiveness and rebound effects after three days of use and can lead to the development of a serious condition, rhinitis medicamentosa. Additionally, intranasal decongestants cause side effects including nose irritation or burning, sneezing, dizziness, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, heart palpitations, restlessness and insomnia.

 

  o Intranasal glucocorticoids (e.g., fluticasone propionate/Flonase) have been shown to have the most significant benefits, with some studies showing a 34% reduction in congestion severity after one week of use. Intranasal glucocorticoids have several side effects including epistaxis, dryness, stinging, burning in nose, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, sore throat, and cough.

 

Examples of companies developing drugs for pain and congestion include GlaxoSmithKline, Bayer, and Johnson & Johnson.

 

Limitations on Use of Pharmaceutical Treatments

 

Due to the side effect profiles of pharmaceuticals, many of the above-mentioned treatments carry warnings to discontinue use after two weeks or less according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Additionally, some carry warnings regarding use with certain medications or diseases such as high blood pressure.

 

Non-pharmaceutical Treatments

 

According to Mintel Group Ltd., consumers are increasingly seeking natural, non-pharmaceutical treatment options.

 

  o Nasal irrigation with saline, rinsing the nasal passages with saline solution, is the most common non-pharmaceutical treatment, representing approximately $706 million in sales in the U.S. Example products include Sinus Rinse and Navage Nasal Care. Nasal irrigation is understudied, but there is some evidence of improved quality of life and clearance of mucus. However, saline can irritate an already inflamed sinonasal tissue and nasal irrigation using tap water has been found to carry risk of parasite-driven encephalitis.

 

  o Bioelectronic devices. ClearUP is the only FDA-cleared bioelectronic device for self-treatment of sinus pain and congestion.

 

Examples of companies developing non-drug products for sinus pain and congestion include NeilMed, Rhinosystems Inc., and Vapore LLC.

 

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Principal Competitors

 

Over the counter pharmaceuticals have historically had the greatest market share for sinus pain and congestion treatments; however, according to Mintel Group Ltd.’s 2020 report on Cough, Cold, Flu, and Allergy Remedies, there is increasing interest among consumers to reduce reliance on drugs and to find non-drug solutions. For this reason, other companies selling non-pharmaceutical treatments, specifically nasal irrigation products, represent our closest competitors. ClearUP is an emerging new product offering in the non-drug category and currently has small market share.

 

Clinical Research on ClearUP

 

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease driven by IgE-mediated reactions to inhaled indoor or seasonal outdoor allergens. The resulting sinus and nasal inflammation may cause symptoms including sinus pain and pressure, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal itching. Allergic rhinitis affects a significant number of U.S. adults, of which a vast majority experience sinus pain, pressure and congestion as a result of inflammation of the nasal and sinus mucosa.

 

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Key Technical Features

 

  · Treatment Point Detection. ClearUP employs an advanced treatment point detection algorithm that dynamically personalizes to each user. Haptic vibration indicates to the user to hold the device over these points to facilitate stimulation in areas that maximize therapeutic benefit. We have innovated by integrating dynamic measurement with neuromodulation technology to create this novel therapy. (Issued patents: US10625076, US10537738; 10 patents pending)

 

  · Monopolar Circuit. ClearUP delivers microcurrent stimulation via a monopolar circuit in which the rounded tip of the device is the active electrode and the conductive housing of the device serves as the return electrode. The monopolar design of ClearUP is a significant improvement over typical bipolar approaches to neuromodulation engineering and facilitates deeper delivery of current and sensitive treatment point detection. (Issued patents: US10625076, US10596374; 7 patents pending)

 

  · Proprietary Waveform Delivery. ClearUP delivers a specific frequency, waveform shape, and amplitude of microcurrent that was empirically determined to have fast-acting therapeutic effects on users with common sinonasal symptoms like pain and congestion. Additionally, we have developed an adaptive algorithm that ensures consistent and comfortable delivery of microcurrent treatment on different parts of the face that can have varying electrical properties. (Issued patents: US10625076, US10537738; 10 patents pending)

 

  · Ergonomic Design and Ease of Use. ClearUP’s design ensures the product is comfortable to hold and that the hand will always be in contact with the conductive housing of the monopolar circuit. The device shape has also been refined so that the user can navigate the treatment path with ease. Additionally, the single-button control and intuitive indicators make ClearUP Sinus Relief simple to use. Greater than 95% of users report that applying ClearUP Sinus Relief treatment is easy. (Issued patents: US10596374, US10576280; 3 patents pending)

 

Two separate clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of ClearUP Sinus Relief in treating sinus pain from allergic rhinitis and moderate to severe congestion.

 

Pivotal Study: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial

 

In July 2018, the Stanford University Sinus Center conducted a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial using the ClearUP bioelectronic device. 71 subjects suffering from sinus pain and congestion used either ClearUP or a sham device. The sham device was identical to ClearUP in every way except that it used a continuous DC output instead of the pulsed AC stimulation used by ClearUP.

 

Each subject used the real or sham device for a single five-minute treatment. Before and ten minutes after treatment, subjects completed questionnaires to quantify their symptoms. Subjects treated with ClearUP reported a rapid and clinically meaningful reduction in sinus pain (-29.6%) and congestion (-35%) at ten minutes after treatment.

 

 

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Data represented as mean ± SEM. **p < 0.01, two-tailed unpaired t-test.

 

This magnitude of change was significantly greater than that observed in sham device-treated subjects.

 

PUBLICATION: Maul, X. A., Borchard, N. A., Hwang, P. H., & Nayak, J. V. (2019, April). Microcurrent technology for rapid relief of sinus pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. In International forum of allergy & rhinology (Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 352-356).

 

Open-label Prospective Trial

 

The Allergy and Asthma Associates of Santa Clara Valley Research Center conducted a 30-person study on the use of ClearUP over four weeks. Subjects with sinus pain and congestion used the ClearUP device for five minutes during the study visit and then took the device home with them with instructions to use the device one to four times daily for five minutes per treatment as needed for four weeks. Subjects rated their symptoms weekly using a questionnaire. After the first five-minute treatment with ClearUP, subjects reported reduced sinus pain that remained six hours later, the longest time interval tested in the study. Additionally, subjects reported that after four weeks of use, they experienced an average of 43% reduction in sinus pain and 44% reduction in congestion. This magnitude of change was equivalent to efficacy seen in studies of fluticasone propionate after two-weeks of use.

 

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Data represented as mean ± SEM. **p < 0.01, ****p < 0.0001, repeated measures one-way ANOVA with Dunnett correction for multiple comparisons or paired two-sided t-test.

 

 

 

PUBLICATION: Goldsobel, A. B., Prabhakar, N., & Gurfein, B. T. (2019). Prospective trial examining safety and efficacy of microcurrent stimulation for the treatment of sinus pain and congestion. Bioelectronic medicine, 5(1), 1-9.

 

Safety

 

In the clinical studies and post-market surveillance, there have been no reports of any significant side effects and very few reports of minor side effects. Minor side effects have included reddening of skin (0.02%), eyelid twitch (0.01%), and headache (0.01%), all of which resolved without intervention.

 

Customers

 

We sell our products either direct-to-consumer through our own websites and through platforms such as Amazon.com or to major U.S. online retailers (such as BestBuy.com, FSAStore.com, Walgreens.com, Walmart.com). Retailers also purchase directly from us and/or through our authorized representatives. We plan to expand our customer base to include additional online and instore retailers in both the U.S. and internationally, who may purchase directly from us and/or through authorized representatives.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

Purchase Motivation

 

ClearUP’s main consumer benefits as supported by our clinical studies, include the following:

 

  · Efficacious drug-free alternative with no significant side effects.

 

  · Efficacy for 74% of trial subjects within ten minutes of first treatment.

 

  · Efficacy for 92% of trial subjects with use over four-weeks.

 

  · Continued reduction of sinus pain and congestion with regular use.

 

  · Unlike many pharmaceutical alternatives, no recommendations to discontinue use after a specified period of time or limitations on the number of times per day ClearUP can be used.

 

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Sales Channels

 

ClearUP is sold over-the-counter without a prescription. When launched in late 2019, we initially sold ClearUP through our own websites and Amazon.com. In 2020, we began selling ClearUP on Walgreens.com, FSAStore.com, BestBuy.com, and other specialty online retailers. We recently obtained approval to begin selling ClearUP on Walmart.com’s seller-managed platform, and implementation is in progress.

 

The expansion of our ClearUP sales channels has been gradual and measured in order to maintain pricing integrity, cultivate consumer acceptance and establish strong channel relationships. With this foundation in place, we believe we are poised to accelerate sales through the expansion of our advertising and marketing efforts.

 

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As of June 30, 2021, we have sold in excess of 20,000 units of ClearUP. This represents a penetration rate of <0.1% of the market for allergic rhinitis and <0.02% penetration of the market available under our second FDA clearance for congestion.

 

We project that there is a significant growth opportunity for ClearUP with expanded advertising and additional channel reach.

 

Marketing and Advertising Strategies

 

Over the years, we have tested and refined an omnichannel marketing approach to raise consumer awareness of ClearUP and convert consumers to purchasers. We plan to invest in what we believe are the most effective, scalable strategies for guiding a consumer from awareness to purchase, including video-based advertising (television, cable, online) paired with digital marketing support and public relations.

 

We also use a variety of strategies to attract potential customers to our websites. We believe meaningful and timely content encourages sharing, builds the organic searchability of the website and increases credibility. In 2020, the first year following the launch of ClearUP, our website attracted 236,000 visitors, of which 33% originated from organic searches.

 

We believe that we have laid the groundwork to grow our sales through expanded investment in marketing and advertising of ClearUP.

 

New Product Introductions

 

We are currently developing a second generation of ClearUP, ClearUP Gen 2, that we believe will be better optimized for high volume manufacturing.

 

ClearUP Gen 2 has the same functionality as the original ClearUP product and we believe that ClearUP Gen 2 will be covered by our existing regulatory clearances and patents. Designed for high-volume manufacturing, total product design has been developed with input from potential retail channel partners and we believe will allow us to meet the target pricing for instore retail introductions

 

Research Initiatives: New Product Candidates

 

We combine proprietary algorithms, programmable stimulation parameters, and a patented monopolar delivery mechanism to modulate the nerve signals that control inflammation-driven symptoms like pain and congestion. This design has proven effective in treating sinus and nasal inflammatory conditions and we are researching the clinical utility of this stimulation approach for other clinical conditions. This platform has the potential to accelerate new product development by: (i) extending the existing device platform to other clinical areas, thereby reducing research and development time, and (ii) continuing to benefit from low risk non-invasive device designations and regulatory pathways by the FDA, which typically result in shorter time to approval when compared with invasive devices or new drugs.

 

Numerous inflammatory conditions are associated with peripheral nerve activity of the face, including:

 

  · chronic quality-of-life conditions such as migraines (39 million U.S.), temporomandibular joint disorder (31 million U.S.), and tinnitus (50 million U.S.);

 

  · severe, life-altering conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia (150,000 U.S., severe condition); and

 

  · acute conditions such as ear infections (50% of children) and pain and swelling from facial and sinus surgeries (600,000 functional endoscopic surgeries annually, U.S.).

 

Each of these applications would involve regulation of pain and inflammation-related mediators like those seen in sinus and nasal inflammation. Firmware programming allows various stimulation protocols to be used for different disease and neural targets, providing accelerated opportunities for new product candidates at varying price points.

 

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For example, we completed a ten-person pilot study with the U.S. Institute for Advanced Sinus Care and Research (Cleveland, OH) to evaluate a new device for the treatment of postoperative pain after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (“FESS”). Of the ten individuals who participated in the study, only nine successfully completed it. Outcomes included a decrease in the numeric rating scale for pain reported by participants, indicating pain relief; a decrease in the amount of opioid medication used by participants, as quantified in the participants’ medication diaries; and feasibility for at-home use of the device, as reported by the participants in user feedback questionnaires completed by the participants. The pilot study was conducted to establish clinical feasibility and identify trends and was, therefore, not designed (powered) to establish conclusive, statistically significant results. The trends observed, while not statistically significant, indicated further investigation is warranted. We are developing a controlled clinical study with a top tier academic collaborator to further test the clinical merit of a product candidate in this area.

 

We have also carried out research and development in the area of migraine headache, which affects 1 billion people worldwide and 39 million people in the U.S. As part of our development activities for migraine, we have engaged with the FDA via their pre-submission process to determine an appropriate regulatory path.

 

Additional product development activities are ongoing for two product candidates: (i) npdPP, an at home-use device for treating postoperative pain after sinus surgery, and (ii) npdMI, an at home-use device for treating migraine headaches. These product candidates are still in early stages of development, and will require additional studies and regulatory clearances prior to bringing them to market.

 

We plan to pursue other research activities in 2022 and 2023, including the feasibility of our platform for treatment of one or more disease candidates using peripheral nerve stimulation, including those listed in “Future Potential Use Cases for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation” below. Each of these applications would involve regulation of pain and inflammation-related mediators like those seen in sinonasal inflammation.

 

We believe our commitment to non-invasive bioelectronic medicine simplifies clinical trial approaches, improves the safety profile important in regulatory matters, and lowers barriers to adoption once in the market. These factors could afford us a unique opportunity for a rapid pace of innovation relative to most medical product companies. While it is our intention to bring new products to market, medical device development is inherently uncertain and there is no guarantee that our research and development efforts will lead to approved products for other clinical indications.

 

 

Future Potential Use Cases for Peripheral Nerve Stimulation 

 

The facial area presents numerous opportunities for our non-invasive, ultra-low-current bioelectronic platform. Inflammatory conditions associated with peripheral nerves of the face include:

 

  · Temporomandibular joint disorder (31 million annually);

 

  · Otitis media (50% of children);

 

  · Tinnitus (50 million); and

 

  · Trigeminal neuralgia (150,000, severe condition).

 

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Manufacturing

 

The ClearUP device uses conventional, off-the-shelf electronic components. Suppliers must be registered with the FDA and certified for manufacturing of products of the class of product. Suppliers that meet these certifications are abundant. Our products require no specialty manufacturing capabilities or unique, sole-source components. This reduces our dependence on any single manufacturer.

 

Our electronic components are sourced primarily from China. To increase predictability in sourcing and pricing of electronic components used in our products, we maintain an agreement with Future Electronics, Inc., one of the largest global electronics components’ distributors. The contract has an initial term of 12 months that automatically renews for additional 12-month periods, subject to annual review, and provides for extended payment terms. Future Electronics may terminate the agreement upon 30 days prior written notice if it determines, in its sole discretion, that we are not meeting our minimum purchase requirement or we are otherwise not performing our obligations under the agreement.

 

Packaging production is divided between North America and China. The plastic enclosure components and sub-assemblies are produced in China. Materials for both packaging and plastics are commonly available and can be sourced from multiple vendors with minimal lead times.

 

Electronic components are assembled onto printed circuit boards in the San Francisco Bay Area, near our final assembly and test house. ClearUP is assembled, tested, and warehoused at, and distributed from the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

We are currently investing in development of a second-generation version of ClearUP to reduce manufacturing costs in volume manufacturing.

 

Intellectual Property / Barriers to Entry

 

Intellectual Property

 

Our success depends in part on our ability to obtain and maintain proprietary protection for our product candidates and other discoveries, inventions, trade secrets and know-how that are critical to our business operations. Our success also depends in part on our ability to operate without infringing the proprietary rights of others, and in part, on our ability to prevent others from infringing our proprietary rights. A comprehensive discussion on risks relating to intellectual property is provided under the section of this prospectus titled “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property.”

 

We rely primarily on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws, as well as contractual provisions with employees and third parties, to establish and protect our intellectual property rights. Our patent strategy is to pursue broad protection for key technologies, supplemented by additional patent filings covering conceptual methods, specific aspects of current and proposed products, and forward-looking applications and technological developments. We also engage in strategic analysis of our owned patent assets, and pursue additional patent claims from our existing portfolio that may provide us with market advantages. We do not rely heavily on trade secret protection, but do maintain a certain amount of in-house know-how that is not disclosed publicly.

 

Our intellectual property portfolio currently consists of:

 

  · 4 issued U.S. patents.

 

  · 18 patents pending in the U.S. and abroad.

 

  · Several non-provisional patents have been filed in:

 

  o the U.S. (5);

 

  o China (2);

 

  o Europe (2);

 

  o Australia (2); and

 

  o India (2).

 

  · 4 provisional patent applications have been filed in the U.S.

 

  · 7 trademarks granted in the U.S. and China.

 

Our intellectual property portfolio includes a large number of disclosures that cover enhanced cost and manufacturability, performance, ergonomics, comfort, ease of use, system expansion, and treatments performed.  Identity is protected by way of trademarks. Various aspects of design and function that cannot be readily reverse engineered are held as trade secrets.

 

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Our patents and pending patent applications are detailed in the table below.

 

Jurisdiction Patent / Application No. Filing Date Status Issue/Grant Date Expiration Date Product/Product Candidate
US US 10,625,076 B 04/24/2018 Issued 4/21/2020 04/24/2038 ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
US 16/664,051 10/25/2019 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
AU 2018258221 10/28/2019 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
CN 2018800278808 10/28/2019 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
IN 201917043650 10/28/2019 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
EP 18791846.1 10/28/2019 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
US US 10,596,374 B2 4/24/2018 Issued 3/24/2020 4/24/2038 ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
US 16/664,061 10/25/2019 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
US US 10,576,280 B2 9/17/2018 Issued 3/3/2020 9/17/2038 ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
US 16/664,072 10/25/2019 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
US US 10,537,738 B2 4/24/2018 Issued 1/21/2020 4/24/2038 ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
US 16/664,085 10/25/2019 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
AU 2018258223 10/28/2019 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
CN 2018800278935 10/28/2019 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
IN 201917043652 10/28/2019 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
EP 18789787.1 10/28/2019 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
US 16/983,592 8/3/2020 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
WO PCT/US2021/034926 5/28/2021 Pending     ClearUP; Postoperative Pain Device
US 63/189,004 5/14/2021 Pending     TMJ Treatment Device
US 63/189,867 5/18/2021 Pending     Migraine Device
US 63/189,948 5/18/2021 Pending     Migraine Device
US 63/190,034 5/18/2021 Pending     TMJ Treatment Device

 

 

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In most jurisdictions in which we file, the patent term is 20 years from the earliest date of filing of a non-provisional patent application. However, the term of U.S. patents may be extended for delays incurred due to compliance with FDA requirements or by delays encountered during prosecution that are caused by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”). We intend to seek patent term extensions in any jurisdiction where these are available and where we also have a patent that may be eligible; however, there is no guarantee that the applicable authorities will agree with our assessment of whether such extensions should be granted, and even if granted, the length of such extensions.

 

Other Barriers to Entry

 

We have published high quality clinical research in high-impact peer reviewed journals. We are building relationships with the clinical community including key opinion leaders in the fields of ear, nose and throat (“ENT”) and allergy medicine, establishing Tivic Health as an evidence-based company. Our first-to-market position has secured a high volume and proportion of positive reviews on our websites and other ecommerce channels. We believe that each of these assets, in addition to our regulatory clearances, will create barriers to entry and adoption by consumers.

 

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Government Regulation

 

Regulation by the FDA

 

In the United States, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FD&C Act”), as well as FDA regulations and other federal and state statutes and regulations, govern medical device design and development, preclinical and clinical testing, device safety, premarket clearance, grant, and approval, establishment registration and device listing, manufacturing, labeling, storage, record-keeping, advertising and promotion, sales and distribution, export and import, recalls and field safety corrective actions, and post-market surveillance, including complaint handling and medical device reporting of adverse events.

 

The FDA classifies medical devices into three classes (Class I, II or III) based on the degree of risk associated with a device and the level of regulatory control deemed necessary to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Class I devices are those for which safety and effectiveness can be assured by adherence to the FDA’s general controls for medical devices. Class II devices are subject to the FDA’s general controls and any other special controls the FDA deems necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device. Class III devices are those that support or sustain human life, are of substantial importance in preventing impairment of human health, or which present a potential, unreasonable risk of illness or injury.

 

De Novo classification is a risk-based classification process. The De Novo process provides a pathway to classify novel medical devices for which general controls alone, or general and special controls, provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness for the intended use, but for which there is no legally marketed predicate device. De Novo classified devices fall either into Class I or Class II and may be marketed and used as predicates for future premarket notification 510(k) submissions.

 

The FDA classifies our peripheral nerve stimulation platform as a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (“TENS”) regulated as a Class II medical device.

 

ClearUP sinus relief was cleared under 510(k) number K182025 based on clinical data supporting its safety and efficacy for the temporary relief of sinus pain associated with allergic rhinitis. We were subsequently granted the rights to market ClearUP for the temporary relief of moderate to severe congestion under De Novo number DEN200006.

 

Labeling

 

All TENS devices commercially distributed in the U.S. must comply with specific FDA labeling requirements. These requirements address the labeling (e.g., device label, Instruction for Use, package label, etc.) that must be affixed to the device or packaging and provided to all users of the device. Our ClearUP labeling has been reviewed by the FDA as part of our regulatory clearances and our quality management system provides for control of documents to prevent changes that might invalidate FDA’s review.

 

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Quality System Regulation

 

The TENS devices that we commercially distribute in the U.S. are subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA and certain state agencies. This includes product listing and establishment registration requirements, which facilitate FDA inspections and other regulatory actions. We adhere to applicable current good manufacturing practice, or cGMP, requirements, as set forth in the 21 CFR 820 QSR, which require manufacturers, including third-party manufacturers, to follow stringent design, testing, control, documentation and other quality assurance procedures during all phases of the design and manufacturing process. We are also required to verify that our suppliers maintain facilities, procedures and operations that comply with applicable quality and regulatory requirements. The FDA enforces the QSR through periodic announced or unannounced inspections of medical device manufacturing facilities, which may include the facilities of contractors. FDA regulations also require investigation and correction of any deviations from the QSR and impose reporting and documentation requirements upon us and our third-party manufacturers.

 

Post-market surveillance

 

We must also comply with post-market surveillance regulations, including medical device reporting (“MDR”), requirements which require that we review and report to the FDA any incident in which our products may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury, and any incident in which our device has malfunctioned if that malfunction would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if it were to recur. We must also comply with medical device correction and removal reporting regulations, which require manufacturers to report to the FDA corrections and removals if undertaken to reduce a risk to health posed by the device or to remedy a violation of the FD&C Act that may present a risk to health. Although we may undertake recall actions voluntarily, we must submit detailed information on any recall action to the FDA, and the FDA can order a medical device recall in certain circumstances.

 

In addition to post-market quality and safety actions, labeling and promotional activities are subject to scrutiny by the FDA and, in certain circumstances, by the FTC. Medical devices approved, cleared, or granted by the FDA may not be promoted for outside their respective Indication for Use, otherwise known as “off-label” promotion.

 

Other healthcare laws and regulations

 

The healthcare industry is also subject to federal and state fraud and abuse laws, including anti-kickback, self-referral, false claims and physician payment transparency laws, as well as patient data privacy and security and consumer protection and unfair competition laws and regulations. Our operations are also subject to certain state and local laws, including manufacturing license, sales and marketing practices, interactions with consumers, consumer incentive and other promotional programs, and state corporate practice and fee-splitting prohibitions.

 

Currently, ClearUP is not reimbursed by any government or private healthcare program, limiting our exposure under certain laws such as the Sunshine Act.

 

CE Mark – European Union, United Kingdom, and other jurisdictions that recognize the CE Mark

 

In 2020 we secured the CE Mark CE 704687 allowing sales and marketing of ClearUP in the European Union, United Kingdom and in any country that recognizes CE Mark certificate for relief of sinus pain, pressure and congestion, without regard to the cause of pain, pressure and congestion. Sales in such jurisdictions will expose our operations to additional regulations.

 

To the extent that any of our products are sold in a foreign country, we may become subject to foreign laws, which may include, for example, applicable post-marketing requirements, including post-market clinical follow up, safety surveillance, anti-fraud and abuse laws and implementation of corporate compliance programs and reporting of payments or transfers of value to healthcare professionals. We must operate our business within the requirements of these laws.

 

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Coverage and reimbursement

 

Our current product is purchased on a cash-pay basis and is not covered by government healthcare programs and other third-party payors. However, we monitor federal and state legislations and regulatory changes that could affect our results of operations.

 

Privacy and security

 

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”), and their implementing regulations, imposes privacy, security and breach reporting obligations with respect to individually identifiable health information upon “covered entities” (health care providers, health plans and health care clearinghouses), and their respective business associates, individuals or entities that create, received, maintain or transmit protected health information in connection with providing a service for or on behalf of a covered entity.

 

Even when HIPAA does not apply, according to the FTC, failing to take appropriate steps to keep consumers’ personal information secure constitutes unfair acts or practices in or affecting commerce in violation of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act. The FTC expects a company’s data security measures to be reasonable and appropriate in light of the sensitivity and volume of consumer information it holds, the size and complexity of its business, and the cost of available tools to improve security and reduce vulnerabilities. Individually identifiable health information is considered sensitive data that merits stronger safeguards.

 

In addition, certain states and non-U.S. laws, such as the GDPR govern the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances, some of which are more stringent than HIPAA and many of which differ from each other in significant ways and may not have the same effect, thus complicating compliance efforts. Failure to comply with these laws, where applicable, can result in the imposition of significant civil and/or criminal penalties and private litigation. For example, California recently enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA, which took effect on January 1, 2020. The CCPA, among other things, creates new data privacy obligations for covered companies and provides new privacy rights to California residents, including the right to opt out of certain disclosures of their information.

 

Environmental Matters

 

Our operations, properties and products are subject to a variety of U.S. and foreign environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, use of manufacturing components containing substances below established threshold, air emissions, wastewater discharges, management and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous materials and waste and remediation of releases of hazardous materials. We believe, based on current information that we are in material compliance with environmental laws and regulations applicable to us and rely heavily on our outsourced design and manufacturing partners to assist in maintaining compliance.

 

Facilities

 

Our registered office is located at 750 Menlo Avenue, Suite 200, Menlo Park, California 94025. Our principal executive office is located in Newark, California at 39899 Balentine Drive, Suite 200, Newark, California 94560, which space we lease on a month-to-month basis.

 

Human capital resources

 

As of December 31, 2020, we had eight full-time employees and five contractors. None of our employees are represented by a labor union, and we consider our employee relations to be good. Our human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and additional employees. The principal purposes of our equity incentive plans are to attract, retain and motivate selected employees, consultants and directors through the granting of stock-based compensation awards and cash-based performance bonus awards.

 

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Legal proceedings

 

We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings. We may, however, in the ordinary course of business face various claims brought by third parties, and we may, from time to time, make claims or take legal actions to assert our rights, including intellectual property rights as well as claims relating to employment matters and the safety or efficacy of our products. Any of these claims could subject us to costly litigation. If this were to happen, the payment of any such awards could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, any such claims, whether or not successful, could damage our reputation and business.

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth the names, ages, and positions of our executive officers and directors:

 

Name   Age   Position
Jennifer Ernst     53   Chief Executive Officer and Director
Briana Benz     60   Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Blake Gurfein, PhD     38   Chief Scientific Officer
Ryan Sabia     35   VP of Sales and Operations
Sheryle Bolton     75   Chair of the Board
Karen Drexler     61   Director
Dean Zikria     53   Director

  

Executive Officers

 

Jennifer Ernst is a co-founder and has served as our Chief Executive Officer and as a director since September 2016, and served as our Chief Financial Officer from September 2016 to July 2021. Previously, Ms. Ernst served as the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. subsidiary of Thin Film Electronics ASA from April 2011 to December 2015. Ms. Ernst also served as the Chief Strategy Officer of Thin Film Electronics ASA from January 2015 to December 2015, where she established and guided the strategic planning process across all business functions and four separate product lines. Ms. Ernst also worked for Xerox PARC for over 20 years, where she held multiple go-to-market roles, including as the Director of Business Development. Ms. Ernst previously served as a director of FlexTech Alliance, the U.S. national consortium for flexible and printed electronics, for three years, including one year as the Chair. Ms. Ernst earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Santa Clara University. We believe Ms. Ernst is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors because of the perspective and experience she provides as our co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, as well as her significant experience as an executive in the technology and electronics industries and her experience in product development and commercialization.

 

Briana Benz has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July 2021. Ms. Benz has over 30 years of broad based financial, investment banking and growth company experience. Prior to her recent sabbatical, Ms. Benz worked at Campus Televideo, Inc., the nation’s largest private cable operator dedicated exclusively to the college and university market, where she served as Chief Financial Officer from March 2002 to November 2003, both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer from November 2003 to December 2005, and Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer and board member from December 2005 to July 2015. Prior to that, Ms. Benz served in various roles, including Chief Financial Officer, SVP Finance and Chief Financial Officer, from January 1998 to August 2001, at Onsite Access, Inc., one of the largest building-centric integrated communication companies in the United States and Canada. Prior to that, Ms. Benz held Chief Financial Officer positions with several venture capital backed ventures and was an Investment Banker with Merrill Lynch Capital Markets, a leveraged buyout fund. Ms. Benz was previously a Certified Public Accountant. Ms. Benz earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from State of University of New York at Polytechnic Institute, Master’s degree in Accounting from State of University of New York at Albany, and Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School.

 

Blake Gurfein, PhD serves as our Chief Scientific Officer, a role that he has held since March 2019, prior to which he served as our Vice President of Research commencing in January 2018. Dr. Gurfein leads our clinical and scientific research. In addition to his full-time role with the Company, he has also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco since 2012. Dr. Gurfein is an expert in neuromodulation device development and has served as a research executive and consultant for several medical device and pharma companies, including as Chief Scientific Officer of Rio Grande Neurosciences from 2014 to 2017 and as a Medical Writer for EMD Serono/Pfizer in 2012. Dr. Gurfein’s prior research in neuroscience and immunology has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and philanthropic donors, yielding high-impact journal publications. Dr. Gurfein has a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and an Sc.B. in Neuroscience from Brown University.

 

Ryan Sabia serves as our Vice President of Sales and Operations, a role that he has held since March 2021. Mr. Sabia has 18 years of experience in global supply chain, systems infrastructure, and sales operations in industries that range from automotive, medical supply, and consumer electronics. From June 2019 to April 2021, Mr. Sabia served as Global Director of Strategic Operations for Mars, Inc. From July 2015 to December 2018, he served as General Manager of Operations for Medelita, LLC, a medical apparel design and manufacturing company. Prior to that, he worked as Senior Director of Operations for Pinpoint Resources Group, a software technology consulting and staffing company, from January 2013 to July 2015, and as a Hedge Fund Financial Reporting Analyst for J.P. Morgan from August 2012 to January 2013. Mr. Sabia is seasoned in environments that range from Fortune 500 companies (J.P. Morgan, BestBuy, and Toyota) to bootstrap startups, while specializing in scaling for global omnichannel logistics and e-commerce marketplaces. As a result of his finance and accounting background, Mr. Sabia drives a data-focused approach while leveraging modern technologies for business analytics and resource planning. Mr. Sabia graduated from Suffolk University Sawyer Business School with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.

 

Non-Employee Directors

 

Sheryle Bolton has served as a director since July 16, 2019, and as Chair of the Board since August 18, 2021. She is an experienced serial technology entrepreneur, public company CEO, corporate executive, speaker, board member, and investor. Ms. Bolton has been a corporate executive in financial services, media, and health care and has served on the boards of private and public corporations, ranging from large groups of mutual funds to technology and finance companies, as well as non-profits, including an NGO, where she served as Chair of the Audit Committee, focused on financing small businesses in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa and Berry College, a private college with an internationally known work-study program. Ms. Bolton worked in private equity investing as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch Capital Markets, as Director of Strategy at Home Box Office and in asset management at Rockefeller & Co. As CEO, she raised significant funding for several start-ups from angels, venture capital, and the public and institutional markets. She was CEO of Scientific Learning Corporation, a health care and educational technology company, where she led the company from pre-product to IPO with venture funding from Warburg Pincus. She was also CEO and Chair of the public company. She has served as a board member for more than forty Scudder-Kemper mutual funds. From 2015 to 2021, Ms. Bolton was an adjunct Professor of Practice at Hult International Business School, where she taught entrepreneurship and finance courses in graduate and undergraduate programs. She has also been an invited speaker on business and entrepreneurship in the US, Asia, the Pacific Rim, Latin America, and Europe. Harvard Business School recognized Ms. Bolton as one of its most influential female graduates in Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. She was a recipient of the first Springboard All-Women’s IPO Class award, a former Chair of Watermark, the largest organization in Silicon Valley for female executives and entrepreneurs, and a recipient of the “A Woman Who Made Her Mark” award, among many other honors and recognition. Ms. Bolton started her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts. and a Master of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Georgia and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. We believe that Ms. Bolton is qualified to serve as a member of our Board of Directors due to her experience as an entrepreneur, as a CEO taking a company public, and as a public company CEO and director.

 

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Karen Drexler has served as a director since July 16, 2019. Ms. Drexler is a serial entrepreneur with expertise in the fields of digital health, medical devices and diagnostics. From June 2016 until June 2020, she was the CEO and a board member of Sandstone Diagnostics, Inc., a private company developing instruments and consumables for point-of-care medical testing. Ms. Drexler also serves on the boards of ResMed (NYSE: RSMD), OutSet Medical (NASDAQ: OM), VIDA Health, a leading company in Al-powered lung intelligence solutions and analytics, and Bone Health Technologies, a company developing vibration-based solutions to avoid and treat bone loss. From 2011 to 2017, she served as chair of the board of Hygieia, Inc., a digital insulin therapy company, and remains involved as an advisor to the CEO. She also acts as a senior strategic advisor for other early-stage companies and spent 11 years on the board of the Keller Center for Innovation in Engineering Education at Princeton University. Ms. Drexler has served on numerous private company boards in the fields of diagnostics, medical devices, and digital health. She is an active mentor and advisor with Astia, a global nonprofit that supports high-potential female founders. She is a founding member of Astia Angels, a network of individual investors who fund such founders, and a lead mentor with StartX, the Stanford University incubator. She is also on the Life Science and Women’s Health Councils for Springboard, an accelerator for women-led technology-oriented companies. Through her work with Astia, Springboard, and StartX, she interacts with many promising young medtech companies. Ms. Drexler was founder, president, and CEO of Amira Medical Inc., a private company focused on minimally invasive glucose monitoring technology, from 1996 until it was sold to Roche Holding AG in 2001. Before Amira Medical, she held management roles at LifeScan and played a key role in its sale to Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). Ms. Drexler graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University and earned a Master of Business Administration with honors from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Ms. Drexler’s executive and board experience in the medical diagnostics and medical device industries, and particularly her experience in digital health, technology and data security, and out-of-hospital care models, led our Board to conclude she should serve as a director.

 

Dean Zikria has served as a director since July 10, 2019. Mr. Zikria brings deep industry experience in allergy and asthma as well as other chronic diseases to the Board. Most recently, commencing on June 1, 2021, he has been serving as the Chief Commercial Officer at Intuity Medical Inc., a Silicon Valley MedTech company launching a highly disruptive glucose meter in the diabetes industry. In addition, he has served as Chairman of DZ Advisors, LLC, a company founded by Mr. Zikria in 2017 that provides consulting and advisory services to the med-tech, bio-tech, digital health and pharmaceutical industries, since inception, where he also served as President from December 2017 until May 31, 2021. Mr. Zikria also sits on the boards of the following privately held companies: AsthmaTek, Inc., a startup digital health company in the asthma space, Paneau Inc., a technology company placing targeted advertising in ride shares, Brev.Dev, Inc., a technology company developing a disruptive platform to aid developers, and Mind Machine LLC, a marketing and advertising agency focused on the MedTech industry. Mr. Zikria is also on the scientific advisory board of Bailard, Inc., a multi-billion dollar independent wealth and investment management firm. From 2019 to 2021, Mr. Zikria served as the CEO of Mind Machine LLC, a marketing/advertising agency, where he was also the Founder and continues to serve as Chairman. He has previously served as CEO of Spirosure Inc., a FeNO detection company for asthma diagnostics, from 2014 to 2017. He has also previously served as head of global marketing for Johnson & Johnson’s Animas Corporation within their medical device & diagnostics division. He was head of strategy for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals U.S. Cardiovascular Unit, a division with approximately $7 billion in annual revenues. Mr. Zikria brings experience in strategic planning, scenario planning and analysis, and mergers and acquisitions, including sourcing, transactions and integration. We believe that Mr. Zikria is qualified to serve as a member of our Board of Directors due to his experience in the allergy and asthma industries, as well as his experience in strategic planning, scenario planning and analysis, and mergers and acquisitions.

 

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Composition of our Board of Directors

 

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors (“Board”). The number of directors will be fixed by our Board, subject to the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which will include a requirement that the number of directors be fixed exclusively by a resolution adopted by directors constituting a majority of the total number of authorized directors, whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships. The size of our Board is currently fixed at five directors, with one vacancy.

 

When considering whether directors and nominees have the experience, qualifications, attributes or skills, taken as a whole, to enable our Board to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of our business and structure, the Board focuses primarily on each person’s background and experience as reflected in the information discussed in each of the directors’ individual biographies set forth above. We believe that our directors provide an appropriate mix of experience and skills relevant to the size and nature of our business.

 

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Corporate Governance Profile

 

Effective upon the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the effectiveness of our amended and restated bylaws, which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering, our corporate governance will be structured in a manner we believe closely aligns our interests with those of our stockholders. Notable features of our corporate governance structure will include the following:

  

  · we expect that a majority of our directors will satisfy the Nasdaq listing standards for independence;

 

  · generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders will be approved by a majority (or, in the case of election of directors, by a plurality) of the votes entitled to be cast by all stockholders present in person or represented by proxy, voting together as a single class;

 

  · we intend to comply with the requirements of the Nasdaq rules, including having committees comprised solely of independent directors; and

 

  · we do not have a stockholder rights plan.

 

Our directors will stay informed about our business by attending meetings of our Board and its committees and through supplemental reports and communications. Our independent directors will meet regularly in executive sessions without the presence of our corporate officers or non-independent directors.

 

Classified Board of Directors

 

In accordance with the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, which will occur immediately prior to the completion of this offering, our Board will be divided into three staggered classes of directors and each will be assigned to one of the three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III. Each class of directors will be elected for a three-year term, except that the initial term for Class I directors will expire in 2022, the initial term for Class II directors will expire in 2023, the initial term for Class III directors will expire in 2024. Effective upon the closing of this offering, our directors will be divided among the three classes as follows:

 

    the Class I director will be Karen Drexler, and her term will expire at our first annual meeting of stockholders following this offering;

 

    the Class II director will be Dean Zikria, and his term will expire at our second annual meeting of stockholders following this offering; and

 

    the Class III directors will be Sheryle Bolton and Jennifer Ernst, and their terms will expire at our third annual meeting of stockholders following this offering.

 

The division of our board of directors into three classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change in control of our company.

 

Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

 

Currently, Ms. Ernst serves as our Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Bolton serves as Chair of our Board. The Board does not have a policy regarding the separation of the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board, as our Board believes it is in the best interest of the Company to make that determination based on the position and direction of the Company and the membership of the Board.

 

The Board actively manages the Company’s risk oversight process and receives periodic reports from management on areas of material risk to the Company, including operational, financial, legal, and regulatory risks. The Board committees will assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in certain areas of risk. The Audit Committee will assist the Board with its oversight of the Company’s major financial risk exposures. The Compensation Committee will assist the Board with its oversight of risks arising from the Company’s compensation policies and programs. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will assist the Board with its oversight of risks associated with board organization, board independence, and corporate governance. While each committee will be responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of those risks, the entire Board will continue to be regularly informed about the risks.

 

Director Independence

 

The Nasdaq rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation and nominations committees be independent, or, if a listed company has no nominations committee, that director nominees be selected or recommended for the board’s selection by independent directors constituting a majority of the board’s independent directors. The Nasdaq rules further require that audit committee members satisfy independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and that compensation committee members satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10C-1 under the Exchange Act.

 

Prior to the completion of this offering, our Board undertook a review of the independence of our directors and considered whether any director has a material relationship with us that could compromise that director’s ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out that director’s responsibilities. Our Board has affirmatively determined that each of Dean Zikria, Sheryle Bolton and Karen Drexler qualify as an independent director, as defined under the applicable corporate governance standards of Nasdaq. These rules require that our Audit Committee be composed of at least three members, one of whom must be independent on the date of listing on  Nasdaq, a majority of whom must be independent within 90 days of the effective date of the registration statement containing this prospectus, and all of whom must be independent within one year of the effective date of the registration statement containing this prospectus.

 

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Board Committees and Meetings

 

Upon completion of this offering, the Board will have three standing committees, the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, to assist it with the performance of its responsibilities. The Board will designate the members of these committees and the committee chairs based on the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The Board has adopted written charters for each of these committees, effective upon completion of this offering, which can be found at the investor relations section of our corporate website upon completion of this offering. The chair of each committee develops the agenda for that committee and determines the frequency and length of committee meetings.

 

Audit Committee

 

Our Board has established an Audit Committee which, effective upon completion of this offering, will consist of three independent directors, Dean Zikria, Sheryle Bolton and Karen Drexler, with Sheryle Bolton serving as the Chairperson. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act, and the applicable rules of Nasdaq, and has sufficient knowledge in financial and auditing matters to serve on the Audit Committee. The committee’s primary duties upon completion of this offering will include:

 

  · selecting a firm to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements;

 

  · reviewing and discussing with management and our independent auditor our annual and quarterly financial statements and related disclosures, including disclosure under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the results of the independent auditor’s audit or review, as the case may be;

 

  · reviewing our financial reporting processes and internal control over financial reporting systems and the performance, generally, of our internal audit function;

 

  · overseeing the audit and other services of our independent registered public accounting firm and being directly responsible for the appointment, independence, qualifications, compensation and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm, which reports directly to the Audit Committee;

 

  · providing an open means of communication among our independent registered public accounting firm, management, our internal auditing function and our Board;

 

  · reviewing any disagreements between our management and the independent registered public accounting firm regarding our financial reporting;

 

  · preparing the Audit Committee report for inclusion in our proxy statement for our annual stockholder meetings;

 

  · establishing procedures for complaints received regarding our accounting, internal accounting control and auditing matters; and

 

  · approving all audit and permissible non-audit services conducted by our independent registered public accounting firm.

 

The Board has determined that Sheryle Bolton is an “audit committee financial expert,” as that term is defined in the rules promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2012. The Board has further determined that each of the members of the Audit Committee is financially literate and that at least one member of the committee has accounting or related financial management expertise, as such terms are interpreted by the Board in its business judgment.

 

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Compensation Committee

 

Our Board has established a Compensation Committee which, effective upon completion of this offering, will consist of three independent directors (as defined under the general independence standards of Nasdaq and our Corporate Governance Guidelines): Dean Zikria, Sheryle Bolton and Karen Drexler are each a “non-employee director” (within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act). Karen Drexler will serve as Chairperson of the Compensation Committee. The committee’s primary duties will include:

 

  · reviewing all overall compensation policies and practices;

 

  · approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to executive officer compensation and evaluate executive officer performance in light of those goals and objectives;

 

  · determining and approving executive officer compensation, including base salary and incentive awards;

 

  · reviewing and approving, or making recommendations to the Board regarding, compensation plans; and

 

  · administering our equity incentive plan, subject to Board approval.

 

Our Compensation Committee determines and approves elements of executive officer compensation, except that compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer will be subject to review and approval by the Board. It also provides recommendations to the Board with respect to non-employee director compensation. The Compensation Committee may not delegate its authority to any other person, other than to a subcommittee.

 

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

 

Our Board has also established a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee which, effective upon completion of this offering, will consist of Dean Zikria, Sheryle Bolton and Karen Drexler, with Karen Drexler serving as Chairperson. The committee’s primary duties will include:

 

  · recruiting new directors, consider director nominees recommended by stockholders and others and recommend nominees for election as directors;

 

  · reviewing the size and composition of our Board and committees;

 

  · overseeing the evaluation of the Board;

 

  · recommending actions to increase the Board’s effectiveness; and

 

  · developing, recommending and overseeing our corporate governance principles, including our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and our Corporate Governance Guidelines. 

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors, including those officers responsible for financial reporting, which will be effective upon completion of this offering. Upon the completion of this offering, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be available on the investor relations section of our corporate website. We intend to disclose any amendments to the code, or any waivers of its requirements, on our corporate website or in a Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

To our knowledge, (i) no director or executive officer has been a director or executive officer of any business that has filed a bankruptcy petition or had a bankruptcy petition filed against it during the past ten years; (ii) no director or executive officer has been convicted of a criminal offense or is the subject of a pending criminal proceeding during the past ten years; (iii) no director or executive officer has been the subject of any order, judgment or decree of any court permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities during the past ten years; and (iv) no director or officer has been found by a court to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law during the past ten years.

 

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EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, the dollar value of all cash and noncash compensation earned by any person that was our principal executive officer (“PEO”) during the last fiscal year and the two most highly compensated individuals other than our PEO who were serving as executive officers during the last fiscal year.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

Name
and
Principal
Position(1)
  Year     Salary
($)
    Bonus
($)
    Stock
Awards
($)
    Option
Awards
($)
    Non-Equity
Incentive
Plane
Compensation
($)
    Non-Qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
    All Other
Compensation
($)(2)
    Totals
($)
 
Jennifer Ernst,     2019       205,154       -       -       -       -       -       15,599       220,753  
CEO and Director     2020       181,125       -       -       -       -       -       16,317       197,442  
Blake Gurfein, PhD     2019       226,038       -       -       -       -       -       15,229       241,267  
Chief Scientific Officer     2020       226,250       -       -       -       -       -       16,276       242,526  

 

  (1) Briana Benz was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer in July 2021, and has therefore been omitted from this table.

 

  (2) Includes the cost of health insurance coverage and benefits paid for by us for each named executive officer that is not reimbursed.

 

Narrative to the summary compensation table

 

Employment Agreements/Arrangements

 

As of the year ended December 31, 2020, we had not entered into any written employment agreements with our named executive officers. Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2020, we entered into executive offer letters with Jennifer Ernst, our Chief Executive Officer, and Briana Benz, who was appointed as our Chief Financial Officer in July 2021. A summary of the terms of Ms. Ernst’s and Ms. Benz’s executive offer letters is set forth below.

 

In addition, Blake Gurfein is currently subject to a standard, at-will offer letter. We intend to enter into a more formal, written employment agreement or offer letter with Dr. Gurfein prior to the completion of this offering.

 

Currently, the annual compensation of each of the executive officers is fixed by the Board. The named executive officers are also entitled to participate in the Company’s benefit plans, which such benefits are generally available to all full-time employees.

 

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Executive Offer Letter with Jennifer Ernst

 

On July 31, 2021, we entered into an executive offer letter with Jennifer Ernst. Pursuant to her executive offer letter, effective July 31, 2021, Ms. Ernst is entitled to a base salary of $275,000 and, commencing with the 2022 calendar year (payable in the first quarter of 2023), will be eligible to receive, at the sole discretion of the Board, an annual end-of-year incentive bonus in amount up to 40% of her base salary. The annual end-of-year incentive bonus, if earned, will be determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, and will be dependent upon the achievement of certain Company milestones and profitability, and such other milestones as the Board deems appropriate.

 

Ms. Ernst’s employment is “at will,” meaning that either she or the Company are entitled to terminate Ms. Ernst’s employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. In the event that her employment with the Company is terminated for any reason before December 31 of any given year, she will not be entitled to receive an annual end-of-year bonus. In the event that (i) Ms. Ernst elects to terminate her employment with the Company other than for good reason, (ii) the Company terminates her employment for cause, or (iii) her employment is terminated as a result of her death of complete disability, then Ms. Ernst will not be entitled to receive any separation benefits. In the event that Ms. Ernst terminates her employment for good reason or the Company terminates her employment without cause, Ms. Ernst shall be entitled to receive 1/12 of her base salary for a period of six months after termination.

 

Executive Offer Letter with Briana Benz

 

On July 29, 2021, we entered into an executive offer letter with Briana Benz. Pursuant to her executive offer letter, effective July 16, 2021, Ms. Benz is entitled to a base salary of $250,000 and will be eligible to receive, at the sole discretion of the Board, an annual end-of-year incentive bonus in amount up to 25% of her base salary. The annual end-of-year incentive bonus, if earned, will be determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, and will be dependent upon the achievement of certain Company milestones and profitability, and such other milestones as the Board deems appropriate. In connection with Ms. Benz’s appointment as our Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Benz was issued 112,500 restricted shares of our common stock pursuant to a restricted stock purchase agreement. All shares that were issued are initially subject to a repurchase option in favor of the Company, which repurchase option shall lapse at a rate of 1/48th per month, commencing September 1, 2021, subject to Ms. Benz’s continued employment with the Company. In addition, the Company’s repurchase option shall lapse as to all of the shares in the event of a termination of service without cause in connection with or within 12 months following a Change of Control (as defined in the 2021 Plan).

 

In addition to the foregoing compensation, subject to and contingent upon the Company’s closing of its initial public offering, Ms. Benz shall be entitled to receive a $100,000 cash bonus as soon as practicable after closing of the initial public offering.

 

Ms. Benz’s employment is “at will,” meaning that either she or the Company are entitled to terminate Ms. Benz’s employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. In the event that her employment with the Company is terminated for any reason before December 31 of any given year, she will not be entitled to receive an annual end-of-year bonus. In the event that (i) Ms. Benz elects to terminate her employment with the Company other than for good reason, (ii) the Company terminates her employment for cause, or (iii) her employment is terminated as a result of her death of complete disability, then Ms. Benz will not be entitled to receive any separation benefits. In the event that Ms. Benz terminates her employment for good reason or the Company terminates her employment without cause, Ms. Benz shall be entitled to receive the following severance payments: (i) in the event that she has been employed by the Company for a period between three months and twelve months, then she shall be entitled to receive 1/12 of her base salary for a period of three months after termination, and (ii) in the event that she has been employed by the Company for more than twelve months, then she shall be entitled to receive 1/12 of her base salary for a period of six months after termination; provided, however, that if Ms. Benz terminates her employment for good reason or the Company terminates her employment without cause after the closing of the Company’s initial public offering, then she will be entitled to receive 1/12 of her base salary for a period of six months after termination regardless of the amount of time she has been employed by the Company.

 

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Outstanding equity awards at fiscal year-end

 

The following table provides information regarding the outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of December 31, 2020. All awards were granted pursuant to the 2017 Plan. See “Equity Incentive Plans–2017 Equity Incentive Plan” below for additional information.

 

Name and
principal
position
  Grant
Date
  Vesting
Commencement
Date
  Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
(exercisable)
    Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#) (unexercisable)
    Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
unearned
options (#)
    Option
exercise
price ($)
    Option
expiration
date
 
Jennifer Ernst   04/04/2018   04/01/2018     83,334 (1)     41,666                    
CEO                                          
Blake Gurfein, PhD   04/04/2018   01/01/2018     54,688 (2)     20,312                    
Chief Scientific Officer   06/28/2018   06/28/2018     36,459 (3)     13,541                    

 

  (1) Ms. Ernst exercised her options with respect to 67,500 shares of common stock in August 2021.  
     
  (2) Dr. Gurfein exercised his options with respect to 50,000 shares of common stock in March 2021 and another 17,188 shares of common stock in August 2021.  
     
  (3) Dr. Gurfein exercised his options with respect to 44,792 shares of common stock in August 2021.

 

Equity Incentive Plans

 

2017 Equity Incentive Plan

 

The Board adopted the 2017 Plan on April 13, 2017. The principal purpose of the 2017 Plan is to attract, retain and motivate selected employees, consultants and directors through the granting of stock-based compensation awards and cash-based performance bonus awards. The material terms of the 2017 Plan are summarized below. In August 2021, the Board adopted and our stockholders approved the 2021 Plan, which will become effective upon the completion of this offering. Upon the effectiveness of the 2021 Plan, it will replace the 2017 Plan, except with respect to awards outstanding under the 2017 Plan, and no further awards will be available for grant under the 2017 Plan.

 

Share reserve. Under the 2017 Plan, 981,269 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to a variety of stock-based compensation awards, including stock options, restricted stock awards, and other stock-based awards. With respect to the share reserve under the 2017 Plan:

 

  · to the extent that an award terminates, expires or lapses for any reason or an award is settled in cash without the delivery of shares, any shares subject to the award at such time will be available for future grants under the 2017 Plan; and
     
  · to the extent that shares of our common stock are repurchased by us prior to vesting so that shares are returned to us, such shares will be available for future grants under the 2017 Plan.

 

Administration. Following completion of this offering, the Compensation Committee of the Board is expected to administer the 2017 Plan unless the Board assumes authority for administration.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of the 2017 Plan, the administrator has the authority to select the persons to whom awards are to be made, to determine the number of shares to be subject to awards and the terms and conditions of awards, and to make all other determinations and to take all other actions necessary or advisable for the administration of the 2017 Plan. The administrator is also authorized to adopt, amend or rescind rules relating to administration of the 2017 Plan. The Board may at any time remove the Compensation Committee as the administrator and revest in itself the authority to administer the 2017 Plan.

 

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Eligibility. Options, restricted stock and all other stock-based and cash-based awards under the 2017 Plan may be granted to individuals who are then our officers, employees or consultants or are the officers, employees or consultants of certain of our subsidiaries. Such awards also may be granted to our directors. Only employees of our company or certain of our subsidiaries may be granted incentive stock options (“ISOs”).

 

Awards. The 2017 Plan provides that the administrator may grant or issue stock options, restricted stock, other stock- or cash-based awards and dividend equivalents, or any combination thereof. Each award will be set forth in a separate agreement with the person receiving the award, which will indicate the type, terms and conditions of the award.

 

·         Incentive stock options. ISOs will be designed in a manner intended to comply with the provisions of Section 422 of the Code and will be subject to specified restrictions contained in the Code. Among such restrictions, ISOs must have an exercise price of not less than the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant, may only be granted to employees, and must not be exercisable after a period of ten years measured from the date of grant. In the case of an ISO granted to an individual who owns (or is deemed to own) at least 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our capital stock, the 2017 Plan provides that the exercise price must be at least 110% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant and the ISO must not be exercisable after a period of five years measured from the date of grant.

 

·         Nonstatutory stock options. Nonstatutory Stock Options, or NSOs, will provide for the right to purchase shares of our common stock at a specified price which may not be less than fair market value on the date of grant, and usually will become exercisable (at the discretion of the administrator) in one or more installments after the grant date, subject to the participant’s continued employment or service with us and/ or subject to the satisfaction of corporate performance targets and individual performance targets established by the administrator. NSOs may be granted for any term specified by the administrator that does not exceed ten years.

 

·         Restricted stock. Restricted stock may be granted to any eligible individual and made subject to such restrictions as may be determined by the administrator. Restricted stock, typically, may be forfeited for No consideration or repurchased by us at the original purchase price if the conditions or restrictions on vesting are not met. In general, restricted stock may not be sold or otherwise transferred until restrictions are removed or expire. Purchasers of restricted stock, unlike recipients of options, will have voting rights and will have the right to receive dividends, if any, prior to the time when the restrictions lapse, however, extraordinary dividends will generally be placed in escrow, and will not be released until restrictions are removed or expire.

 

·         Other stock-based awards. Other stock-based awards are awards of fully vested shares of our common stock and other awards valued wholly or partially by referring to, or otherwise based on, shares of our common stock. Other stock-based awards may be granted to participants and may also be available as a payment form in the settlement of other awards, as standalone payments and as payment in lieu of base salary, bonus, fees or other cash compensation otherwise payable to any individual who is eligible to receive awards. The plan administrator will determine the terms and conditions of other stock-based awards, which may include vesting conditions based on continued service, performance and/or other conditions.

 

Any award may be granted as a performance award, meaning that the award will be subject to vesting and/or payment based on the attainment of specified performance goals.

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Change in control. In the event of a change in control, to the extent that an award (i) is vested, (ii) the terms of an award provide for acceleration of vesting upon a change in control, or (iii) the administrator elects to accelerate the vesting of the award in connection with the change in control, the plan administrator may elect to provide for the purchase or exchange of an award for cash or other property in an amount equal to the difference between (x) the value of cash or other property the optionee would receive in connection with such change in control if the optionee exercised the award, and (y) the aggregate exercise price of the vested portion of the award. If the award is not purchased or exchanged as provided above, then the award will be terminated and cease to be exercisable unless the award is expressly assumed or substituted by the acquirer.

 

Adjustments of awards. In the event of any stock dividend or other distribution, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, recapitalization, repurchase or any other corporate event affecting the number of outstanding shares of our common stock or the share price of our common stock that would require adjustments to the 2017 Plan or any awards under the 2017 Plan in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the potential benefits intended to be made available thereunder, the administrator will make appropriate, proportionate adjustments to: (i) the aggregate number and type of shares subject to the 2017 Plan; (ii) the number and kind of shares subject to outstanding awards and terms and conditions of outstanding awards (including, without limitation, any applicable performance targets or criteria with respect to such awards); and (iii) the grant or exercise price per share of any outstanding awards under the 2017 Plan. In connection with the 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock that was effected on August 31, 2021, the terms of certain awards granted under our 2017 Plan were equitably adjusted in accordance with the provisions thereof.

 

Amendment and termination. The administrator may terminate, amend or modify the 2017 Plan at any time and from time to time. However, we must generally obtain stockholder approval to amend or modify the 2017 Plan to the extent required by applicable law, rule or regulation (including any applicable stock exchange rule). Notwithstanding the foregoing, an option may be amended to reduce the per share exercise price below the per share exercise price of such option on the grant date and options may be granted in exchange for, or in connection with, the cancellation or surrender of options having a higher per share exercise price without receiving additional stockholder approval.

 

No ISOs may be granted pursuant to the 2017 Plan after the tenth anniversary of the effective date of the 2017 Plan. Any award that is outstanding on the termination date of the 2017 Plan will remain in force according to the terms of the 2017 Plan and the applicable award agreement.

 

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

 

In August 2021, the Board adopted and our stockholders approved the 2021 Plan, which will become effective upon the completion of this offering. Upon the effectiveness of the 2021 Plan, it will replace the 2017 Plan, except with respect to awards outstanding under the 2017 Plan, and no further awards will be made under the 2017 Plan. Additionally, any awards that are cancelled or expire under the 2017 Plan will not be reissued. The principal purpose of the 2021 Plan is to attract, retain and incentivize the Company’s employees and other service providers through the granting of certain stock-based awards, including performance-based awards. The material terms of the 2021 Plan, as it is currently contemplated, are summarized below.

 

Share reserve. Under the 2021 Plan, 937,500 shares of our common stock will be reserved for issuance pursuant to a variety of stock-based compensation awards, including stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock bonus awards and performance-based awards. With respect to the share reserve under the 2021 Plan:

 

·         to the extent that an award terminates, expires or lapses for any reason or an award is settled in cash without the delivery of shares, any shares subject to the award at such time will be available for future grants under the 2021 Plan; and

 

·         to the extent that shares of our common stock are repurchased by us at the original purchase price, such shares will be available for future grants under the 2021 Plan.

 

Share Counting. For purposes of counting the number of shares available for the grant of stock awards under the 2021 Plan, all shares covered by any stock award shall be counted against shares available under the 2021 Plan on a “one for one” basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) awards that may be settled only in cash shall not be so counted, and (ii) while any performance-based award is outstanding, the maximum number of shares issuable under such award shall be counted against available shares under the 2021 Plan, and upon final settlement of such performance-based award, any shares not issued to the holder due to failure to achieve any related performance goal(s) shall again be available for grant and issuance under the 2021 Plan.

 

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Administration. Following completion of this offering, the Compensation Committee of the Board has been authorized to administer the 2021 Plan unless the Board subsequently assumes authority for administration. The Compensation Committee must consist of at least two members of the Board, each of whom is intended to qualify as a “non-employee director” for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and an “independent director” within the meaning of the rules of the applicable stock exchange, or other principal securities market on which shares of our common stock are traded. The term Administrator refers to either the Board or the Compensation Committee, as applicable.

 

Additionally, the Board or Compensation Committee may delegate certain functions under the 2021 Plan to designate employees who are not Officers to be recipients of awards under the 2021 Plan, and to determine the number of shares subject to awards granted to such employees.

 

Subject to the terms and conditions of the 2021 Plan, the Administrator has the authority to construe and interpret the 2021 Plan and awards granted under it and to determine the persons to whom and the dates on which awards will be granted, the number of shares of common stock to be subject to each award, the time or times during the term of each award within which all or a portion of such award may be exercised, the exercise price, the type of consideration and other terms of the award. All decisions, determinations and interpretations by the Administrator regarding the 2021 Plan shall be final and binding on all participants or other persons claiming rights under the 2021 Plan or any award.

 

Awards. The 2021 Plan provides that the Administrator may grant or issue stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, other stock-based awards and dividend equivalents, or any combination thereof. Each award will be set forth in a separate agreement with the person receiving the award and will indicate the type, terms and conditions of the award.

 

Eligibility. Options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and all other stock-based awards under the 2021 Plan may be granted to individuals who are then our officers, employees, directors or consultants or are the officers, employees or consultants of certain of our subsidiaries. Only employees of our company or certain of our subsidiaries may be granted incentive stock options, or ISOs. No ISO may be granted under the 2021 Plan to any person who, at the time of the grant, owns (or is deemed to own) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company or any affiliate of the Company, unless the exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of grant and the term of the option does not exceed five years from the date of grant. In addition, the aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of grant, of the shares of common stock with respect to which ISOs are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year (under the 2021 Plan and all other such plans of the Company and its affiliates) may not exceed $100,000. ISOs are not transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, provided that a participant may designate a beneficiary who may exercise an option following the participant’s death.

 

·         Stock Options. Options granted under the 2021 Plan may become exercisable in cumulative increments (“vest”) as determined by the Administrator. Such increments may be based on continued service to the Company over a certain period of time, the occurrence of certain performance milestones, or other criteria. Options granted under the 2021 Plan may be subject to different vesting terms. Except as to a maximum of five percent (5%) of the number of shares reserved and available for grant and issuance under the 2021 Plan, any options that vest on the basis of the participant’s continued service will have a minimum vesting period of one year. In addition, the Administrator may not use discretion to accelerate the vesting of options (subject to a maximum five percent (5%) of shares under the 2021 Plan that may be accelerated) other than in connection with a death, disability or a change in control (where a participant terminates employment in certain situations or equity awards are not assumed or substituted for in the transaction).

 

To the extent provided by the terms of an option, a participant may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to the exercise of such option by a cash payment upon exercise, by authorizing the Company to withhold a portion of the stock otherwise issuable to the participant, or by such other method as may be set forth in the option agreement. The maximum term of options under the 2021 Plan is 10 years, except that in certain cases (see Eligibility) the maximum term of certain incentive stock options is five years. Options under the 2021 Plan generally terminate sixty (60) days after termination of the participant’s service unless (i) such termination is due to the participant’s disability, in which case the option may, but need not, provide that it may be exercised at any time within 6 months of such termination; (ii) the participant dies before the participant’s service has terminated, or within three months after termination of such service, in which case the option may, but need not, provide that it may be exercised within 12 months of the participant’s death by the person or persons to whom the rights to such option pass by will or by the laws of descent and distribution; or (iii) the option by its terms specifically provides otherwise. If an optionee’s service with the Company, or any affiliate of the Company, ceases with cause, the option will terminate at the time the optionee’s service ceases. In no event may an option be exercised after its expiration date.

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·         Stock Bonuses and Restricted Stock Awards. Stock bonus awards and restricted stock awards are granted through a stock bonus award agreement or restricted stock award agreement. The purchase price for a stock purchase award (if any) may be payable in cash, or any other form of legal consideration approved by the Administrator. Stock bonus awards may be granted in consideration for the recipient’s past services for the Company. Common stock issued under a restricted stock or stock bonus award agreement may be subject to a share repurchase option or forfeiture right in our favor, each in accordance with a vesting schedule and subject to the minimum vesting requirement. If a recipient’s service relationship with us terminates, we may reacquire or receive via forfeiture all of the shares of our Common Stock issued to the recipient pursuant to a restricted stock or stock bonus award that have not vested as of the date of termination. Rights under a stock bonus or restricted stock bonus agreement may be transferred only as expressly authorized by the terms of the applicable stock bonus or restricted stock purchase agreement.

 

·         Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock unit awards are issued pursuant to a restricted stock unit award agreement. The consideration for a stock unit award shall be determined by the Administrator and may be payable in any form acceptable to the Administrator and permitted under applicable law. The Administrator may impose any restrictions or conditions upon the vesting of restricted stock unit awards, or that delay the delivery of the consideration after the vesting of stock unit awards, that it deems appropriate consistent with the minimum vesting requirement. Restricted stock unit awards may be settled in cash or shares of the Company’s common stock, as determined by the Administrator. No dividends payments will be made on unvested restricted stock unit awards, but instead any dividends will be deferred until awards become vested. If a restricted stock unit award recipient’s service relationship with the Company terminates, any unvested portion of the restricted stock unit award is forfeited upon the recipient’s termination of service.

 

·        Performance-Based Award. Any award may be granted as a performance award, meaning that the award will be subject to vesting and/or payment based on the attainment of specified performance goals. Generally, such pre-established performance goals consist of one or more business criteria and a targeted performance level with respect to such criteria as a condition of awards being granted or becoming exercisable, or as a condition to accelerating the timing of such events. Performance may be measured over a period of any length specified by the Administrator.

 

Certain Corporate Transactions. In the event of a merger, sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or other change of control transaction, unless otherwise determined by the Board, all outstanding awards will be subject to the agreement governing such merger, asset sale or other change of control transaction. Such agreement need not treat all such awards in an identical manner, and it will provide for one or more of the following with respect to each award: (i) the continuation of the award, (ii) the assumption of the award, (iii) the substitution of the award, or (iv) the payment of the excess of the fair market value of the shares subject to the award over the exercise price or purchase price of such shares. In the event the successor corporation refuses to either continue, assume or substitute the shares subject to the award pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Plan, or pay the excess of the fair market value of the shares subject to the award over the exercise price or purchase price of such shares, then outstanding awards shall vest and become exercisable as to 100% of the shares subject thereto contingent upon the consummation of such change of control transaction.

 

Adjustments Provisions. Transactions not involving receipt of consideration by the Company, such as a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reincorporation, reclassification, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, or a change in corporate structure may change the type(s), class(es) and number of shares of common stock subject to the 2021 Plan and outstanding awards. In that event, the 2021 Plan will be appropriately adjusted as to the type(s), class(es) and the maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to the 2021 Plan, and outstanding awards will be adjusted as to the type(s), class(es), number of shares and price per share of Common Stock subject to such awards.

 

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Amendment and termination. The administrator may terminate, amend or modify the 2021 Plan at any time and from time to time. However, we must generally obtain stockholder approval to amend or modify the 2021 Plan to the extent required by applicable law, rule or regulation (including any applicable stock exchange rule). Notwithstanding the foregoing, an option may be amended to reduce the per share exercise price below the per share exercise price of such option on the grant date and options may be granted in exchange for, or in connection with, the cancellation or surrender of options having a higher per share exercise price without receiving additional stockholder approval.

 

Compensation of Directors

 

The Company has not yet implemented a formal compensation plan for its directors but plans to do so prior to the completion of this offering. However, during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company granted each of its non-employee directors options to purchase 6,250 shares of Company common stock as considerations for their services as directors on the Company’s Board.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

 

We describe below the transactions and series of similar transactions, since January 1, 2019, to which we were a party or will be a party, in which:

 

· the amounts involved exceeded or will exceed the lesser of $120,000 or one percent (1%) of the average of our total assets for the last two (2) fiscal years; and
     
· any of our directors, executive officers, holders of more than 5% of our capital stock or any member of their immediate family had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than equity and other compensation, termination, change in control and other arrangements with directors and executive officers, which are described where required under the section above entitled “Executive and Director Compensation.”

 

Subinoy Das is both a consultant and investor in the Company. We entered into a consulting agreement with Dr. Das on May 1, 2019 to provide us with support for research and clinical activities. We expensed and accrued $42,000 included in ‘Other accrued liabilities’ at December 31, 2019 for his services. On December 30, 2020, the Board granted Dr. Das 28,323 non-statutory stock options to replace amounts accrued for his services for fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The fair value of this grant is $13,000 and was expensed in fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. We recognized a gain on settlement of $117,000 which is included in research and development expense for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

In June 2021, we issued a convertible note payable to our Chief Executive Officer for total proceeds of $100,000. The note is unsecured, has a term of two years, and accrues interest at a rate of 3% per annum. This note will convert into approximately 24,389 shares of our common stock in connection with this offering, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.

 

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our outstanding common stock and preferred stock as of September 1, 2021 by: (i) each of our directors, (ii) each of our named executive officers (as defined by Item 402(a)(3) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act), (iii) all of our directors and named executive officers as a group, and (iv) each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of each class of our outstanding voting securities. As of September 1, 2021, there were 6,149,407 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding, after giving effect to (i) the conversion of all 8,908,600 outstanding shares of our preferred stock into an aggregate of 2,227,116 shares of our common stock on a four-for-one basis (with any fractional shares resulting from the conversion to be cashed out by the Company) immediately prior to completion of this offering, and (ii) the conversion of all of our outstanding convertible notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $4,429,721, with approximately $59,733 of additional accrued interest as of September 1, 2021, into an aggregate of 1,088,333 shares of common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share).

 

Beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act. The percentages in the table have been calculated on the basis of treating as outstanding for a particular person, all shares of our common stock outstanding on that date and all shares of our common stock issuable to that holder in the event of exercise of outstanding preferred stock, options, warrants, rights or conversion privileges owned by that person at that date which are exercisable within 60 days of that date. Except as otherwise indicated, the persons listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock owned by them, except to the extent that power may be shared with a spouse. The Company does not know of any arrangements the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of the Company.

 

    Common Stock     Series Seed Preferred Stock(14)     Percentage of Shares of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned(15)
 
Name of Beneficial Owner (1)   Shares
Beneficially
Held
    Percent
of Class
    Shares
Beneficially
Held
    Percent
of Class
    Before
Offering
    After
Offering
 
Certain Stockholders                                              
John Claude(2)     1,196,000       19.4 %     -       -       19.4 %    13.5 %
Subinoy Das(3)     305,610       5.0 %     899,981       10.1 %     5.0 %   3.4  %
Murahari Amarnath(10)     225,336       3.7 %     901,346       10.1 %     3.7 %   2.5 %
Sand Hill Angels XVIII, LLC(11)     181,725       3.0 %     726,902       8.2 %     3.0 %   2.0 %
Astia Angels Tivic LLC(12)     170,006       2.8 %     680,027       7.6 %     2.8 %    1.9 %
GS Tivic Health LLC(13)     140,307       2.3 %     561,228       6.3 %     2.3 %    1.6 %
Directors and Executive Officers                                              
Jennifer Ernst(4)     1,241,759       20.0 %     5,566       *       20.0 %   13.9  %
Briana Benz(9)     112,500       1.8 %             -       1.8 %   1.3  %
Blake Gurfein, PhD(5)     119,792       1.9 %             -       1.9 %   1.3  %
Ryan Sabia     -       -               -       -      
Dean Zikria(6)     3,255       *               -       *     *  
Sheryle Bolton(7)     3,255       *               -       *     *  
Karen Drexler(8)     9,505       *               -       *     *  
All officers and directors as a group (7 persons)     1,490,066       24.0 %             *       24.0 %   16.7  %

 

* Less than 1%

 

(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each beneficial owner listed is c/o Tivic Health Systems, Inc., 39899 Balentine Drive, Suite 200, Newark, California 94560.

 

(2) Includes 1,196,000 shares of common stock held by Mr. Claude. Mr. Claude is a former director of the Company.

 

(3) Includes 899,981 shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock that are convertible into 224,995 shares of common stock held by Dr. Das, as well as options to purchase 80,615 shares of common stock that are vested and exercisable (or will be vested and exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2021). The address of Dr. Das is 770 Jasonway Ave Suite 1B, Columbus Ohio 43214.

 

(4) Includes 1,171,500 shares of common stock held by Ms. Ernst, 5,566 shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock that are convertible into 1,391 shares of common stock, options to purchase 44,479 of common stock that are vested and exercisable (or will be vested and exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2021), and 24,389 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of an unsecured convertible promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000 held by Ms. Ernst (based on an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share and an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus).

 

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(5) Includes 111,979 shares of common stock held by Dr. Gurfein, as well as options to purchase 7,813 shares of common stock that are vested and exercisable (or will be vested and exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2021).

 

(6) Includes options to purchase 3,255 shares of common stock that are vested and exercisable (or will be vested and exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2021).

 

(7) Includes options to purchase 3,255 shares of common stock that are vested and exercisable (or will be vested and exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2021).

 

(8) Includes options to purchase 9,505 shares of common stock that are vested and exercisable (or will be vested and exercisable within 60 days of September 1, 2021).
   
(9) Includes 112,500 shares of restricted common stock issued to Ms. Benz pursuant to a restricted stock purchase agreement. Ms. Benz was appointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer in July 2021 and has been included herein, although not listed as a “named executive officer” under the “Executive Compensation” section of this preliminary prospectus due to the fact that she was appointed after the last completed fiscal year.

 

(10) Includes 901,346 shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock that are convertible into 225,336 shares of common stock held by Murahari Amarnath. The address of Murahari Amarnath is 505 Hamilton Ave., #100, Palo Alto, CA 94301.
   
(11) Includes 726,902 shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock that are convertible into 181,725 shares of common stock held by Sand Hill Angels XVIII, LLC. The address of Sand Hill Angels XVIII, LLC is 1060 La Avenida St., Mountain View, CA 94043.
   
(12) Includes 680,027 shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock that are convertible into 170,006 shares of common stock held by Astia Angels Tivic LLC. The address of Astia Angels Tivic LLC is c/o Astia, 2164 Hyde Street, Suite 714 , San Francisco, CA 94109.
   
(13) Includes 561,228 shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock that are convertible into 140,307 shares of common stock held by GS Tivic Health LLC. The address of GS Tivic Health LLC is c/o Golden Seeds, FDR Station, Box 642, New York, NY 10150.
   
(14) Our class of Series Seed Preferred Stock consists of: (i) 2,794,979 shares of Seed-1 Preferred Stock; (ii) 774,894 shares of our Seed-2 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding; (iii) 3,615,580 shares of our Seed-3 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding; and (iv) 1,723,147 shares of our Seed-4 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding (collectively, the “Series Seed Preferred Stock”). All 8,908,600 shares of our outstanding Series Seed Preferred Stock will convert on a 4:1 basis (with any fractional shares resulting from the conversion to be cashed out by the Company) into an aggregate of 2,227,116 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering.
   
(15) The applicable percentage ownership is based on 6,149,407 shares of common stock outstanding at September 1, 2021, after giving effect to (i) the conversion of all 8,908,600 outstanding shares of our preferred stock into an aggregate of 2,227,116 shares of our common stock immediately prior to completion of this offering, and (ii) the conversion of all of our outstanding convertible notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $4,429,721, with approximately $59,733 of additional accrued interest as of September 1, 2021, into an aggregate of 1,088,333 shares of common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share). The percentage of shares beneficially owned after the offering also gives effect to the issuance by us of 2,727,272 shares of common stock in this offering.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

 

Capital Stock

 

General

 

Upon completion of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, all of which will be undesignated. Based on our shares outstanding as of September 1, 2021, upon completion of the offering, we will have (i) approximately 8,649,407 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, after giving effect to (y) the conversion of all 8,908,600 outstanding shares of our preferred stock into an aggregate of 2,227,116 shares of our common stock on a four-for-one basis (with any fractional shares resulting from the conversion to be cashed out by the Company) immediately prior to completion of this offering, and (z) the conversion of all of our outstanding convertible notes in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $4,429,721, with approximately $59,733 of additional accrued interest as of September 1, 2021, into an aggregate of 1,088,333 shares of common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share), and (ii) no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding.

 

In August 2021, after receiving Board approval of the same on July 29, 2021, holders of a majority of our issued and outstanding securities authorized our Board, acting in its sole discretion without further approval of our stockholders, to effect a reverse split of our issued and outstanding common stock, at a ratio of not less than 1-for-2, but not more than 1-for-15, at any time on or before July 29, 2021. On August 29, 2021, our Board approved a reverse split ratio of 1-for-4, and on August 31, 2021, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to implement the reverse stock split.

 

As of September 1, 2021, there were (i) 2,833,958 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding, held by approximately eleven stockholders of record; (ii) 2,794,979 shares of our Seed-1 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding; (iii) 774,894 shares of our Seed-2 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding; (iv) 3,615,580 shares of our Seed-3 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding; and (v) 1,723,147 shares of our Seed-4 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. All 8,908,600 shares of our outstanding preferred stock will convert into an aggregate of 2,227,116 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering.

 

We reincorporated in the State of Delaware effective as of June 7, 2021. The following description of our capital stock and provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which will become effective upon the completion of this offering, are summaries of material terms and provisions and are qualified by reference to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, copies of which have been filed with the SEC as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The descriptions of our common stock and convertible preferred stock reflect the content of the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will become effective upon the completion of this offering.

 

Common Stock

 

Upon completion of this offering, we will be authorized to issue one class of common stock. Holders of our common stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held of record for the election of our directors and all other matters requiring stockholder action, except with respect to amendments to our certificate of incorporation that alter or change the powers, preferences, rights or other terms of any outstanding preferred stock if the holders of such affected series of preferred stock are entitled to vote on such an amendment. Our directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote at our annual meeting of stockholders, and will not be entitled to cumulative voting rights. Holders of common stock will be entitled to receive such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our Board in its discretion out of funds legally available therefor. The payment of dividends, if any, on shares of our common stock will be subject to the prior payment of dividends on any outstanding preferred stock, of which there will be none immediately following completion of this offering. Upon our liquidation or dissolution, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive a pro rata portion of all assets remaining available for distribution to stockholders after payment of all liabilities and provision for the liquidation of any shares of preferred stock outstanding at that time. The holders of our common stock will have no preemptive, subscription or redemption rights, and will have no rights to convert their common stock into any other securities. The absence of preemptive rights could result in a dilution of the interest of the existing stockholders should additional shares of our common stock be issued. In addition, the rights of holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.

 

Preferred Stock

 

No shares of preferred stock will be outstanding upon completion of this offering. Upon completion of this offering, our Board will be authorized, without action by our stockholders, to designate and issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series. Our Board will have the right to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers, preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series of designated preferred stock. Our Board will be able to, without stockholder approval, issue shares of preferred stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of our common stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of our Board to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of us or the removal of existing management. Although we do not currently intend to issue any shares of preferred stock, we cannot assure you that we will not do so in the future.

 

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Stock Options

 

As of June 30, 2021, 763,793 shares of common stock were issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options, at a weighted-average exercise price of approximately $0.50 per share. For additional information regarding terms of our equity incentive plans, see the section of this prospectus entitled “Executive and director compensation—Equity Incentive Plans.”

 

Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

Effective as of June 7, 2021, we reincorporated as a Delaware corporation. Certain provisions of Delaware law, as well as our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, both of which will become effective upon completion of this offering, will contain provisions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us. These provisions, which are summarized below, are expected to discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed, in part, to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our Board. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with an unfriendly or unsolicited acquirer outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging such proposals, including proposals that are priced above the then-current market value of our common stock, because, among other reasons, such negotiation could result in an improvement of the terms of such proposals.

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws.

 

Certain provisions set forth in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our amended and restated bylaws (both of which will become effective upon completion of this offering), and in Delaware law, which are summarized below, may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, deter or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider to be in its best interests, including attempts that might result in a premium being paid over the market price for the shares held by stockholders.

 

Classified Board of Directors

 

Upon completion of this offering, our Board will be divided into three classes serving three-year terms, with one class being elected each year by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders entitled to vote on the election.

 

Proposals of business and nominations.

 

Our amended and restated bylaws will generally regulate proposals of business and nominations for election of directors by stockholders. In general, Section 2.5 will require stockholders intending to submit proposals or nominations at a stockholders meeting to provide the Company with advance notice thereof, including information regarding the stockholder proposing the business or nomination as well as information regarding the proposed business or nominee. Sections 2.4 and 2.5 will provide a time period during which business or nominations must be provided to the Company that will create a predictable window for the submission of such notices, eliminating the risk that the Company finds a meeting will be contested after printing its proxy materials for an uncontested election and providing the Company with a reasonable opportunity to respond to nominations and proposals by stockholders.

 

Blank Check Preferred Stock.

 

Our Board will have the right to issue preferred stock in one or more series and to determine the designations, rights, preferences of such preferred stock without stockholder approval.

 

Board Vacancies.

 

Our amended and restated bylaws will generally provide that only our Board (and not the stockholders) may fill vacancies and newly created directorships.

 

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While the foregoing provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law may have an anti-takeover effect, these provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of the Board and in the policies formulated by the Board, and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of control. In that regard, these provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. However, such provisions could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a consequence, they also may inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our common stock that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts. Such provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our management.

 

Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute

 

Upon completion of this offering, we will be subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“Section 203”) regulating corporate takeovers. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly-held Delaware corporation from engaging, under certain circumstances, in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder unless:

 

  · prior to the date of the transaction, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
     
  ·

upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder, (i) shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

 

  ·

at or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by the board of directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

Generally, a business combination includes a merger, asset, stock sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An interested stockholder is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns or, within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, did own 15% or more of a corporation’s outstanding voting stock. We expect the existence of Section 203 to have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions our Board does not approve in advance. We also anticipate that Section 203 may discourage business combinations or other attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by our stockholders.

 

Listing

 

We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “TIVC.” No assurance can be given that our application will be approved. The closing of this offering is contingent upon the successful listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market or another national securities exchange.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Equiniti Trust Company. The transfer agent’s principal business address is 90 Park Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10016, and its telephone number is 800-468-9716.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

 

Before the completion of this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, including shares issued upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants, in the public market after this offering, or the possibility of these sales or issuances occurring, could adversely affect the prevailing market price for our common stock or impair our ability to raise equity capital.

 

Based on our shares outstanding as of September 1, 2021, assuming (i) the automatic conversion of all our convertible promissory notes (as described herein) in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $4,429,721, with approximately $59,733 of additional accrued interest as of September 1, 2021, into an aggregate of 1,088,333 shares of common stock, based on an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share), and (ii) the conversion of all our convertible preferred stock (described herein) into 2,227,116 shares of common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering, upon the completion of this offering, a total of approximately 8,876,679 shares of common stock will be outstanding. Of these shares, all of the common stock sold in this offering by us, plus any shares sold by us on exercise of the representative of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional common stock, will be freely tradable in the public market without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, unless these shares are held by “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

 

The remaining shares of common stock will be, and shares of common stock subject to stock options will be upon issuance, “restricted securities,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. These restricted securities are eligible for public sale only if they are registered under the Securities Act or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under the Securities Act’s Rules 144 or 701, which Rules are summarized below. Restricted securities may also be sold outside of the U.S. to non-U.S. persons in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S.

 

Subject to the lock-up agreements described below and the provisions of Rule 144 and 701 or Regulation S under the Securities Act, as well as our insider trading policy, these restricted securities will be available for sale in the public market after the date of this prospectus.

 

Rule 144

 

In general, under Rule 144 (as currently in effect), once we have been subject to public company reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act for at least 90 days, an eligible stockholder is entitled to sell such shares without complying with the manner of sale, volume limitation, or notice provisions of Rule 144, subject to compliance with the public information requirements of Rule 144. To be an eligible stockholder under Rule 144, such stockholder must not be deemed to have been one of our affiliates for purposes of the Securities Act at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale and must have beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates. If such a person has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least one year, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates, then such person is entitled to sell such shares without complying with any of the requirements of Rule 144, subject to the expiration of the lock-up agreements described below.

 

In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are entitled to sell shares upon the expiration of the lock-up agreements described below. Beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus and subject to any lock-up agreement, within any three-month period, such stockholders may sell a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:

 

  ·

1% of the number of shares of common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately 86,494 shares immediately after this offering, assuming no exercise of the representative of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares of common stock from us; or

 

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  ·

the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market or other relevant national securities exchange during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to such sale.

 

Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us.

 

Rule 701

 

Rule 701 generally allows a stockholder who was issued shares under a written compensatory plan or contract and who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of our company during the immediately preceding 90 days, to sell these shares in reliance on Rule 144, but without being required to comply with the public information, holding period, volume limitation, or notice provisions of Rule 144. Rule 701 also permits affiliates of our company to sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with the holding period requirements of Rule 144. All holders of Rule 701 shares, however, are required by that rule to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling those shares under Rule 701, and any such proposed sales shall remain subject to the expiration of the lock-up agreements described below.

 

Form S-8 Registration Statements

 

We intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act with the SEC to register the offer and sale of shares of our common stock that are issuable under our existing or planned stock option and incentive plans. These registration statements will become effective immediately upon filing with the SEC. Shares covered by these registration statements will then be eligible for sale in the public markets, subject to vesting restrictions, any applicable lock-up agreements described below, and Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates.

 

Lock-up Arrangements

 

Pursuant to “lock-up” agreements, we, our executive officers, directors and our stockholders (including holders of our common stock to be received upon conversion of our outstanding convertible notes payable and convertible preferred stock) have agreed, without the prior written consent of the representative of the underwriters, not to (i) directly or indirectly offer to sell, sell, pledge or otherwise transfer or dispose of any of shares of (or enter into any transaction or device that is designed to, or could be expected to, result in the transfer or disposition by any person at any time in the future of) our common stock; (ii) enter into any swap or other derivatives transaction that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic benefits or risks of ownership of shares of our common stock; (iii) make any demand for or exercise any right or cause to be filed a registration statement, including any amendments thereto, with respect to the registration of any shares of common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock or any other securities of ours; or (iv) publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing, subject to customary exceptions, for a period of six months after the date of this prospectus (twelve months in the case of our officers and directors). The representative of the underwriters may, in its sole discretion, release any of the securities subject to these lock-up agreements at any time.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS

 

The following discussion is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to non-U.S. holders (as defined below) with respect to their ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock issued pursuant to this offering. For purposes of this discussion, a non-U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of our common stock that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

  · a non-resident alien individual;

 

  · a foreign corporation or any other foreign organization taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes; or

 

  · a foreign estate or trust, the income of which is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis.

 

This discussion does not address the tax treatment of partnerships or other entities that are pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes or persons that hold their common stock through partnerships or other pass-through entities. A partner in a partnership or other pass-through entity that will hold our common stock should consult his, her or its tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of holding and disposing of our common stock through a partnership or other pass-through entity, as applicable.

 

This discussion is based on the current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), existing and proposed U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, current administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as in effect as of the date of this prospectus and, all of which are subject to change or to differing interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. Any such change or differing interpretation could alter the tax consequences to non-U.S. holders described in this prospectus. There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will not challenge one or more of the tax consequences described herein. We assume in this discussion that a non-U.S. holder holds shares of our common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, which is generally property held for investment.

 

This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular non-U.S. holder in light of that non-U.S. holder’s individual circumstances including the alternative minimum tax, or the Medicare tax on net investment income, the timing of income accruals required under Section 451(b) of the Code, the rules regarding qualified small business stock within the meaning of Section 1202 of the Code and any election to apply Section 1400Z-2 of the Code to gains recognized with respect to shares of our common stock. This discussion also does not address any U.S. state, local or non-U.S. taxes or any other aspect of any U.S. federal tax other than the income tax. This discussion also does not consider any specific facts or circumstances that may apply to a non-U.S. holder and does not address the special tax rules applicable to particular non-U.S. holders, such as:

 

  · insurance companies;

 

  · tax-exempt or governmental organizations;

 

  · banks or other financial institutions;

 

  · brokers or dealers in securities or currencies;

 

  · regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts;

 

  · retirement plans, including tax-qualified retirement plans;

 

  · “controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;

 

  · Pension plans, including “qualified foreign pension funds” as defined in Section 897(l)(2) of the Code and entities wholly-owned by a “qualified foreign pension fund”;

 

  · partnerships or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and other pass-through entities (and partners and investors therein);

 

  · persons deemed to sell our common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code;

 

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  · persons that hold our common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction, synthetic security or other integrated investment;

 

  · persons who have elected to mark securities to market;

 

  · persons who have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar;

 

  · persons that own, or have owned, actually or constructively, more than 5% of our common stock;

 

  · persons who hold or receive our common stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation; and

 

  · expatriates or long-term residents of the United States.

 

This discussion is for general information only and is not tax advice. Accordingly, all prospective non-U.S. holders of our common stock should consult their tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock.

 

Distributions on our common stock

 

In general, distributions (including constructive distributions), if any, on our common stock to non-U.S. holders will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. If a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will be treated as a tax-free return of the non-U.S. holder’s investment, up to such holder’s tax basis in the common stock. Any remaining excess will be treated as capital gain, subject to the tax treatment described below in “Gain on sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock.” Any such distributions will also be subject to the discussions below under the sections entitled “Backup withholding and information reporting” and “Withholding and information reporting requirements — FATCA.”

 

Subject to the discussion in the following two paragraphs in this section, dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder generally will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holder’s country of residence. If we or another withholding agent apply over-withholding or if a non-U.S. holder does not timely provide us with the required certification, the non-U.S. holder may be entitled to a refund or credit of any excess tax withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim with the IRS.

 

Dividends that are treated as effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by a non-U.S. holder within the United States and, if an applicable income tax treaty so provides, that are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder within the United States, are generally exempt from the 30% withholding tax if the non-U.S. holder satisfies applicable certification and disclosure requirements. However, such U.S. effectively connected income, net of specified deductions and credits, is taxed at the same graduated U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to United States persons (as defined in the Code). Any U.S. effectively connected income received by a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holder’s country of residence.

 

A non-U.S. holder of our common stock who claims the benefit of an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holder’s country of residence generally will be required to provide a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or successor form) to the applicable withholding agent and satisfy applicable certification and other requirements. Non-U.S. holders are urged and expected to consult their tax advisors regarding their entitlement to benefits under a relevant income tax treaty. A non-U.S. holder that is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax under an income tax treaty may be entitled to obtain a refund or credit of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing a U.S. tax return with the IRS.

 

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Gain on sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock

 

Subject to the discussions below under “Backup withholding and information reporting” and “Withholding and information reporting requirements — FATCA,” a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to any U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon such holder’s sale or other taxable disposition of shares of our common stock unless:

 

  · the gain is effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business and, if an applicable income tax treaty so provides, is attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed-base maintained by such non-U.S. holder in the United States, in which case the non-U.S. holder generally will be taxed on a net income basis at the graduated U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to United States persons (as defined in the Code) and, if the non-U.S. holder is a foreign corporation, the branch profits tax described above in “Distributions on our common stock” also may apply;
     
  ·

the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to a 30% tax (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty between the United States and such holder’s country of residence) on the net gain derived from the disposition, which may be offset by certain U.S. source capital losses of the non-U.S. holder, if any (even though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States), provided that the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses; or

 

     
  · we are, or have been, at any time during the five-year period preceding such sale or other taxable disposition (or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period, if shorter) a “U.S. real property holding corporation,” unless our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market and the non-U.S. holder holds no more than 5% of our outstanding common stock, directly or indirectly, actually or constructively, during the shorter of the 5-year period ending on the date of the disposition or the period that the non-U.S. holder held our common stock. Generally, a corporation is a U.S. real property holding corporation only if the fair market value of its U.S. real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its worldwide real property interests plus its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. Although there can be no assurance, we do not believe that we are, or have been, a U.S. real property holding corporation, or that we are likely to become one in the future. No assurance can be provided that our common stock will be regularly traded on an established securities market for purposes of the rules described above.

 

Backup withholding and information reporting

 

We must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder the gross amount of the distributions on our common stock paid to such holder and the tax withheld, if any, with respect to such distributions. Non-U.S. holders may have to comply with specific certification procedures to establish that the holder is not a United States person (as defined in the Code) in order to avoid backup withholding at the applicable rate with respect to dividends on our common stock. Dividends paid to non-U.S. holders subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax, as described above in “Distributions on our common stock,” generally will be exempt from U.S. backup withholding.

 

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Information reporting and backup withholding will generally apply to the proceeds of a disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder effected by or through the U.S. office of any broker, U.S. or foreign, unless the holder certifies its status as a non-U.S. holder and satisfies certain other requirements, or otherwise establishes an exemption. Generally, information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment of disposition proceeds to a non-U.S. holder where the transaction is effected outside the United States through a non-U.S. office of a broker. However, for information reporting purposes, dispositions effected through a non-U.S. office of a broker with substantial U.S. ownership or operations generally will be treated in a manner similar to dispositions effected through a U.S. office of a broker. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules to them. Copies of information returns may be made available to the tax authorities of the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is incorporated under the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a non-U.S. holder can be refunded or credited against the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that an appropriate claim is filed with the IRS in a timely manner.

 

Withholding and information reporting requirements — FATCA

 

Sections 1471 through 1474, inclusive, of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance promulgated thereunder (commonly referred to as the “Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act,” or “FATCA,”) generally imposes a U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% on payments of dividends on our common stock paid to a foreign entity unless (i) if the foreign entity is a “foreign financial institution,” such foreign entity undertakes certain due diligence, reporting, withholding, and certification obligations, (ii) if the foreign entity is not a “foreign financial institution,” such foreign entity identifies certain of its U.S. investors, if any, or (iii) the foreign entity is otherwise exempt under FATCA. Under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations, withholding under FATCA currently applies to payments of dividends on our common stock. Currently proposed U.S. Treasury Regulations provide that FATCA withholding does not apply to gross proceeds from the disposition of property of a type that can produce U.S. source dividends or interest; however, prior versions of the rules would have made such gross proceeds subject to FATCA withholding. Taxpayers (including withholding agents) can generally rely on the proposed Treasury Regulations until final Treasury Regulations are issued. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder may be eligible for refunds or credits of this withholding tax. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify the requirements described in this paragraph. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this legislation on their investment in our common stock and the entities through which they hold our common stock, including, without limitation, the process and deadlines for meeting the applicable requirements to prevent the imposition of the 30% withholding tax under FATCA.

 

The preceding discussion of U.S. federal income tax considerations is for general information only and does not constitute tax advice. Each prospective investor should consult its own tax advisor regarding the particular U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. tax consequences of purchasing, holding and disposing of our common stock, including the consequences of any proposed change in applicable laws.

 

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UNDERWRITING

 

ThinkEquity LLC is acting as representative of the underwriters. Subject to the terms and conditions of an underwriting agreement between us and the representative, we have agreed to sell to each underwriter named below, and each underwriter named below has severally agreed to purchase, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, the number of shares of common stock listed next to its name in the following table:

 

Underwriters   Number of
Shares
 
ThinkEquity LLC        
Total        

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus are subject to various conditions and representations and warranties, including the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and other conditions specified in the underwriting agreement. The shares of common stock are offered by the underwriters, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify the offer to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus if any such shares of common stock are taken, other than those shares of common stock covered by the over-allotment option described below.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.

 

Over-Allotment Option

 

We have granted a 45-day option to the representative of the underwriters to purchase up to              additional shares of our common stock at a public offering price of $              per share, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. The underwriters may exercise this option for 45 days from the date of this prospectus solely to cover sales of shares of common stock by the underwriters in excess of the total number of shares of common stock set forth in the table above. If any of these additional shares are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional shares on the same terms as those on which the shares are being offered.

 

Discounts, Commissions and Reimbursement

 

The underwriters propose initially to offer the shares of common stock to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $                 per share of common stock. If all of the shares of common stock offered by us are not sold at the public offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and other selling terms by means of a supplement to this prospectus.

 

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The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discounts and commissions and proceeds, before expenses, to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise of the over-allotment option we granted to the representative of the underwriters.

 

    Per Share   Total Without
Over-allotment
Option
  Total With
Over-allotment
Option
Public offering price   $     $     $    
Underwriting discounts and commissions (7.5%)   $     $     $    
Proceeds, before expenses, to us   $     $     $    
Non-accountable expense allowance (1%)(1)   $     $             $           

 

  (1) The non-accountable expense allowance will not be payable with respect to the representative’s exercise of the over-allotment option, if any.

 

We have agreed to pay a non-accountable expense allowance to the representative of the underwriters equal to 1% of the gross proceeds received at the completion of the offering. The non-accountable expense allowance of 1% is not payable with respect to any shares sold upon exercise of the representative’s over-allotment option. We have paid an expense deposit of $35,000 to the representative, which will be applied against the out-of-pocket accountable expenses that will be paid by us to the underwriters in connection with this offering, and will be reimbursed to us to the extent not actually incurred in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(4)(A).

 

We have also agreed to pay certain of the representative’s expenses relating to the offering, including (i) all filing fees and communication expenses relating to the registration of the shares of common stock to be sold in the offering (including the shares subject to the representative’s over-allotment option) with the SEC; (ii) all filing fees and expenses associated with the review of the offering by FINRA; (iii) all fees and expenses relating to the listing of such public securities on the Nasdaq Capital Market, or such other national securities exchange on which our common stock may be listed, including any fees charges by The Depository Trust for new securities; (iv) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to background checks of our officers, directors and entities, not to exceed $15,000; (v) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration or qualification of the shares of our common stock under the “blue sky” securities laws of such states and other jurisdictions as the representative may reasonably designate; (vi) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of the shares of our common stock under the securities laws of such foreign jurisdictions as the representative may reasonably designate; (vii) the costs of all mailing and printing of the underwriting documents (including, without limitation, the underwriting agreement, any blue sky surveys and, if appropriate, any agreement among underwriters, selected dealers’ agreement, underwriters’ questionnaire and power of attorney), registration statements, prospectuses and all amendments, supplements and exhibits thereto and as many preliminary and final prospectuses as the representative may reasonably deem necessary; (viii) the costs and expenses of a public relations firm; (ix) the costs of preparing, printing and delivering certificates representing the common stock; (x) fees and expenses of the transfer agent for the shares of common stock; (xi) stock transfer and/or stamp taxes, if any, payable upon the transfer of securities from us to the underwriters; (xii) the fees and expenses of our accountants; (xiii) the fees and expenses of our legal counsel and other agents and representatives; (xiv) the $29,500 cost associated with the underwriters’ use of Ipreo’s book-building, prospectus tracking and compliance software for the offering; (xv) fees and expenses of the underwriter’s legal counsel, not to exceed $125,000; (xvi) $10,000 for data services and communications expenses; and (xvii) up to $30,000 of the underwriters’ actual accountable “road show,” market making and trading, and clearing firm settlement expenses for the offering.

 

94

 

 

Our total estimated expenses of the offering, including registration, filing and listing fees, printing fees and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, are approximately $          .

 

Representative’s Warrants

 

Upon completion of this offering, we have agreed to issue to the representative as compensation warrants to purchase up to           shares of common stock (5% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock sold in this offering inclusive of the over-allotment option, or the representative’s warrants). The representative’s warrants will be exercisable at a per share exercise price equal to 125% of the public offering price per share in this offering. The representative’s warrants are exercisable at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, during the four and one half year period commencing 180 days following the commencement of sales of the securities issued in this offering.

 

The representative’s warrants have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to a 180-day lock-up pursuant to Rule 5110(e)(1)(A) of FINRA. The representative (or permitted assignees under Rule 5110(e)(2)) will not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate these warrants or the securities underlying these warrants, nor will they engage in any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the warrants or the underlying securities for a period of 180 days following the commencement of sales of the securities issued in this offering. In addition, the representative’s warrants provide for registration rights upon request, in certain cases. The sole demand registration right provided will not be greater than five years from the commencement of sales of the securities issued in this offering in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(C). The piggyback registration rights provided will not be greater than seven years from the commencement of sales of the securities issued in this offering in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(D). We will bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the securities issuable on exercise of the warrants other than underwriting commissions incurred and payable by the holders. The exercise price and number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend or our recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, the warrant exercise price or underlying shares will not be adjusted for issuances of shares of common stock at a price below the warrant exercise price.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

Pursuant to “lock-up” agreements, we, our executive officers and directors, and certain stockholders, have agreed, without the prior written consent of the representative not to directly or indirectly, offer to sell, sell, pledge or otherwise transfer or dispose of any of shares of (or enter into any transaction or device that is designed to, or could be expected to, result in the transfer or disposition by any person at any time in the future of) our common stock, enter into any swap or other derivatives transaction that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic benefits or risks of ownership of shares of our common stock, make any demand for or exercise any right or cause to be filed a registration statement, including any amendments thereto, with respect to the registration of any shares of common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock or any other securities of ours or publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing, subject to customary exceptions, for a period of twelve months in the case of our executive officers and directors, and six months in the case of us and certain existing stockholders, after the date of this prospectus.

 

Right of First Refusal

 

Until 18 months from the closing date of this offering, the representative will have an irrevocable right of first refusal, in its sole discretion, to act as sole and exclusive investment banker, sole and exclusive book-runner, and/or sole and exclusive placement agent, at the representative’s sole discretion, for each and every future public and private equity and debt offering, including all equity linked financings, during such 18 month period for us, or any successor to our company or any subsidiary of our company, on terms and conditions customary to the representative. The representative will have the sole right to determine whether or not any other broker-dealer will have the right to participate in any such offering and the economic terms of any such participation.

 

95

 

 

Discretionary Accounts

 

The underwriters do not intend to confirm sales of the shares of common stock offered hereby to any accounts over which they have discretionary authority.

 

National Exchange Listing

 

We have applied to have our common stock approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TIVC.” No assurance can be given that our listing application will be approved. The completion of this offering is contingent upon the successful listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market or another national securities exchange.

 

Determination of Offering Price

 

The public offering price of the securities we are offering was negotiated between us and the underwriters. Factors considered in determining the public offering price of the shares include our history and prospects, the stage of development of our business, our business plans for the future and the extent to which they have been implemented, an assessment of our management, general conditions of the securities markets at the time of the offering and such other factors as were deemed relevant.

 

Other Relationships

 

From time to time, certain of the underwriters and/or their affiliates may in the future provide, various investment banking and other financial services for us for which they may receive customary fees. In the course of their businesses, the underwriters and their affiliates may actively trade our securities or loans for their own account or for the accounts of customers, and, accordingly, the underwriters and their affiliates may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities or loans. Except for services provided in connection with this offering, no underwriter has provided any investment banking or other financial services to us during the 180-day period preceding the date of this prospectus and we do not expect to retain any underwriter to perform any investment banking or other financial services for at least 90 days after the date of this prospectus.

 

Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of our common stock. Specifically, the underwriters may over-allot in connection with this offering by selling more shares than are set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. This creates a short position in our common stock for its own account. The short position may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares of common stock over-allotted by the underwriters is not greater than the number of shares of common stock that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of shares of common stock involved is greater than the number of shares common stock in the over-allotment option. To close out a short position, the underwriters may elect to exercise all or part of the over-allotment option. The underwriters may also elect to stabilize the price of our common stock or reduce any short position by bidding for, and purchasing, common stock in the open market.

 

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter or dealer repays selling concessions allowed to it for distributing shares of common stock in this offering because the underwriter repurchases the shares of common stock in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

 

96

 

 

Finally, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, shares of our common stock in market making transactions, including “passive” market making transactions as described below.

 

These activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of our common stock at a price that is higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the absence of these activities. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may discontinue any of these activities at any time without notice. These transactions may be effected on the national securities exchange on which our shares of common stock are traded, in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise.

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriters or their affiliates may engage in passive market making transactions in our common stock immediately prior to the commencement of sales in this offering, in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Rule 103 generally provides that:

 

  · a passive market maker may not effect transactions or display bids for our common stock in excess of the highest independent bid price by persons who are not passive market makers;

 

  · net purchases by a passive market maker on each day are generally limited to 30% of the passive market maker’s average daily trading volume in our common stock during a specified two-month prior period or 200 shares of common stock, whichever is greater, and must be discontinued when that limit is reached; and

 

  · passive market making bids must be identified as such.

 

Indemnification

 

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against liabilities relating to this offering arising under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, liabilities arising from breaches of some or all of the representations and warranties contained in the underwriting agreement, and to contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make for these liabilities.

 

Electronic Distribution

 

This prospectus in electronic format may be made available on websites or through other online services maintained by one or more of the underwriters, or by their affiliates. Other than this prospectus in electronic format, the information on any underwriter’s website and any information contained in any other website maintained by an underwriter is not part of this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or any underwriter in its capacity as underwriter, and should not be relied upon by investors.

 

Selling Restrictions

 

No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the United States) that would permit a public offering of our common stock, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus or any other material relating to us or our common stock in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, our common stock may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with our common stock may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction, except in compliance with any applicable rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.

 

97

 

 

European Economic Area and United Kingdom

 

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom (each a “Relevant State”), no common stock has been offered or will be offered pursuant to the offering to the public in that Relevant State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the common stock which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation, except that offers of shares may be made to the public in that Relevant State at any time under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Regulation:

 

  · to legal entities which are qualified investors as defined under the Prospectus Regulation;

 

  · by the underwriters to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the representatives of the underwriters for any such offer; or

 

  · in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation,

 

provided that no such offer of common stock shall result in a requirement for us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation.

 

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of common stock to the public” in relation to any common stock in any Relevant State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any common stock to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for our common stock, and the expression “Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

 

United Kingdom

 

This prospectus has only been communicated or caused to have been communicated and will only be communicated or caused to be communicated as an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000, or the FSMA) as received in connection with the issue or sale of our common stock in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to us. All applicable provisions of the FSMA will be complied with in respect to anything done in relation to our common stock in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

 

Australia

 

This prospectus is not a disclosure document under Chapter 6D of the Australian Corporations Act, has not been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and does not purport to include the information required of a disclosure document under Chapter 6D of the Australian Corporations Act. Accordingly, (i) the offer of the securities under this prospectus is only made to persons to whom it is lawful to offer the securities without disclosure under Chapter 6D of the Australian Corporations Act under one or more exemptions set out in section 708 of the Australian Corporations Act, (ii) this prospectus is made available in Australia only to those persons as set forth in clause (i) above, and (iii) the offeree must be sent a notice stating in substance that by accepting this offer, the offeree represents that the offeree is such a person as set forth in clause (i) above, and, unless permitted under the Australian Corporations Act, agrees not to sell or offer for sale within Australia any of the securities sold to the offeree within 12 months after its transfer to the offeree under this prospectus. 

 

Canada

 

The shares of common stock may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the securities must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

 

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

 

Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts, or NI 33-105, the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

 

98

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, San Diego, California. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Gracin & Marlow, LLP, New York, New York.

 

EXPERTS

 

Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman, P.A., independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our financial statements at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and for the years then ended, as set forth in their report. We have included our financial statements in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement in reliance on Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman P.A.’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

INTEREST OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

 

No expert named in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part as having prepared or certified any part thereof (or is named as having prepared or certified a report or valuation for use in connection with such registration statement) or counsel named in this prospectus as having given an opinion upon the validity of the securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus or upon other legal matters in connection with the registration or offering such securities was employed for such purpose on a contingency basis. Also, at the time of such preparation, certification or opinion or at any time thereafter, through the date of effectiveness of such registration statement or that part of such registration statement to which such preparation, certification or opinion relates, no such person had, or is to receive, in connection with the offering, a substantial interest, direct or indirect, in our company or any of its parents or subsidiaries. Nor was any such person connected with our company or any of its parents or subsidiaries as a promoter, managing or principal underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer or employee.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits filed therewith. For further information about us and the common stock offered hereby, reference is made to the registration statement and the exhibits filed therewith. Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contents of any contract or any other document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are not necessarily complete, and in each instance we refer you to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is www.sec.gov.

 

We currently do not file periodic reports with the SEC. Upon the completion of our initial public offering, we will be required to file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act. These periodic reports, proxy statements and other information will be available for inspection and copying at the SEC’s public reference facilities and the website of the SEC referred to above.

 

We also maintain a website at www.tivichealth.com. Upon completion of this offering, you may access these materials at our corporate website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Information contained on our corporate website is not a part of this prospectus and the inclusion of our corporate website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only.

 

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Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

 

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

Table of Contents

December 31, 2020 and 2019

 

Page(s)  
   
Independent Auditors’ Report F-2
   
Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019  
   
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 F-3
   
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 F-4
   
Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 F-5
   
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 F-6
   
Notes to Financial Statements F7–29
   

Unaudited Interim Condensed Financial Statements for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

 
   
Interim Condensed Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (unaudited) F-30
   
Interim Condensed Statements of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited)

F-31

   
Interim Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited) F-32
   
Interim Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (unaudited) F-33
   
Notes to Interim Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited) F-34

 

F-1

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Tivic Health Systems Inc. (the “Company”) as of the years December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Emphasis of Matter

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that Tivic Health Systems Inc. will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, there is substantial doubt about the ability of Tivic Health Systems Inc. to continue as a going concern at December 31, 2020. Management’s evaluation of the events and conditions and management's plans in regard to that matter also are described in Note 2. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our opinion is not modified with respect to that matter.

 

/s/ Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman, P.A.

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.

 

Somerset, New Jersey

 

May 14, 2021, except for the change in par value of convertible preferred and common stock referenced in Note 1, as to which the date is July 2, 2021, and except for the reverse stock split as described in Note 2, as to which the date is September 9, 2021

 

F-2

 

 

Tivic Health Systems Inc.

Balance Sheets

December 31, 2020 and 2019

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 
ASSETS                
Current assets                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,044     $ 2,311  
Accounts receivable, net     52       13  
Inventory, net     241       475  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     160       175  
Total current assets     1,497       2,974  
Property and equipment, net     19       27  
Other assets     15       23  
Total assets   $ 1,531     $ 3,024  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)                
Current liabilities                
Accounts payable   $ 370     $ 369  
Other accrued liabilities     152       284  
Current portion of notes payable     36       -  
Conversion feature derivative liability     717       -  
Total current liabilities     1,275       653  
Notes payable     139       -  
Convertible notes payable, net of debt discount     1,294       -  
Total liabilities     2,708       653  
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)                
Convertible preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,113,621 shares authorized;                
8,908,600 and 8,901,475 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020                
and 2019, respectively     1       1  
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized;                
2,324,479 and 2,300,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020                
and 2019, respectively     -       -  
Additional paid in capital     9,874       9,783  
Accumulated deficit     (11,052 )     (7,413 )
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)     (1,177 )     2,371  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)   $ 1,531     $ 3,024  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-3

 

 

Tivic Health Systems Inc.

Statements of Operations

Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  
Revenue   $ 860     $ 420  
Cost of sales     1,085       709  
Gross loss     (225 )     (289 )
Operating expenses:                
Research and development     659       990  
Sales and marketing     1,306       1,191  
General and administrative     1,014       1,173  
Total operating expenses     2,979       3,354  
Loss from operations     (3,204 )     (3,643 )
Other income (expense):                
Interest expense     (423 )     (443 )
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities     (27 )     (75 )
Other income     15       15  
Total other income (expense)     (435 )     (503 )
Loss before provision for income taxes     (3,639 )     (4,146 )
Provision for income taxes     -       2  
Net loss and comprehensive loss   $ (3,639 )   $ (4,148 )
Net loss per share - basic and diluted   $ (1.58 )   $

(1.80

)
Weighted-average number of shares - basic and diluted    

2,303,237

     

2,300,000

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-4

 

 

  

Tivic Health Systems Inc.

Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

(in thousands except share and per share data)

 

    Convertible                 Additional         Total  
    Preferred Stock     Common Stock     Paid-in     Accumulated     Stockholders'  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Equity (Deficit)  
Balances at January 1,
2019
    -     $ -       2,300,000     $ -     $ 9     $ (3,265 )   $ (3,256 )
Issuance of convertible preferred stock,  net of
issuance costs
    2,787,854       -       -       -       3,843       -       3,843  
Conversion of
convertible notes payable
to convertible preferred
stock
    5,338,727       1       -       -       4,124       -       4,125  
Conversion of SAFE arrangements to
convertible preferred
stock
    774,894       -       -       -       870       -       870  
Reclassify conversion
feature liability to
additional paid-in capital
    -                               927               927  
Stock-based
compensation expense
    -       -       -       -       10       -       10  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       (4,148 )     (4,148 )
Balances at December
31, 2019
    8,901,475       1       2,300,000       -       9,783       (7,413 )     2,371  
Issuance of convertible preferred stock,  net of issuance costs     7,125       -       -       -       10       -       10  
Exercise of stock options     -       -       24,479       -       3       -       3  
Stock-based
compensation expense
    -       -       -       -       78       -       78  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       (3,639 )     (3,639 )
Balances at December
31, 2020
    8,908,600     $ 1       2,324,479     $ -     $ 9,874     $ (11,052 )   $ (1,177 )

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-5

 

 

Tivic Health Systems Inc.

Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

(in thousands)

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  
Cash flows from operating activities                
Net loss   $ (3,639 )   $ (4,148 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                
Stock based compensation     78       10  
Depreciation     8       4  
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities     27       75  
Amortization of debt discount     411       351  
Noncash interest     -       93  
Accounts receivable allowances     36       13  
Reserve for inventory obsolescence     8       -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     (75 )     (26 )
Inventory     227       (476 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     23       (135 )
Accounts payable     1       348  
Accrued liabilities     (132 )     221  
Net cash used in operating activities     (3,027 )     (3,670 )
Cash flows from investing activities                
Acquisition of property and equipment     -       (31 )
Net cash used in investing activities     -       (31 )
Cash flows from financing activities                
Proceeds from notes payable borrowings     195       -  
Repayment of notes payable borrowings     (21 )     -  
Proceeds from convertible notes payable borrowings     1,573       1,710  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options     3       -  
Proceeds from issuance of convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs     10       3,843  
Net cash provided by financing activities     1,760       5,553  
Net increase, (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (1,267 )     1,852  
Cash and cash equivalents                
Beginning of period     2,311       459  
End of period   $ 1,044     $ 2,311  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information                
Cash paid for income tax   $ 1     $ 2  
Cash paid for interest   $ 1     $ -  
Noncash transaction                
Issuance of conversion feature derivative liability   $ 699     $ 302  
Conversion of convertible notes payable and accrued interest to convertible
preferred stock
  $ -     $ 4,125  
Conversion of SAFE arrangement to convertible preferred stock   $ -     $ 870  
Reclassify conversion feature derivative liability to additional paid in capital   $ -     $ 927  

  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

F-6

 

 

1. Formation and Business of the Company
   
  Tivic Health Systems Inc. (the “Company”), was incorporated in the state of California on September 22, 2016 for the purpose of developing and commercializing microcurrent therapy solutions to address inflammation. Effective as of June 7, 2021, the Company reincorporated as a Delaware corporation, which included establishment of $0.0001 par value for convertible preferred stock and common stock. The financial statements have been retroactively adjusted as if the change in corporation status occurred on January 1, 2019. The Company's primary product, ClearUP, is a medical device intended to relieve sinus and nasal inflammation. The Company is headquartered in Newark, California.

  

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Since commencing principal activities, the Company has been engaged primarily in research and development activities and raising capital.

 

Liquidity

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has limited operating history and its prospects are subject to risks, expenses and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in the pharmaceutical industry. These risks include, but are not limited to, the uncertainty of availability of additional financing and the uncertainty of achieving future profitability.

 

Since inception, the Company has devoted substantially all of its efforts to research and development activities, regulatory clearance and early market development and testing of our first product released in 2019. The Company has experienced losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and at December 31, 2020, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $11,052 and cash and cash equivalents of $1,044. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company incurred net losses of $3,639 and $4,148, respectively and used $3,027 and $3,670 of cash for operations, respectively. Management expects to incur substantial additional operating losses for at least the next two years to expand its markets, complete development of new products, obtain regulatory approvals, launch and commercialize our products and continue research and development programs.

 

The Company intends to raise additional capital through the issuance of additional equity and debt. If financing is not available at adequate levels, the Company may need to reevaluate its operating plans. Based on projected activities, management projects that cash and cash equivalents on hand are not sufficient to support operations for at least the next 12 months following issuance of these financial statements, which raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustment that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

In August 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors and stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation to effect a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock which was effected on August 31, 2021. The par value of the common stock was not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. Accordingly, all common stock, convertible preferred stock conversion ratios, stock options and related per share amounts in these audited annual and unaudited interim financial statements have been retroactively adjusted for all periods presented to give effect to the reverse stock split.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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 financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. The Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors and adjusts those estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate.

 

F-7

 

  

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company discloses and recognizes the fair value of its assets and liabilities using a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the reporting date. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to valuations based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to valuations based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation (Level 3 measurements). The guidance establishes three levels of the fair value hierarchy as follows:

 

Level 1      Inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date;

 

Level 2      Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including inputs in markets that are not considered to be active;

 

Level 3      Inputs are unobservable in which there is little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions that are unobservable.

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires management to make judgments and consider factors specific to the asset or liability.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, net of allowances for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our assessment of the collectability of accounts. Management regularly reviews the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts by considering the age of each outstanding invoice, each customer’s expected ability to pay, and the collection history with each customer, when applicable, to determine whether a specific allowance is appropriate. Accounts receivable deemed uncollectible are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts when identified. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the allowance for doubtful accounts activity was $5 and $0, respectively.

 

Inventory

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Inventories are reviewed periodically to identify slow-moving inventory based on anticipated sales activity.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, four years. Depreciation expense was $8 and $4 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Upon retirement or sale of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations. Repairs and maintenance costs that do not improve tor extend the lives of the respective assets are charged to operations as incurred.

 

F-8

 

  

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company evaluates its long-lived assets, including property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by comparison of the carrying amount of each asset to the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate over its remaining life. When indications of impairment are present and the estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the use of these assets is less than the assets’ carrying value, the related assets will be written down to fair value. There were no impairments of the Company’s long-lived assets for the periods presented.

 

Derivative Instruments

 

The Company issued certain convertible notes in 2018, 2019 and 2020 which contained put options. These embedded put options are not considered clearly and closely related to the debt host and result in embedded derivatives that must be bifurcated and accounted for separately from the debt host. Accordingly, the Company has recorded these as a derivative financial liability.

 

Derivative financial liabilities are initially recorded at fair value, with gains and losses arising for changes in fair value recognized in the statement of operations at each period end while such instruments are outstanding. The liability is being valued using a probability weighted expected return model. The derivative financial liability related to convertible notes issued in 2018 and 2019 was derecognized upon conversion of the convertible notes in 2019. See Note 9 for further discussion of the convertible notes and the embedded derivative liability.

 

Debt Discounts

 

Debt discounts and debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized to interest expense based on the related debt agreements using the effective-interest method.

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue from product sales in accordance with Financial accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”). The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. The standard applies to all contracts with customers, except contracts that are within scope of other standards, such as leases, insurance, collaboration arrangements and financial instruments.

 

Under Topic 606, an entity recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that an entity determines are in within the scope of Topic 606, the entity performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) 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; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable the entity will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. At contract inceptions, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of Topic 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines those that are performance obligations and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.

 

F-9

 

 

The Company sells its products through direct sales and independent distributors. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods is transferred to the customers or distributor, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. Revenue associated with products holding rights of return are recognized when the Company concludes there is not a risk of significant revenue reversal in the future periods for the expected consideration in the transaction.

 

The Company may offer an extended warranty to its customers. The extended warranty is considered a separate performance obligation. The Company allocates the transaction price based on estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised product and services underlying each performance obligation. The Company determines standalone selling prices based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company's deferred revenue for unrecognized extended warranties was $14 and $0, respectively, and is included in “Other Accrued Liabilities” on the accompanying balance sheets.

 

F-10

 

 

Based on the Company’s assessment, it was determined that there were no contract assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 because receivables outstanding are unconditional and only the passage of time is required before payment of that consideration is due. The Company may receive payments at the onset of the contract and before goods have been delivered. In such instances, the Company records a deferred revenue liability. The Company recognizes these contract liabilities as sales after the revenue criteria are met. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the contract liability related to the Company’s deferred revenues approximated $2 and $1, respectively, and are included in “Other Accrued Liabilities” on the accompanying balance sheets.

 

The Company relies on a third party to have procedures in place to detect and prevent credit card fraud as the Company has exposure to losses from fraudulent charges. The Company records the losses related to chargebacks as incurred.

 

The Company has also elected to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price sales taxes remitted to governmental authorities.

 

Sales Tax

 

Sales tax collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities is accounted for on a net basis and therefore, is excluded from net sales.

 

Shipping and Handling

 

Shipping and handling fees paid by customers are recorded within net sales, with the related expenses recorded in cost of sales.

 

Product Warranty

 

The Company offers a one-year limited warranty on its products. The Company estimates the costs associated with the warranty obligation using historical data of warranty claims and costs incurred to satisfy those claims. Estimated warranty costs are expensed to cost of sales.

 

Sales and Marketing Expenses

 

Sales and marketing expenses are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of merchandising, customer service and targeted online marketing costs, such as display advertising, keyword search campaigns, search engine optimization and social media and offline marketing costs such as television, radio and print advertising. Sales and marketing expenses also include payroll costs and stock-based compensation expense for employees involved in marketing activities. Sales and marketing expenses are primarily related to growing and retaining the customer base. Advertising and other promotional costs to market the Company’s products and services amounted to $688 and $326 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development expenses include costs directly attributable to the conduct of research and development programs, including the cost of salaries, payroll taxes, employee benefits, materials, supplies, depreciation on and maintenance of research equipment, the cost of services provided by outside contractors, and the allocable portions of facility costs, such as rent, utilities, insurance, repairs and maintenance, depreciation, and general support services. All costs associated with research and development are expensed as incurred.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation arrangements with employees and non-employee consultants using a fair value method which requires the recognition of compensation expense for costs related to all stock-based payments, including stock options. The fair value method requires the Company to estimate the fair value of stock-based payment awards to employees and non-employees on the date of grant using an option pricing model.

 

F-11

 

 

Stock-based compensation costs are based on the fair value of the underlying option calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period. The Company measures equity-based compensation awards granted to non-employees at fair value as the awards vest and recognizes the resulting value as compensation expense at each financial reporting period.

 

Determining the appropriate fair value model and related assumptions requires judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, expected dividend yield, expected term, risk-free rate of return, and the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock. Due to the lack of company-specific historical and implied volatility data, the Company has based its estimate of expected volatility on the historical volatility of a group of similar companies that are publicly traded. The historical volatility is calculated based on a period of time commensurate with the expected term assumption. The group of representative companies have characteristics similar to the Company, including stage of product development and focus on the life science industry. The Company uses the simplified method, which is the average of the final vesting tranche date and the contractual term, to calculate the expected term for options granted to employees as it does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected term. The risk-free interest rate is based on a treasury instrument whose term is consistent with the expected term of the stock options. The Company uses an assumed dividend yield of zero as the Company has never paid dividends and has no current plans to pay any dividends on its common stock. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.

 

Segment Reporting

 

Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise for which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer to make decisions with respect to resource allocation and assessment of performance. To date, the Company has viewed its operations and manages its business as one operating segment.

 

Net Loss per Common Share

 

Basic net loss per share is computed using the “two-class” method which includes the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period and other securities that participate in dividends (a participating security). The Company’s convertible preferred stock are participating securities as defined by ASC 260-10, Earnings per Share. During the periods where the Company incurs net losses, the Company allocates no loss to participating securities because these securities have no contractual obligation to share in the losses of the Company. Under the two-class method, basic net loss per share applicable to common stockholders is computed by dividing the net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed similar to basic net loss per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional shares for the potential dilutive effects of warrants, convertible preferred stock and stock options outstanding during the period calculated in accordance with the treasury stock method, or the two-class method, whichever is more dilutive. The Company allocates net earnings on a pari passu (equal) basis to both common and preferred stockholders. Net losses are not allocated to preferred stockholders as they do not have an obligation to share in the Company’s net losses. For all periods presented, basic and diluted net loss per share are the same, as any additional share equivalents would be anti-dilutive.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred taxes to the amounts expected to be realized.

 

F-12

 

 

The Company recognizes benefits of uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than not that such positions will be sustained upon examination based solely on their technical merit, as the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon the ultimate settlement. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes as a component of income tax expense or benefit. To date, there have been no interest or penalties charged in relation to the unrecognized tax benefits.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include a checking account held at one financial institution in the United States. At times, such deposits may be in excess of insured limits. Management believes that the financial institution is financially sound, and accordingly, minimal credit risk exists with respect to the financial institution. The Company has not experienced any losses on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents.

 

COVID-19

 

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus a global pandemic. The pandemic continues to cause major disruptions to businesses and markets worldwide as the virus spreads or has a resurgence in certain jurisdictions. A number of countries as well as many states and cities within the United States have implemented measures in an effort to contain the virus, including physical distancing, travel restrictions, border closures, limitations on public gatherings, work from home and closure of or restrictions on nonessential businesses. The effects of the outbreak are still evolving, and the ultimate severity and duration of the pandemic and the implications on global economic conditions remains uncertain.

 

Recently adopted accounting standards and recently issued accounting pronouncements

 

Recently adopted accounting standards:

 

Adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which eliminates certain disclosures, such as the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and adds new disclosure requirements for Level 3 measurements. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of this ASU did not have an impact to the Company’s financial statements.

 

F-13

 

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements:

 

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)

 

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, which changes how lessees account for leases. For most leases qualified as operating, the standard requires a liability to be recorded on the balance sheet based on the present value of future lease obligations with a corresponding right-of-use asset. For leases classified as operating leases, the Company is now required to recognize lease costs on a straight-line basis based on the combined amortization of the lease obligation and the right-of-use asset. Similar to capital leases under the previous accounting standard, leases are accounted for as finance leases when the relevant criteria are met. On June 3, 2020, the FASB extended the adoption date for all other entities, including emerging growth companies (“EGCs”), as defined by the SEC, that have elected to defer adoption until the standard is effective for non-public business entities, to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the accounting standard update on its financial statements.

 

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and Subsequent Amendments

 

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-13 (which was then further clarified in subsequent ASUs), which requires that credit losses for certain types of financial instruments, including accounts receivable, be estimated based on expected credit losses among other changes. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 for SEC filers, December 15, 2020 for public business entities that are not SEC filers, and December 15, 2021 for all other entities, including EGCs that have elected to defer adoption until the guidance becomes effective for non-public entities, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the accounting standard update on its financial statements.

 

ASU 2019-12 - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 which reduces the complexity of accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740, Income Taxes. Additionally, the ASU simplifies GAAP by amending the requirements related to the accounting for "hybrid" tax regimes and also by adding the requirement to evaluate when a step up in the tax basis of goodwill should be considered part of the business combination and when it should be considered a separate transaction. Certain of the provisions are to be applied retrospectively with other provisions applied prospectively.

 

The Company will adopt this new ASU effective January 1, 2021. Provisions related to general intra-period tax allocations, the calculation of income taxes for interim periods, and the effects of changes in tax laws or tax rates will be adopted on a prospective basis. The provision applicable to exceptions to the recognition of deferred taxes for investment ownership changes will be adopted using a modified retrospective approach, with a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings, and the provision for changes in accounting for franchise taxes will be applied either on a retrospective basis or using a modified retrospective approach.

 

F-14

 

 

The Company does not expect this change in guidance to have a material impact to its financial statements.

 

ASU 2021-04 - Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Debt-Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50), Compensation - Stock Based Compensation (Topic 718), and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Issuer's Accounting for Certain Modifications or Exchanges of Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options

 

In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-04 which clarified an issuer's accounting for modification or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. The provisions of ASU No. 2021-04 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted, including adoption in any interim period for public business entities for periods for which consolidated financial statements have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. This ASU shall be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the accounting standard update on its financial statements.

 

3. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company’s financial instruments consist of money market funds and conversion right liability. The following tables shows the Company’s cash equivalents and conversion right liability’s carrying value and fair value at December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

    As of December 31, 2020  
    Carrying
Amount
    Fair
Value
    Quoted Priced in
active markets
(Level 1)
    Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
unobservable
inputs (Level 3)
 
Assets                                        
Money market funds   $ 639     $ 639     $ 639     $ -     $ -  
Total assets   $ 639     $ 639     $ 639     $ -     $ -  
                                         
Liabilities                                        
Conversion right liability   $ 717     $ 717     $ -     $ -     $ 717  
Total liabilities   $ 717     $ 717     $ -     $ -     $ 717  
                                         
    As of December 31, 2019  
    Carrying
Amount
    Fair
Value
    Quoted Priced in
active markets
(Level 1)
    Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
unobservable
inputs (Level 3)
 
Assets                                        
Money market funds   $ 2,139     $ 2,139     $ 2,139     $ -     $ -  
Total assets   $ 2,139     $ 2,139     $ 2,139     $ -     $ -  

  

  

Cash equivalents – Cash equivalents of $639 and $2,139 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, consisted of money market funds. Money market funds are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.

 

Conversion right liability – The fair value of the conversion right liability is based on significant inputs not observable in the market, which represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The conversion right liability outstanding when the Preferred Stock Series Seed was issued in July 2019 was reclassified to additional paid-in capital.

 

    Conversion
Right Liability
 
Balance at January 1, 2019   $ 551  
Issuance of convertible rights     301  
Changes in fair value     75  
Reclassification to additional paid-in capital     (927 )
Balance at December 31, 2019     -  
Issuance of convertible rights     690  
Changes in fair value     27  
Balance at December 31, 2020   $ 717  

 

F-15

 

 

There have been no changes to the valuation methods utilized by the Company during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The Company evaluates transfers between levels at the end of each reporting period. There were no transfers of financial instruments between levels during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

4. Accounts Receivable Factoring

 

The Company entered into an accounts receivable factoring arrangement with a financial institution (the “Factor”) in May 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the arrangement, the Company, from time to time, sells to the Factor certain of its accounts receivable balances on a non-recourse basis for credit approved accounts. During fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the Company factored accounts receivable in the amount of $58 for a factored amount of $54. The fees related to factoring was $5 and recorded in general and administrative expenses. At December 31, 2020, the outstanding amount of unpaid advances to the Factor was $4.

 

5. Inventory, net

 

    December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 
Raw materials   $ 171     $ 341  
Work in process     13       23  
Finished goods     65       111  
Inventory at cost     249       475  
Less reserve for obsolescence     (8 )     -  
Inventory, net   $ 241     $ 475  

 

6. Commitments

 

The Company leases office space in Newark, California under a cancelable operating lease agreement. Rent expense recorded during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $55 and $67, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2020, there were no purchase commitments with third-party suppliers.

 

Contingencies

 

From time to time, the Company may have certain contingent liabilities that arise in the ordinary course of its business activities. The Company accrues a liability for such matters when future expenditures are probable and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated. The Company recorded no liabilities for contingent matters as of December 31, 2020.

 

F-16

 

 

 

7. Notes Payable

 

On April 18, 2020, the Company applied for a loan pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), as administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). The loan, in the principal amount of $156, was disbursed by Bank of the West (“Lender”) on May 7, 2020, pursuant to a Paycheck Protection Program Promissory Note and Agreement (the “Note and Agreement”).

 

The program was later amended by the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act of 2020 whereby debtors were granted a minimum maturity date of the five-year anniversary of the funding date and a deferral of ten months from the end of the covered period. The PPP Loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.00% per annum. Monthly principal and interest payments, less the amount of any potential forgiveness (discussed below), will commence after the sixteen-month anniversary of the funding date. The Company did not provide any collateral or guarantees for the PPP Loan, nor did the Company pay any facility charge to obtain the PPP Loan. The Note and Agreement provides for customary events of default, including those relating to failure to make payment, bankruptcy, breaches of representations and material adverse effects. The Company may prepay the principal of the PPP Loan at any time without incurring any prepayment charges.

 

All or a portion of the PPP Loan may be forgiven by the SBA upon application to the Lender by the Company within 10 months after the last day of the covered period. The Lender will have 90 days to review borrower’s forgiveness application and the SBA will have an additional 60 days to review the Lender’s decision as to whether the borrower’s loan may be forgiven. Under the CARES Act, loan forgiveness is available for the sum of documented payroll costs, covered rent payments, and covered utilities, and certain covered mortgage interest payments during the twenty-four-week period beginning on the date of the first disbursement of the PPP Loan. For purposes of the CARES Act, payroll costs exclude compensation of an individual employee earning more than $100, prorated annually. Not more than 40% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs. Forgiveness is reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages for employees with salaries of $100or less annually are reduced by more than 25%.  The Company obtained forgiveness of the PPP Loan on May 11, 2021.

 

On August 10, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. to finance its 2020 to 2021 insurance premiums with First Insurance Funding Corp. in the amount of $39. The interest rate on the note payable is 4.20% and the note is payable with a down payment at borrowing of $6 and nine equal monthly instalment payments beginning in September 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the remaining liability under this financing agreement was $19.

 

Year Ending December 31      
2021   $ 36  
2022     41  
2023     41  
2022     41  
2023     16  
    $ 175  

 

8. Simple Agreement for Future Equity

 

The Company issued Simple Agreement for Future Equity (“SAFE”) instruments pursuant to which it designated a right to Investors for certain shares of the Company’s capital stock, utilizing a valuation estimate, as defined, (“Valuation Cap”) and 80% discount rate (the “Discount Rate”). From December 2016 to August 2018, the Company raised $870 by entering into SAFEs. The number of shares to be issued upon conversion of SAFEs are subject to the following:

 

F-17

 

 

  · Equity Financing – Prior to the expiration or termination of the SAFEs, if there is an equity financing that occurs, the Company will automatically issue a number of shares of Preferred Stock, equal to the Purchase amount divided by the Discount Price.

 

  · Discount Price – Means the price per share of the equity instrument sold in an Equity Financing multiplied by the Discount Rate.

 

  · Liquidity Event – If there is a Liquidity Event, as defined, before the scheduled termination of the SAFE instruments, the holder of a SAFE can either (i) receive a cash payment equal to the amount paid for the SAFE (“SAFE Amount”) or (ii) automatically receive from the Company a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the SAFE Amount divided by the price per share from the Liquidation Event. If there are sufficient funds to pay the holders of SAFEs, the remaining funds available for distribution will be on a pro-rata basis among the holders in proportion with their SAFE amounts.

 

  · Dissolution Event – Upon a dissolution event that occurs before the expiration of the SAFEs, the Company will pay an amount equal to the SAFE Amount to the holder at the time of the Dissolution Event, prior and in preference to any distribution of any other assets of the Company to holders of any outstanding Capital Stock. If the Company has insufficient funds to make complete payment to all holders of SAFEs, the Company will then distribute assets with equal priority and pro rata among all holders of SAFEs.

 

The Company evaluated the SAFEs in accordance with ASC 480-10 and determined that the SAFEs represented an obligation that the Company must settle by issuing a variable number of its equity shares, the monetary value of which is known when entering into the SAFE.

 

In July 2019, the SAFEs converted to 774,894 shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock.

 

F-18

 

 

  9. Convertible Notes Payable

 

Beginning in 2018, the Company entered into Agreements with its lenders (“Lenders”) to issue unsecured Convertible Promissory Notes (“the Notes”) to raise bridge financing until the Company’s next round of equity financing.

 

In 2018, the Company issued Notes to various investors for total proceeds of $1,983. The notes are unsecured, have interest accrued at a rate of 6% per annum and have a term of two years. Also in 2018, the Company issued convertible notes payable to various investors for total proceeds of $270. The notes are unsecured, have interest accrued at a rate of 4% per annum and have a term of two years.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company issued convertible notes payable to various investors for total proceeds of $1,710. The notes are unsecured, have interest accrued at a rate of 4% per annum and have a term of two years.

 

In July 2019, all of the Notes payable issued in 2018 and 2019 plus accrued interest thereon converted into 3,615,580 shares of Preferred Series Seed 3 at a price of $0.5841 and 1,723,147 shares of Preferred Series Seed 4 at a price of $1.1681.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued convertible notes payable to various investors for total proceeds of $1,595. The notes are unsecured, have interest accrued at a rate of 3% per annum and have a term of two years.

 

The Notes issued in 2020 and outstanding at December 31, 2020 have the following terms and conditions for conversion:

 

Auto Conversion upon Qualified Financing

 

Qualified Financing is defined as the closing of an equity financing undertaken by the Company before the Maturity Date, principally for capital raising purposes, in which the aggregate amount of gross proceeds (not including cancellation of the indebtedness represented by all Notes and other convertible securities that will convert) received by the Company is at least $2,000 in the aggregate.

 

The Notes shall be automatically canceled on the date of the initial closing of a Qualified Financing, and the outstanding Principal Amount and, at the election of the Company, all accrued but unpaid interest thereon, shall be automatically converted at a conversion price per share equal to the lesser of:

 

(x) a Discount Percentage of the price per share of Qualified Securities sold to the investors in a Qualified Financing of 25%,

 

and

 

(y) the quotient of (A) the Cap value divided by (B) the number of outstanding shares of the Company, on a Fully Diluted Basis, as determined immediately prior to the Qualified Financing. The Cap value is $40 million.

 

The conversion shall be deemed to occur immediately prior to the consummation of the Qualified Financing. In the event of a conversion of the Notes in connection with a Qualified Financing, the Company may, solely at its option, elect to convert the Notes into Shadow Preferred.

 

Shadow Preferred means the shares of a series of Preferred Stock issued in the Qualified Financing, having the identical rights, privileges, preferences and restrictions as the shares of Qualified Securities, other than with respect to:

 

F-19

 

 

  (i) the per share liquidation preference; and

 

  (ii) the percentage of the conversion price to determine the per share dividend rights.

 

Conversion Upon Change in Control

 

In the event of a Change in Control prior to the Maturity Date or prior to the conversion of this Note, the outstanding Principal Amount and, at the election of the Company, all accrued but unpaid interest thereon, on the date of conversion will be converted, immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction constituting a Change in Control, into that number of shares of Common Stock, as follows:

 

At the election of the holders,

 

(i) the outstanding Principal Amount and accrued interest will be converted into that      number of Preferred Conversion Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the outstanding principal amount and all accrued interest by (y) the Preferred Conversion Price,

 

or

 

(ii)  Holder shall receive an amount equal to 1.5X the principal amount outstanding. Accrued interest which is not converted into Common Stock shall be paid to Holder in cash.

 

Conversion at Maturity

 

Based on the terms and conditions of the note, the following would occur at maturity:

 

The outstanding Principal Amount and all accrued interest shall convert into Preferred Conversion Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the outstanding Principal Amount and accrued interest by (y) the Preferred Conversion Price.

 

The conversion features in the Notes met the accounting definition of an embedded derivative and required separate accounting. The Company value the embedded derivative on the Notes using the Monte Carlo simulation method which included significant estimates regarding the expected time to conversion, volatility, and discount rate. The estimated fair value of these derivatives was recorded as a discount to the Notes and a derivative liability. The debt discount was amortized to interest expense over the expected term of the Notes. The liability was remeasured to fair value at year end with the offsetting amount recorded in other income, expense.

 

On July 15, 2019, upon the closing of the Series Seed Preferred Stock round, the derivative liability associated with the converted notes was marked to market fair value and reclassified to Additional Paid in Capital. Since the notes converted before their scheduled maturity date, the remaining unamortized debt discount associated with these converted notes was recorded as loss on early extinguishment of debt.

 

F-20

 

 

Convertible notes issued, converted and outstanding are as follows:

 

    Convertible Notes
Payable
 
Balance at January 1, 2019   $ 2,253  
Issuance of convertible notes payable     1,710  
Converted to Series Seed Preferred Stock     (3,963 )
Matured     -  
Balance at December 31, 2019     -  
Issuance of convertible notes payable     1,572  
Matured     -  
Balance at December 31, 2020   $ 1,572  

 

Debt discount related to convertible notes are as follows:

 

    Debt Discount  
Balance at January 1, 2019   $ 49  
Debt discount recognized     302  
Amortized to interest expense     (301 )
Written of due to conversion     (50 )
Balance at December 31, 2019     -  
Debt discount recognized     690  
Amortized to interest expense     (412 )
Balance at December 31, 2020   $ 278  

 

10. Convertible Preferred Stock

 

In July 2019, the Company raised $3,843 by issuing 2,787,854 shares of Series Seed Convertible Preferred Stock. Coincident with the issuance of Series Seed Preferred Stock, $870 of SAFEs converted to 774,894 shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock and $4,124 of convertible notes, including accrued interest, converted to 5,338,727 shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock.

 

The Company is authorized to issue up to 10,113,621 of convertible preferred stock with $0.0001 par value. 4,000,000 shares have been designated as Series Seed-1 convertible preferred stock, 774,894 shares have been designated as Series Seed-2 convertible preferred stock, 3,615,580 shares have been designated as Series Seed-3 convertible preferred stock and 1,723,147 shares have been designated as Series Seed-4 convertible preferred stock (collectively, “Series Seed Preferred” or “preferred stock“). At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had 8,908,600 and 8,901,475 of Series Seed Preferred issued and outstanding, respectively.

 

The holders of preferred stock have the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as set forth below:

 

Dividends:

 

The holders of preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends prior to and in preference to any declaration of payment of dividends on common stock, when and if declared by the Board of Directors. Any additional dividends will be paid ratably to holders of common and preferred stock, with the holders of preferred stock participating on an as-if converted basis. No dividends have been declared or paid as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

F-21

 

 

Voting Rights:

 

The holders of each share of preferred stock are entitled to voting rights equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the shares could be converted. As long as 2,419,099 shares of preferred stock remain outstanding, the holders of preferred stock, voting together as a class, shall be entitled to elect two members of the Company’s Board of Directors. The holders of common stock, voting together as a single class, shall be entitled to elect two members of the Company’s Board of Directors. Remaining members of the Company’s Board of Directors will be elected by the holders of a majority of the shares of preferred stock and common stock, voting together as a single class.

 

Liquidation Rights / Redemption Provision:

 

In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or a deemed liquidation event, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of preferred stock have liquidation preferences, before any distribution or payment is made to holders of any common stock, an amount per share equal to the original issue price of $5.6136 for Series Seed-1 preferred stock, $4.4908 for Series Seed-2 preferred stock, $2.3364 for Series Seed-3 preferred stock and $4.6724 for Series Seed-4 preferred stock as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, recapitalizations and the like, plus any declared but unpaid dividends. If the assets and funds to be distributed among the holders of preferred stock are insufficient to permit the payment to such holders, then the entire assets and funds of the Company legally available for distribution will be distributed ratably among the holders of preferred stock in proportion to the preferential amount each such holder is otherwise entitled to receive.

 

Upon completion of the payment of the full liquidation preference of preferred stock, the remaining assets of the Company, if any, shall be distributed ratably to the holders of preferred stock and common stock on a pari passu basis.

 

Redemption:

 

The preferred stock is not redeemable. Upon certain change in control events that are outside of the Company’s control, including liquidation, sale or transfer of control of the Company, the preferred stock is contingently redeemable.

 

Conversion:

 

Each share of preferred stock is convertible into shares of common stock, at the option of the holder, at any time after date of issuance. Each share of preferred stock automatically converts to the number of shares of common stock determined in accordance with the conversion rate upon the earlier of (i) written consent of a majority of the then outstanding shares of preferred stock, voting together as a single class or (ii) the closing of a public offering, in which the gross cash proceeds are at least $20,000. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the conversion price for each share of Series Seed-1 preferred stock, Series Seed-2 preferred stock, Series Seed-3 preferred stock and Series Seed-4 preferred stock is $5.6136, $4.4908, $2.3364 and $4.6724, respectively. The conversion price is subject to downward adjustment if the Company issues options or convertible securities with exercise or conversion terms more favorable than the preferred stock.

 

Protective Provisions:

 

The holders of preferred stock have certain protective provisions. As long as 2,419.099 of the shares of Series Seed Preferred remain outstanding (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalizations, reorganizations, reclassifications or the like), the Company shall not, either directly or by amendment, merger, consolidation, reclassification or otherwise, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws in a manner that would adversely alter the rights, preferences, and privileges of the Series Seed Preferred without first obtaining approval of the majority of the outstanding shares of Series Seed Preferred.

 

F-22

 

 

11. Common Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue up to 25,000,000 shares of common stock with $0.0001 par value. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were 2,324,479 and 2,300,000 shares issued and outstanding, respectively.

 

Common stockholders are entitled to dividends if and when declared by the Board of Directors subject to the rights of the preferred stockholders. As of December 31, 2020, no dividends on common stock had been declared by the Company. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had reserved shares of common stock for issuance as follows:

 

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2020     2019  
Convertible preferred stock outstanding     2,227,116       2,225,335  
Options issued and outstanding     799,469       583,750  
Shares available for future stock option grants     157,321       397,519  
Total     3,183,906       3,206,604  

 

 

12. Equity Incentive Plans

 

In 2017, the Company adopted the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). As of December 31, 2020, there were 981,269 shares of common stock authorized and 157,321 shares available for issuance under the Plan. Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Non-statutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant. Stock Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan. The term shall be no more than ten years from the date of grant thereof. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an optionee who, at the time the option is granted, owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the option shall be five years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the option Agreement.

 

In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, (i) granted to an employee who, at the time of grant of such option, owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant; (ii) granted to any other employee, the per share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. In the case of a Non-statutory Stock Option; (i) granted to a and employee who, at the time of grant of such option, owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant; (ii) granted to any other service provider, the per share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, options may be granted with a per share exercise price other than as required above pursuant to a merger or other corporate transaction.

 

The options may include provisions permitting exercise of the option prior to full vesting. Any unvested shares so purchased shall be subject to repurchase by the Company at the original exercise price of the option.

 

F-23

 

 

 

          Options Outstanding  
                            Weighted-        
                Weighted     Weighted-     Average     Aggregate  
    Shares           Average     Average     Remaining     Intrinsic  
    Available     Number of     Exercise     Grant Date     Contractual Life     Value  
    for Grant     Options     Price     Fair Value     (in years)     (in 000s)  
Balances, January 1, 2019     397,519       583,750     $ 0.15     $ 0.07       9.26     $ 52  
Shares reserved for issuance     -       -                                  
Options granted     -       -                                  
Options forfeited / cancelled     -       -                                  
Options exercised     -       -                                  
Balances, December 31, 2019     397,519       583,750     $ 0.15     $ 0.07       8.26     $ 496  
Shares reserved for issuance     -       -                                  
Options granted     (246,448 )     246,448     $ 1.01     $ 0.44                  
Options forfeited / cancelled     4,558       (4,558 )   $ 1.00     $ 0.45                  
Options expired     1,692       (1,692 )   $ 1.00     $ 0.45                  
Options exercised     -       (24,479 )   $ 0.12     $ 0.06                  
Balances, December 31, 2020     157,321       799,469     $ 0.41     $ 0.18       7.88     $ 505  
                                                 
At December 31, 2020                                                
Vested             552,345     $ 0.37       0.16       7.77     $ 368  
Exercisable             552,345     $ 0.37       0.16       7.77     $ 368  
Vested and expected to vest             799,469     $ 0.41       0.18       7.88     $ 505  

 

The weighted-average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted in 2020 was $0.44. The aggregate intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest and exercisable as of December 31, 2020 is calculated based on the difference between the exercise price and the current fair value of our common stock. The intrinsic value of options exercised in 2020 was $1.

 

The following table sets forth the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted common stock:

 

    Number of
Shares
 
Non-vested as of January 1, 2019     1,054,167  
Vested     (575,000 )
Non-vested as of December 31, 2019     479,167  
Vested     (479,167 )
Non-vested as of December 31, 2020     -  

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Options generally vest over four years whereby 25% vest upon the first anniversary of the issuance date and 1/48th per month thereafter. Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $78 and $10, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, there were total unrecognized compensation costs of $48 related to share-based payment awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average amortization period of 1.4 years.

 

The grant date fair market value of the shares of common stock underlying stock options has historically been determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. Because there has been no public market for the Company’s common stock, the Board of Directors exercises reasonable judgment and considers a number of objective and subjective factors to determine the best estimate of the fair market value, which include valuations performed by an independent third-party, important developments in the Company's operations, sales of the Company’s convertible preferred stock, actual operating results, financial performance, the conditions in the life sciences industry, the economy in general, the stock price performance and volatility of comparable public companies, and the lack of liquidity of the Company's common stock.

 

F-24

 

 

The Company estimated the fair value of share-based payment awards using the Black-Scholes options valuation model. The fair value of share-based payment awards is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards. The fair value of share-based payment awards was estimated on the date of grant using the following assumptions:

 

    2020  
Expected life (in years)      5.00 - 6.05  
Expected volatility     46.39% - 52.10%  
Risk-free interest rate     0.22% - 1.42%  
Dividend yield     0%

 

 

Expected Term: The Company uses the simplified method to calculate expected term described in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, which takes into account vesting term and expiration date of the options.

 

Volatility: Volatility is based on an average of the historical volatilities of comparable publicly traded companies for the expected term.

 

Risk Free Interest Rate: The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yields in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected term of the option.

 

Dividend Yield: The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends and does not plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future, and therefore, used an expected dividend yield of zero in the valuation model.

 

No income tax benefits have been recognized relating to stock-based compensation expenses and no tax benefits have been realized from exercised stock options.

 

Total Stock-Based Compensation

 

Total stock-based compensation expense recorded related to share-based payment awards was allocated to research and development and general and administrative expense as follows:

 

    2020     2019  
Cost of sales   $ 2     $ 1  
Research and development     30       2  
Sales and marketing     2       3  
General and administrative     44       4  
Total stock-based compensation   $ 78     $ 10  

 

13.         Income Taxes

 

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount which would result by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to pre-tax loss for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

A reconciliation of the provision computed at the federal statutory rate to the provision for income taxes included in the accompanying statements of operations for the Company is as follows.

 

    For the Years Ended  
    December
31, 2020
    December
31, 2019
 
Income tax provision at statutory rate     21 %     21 %
State income taxes, net of federal benefit     6 %     7 %
Other     -3 %     -3 %
Change in valuation allowance     -24 %     -25 %
Effective income tax rate     0 %     0 %

 

F-25

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s effective tax rate is below the federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal benefit and the Company’s position to establish a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets.

 

The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax assets are presented below:

 

    For the Years Ended  
    December
31, 2020
    December
31, 2019
 
Deferred tax assets:                
Net operating loss carryforwards   $ 2,607     $ 1,769  
Derivative liability     81       -  
Research and development credits     61       48  
Other temporary differences     56       22  
Total deferred tax assets     2,805       1,839  
Valuation allowance     (2,724 )     (1,839 )
Deferred tax assets recognized     81       -  
Deferred tax liabilities:                
Debt discount     (81 )     -  
Total deferred tax liabilities     (81 )     -  
Net deferred tax assets   $ -     $ -  

 

The Company has recorded a valuation allowance for its deferred tax assets that it does not believe will be realizable at a more likely than not level based on analysis of all available sources of taxable income. The valuation allowance increased by $885 and $1,063 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively due to current and previous year losses and credits claimed.

 

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $9,370 and $6,334, respectively, which will begin to expire in 2036. Approximately $8,925 of federal net operating losses can be carried forward indefinitely. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had state net operating loss carryforwards for California of approximately $9,184 and 6,304, respectively, which will begin to expire in 2031. The Company also has state research and development credit carryforward of approximately $110 at December 31, 2020. The California state credits carryforward indefinitely.

 

Federal and state tax laws impose substantial restrictions on the utilization of net operating loss and credit carryforwards in the event of an “ownership change” for tax purposes, as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue code. Accordingly, the Company’s ability to utilize these carryforwards may be limited as a result of such ownership changes. Such a limitation could result in limitation in the use of net operating losses in future years and possibly a reduction of the net operating losses available. The Company has not performed a study to determine if any ownership changes have occurred which could potentially limit the utilization of the tax attribute carryforwards.

 

F-26

 

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax positions is as follows:

 

    For the Years Ended  
    December
31,
2020
    December
31,
2019
 
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year   $ 26     $ 15  
Additions related to current year tax positions     7       11  
Net deferred tax assets   $ 33     $ 26  

 

 

F-27

 

 

  During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits increased by $7 and 11, respectively, due to additional research and development credits generated during those years. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $33 and 26, respectively. The reversal of the uncertain tax benefits would not affect the Company’s effective tax rate to the extent that it continues to maintain a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets.
   
  The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes line item in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss. As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Company had not accrued any interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Company does not anticipate any material change in its unrecognized tax benefits over the next twelve months. The unrecognized tax benefits may change during the next year for items that arise in the ordinary course of business.
   
  The Company files tax returns in U.S. Federal and state jurisdictions. The tax periods from 2016 to 2020 remain open to examination in all jurisdictions. In addition, any tax losses that were generated in prior years and carried forward may also be subject to examination by the respective authorities. The Company is not currently under examination by income tax authorities for federal or state purposes.
   
  In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act includes provisions relating to refundable payroll tax credits, deferment of the employer portion of certain payroll taxes, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. The Company was able to defer $35 related to certain payroll taxes, received a PPP loan of $156 and an EIDL grant of $8 during the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

14. Net Loss per Share
   
  The following outstanding potentially dilutive common stock equivalents have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the periods presented due to their antidilutive effect:

 

 

 

For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
    2020     2019  
Convertible preferred stock (as converted)     2,227,116       2,225,335  
Convertible notes payable     -       -  
Common stock options issued and outstanding     799,469       583,750  
Total     3,026,585       2,809,085  

 

 

    For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
    2020     2019  
Net loss   $ (3,639 )   $ (4,148 )
Weighted-average number of shares - basic and diluted     2,303,237       2,300,000  
Net loss per share - basic and diluted   $ (1.58 )   $ (1.80 )

 

 

F-28

 

 

15. Related Party Transactions

 

  Dr. Subinoy Das is both a consultant and investor in the Company. The Company entered into a consulting agreement with Dr. Das on May 1, 2019 to provide support for research and clinical activities. The Company expensed and accrued $42,000 included in ‘Other accrued liabilities’ at December 31, 2019 for his services. On December 30, 2020, the Board granted Dr. Das 28,323 Non-statutory Stock Options to replace amounts accrued for his services for fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The fair value of this grant is $13 and was expensed in the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company recognized a gain on settlement of $117 which is included in research and development expense for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

16. Subsequent Events
   
  In March 2021, the Company issued convertible notes payables for total proceeds of $300. The notes are unsecured, have interest accrued at a rate of 3% per annum and have a term of fourteen months.
   
  In April 2021, the Company issued a convertible note payable for total proceeds of $115. The notes are unsecured, have interest accrued at a rate of 3% per annum and have a term of thirteen months.
   
  On May 11, 2021, the SBA approved forgiveness of the PPP Loan, including accrued interest. The amount forgiven by the SBA was $157.
   
  Effective as of June 7, 2021, the Company reincorporated as a Delaware corporation, which included establishment of $0.0001 par value for convertible preferred stock and common stock.

 

F-29

 

  

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    June 30,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
ASSETS                
Current assets                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,623     $ 1,044  
Accounts receivable, net     129       52  
Inventory, net     291       241  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     98       160  
Total current assets     2,141       1,497  
Property and equipment, net     15       19  
Deferred offering costs     363       -  
Other assets     15       15  
Total assets   $ 2,534     $ 1,531  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
Current liabilities                
Accounts payable   $ 1,184     $ 370  
Other accrued liabilities     311       152  
Current portion of notes payable     -       36  
Current portion of convertible notes payable, net of debt discount     1,962       -  
Conversion feature derivative liability     1,823       717  
Total current liabilities     5,280       1,275  
Notes payable     -       139  
Convertible notes payable, net of debt discount     857       1,294  
Total liabilities     6,137       2,708  
Stockholders’ deficit                
Convertible preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,113,621 shares authorized; 8,908,600 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020     1       1  
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; 2,374,479 and 2,324,479 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively     -       -  
Additional paid in capital     9,898       9,874  
Accumulated deficit     (13,502 )     (11,052 )
Total stockholders’ deficit     (3,603 )     (1,177 )
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit   $ 2,534     $ 1,531  

  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

F-30

 

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2021     2020  
 Revenue   $ 547     $ 246  
Cost of sales     602       333  
Gross loss     (55 )     (87 )
Operating expenses:                
Research and development     399       386  
Sales and marketing     605       517  
General and administrative     1,053       595  
Total operating expenses     2,057       1,498  
Loss from operations      (2,112 )     (1,585 )
Other income (expense):                
Interest expense     (497 )     (15 )
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities     1       -  
Other income     159       13  
Total other income (expense)     (337 )     (2 )
Loss before provision for income taxes     (2,449 )     (1,587 )
Provision for income taxes     1       -  
Net loss and comprehensive loss   $ (2,450 )   $ (1,587 )
Net loss per share - basic and diluted   $ (1.04 )   $ (0.69 )
Weighted-average number of shares - basic and diluted     2,354,589       2,300,000  

  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

F-31

 

 

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

(in thousands except share and per share data)

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 

    Convertible                 Additional           Total  
    Preferred Stock     Common Stock     Paid-in     Accumulated     Stockholders'  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Equity (Deficit)  
Balances at January 1, 2020     8,901,475     $ 1       2,300,000     $ -     $ 9,783     $ (7,413 )   $ 2,371  
Issuance of convertible preferred stock,  net of issuance costs     7,125       -       -       -       10       -       10  
Stock-based compensation expense     -       -       -       -       48       -       48  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       (1,587 )     (1,587 )
Balances at June 30, 2020     8,908,600     $ 1       2,300,000     $ -     $ 9,841     $ (9,000 )   $ 842  

  

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

 

    Convertible                 Additional           Total  
    Preferred Stock     Common Stock     Paid-in     Accumulated     Stockholders'  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Equity (Deficit)  
Balances at January 1, 2021     8,908,600     $ 1       2,324,479     $ -     $ 9,874     $ (11,052 )   $ (1,177 )
Exercise of stock options     -       -       50,000       -       6       -       6  
Stock-based compensation expense     -       -       -       -       18       -       18  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       (2,450 )     (2,450 )
Balances at June 30, 2021     8,908,600     $ 1       2,374,479     $ -     $ 9,898     $ (13,502 )   $ (3,603 )

  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

F-32

 

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

(in thousands)

 

   

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
    2021     2020  
Cash flows from operating activities                
Net loss   $ (2,450 )   $ (1,587 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                
Stock based compensation     18       48  
Depreciation     4       4  
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities     (1     -  
Amortization of debt discount     469       15  
Accounts receivable allowances     (6     2  
Reserve for inventory obsolescence     (8 )     -  
Forgiveness of PPP loan     (157 )     -  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     (71 )     (44 )
Inventory     (42     30  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     62       (93 )
Deferred offering costs     (363 )     -  
Accounts payable     814       (203 )
Accrued liabilities     160       (124 )
Net cash used in operating activities     (1,571 )     (1,952 )
Cash flows from financing activities                
Repayment of notes payable borrowings     (19 )      
Proceeds from notes payable borrowings     -       156  
Proceeds from convertible notes payable borrowings     2,163       210  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options     6       -  
Proceeds from issuance of convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs     -       10  
Net cash provided by financing activities     2,150       376  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     579       (1,576 )
Cash and cash equivalents                
Beginning of period     1,044       2,311  
End of period   $ 1,623     $ 735  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information                
Cash paid for income tax   $ 1     $ -  
Noncash financing transactions                
Issuance of conversion feature derivative liability   $ 1,107     $ 90  
Original issue discount on convertible notes payable   $ 177     $ -  

   

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

F-33

 

 

1. Formation and Business of the Company

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc. (the “Company”), was incorporated in the state of California on September 22, 2016 for the purpose of developing and commercializing microcurrent therapy solutions to address inflammation. Effective as of June 7, 2021, the Company reincorporated as a Delaware corporation, which included establishment of $0.0001 par value for convertible preferred stock and common stock. The financial statements have been retroactively adjusted as if the change in corporation status occurred on January 1, 2019. The Company's primary product, ClearUP, is a medical device intended to relieve sinus and nasal inflammation. The Company is headquartered in Newark, California.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim condensed financial statements as of June 30, 2021, and for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020 have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all accounting entries and adjustments (including normal, recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for the interim periods have been made. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. For further information, including a description of the significant accounting policies of the Company, refer to the audited financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this filing.

 

Liquidity

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has limited operating history and its prospects are subject to risks, expenses and uncertainties frequently encountered by companies in the medical device industry. These risks include, but are not limited to, the uncertainty of availability of additional financing and the uncertainty of achieving future profitability.

 

Since inception, the Company has devoted substantially all of its efforts to research and development activities, regulatory clearance and early market development and testing of our first product released in 2019. The Company has experienced losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and at June 30, 2021, the Company had a working capital deficit of $3,139, an accumulated deficit of $13,502 and cash and cash equivalents of $1,623. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company incurred net losses of $2,450, $3,639 and $4,148, respectively and used $1,571, $3,027 and $3,670 of cash for operations, respectively. Management expects to incur substantial additional operating losses for at least the next two years to expand its markets, complete development of new products, obtain regulatory approvals, launch and commercialize our products and continue research and development programs.

 

The Company intends to raise additional capital through the issuance of additional equity and debt. If financing is not available at adequate levels, the Company may need to reevaluate its operating plans. Based on projected activities, management projects that cash and cash equivalents on hand are not sufficient to support operations for at least the next 12 months following issuance of these financial statements, which raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustment that might be necessary if the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.

 

F-34

 

 

Reverse Stock Split

 

In August 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors and stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation to effect a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock which was effected on August 31, 2021. The par value of the common stock was not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. Accordingly, all common stock, convertible preferred stock conversion ratios, stock options and related per share amounts in these audited annual and unaudited interim financial statements have been retroactively adjusted for all periods presented to give effect to the reverse stock split. 

  

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 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 financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. The Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors and adjusts those estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue from product sales in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”). The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. The standard applies to all contracts with customers, except contracts that are within scope of other standards, such as leases, insurance, collaboration arrangements and financial instruments.

 

Under Topic 606, an entity recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that an entity determines are in within the scope of Topic 606, the entity performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) 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; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable the entity will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. At contract inceptions, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of Topic 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines those that are performance obligations and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.

 

The Company sells its products through direct sales and independent distributors. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods is transferred to the customers or distributor, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. Revenue associated with products holding rights of return are recognized when the Company concludes there is not a risk of significant revenue reversal in the future periods for the expected consideration in the transaction.

 

The Company may offer an extended warranty to its customers. The extended warranty is considered a separate performance obligation. The Company allocates the transaction price based on estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised product and services underlying each performance obligation. The Company determines standalone selling prices based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s deferred revenue for unrecognized extended warranties was $14 and $14, respectively, and is included in “Other Accrued Liabilities” on the accompanying balance sheets.

 

Based on the Company’s assessment, it was determined that there were no contract assets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 because receivables outstanding are unconditional and only the passage of time is required before payment of that consideration is due. The Company may receive payments at the onset of the contract and before goods have been delivered. In such instances, the Company records a deferred revenue liability. The Company recognizes these contract liabilities as sales after the revenue criteria are met. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the contract liability related to the Company’s deferred revenues approximated $0 and $2, respectively, and are included in “Other Accrued Liabilities” on the accompanying balance sheets.

F-35

 

 

 

The Company relies on a third party to have procedures in place to detect and prevent credit card fraud as the Company has exposure to losses from fraudulent charges. The Company records the losses related to chargebacks as incurred.

 

The Company has also elected to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price sales taxes remitted to governmental authorities.

 

Deferred Offering Costs

 

The Company capitalizes incremental legal, professional, accounting, and other third-party fees that are directly associated with the planned Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) as other non-current assets until the IPO is consummated. After consummation of the IPO, these costs will be recorded in stockholders’ deficit as a reduction of additional paid-in capital generated from the offering. If the Company terminates its plan for an IPO, any costs deferred will be expensed immediately. As of June 30, 2021, deferred offering costs were $363.

  

Recently adopted accounting standards and recently issued accounting pronouncements

 

Recently adopted accounting standards:

 

Adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which eliminates certain disclosures, such as the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and adds new disclosure requirements for Level 3 measurements. The Company adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2020. The adoption of this ASU did not have an impact to the Company’s financial statements.

 

ASU 2019-12 - Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 which reduces the complexity of accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the general principles in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740, Income Taxes. Additionally, the ASU simplifies GAAP by amending the requirements related to the accounting for "hybrid" tax regimes and also by adding the requirement to evaluate when a step up in the tax basis of goodwill should be considered part of the business combination and when it should be considered a separate transaction. Certain of the provisions are to be applied retrospectively with other provisions applied prospectively.

 

The Company adopted this new ASU effective January 1, 2021. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial statements.

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements:

 

ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)

 

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, which changes how lessees account for leases. For most leases, the standard requires a liability to be recorded on the balance sheet based on the present value of future lease obligations with a corresponding right-of-use asset. For leases classified as operating leases, the Company is now required to recognize lease costs on a straight-line basis based on the combined amortization of the lease obligation and the right-of-use asset. Similar to capital leases under the previous accounting standard, leases are accounted for as finance leases when the relevant criteria are met. On June 3, 2020, the FASB extended the adoption date for all other entities, including emerging growth companies (“EGCs”), as defined by the SEC, that have elected to defer adoption until the standard is effective for non-public business entities, to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the accounting standard update on its financial statements.

 

ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and Subsequent Amendments

 

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-13 (which was then further clarified in subsequent ASUs), which requires that credit losses for certain types of financial instruments, including accounts receivable, be estimated based on expected credit losses among other changes. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 for SEC filers, December 15, 2020 for public business entities that are not SEC filers, and December 15, 2021 for all other entities, including EGCs that have elected to defer adoption until the guidance becomes effective for non-public entities, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the accounting standard update on its financial statements.

 

F-36

 

 

ASU 2021-04 - Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Debt-Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50), Compensation - Stock Based Compensation (Topic 718), and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Issuer's Accounting for Certain Modifications or Exchanges of Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options

 

In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-04 which clarified an issuer's accounting for modification or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. The provisions of ASU No. 2021-04 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim reporting periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted, including adoption in any interim period for public business entities for periods for which consolidated financial statements have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. This ASU shall be applied on a prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the accounting standard update on its financial statements.

 

3. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company’s financial instruments consist of money market funds and conversion right liability. The following tables shows the Company’s cash equivalents and conversion right liability’s carrying value and fair value at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

  

    As of June 30, 2021  
    Carrying
Amount
    Fair
Value
    Quoted Priced in
active markets
(Level 1)
    Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
unobservable
inputs (Level 3)
 
Assets  

 

                         
Money market funds   $ 352     $ 352     $ 352     $ -     $ -  
Total assets   $ 352     $ 352     $ 352     $ -     $ -  
                                         
Liabilities                                        
Conversion feature derivative liability   $ 1,823     $ 1,823     $ -     $ -     $ 1,823  
Total liabilities   $ 1,823     $ 1,823     $ -     $ -     $ 1,823  

  

 

    As of December 31, 2020  
    Carrying
Amount
    Fair
Value
    Quoted Priced in
active markets
(Level 1)
    Significant other
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    Significant
unobservable
inputs (Level 3)
 
Assets  

 

                         
Money market funds   $ 639     $ 639     $ 639     $ -     $ -  
Total assets   $ 639     $ 639     $ 639     $ -     $ -  
                                         
Liabilities                                        
Conversion feature derivative liability   $ 717     $ 717     $ -     $ -     $ 717  
Total liabilities   $ 717     $ 717     $ -     $ -     $ 717  

 

 

F-37

 

     

Cash equivalents – Cash equivalents of $352 and $639 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, consisted of money market funds. Money market funds are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices in active markets.

 

Conversion feature derivative liability – The fair value of the conversion feature derivative liability is based on significant inputs not observable in the market, which represents a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.

 

 

Conversion
Feature Derivative Liability

 

Balance at January 1, 2020

  $ -  

Issuance of convertible rights

    690  

Changes in fair value

    27  

Balance at December 31, 2020

    717  

Issuance of convertible rights

    1,107  

Changes in fair value

    (1

Balance at June 30, 2021

  $ 1,823  

  

There have been no changes to the valuation methods utilized by the Company during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company evaluates transfers between levels at the end of each reporting period. There were no transfers of financial instruments between levels during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

4. Accounts Receivable Factoring

 

The Company entered into an accounts receivable factoring arrangement with a financial institution (the “Factor”) in May 2020. Pursuant to the terms of the arrangement, the Company, from time to time, sells to the Factor certain of its accounts receivable balances on a non-recourse basis for credit approved accounts. During fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the Company factored accounts receivable in the amount of $58 for a factored amount of $54. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company factored accounts receivable in the amount of $68 for a factored amount of $61. The fees related to factoring was $5 and $5 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, and recorded in general and administrative expenses. At June 30, 2021, the outstanding amount of unpaid advances to the Factor was $33.

 

5. Inventory, net

 

    June 30,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
Raw materials   $ 99       171  
Work in process     65       13  
Finished goods     127       65  
Inventory at cost     291       249  
Less reserve for obsolescence     -       (8 )
Inventory, net   $ 291     $ 241  

  

6. Commitments

 

The Company leases office space in Newark, California under a cancelable operating lease agreement. Rent expense recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $10 and $35, respectively.

 

At June 30, 2021, there were no purchase commitments with third-party suppliers. 

 

F-38

 

 

Contingencies

 

From time to time, the Company may have certain contingent liabilities that arise in the ordinary course of its business activities. The Company accrues a liability for such matters when future expenditures are probable and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated. The Company recorded no liabilities for contingent matters as of June 30, 2021.

 

7. Notes Payable

 

On April 18, 2020, the Company applied for a loan pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), as administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”). The loan, in the principal amount of $156, was disbursed by Bank of the West (“Lender”) on May 7, 2020, pursuant to a Paycheck Protection Program Promissory Note and Agreement (the “Note and Agreement”).

 

The program was later amended by the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act of 2020 whereby debtors were granted a minimum maturity date of the five-year anniversary of the funding date and a deferral of ten months from the end of the covered period. The PPP Loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 1.00% per annum. Monthly principal and interest payments, less the amount of any potential forgiveness (discussed below), will commence after the sixteen-month anniversary of the funding date. The Company did not provide any collateral or guarantees for the PPP Loan, nor did the Company pay any facility charge to obtain the PPP Loan. The Note and Agreement provides for customary events of default, including those relating to failure to make payment, bankruptcy, breaches of representations and material adverse effects. The Company may prepay the principal of the PPP Loan at any time without incurring any prepayment charges.

 

All or a portion of the PPP Loan may be forgiven by the SBA upon application to the Lender by the Company within 10 months after the last day of the covered period. The Lender will have 90 days to review borrower’s forgiveness application and the SBA will have an additional 60 days to review the Lender’s decision as to whether the borrower’s loan may be forgiven. Under the CARES Act, loan forgiveness is available for the sum of documented payroll costs, covered rent payments, and covered utilities, and certain covered mortgage interest payments during the twenty-four-week period beginning on the date of the first disbursement of the PPP Loan. For purposes of the CARES Act, payroll costs exclude compensation of an individual employee earning more than $100, prorated annually. Not more than 40% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs. Forgiveness is reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages for employees with salaries of $100 or less annually are reduced by more than 25%.  The Company obtained forgiveness of the PPP Loan on May 11, 2021. The Company recorded a gain in other income (expense) from the forgiveness of the PPP loan, including accrued interest expense, of $157 in the six months ended June 30, 2021.

 

On August 10, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement with Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. to finance its 2020 to 2021 insurance premiums with First Insurance Funding Corp. in the amount of $39. The interest rate on the note payable is 4.20% and the note is payable with a down payment at borrowing of $6 and nine equal monthly instalment payments beginning in September 2020. As of June 30, 2021, the remaining liability under this financing agreement was $0. 

   

F-39

 

 

 

8. Convertible Notes Payable

 

In the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued convertible notes payable to various investors for total proceeds of $1,595. The notes are unsecured, have interest accrued at a rate of 3% per annum and have a term of two years.

 

In March and April, 2021, the Company issued convertible notes payable to various investors for total proceeds of $415. The notes are unsecured, have interest accrued at a rate of 3% per annum and mature on June 1, 2022.

 

In June 2021, the Company issued convertible note payable to various investors for total proceeds of $332. The notes are unsecured, have interest accrued at a rate of 3% per annum and mature on June 1, 2023.

 

In June 2021, the Company issued convertible notes payable to various investors for $1,592 with original issue discount of $176, and total proceeds of $1,416. The notes are unsecured, have interest accrued at a rate of 3% per annum and mature on June 1, 2023.

 

The Notes issued in 2020 and during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and outstanding at June 30, 2021 have the following terms and conditions for conversion:

 

Auto Conversion upon Qualified Financing

 

Qualified Financing is defined as the closing of an equity financing undertaken by the Company before the Maturity Date, principally for capital raising purposes, in which the aggregate amount of gross proceeds (not including cancellation of the indebtedness represented by all Notes and other convertible securities that will convert) received by the Company is at least $2,000 in the aggregate.

 

Note shall be automatically canceled on the date of the initial closing of a Qualified Financing, and the outstanding Principal Amount and, at the election of the Company, all accrued but unpaid interest thereon, shall be automatically converted at a conversion price per share equal to the lesser of:

 

(x) a Discount Percentage of the price per share of Qualified Securities sold to the investors in a Qualified Financing of 25%,

 

and

 

(y) the quotient of (A) the Cap value divided by (B) the number of outstanding shares of the Company, on a Fully Diluted Basis, as determined immediately prior to the Qualified Financing. The Cap value is $40 million.

 

The conversion shall be deemed to occur immediately prior to the consummation of the Qualified Financing. In the event of a conversion of the Notes in connection with a Qualified Financing, the Company may, solely at its option, elect to convert the Notes into Shadow Preferred.

 

Shadow Preferred means the shares of a series of Preferred Stock issued in the Qualified Financing, having the identical rights, privileges, preferences and restrictions as the shares of Qualified Securities, other than with respect to:

 

  (i) the per share liquidation preference; and

 

  (ii) the percentage of the conversion price to determine the per share dividend rights.

 

Conversion Upon Change in Control

 

In the event of a Change in Control prior to the Maturity Date or prior to the conversion of this Note, the outstanding Principal Amount and, at the election of the Company, all accrued but unpaid interest thereon, on the date of conversion will be converted, immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction constituting a Change in Control, into that number of shares of Common Stock, as follows:

 

At the election of the holders,

 

(i) the outstanding Principal Amount and accrued interest will be converted into that      number of Preferred Conversion Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the outstanding principal amount and all accrued interest by (y) the Preferred Conversion Price,

 

or

 

(ii)  Holder shall receive an amount equal to 1.5X the principal amount outstanding. Accrued interest which is not converted into Common Stock shall be paid to Holder in cash.

 

F-40

 

 

 

 

Conversion at Maturity

 

Based on the terms and conditions of the note, the following would occur at maturity:

 

The outstanding Principal Amount and all accrued interest shall convert into Preferred Conversion Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the outstanding Principal Amount and accrued interest by (y) the Preferred Conversion Price.

 

The conversion features in the Notes met the accounting definition of an embedded derivative and required separate accounting. The Company value the embedded derivative on the Notes using the Monte Carlo simulation method which included significant estimates regarding the expected time to conversion, volatility, and discount rate. The estimated fair value of these derivatives was recorded as a discount to the Notes and a derivative liability. The debt discount was amortized to interest expense over the expected term of the Notes. The liability was remeasured to fair value at year end with the offsetting amount recorded in other income, expense.

 

Convertible notes issued, converted and outstanding are as follows:

 

    Convertible Notes
Payable
 
Balance at January 1, 2020   $ -  
Issuance of convertible notes payable     1,572  
Matured     -  
Balance at December 31, 2020     1,572  
Issuance of convertible notes payable     2,340  
Matured     -  
Balance at June 30, 2021   $ 3,912  

 

 

Debt discount related to convertible notes are as follows:

 

    Debt Discount  
Balance at January 1, 2020   $ -  
Debt discount recognized     690  
Amortized to interest expense     (412 )
Balance at December 31, 2020     278  
Debt discount recognized     1,284  
Amortized to interest expense     (469 )
Balance at June 30, 2021   $ 1,093  

  

9. Convertible Preferred Stock

 

In July 2019, the Company raised $3,843 by issuing 2,787,854 shares of Series Seed Convertible Preferred Stock. Coincident with the issuance of Series Seed Preferred Stock, $870 of Simplified Agreements for Future Equity converted to 774,894 shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock and $4,124 of convertible notes, including accrued interest, converted to 5,338,727 shares of Series Seed Preferred Stock.

 

F-41

 

 

The Company is authorized to issue up to 10,113,621 of convertible preferred stock with $0.0001 par value. 4,000,000 shares have been designated as Series Seed-1 convertible preferred stock, 774,894 shares have been designated as Series Seed-2 convertible preferred stock, 3,615,580 shares have been designated as Series Seed-3 convertible preferred stock and 1,723,147 shares have been designated as Series Seed-4 convertible preferred stock (collectively, “Series Seed Preferred” or “preferred stock”). At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had 8,908,600 shares of Series Seed Preferred issued and outstanding, respectively.

 

The holders of preferred stock have the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as set forth below:

 

Dividends:

 

The holders of preferred stock are entitled to receive dividends prior to and in preference to any declaration of payment of dividends on common stock, when and if declared by the Board of Directors. Any additional dividends will be paid ratably to holders of common and preferred stock, with the holders of preferred stock participating on an as-if converted basis. No dividends have been declared or paid as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

 

Voting Rights:

 

The holders of each share of preferred stock are entitled to voting rights equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the shares could be converted. As long as 2,419,099 shares of preferred stock remain outstanding, the holders of preferred stock, voting together as a class, shall be entitled to elect two members of the Company’s Board of Directors. The holders of common stock, voting together as a single class, shall be entitled to elect two members of the Company’s Board of Directors. Remaining members of the Company’s Board of Directors will be elected by the holders of a majority of the shares of preferred stock and common stock, voting together as a single class.

 

Liquidation Rights / Redemption Provision:

 

In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or a deemed liquidation event, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of preferred stock have liquidation preferences, before any distribution or payment is made to holders of any common stock, an amount per share equal to the original issue price of $5.6136 for Series Seed-1 preferred stock, $4.4908 for Series Seed-2 preferred stock, $2.3364 for Series Seed-3 preferred stock and $4.6724 for Series Seed-4 preferred stock as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, recapitalizations and the like, plus any declared but unpaid dividends. If the assets and funds to be distributed among the holders of preferred stock are insufficient to permit the payment to such holders, then the entire assets and funds of the Company legally available for distribution will be distributed ratably among the holders of preferred stock in proportion to the preferential amount each such holder is otherwise entitled to receive.

 

Upon completion of the payment of the full liquidation preference of preferred stock, the remaining assets of the Company, if any, shall be distributed ratably to the holders of preferred stock and common stock on a pari passu basis.

 

Redemption:

 

The preferred stock is not redeemable. Upon certain change in control events that are outside of the Company’s control, including liquidation, sale or transfer of control of the Company, the preferred stock is contingently redeemable.

 

Conversion:

 

Each share of preferred stock is convertible into shares of common stock, at the option of the holder, at any time after date of issuance. Each share of preferred stock automatically converts to the number of shares of common stock determined in accordance with the conversion rate upon the earlier of (i) written consent of a majority of the then outstanding shares of preferred stock, voting together as a single class or (ii) the closing of a public offering, in which the gross cash proceeds are at least $20,000. At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the conversion price for each share of Series Seed-1 preferred stock, Series Seed-2 preferred stock, Series Seed-3 preferred stock and Series Seed-4 preferred stock is $5.6136, $4.4908, $2.3364 and $4.6724, respectively. The conversion price is subject to downward adjustment if the Company issues options or convertible securities with exercise or conversion terms more favorable than the preferred stock.

F-42

 

 

Protective Provisions:

 

The holders of preferred stock have certain protective provisions. As long as 2,419.099 of the shares of Series Seed Preferred remain outstanding (as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalizations, reorganizations, reclassifications or the like), the Company shall not, either directly or by amendment, merger, consolidation, reclassification or otherwise, amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws in a manner that would adversely alter the rights, preferences, and privileges of the Series Seed Preferred without first obtaining approval of the majority of the outstanding shares of Series Seed Preferred.

 

10. Common Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue up to 25,000,000 shares of common stock with $0.0001 par value. At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, there were 2,374,479 and 2,324,479 shares issued and outstanding, respectively.

 

Common stockholders are entitled to dividends if and when declared by the Board of Directors subject to the rights of the preferred stockholders. As of June 30, 2021, no dividends on common stock had been declared by the Company. At June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had reserved shares of common stock for issuance as follows:

 

    June 30,     December 31,  
    2021     2020  
Convertible preferred stock outstanding     2,227,116       2,227,116  
Options issued and outstanding     763,793       799,469  
Shares available for future stock option grants     142,997       157,321  
Total     3,133,906       3,183,906  

  

11. Equity Incentive Plans

 

In 2017, the Company adopted the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). As of June 30, 2021, there were 981,269 shares of common stock authorized and 142,997 shares available for issuance under the Plan. Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Non-statutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant. Stock Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan. The term shall be no more than ten years from the date of grant thereof. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an optionee who, at the time the option is granted, owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the option shall be five years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided in the option Agreement.

 

In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, (i) granted to an employee who, at the time of grant of such option, owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant; (ii) granted to any other employee, the per share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. In the case of a Non-statutory Stock Option; (i) granted to a and employee who, at the time of grant of such option, owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant; (ii) granted to any other service provider, the per share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, options may be granted with a per share exercise price other than as required above pursuant to a merger or other corporate transaction.

 

F-43

 

 

The options may include provisions permitting exercise of the option prior to full vesting. Any unvested shares so purchased shall be subject to repurchase by the Company at the original exercise price of the option.

 

      Options Outstanding
                  Weighted-      
          Weighted   Weighted-   Average   Aggregate  
  Shares       Average   Average   Remaining   Intrinsic  
  Available   Number of   Exercise   Grant Date   Contractual Life   Value  
  for Grant   Options   Price   Fair Value   (in years)   (in 000s)  
Balances, January 1, 2020   397,519     583,750   $ 0.15   $ 0.07     8.26   $ 496  
Shares reserved for issuance   -     -                          
Options granted   (246,448   246,448    1.01    0.44              
Options forfeited / cancelled   4,558     (4,558  1.00    0.45              
Options expired   1,692     (1,692 ) $ 1.00   $ 0.45              
Options exercised   -     (24,479    0.12    0.06              
Balances, December 31, 2020   157,321     799,469   $ 0.41   $ 0.18     7.88   $ 505  
Shares reserved for issuance   -     -                          
Options granted   (50,000   50,000   $ 1.60   $ 0.78              
Options forfeited / cancelled   32,551     (32,551 $ 0.55   $ 0.22              
Options expired   3,125     (3,125 $ 0.12   $ 0.06              
Options exercised   -     (50,000 ) $ 0.12   $ 0.06              
Balances, June 30, 2021 (unaudited)   142,997     763,793   $ 0.50   $ 0.22     7.03   $ 717  
                                     
At December 31, 2020                                    
Vested         552,345   $ 0.37     0.16     7.77   $ 368  
Exercisable         552,345   $ 0.37     0.16     7.77   $ 368  
Vested and expected to vest         799,469   $ 0.41     0.18     7.88   $ 505  
                                     
At June 30, 2021 (unaudited)                                    
Vested         595,214   $ 0.40     0.17     6.74   $ 618  
Exercisable         595,214   $ 0.40     0.17     6.74   $ 618  
Vested and expected to vest         763,793   $ 0.50     0.22     7.03   $ 717  

 

The weighted-average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and in 2020 was $0.78 and $0.44, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest and exercisable as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is calculated based on the difference between the exercise price and the current fair value of our common stock. The intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and in 2020 was $66 and $1, respectively.

 

F-44

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Options generally vest over four years whereby 25% vest upon the first anniversary of the issuance date and 1/48th per month thereafter. Stock-based compensation expense recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 was $18 and $48, respectively. As of June 30, 2021, there were total unrecognized compensation costs of $65 related to share-based payment awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average amortization period of 1.9 years.

 

The grant date fair market value of the shares of common stock underlying stock options has historically been determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. Because there has been no public market for the Company’s common stock, the Board of Directors exercises reasonable judgment and considers a number of objective and subjective factors to determine the best estimate of the fair market value, which include valuations performed by an independent third-party, important developments in the Company's operations, sales of the Company’s convertible preferred stock, actual operating results, financial performance, the conditions in the life sciences industry, the economy in general, the stock price performance and volatility of comparable public companies, and the lack of liquidity of the Company's common stock.

 

The Company estimated the fair value of share-based payment awards using the Black-Scholes options valuation model. The fair value of share-based payment awards is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards. The fair value of share-based payment awards was estimated on the date of grant using the following assumptions:

  

    2021     2020  
Expected life (in years)     5.93        5.00 - 6.05  
Expected volatility     51.57 %     46.39% - 52.10 %
Risk-free interest rate     1.07 %     0.22% - 1.42 %
Dividend yield     0 %     0 %

 

Expected Term: The Company uses the simplified method to calculate expected term described in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, which takes into account vesting term and expiration date of the options.

 

Volatility: Volatility is based on an average of the historical volatilities of comparable publicly traded companies for the expected term.

 

Risk Free Interest Rate: The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yields in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected term of the option.

 

Dividend Yield: The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends and does not plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future, and therefore, used an expected dividend yield of zero in the valuation model.

 

No income tax benefits have been recognized relating to stock-based compensation expenses and no tax benefits have been realized from exercised stock options.

 

Total Stock-Based Compensation

 

Total stock-based compensation expense recorded related to share-based payment awards was allocated to research and development and general and administrative expense as follows:

  

    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2021     2020  
Cost of sales   $ -     $ 1  
Research and development     7       1  
Sales and marketing     1       1  
General and administrative     10       45  
Total stock-based compensation   $ 18     $ 48  

 

F-45

 

 

12. Income Taxes

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company recorded a full valuation allowance on federal and state deferred tax assets since management does not forecast the Company to be in a taxable position in the near future.

 

13. Net Loss per Share

 

The following outstanding potentially dilutive common stock equivalents have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the periods presented due to their antidilutive effect:

  

    For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
    2021     2020  
Convertible preferred stock (as converted)     2,227,116       2,227,116  
Convertible notes payable     -       -  
Common stock options issued and outstanding     763,793       799,469  
Total     2,990,909       3,026,585  

  

    For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
    2021     2020  
Net loss   $ (2,450 )   $ (1,587 )
Weighted-average number of shares - basic and diluted     2,354,589       2,300,000  
Net loss per share - basic and diluted   $ (1.04 )   $ (0.69 )

 

14. Related Party Transactions

 

Dr. Subinoy Das is both a consultant and investor in the Company. The Company entered into a consulting agreement with Dr. Das on May 1, 2019 to provide support for research and clinical activities. The Company expensed and accrued $42,000 included in ‘Other accrued liabilities’ at December 31, 2019 for his services. On December 30, 2020, the Board granted Dr. Das 28,323 Non-statutory Stock Options to replace amounts accrued for his services for fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. The fair value of this grant is $13 and was expensed in the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company recognized a gain on settlement of $117 which is included in research and development expense for the year ended December 31, 2020. There were no payments to Dr. Das during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

 

In June 2021, the Company issued a convertible note payable to its Chief Executive Officer for total proceeds of $100. The note is unsecured, has a term of twenty-three months and accrues interest at a rate of 3% per annum.

 

F-46

 

 

15. Subsequent Events

 

In July 2021, the Company issued convertible notes payable for total proceeds of $450. The notes were issued at an original issue discount of $68 with principal outstanding of $518. The notes are unsecured, have a term of twenty-three months, and accrue interest at a rate of 3% per annum.

 

In July 2021, the Company entered into a consulting agreement, pursuant to which 50,000 warrants to purchase common stock were granted and an additional 50,000 warrants to purchase common stock are to be granted as soon as practicable following consummation of the Company’s initial public offering, pursuant to upon an effective registration agreement. The warrants, including those to be issued in the future, are exercisable upon issuance, have an exercise price of $1.04 per share and have a term of five years. The consulting agreement is effective as of February 2021, has a monthly fee of $5 and a term of two years.

  

F-47

 

 

2,727,272 Shares of Common Stock

 

 

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

 

     
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
     

 

ThinkEquity

 

                                                                                                    , 2021

 

Through and including             , 2021 (the 25th day after the date of this offering), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

 

 

 

 

 

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

 

The following table sets forth the costs and expenses payable by us in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered hereunder. All of the amounts shown are estimates, except for the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee, FINRA filing fee and exchange listing fee.

 

      Amount to be
Paid
 
SEC Registration Fee   $ 1,999.60   
FINRA filing fee     4,500.00   
Exchange listing fee     50,000.00   
Printing expenses     40,000.00   
Legal fees and expenses     400,000.00   
Accounting fees and expenses     150,000.00   
Transfer agent and registrar fees     5,000.00   
Miscellaneous expenses     148,500.40   
Total   $ 800,000.00   

  

ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

 

As permitted by Section 102 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, we intend to adopt provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will be effective upon completion of this offering that limit or eliminate the personal liability of our directors for a breach of their fiduciary duty of care as a director. The duty of care generally requires that, when acting on behalf of the corporation, directors exercise an informed business judgment based on all material information reasonably available to them. Consequently, a director will not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for:

 

  · any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders;

 

  · any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

 

  · any act related to unlawful stock repurchases, redemptions or other distributions or payment of dividends; or

 

  · any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

 

101

 

 

These limitations of liability do not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be effective upon completion of this offering will authorize us to indemnify our officers, directors and other agents to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law.

 

As permitted by Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated bylaws will provide that:

 

  · we may indemnify our directors, officers, and employees to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to limited exceptions;

 

  · we may advance expenses to our directors, officers and employees in connection with a legal proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, subject to limited exceptions; and

 

  · the rights provided in our bylaws are not exclusive.

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that we will indemnify each person who was or is a party, or is or was threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of us) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer, or is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at our request as a director, officer, partner, employee or trustee of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (all such persons being referred to as an “Indemnitee”), or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if such Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he or she had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that we will indemnify any Indemnitee who was or is a party to an action or suit by or in the right of us to procure a judgment in our favor by reason of the fact that the Indemnitee is or was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer, or is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at our request as a director, officer, partner, employee or trustee of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against all expenses (including attorneys’ fees) and, to the extent permitted by law, amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, and any appeal therefrom, if the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests, except that no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to us, unless a court determines that, despite such adjudication but in view of all of the circumstances, he or she is entitled to indemnification of such expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any Indemnitee has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, he or she will be indemnified by us against all expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection therewith. Expenses must be advanced to an Indemnitee under certain circumstances.

 

The above discussion of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law is not intended to be exhaustive and is respectively qualified in its entirety by such amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws and applicable Delaware law.

 

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers. These indemnification agreements may require us, among other things, to indemnify our directors and officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by a director or officer in any action or proceeding arising out of his or her service as one of our directors or officers, or any of our subsidiaries or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request.

 

We maintain standard policies of insurance that provide coverage for certain liabilities of directors and officers of our corporation arising out of claims based on acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers.

 

102

 

 

In any underwriting agreement we enter into in connection with the sale of common stock being registered hereby, the underwriters will agree to indemnify, under certain conditions, us, our directors, our officers and persons who control us within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), against certain liabilities.

 

To the extent that our directors and officers are indemnified under the provisions contained in our amended and restated bylaws, Delaware law or contractual arrangements against liabilities arising under the Securities Act, we have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is therefore unenforceable.

 

ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

 

All share and per share data included in this Item 15 has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the 1-for-4 reverse stock split of our common stock, which was effected on August 31, 2021.

 

Convertible Debt

 

From December 2017 through November 2018, we issued unsecured convertible promissory notes (the “$7 Million Cap Notes”) in the aggregate amount of approximately $1.98 million to accredited investors pursuant to the terms of a Note Purchase Agreement dated December 2017, as amended September 2018. Each of the $7 Million Cap Notes had a maturity date of December 2019, and were generally convertible into the Company’s equity securities at a per share conversion price that was computed on the basis of a valuation cap (the “Cap”) of $7 million, or a discount rate of 20% to the next round of financing (the “Discount Rate”), whichever resulted in the issuance of a greater number of equity securities to the investors, and were converted into shares of our Series Seed-3 Preferred Stock in connection with our preferred stock financing, discussed in further detail below.

 

From August 2018 through April 2019, we issued unsecured convertible promissory notes (the “$14 Million Cap Notes”) in the aggregate amount of approximately $1.53 million to accredited investors pursuant to the terms of a Note Purchase Agreement dated August 2018. Each of the 14 Million Cap Notes had a maturity date of September 2020, and were generally convertible into the Company’s equity securities at a per share conversion price that was computed on the basis of a Cap of $14 million, or a Discount Rate of 15%, whichever resulted in the issuance of a greater number of equity securities to the investors, and were converted into shares of our Series Seed-4 Preferred Stock in connection with our preferred stock financing, discussed in further detail below.

 

In May 2019, we issued an unsecured convertible promissory note (the “May 2019 Note”) in the amount of $455,000 to an accredited investor pursuant to the terms of a Note Purchase Agreement dated May 2019. The May 2019 Note had a maturity date of September 2021, and was generally convertible into the Company’s equity securities at a per share conversion price that was computed on the basis of a Cap of $14 million, or a Discount Rate of 15%, whichever resulted in the issuance of a greater number of equity securities to the investors, and were converted into shares of our Series Seed-4 Preferred Stock in connection with our preferred stock financing, discussed in further detail below.

 

From June 2020 through December 2020, we issued unsecured convertible promissory notes (the “2020 Bridge Notes”) in the amount of approximately $1.57 million to accredited investors pursuant to the terms of a Note Purchase Agreement dated June 2020, as amended October 2020. The 2020 Bridge Notes have a maturity date of June 2022, and are generally convertible into the Company’s equity securities at a per share conversion price that will be computed on the basis of a Cap of $40 million or a Discount Rate of 25%, whichever results in the issuance of a greater number of equity securities to the investors. In August 2021, the 2020 Bridge Notes were amended to provide that, in addition to the foregoing conversion terms, in the event that the Company consummates an initial public offering of its common stock prior to the occurrence of a Qualified Financing, a Change of Control or the Maturity (all as defined in the 2020 Bridge Note), then, at the election of the Company, all accrued but unpaid interest thereon shall be converted into shares of common stock as of immediately prior to the consummation of the initial public offering at a per share price equal to the lesser of (i) 75% of the per share public offering price and (ii) the quotient resulting from dividing the $40 million Cap by the Company’s capitalization on a fully diluted basis, as of immediately prior to closing of the initial public offering.

 

From March 2021 through April 2021, we issued unsecured convertible promissory notes in the amount of approximately $0.4 million to accredited investors. These notes were issued as part of the same offering as the 2020 Bridge Notes, accrue interest at a rate of 3% per annum, and mature on June 1, 2022.

 

The 2020 Bridge Notes, including those issued from March to April 2021, having aggregate principal amount of approximately $1,987,500, will convert into an aggregate of approximately 493,160 shares of our common stock in connection with this offering, based on accrued interest of $46,833 through September 1, 2021, an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share).

  

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From June 2021 through July 2021, we issued convertible notes payable for total proceeds of approximately $1.86 million to accredited investors, of which proceeds a total of $0.45 million was not received by the Company until July 2021. The notes were issued at an original issue discount of approximately $0.24 million with principal outstanding of approximately $2.11 million. The notes are unsecured, have a term of twenty-three months, and accrue interest at a rate of 3% per annum.

 

In June 2021, we issued a convertible note payable to our Chief Executive Officer for total proceeds of $0.10 million. The note is unsecured, has a term of twenty-three months, and accrues interests at a rate of 3% per annum.

 

In June 2021, we issued convertible notes payable for total proceeds of approximately $0.23 million. The notes are unsecured, have a term of twenty-three months, and accrue interest at a rate of 3% per annum.

 

All of the convertible notes payable issued in June 2021 (collectively, the “2021 Notes”) are generally convertible into the Company’s equity securities at a per share conversion price that will be computed on the basis of a Cap of $40 million or a Discount Rate of 25%, whichever results in the issuance of a greater number of equity securities to the investors. In the event that the Company consummates an initial public offering of its common stock prior to the occurrence of a Qualified Financing, a Change of Control or the Maturity (all as defined in the 2021 Notes), then the outstanding principal amount and, at the election of the Company, all accrued but unpaid interest thereon as of the date of conversion shall be converted into shares of common stock as of immediately prior to the consummation of the initial public offering at a per share price equal to the lesser of (i) 75% of the per share public offering price and (ii) the quotient resulting from dividing the $40 million Cap by the Company’s capitalization on a fully diluted basis, as of immediately prior to closing of the initial public offering. The 2021 Notes, having aggregate principal amount of approximately $2,442,221, will convert into an aggregate of approximately 595,173 shares of our common stock in connection with this offering, based on accrued interest of $12,900 through September 1, 2021, an assumed initial public offering price of $5.50 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and an assumed conversion price of $4.125 per share (75% of the assumed initial public offering price per share).

 

Simple Agreements for Future Equity

 

From December 2016 through August 2018, we entered into Simple Agreements for Future Equity (the “SAFEs”) with accredited investors in the aggregate amount of $870,000. The SAFEs had a Discount Rate of 20%, and were converted into shares of our Series Seed-2 Preferred Stock in connection with our preferred stock financing, discussed in further detail below.

 

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Preferred Stock Financing

 

From July 2019 through January 2020, we issued an aggregate of 2,794,979 shares of our Series Seed-1 Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $1.4034 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $3.9 million to accredited investors pursuant to the terms of a Series Seed-1, Seed-2, Seed-3 and Seed-4 Preferred Stock Investment Agreement (the “Preferred Stock Financing”). In connection with the Preferred Stock Financing, the SAFEs were converted into an aggregate of 774,894 shares of our Series Seed-2 Preferred Stock at a conversion price of $1.1227 per share; the $7 Million Cap Notes, including accrued interest, were converted into an aggregate of 3,615,580 shares of our Series Seed-3 Preferred Stock at a conversion price of $0.5841 per share; the $14 Million Cap Notes, including accrued interest, were converted into an aggregate of 1,331,150 shares of our Series Seed-4 Preferred Stock at a conversion price of $1.1681 per share; and the May 2019 Note, including accrued interest, was converted into 391,997 shares of our Series Seed-4 Preferred Stock at a conversion price of $1.1681 per share.

 

All outstanding shares of Series Seed-1 Preferred Stock, Series Seed-2 Preferred Stock, Series Seed-3 Preferred Stock and Series Seed-4 Preferred Stock will convert into shares of our common stock on a 4:1 basis (with any fractional shares resulting from the conversion to be cashed out by the Company) in connection with this offering.

 

Stock Option Exercises

 

From September through December 2020, employees purchased an aggregate of 24,479 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.12, for total consideration of $2,937.48, upon the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. In March 2021, one employee purchased 50,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.12 per share, for total consideration of $6,000.00, upon the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. In August 2021, six employees and one former employee purchased an aggregate of 346,980 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $0.16 per share, for total consideration of $55,797.48, upon the exercise of stock options granted pursuant to our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Stock Option Grants

 

During the second half of 2018, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of 118,750 shares of our common stock, of which options to purchase an aggregate of 6,250 shares of our common stock are outstanding. All such stock options have an exercise price of $0.24 per share. From February 2020 through August 2020, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of 208,750 shares of our common stock, of which options to purchase an aggregate of 161,250 shares are outstanding. All such stock options have an exercise price of $1.00 per share. During the fourth quarter of 2020, we granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of 37,698 shares of our common stock, all of which are outstanding. All such stock options have an exercise price of $1.04 per share. In June 2021, we granted options to purchase 50,000 shares of our common stock, all of which are outstanding. All such stock options have an exercise price of $1.60 per share.

 

Restricted Stock Grants

 

On July 29, 2021, we issued 112,500 shares of restricted stock under our 2017 Equity Incentive Plan to our newly-appointed CFO.

 

Warrants

 

On July 1, 2021, we issued a warrant to purchase 50,000 shares of our common stock to a consultant as partial consideration for services provided to the Company, and agreed to issue such consultant an additional 50,000 warrants to purchase common stock as soon as practicable following consummation of our initial public offering, pursuant to upon an effective registration agreement. The warrants, including those to be issued in the future, are exercisable upon issuance, have an exercise price of $1.04 per share and have a term of five years.

 

Applicable Exemptions

 

No underwriters were used in the foregoing transactions, and no discounts or commissions were paid for the transactions described in this item. All sales of securities described in this item were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act or Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act, relating to transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. All of the foregoing securities are deemed restricted securities for purposes of the Securities Act.

 

105

 

 

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

 

(a) Exhibits.

 

The registrant has filed the exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibit Index of this registration statement.

 

(b) Financial Statement Schedules.

 

All financial statement schedules are omitted because the information called for is not required or is shown either in the financial statements or in the notes thereto.

 

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.

 

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1.) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(i.) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

(ii.) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and

 

(iii.) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

 

(2.) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

 

(3.) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; and

 

(4.) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

 

106

 

 

(5.) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

(i.) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

(ii.) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

(iii.) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

(iv.) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

107

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
number
    Exhibit description Incorporated by Reference (Form Type)   Filing Date   Filed
herewith
                 
1.1     Form of Underwriting Agreement.         X
                 
3.1     Certificate of Incorporation, as currently in effect. S-1   8/3/2021    
                 
3.2     Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation, dated August 31, 2021.         X
                 
3.3     Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, to be in effect upon completion of this offering.         X
                 
3.4     Bylaws, as currently in effect. S-1   8/3/2021    
                 
3.5     Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws, to be in effect upon completion of this offering.         X
                 
4.1     Specimen Stock Certificate.         X
                 
4.2     Form of Representative’s Warrant.         X
                 
5.1*     Opinion of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP.          
                 
10.1     Series Seed-1, Seed-2, Seed-3 and Seed-4 Preferred Stock Investment Agreement, dated July 16, 2019. S-1   8/3/2021    
                 
10.2     First Amendment to Series Seed-1, Seed-2, Seed-3 and Seed-4 Preferred Stock Investment Agreement, dated July 18, 2019. S-1   8/3/2021    
                 
10.3(a)#     2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended. S-1   8/3/2021    
                 
10.3(b)#     Form Agreements under 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. S-1   8/3/2021    
                 
10.4(a)#     2021 Equity Incentive Plan, to be in effect upon completion of this offering.         X
                 
10.4(b)#     Form Agreements under 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, to be in effect upon completion of this offering.         X
                 
10.5#     Form of Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement.         X
                 
10.6#     Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and officers.         X
                 
10.7     Form of Note Purchase Agreement, dated June 17, 2020, and Unsecured Convertible Promissory Note. S-1   8/3/2021    
                 
10.8     Form of Unsecured Convertible Promissory Note. S-1   8/3/2021    
                 
10.9     Form of Note Amendment Agreement, dated October 14, 2020 S-1   8/3/2021    
                 
10.10†     Master Services Agreement, between Tivic Health Systems Inc. and Extron Logistics LLC, dated April 27, 2019.         X
                 
10.11†     Letter Agreement, between Tivic Health Systems Inc. and Future Electronics Corp., dated April 6, 2020.         X
                 
10.12†     Form of United States Special Product Agreement for Bonded Inventory, between Tivic Health Systems Inc. and Future Electronics Corp.         X
                 
10.13     Form of Note Purchase Agreement, dated June 17, 2021, and Unsecured Convertible Promissory Note. S-1   8/3/2021    
                 
10.14     Form of Unsecured Convertible Promissory Note. S-1   8/3/2021    
                 
10.15     Form of (OID) Unsecured Convertible Promissory Note. S-1   8/3/2021    
                 
10.16#     Executive Offer Letter, between Tivic Health Systems Inc. and Briana Benz, dated July 29, 2021.         X
                 
10.17#     Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement, between Tivic Health Systems Inc. and Briana Benz, dated July 30, 2021.         X
                 
10.18#     Executive Offer Letter, between Tivic Health Systems Inc. and Jennifer Ernst, dated July 31, 2021.         X
                 
10.19     Form of Note Amendment Agreement.         X
                 
23.1     Consent of Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman, P.A., independent registered public accounting firm.         X
                 
23.2*      Consent of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).          
                 
24.1     Power of Attorney (included on signature page). S-1   8/3/2021    

 

  * To be filed by amendment.

 

  # Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.

 

  Portions of the exhibit, marked by brackets, have been omitted because the omitted information (i) is not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm if publicly disclosed.

  

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Newark, State of California, on September 9, 2021.

 

  TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Jennifer Ernst
    Jennifer Ernst
    Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

NAME   TITLE   DATE
         
/s/ Jennifer Ernst   Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive)   September 9, 2021 
Jennifer Ernst        
         
/s/ Briana Benz   Chief Financial Officer   September 9, 2021 
Briana Benz   (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)    
         
*   Chair of the Board of Directors   September 9, 2021 
Sheryle Bolton        
         
*   Director   September 9, 2021 
Karen Drexler        
         
*   Director   September 9, 2021 
Dean Zikria        

 

*By: /s/ Jennifer Ernst  
  Jennifer Ernst  
  Chief Executive Officer  

 

109

 

 

Exhibit 1.1

 

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT 

 

between 

 

TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS INC. 

 

and

 

THINKEQUITY LLC, 

 

as Representative of the Several Underwriters 

 

 

 

 

TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS INC. 

 

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT 

 

New York, New York
[●], 2021 

 

ThinkEquity, LLC 

As Representative of the several Underwriters named on Schedule 1 attached hereto
17 State Street, 22nd Floor 

New York, New York 10004

 

Ladies and Gentlemen: 

 

The undersigned, Tivic Health Systems Inc., a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), hereby confirms its agreement (this “Agreement”) with ThinkEquity LLC (hereinafter referred to as “you” (including its correlatives) or the “Representative”) and with the other underwriters named on Schedule 1 hereto for which the Representative is acting as representative (the Representative and such other underwriters being collectively called the “Underwriters” or, individually, an “Underwriter”) as follows: 

 

1. Purchase and Sale of Shares.

 

1.1 Firm Shares.

 

1.1.1.  Nature and Purchase of Firm Shares

 

(i) On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell to the several Underwriters, an aggregate of [●] shares (the “Firm Shares”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”). 

 

(ii) The Underwriters, severally and not jointly, agree to purchase from the Company the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite their respective names on Schedule 1 attached hereto and made a part hereof at a purchase price of $[●] per share (92.5% of the per Firm Share offering price, before expenses and before deducting the 1% non-accountable expense allowance described in Section 3.10.2). The Firm Shares are to be offered initially to the public at the offering price set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus (as defined in Section 2.1.1 hereof).

 

1.1.2.  Shares Payment and Delivery

 

(i) Delivery and payment for the Firm Shares shall be made at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, on the second (2nd) Business Day following the effective date (the “Effective Date”) of the Registration Statement (as defined in Section 2.1.1 below) (or the third (3rd) Business Day following the Effective Date if the Registration Statement is declared effective after 4:01 p.m., Eastern time) or at such earlier time as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company, at the offices of Gracin & Marlow, LLP, The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 26th Floor, New York, New York 10174 (“Representative Counsel”), or at such other place (or remotely by facsimile or other electronic transmission) as shall be agreed upon by the Representative and the Company. The hour and date of delivery and payment for the Firm Shares is called the “Closing Date.”

 

1

 

 

(ii) Payment for the Firm Shares shall be made on the Closing Date by wire transfer in Federal (same day) funds, payable to the order of the Company upon delivery of the certificates (in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Firm Shares (or through the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”)) for the account of the Underwriters. The Firm Shares shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may request in writing at least two (2) full Business Days prior to the Closing Date. The Company shall not be obligated to sell or deliver the Firm Shares except upon tender of payment by the Representative for all of the Firm Shares. The term “Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided, however, for clarification, commercial banks shall not be deemed to be authorized or required by law to remain closed due to “stay at home”, “shelter-in-place”, “non-essential employee”  or any other similar orders or restrictions or the closure of any physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority so long as the electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) of commercial banks in The City of New York are generally are open for use by customers on such day.

 

1.2  Over-allotment Option.

 

1.2.1.  Option Shares. For the purposes of covering any over-allotments in connection with the distribution and sale of the Firm Shares, the Company hereby grants to the Underwriters an option to purchase up to [●] additional shares of Common Stock, representing fifteen percent (15%) of the Firm Shares sold in the offering, from the Company (the “Over-allotment Option”). Such [●] additional shares of Common Stock, the net proceeds of which will be deposited with the Company’s account, are hereinafter referred to as “Option Shares.” The purchase price to be paid per Option Share shall be equal to the price per Firm Share set forth in Section 1.1.1 hereof. The Firm Shares and the Option Shares are hereinafter referred to together as the “Public Securities.” The offering and sale of the Public Securities is hereinafter referred to as the “Offering.”

 

1.2.2.  Exercise of Option. The Over-allotment Option granted pursuant to Section 1.2.1 hereof may be exercised by the Representative as to all (at any time) or any part (from time to time) of the Option Shares within 45 days after the Effective Date. The Underwriters shall not be under any obligation to purchase any Option Shares prior to the exercise of the Over-allotment Option. The Over-allotment Option granted hereby may be exercised by the giving of oral notice to the Company from the Representative, which must be confirmed in writing by overnight mail or facsimile or other electronic transmission setting forth the number of Option Shares to be purchased and the date and time for delivery of and payment for the Option Shares (the “Option Closing Date”), which shall not be later than one (1) full Business Days after the date of the notice or such other time as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative, at the offices of Representative Counsel or at such other place (including remotely by facsimile or other electronic transmission) as shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative. If such delivery and payment for the Option Shares does not occur on the Closing Date, the Option Closing Date will be as set forth in the notice. Upon exercise of the Over-allotment Option with respect to all or any portion of the Option Shares, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (i) the Company shall become obligated to sell to the Underwriters the number of Option Shares specified in such notice and (ii) each of the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, shall purchase that portion of the total number of Option Shares then being purchased as set forth in Schedule 1 opposite the name of such Underwriter.

 

1.2.3.  Payment and Delivery. Payment for the Option Shares shall be made on the Option Closing Date by wire transfer in Federal (same day) funds, payable to the order of the Company upon delivery to you of certificates (in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters) representing the Option Shares (or through the facilities of DTC) for the account of the Underwriters. The Option Shares shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may request in writing at least one (1) full Business Day prior to the Option Closing Date. The Company shall not be obligated to sell or deliver the Option Shares except upon tender of payment by the Representative for applicable Option Shares. The Option Closing Date may be simultaneous with, but not earlier than, the Closing Date; and in the event that such time and date are simultaneous with the Closing Date, the term “Closing Date” shall refer to the time and date of delivery of the Firm Shares and Option Shares.

 

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1.3  Representative’s Warrants.

 

1.3.1. Purchase Warrants. The Company hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Representative (and/or its designees) on the Closing Date an option (“Representative’s Warrant”) for the purchase of an aggregate of [●] shares of Common Stock, representing 5% of the Public Securities, for an aggregate purchase price of $100.00. The Representative’s Warrant Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Representative’s Warrant Agreement”), shall be exercisable, in whole or in part, beginning on the date that is one hundred eighty (180) days after the commencement of sales of the Public Securities issued in connection with this Offering and expiring on the fifth (5th) year anniversary of the commencement of sales of the Public Securities issued in connection with this Offering at an initial exercise price per share of Common Stock of $[●], which is equal to 125% of the initial public offering price of the Firm Shares. The Representative’s Warrant Agreement and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof are hereinafter referred to together as the “Representative’s Securities.” The Representative understands and agrees that there are significant restrictions pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110 against transferring the Representative’s Warrant Agreement and the underlying shares of Common Stock for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days immediately following the commencement of sales of the Public Securities issued in connection with this Offering and by its acceptance thereof shall agree that it will not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate the Representative’s Warrant Agreement, or any portion thereof, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of such securities for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days immediately following the commencement of sales of the Public Securities issued in connection with this Offering to anyone other than (i) an Underwriter or a selected dealer in connection with the Offering, or (ii) a bona fide officer or partner of the Representative or of any such Underwriter or selected dealer; and only if any such transferee agrees to the foregoing lock-up restrictions.

 

1.3.2. Delivery. Delivery of the Representative’s Warrant Agreement shall be made on the Closing Date and shall be issued in the name or names and in such authorized denominations as the Representative may request.

 

2. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to the Underwriters as of the Applicable Time (as defined below), as of the Closing Date and as of the Option Closing Date, if any, as follows:

 

2.1 Filing of Registration Statement.

 

2.1.1. Pursuant to the Securities Act. The Company has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement, and an amendment or amendments thereto, on Form S-1 (File No. 333-258411), including any related prospectus or prospectuses, for the registration of the Public Securities and the Representative’s Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement and amendment or amendments have been prepared by the Company in all material respects in conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Securities Act (the “Securities Act Regulations”) and will contain all material statements that are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations. Except as the context may otherwise require, such registration statement, as amended, on file with the Commission at the time the registration statement became effective (including the Preliminary Prospectus included in the registration statement, financial statements, schedules, exhibits and all other documents filed as a part thereof or incorporated therein and all information deemed to be a part thereof as of the Effective Date pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 430A of the Securities Act Regulations (the “Rule 430A Information”)), is referred to herein as the “Registration Statement.” If the Company files any registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act Regulations, then after such filing, the term “Registration Statement” shall include such registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b). The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission on the date hereof.

 

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Each prospectus used prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and each prospectus that omitted the Rule 430A Information that was used after such effectiveness and prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, is herein called a “Preliminary Prospectus.” The Preliminary Prospectus, subject to completion, dated [●], 2021, that was included in the Registration Statement immediately prior to the Applicable Time is hereinafter called the “Pricing Prospectus.” The final prospectus in the form first furnished to the Underwriters for use in the Offering is hereinafter called the “Prospectus.” Any reference to the “most recent Preliminary Prospectus” shall be deemed to refer to the latest Preliminary Prospectus included in the Registration Statement.

 

Applicable Time” means [●] [a.m./p.m.], Eastern time, on the date of this Agreement.

 

Issuer Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433 of the Securities Act Regulations (“Rule 433”), including without limitation any “free writing prospectus” (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Regulations) relating to the Public Securities that is (i) required to be filed with the Commission by the Company, (ii) a “road show that is a written communication” within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i), whether or not required to be filed with the Commission, or (iii) exempt from filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d)(5)(i) because it contains a description of the Public Securities or of the Offering that does not reflect the final terms, in each case in the form filed or required to be filed with the Commission or, if not required to be filed, in the form retained in the Company’s records pursuant to Rule 433(g).

 

Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors (other than a “bona fide electronic road show,” as defined in Rule 433 (the “Bona Fide Electronic Road Show”)), as evidenced by its being specified in Schedule 2-B hereto.

 

Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus that is not an Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus. 

 

Pricing Disclosure Package” means any Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus issued at or prior to the Applicable Time, the Pricing Prospectus and the information included on Schedule 2-A hereto, all considered together. 

 

2.1.2. Pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Company has filed with the Commission a Form 8-A (File Number 000-[●]) providing for the registration pursuant to Section 12(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), of the shares of Common Stock. The Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the shares of Common Stock under the Exchange Act, nor has the Company received any notification that the Commission is contemplating terminating such registration.

 

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2.2  Stock Exchange Listing. The shares of Common Stock have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market (the “Exchange”), and the Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, delisting the shares of Common Stock from the Exchange, nor has the Company received any notification that the Exchange is contemplating terminating such listing. 

 

2.3  No Stop Orders, etc. Neither the Commission nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any state regulatory authority has issued any order preventing or suspending the use of the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus or has instituted or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened to institute, any proceedings with respect to such an order. The Company has complied with each request (if any) from the Commission for additional information.

 

2.4 Disclosures in Registration Statement

 

2.4.1. Compliance with Securities Act and 10b-5 Representation.

 

(i)  Each of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time it became effective, complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations. Each Preliminary Prospectus, including the prospectus filed as part of the Registration Statement as originally filed or as part of any amendment or supplement thereto, and the Prospectus, at the time each was filed with the Commission, complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations. Each Preliminary Prospectus delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with this Offering and the Prospectus was or will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T. 

 

(ii)  Neither the Registration Statement nor any amendment thereto, at its effective time, as of the Applicable Time, at the Closing Date or at any Option Closing Date (if any), contained, contains or will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to the Underwriters Information (as defined below). 

 

(iii) The Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time, at the Closing Date or at any Option Closing Date (if any), did not, does not and will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and each Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus hereto does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, and each such Issuer Limited Use Free Writing Prospectus, as supplemented by and taken together with the Pricing Prospectus as of the Applicable Time, did not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to statements made or statements omitted in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company with respect to the Underwriters by the Representative expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto. The parties acknowledge and agree that such information provided by or on behalf of any Underwriter consists solely of the following disclosures contained in the “Underwriting” section of the Prospectus: the table in the first paragraph under the caption “Underwriting”, the first sentence under the heading “Underwriting–Discounts, Commissions and Reimbursement” and the first three paragraphs under the caption “Underwriting–Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids” (the “Underwriters Information”).

 

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(iv) Neither the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto (including any prospectus wrapper), as of its issue date, at the time of any filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b), at the Closing Date or at any Option Closing Date, included, includes or will include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to the Underwriters’ Information. 

 

2.4.2. Disclosure of Agreements. The agreements and documents described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained therein and there are no agreements or other documents required by the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or to be filed with the Commission as exhibits to the Registration Statement, that have not been so described or filed. Each agreement or other instrument (however characterized or described) to which the Company is a party or by which it is or may be bound or affected and (i) that is referred to in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, or (ii) is material to the Company’s business, has been duly authorized and validly executed by the Company, is in full force and effect in all material respects and is enforceable against the Company and, to the Company’s knowledge, the other parties thereto, in accordance with its terms, except (x) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (y) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited under the federal and state securities laws, and (z) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought. None of such agreements or instruments has been assigned by the Company, and neither the Company nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any other party is in default thereunder and, to the Company’s knowledge, no event has occurred that, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a default thereunder. To the Company’s knowledge, performance by the Company of the material provisions of such agreements or instruments will not result in a violation of any existing applicable law, rule, regulation, ordinance, judgment, order or decree of any governmental or regulatory agency, body, authority or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its assets or businesses (each, a “Governmental Entity”), including, without limitation, those relating to environmental laws and regulations. The Company does not own or control, directly or indirectly, any subsidiary, and does not have any other interest, nominal or beneficial, direct or indirect, in any other corporation, joint venture or other business entity.

 

2.4.3. Prior Securities Transactions. No securities of the Company have been sold by the Company or by or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, any person or persons controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Company, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Preliminary Prospectus.

 

2.4.4. Regulations. The disclosures in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus concerning the effects of federal, state, local and all foreign regulation on the Offering and the Company’s business as currently contemplated are accurate, correct and complete in all material respects and no other such regulations are required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus which are not so disclosed.

 

2.4.5. No Other Distribution of Offering Materials. The Company has not, directly or indirectly, distributed and will not distribute any offering material in connection with the Offering other than any Preliminary Prospectus, the Disclosure Package, the Prospectus and other materials, if any, permitted under the Securities Act and consistent with Section 3.2 below.

 

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2.5 Changes After Dates in Registration Statement

 

2.5.1. No Material Adverse Change. Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except as otherwise specifically stated therein: (i) there has been no material adverse change (including in the financial position or results of operations of the Company) or development in the business of the Company which, singularly or in the aggregate) would involve a material adverse change or prospective material adverse change, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, in or affecting the business, general affairs, management, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, stockholders’ equity, business, assets, properties or prospects of the Company (a “Material Adverse Change”); (ii) there have been no material transactions entered into by the Company, other than as contemplated pursuant to this Agreement; (iii) no officer or director of the Company has resigned from any position with the Company; and (iv) the Company has not sustained any material loss or interference with its business or properties from fire, explosion, flood, earthquake, hurricane, accident or other calamity. 

 

2.5.2. Recent Securities Transactions, etc. Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, and except as may otherwise be indicated or contemplated herein or disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has not: (i) issued any securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, for borrowed money; or (ii) declared or paid any dividend or made any other distribution on or in respect to its capital stock.

 

2.6 Independent Accountants. To the knowledge of the Company, Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman & Company, P.A. (doing business as RRBB Accountants and Advisors) (the “Auditor”), whose report is filed with the Commission as part of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, is an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The Auditor has not, during the periods covered by the financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, provided to the Company any non-audit services, as such term is used in Section 10A(g) of the Exchange Act.

 

2.7 Financial Statements, etc. The financial statements, including the notes thereto and supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, fairly present in all material respects the financial position and the results of operations of the Company at the dates and for the periods to which they apply; and such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), consistently applied throughout the periods involved (provided that unaudited interim financial statements are subject to year-end audit adjustments that are not expected to be material in the aggregate and do not contain all footnotes required by GAAP); and the supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement present fairly in all material respects the information required to be stated therein. Except as included therein, no historical or pro forma financial statements are required to be included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus under the Securities Act or the Securities Act Regulations. The pro forma and pro forma as adjusted financial information and the related notes, if any, included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus have been properly compiled and prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and present fairly the information shown therein, and the assumptions used in the preparation thereof are reasonable and the adjustments used therein are appropriate to give effect to the transactions and circumstances referred to therein. All disclosures contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the Commission), if any, comply with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, to the extent applicable.  Each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus discloses all material off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations), and other relationships of the Company with unconsolidated entities or other persons that may have a material current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources, or significant components of revenues or expenses. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, since the date of the latest audited financial statements included therein (a) the Company has not incurred any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, or entered into any material transactions other than in the ordinary course of business, (b) the Company has not declared or paid any dividends or made any distribution of any kind with respect to its capital stock, (c) there has not been any change in the capital stock of the Company, or, other than in the course of business, any grants under any stock compensation plan, and (d) there has not been any material adverse change in the Company’s long-term or short-term debt.

 

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2.8 Authorized Capital; Options, etc. The Company had, at the date or dates indicated in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the duly authorized, issued and outstanding capitalization as set forth therein. Based on the assumptions stated in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company will have on the Closing Date the adjusted stock capitalization set forth therein. Except as set forth in, or contemplated by, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, on the Effective Date, as of the Applicable Time and on the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, there will be no stock options, warrants, or other rights to purchase or otherwise acquire any authorized, but unissued shares of Common Stock of the Company or any security convertible or exercisable into shares of Common Stock of the Company, or any contracts or commitments to issue or sell shares of Common Stock or any such options, warrants, rights or convertible securities.

 

2.9 Valid Issuance of Securities, etc. 

 

2.9.1. Outstanding Securities. All issued and outstanding securities of the Company issued prior to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof have no rights of rescission or similar rights with respect thereto, and are not subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders; and none of such securities were issued in violation of the preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or rights of participation of any holders of any security of the Company or similar contractual rights granted by the Company. The authorized shares of Common Stock conform in all material respects to all statements relating thereto contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The offers and sales of the outstanding shares of Common Stock were at all relevant times either registered under the Securities Act and the applicable state securities or “blue sky” laws or, based in part on the representations and warranties of the purchasers of such Shares, exempt from such registration requirements.

 

2.9.2. Securities Sold Pursuant to this Agreement. The Public Securities have been duly authorized for issuance and sale and, when issued and paid for pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof are not and will not be subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders; the Public Securities are not and will not be subject to the preemptive rights of any holders of any security of the Company or similar contractual rights granted by the Company except as have been validly waived or complied with; and all corporate action required to be taken for the authorization, issuance and sale of the Public Securities has been duly and validly taken. The Public Securities and Representative’s Securities conform in all material respects to all statements with respect thereto contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The Representative’s Securities have been duly authorized for issuance and sale and, when issued and paid for pursuant to the terms of the Representative’s Warrant Agreement will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; the holders thereof are not and will not be subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders and all corporate action required to be taken for the authorization, issuance and sale of the Representative’s Warrant Agreement has been duly and validly taken; the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Representative’s Warrant have been duly authorized and reserved for issuance by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company and when paid for and issued in accordance with the Representative’s Warrant  and the Representative’s Warrant Agreement, such shares of Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; the holders of the Representative’s Securities are not and will not be subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders; and such shares of Common Stock are not and will not be subject to the preemptive rights of any holders of any security of the Company or similar contractual rights granted by the Company.

 

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2.9.3 Stock Options. With respect to the stock options (the “Stock Options”) granted pursuant to the stock-based compensation plans of the Company (the “Company Stock Plans”), (i) each Stock Option intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) so qualifies, (ii) each grant of a Stock Option was duly authorized no later than the date on which the grant of such Stock Option was by its terms to be effective by all necessary corporate action, including, as applicable, approval by the board of directors of the Company (or a duly constituted and authorized committee thereof) and any required stockholder approval by the necessary number of votes or written consents, and the award agreement governing such grant (if any) was duly executed and delivered by each party thereto, (iii) each such grant was made in accordance with the terms of the Company Stock Plans, and all applicable laws and regulatory rules or requirements, and (iv) each such grant was properly accounted for in accordance with GAAP in the financial statements (including the related notes) of the Company. Each Company Stock Plan is accurately described in all material respects in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. The Company has not knowingly granted, and there is no and has been no policy or practice of the Company of granting Stock Options prior to, or otherwise coordinating the grant of Stock Options with, the release or other public announcement of material information regarding the Company or its results of operations or prospects. 

 

2.10 Registration Rights of Third Parties. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, no holders of any securities of the Company or any rights exercisable for or convertible or exchangeable into securities of the Company have the right to require the Company to register any such securities of the Company under the Securities Act or to include any such securities in a registration statement to be filed by the Company. 

 

2.11 Validity and Binding Effect of Agreements. This Agreement and the Representative’s Warrant Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by the Company, and, when executed and delivered, will constitute, the valid and binding agreements of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, except: (i) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally; (ii) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited under the federal and state securities laws; and (iii) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought. 

 

2.12 No Conflicts, etc. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement, the Representative’s Warrant Agreement and all ancillary documents, the consummation by the Company of the transactions herein and therein contemplated and the compliance by the Company with the terms hereof and thereof do not and will not, with or without the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both: (i) result in a material breach of, or conflict with any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a material default under, or result in the creation, modification, termination or imposition of any lien, charge, mortgage, ledge, security interest, claim, equity, trust or other encumbrance, preferential arrangement or restriction of any kind whatsoever or encumbrance upon any portion of any property or assets of the Company pursuant to the terms of any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, lease, loan agreement or any other agreement or instrument, license or permit to which the Company is a party or as to which any property of the Company is a party, except as set forth in the Registration Statement, Pricing disclosure Package and Prospectus; (ii) result in any violation of the provisions of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation currently in effect or to be in effect after the closing (as the same may be amended or restated from time to time, the “Charter”) or the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company currently in effect or to be in effect after the closing (as the same may be amended or restated form time to time) (the “Bylaws”); or (iii) violate any existing applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any Governmental Entity as of the date hereof (including, without limitation, those promulgated by the by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMA”), or by any foreign, federal, state or local regulatory authority performing functions similar to those performed by the FDA), except, in the case of clauses (i) and (iii), for such defaults, breaches, or violations that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.

 

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2.13 No Defaults; Violations. No material default exists in the due performance and observance of any term, covenant or condition of any material license, contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, loan or credit agreement, or any other agreement or instrument evidencing an obligation for borrowed money, or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company may be bound or to which any of the properties or assets of the Company is subject. The Company is not (i) in violation of any term or provision of its Charter or Bylaws, or (ii) in violation of any franchise, license, permit, applicable law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or decree of any Governmental Entity.

 

2.14 Corporate Power; Licenses; Consents

 

2.14.1. Conduct of Business. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, each of the Company has all requisite corporate power and authority, and has all necessary consents, authorizations, approvals, registrations, orders, licenses, certificates and permits of and from all governmental regulatory officials and bodies that it needs as of the date hereof to conduct its business purpose as described in the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except where such failure to have such consents, authorizations, approvals, registrations, orders, license, certificates and permit would not individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

2.14.2. Transactions Contemplated Herein. The Company has all corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the provisions and conditions hereof, and all consents, authorizations, approvals, registrations and orders required in connection therewith have been obtained. No consent, authorization or order of, and no filing with, any court, government agency or other body is required for the valid issuance, sale and delivery of the Public Securities and the consummation of the transactions and agreements contemplated by this Agreement and the Representative’s Warrant Agreement and as contemplated by the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, except with respect to applicable federal and state securities laws and the rules and regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).

 

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2.15 D&O Questionnaires. To the Company’s knowledge, all information contained in the questionnaires (the “Questionnaires”) completed by each of the Company’s directors and officers immediately prior to the Offering (the “Insiders”) as supplemented by all information concerning the Company’s directors, officers and principal stockholders as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, as well as in the Lock-Up Agreement (as defined in Section 2.24 below), provided to the Underwriters, is true and correct in all material respects and the Company has not become aware of any information which would cause the information disclosed in the Questionnaires to become materially inaccurate and incorrect.

 

2.16 Litigation; Governmental Proceedings. There is no material action, suit, proceeding, inquiry, arbitration, investigation, litigation or governmental proceeding pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against, or involving the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any executive officer or director which has not been disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or in connection with the Company’s listing application for the listing of the Public Securities on the Exchange, and which if resolved adversely to the Company would result in a Material Adverse Change or otherwise affect the Company’s ability to consummate the Offering. 

 

2.17 Good Standing. The Company has been duly incorporated and validly existing as a corporation and is in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization as of the date hereof, and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of property or the conduct of business requires such qualification, except where the failure to qualify, singularly or in the aggregate, would not have or reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. 

 

2.18 Insurance. The Company carries or is entitled to the benefits of insurance, with, to the Company’s knowledge, reputable insurers, in such amounts and covering such risks which the Company believes are adequate, including but not limited to, directors and officers insurance coverage at least equal to $10.0 million. As of the date hereof, the Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able (i) to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (ii) to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted and at a cost that would not result in a Material Adverse Change. There are no material claims by the Company under any such policy or instrument.

 

2.19 Transactions Affecting Disclosure to FINRA

 

2.19.1. Finder’s Fees. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there are no claims, payments, arrangements, agreements or understandings relating to the payment of a finder’s, consulting or origination fee by the Company or any Insider with respect to the sale of the Public Securities hereunder or any other arrangements, agreements or understandings of the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any of its stockholders that may affect the Underwriters’ compensation, as determined by FINRA.

 

2.19.2. Payments Within Twelve (12) Months. Except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has not made any direct or indirect payments (in cash, securities or otherwise) to: (i) any person, as a finder’s fee, consulting fee or otherwise, in consideration of such person raising capital for the Company or introducing to the Company persons who raised or provided capital to the Company; (ii) any FINRA member; or (iii)  any person or entity that has any direct or indirect affiliation or association with any FINRA member, within the twelve (12) months prior to the Effective Date, other than the payment to the Underwriters as provided hereunder in connection with the Offering.

 

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2.19.3. Use of Proceeds. None of the net proceeds of the Offering will be paid by the Company to any participating FINRA member or its affiliates, except as specifically authorized herein. 

 

2.19.4. FINRA Affiliation. To the Company’s knowledge, there is no (i) officer or director of the Company, (ii) beneficial owner of 5% or more of any class of the Company’s securities or (iii) beneficial owner of the Company’s unregistered equity securities that were acquired during the 180-day period immediately preceding the filing of the Registration Statement that is an affiliate or associated person of a FINRA member participating in the Offering (as determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA). Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company (i) does not have any material lending or other relationship with any bank or lending affiliate of any Underwriter and (ii) does not intend to use any of the proceeds from the sale of the Public Securities to repay any outstanding debt owed to any affiliate of any Underwriter.

 

2.19.5. Information. All information provided by the Company and, to the Company’s knowledge, all information provided by its officers and directors in their FINRA questionnaire to Representative Counsel specifically for use by Representative Counsel in connection with its Public Offering System filings (and related disclosure) with FINRA is true, correct and complete in all material respects.

 

2.20  Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Neither the Company nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company or any other person acting on behalf of the Company, has, directly or indirectly, given or agreed to give any money, gift or similar benefit (other than legal price concessions to customers in the ordinary course of business) to any customer, supplier, employee or agent of a customer or supplier, or official or employee of any governmental agency or instrumentality of any government (domestic or foreign) or any political party or candidate for office (domestic or foreign) or other person who was, is, or may be in a position to help or hinder the business of the Company (or assist it in connection with any actual or proposed transaction) that (i) might subject the Company to any damage or penalty in any civil, criminal or governmental litigation or proceeding, (ii) if not given in the past, might have had a Material Adverse Change or (iii) if not continued in the future, might adversely affect the assets, business, operations or prospects of the Company. The Company has taken reasonable steps to ensure that its accounting controls and procedures are sufficient to cause the Company to comply in all material respects with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “FCPA”); (iv) violated or is in violation of any provision of the FCPA or any applicable non-U.S. anti-bribery statute or regulation; (v) made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment; or (vi) received notice of any investigation, proceeding or inquiry by any Governmental Entity regarding any of the matters in clauses (i)-(v) above; and the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, the Company’s affiliates have conducted their respective businesses in compliance with the FCPA and have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith. 

 

2.21  Compliance with OFAC. None of the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company or any other person acting on behalf of the Company, is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”), and the Company will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the Offering, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC.

 

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2.22  Forward-Looking Statements. No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in either the Registration Statement, Disclosure Package or Prospectus has been made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.

 

2.23  Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the Company are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Entity (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”); and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any Governmental Entity involving the Company with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company, threatened. 

 

2.24  Officers’ Certificate. Any certificate signed by any duly authorized officer of the Company and delivered to you or to Representative Counsel shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby. 

 

2.25  Lock-Up Agreements. Schedule 3 hereto contains a complete and accurate list of the Company’s executive officers and directors and each owner of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock (or securities convertible or exercisable into shares of Common Stock) who will be subject to the Lock-Up Agreement (as defined below) (collectively, the “Lock-Up Parties”). The Company has caused each of the Lock-Up Parties to deliver to the Representative an executed Lock-Up Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Lock-Up Agreement”), prior to the execution of this Agreement. 

 

2.26  Related Party Transactions. There are no business relationships or related party transactions involving the Company or any other person required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus that have not been described as required. 

 

2.27  No Relationships with Customers and Suppliers. To the Company’s knowledge, no relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or among the Company, on the one hand, and the directors, officers, 5% or greater stockholders, customers or suppliers of the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates, on the other hand, which is required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or a document incorporated by reference therein and which is not so described.

 

2.28  No Unconsolidated Entities. There are no transactions, arrangements or other relationships between and/or among the Company and any of its affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act) and any unconsolidated entity, including, but not limited to, any structured finance, special purpose or limited purpose entity that could reasonably be expected to materially affect the Company’s liquidity or the availability of or requirements for its capital resources required to be described in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or a document incorporated by reference therein which have not been described as required

 

2.29  Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of the Company is comprised of the persons set forth under the heading of the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus captioned “Management.” The qualifications of the persons serving as board members and the overall composition of the board comply with the Exchange Act, the Exchange Act Regulations, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules promulgated thereunder (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) applicable to the Company and the listing rules of the Exchange. At least one member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined under Regulation S-K and the listing rules of the Exchange. In addition, at least a majority of the persons serving on the Board of Directors qualify as “independent,” as defined under the listing rules of the Exchange.

 

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2.30  Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance

 

2.30.1. Disclosure Controls. The Company has developed and currently maintains disclosure controls and procedures that will comply with Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act Regulations, applicable to it, and, except as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or Prospectus, such controls and procedures are effective as of the date hereof to ensure that all material information concerning the Company will be made known on a timely basis to the individuals responsible for the preparation of the Company’s Exchange Act filings and other public disclosure documents.

 

2.30.2. Compliance. The Company is, or at the Applicable Time and on the Closing Date will be, in material compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act applicable to it, and has implemented or will implement such programs and taken reasonable steps to ensure the Company’s future compliance in all material respects (not later than the relevant statutory and regulatory deadlines therefor) with the material provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. 

 

2.30.3. Accounting Controls. The Company maintains systems of “internal control over financial reporting” (as defined under Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act Regulations) that comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act and have been designed by, or under the supervision of, their respective principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP, including, but not limited to, internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company is not aware of any material weaknesses in its internal controls. The Company’s auditors and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company have been advised of: (i) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are known to the Company’s management and that have adversely affected or are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Company’ ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (ii) any fraud known to the Company’s management, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

2.31  No Investment Company Status. The Company is not and, after giving effect to the Offering and the application of the proceeds thereof as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, will not be, required to register as an “investment company,” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. 

 

2.32  No Labor Disputes. No labor dispute with the employees of the Company exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent.

 

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2.33  Intellectual Property Rights. The Company owns or possesses or has valid rights to use all patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trademark registrations, service mark registrations, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets and similar rights (“Intellectual Property Rights”) necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company as currently carried on and as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. To the knowledge of the Company, no action or use by the Company necessary for the conduct of its business as currently carried on and as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus will involve or give rise to any infringement of, or license or similar fees for, any Intellectual Property Rights of others. The Company has not received any notice alleging any such infringement, fee or conflict with asserted Intellectual Property Rights of others. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Change (A) to the knowledge of the Company, there is no infringement, misappropriation or violation by third parties of any of the Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Company; (B) there is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the rights of the Company in or to any such Intellectual Property Rights, and the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim, that would, individually or in the aggregate, together with any other claims in this Section 2.33, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; (C) the Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, the Intellectual Property Rights licensed to the Company have not been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, and there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the validity or scope of any such Intellectual Property Rights, and the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim that would, individually or in the aggregate, together with any other claims in this Section 2.33, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; (D) there is no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others that the Company infringes, misappropriates or otherwise violates any Intellectual Property Rights or other proprietary rights of others, the Company has not received any written notice of such claim and the Company is unaware of any other facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim that would, individually or in the aggregate, together with any other claims in this Section 2.33, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; and (E) to the Company’s knowledge, no employee of the Company is in or has ever been in violation in any material respect of any term of any employment contract, patent disclosure agreement, invention assignment agreement, non-competition agreement, non-solicitation agreement, nondisclosure agreement or any restrictive covenant to or with a former employer where the basis of such violation relates to such employee’s employment with the Company, or actions undertaken by the employee while employed with the Company and could reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Change. To the Company’s knowledge, all material technical information developed by and belonging to the Company which has not been patented or disclosed in a patent application has been kept confidential. The Company is not a party to or bound by any options, licenses or agreements with respect to the Intellectual Property Rights of any other person or entity that are required to be set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and are other than those described therein. The Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus contain in all material respects the same description of the matters set forth in the preceding sentence. None of the technology employed by the Company has been obtained or is being used by the Company in violation of any contractual obligation binding on the Company or, to the Company’s knowledge, any of its officers, directors or employees, or otherwise in violation of the rights of any persons.

 

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To the Company’s knowledge, all licenses for the use of the Intellectual Property described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus are in full force and effect in all material respects and are enforceable by the Company and, to the Company’s knowledge, the other parties thereto, in accordance with their terms, except (x) as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (y) as enforceability of any indemnification or contribution provision may be limited under the federal and state securities laws, and (z) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief may be subject to the equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought. None of such agreements or instruments has been assigned by the Company, and the Company is not, and to the Company’s knowledge, no other party is, in default thereunder and no event has occurred that, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a default thereunder. In addition, the Company has not received notice (whether oral or written) of any breach or potential breach of any license for the use of the Intellectual Property described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

2.34  Taxes. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Change, the Company has filed all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income tax returns, franchise tax returns and all other material returns (as hereinafter defined) required to be filed with taxing authorities prior to the date hereof or has duly obtained extensions of time for the filing thereof. Except as would not reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Change, the Company has paid all taxes (as hereinafter defined) shown as due on such returns that were filed and has paid all taxes imposed on or assessed against the Company. The provisions for taxes payable, if any, shown on the financial statements filed with or as part of the Registration Statement are sufficient for all accrued and unpaid income or other taxes in any material amount, whether or not disputed, and for all periods to and including the dates of such consolidated financial statements. Except as disclosed in writing to the Underwriters, (i) no issues have been raised (whether written or, to the knowledge of the Company, oral)(and are currently pending) by any taxing authority in connection with any of the returns or taxes asserted as due from the Company, and (ii) no waivers of statutes of limitation with respect to the returns or collection of taxes have been given  (whether written or, to the knowledge of the Company, oral) by or requested  (whether written or, to the knowledge of the Company, oral) from the Company. The term “taxes” means all federal, state, local, foreign and other net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, profits, license, lease, service, service use, withholding, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, property, windfall profits, customs, duties or other taxes, fees, assessments or charges of any kind whatever, together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts with respect thereto. The term “returns” means all returns, declarations, reports, statements and other documents required to be filed in respect to taxes.

 

2.35  ERISA Compliance. The Company and any “employee benefit plan” (as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (collectively, “ERISA”)) established or maintained by the Company or its “ERISA Affiliates” (as defined below) are in compliance in all material respects with ERISA. “ERISA Affiliate” means, with respect to the Company, any member of any group of organizations described in Sections 414(b),(c),(m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (the “Code”) of which the Company is a member. No “reportable event” (as defined under ERISA) has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any “employee benefit plan” subject to Title IV of ERISA established or maintained by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates. No “employee benefit plan” established or maintained by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates, if such “employee benefit plan” were terminated, would have any “amount of unfunded benefit liabilities” (as defined under ERISA). Neither the Company nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred or reasonably expects to incur any material liability under (i) Title IV of ERISA with respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any “employee benefit plan” or (ii) Sections 412, 4971, 4975 or 4980B of the Code. Each “employee benefit plan” established or maintained by the Company or any of its ERISA Affiliates that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified and, to the knowledge of the Company, nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, which would cause the loss of such qualification.

 

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2.36  Compliance with Laws. The Company: (A) is and at all times has been in compliance with all statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, judgments, orders and decrees of all Governmental Entities applicable to the Company, including, but not limited to, whether directly or through a third party, the ownership, testing, development, manufacture, use, packaging, processing, distribution, marketing, labelling, promotion, sale, offer for sale, storage, import, export or disposal of any product manufactured by or on behalf of or distributed by or on behalf of the Company (“Applicable Laws”), except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change; (B) has not received and has not been notified that it will receive any FDA Form 483, notice of adverse finding, warning letter, untitled letter or other correspondence or notice in writing from any other Governmental Entity alleging or asserting noncompliance with any Applicable Laws or any licenses, consents, certificates, approvals, clearances, authorizations, permits, orders and supplements or amendments thereto required by any such Applicable Laws (“Authorizations”); (C) possesses all material Authorizations and such Authorizations are valid and in full force and effect and are not in material violation of any term of any such Authorizations; (D) has not received in writing notice of any claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, inquiry, arbitration or other action from any governmental authority or third party alleging that any product operation or activity is in violation of any Applicable Laws or Authorizations and has no knowledge that any such governmental authority or third party is considering any such claim, litigation, arbitration, action, suit, investigation or proceeding; (E) has not received in writing notice that any Governmental Entity has taken, is taking or intends to take action to limit, suspend, modify or revoke any Authorizations and has no knowledge that any such Governmental Entity considering such action; (F) has filed, obtained, maintained or submitted all material reports, documents, forms, filings, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments as required by any Applicable Laws or Authorizations and that all such reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments were complete and correct on the date filed (or were corrected or supplemented by a subsequent submission); and (G) has not, either voluntarily or involuntarily, initiated, conducted, or issued or caused to be initiated, conducted or issued, any recall, market withdrawal or replacement, safety alert, post-sale warning, “dear doctor” letter, or other notice or action relating to the alleged lack of safety or efficacy of any product or any alleged product defect or violation and, to the Company’s knowledge, no third party has initiated, conducted or intends to initiate any such notice or action.

 

2.37  Ineligible Issuer.  At the time of filing the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time of effectiveness of the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto, at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or another offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) of the Securities Act Regulations) of the Public Securities and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined in Rule 405, without taking account of any determination by the Commission pursuant to Rule 405 that it is not necessary that the Company be considered an ineligible issuer.

 

2.38  Environmental Laws. The Company is in compliance with all foreign, federal, state and local rules, laws and regulations relating to the use, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances or waste and protection of health and safety or the environment which are applicable to their businesses (“Environmental Laws”), except where the failure to comply would not, singularly or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Change. There has been no storage, generation, transportation, handling, treatment, disposal, discharge, transportation, handling, emission, or other release of any kind of medical wastes, toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances by, due to, or caused by the Company (or, to the Company’s knowledge, any other entity for whose acts or omissions the Company is or may otherwise be liable) upon any of the property now or previously owned or leased by the Company, or upon any other property, in violation of any law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit or which would, under any law, statute, ordinance, rule (including rule of common law), regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit, give rise to any liability; and there has been no disposal, discharge, emission or other release of any kind onto such property or into the environment surrounding such property of any toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances with respect to which the Company has knowledge.

 

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2.39 Real Property. Except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has good and marketable title in fee simple to, or has valid rights to lease or otherwise use, all items of real or personal property which are material to the business of the Company, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, security interests, claims and defects that do not, singly or in the aggregate, materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by the Company; and all of the leases and subleases material to the business of the Company, considered as one enterprise, and under which the Company holds properties described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, are in full force and effect, and the Company has not received any notice of any material claim of any sort that has been asserted by anyone adverse to the rights of the Company under any of the leases or subleases mentioned above, or affecting or questioning the rights of the Company to the continued possession of the leased or subleased premises under any such lease or sublease.

 

2.40 Contracts Affecting Capital. There are no transactions, arrangements or other relationships between and/or among the Company, any of its affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Regulations) and any unconsolidated entity, including, but not limited to, any structured finance, special purpose or limited purpose entity that could reasonably be expected to materially affect the Company’s liquidity or the availability of or requirements for their capital resources required to be described or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus which have not been described or incorporated by reference as required.

 

2.41 Loans to Directors or Officers. There are no outstanding loans, advances (except normal advances for business expenses in the ordinary course of business) or guarantees or indebtedness by the Company to or for the benefit of any of the officers or directors of the Company or any of their respective family members, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

  

2.42 Smaller Reporting Company.  As of the time of filing of the Registration Statement, the Company was a “smaller reporting company,” as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act Regulations.

  

2.43 Industry Data.  The statistical and market-related data included in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company reasonably and in good faith believes are reliable and accurate or represent the Company’s good faith estimates that are made on the basis of data derived from such sources.

 

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2.44. [RESERVED]

 

2.45            Regulatory. All trials, tests preclinical and clinical studies conducted by, sponsored by, or on behalf of the Company that are material to the Company are or have been adequately described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus in all material respects. The clinical and preclinical studies conducted by or on behalf of or sponsored by the Company that are described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or the results of which are referred to in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus were and, if still ongoing, are being conducted in material compliance with all laws and regulations applicable thereto in the jurisdictions in which they are being conducted and standard medical and scientific research protocols, procedures, and controls including without limitation, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and all applicable rules and regulations of the FDA and other applicable regulatory authorities (including, without limitation, any foreign, federal, state or local governmental or regulatory authority performing functions similar to those performed by the FDA). The descriptions in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus of the results of such studies are accurate and complete in all material respects and fairly present the data derived from such studies, and the Company has no knowledge of, or reason to believe that, any clinical study the aggregate results of which are inconsistent with or otherwise call into question the results of any clinical study conducted by or on behalf of the Company that are described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or the results of which are referred to in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has not received any written notices, correspondence or statements from the FDA, the European Medicines Agency or any other governmental agency or authority or  any institutional review board or comparable body requiring, requesting or suggesting termination, suspension or material modification for or of any clinical or preclinical studies that are described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus or the results of which are referred to in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company has not received any written notices or statements from any governmental agency, and otherwise has no knowledge of, or reason to believe that any license, approval, permit or authorization to conduct any clinical trial of any potential product of the Company has been, will be or may be suspended, revoked modified or limited. There is no pending, completed or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened, action (including any lawsuit, arbitration, or legal or administrative or regulatory proceeding, charge, complaint, or investigation) against the Company, and the Company has not received any notice, warning letter or other communication from the FDA or any other governmental entity, which (i) contests the premarket clearance, licensure, registration, or approval of, the uses of, the distribution of, the manufacturing or packaging of, the testing of, the sale of, or the labeling and promotion of any FDA Product, (ii) withdraws its approval of, requests the recall, suspension, or seizure of, or withdraws or orders the withdrawal of advertising or sales promotional materials relating to, any FDA Product, (iii) imposes a clinical hold on any clinical investigation by the Company or withdraws or threatens to withdraw any approvals or designations, (iv) enjoins production at any facility of the Company, (v) enters or proposes to enter into a consent decree of permanent injunction with the Company, or (vi) otherwise alleges any violation of any laws, rules or regulations by the Company which would have a Material Adverse Effect. The properties, business and operations of the Company have been and are being conducted in all material respects in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the FDA.  The Company has not been informed by the FDA that the FDA will prohibit the marketing, sale, license or use in the United States of any product proposed to be developed, produced or marketed by the Company nor has the FDA expressed any concern as to approving or indicated it will not approve or clear for marketing any product being developed or proposed to be developed by the Company that are described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. For purposes of this Section, “FDA Product” means each product subject to the jurisdiction of the FDA under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended, and the regulations thereunder that is manufactured, packaged, labeled, tested, distributed, sold, and/or marketed by the Company.

 

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The Company and its directors, officers, employees, and agents are, and at all times prior hereto have been, in material compliance with, all health care laws and regulations applicable to the Company or any of its product candidates or activities, including development and testing of pharmaceutical products, kickbacks, recordkeeping, documentation requirements, the hiring of employees (to the extent governed by Health Care Laws), quality, safety, privacy, security, licensure, accreditation or any other aspect of developing and testing health care or pharmaceutical products (collectively, “Health Care Laws”). Health Care Laws include, but are not limited to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder; (ii) all applicable federal, state, local and foreign health care fraud and abuse laws, including, without limitation, the U.S. Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7b(b)), the U.S. Civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. Section 3729 et seq.), the criminal False Statements Law (42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7b(a)), 18 U.S.C. Sections 286, 287, 1035, 1347, and 1349 the health care fraud criminal provisions under HIPAA , the civil monetary penalties law (42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7a), the exclusions law (42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7), the Physician Payments Sunshine Act (42 U.S.C Section 1320-7h), and the laws governing U.S. government funded or sponsored healthcare programs; and (iii) all other local, state, federal, national, supranational and foreign laws, relating to the regulation of the Company, and (iv) the directives and regulations promulgated pursuant to such statutes and any state or non-U.S. counterpart thereof. The Company and any of its officers, or directors, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any of the Company’s employees or agents have engaged in activities which are, as applicable, cause for liability under a Health Care Law. The Company has not received any notification, correspondence or any other written or oral communication, including notification of any pending or threatened claim, suit, action, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, arbitration or other action from any from any court or arbitrator or third party or governmental authority, including, without limitation, the FDA, the Drug Enforcement Agency (“DEA”), the CMA, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, of potential or actual non-compliance by, or liability of, the Company under any Health Care Laws nor, to the Company’s knowledge, is any such claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, arbitration or other action threatened or alleging that any product operation or activity is in violation or regulatory. To the Company’s knowledge, there are no facts or circumstances that would reasonably be expected to give rise to liability of the Company under any Health Care Laws, except that would not individually or in the aggregate have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has filed, maintained or submitted all material reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments as required by any Health Care Laws, and all such reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments were complete and accurate on the date filed in all material respects (or were corrected or supplemented by a subsequent submission), except where the failure to file, maintain or submit would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Change). The Company is not a party to any corporate integrity agreements, monitoring agreements, consent decrees, settlement orders, or similar agreements with or imposed by any governmental or regulatory authority. Additionally, neither the Company nor any of its employees, officers, directors, or agents has been excluded, suspended or debarred from participation in any U.S. federal health care program or human clinical research or, to the knowledge of the Company, is subject to a governmental inquiry, investigation, proceeding, or other similar action that could reasonably be expected to result in debarment, suspension, or exclusion.

 

2.46  Integration. Neither the Company, nor any affiliate or other person acting on its behalf has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would cause the Offering to be integrated with prior offerings by the Company for purposes of the Securities Act that would require the registration of any such securities under the Securities Act.

 

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2.47 No Stabilization. Neither the Company nor, to its knowledge, any of its employees, directors or stockholders (without the consent of the Representative) has taken or shall take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that has constituted or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under Regulation M of the Exchange Act, or otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Public Securities.

 

2.48  Confidentiality and Non-Competition. To the Company’s knowledge, no director, officer, key employee or consultant of the Company is subject to any confidentiality, non-disclosure, non-competition agreement or non-solicitation agreement with any employer or prior employer that could reasonably be expected to materially affect his ability to be and act in his respective capacity of the Company or be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

 

2.49  Emerging Growth Company. From the time of the initial confidential submission of the Registration Statement to the Commission (or, if earlier, the first date on which the Company engaged directly in or through any Person authorized to act on its behalf in any Testing-the Waters Communication) through the date hereof, the Company has been and is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act (an “Emerging Growth Company”). “Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any oral or written communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Securities Act.

 

2.50 Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company has not (i) alone engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communications, other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the written consent of the Representative and with entities that are qualified institutional buyers within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act or institutions that are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act and (ii) since February 10, 2021 authorized anyone other than the Representative to engage in Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company confirms that the Representative has been authorized to act on its behalf in undertaking Testing-the-Waters Communications. The Company has not distributed any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications other than those listed on Schedule 2-C hereto. “Written Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

  

2.51 Electronic Road Show. The Company has made available a Bona Fide Electronic Road Show in compliance with Rule 433(d)(8)(ii) of the Securities Act Regulations such that no filing of any “road show” (as defined in Rule 433(h) of the Securities Act Regulations) is required in connection with the Offering.

 

2.52 Margin Securities. The Company owns no “margin securities” as that term is defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”), and none of the proceeds of Offering will be used, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin security, for the purpose of reducing or retiring any indebtedness which was originally incurred to purchase or carry any margin security or for any other purpose which might cause any of the shares of Common Stock to be considered a “purpose credit” within the meanings of Regulation T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board.

 

2.53 Minute Books. The minute books of the Company have been made available to the Underwriters and Representative Counsel, and such books (i) contain a complete summary of all meetings and actions of the board of directors (including each board committee) and stockholders of the Company (or analogous governing bodies and interest holders, as applicable), and since inception through the date of the latest meeting and action, and (ii) accurately in all material respects reflect all transactions referred to in such minutes. There are no material transactions, agreements, dispositions or other actions of the Company that are not properly approved and/or accurately and fairly recorded in the minute books of the Company, as applicable.

 

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2.54. IT Assets, Data Privacy and Security Laws. Except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change on the Company, taken as a whole, (i) the computers, software, servers, networks, data communications lines and other information technology systems owned, licensed, leased or otherwise used by the Company (excluding any public networks) (collectively, the “IT Assets”) operate and perform as is necessary for the operation of the business of the Company as currently conducted as described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; (ii) to the Company’s knowledge, such IT Assets are not infected by viruses, disabling code or other harmful code; (iii) the Company has implemented and maintained commercially reasonable controls, policies, procedures, and safeguards necessary to maintain and protect their confidential information (including all Personal Data (defined below)) and the integrity, continuous operation and security of all IT Assets used in connection with their businesses; (iv) to the Company’s knowledge, there have been no breaches, violations or unauthorized uses of or accesses to the IT Assets or such confidential information (including such Personal Data), except for those that have been remedied without material cost or liability or the duty to notify any third party; (v) the Company is presently in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws or statutes (including without limitation, to the extent applicable, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act; the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) (EU 2016/679); and the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”)), and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or Governmental Entity, in each case relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and such confidential information (including such Personal Data) and to the protection of such IT Assets and such confidential information (including such Personal Data) from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification and (vi) there is no action, suit, proceeding or claim currently pending against the Company, by any state Attorney General or related office, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and any office contained therein, or any similar authority in any jurisdiction other than the United States or any other governmental entity, or by any person in respect of the collection, use or disclosure of Personal Data used in connection with the businesses of the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company, no such action, suit, proceeding or claim is threatened in writing. “Personal Data” means (i) a natural person’s name, street address, telephone number, e-mail address, photograph, social security number or tax identification number, driver’s license number, passport number, credit card number, bank information, or customer or account number; (ii) any personal information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person or as such personal information may otherwise be defined under the GDPR, CCPA, or HIPAA; and (iii) any other piece of information that allows the identification of such natural person.

  

       3. Covenants of the Company. The Company covenants and agrees as follows:

 

3.1 Amendments to Registration Statement. The Company shall deliver to the Representative, prior to filing, any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus proposed to be filed after the Effective Date and not file any such amendment or supplement to which the Representative shall reasonably object in writing.

 

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3.2 Federal Securities Laws.

 

3.2.1. Compliance. The Company, subject to Section 3.2.2, shall comply with the requirements of Rule 430A of the Securities Act Regulations and will notify the Representative promptly, and confirm the notice in writing, (i) when any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement shall become effective or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus shall have been filed; (ii) of the receipt of any comments from the Commission; (iii) of any request by the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for additional information; (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, or of the suspension of the qualification of the Public Securities and Representative’s Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for any of such purposes or of any examination pursuant to Section 8(d) or 8(e) of the Securities Act concerning the Registration Statement and (v) if the Company becomes the subject of a proceeding under Section 8A of the Securities Act in connection with the Offering of the Public Securities and Representative’s Securities. The Company shall effect all filings required under Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act Regulations, in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b) (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8)), and shall take such steps as it deems necessary to ascertain promptly whether the form of prospectus transmitted for filing under Rule 424(b) was received for filing by the Commission and, in the event that it was not, it will promptly file such prospectus. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order, prevention or suspension and, if any such order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible moment.

 

3.2.2. Continued Compliance. The Company shall comply with the Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations, the Exchange Act and the Exchange Act Regulations so as to permit the completion of the distribution of the Public Securities as contemplated in this Agreement and in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus. If at any time when a prospectus relating to the Public Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172 of the Securities Act Regulations (“Rule 172”), would be) required by the Securities Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Public Securities, any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which it is necessary, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters or for the Company, to (i) amend the Registration Statement in order that the Registration Statement will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) amend or supplement the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in order that the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as the case may be, will not include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser or (iii) amend the Registration Statement or amend or supplement the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, as the case may be, in order to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act or the Securities Act Regulations, the Company will promptly (A) give the Representative notice of such event; (B) prepare any amendment or supplement as may be necessary to correct such statement or omission or to make the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus comply with such requirements and, a reasonable amount of time prior to any proposed filing or use, furnish the Representative with copies of any such amendment or supplement and (C) file with the Commission any such amendment or supplement; provided that the Company shall not file or use any such amendment or supplement to which the Representative or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object. The Company will furnish to the Underwriters such number of copies of such amendment or supplement as the Underwriters may reasonably request. The Company has given the Representative notice of any filings made pursuant to the Exchange Act or the Exchange Act Regulations within 48 hours prior to the Applicable Time. The Company shall give the Representative notice of its intention to make any such filing from the Applicable Time until the later of the Closing Date and the exercise in full or expiration of the Over-allotment Option specified in Section 1.2 hereof and will furnish the Representative with copies of the related document(s) a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing, as the case may be, and will not file or use any such document to which the Representative or counsel for the Underwriters shall reasonably object.

 

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3.2.3. Exchange Act Registration. For a period of three (3) years after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the registration of the shares of Common Stock under the Exchange Act. The Company shall not deregister the shares of Common Stock under the Exchange Act without the prior written consent of the Representative.

  

3.2.4. Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company agrees that, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Representative, it shall not make any offer relating to the Public Securities that would constitute an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or that would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus,” or a portion thereof, required to be filed by the Company with the Commission or retained by the Company under Rule 433; provided that the Representative shall be deemed to have consented to each Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectus hereto and any “road show that is a written communication” within the meaning of Rule 433(d)(8)(i) that has been reviewed by the Representative. The Company represents that it has treated or agrees that it will treat each such free writing prospectus consented to, or deemed consented to, by the Underwriters as an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, and that it has complied and will comply with the applicable requirements of Rule 433 with respect thereto, including timely filing with the Commission where required, legending and record keeping. If at any time following issuance of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus conflicted or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Underwriters and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission.

 

3.2.5. Testing-the-Waters Communications. If at any time following the distribution of any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company shall promptly notify the Representative and shall promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Written Testing-the-Waters Communication to eliminate or correct such untrue statement or omission.

  

3.3 Delivery to the Underwriters of Registration Statements. The Company has delivered or made available or shall deliver or make available to the Representative and counsel for the Representative, without charge, signed copies of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (including exhibits filed therewith) and signed copies of all consents and certificates of experts, and will also deliver to the Underwriters, without charge, a conformed copy of the Registration Statement as originally filed and each amendment thereto (without exhibits) for each of the Underwriters. The copies of the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

 

3.4 Delivery to the Underwriters of Prospectuses. The Company has delivered or made available or will deliver or make available to each Underwriter, without charge, as many copies of each Preliminary Prospectus as such Underwriter reasonably requested, and the Company hereby consents to the use of such copies for purposes permitted by the Securities Act. The Company will furnish to each Underwriter, without charge, during the period when a prospectus relating to the Public Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172, would be) required to be delivered under the Securities Act, such number of copies of the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented) as such Underwriter may reasonably request. The Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

 

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3.5 Effectiveness and Events Requiring Notice to the Representative. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Registration Statement to remain effective with a current prospectus for at least nine (9) months after the Applicable Time, and shall notify the Representative immediately and confirm the notice in writing: (i) of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto; (ii) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of the initiation, or the threatening, of any proceeding for that purpose; (iii) of the issuance by any state securities commission of any proceedings for the suspension of the qualification of the Public Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or of the initiation, or the threatening, of any proceeding for that purpose; (iv) of the mailing and delivery to the Commission for filing of any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or Prospectus; (v) of the receipt of any comments or request for any additional information from the Commission; and (vi) of the happening of any event during the period described in this Section 3.5 that, in the judgment of the Company, makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus untrue or that requires the making of any changes in (a) the Registration Statement in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or (b) in the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. If the Commission or any state securities commission shall enter a stop order or suspend such qualification at any time, the Company shall make every reasonable effort to obtain promptly the lifting of such order.

 

3.6 Review of Financial Statements. For a period of three (3) years after the date of this Agreement, the Company, at its expense, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its regularly engaged independent registered public accounting firm to review (but not audit) the Company’s financial statements for each of the three fiscal quarters immediately preceding the announcement of any quarterly financial information.

 

3.7 Listing. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the listing of the shares of Common Stock (including the Public Securities) on the Exchange for at least three (3) years from the date of this Agreement.

 

3.8 Financial Public Relations Firm. As of the Effective Date, the Company shall have retained a financial public relations firm reasonably acceptable to the Representative and the Company, which shall initially be Hanover International, Inc., which firm shall be experienced in assisting issuers in initial public offerings of securities and in their relations with their security holders, and shall retain such firm or another firm reasonably acceptable to the Representative for a period of not less than two (2) years after the Effective Date.

 

3.9 Reports to the Representative.

 

3.9.1. Periodic Reports, etc. For a period of three (3) years after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to furnish or make available to the Representative copies of such financial statements and other periodic and special reports as the Company from time to time furnishes generally to holders of any class of its securities and also promptly furnish to the Representative: (i) a copy of each periodic report the Company shall be required to file with the Commission under the Exchange Act and the Exchange Act Regulations; (ii) a copy of every press release and every news item and article with respect to the Company or its affairs which was released by the Company; (iii) a copy of each Form 8-K prepared and filed by the Company; (iv) five copies of each registration statement filed by the Company under the Securities Act; and (v) such additional documents and information with respect to the Company and the affairs of any future subsidiaries of the Company as the Representative may from time to time reasonably request; provided the Representative shall sign, if requested by the Company, a Regulation FD compliant confidentiality agreement which is reasonably acceptable to the Representative and Representative Counsel in connection with the Representative’s receipt of such information. Documents filed with the Commission pursuant to its EDGAR system shall be deemed to have been delivered to the Representative pursuant to this Section 3.9.1.

 

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3.9.2. Transfer Agent; Transfer Sheets. For a period of three (3) years after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall retain a transfer agent and registrar acceptable to the Representative (the “Transfer Agent”) and shall furnish to the Representative at the Company’s sole cost and expense such transfer sheets of the Company’s securities as the Representative may reasonably request, including the daily and monthly consolidated transfer sheets of the Transfer Agent and DTC. Equiniti Trust Company is acceptable to the Representative to act as Transfer Agent for the shares of Common Stock.

 

3.9.3. Trading Reports. During such time as the Public Securities are listed on the Exchange, the Company shall provide to the Representative, at the Company’s expense, such reports published by Exchange relating to price trading of the Public Securities, as the Representative shall reasonably request.

  

3.10 Payment of Expenses

 

3.10.1. General Expenses Related to the Offering. The Company hereby agrees to pay on each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, to the extent not paid at the Closing Date, all expenses incident to the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, including, but not limited to: (a) all filing fees and communication expenses relating to the registration of the shares of Common Stock to be sold in the Offering (including the Option Shares) with the Commission; (b) all Public Filing System filing fees associated with the review of the Offering by FINRA; (c) all fees and expenses relating to the listing of such Public Securities on the Exchange and such other stock exchanges as the Company and the Representative together determine, including any fees charges by The Depository Trust for new securities; (d) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to background checks of the Company’s officers and directors in an amount not to exceed $15,000; (e) all fees, expenses and disbursements relating to the registration, qualification or exemption of the Public Securities under the securities laws of such foreign jurisdictions as the Representative may reasonably designate; (f) the costs of all mailing and printing (if any) of the underwriting documents (including, without limitation, this Agreement, any Blue Sky Surveys and, if appropriate, any Agreement Among Underwriters, Selected Dealers’ Agreement, Underwriters’ Questionnaire and Power of Attorney), Registration Statements, Prospectuses and all amendments, supplements and exhibits thereto and as many preliminary and final Prospectuses as the Representative may reasonably deem necessary; (g) the costs and expenses of the public relations firm as set forth in Section 3.8; (h) the costs of preparing, printing and delivering certificates representing the Public Securities (if any); (i) fees and expenses of the transfer agent for the shares of Common Stock; (j) stock transfer and/or stamp taxes, if any, payable upon the transfer of securities from the Company to the Underwriters; (k) the costs associated with post-Closing advertising the Offering in the national editions of the Wall Street Journal and New York Times; (l) the fees and expenses of the Company’s accountants; (l) the fees and expenses of the Company’s legal counsel and other agents and representatives; (m) fees and expenses of the Underwriters’ legal counsel not to exceed $125,000; (n) the $29,500 cost associated with the Underwriter’s use of Ipreo’s book-building, prospectus tracking and compliance software for the Offering; (o) $10,000 for data services and communications expenses; and (p) up to $30,000 of the Underwriters’ actual accountable “road show” expenses for the Offering, market making and trading, and clearing firm settlement expenses for the Offering. The Representative may deduct from the net proceeds of the Offering payable to the Company on the Closing Date, or the Option Closing Date, if any, the expenses set forth herein (less any amounts previously advanced against such actual reimbursable expense) to be paid by the Company to the Underwriters; provided however, that in the event that the Offering is terminated, the Company agrees to reimburse the Underwriters pursuant to Section 8.3(c).

 

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3.10.2. Non-accountable Expenses. The Company further agrees that, in addition to the expenses payable pursuant to Section 3.10.1, on the Closing Date it shall pay to the Representative, by deduction from the net proceeds of the Offering contemplated herein, a non-accountable expense allowance equal to one percent (1%) of the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Firm Shares (excluding the Option Shares), less the Advance (as such term is defined in Section 8.3 hereof), provided, however, that in the event that the Offering is terminated, the Company agrees to reimburse the Underwriters pursuant to Section 8.3 hereof.

 

3.11 Application of Net Proceeds. The Company shall apply the net proceeds from the Offering received by it in a manner consistent with the application thereof described under the caption “Use of Proceeds” in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.

 

3.12 Delivery of Earnings Statements to Security Holders. The Company shall make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable, but not later than the first day of the fifteenth (15th) full calendar month following the date of this Agreement, an earnings statement (which need not be certified by independent registered public accounting firm unless required by the Securities Act or the Securities Act Regulations, but which shall satisfy the provisions of Rule 158(a) under Section 11(a) of the Securities Act) covering a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months beginning after the date of this Agreement.

 

3.13 Stabilization. Neither the Company nor, to its knowledge, any of its employees, directors or stockholders (without the consent of the Representative) has taken directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that has constituted or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under Regulation M of the Exchange Act, or otherwise, stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Public Securities.

 

3.14 Internal Controls. The Company shall maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary in order to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

 

3.15 Accountants. As of the Effective Date, the Company shall have retained an independent registered public accounting firm, as required by the Securities Act and the Regulations and the PCAOB, reasonably acceptable to the Representative and the Company shall continue to retain a nationally recognized independent public accounting firm for a period of at least three (3) years after the Effective Date. The Representative acknowledges that the Auditor is acceptable to the Representative.

 

3.16 FINRA. The Company shall advise the Representative (who shall make an appropriate filing with FINRA) if it is or becomes aware that (i) any officer or director of the Company, (ii) any beneficial owner of 5% or more of any class of the Company's securities or (iii) any beneficial owner of the Company's unregistered equity securities which were acquired during the 180 days immediately preceding the filing of the Registration Statement is or becomes an affiliate or associated person of a FINRA member participating in the Offering (as determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of FINRA).

 

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3.17 No Fiduciary Duties. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Underwriters’ responsibility to the Company is solely contractual in nature and that none of the Underwriters or their affiliates or any selling agent shall be deemed to be acting in a fiduciary capacity, or otherwise owes any fiduciary duty to the Company or any of its affiliates in connection with the Offering and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

3.18 Company Lock-Up Agreements.

 

3.18.1. Restriction on Sales of Capital Stock. The Company, on behalf of itself and any successor entity, agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representative, it will not, for a period of six (6) months after the date of this Agreement (the “Lock-Up Period”), (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, 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 caused to be filed any registration statement with the Commission (other than on a Form S-8 or successor form thereto) 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; (iii) complete any offering of debt securities of the Company, other than entering into a line of credit with a traditional bank or financial institution or (iv) 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), (iii) or (iv) above is to be settled by delivery of shares of capital stock of the Company or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.

 

The restrictions contained in this Section 3.18.1 shall not apply to (i) the shares of Common Stock to be sold hereunder, (ii) the issuance by the Company of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of a stock option or warrant, or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date of this Agreement, which is disclosed in the Registration Statement, Pricing Disclosure Package and Prospectus, or (iii) the issuance by the Company of stock options or shares of capital stock of the Company under any equity compensation plan of the Company, provided that (a) in each of (ii) and (iii) above, the underlying shares shall be restricted from sale during the entire Lock-Up Period and (b) such options, warrants and convertible securities shall not have been amended, revised or otherwise modified since the date of this Agreement to increase the number of securities or decrease the exercise, or conversion price or exchange price or rate or extend the term of the security, or (iv) securities issued pursuant to acquisitions or strategic transactions approved by a majority of the disinterested directors of the Company, provided that such securities are issued as “restricted securities” (as defined in Rule 144) and carry no registration rights that require or permit the filing of any registration statement in connection therewith within six (6) months from the Closing, and provided that any such issuance shall only be to a Person (or to the equity holders of a Person) which is, itself or through its subsidiaries, an operating company or an owner of an asset in a business synergistic with the business of the Company and shall provide to the Company additional benefits in addition to the investment of funds, but shall not include a transaction in which the Company is issuing securities primarily for the purpose of raising capital or to an entity whose primary business is investing in securities. For purpose of this Section 3.18.1, “Person” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

 

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3.18.2. Restriction on Continuous Offerings. Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in Section 3.18.1, the Company, on behalf of itself and any successor entity, agrees that, without the prior written consent of the Representative, it will not, for a period of twelve (12) months after the date of this Agreement, directly or indirectly in any “at-the-market,” continuous equity or variable rate transaction, offer to sell, sell, contract to sell, grant any option to sell or otherwise dispose of shares of capital stock of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of the Company.

 

3.19 Release of D&O Lock-up Period. If the Representative, in its sole discretion, agrees to release or waive the restrictions set forth in the Lock-Up Agreements described in Section 2.24 hereof for an officer or director of the Company and provide the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver at least three (3) Business Days before the effective date of the release or waiver, the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver by a press release substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto through a major news service at least two (2) Business Days before the effective date of the release or waiver.

 

3.20 Blue Sky Qualifications. The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts, in cooperation with the Underwriters, if necessary, to qualify the Public Securities for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such states and other jurisdictions (domestic or foreign) as the Representative may designate and to maintain such qualifications in effect so long as required to complete the distribution of the Public Securities; provided, however, that the Company shall not be obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or to subject itself to taxation in respect of doing business in any jurisdiction in which it is not otherwise so subject.

 

3.21 Reporting Requirements. The Company, during the period when a prospectus relating to the Public Securities is (or, but for the exception afforded by Rule 172, would be) required to be delivered under the Securities Act, will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act within the time periods required by the Exchange Act and Exchange Act Regulations. Additionally, the Company shall report the use of proceeds from the issuance of the Public Securities as may be required under Rule 463 under the Securities Act Regulations.

 

3.22  Emerging Growth Company Status. The Company shall promptly notify the Representative if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company at any time prior to the later of (i) completion of the distribution of the Public Securities within the meaning of the Securities Act and (ii) fifteen (15) days following the completion of the Lock-Up Period.

 

3.23 Reservation of Common Stock. As of the date hereof, the Company has reserved and the Company shall continue to reserve and keep available at all times, free of preemptive rights, a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock for the purpose of enabling the Company to issue the Public Securities and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Representative’s Warrants.

 

4. Conditions of Underwriters’ Obligations. The obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and pay for the Public Securities, as provided herein, shall be subject to (i) the continuing accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company as of the date hereof and as of each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any; (ii) the accuracy of the statements of officers of the Company made pursuant to the provisions hereof; (iii) the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder; and (iv) the following conditions:

 

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4.1 Regulatory Matters.

 

4.1.1. Effectiveness of Registration Statement; Rule 430A Information. The Registration Statement has become effective not later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the date of this Agreement or such later date and time as shall be consented to in writing by you, and, at each of the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date, no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has been issued under the Securities Act, no order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus has been issued and no proceedings for any of those purposes have been instituted or are pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, contemplated by the Commission. The Company has complied with each request (if any) from the Commission for additional information. The Prospectus containing the Rule 430A Information shall have been filed with the Commission in the manner and within the time frame required by Rule 424(b) (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8)) or a post-effective amendment providing such information shall have been filed with, and declared effective by, the Commission in accordance with the requirements of Rule 430A.

  

4.1.2. FINRA Clearance. On or before the date of this Agreement, the Representative shall have received clearance from FINRA as to the amount of compensation allowable or payable to the Underwriters as described in the Registration Statement.

  

4.1.3. Exchange Stock Market Clearance. On the Closing Date, the Company’s shares of Common Stock, including the Firm Shares, shall have been approved for listing on the Exchange, subject only to official notice of issuance. On the first Option Closing Date (if any), the Company’s shares of Common Stock, including the Option Shares, shall have been approved for listing on the Exchange, subject only to official notice of issuance.

  

4.2 Company Counsel Matters.

  

4.2.1. Closing Date Opinion of Counsel. On the Closing Date, the Representative shall have received the favorable opinion of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, counsel to the Company, dated the Closing Date and addressed to the Representative, substantially in a form acceptable to the Representative.

  

4.2.2. Opinion of Special Intellectual Property Counsel for the Company. On the Closing Date, the Representative shall have received the opinion of [_____], special intellectual property counsel for the Company, dated the Closing Date, addressed to the Representative, substantially in a form acceptable to the Representative.

  

4.2.3. Closing Date Opinion of Regulatory Counsel to the Company. On the Closing Date, the Representative shall have received the favorable opinion of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, regulatory counsel to the Company, and a written statement providing certain “10b-5” negative assurances, dated the Closing Date and addressed to the Representative, substantially in a form acceptable to the Representative.

  

4.2.4. Option Closing Date Opinions of Counsel. On the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative shall have received the favorable opinions of each counsel listed in Sections 4.2.1, 4.2.2 and 4.2.3, dated the Option Closing Date, addressed to the Representative and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative, confirming as of the Option Closing Date, the statements made by such counsels in their respective opinions delivered on the Closing Date.

 

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4.2.5. Reliance. In rendering such opinions, such counsel may rely: (i) as to matters involving the application of laws other than the laws of the United States and jurisdictions in which they are admitted, to the extent such counsel deems proper and to the extent specified in such opinion, if at all, upon an opinion or opinions (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative) of other counsel reasonably acceptable to the Representative, familiar with the applicable laws; and (ii) as to matters of fact, to the extent they deem proper, on certificates or other written statements of officers of the Company and officers of departments of various jurisdictions having custody of documents respecting the corporate existence or good standing of the Company; provided that copies of any documents respecting the corporate existence or good standing of the Company shall be delivered to Representative Counsel if requested. The opinions of each counsel listed in Sections 4.2.1, 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 and any opinion relied upon by any such counsel shall include a statement to the effect that it may be relied upon by Representative Counsel in its opinion delivered to the Underwriters.

 

4.3 Comfort Letters.

 

4.3.1. Cold Comfort Letter. At the time this Agreement is executed you shall have received a cold comfort letter containing statements and information of the type customarily included in accountants’ comfort letters with respect to the financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, addressed to the Representative and in form and substance satisfactory in all respects to you and to the Auditor, dated as of the date of this Agreement.

 

4.3.2. Bring-down Comfort Letter. At each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative shall have received from the Auditor a letter, dated as of the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as applicable, to the effect that the Auditor reaffirms the statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to Section 4.3.1, except that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more than three (3) business days prior to the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as applicable.

 

4.4 Officers’ Certificates.

 

4.4.1. Officers’ Certificate. The Company shall have furnished to the Representative a certificate, dated as of the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date (if such date is other than the Closing Date), of its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer (on behalf of the Company and not in an individual capacity) stating that (i) such officers have carefully examined the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the Prospectus and, to their knowledge, the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto, as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date) did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and the Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus as of its date and as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), the Prospectus and each amendment or supplement thereto, as of the respective date thereof and as of the Closing Date, did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, (ii) since the effective date of the Registration Statement, no event has occurred which should have been set forth in a supplement or amendment to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus, (iii) to their knowledge, as of the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), the representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects (except for those representations and warranties qualified as to materiality, which shall be true and correct in all respects and except for those representations and warranties which refer to facts existing at a specific date, which shall be true and correct as to such date) and the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date (or any Option Closing Date if such date is other than the Closing Date), and (iv) there has not been, subsequent to the date of the most recent audited financial statements included or incorporated by reference in the Pricing Disclosure Package, any material adverse change in the financial position or results of operations of the Company, or any change or development that, singularly or in the aggregate, would involve a Material Adverse Change.

 

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4.4.2. Secretary’s Certificate. At each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative shall have received a certificate of the Company signed by the Secretary of the Company, dated the Closing Date or the Option Date, as the case may be, respectively, certifying: (i) that each of the Charter and Bylaws is true and complete, has not been modified and is in full force and effect; (ii) that the resolutions of the Company’s Board of Directors relating to the Offering are in full force and effect and have not been modified; (iii) as to the accuracy and completeness of all correspondence between the Company or its counsel and the Commission; and (iv) as to the incumbency of the officers of the Company. The documents referred to in such certificate shall be attached to such certificate.

 

4.4.3. Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate. At each of the Closing Date and the Option Closing Date, if any, the Representative shall have received a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, dated the Closing Date or the Option Date, as the case may be, respectively, with respect to the accuracy of certain information contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Representative.

 

4.5 No Material Changes. Prior to and on each of the Closing Date and each Option Closing Date, if any: (i) there shall have been no Material Adverse Change or development involving a prospective material adverse change in the condition or prospects or the business activities, financial or otherwise, of the Company from the latest dates as of which such condition is set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; (ii) no action, suit or proceeding, at law or in equity, shall have been pending or threatened against the Company or any Insider before or by any court or federal or state commission, board or other administrative agency wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding that would reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the business, operations, properties, assets, prospects or financial condition or income of the Company, except as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; (iii) no stop order shall have been issued under the Securities Act and no proceedings therefor shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; and (iv) the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto shall contain all material statements which are required to be stated therein in accordance with the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and shall conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations, and neither the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package nor the Prospectus nor any amendment or supplement thereto shall contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

4.6 Corporate Proceedings. All corporate proceedings and other legal matters incident to the authorization, form and validity of each of this Agreement, the Public Securities, the Registration Statement, the Disclosure Package and the Prospectus and all other legal matters relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be reasonably satisfactory in all material respects to counsel for the Underwriters, and the Company shall have furnished to such counsel all documents and information that they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters.

 

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4.7 Delivery of Agreements.

 

4.7.1. Lock-Up Agreements. On or before the date of this Agreement, the Company shall have delivered to the Representative executed copies of the Lock-Up Agreements from each of the persons listed in Schedule 3 hereto.

 

4.7.2. Representative’s Warrant Agreement. On the Closing Date, the Company shall have delivered to the Representative executed copies of the Representative’s Warrant Agreement.

 

4.8 Additional Documents. At the Closing Date and at each Option Closing Date (if any) Representative Counsel shall have been furnished with such documents and opinions as they may require for the purpose of enabling Representative Counsel to deliver an opinion to the Underwriters, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Public Securities and the Representative’s Securities as herein contemplated shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Representative and Representative Counsel.

 

5.            Indemnification.

 

5.1  Indemnification of the Underwriters.

 

5.1.1. General. Subject to the conditions set forth below, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, its affiliates and each of its and their respective directors, officers, members, employees, representatives, partners, stockholders, affiliates, counsel, and agents and each person, if any, who controls any such Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (collectively the “Underwriter Indemnified Parties,” and each an “Underwriter Indemnified Party”), against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense whatsoever (including but not limited to any and all legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, whether arising out of any action between any of the Underwriter Indemnified Parties and the Company or between any of the Underwriter Indemnified Parties and any third party, or otherwise) to which they or any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or any other statute or at common law or otherwise or under the laws of foreign countries (a “Claim”) arising out of or based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in (A) the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, or in any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or in any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication (as from time to time each may be amended and supplemented); (B) any materials or information provided to investors by, or with the approval of, the Company in connection with the marketing of the Offering, including any “road show” or investor presentations made to investors by the Company (whether in person or electronically); or (C) any application or other document or written communication (in this Section 5, collectively called “application”) executed by the Company or based upon written information furnished by the Company in any jurisdiction in order to qualify the Public Securities under the securities laws thereof or filed with the Commission, any state securities commission or agency, the Exchange or any other national securities exchange; (ii) the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, the Underwriters’ Information, (iii)  in whole or in part, any inaccuracy in the representations and warranties of the Company contained herein, (iv) in whole or in part, any failure of the Company to perform its obligations hereunder or under applicable law, or (v) otherwise arising in connection with the Offering. The Company also agrees that, subject to the procedures, conditions and limitations set forth in Section 5.1.2, it will reimburse each Underwriter Indemnified Party for all fees and expenses (including but not limited to any and all legal or other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, whether arising out of any action between any of the Underwriter Indemnified Parties and the Company or between any of the Underwriter Indemnified Parties and any third party, or otherwise) (collectively, the “Expenses”), and further agrees wherever and whenever possible to advance payment of Expenses as they are incurred by an Underwriter Indemnified Party in investigating, preparing, pursuing or defending any Claim.

 

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5.1.2. Notifications and Other Indemnification Procedures. Any party that proposes to assert the right to be indemnified under this Section 5 shall, promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any action against such party in respect of which a claim is to be made against an indemnifying party or parties under this Section 5, notify each such indemnifying party of the commencement of such action, but the omission so to notify such indemnifying party shall not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability that it may have to any indemnified party under the foregoing provisions of this Section 5 unless, and only to the extent that, such omission results in the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses by the indemnifying party. If any such action is brought against any indemnified party and it notifies the indemnifying party of its commencement, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in and, to the extent that it elects jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense of the action, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party to the indemnified party of its election to assume the defense, the indemnifying party will not be liable to the indemnified party for any legal or other expenses except as provided below and except for the reasonable costs of investigation subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the defense; provided, however, that if, (A) the indemnified party(ies) has reasonably concluded based upon the advice of counsel that it is advisable for the indemnified party(ies) to be represented (as a group in the case of the Underwriters) by separate counsel, (B) the employment of separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party(ies) is authorized in writing by the indemnifying party(ies) or (C) the indemnifying party(ies) shall not have employed counsel to have charge of the defense of such action, the indemnified party(ies) shall have the right to employ a single counsel (in addition to local counsel) to represent the indemnified party(ies) who may be subject to liability arising from any claim in respect of which indemnity may be sought by the Underwriters under this Section 5, in which event the reasonable fees and expenses of such separate counsel shall be borne by the indemnifying party or parties and reimbursed to the indemnified party(ies) as incurred. It is understood that the indemnifying party or parties shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of more than one separate firm (and local counsel) admitted to practice in such jurisdiction at any one time for all such indemnified party or parties. All such fees, disbursements and other charges shall be reimbursed by the indemnifying party promptly as they are incurred. An indemnifying party shall not be liable for any settlement of any action or claim effected without its written consent (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of each indemnified party, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action or proceeding relating to the matters contemplated by this Section 5 (whether or not any indemnified party is a party thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability arising or that may arise out of such claim, action or proceeding and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel, such indemnifying party agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of the nature contemplated by this Section 5.1.2 effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 45 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request, and (ii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed such indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement.

 

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5.2 Indemnification of the Company. Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors, its officers who signed the Registration Statement and persons who control the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense described in the foregoing indemnity from the Company to the several Underwriters, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions or alleged untrue statements or omissions made in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Disclosure Package or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or in any application, in reliance upon, and in strict conformity with, the Underwriters’ Information. In case any action shall be brought against the Company or any other person so indemnified based on any Preliminary Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto or any application, and in respect of which indemnity may be sought against any Underwriter, such Underwriter shall have the rights and duties given to the Company, and the Company and each other person so indemnified shall have the rights and duties given to the several Underwriters by the provisions of Section 5.1.2. The Company agrees promptly to notify the Representative of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against the Company or any of its officers, directors or any person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, in connection with the issuance and sale of the Public Securities or in connection with the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication.

 

5.3 Contribution.

 

5.3.1. Contribution Rights. If the indemnification provided for in this Section 5 shall for any reason be unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under Section 5.1 or 5.2 in respect of any loss, claim, damage or liability, or any action in respect thereof, referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, (i) in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, from the Offering of the Public Securities, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to the statements or omissions that resulted in such loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other, with respect to such Offering shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the Offering of the Public Securities purchased under this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the Company, as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus, on the one hand, and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters with respect to the shares of the Common Stock purchased under this Agreement, as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus, on the other hand. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or the Underwriters, the intent of the parties and their relative knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this Section 5.3.1 were to be determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the loss, claim, damage or liability, or action in respect thereof, referred to above in this Section 5.3.1 shall be deemed to include, for purposes of this Section 5.3.1, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5.3.1 in no event shall an Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriter with respect to the Offering of the Public Securities exceeds the amount of any damages that such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

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5.3.2. Contribution Procedure. Within fifteen (15) days after receipt by any party to this Agreement (or its representative) of notice of the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, such party will, if a claim for contribution in respect thereof is to be made against another party (“contributing party”), notify the contributing party of the commencement thereof, but the failure to so notify the contributing party will not relieve it from any liability which it may have to any other party other than for contribution hereunder. In case any such action, suit or proceeding is brought against any party, and such party notifies a contributing party or its representative of the commencement thereof within the aforesaid 15 days, the contributing party will be entitled to participate therein with the notifying party and any other contributing party similarly notified. Any such contributing party shall not be liable to any party seeking contribution on account of any settlement of any claim, action or proceeding affected by such party seeking contribution on account of any settlement of any claim, action or proceeding affected by such party seeking contribution without the written consent of such contributing party. The contribution provisions contained in this Section 5.3.2 are intended to supersede, to the extent permitted by law, any right to contribution under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise available. Each Underwriter’s obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 5.3 are several and not joint.

 

6.             Default by an Underwriter.

 

6.1 Default Not Exceeding 10% of Firm Shares or Option Shares. If any Underwriter or Underwriters shall default in its or their obligations to purchase the Firm Shares or the Option Shares, if the Over-allotment Option is exercised hereunder, and if the number of the Firm Shares or Option Shares with respect to which such default relates does not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the number of Firm Shares or Option Shares that all Underwriters have agreed to purchase hereunder, then such Firm Shares or Option Shares to which the default relates shall be purchased by the non-defaulting Underwriters in proportion to their respective commitments hereunder.

 

6.2 Default Exceeding 10% of Firm Shares or Option Shares. In the event that the default addressed in Section 6.1 relates to more than 10% of the Firm Shares or Option Shares, the Representative may in its discretion arrange for it or for another party or parties to purchase such Firm Shares or Option Shares to which such default relates on the terms contained herein. If, within one (1) Business Day after such default relating to more than 10% of the Firm Shares or Option Shares, the Representative does not arrange for the purchase of such Firm Shares or Option Shares, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of one (1) Business Day within which to procure another party or parties satisfactory to the Representative to purchase said Firm Shares or Option Shares on such terms. In the event that neither the Representative nor the Company arrange for the purchase of the Firm Shares or Option Shares to which a default relates as provided in this Section 6, this Agreement will automatically be terminated by the Representative or the Company without liability on the part of the Company (except as provided in Sections 3.10 and 5 hereof) or the several Underwriters (except as provided in Section 5 hereof); provided, however, that if such default occurs with respect to the Option Shares, this Agreement will not terminate as to the Firm Shares; and provided, further, that nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter of its liability, if any, to the other Underwriters and to the Company for damages occasioned by its default hereunder.

 

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6.3 Postponement of Closing Date. In the event that the Firm Shares or Option Shares to which the default relates are to be purchased by the non-defaulting Underwriters, or are to be purchased by another party or parties as aforesaid, you or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date or Option Closing Date for a reasonable period, but not in any event exceeding five (5) Business Days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus or in any other documents and arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendment to the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package or the Prospectus that in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriter may thereby be made necessary. The term “Underwriter” as used in this Agreement shall include any party substituted under this Section 6 with like effect as if it had originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to such shares of Common Stock.

 

7.            Additional Covenants.

 

7.1 Board Composition and Board Designations. The Company shall ensure that: (i) the qualifications of the persons serving as members of the Board of Directors and the overall composition of the Board comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, with the Exchange Act and with the listing rules of the Exchange or any other national securities exchange, as the case may be, in the event the Company seeks to have its Public Securities listed on another exchange or quoted on an automated quotation system, and (ii) if applicable, at least one member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined under Regulation S-K and the listing rules of the Exchange.

 

7.2 Prohibition on Press Releases and Public Announcements. The Company shall not issue press releases or engage in any other publicity, without the Representative’s prior written consent, for a period ending at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the first (1st) Business Day following the forty-fifth (45th) day after the Closing Date, other than normal and customary releases issued in the ordinary course of the Company’s business.

 

7.3 Right of First Refusal. Provided that the Firm Shares are sold in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Representative shall have an irrevocable right of first refusal (the “Right of First Refusal”), for a period of eighteen (18) months from the Closing Date, to act as sole and exclusive investment banker, sole and exclusive book-runner, and/or sole and exclusive placement agent, at the Representative’s sole discretion, for each and every future public and private equity and debt offering, including all equity linked financings (each, a “Subject Transaction”), during such eighteen (18) month period, for the Company, or any successor to or subsidiary of the Company, on terms and conditions customary to the Representative for such Subject Transactions. For the avoidance of any doubt, the Company shall not retain, engage or solicit any additional investment banker, book-runner, financial advisor, underwriter and/or placement agent in a Subject Transaction without the express written consent of the Representative.

 

The Company shall notify the Representative of its intention to pursue a Subject Transaction, including the material terms thereof, by providing written notice to the Representative pursuant to Section 9.1.  If the Representative fails to exercise its Right of First Refusal with respect to any Subject Transaction within ten (10) Business Days after such written notice is given pursuant to Section 9.1, then the Representative shall have no further claim or right with respect to the Subject Transaction. The Representative may elect, in its sole and absolute discretion, not to exercise its Right of First Refusal with respect to any Subject Transaction; provided that any such election by the Representative shall not adversely affect the Representative’s Right of First Refusal with respect to any other Subject Transaction during the eighteen (18) month period agreed to above.

 

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8.             Effective Date of this Agreement and Termination Thereof.

 

8.1 Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective when both the Company and the Representative have executed the same and delivered counterparts of such signatures to the other party.

 

8.2 Termination. The Representative shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time prior to any Closing Date, (i) if any domestic or international event or act or occurrence has materially disrupted, or in the Representative’s opinion will in the immediate future materially disrupt, general securities markets in the United States; or (ii) if trading on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC shall have been suspended or materially limited, or minimum or maximum prices for trading shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities shall have been required by FINRA or by order of the Commission or any other government authority having jurisdiction; or (iii) if the United States shall have become involved in a new war or an increase in major hostilities; or (iv) if a banking moratorium has been declared by a New York State or federal authority; or (v) if a moratorium on foreign exchange trading has been declared which materially adversely impacts the United States securities markets; or (vi) if the Company shall have sustained a material loss by fire, flood, accident, hurricane, earthquake, theft, sabotage or other calamity or malicious act which, whether or not such loss shall have been insured, will, in the Representative’s opinion, make it inadvisable to proceed with the delivery of the Firm Shares or Option Shares; or (vii) if the Company is in material breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants hereunder; or (viii) if the Representative shall have become aware after the date hereof of such a Material Adverse Change, or such Adverse Material Change in general market conditions as in the Representative’s judgment would make it impracticable to proceed with the offering, sale and/or delivery of the Public Securities or to enforce contracts made by the Underwriters for the sale of the Public Securities.

 

8.3 Expenses. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, except in the case of a default by the Underwriters, pursuant to Section 6.2 above, in the event that this Agreement shall not be carried out for any reason whatsoever, within the time specified herein or any extensions thereof pursuant to the terms herein, the Company shall be obligated to pay to the Underwriters their actual and accountable out-of-pocket expenses related to the transactions contemplated herein then due and payable (including the fees and disbursements of Representative Counsel) up to $300,000, inclusive of the $35,000 advance for accountable expenses previously paid by the Company to the Representative (the “Advance”) and upon demand the Company shall pay the full amount thereof to the Representative on behalf of the Underwriters; provided, however, that such expense cap in no way limits or impairs the indemnification and contribution provisions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any advance received by the Representative will be reimbursed to the Company to the extent not actually incurred in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(4)(A).

 

8.4 Indemnification. Notwithstanding any contrary provision contained in this Agreement, any election hereunder or any termination of this Agreement, and whether or not this Agreement is otherwise carried out, the provisions of Section 5 shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be in any way affected by, such election or termination or failure to carry out the terms of this Agreement or any part hereof.

 

8.5 Representations, Warranties, Agreements to Survive. All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement or in certificates of officers of the Company submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or its Affiliates or selling agents, any person controlling any Underwriter, its officers or directors or any person controlling the Company or (ii) delivery of and payment for the Public Securities.

 

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9.             Miscellaneous.

 

9.1 Notices. All communications hereunder, except as herein otherwise specifically provided, shall be in writing and shall be mailed (registered or certified mail, return receipt requested), personally delivered or sent by facsimile transmission and confirmed and shall be deemed given when so delivered or faxed and confirmed or if mailed, two (2) days after such mailing.

 

If to the Representative:

 

ThinkEquity LLC

17 State Street, 22nd Floor

New York, New York 10004

Attn: Mr. Eric Lord, Head of Investment Banking

Fax No.: (212) 349-2550

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Gracin & Marlow, LLP

The Chrysler Building

405 Lexington Avenue, 26th Floor

New York, New York 10174

Attention: Leslie Marlow, Esq. or Patrick J. Egan, Esq.

E-mail: lmarlow@gracinmarlow.com or pegan@gracinmarlow.com

Fax No.: (212) 208-4657    

 

If to the Company:

 

Tivic Health Systems Inc.

39899 Balentine Dr., Suite #200

Newark, California 94560

Attention: Jennifer Ernst

   Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder

Fax No.: [●]

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP

12544 High Bluff Drive, Suite 400

San Diego, California 92130

Attn: Roger Rappoport, Esq. or Christopher L. Tinen, Esq.

Fax No.: (619) 398-0102

 

9.2 Headings. The headings contained herein are for the sole purpose of convenience of reference, and shall not in any way limit or affect the meaning or interpretation of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement.

 

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9.3 Amendment. This Agreement may only be amended by a written instrument executed by each of the parties hereto.

 

9.4 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (together with the other agreements and documents being delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement) constitutes the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the parties, oral and written, with respect to the subject matter hereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, it is understood and agreed by the parties hereto that all other terms and conditions of that certain engagement letter between the Company and ThinkEquity, a division of Fordham Financial Management, Inc. (now known as ThinkEquity LLC), dated February 10, 2021, shall remain in full force and effect, provided however that to the extent that any provision of the engagement letter is inconsistent with a provision of this Agreement, the terms contained in this Agreement shall prevail.

 

9.5 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall inure solely to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the Representative, the Underwriters, the Company and the controlling persons, directors and officers referred to in Section 5 hereof, and their respective successors, legal representatives, heirs and assigns, and no other person shall have or be construed to have any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of or by virtue of this Agreement or any provisions herein contained. The term “successors and assigns” shall not include a purchaser, in its capacity as such, of securities from any of the Underwriters.

 

9.6 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Trial by Jury. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to conflict of laws principles thereof. The Company hereby agrees that any action, proceeding or claim against it arising out of, or relating in any way to this Agreement shall be brought and enforced in the New York Supreme Court, County of New York, or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and irrevocably submits to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction shall be exclusive. The Company hereby waives any objection to such exclusive jurisdiction and that such courts represent an inconvenient forum. Any such process or summons to be served upon the Company may be served by transmitting a copy thereof by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to it at the address set forth in Section 9.1 hereof. Such mailing shall be deemed personal service and shall be legal and binding upon the Company in any action, proceeding or claim. The Company agrees that the prevailing party(ies) in any such action shall be entitled to recover from the other party(ies) all of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses relating to such action or proceeding and/or incurred in connection with the preparation therefor. The Company (on its behalf and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, on behalf of its stockholders and affiliates) and each of the Underwriters hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

9.7 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts has been signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered to each of the other parties hereto. Delivery of a signed counterpart of this Agreement by facsimile or email/pdf transmission shall constitute valid and sufficient delivery thereof.

 

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9.8 Waiver, etc. The failure of any of the parties hereto to at any time enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any such provision, nor to in any way effect the validity of this Agreement or any provision hereof or the right of any of the parties hereto to thereafter enforce each and every provision of this Agreement. No waiver of any breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument executed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought; and no waiver of any such breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach, non-compliance or non-fulfillment.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

41 

 

 

If the foregoing correctly sets forth the understanding between the Underwriters and the Company, please so indicate in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this letter shall constitute a binding agreement between us.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS INC.
   
  By:    
    Name:  Jennifer Ernst
    Title:  Chief Executive Officer

 

Confirmed as of the date first written above mentioned, on behalf of itself and as Representative of the several Underwriters named on Schedule 1 hereto:

 

THINKEQUITY LLC  
   
By:    
  Name:  
  Title:    

 

[Signature Page to Tivic Health Systems Inc. – Underwriting Agreement]

 

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SCHEDULE 1

 

Underwriter  

Total Number of

Firm Shares to be

Purchased

 

Number of

Additional

Shares to be Purchased if

the Over-
Allotment
Option

is Fully
Exercised

ThinkEquity LLC        
         
TOTAL        

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 2-A

 

Pricing Information

 

Number of Firm Shares: [●]

 

Number of Option Shares: [●]

 

Public Offering Price per Share: $[●]

 

Underwriting Discount per Share: $[●]

 

Underwriting Non-accountable expense allowance per Share: $[●]

 

Proceeds to Company per Share (before expenses): $[●]

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 2-B

 

Issuer General Use Free Writing Prospectuses

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 2-C

 

Written Testing-the-Waters Communications

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 3

 

List of Lock-Up Parties

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Form of Representative’s Warrant Agreement

 

Exhibit a-1

 

 

Exhibit B

 

Form of Lock-Up Agreement

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT C

 

Form of Press Release

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.2

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT 

OF 

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION 

OF 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

   

Tivic Health Systems, Inc. (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), hereby certifies that:

   

FIRST:          The name of this Corporation is Tivic Health Systems, Inc. The Corporation was incorporated in Delaware pursuant to the filing of the Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 7, 2021.

   

SECOND:     The Board of Directors of the Corporation, acting in accordance with the provisions of Sections 141 and 242 of the DGCL, duly adopted resolutions approving the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation and declared said amendment to be advisable and in the best interests of the Corporation. The resolutions provide that the Certificate of Incorporation be further amended as set forth below.

   

THIRD:         The Certificate of Incorporation is hereby amended by deleting in its entirety the first paragraph of Article IV thereof and inserting the following in lieu thereof:

   

“IV. 

The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 35,113,621 shares, of which (i) 25,000,000 shares shall be designated as common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), and (ii) 10,113,621 shares shall be designated as preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Preferred Stock”).

   

Upon the filing and effectiveness (the “Effective Time”), pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, of this Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, every four (4) shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, automatically and without any action on the part of the respective holders thereof, be combined and converted into One (1) share of Common Stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”).

   

No fractional shares shall be issued as a result of the Reverse Stock Split. Any holder who would otherwise be entitled to a fractional share of Common Stock as a result of the Reverse Stock Split shall, at the Effective Time, receive a whole share in lieu of any such factional share (after aggregating all fractions of a share to which such stockholder would otherwise be entitled).

   

Each stock certificate that, immediately prior to the Effective Time, represented shares of Common Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, from and after the Effective Time, automatically and without the necessity of presenting the same for exchange, represent that number of whole shares of Common Stock after the Effective Time into which the shares formerly represented by such certificate have been reclassified (as well as the right to receive a whole share in lieu of fractional shares of Common Stock after the Effective Time); provided, however, that each holder of a certificate that represented shares of Common Stock that were issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall receive, upon surrender of such certificate, a new certificate evidencing and representing the number of whole shares of Common Stock after the Effective Time into which the shares of Common Stock formerly represented by such certificate shall have been reclassified.”

 

 

 

 

FOURTH:     The foregoing amendment was submitted to the stockholders of the Corporation and has been duly approved, consented to, authorized and adopted by the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the DGCL, by execution of a written consent given in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 228 of the DGCL.

   

FIFTH:          The foregoing amendment shall be effective upon filing of this Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

   

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

2

 

  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate to be signed by a duly authorized officer this this 30th day of August, 2021.

   

  Tivic Health Systems, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Jennifer Ernst
  Name: Jennifer Ernst
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

3

 

 

 

Exhibit 3.3

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

   

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

   

OF

   

TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.

   

(Pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware)

   

Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,

   

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

   

1.            That the name of this corporation is Tivic Health Systems, Inc., and that this corporation was originally incorporated pursuant to the General Corporation Law on June 7, 2021 under the name Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

   

2.            That the Board of Directors duly adopted resolutions proposing to amend and restate the Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation, declaring said amendment and restatement to be advisable and in the best interests of this corporation and its stockholders, and authorizing the appropriate officers of this corporation to solicit the consent of the stockholders therefor, which resolution setting forth the proposed amendment and restatement is as follows:

   

RESOLVED, that the Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation be amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

   

FIRST:     The name of the Corporation is Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

   

SECOND: The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Zip Code 19808. The name of its registered agent at that address is the Corporation Service Company.

   

THIRD:    The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted by the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended or any successor statute.

   

FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 210,000,000 shares, consisting of (a) 200,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), and (b) 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share (“Preferred Stock”).

   

The following is a statement of the designations and the powers, privileges and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof in respect of each class of capital stock of the Corporation.

   

A. COMMON STOCK.

   

1. General. The voting, dividend and liquidation rights of the holders of the Common Stock are subject to and qualified by the rights of the holders of the Preferred Stock of any series as may be designated by the Board of Directors upon any issuance of the Preferred Stock of any series.

   

2. Voting. The holders of the Common Stock shall have voting rights at all meetings of stockholders, each such holder being entitled to one vote for each share thereof held by such holder; providedhowever, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate of Incorporation (which, as used herein, shall mean the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, as amended from time to time, including the terms of any certificate of designations of any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together as a class with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation or the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. There shall be no cumulative voting. The number of authorized shares of Common Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

 

 

  

3. Dividends. Dividends may be declared and paid on the Common Stock as and when determined by the Board of Directors subject to any preferential dividend or other rights of any then outstanding Preferred Stock and to the requirements of applicable law.

   

4. Liquidation. Upon the dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, holders of Common Stock will be entitled to receive all assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, subject to any preferential or other rights of any then outstanding Preferred Stock.

   

B. PREFERRED STOCK.

   

Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series, each of such series to have such terms as stated or expressed herein and in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such series adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation as hereinafter provided.

   

Authority is hereby expressly granted to the Board of Directors from time to time to issue the Preferred Stock in one or more series, and in connection with the creation of any such series, by adopting a resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of the shares thereof and by filing a certificate of designations relating thereto in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, to determine and fix the number of shares of such series and such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including without limitation thereof, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, as shall be stated and expressed in such resolutions, all to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. The powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of each such series of Preferred Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of any series of Preferred Stock may provide that such series shall be superior or rank equally or be junior to any other series of Preferred Stock to the extent permitted by law.

   

The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

   

FIFTH:     Except as otherwise provided herein, the Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute and this Certificate of Incorporation, and all rights conferred upon stockholders, directors or any other persons herein are granted subject to this reservation.

   

SIXTH:    In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred upon it by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and subject to the terms of any series of Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors shall have the power to adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. The stockholders may not adopt, amend, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation, or adopt any provision inconsistent therewith, unless such action is approved, in addition to any other vote required by this Certificate of Incorporation, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, and notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage may be specified by law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon shall be required to amend or repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, this Article SIXTH.

 

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SEVENTH:   Except to the extent that the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware prohibits the elimination or limitation of liability of directors for breaches of fiduciary duty, no director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such liability. No amendment to or repeal of this provision shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any director of the Corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of such director occurring prior to such amendment or repeal. If the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware is amended to permit further elimination or limitation of the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as so amended.

   

EIGHTH:   This Article EIGHTH is inserted for the management of the business and for the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation.

   

1. General Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors.

   

2. Number of Directors; Election of Directors. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the number of directors of the Corporation shall be established from time to time by the Board of Directors. Election of directors need not be by written ballot, except as and to the extent provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation. The directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock under specified circumstances, shall be divided into three classes, with the term of office of the first class (Class I) to expire at the Corporation’s first annual meeting of stockholders held after the date hereof, the term of office of the second class (Class II) to expire at the Corporation’s second annual meeting of stockholders held after the date hereof and the term of office of the third class (Class III) to expire at the Corporation’s third annual meeting of stockholders held after the date hereof, with each director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. At each annual meeting of stockholders held after the date hereof, directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election, with each director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. The Board is hereby authorized to assign the members of the Board already in office to the classes of the Board effective as of the date hereof.

   

3. Stockholder Nominations and Introduction of Business, Etc. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for election of directors and other business to be brought by stockholders before a meeting of stockholders shall be given in the manner provided by the Bylaws of the Corporation.

   

4. Amendments to Article. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, and notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage may be specified by law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon shall be required to amend or repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, this Article EIGHTH.

   

NINTH:    No action that is required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation at any annual or special meeting of stockholders may be effected by written consent of stockholders in lieu of a meeting. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, and notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage may be specified by law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon shall be required to amend or repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, this Article NINTH.

   

TENTH:   Special meetings of stockholders for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time only by the Board of Directors, the chairperson of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer or the president (in the absence of a chief executive officer), and may not be called by any other person or persons. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of meeting. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, and notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage may be specified by law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon shall be required to amend or repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, this Article TENTH.

 

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ELEVENTH:    Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by, or other wrongdoing by, any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, creditors or other constituents, (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, (d) any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation or (e) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each case subject to said Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein; provided that, if and only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware dismisses any such action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, such action may be brought in another state or federal court sitting in the State of Delaware. This Article ELEVENTH shall not apply to actions brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Further, unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor thereto or, to the fullest extent permitted by law, under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor thereto. Failure to enforce the foregoing provisions of this Article ELEVENTH would cause the Corporation irreparable harm, and the Corporation shall be entitled to equitable relief, including injunctive relief and specific performance, to enforce the foregoing provisions.

   

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article ELEVENTH. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, and notwithstanding the fact that a lesser percentage may be specified by law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon shall be required to amend or repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, this Article ELEVENTH. If any provision or provisions of this Article ELEVENTH shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any person or entity or circumstance for any reason whatsoever, then, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Article ELEVENTH (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Article ELEVENTH containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) and the application of such provision to other persons or entities and circumstances shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

   

* * *

   

3.            That the foregoing amendment and restatement was approved by the holders of the requisite number of shares of this corporation in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law.

   

4.            That this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which restates and integrates and further amends the provisions of this Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation, has been duly adopted in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law.

   

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been executed by a duly authorized officer of this corporation on this ___ day of _______________, 2021.

   

  TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.
   
  By:  
    Name: Jennifer Ernst
    Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer  

 

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Exhibit 3.5

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

 

BYLAWS

 

OF

 

TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.

 

(a Delaware corporation)

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

 

ARTICLE I—CORPORATE OFFICES 4
     
1.1 REGISTERED OFFICE 4
1.2 OTHER OFFICES 4
   
ARTICLE II—MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS 4
   
2.1 PLACE OF MEETINGS 4
2.2 ANNUAL MEETING 4
2.3 SPECIAL MEETING 4
2.4 ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES FOR BUSINESS BROUGHT BEFORE A MEETING 4
2.5 ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES FOR NOMINATIONS OF DIRECTORS 8
2.6 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS 10
2.7 MANNER OF GIVING NOTICE; AFFIDAVIT OF NOTICE 11
2.8 QUORUM 11
2.9 ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE 11
2.10 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS 11
2.11 VOTING 12
2.12 STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING 12
2.13 RECORD DATE FOR STOCKHOLDER NOTICE; VOTING 12
2.14 PROXIES 13
2.15 LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE 13
2.16 POSTPONEMENT AND CANCELLATION OF MEETING 13
2.17 INSPECTORS OF ELECTION 13
   
ARTICLE III—DIRECTORS 14
     
3.1 POWERS 14
3.2 NUMBER OF DIRECTORS 14
3.3 ELECTION, QUALIFICATION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS 14
3.4 RESIGNATION AND VACANCIES 14
3.5 PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE 14
3.6 REGULAR MEETINGS 15
3.7 SPECIAL MEETINGS; NOTICE 15
3.8 QUORUM 15
3.9 BOARD ACTION BY CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING 15
3.10 FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS 15
3.11 REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS 15

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

Page

 

ARTICLE IV—COMMITTEES 16
     
4.1 COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS 16
4.2 COMMITTEE MINUTES 16
4.3 MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES 16
   
ARTICLE V—OFFICERS 16
     
5.1 OFFICERS 16
5.2 APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS 17
5.3 SUBORDINATE OFFICERS 17
5.4 REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS 17
5.5 VACANCIES IN OFFICES 17
5.6 REPRESENTATION OF SHARES OF OTHER CORPORATIONS 17
5.7 AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS 17
   
ARTICLE VI—RECORDS AND REPORTS 17
     
6.1 MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS 17
   
ARTICLE VII—GENERAL MATTERS 18
     
7.1 EXECUTION OF CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS 18
7.2 STOCK CERTIFICATES; PARTLY PAID SHARES 18
7.3 SPECIAL DESIGNATION ON CERTIFICATES 18
7.4 LOST CERTIFICATES 18
7.5 CONSTRUCTION; DEFINITIONS 18
7.6 DIVIDENDS 19
7.7 FISCAL YEAR 19
7.8 SEAL 19
7.9 TRANSFER OF STOCK 19
7.10 STOCK TRANSFER AGREEMENTS 19
7.11 REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS 19
7.12 WAIVER OF NOTICE 19
   
ARTICLE VIII—NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION 20
     
8.1 NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION 20
8.2 DEFINITION OF ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION 20
     
ARTICLE IX—INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT 20
     
9.1 ACTIONS, SUITS AND PROCEEDINGS OTHER THAN BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION 20
9.2 ACTIONS OR SUITS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION 21
9.3 INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF SUCCESSFUL PARTY 21
9.4 NOTIFICATION AND DEFENSE OF CLAIM 22
9.5 ADVANCE OF EXPENSES 22
9.6 PROCEDURE FOR INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES 22
9.7 REMEDIES 23
9.8 LIMITATIONS 23
9.9 SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENT 23
9.10 OTHER RIGHTS 23
9.11 PARTIAL INDEMNIFICATION 23

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

Page

 

9.12   INSURANCE   24
9.13   SAVINGS CLAUSE   24
9.14   DEFINITIONS   24
   
ARTICLE X—AMENDMENTS   28

 

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AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.

 

 

ARTICLE I—CORPORATE OFFICES

 

1.1 REGISTERED OFFICE.

 

The registered office of Tivic Health Systems, Inc. (the “Corporation”) shall be fixed in the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “certificate of incorporation”).

 

1.2 OTHER OFFICES.

 

The Corporation’s board of directors (the “Board”) may at any time establish other offices at any place or places where the Corporation is qualified to do business.

 

ARTICLE II—MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

2.1 PLACE OF MEETINGS.

 

Meetings of stockholders shall be held at any place, within or outside the State of Delaware, designated by the Board. The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that a meeting of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as authorized by Section 211(a)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”). In the absence of any such designation or determination, stockholders’ meetings shall be held at the Corporation’s principal executive office.

 

2.2 ANNUAL MEETING.

 

The Board shall designate the date and time of the annual meeting. At the annual meeting, directors shall be elected and other proper business properly brought before the meeting in accordance with Section 2.4 of these bylaws may be transacted.

 

2.3 SPECIAL MEETING.

 

A special meeting of the stockholders may be called at any time by the Board, chairperson of the Board, chief executive officer or president (in the absence of a chief executive officer), but such special meetings may not be called by any other person or persons.

 

No business may be transacted at such special meeting other than the business specified in such notice to stockholders. Nothing contained in this paragraph of this Section 2.3 shall be construed as limiting, fixing, or affecting the time when a meeting of stockholders called by action of the Board may be held.

 

2.4 ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES FOR BUSINESS BROUGHT BEFORE A MEETING.

 

(a) At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. To be properly brought before an annual meeting, business must be (i) brought before the meeting by the Corporation and specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the Board, (ii) brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board (or a committee thereof) or (iii) otherwise properly brought before the meeting by a stockholder who (A) was a stockholder of record of the Corporation (and, with respect to any beneficial owner, if different, on whose behalf such business is proposed, only if such beneficial owner was the beneficial owner of shares of the Corporation) both at the time of giving the notice provided for in this Section 2.4 and at the time of the meeting, (B) is entitled to vote at the meeting and (C) has complied with this Section 2.4 as to such business. Except for proposals properly made in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (as so amended and inclusive of such rules and regulations, the “Exchange Act”), and included in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the Board, the foregoing clause (iii) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to propose business to be brought before an annual meeting of the stockholders. Stockholders shall not be permitted to propose business to be brought before a special meeting of the stockholders, and the only matters that may be brought before a special meeting are the matters specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling the meeting pursuant to Section 2.3 of these bylaws. Stockholders seeking to nominate persons for election to the Board must comply with Section 2.5 of these bylaws, and this Section 2.4 shall not be applicable to nominations except as expressly provided in Section 2.5 of these bylaws.

 

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(b) Without qualification, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of the second sentence of Section 2.4(a) of these bylaws, the stockholder must (i) provide Timely Notice (as defined below) thereof in writing and in proper form to the secretary of the Corporation and (ii) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.4. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to, or mailed and received by the Secretary at, the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that (x) if the date of the annual meeting is more than thirty (30) days before or more than sixty (60) days after such anniversary date or (y) with respect to the first annual meeting held after the Company’s initial public offering of its shares pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered, or mailed and received, not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the later of the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting and the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting was first made (such notice within such time periods, “Timely Notice”). In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of Timely Notice as described above.

 

(c) To be in proper form for purposes of this Section 2.4, a stockholder’s notice to the secretary of the Corporation shall set forth:

 

(i) As to each Proposing Person (as defined below), (A) the name and address of such Proposing Person (including, without limitation, if applicable, the name and address that appear on the Corporation’s books and records) and (B) the class or series and number of shares of the Corporation that are, directly or indirectly, owned of record or beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) by such Proposing Person, except that such Proposing Person shall in all events be deemed to beneficially own any shares of any class or series of the Corporation as to which such Proposing Person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time in the future (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (A) and (B) are referred to as “Stockholder Information”);

 

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(ii) As to each Proposing Person, (A) any derivative, swap or other transaction or series of transactions engaged in, directly or indirectly, by such Proposing Person, the purpose or effect of which is to give such Proposing Person economic risk similar to ownership of shares of any class or series of the Corporation, including, without limitation, due to the fact that the value of such derivative, swap or other transactions are determined by reference to the price, value or volatility of any shares of any class or series of the Corporation, or which derivative, swap or other transactions provide, directly or indirectly, the opportunity to profit from any increase in the price or value of shares of any class or series of the Corporation (“Synthetic Equity Interests”), which Synthetic Equity Interests shall be disclosed without regard to whether (x) the derivative, swap or other transactions convey any voting rights in such shares to such Proposing Person, (y) the derivative, swap or other transactions are required to be, or are capable of being, settled through delivery of such shares or (z) such Proposing Person may have entered into other transactions that hedge or mitigate the economic effect of such derivative, swap or other transactions, (B) any proxy (other than a revocable proxy or consent given in response to a solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with, Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act by way of a solicitation statement filed on Schedule 14A), agreement, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such Proposing Person has or shares a right to vote any shares of any class or series of the Corporation, (C) any agreement, arrangement, understanding or relationship, including, without limitation, any repurchase or similar so-called “stock borrowing” agreement or arrangement, engaged in, directly or indirectly, by such Proposing Person, the purpose or effect of which is to mitigate loss to, reduce the economic risk (of ownership or otherwise) of shares of any class or series of the Corporation by, manage the risk of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such Proposing Person with respect to the shares of any class or series of the Corporation, or which provides, directly or indirectly, the opportunity to profit from any decrease in the price or value of the shares of any class or series of the Corporation (“Short Interests”), (D) any rights to dividends on the shares of any class or series of the Corporation owned beneficially by such Proposing Person that are separated or separable from the underlying shares of the Corporation, (E) any performance related fees (other than an asset based fee) that such Proposing Person is entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the price or value of shares of any class or series of the Corporation, or any Synthetic Equity Interests or Short Interests, if any, (F)(x) if such Proposing Person is not a natural person, the identity of the natural person or persons associated with such Proposing Person responsible for the formulation of and decision to propose the business to be brought before the meeting (such person or persons, the “Responsible Person”), the manner in which such Responsible Person was selected, any fiduciary duties owed by such Responsible Person to the equity holders or other beneficiaries of such Proposing Person, the qualifications and background of such Responsible Person and any material interests or relationships of such Responsible Person that are not shared generally by any other record or beneficial holder of the shares of any class or series of the Corporation and that reasonably could have influenced the decision of such Proposing Person to propose such business to be brought before the meeting, and (y) if such Proposing Person is a natural person, the qualifications and background of such natural person and any material interests or relationships of such natural person that are not shared generally by any other record or beneficial holder of the shares of any class or series of the Corporation and that reasonably could have influenced the decision of such Proposing Person to propose such business to be brought before the meeting, (G) any significant equity interests or any Synthetic Equity Interests or Short Interests in any principal competitor of the Corporation held by such Proposing Persons, (H) any direct or indirect interest of such Proposing Person in any contract with the Corporation, any affiliate of the Corporation or any principal competitor of the Corporation (including, without limitation, in any such case, any employment agreement, collective bargaining agreement or consulting agreement), (I) any pending or threatened litigation in which such Proposing Person is a party or material participant involving the Corporation or any of its officers or directors, or any affiliate of the Corporation, (J) any material transaction occurring during the prior twelve months between such Proposing Person, on the one hand, and the Corporation, any affiliate of the Corporation or any principal competitor of the Corporation, on the other hand, (K) a summary of any material discussions regarding the business proposed to be brought before the meeting (x) between or among any of the Proposing Persons or (y) between or among any Proposing Person and any other record or beneficial holder of the shares of any class or series of the Corporation (including, without limitation, their names) and (L) any other information relating to such Proposing Person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies or consents by such Proposing Person in support of the business proposed to be brought before the meeting pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (A) through (L) are referred to as “Disclosable Interests”); provided, however, that Disclosable Interests shall not include any such disclosures with respect to the ordinary course business activities of any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is a Proposing Person solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these bylaws on behalf of a beneficial owner; and

 

(iii) As to each item of business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting, (A) a reasonably brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting and any material interest in such business of each Proposing Person, (B) the text of the proposal or business (including, without limitation, the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend the bylaws of the Corporation, the language of the proposed amendment), (C) a reasonably detailed description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between or among any of the Proposing Persons or between or among any Proposing Person and any other person or entity (including, without limitation, their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder, (D) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business, (E) a representation whether the Proposing Person intends or is part of a group which intends (1) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal and/or (2) otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such proposal and (F) any other information relating to such item of business that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies in support of the business proposed to be brought before the meeting pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act; provided, however, that the disclosures required by this paragraph (c)(iii) shall not include any disclosures with respect to any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is a Proposing Person solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these bylaws on behalf of a beneficial owner.

 

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(d) For purposes of this Section 2.4, the term “Proposing Person” shall mean (i) the stockholder providing the notice of business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting, (ii) the beneficial owner or beneficial owners, if different, on whose behalf the notice of the business proposed to be brought before the annual meeting is made, (iii) any affiliate or associate (each within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act for the purposes of these bylaws) of such stockholder or beneficial owner and (iv) any other person with whom such stockholder or beneficial owner (or any of their respective affiliates or associates) is Acting in Concert (as defined below).

 

(e) A person shall be deemed to be “Acting in Concert” with another person for purposes of these bylaws if such person knowingly acts (whether or not pursuant to an express agreement, arrangement or understanding) in concert with, or towards a common goal relating to the management, governance or control of the Corporation in parallel with, such other person where (i) each person is conscious of the other person’s conduct or intent and this awareness is an element in their decision-making processes and (ii) at least one additional factor suggests that such persons intend to act in concert or in parallel, which such additional factors may include, without limitation, exchanging information (whether publicly or privately), attending meetings, conducting discussions, or making or soliciting invitations to act in concert or in parallel; provided, that a person shall not be deemed to be Acting in Concert with any other person solely as a result of the solicitation or receipt of revocable proxies or consents from such other person in response to a solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with, the Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act by way of a proxy or consent solicitation statement filed on Schedule 14A. A person Acting in Concert with another person shall be deemed to be Acting in Concert with any third party who is also Acting in Concert with such other person.

 

(f) A stockholder providing notice of business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be true and correct as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the annual meeting and as of the date that is ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) business days after the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the annual meeting (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of the record date), and not later than eight (8) business days prior to the date for the meeting or, if practicable, any adjournment or postponement thereof (and, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the meeting has been adjourned or postponed) (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof).

 

(g) Notwithstanding anything in these bylaws to the contrary and except as otherwise expressly provided in any applicable rule or regulation promulgated under the Exchange Act, no business shall be conducted at an annual meeting except in accordance with this Section 2.4. The presiding officer of an annual meeting of stockholders shall have the power and duty (a) to determine that any business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with this Section 2.4 (including whether the stockholder or beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the business proposed to be brought before the annual meeting is made, solicited (or is part of a group which solicited) or did not so solicit, as the case may be, proxies or votes in support of such stockholder’s business in compliance with such stockholder’s representation as required by clause (c)(iii)(E) of this Section 2.4); and (b) if any proposed business was not proposed in compliance with this Section 2.4 to declare to the meeting that any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

 

(h) The foregoing notice requirements of this Section 2.4 shall be deemed satisfied by a stockholder with respect to business other than a nomination if the stockholder has notified the Corporation of his, her or its intention to present a proposal at an annual meeting in compliance with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act and such stockholder’s proposal has been included in a proxy statement that has been prepared by the Corporation to solicit proxies for such annual meeting. Nothing in this Section 2.4 shall be deemed to affect the rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.

 

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(i) For purposes of these bylaws, “public disclosure” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

 

(j) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.4, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual meeting to present proposed business, such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 2.4, except as provided under Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the annual meeting and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the annual meeting.

 

(k) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.4, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.4; provided however, that any references in these bylaws to the Exchange Act are not intended to and shall not limit any requirements applicable to proposals as to any business to be considered pursuant to this Section 2.4 (including paragraph (a)(iii) hereof), and compliance with paragraph (a)(iii) of this Section 2.4 shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to submit business (other than, as provided in the first sentence of paragraph (h) of this Section 2.4, business brought properly under and in compliance with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, as may be amended from time to time).

 

2.5 ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES FOR NOMINATIONS OF DIRECTORS.

 

(a) Nominations of any person for election to the Board at an annual meeting or at a special meeting (but, in the case of a special meeting, only if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling such special meeting) may be made at such meeting only (i) by or at the direction of the Board or any committee thereof, or (ii) by a stockholder who (A) was a stockholder of record of the Corporation (and, with respect to any beneficial owner, if different, on whose behalf such nomination is proposed to be made, only if such beneficial owner was the beneficial owner of shares of the Corporation) both at the time of giving the notice provided for in this Section 2.5 and at the time of the meeting, (B) is entitled to vote at the meeting and (C) has complied with this Section 2.5 as to such nomination. The foregoing clause (ii) shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board to be considered by the stockholders at an annual meeting or special meeting.

 

(b) Without qualification, for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to the Board at an annual meeting, the stockholder must (i) provide Timely Notice (as defined in Section 2.4(b) of these bylaws) thereof in writing and in proper form to the secretary of the Corporation and (ii) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.5. Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board at an annual meeting is increased effective after the time period for which nominations would otherwise by due under this paragraph (b) and there is no public announcement by the Corporation naming the nominees for the additional directorships at least one hundred (100) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by paragraph (b) of this Section 2.5 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the additional directorships, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation. Without qualification, if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling such special meeting, then for a stockholder to make any nomination of a person or persons for election to such position(s) as specified in the notice of the special meeting, the stockholder must (i) provide timely notice thereof in writing and in proper form to the secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation and (ii) provide any updates or supplements to such notice at the times and in the forms required by this Section 2.5. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice for nominations to be made at a special meeting must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than the later of the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such special meeting and the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public disclosure (as defined in Section 2.4(i) of these bylaws) of the date of such special meeting was first made. In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or special meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above.

 

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(c) To be in proper form for purposes of this Section 2.5, a stockholder’s notice to the secretary of the Corporation shall set forth:

 

(i) As to each Nominating Person (as defined below), the Stockholder Information (as defined in Section 2.4(c)(i) of these bylaws) except that for purposes of this Section 2.5, the term “Nominating Person” shall be substituted for the term “Proposing Person” in all places it appears in Section 2.4(c)(i);

 

(ii) As to each Nominating Person, any Disclosable Interests (as defined in Section 2.4(c)(ii), except that for purposes of this Section 2.5 the term “Nominating Person” shall be substituted for the term “Proposing Person” in all places it appears in Section 2.4(c)(ii) and the disclosure in clause (L) of Section 2.4(c)(ii) shall be made with respect to the election of directors at the meeting), provided, however, that Disclosable Interests shall not include any such disclosures with respect to the ordinary course business activities of any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who is a Nominating Person solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by these bylaws on behalf of a beneficial owner; and;

 

(iii) As to each person whom a Nominating Person proposes to nominate for election as a director, (A) all information with respect to such proposed nominee that would be required to be set forth in a stockholder’s notice pursuant to this Section 2.5 if such proposed nominee were a Nominating Person, (B) all information relating to such proposed nominee that is required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors in a contested election pursuant to Section 14(a) under the Exchange Act (including, without limitation, such proposed nominee’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected), (C) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings during the past three (3) years, and any other material relationships, between or among any Nominating Person, on the one hand, and each proposed nominee, his or her respective affiliates and associates and any other persons with whom such proposed nominee (or any of his or her respective affiliates and associates) is Acting in Concert (as defined in Section 2.4(e) of these bylaws), on the other hand, including, without limitation, all information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 under Regulation S-K if such Nominating Person were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the proposed nominee were a director or executive officer of such registrant (the disclosures to be made pursuant to the foregoing clauses (A) through (C) are referred to as “Nominee Information”), (D) a representation that the Nominating Person is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such nomination, (E) a representation whether the Nominating Person intends or is part of a group which intends (1) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to elect the nominee and/or (2) otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such nomination and (F) a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement as provided in Section 2.5(g); and

 

(iv) The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information (A) as may reasonably be required by the Corporation to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent director of the Corporation in accordance with the Corporation’s Corporate Governance Guidelines or (B) that could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence or lack of independence of such proposed nominee.

 

(d) For purposes of this Section 2.5, the term “Nominating Person” shall mean (i) the stockholder providing the notice of the nomination proposed to be made at the meeting, (ii) the beneficial owner or beneficial owners, if different, on whose behalf the notice of the nomination proposed to be made at the meeting is made, (iii) any affiliate or associate of such stockholder or beneficial owner and (iv) any other person with whom such stockholder or such beneficial owner (or any of their respective affiliates or associates) is Acting in Concert.

 

(e) A stockholder providing notice of any nomination proposed to be made at a meeting shall further update and supplement such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice pursuant to this Section 2.5 shall be true and correct as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting and as of the date that is ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to, or mailed and received by, the secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) business days after the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of the record date), and not later than eight (8) business days prior to the date for the meeting or, if practicable, any adjournment or postponement thereof (and, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the meeting has been adjourned or postponed) (in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of ten (10) business days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof).

 

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(f) Notwithstanding anything in these bylaws to the contrary, no person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with this Section 2.5, except as otherwise expressly provided in any applicable rule or regulation promulgated under the Exchange Act. The presiding officer at any meeting of stockholders shall have the power and duty to (a) determine that a nomination was not properly made in accordance with this Section 2.5 (including whether the stockholder or beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination was made, solicited or is part of a group which solicited) or did not so solicit, as the case may be, proxies or votes in support of such stockholder’s nomination in compliance with such stockholder’s representation as required by clause (c)(iii)(E) of this Section 2.5); and (b) if any proposed nomination was not made in compliance with this Section 2.5 to declare such determination to the meeting that the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

 

(g) To be eligible to be a nominee for election as a director of the Corporation, the proposed nominee must deliver (in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under this Section 2.5) to the secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such proposed nominee (which questionnaire shall be provided by the secretary upon written request) and a written representation and agreement (in form provided by the secretary upon written request) that such proposed nominee (i) is not and will not become a party to (A) any agreement, arrangement or understanding with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such proposed nominee, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation or (B) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such proposed nominee’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such proposed nominee’s fiduciary duties under applicable law, (ii) is not, and will not become a party to, any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation and (iii) in such proposed nominee’s individual capacity and on behalf of the stockholder (or the beneficial owner, if different) on whose behalf the nomination is made, would be in compliance, if elected as a director of the Corporation, and will comply with applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation.

 

(h) In addition to the requirements of this Section 2.5 with respect to any nomination proposed to be made at a meeting, each Nominating Person shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act with respect to any such nominations.

 

(i) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.5, unless otherwise required by law, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the meeting to present the proposed nomination, such proposed nomination shall not be considered, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 2.5, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting.

 

2.6 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETINGS.

 

Unless otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, the notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be sent or otherwise given in accordance with either Section 2.7 or Section 8.1 of these bylaws not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting. The notice shall specify the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting), the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called.

 

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2.7 MANNER OF GIVING NOTICE; AFFIDAVIT OF NOTICE.

 

Notice of any meeting of stockholders shall be deemed given:

 

(a) if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears on the Corporation’s records; or

 

(b) if electronically transmitted as provided in Section 8.1 of these bylaws.

 

An affidavit of the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Corporation or of the transfer agent or any other agent of the Corporation that the notice has been given by mail or by a form of electronic transmission, as applicable, shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

 

2.8 QUORUM.

 

Unless otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, the holders of a majority in voting power of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, present in person, or by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the stockholders. A quorum, once established at a meeting, shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum. If, however, a quorum is not present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, then either (a) the chairperson of the meeting or (b) a majority in voting power of the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, present in person, or by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time in the manner provided in Section 2.9 of these bylaws until a quorum is present or represented. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally noticed.

 

2.9 ADJOURNED MEETING; NOTICE.

 

When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, unless these bylaws otherwise require, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a new record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the adjourned meeting.

 

2.10 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS.

 

The date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at a meeting shall be announced at the meeting by the person presiding over the meeting. The Board may adopt by resolution such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules and regulations as adopted by the Board, the person presiding over any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to convene and (for any or no reason) to recess and/or adjourn the meeting, to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures (which need not be in writing) and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such presiding person, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations or procedures, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the presiding person of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (a) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (b) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present (including, without limitation, rules and procedures for removal of disruptive persons from the meeting); (c) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, their duly authorized and constituted proxies or such other persons as the presiding person of the meeting shall determine; (d) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; and (e) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants.

 

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The presiding person at any meeting of stockholders, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting (including, without limitation, determinations with respect to the administration and/or interpretation of any of the rules, regulations or procedures of the meeting, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the person presiding over the meeting), shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a matter or business was not properly brought before the meeting and if such presiding person should so determine, such presiding person shall so declare to the meeting and any such matter or business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or considered. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board or the person presiding over the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.

 

2.11 VOTING.

 

The stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.13 of these bylaws, subject to Section 217 (relating to voting rights of fiduciaries, pledgors and joint owners of stock) and Section 218 (relating to voting trusts and other voting agreements) of the DGCL.

 

Except as may be otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, each stockholder shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each share of capital stock held by such stockholder.

 

At all duly called or convened meetings of stockholders, at which a quorum is present, for the election of directors, a plurality of the votes cast shall be sufficient to elect a director. Except as otherwise provided by the certificate of incorporation, these bylaws, the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, or applicable law or pursuant to any regulation applicable to the Corporation or its securities, all other elections and questions presented to the stockholders at a duly called or convened meeting, at which a quorum is present, shall be decided by the affirmative vote of the majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter.

 

2.12 STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING.

 

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders.

 

2.13 RECORD DATE FOR STOCKHOLDER NOTICE; VOTING.

 

In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall, unless otherwise required by law, not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.

 

In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which shall not be more than sixty (60) days prior to such other action. If no such record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

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2.14 PROXIES.

 

Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy authorized by an instrument in writing or by a transmission permitted by law filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three (3) years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. The revocability of a proxy that states on its face that it is irrevocable shall be governed by the provisions of Section 212 of the DGCL. A proxy may be in the form of a telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission which sets forth or is submitted with information from which it can be determined that the telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder.

 

2.15 LIST OF STOCKHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE.

 

The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the date of the meeting), arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. The Corporation shall not be required to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting: (a) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (b) during ordinary business hours, at the Corporation’s principal executive office. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then the list shall be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting. Except as otherwise provided by law, the stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to the identity of the stockholders entitled to vote in person or by proxy and the number of shares held by each of them, and as to the stockholders entitled to examine the list of stockholders.

 

2.16 POSTPONEMENT AND CANCELLATION OF MEETING.

 

Any previously scheduled annual or special meeting of the stockholders may be postponed, and any previously scheduled annual or special meeting of the stockholders may be canceled, by resolution of the Board upon public notice given prior to the time previously scheduled for such meeting.

 

2.17 INSPECTORS OF ELECTION.

 

Before any meeting of stockholders, the Board shall appoint an inspector or inspectors of election to act at the meeting or its adjournment or postponement and make a written report thereof. The number of inspectors shall be either one (1) or three (3). If any person appointed as inspector fails to appear or fails or refuses to act, then the chairperson of the meeting may, and upon the request of any stockholder or a stockholder’s proxy shall, appoint a person to fill that vacancy. Unless otherwise required by law, inspectors may be officers, employees or agents of the Corporation. Such inspectors shall have the duties prescribed by law and shall take charge of the polls and, when the vote is completed, shall make a certificate of the result of the vote taken and of such other facts as may be required by law. The inspectors of election shall perform their duties impartially, in good faith, to the best of their ability and as expeditiously as is practical. If there are three (3) inspectors of election, the decision, act or certificate of a majority is effective in all respects as the decision, act or certificate of all. Any report or certificate made by the inspectors of election is prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

 

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ARTICLE III—DIRECTORS

 

3.1 POWERS.

 

Subject to the provisions of the DGCL and any limitations in the certificate of incorporation relating to action required to be approved by the stockholders or by the outstanding shares, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the direction of the Board.

 

3.2 NUMBER OF DIRECTORS.

 

The authorized number of directors shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board, provided the Board shall consist of at least one (1) member. No reduction of the authorized number of directors shall have the effect of removing any director before that director’s term of office expires.

 

3.3 ELECTION, QUALIFICATION AND TERM OF OFFICE OF DIRECTORS.

 

Except as provided in Section 3.4 of these bylaws, each director, including, without limitation, a director elected to fill a vacancy, shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which elected and until such director’s successor is elected and qualified or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal. Directors need not be stockholders unless so required by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws. The certificate of incorporation or these bylaws may prescribe other qualifications for directors.

 

If so provided in the certificate of incorporation, the directors of the Corporation shall be divided into three (3) classes.

 

3.4 RESIGNATION AND VACANCIES.

 

Any director may resign at any time upon notice given in writing or by electronic transmission to the Corporation. When one or more directors so resigns and the resignation is effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each director so chosen shall hold office as provided in this section in the filling of other vacancies.

 

Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors shall, unless the Board determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by stockholders, be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director for which the vacancy was created or occurred and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified. A vacancy in the Board shall be deemed to exist under these bylaws in the case of the death, removal or resignation of any director.

 

3.5 PLACE OF MEETINGS; MEETINGS BY TELEPHONE.

 

The Board may hold meetings, both regular and special, either within or outside the State of Delaware.

 

Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, members of the Board, or any committee designated by the Board, may participate in a meeting of the Board, or any committee, by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment, including electronic communications or videoconference, by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting pursuant to this bylaw shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

 

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3.6 REGULAR MEETINGS.

 

Regular meetings of the Board may be held without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board.

 

3.7 SPECIAL MEETINGS; NOTICE. 

 

Special meetings of the Board for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the chairperson of the Board, the chief executive officer, the president, the secretary or a majority of the authorized number of directors.

 

Notice of the time and place of special meetings shall be:

 

(a) delivered personally by hand, by courier or by telephone;

 

(b) sent by United States first-class mail, postage prepaid;

 

(c) sent by facsimile; or

 

(d) sent by electronic mail, electronic transmission or other similar means, directed to each director at that director’s address, telephone number, facsimile number or electronic mail or other electronic address, as the case may be, as shown on the Corporation’s records.

 

If the notice is (a) delivered personally by hand, by courier or by telephone, (b) sent by facsimile or (c) sent by electronic mail or electronic transmission, it shall be delivered or sent at least twenty-four (24) hours before the time of the holding of the meeting. If the notice is sent by United States mail, it shall be deposited in the United States mail at least four (4) days before the time of the holding of the meeting. Any oral notice may be communicated to the director. The notice need not specify the place of the meeting (if the meeting is to be held at the Corporation’s principal executive office) nor the purpose of the meeting.

 

3.8 QUORUM.

 

The greater of (a) a majority of the directors at any time in office and (b) one-third of the number of directors established by the Board pursuant to Section 3.2 of these bylaws shall constitute a quorum of the Board for the transaction of business. The vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by statute, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws. If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the Board, then the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present.

 

3.9 BOARD ACTION BY CONSENT WITHOUT A MEETING.

 

Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

 

3.10 FEES AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS.

 

Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, the Board shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors.

 

3.11 REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS.

 

Subject to the rights of the holders of the shares of any series of Preferred Stock, the Board or any individual director may be removed, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) if the Board is classified as provided DGCL 141(d), stockholders may effect a removal of a director only for cause unless the certificate of incorporation otherwise provides; and (ii) if the Corporation is subject to cumulative voting, unless the entire Board is removed, no individual director may be removed without cause if the votes cast against such director’s removal would be sufficient to elect such director if voted cumulatively at an election of the entire Board, or, if there be classes of directors, at an election of the class of directors of which such director is a part.

 

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ARTICLE IV—COMMITTEES

 

4.1 COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS.

 

The Board may designate one (1) or more committees, each committee to consist of one (1) or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board may designate one (1) or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board or in these bylaws, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers that may require it; but no such committee shall have the power or authority to (a) approve or adopt, or recommend to the stockholders, any action or matter (other than the election or removal of directors) expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (b) adopt, amend or repeal any bylaw of the Corporation.

 

4.2 COMMITTEE MINUTES.

 

Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board when required.

 

4.3 MEETINGS AND ACTION OF COMMITTEES.

 

Meetings and actions of committees shall be governed by, and held and taken in accordance with, the provisions of:

 

(a) Section 3.5 of these bylaws (place of meetings and meetings by telephone);

 

(b) Section 3.6 of these bylaws (regular meetings);

 

(c) Section 3.7 of these bylaws (special meetings and notice);

 

(d) Section 3.8 of these bylaws (quorum);

 

(e) Section 7.12 of these bylaws (waiver of notice); and

 

(f) Section 3.9 of these bylaws (action without a meeting),

 

with such changes in the context of those bylaws as are necessary to substitute the committee and its members for the Board and its members. However:

 

(i) the time of regular meetings of committees may be determined either by resolution of the Board or by resolution of the committee;

 

(ii) special meetings of committees may also be called by resolution of the Board; and

 

(iii) notice of special meetings of committees shall also be given to all alternate members, who shall have the right to attend all meetings of the committee. The Board may adopt rules for the government of any committee not inconsistent with the provisions of these bylaws.

 

ARTICLE V—OFFICERS

 

5.1 OFFICERS.

 

The officers of the Corporation shall be a president and a secretary. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board, a chairperson of the Board, a vice chairperson of the Board, a chief executive officer, a chief financial officer or treasurer, one (1) or more vice presidents, one (1) or more assistant vice presidents, one (1) or more assistant treasurers, one (1) or more assistant secretaries, and any such other officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

 

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5.2 APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS.

 

The Board shall appoint the officers of the Corporation, except such officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.3 of these bylaws, subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment.

 

5.3 SUBORDINATE OFFICERS.

 

The Board may appoint, or empower the chief executive officer or, in the absence of a chief executive officer, the president, to appoint, such other officers and agents as the business of the Corporation may require. Each of such officers and agents shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in these bylaws or as the Board may from time to time determine.

 

5.4 REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION OF OFFICERS.

 

Subject to the rights, if any, of an officer under any contract of employment, any officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by the Board at any regular or special meeting of the Board or, except in the case of an officer chosen by the Board, by any officer upon whom such power of removal may be conferred by the Board.

 

Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Corporation. Any resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of that notice or at any later time specified in that notice. Unless otherwise specified in the notice of resignation, the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation is without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract to which the officer is a party.

 

5.5 VACANCIES IN OFFICES.

 

Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation shall be filled by the Board or as provided in Section 5.2 of these bylaws.

 

5.6 REPRESENTATION OF SHARES OF OTHER CORPORATIONS.

 

The chairperson of the Board, the president, any vice president, the treasurer, the secretary or assistant secretary of this Corporation, or any other person authorized by the Board or the president or a vice president, is authorized to vote, represent and exercise on behalf of this Corporation all rights incident to any and all securities of any other entity or entities standing in the name of this Corporation. The authority granted herein may be exercised either by such person directly or by any other person authorized to do so by proxy or power of attorney duly executed by such person having the authority.

 

5.7 AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS.

 

All officers of the Corporation shall respectively have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the business of the Corporation as may be designated from time to time by the Board and, to the extent not so provided, as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the control of the Board.

 

ARTICLE VI—RECORDS AND REPORTS

 

6.1 MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS.

 

The Corporation shall, either at its principal executive office or at such place or places as designated by the Board, keep a record of its stockholders listing their names and addresses and the number and class of shares held by each stockholder, a copy of these bylaws as amended to date, accounting books and other records.

 

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ARTICLE VII—GENERAL MATTERS

 

7.1 EXECUTION OF CORPORATE CONTRACTS AND INSTRUMENTS.

 

The Board, except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation; such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized or ratified by the Board or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.

 

7.2 STOCK CERTIFICATES; PARTLY PAID SHARES.

 

The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates or shall be uncertificated. Certificates for the shares of stock, if any, shall be in such form as is consistent with the certificate of incorporation and applicable law. Every holder of stock represented by a certificate shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by the chairperson or vice chairperson of the Board, or the president or vice president, and by the treasurer or an assistant treasurer, or the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Corporation representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. Any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate has ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

The Corporation may issue the whole or any part of its shares as partly paid and subject to call for the remainder of the consideration to be paid therefor. Upon the face or back of each stock certificate issued to represent any such partly paid shares, or upon the books and records of the Corporation in the case of uncertificated partly paid shares, the total amount of the consideration to be paid therefor and the amount paid thereon shall be stated. Upon the declaration of any dividend on fully paid shares, the Corporation shall declare a dividend upon partly paid shares of the same class, but only upon the basis of the percentage of the consideration actually paid thereon.

 

7.3 SPECIAL DESIGNATION ON CERTIFICATES.

 

If the Corporation is authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one series of any class, then the powers, the designations, the preferences and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or summarized on the face or back of the certificate that the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock; provided, however, that, except as otherwise provided in Section 202 of the DGCL, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set forth on the face or back of the certificate that the Corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock a statement that the Corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, the designations, the preferences and the relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.

 

7.4 LOST CERTIFICATES.

 

Except as provided in this Section 7.4, no new certificates for shares shall be issued to replace a previously issued certificate unless the latter is surrendered to the Corporation and cancelled at the same time. The Corporation may issue a new certificate of stock or uncertificated shares in the place of any certificate theretofore issued by it, alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, and the Corporation may require the owner of the lost, stolen or destroyed certificate, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond sufficient to indemnify it against any claim that may be made against it on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.

 

7.5 CONSTRUCTION; DEFINITIONS.

 

Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction and definitions in the DGCL shall govern the construction of these bylaws. Without limiting the generality of this provision, the singular number includes the plural, the plural number includes the singular, and the term “person” includes both a corporation and a natural person.

 

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7.6 DIVIDENDS.

 

The Board, subject to any restrictions contained in either (a) the DGCL or (b) the certificate of incorporation, may declare and pay dividends upon the shares of its capital stock. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of the Corporation’s capital stock.

 

The Board may set apart out of any of the funds of the Corporation available for dividends a reserve or reserves for any proper purpose and may abolish any such reserve. Such purposes shall include but not be limited to equalizing dividends, repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, and meeting contingencies.

 

7.7 FISCAL YEAR.

 

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board and may be changed by the Board.

 

7.8 SEAL.

 

The Corporation may adopt a corporate seal, which shall be adopted and which may be altered by the Board. The Corporation may use the corporate seal by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or in any other manner reproduced.

 

7.9 TRANSFER OF STOCK.

 

Shares of the Corporation shall be transferable in the manner prescribed by law and in these bylaws. Shares of stock of the Corporation shall be transferred on the books of the Corporation only by the holder of record thereof or by such holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, upon surrender to the Corporation of the certificate or certificates representing such shares endorsed by the appropriate person or persons (or by delivery of duly executed instructions with respect to uncertificated shares), with such evidence of the authenticity of such endorsement or execution, transfer, authorization and other matters as the Corporation may reasonably require, and accompanied by all necessary stock transfer stamps. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no transfer of stock shall be valid as against the Corporation for any purpose until it shall have been entered in the stock records of the Corporation by an entry showing the names of the persons from and to whom it was transferred.

 

7.10 STOCK TRANSFER AGREEMENTS.

 

The Corporation shall have power to enter into and perform any agreement with any number of stockholders of any one or more classes of stock of the Corporation to restrict the transfer of shares of stock of the Corporation of any one or more classes owned by such stockholders in any manner not prohibited by the DGCL.

 

7.11 REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS.

 

The Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by law:

 

(a) shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends and to vote as such owner;

 

(b) shall be entitled to hold liable for calls and assessments the person registered on its books as the owner of shares; and

 

(c) shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of another person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.

 

7.12 WAIVER OF NOTICE.

 

Whenever notice is required to be given under any provision of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, a written waiver, signed by the person entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders need be specified in any written waiver of notice or any waiver by electronic transmission unless so required by the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

 

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ARTICLE VIII—NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

 

8.1 NOTICE BY ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION.

 

Without limiting the manner by which notice otherwise may be given effectively to stockholders pursuant to the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws, any notice to stockholders given by the Corporation under any provision of the DGCL, the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws shall be effective if given by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder to whom the notice is given. Any such consent shall be revocable by the stockholder by written notice to the Corporation. Any such consent shall be deemed revoked if:

 

(a) the Corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two (2) consecutive notices given by the Corporation in accordance with such consent; and

 

(b) such inability becomes known to the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Corporation or to the transfer agent, or other person responsible for the giving of notice.

 

However, the inadvertent failure to treat such inability as a revocation shall not invalidate any meeting or other action.

 

Any notice given pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall be deemed given:

 

  (a) if by facsimile telecommunication, when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice;

 

  (b) if by electronic mail, when directed to an electronic mail address at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice;

 

  (c) if by a posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, upon the later of (i) such posting and (ii) the giving of such separate notice; and

 

  (d) if by any other form of electronic transmission, when directed to the stockholder.

 

An affidavit of the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Corporation or of the transfer agent or other agent of the Corporation that the notice has been given by a form of electronic transmission shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.

 

8.2 DEFINITION OF ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION.

 

For the purposes of these bylaws, an “electronic transmission” means any form of communication, not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved and reviewed by a recipient thereof, and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

 

ARTICLE IX—INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT

 

9.1 ACTIONS, SUITS AND PROCEEDINGS OTHER THAN BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION.

 

The Corporation shall indemnify each person who was or is a party or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer of the Corporation, or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at the request of the Corporation, as a director, officer, partner, employee or trustee of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including, without limitation, any employee benefit plan) (all such persons being referred to hereafter as an “Indemnitee”), or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against all expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees), liabilities, losses, judgments, fines (including, without limitation, excise taxes and penalties arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended), and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

 

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9.2 ACTIONS OR SUITS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE CORPORATION.

 

The Corporation shall indemnify any Indemnitee who was or is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was, or has agreed to become, a director or officer of the Corporation, or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving, or has agreed to serve, at the request of the Corporation, as a director, officer, partner, employee or trustee of, or in a similar capacity with, another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including, without limitation, any employee benefit plan), or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against all expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal therefrom, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation, except that no indemnification shall be made under this Section 9.2 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation, unless, and only to the extent, that the Court of Chancery of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of such liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) which the Court of Chancery of Delaware or such other court shall deem proper.

 

9.3 INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF SUCCESSFUL PARTY.

 

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article IX, to the extent that an Indemnitee has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Sections 9.1 and 9.2 of these bylaws, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, or on appeal from any such action, suit or proceeding, Indemnitee shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by law against all expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection therewith. Without limiting the foregoing, if any action, suit or proceeding is disposed of, on the merits or otherwise (including, without limitation, a disposition without prejudice), without (a) the disposition being adverse to Indemnitee, (b) an adjudication that Indemnitee was liable to the Corporation, (c) a plea of guilty or nolo contendere by Indemnitee, (d) an adjudication that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and (e) with respect to any criminal proceeding, an adjudication that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful, Indemnitee shall be considered for the purposes hereof to have been wholly successful with respect thereto.

 

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9.4 NOTIFICATION AND DEFENSE OF CLAIM.

 

As a condition precedent to an Indemnitee’s right to be indemnified, such Indemnitee must notify the Corporation in writing as soon as practicable of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation involving such Indemnitee for which indemnity will or could be sought. With respect to any action, suit, proceeding or investigation of which the Corporation is so notified, the Corporation will be entitled to participate therein at its own expense and/or to assume the defense thereof at its own expense, with legal counsel reasonably acceptable to Indemnitee. After notice from the Corporation to Indemnitee of its election so to assume such defense, the Corporation shall not be liable to Indemnitee for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by Indemnitee in connection with such action, suit, proceeding or investigation, other than as provided below in this Section 9.4. Indemnitee shall have the right to employ his or her own counsel in connection with such action, suit, proceeding or investigation, but the fees and expenses of such counsel incurred after notice from the Corporation of its assumption of the defense thereof shall be at the expense of Indemnitee unless (a) the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been authorized by the Corporation, (b) counsel to Indemnitee shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest or position on any significant issue between the Corporation and Indemnitee in the conduct of the defense of such action, suit, proceeding or investigation or (c) the Corporation shall not in fact have employed counsel to assume the defense of such action, suit, proceeding or investigation, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of counsel for Indemnitee shall be at the expense of the Corporation, except as otherwise expressly provided by this Article IX. The Corporation shall not be entitled, without the consent of Indemnitee, to assume the defense of any claim brought by or in the right of the Corporation or as to which counsel for Indemnitee shall have reasonably made the conclusion provided for in clause (b) above. The Corporation shall not be required to indemnify Indemnitee under this Article IX for any amounts paid in settlement of any action, suit, proceeding or investigation effected without its written consent. The Corporation shall not settle any action, suit, proceeding or investigation in any manner which would impose any penalty or limitation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s written consent. Neither the Corporation nor Indemnitee will unreasonably withhold or delay its consent to any proposed settlement.

 

9.5 ADVANCE OF EXPENSES.

 

Subject to the provisions of Sections 9.4 and 9.6 of these bylaws, in the event of any threatened or pending action, suit, proceeding or investigation of which the Corporation receives notice under this Article IX, any expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in defending an action, suit, proceeding or investigation or any appeal therefrom shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such matter to the fullest extent permitted by law; providedhowever, that, to the extent required by law, the payment of such expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in advance of the final disposition of such matter shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of Indemnitee to repay all amounts so advanced in the event that it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Article IX or otherwise; and provided further that no such advancement of expenses shall be made under this Article IX if it is determined (in the manner described in Section 9.6 of these bylaws) that (a) Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation, or (b) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. Such undertaking shall be accepted without reference to the financial ability of Indemnitee to make such repayment.

 

9.6 PROCEDURE FOR INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES.

 

In order to obtain indemnification or advancement of expenses pursuant to Section 9.1, 9.2, 9.3 or 9.5 of these bylaws, an Indemnitee shall submit to the Corporation a written request. Any such advancement of expenses shall be made promptly, and in any event within 60 days after receipt by the Corporation of the written request of Indemnitee, unless (a) the Corporation has assumed the defense pursuant to Section 9.4 of these bylaws (and none of the circumstances described in Section 9.4 of these bylaws that would nonetheless entitle the Indemnitee to indemnification for the fees and expenses of separate counsel have occurred) or (b) the Corporation determines within such 60-day period that Indemnitee did not meet the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 9.1, 9.2 or 9.5 of these bylaws, as the case may be. Any such indemnification, unless ordered by a court, shall be made with respect to requests under Section 9.1 or 9.2 of these bylaws only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination by the Corporation that the indemnification of Indemnitee is proper because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 9.1 or 9.2 of these bylaws, as the case may be. Such determination shall be made in each instance (a) by a majority vote of the directors of the Corporation consisting of persons who are not at that time parties to the action, suit or proceeding in question (“disinterested directors”), whether or not a quorum, (b) by a committee of disinterested directors designated by majority vote of disinterested directors, whether or not a quorum, (c) if there are no disinterested directors, or if the disinterested directors so direct, by independent legal counsel (who may, to the extent permitted by law, be regular legal counsel to the Corporation) in a written opinion or (d) by the stockholders of the Corporation.

 

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9.7 REMEDIES.

 

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the right to indemnification or advancement of expenses as granted by this Article IX shall be enforceable by Indemnitee in any court of competent jurisdiction. Neither the failure of the Corporation to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Corporation pursuant to Section 9.6 of these bylaws that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct. In any suit brought by Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or advancement, or brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article IX. Indemnitee’s expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred in connection with successfully establishing Indemnitee’s right to indemnification or advancement, in whole or in part, in any such proceeding shall also be indemnified by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in any suit brought by Indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder it shall be a defense that the Indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the DGCL.

 

9.8 LIMITATIONS.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article IX, except as set forth in Section 9.7 of these bylaws, the Corporation shall not indemnify an Indemnitee pursuant to this Article IX in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Indemnitee unless the initiation thereof was approved by the Board. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article IX, the Corporation shall not indemnify (or advance expenses to) an Indemnitee to the extent such Indemnitee is reimbursed (or advanced expenses) from the proceeds of insurance, and in the event the Corporation makes any indemnification (or advancement) payments to an Indemnitee and such Indemnitee is subsequently reimbursed from the proceeds of insurance, such Indemnitee shall promptly refund indemnification (or advancement) payments to the Corporation to the extent of such insurance reimbursement.

 

9.9 SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENT.

 

No amendment, termination or repeal of this Article IX or of the relevant provisions of the DGCL or any other applicable laws shall adversely affect or diminish in any way the rights of any Indemnitee to indemnification or advancement of expenses under the provisions hereof with respect to any action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or relating to any actions, transactions or facts occurring prior to the final adoption of such amendment, termination or repeal.

 

9.10 OTHER RIGHTS.

 

The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by this Article IX shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which an Indemnitee seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any law (common or statutory), agreement or vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in Indemnitee’s official capacity and as to action in any other capacity while holding office for the Corporation, and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer, and shall inure to the benefit of the estate, heirs, executors and administrators of Indemnitee. Nothing contained in this Article IX shall be deemed to prohibit, and the Corporation is specifically authorized to enter into, agreements with officers and directors providing indemnification and advancement rights and procedures different from those set forth in this Article IX. In addition, the Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board, grant indemnification and advancement rights to other employees or agents of the Corporation or other persons serving the Corporation and such rights may be equivalent to, or greater or less than, those set forth in this Article IX.

 

9.11 PARTIAL INDEMNIFICATION.

 

If an Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Article IX to indemnification by the Corporation for some or a portion of the expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees), liabilities, losses, judgments, fines (including, without limitation, excise taxes and penalties arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended) or amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee in connection with any action, suit, proceeding or investigation and any appeal therefrom but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion of such expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees), liabilities, losses, judgments, fines (including, without limitation, excise taxes and penalties arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended) or amounts paid in settlement to which Indemnitee is entitled.

 

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9.12 INSURANCE.

 

The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (including, without limitation, any employee benefit plan) against any expense, liability or loss incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL.

 

9.14 SAVINGS CLAUSE.

 

If this Article IX or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each Indemnitee as to any expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees), liabilities, losses, judgments, fines (including, without limitation, excise taxes and penalties arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended) and amounts paid in settlement in connection with any action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal or administrative, including, without limitation, an action by or in the right of the Corporation, to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Article IX that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

 

9.15 DEFINITIONS.

 

Terms used in this Article IX and defined in Section 145(h) and Section 145(i) of the DGCL shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in such Section 145(h) and Section 145(i).

 

ARTICLE X— JURISDICTION AND FORUM

 

Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation or the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by, or other wrongdoing by, any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, creditors or other constituents, (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation, (d) any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Corporation or (e) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each case subject to said Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein; provided that, if and only if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware dismisses any such action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, such action may be brought in another state or federal court sitting in the State of Delaware. This Article X shall not apply to actions brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Further, unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or any successor thereto or, to the fullest extent permitted by law, under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor thereto. Failure to enforce the foregoing provisions of this Article ELEVENTH would cause the Corporation irreparable harm, and the Corporation shall be entitled to equitable relief, including injunctive relief and specific performance, to enforce the foregoing provisions.

 

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ARTICLE XI—AMENDMENTS

 

Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 9.9 of these bylaws or the provisions of the certificate of incorporation, the Board is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation. The stockholders also shall have power to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by the certificate of incorporation, such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon.

 

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TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF BYLAWS

 

 

The undersigned hereby certifies that he or she is the duly elected, qualified, and acting Secretary of Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and that the foregoing bylaws were amended and restated effective as of __________, 2021 by the Corporation’s board of directors.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand this ___ day of ___________, 2021.

 

   
  Jennifer Ernst, Secretary

 

 

Exhibit 4.1

GRAPHIC

COMMON INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS CUSIP 000000 00 0 THIS CERTIFIES THAT is the owner of FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE COMMON SHARES, $0.0001 PAR VALUE, OF TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person or by Attorney upon surrender of this certificate properly endorsed. This certificate is not valid until countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and Registrar. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said Corporation has caused this certificate to be signed by facsimile signatures of its duly authorized officers. Dated: JENNIFER ERNST, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER BRIANA BENZ, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND SECRETARY COUNTERSIGNED AND REGISTERED: EQUINITI TRUST COMPANY TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR BY AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

GRAPHIC

THE BOARD OF THIS CORPORATION HAS THE AUTHORITY TO CREATE AND DETERMINE THE RELATIVE RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF CLASSES OR SERIES OF SHARES OF CAPITAL STOCK OTHER THAN COMMON STOCK. THIS CORPORATION WILL FURNISH TO ANY SHAREHOLDER UPON WRITTEN REQUEST SENT TO ITS PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES, AND WITHOUT CHARGE, A FULL STATEMENT OF THE BOARD’S AUTHORITY TO CREATE AND DETERMINE THE RELATIVE RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES OF CLASSES OR SERIES OF SHARES OF CAPITAL STOCK AS WELL AS THE DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES, LIMITATIONS AND RELATIVE RIGHTS OF THE SHARES OF EACH CLASS OR SERIES THEN OUTSTANDING OR AUTHORIZED TO BE ISSUED. The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations: TEN COM – as tenants in common UTMA – ____________ Custodian ____________ (Cust) (Minor) TEN ENT – as tenants by entireties under Uniform Transfers to Minors JT TEN – as joint tenants with right of survivorship Act ____________________ ____________ and not as tenants in common (State) Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list. For value received _____ hereby sell, assign, and transfer unto (PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE) Shares of the capital stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named Corporation with full power of substitution in the premises. Dated ________________ X X NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER. SIGNATURE GUARANTEED ALL GUARANTEES MUST BE MADE BY A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (SUCH AS A BANK OR BROKER) WHICH IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE SECURITIES TRANSFER AGENTS MEDALLION PROGRAM (“STAMP”), THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. MEDALLION SIGNATURE PROGRAM (“MSP”), OR THE STOCK EXCHANGES MEDALLION PROGRAM (“SEMP”) AND MUST NOT BE DATED. GUARANTEES BY A NOTARY PUBLIC ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

 

Exhibit 4.2

 

Form of Representative’s Warrant Agreement

 

THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER OR ASSIGN THIS PURCHASE WARRANT EXCEPT AS HEREIN PROVIDED AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS PURCHASE WARRANT AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT SELL, TRANSFER, ASSIGN, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATE THIS PURCHASE WARRANT FOR A PERIOD OF ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY DAYS FOLLOWING THE COMMENCEMENT DATE (DEFINED BELOW) TO ANYONE OTHER THAN (I) THINKEQUITY LLC, OR AN UNDERWRITER OR A SELECTED DEALER IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, OR (II) A BONA FIDE OFFICER OR PARTNER OF THINKEQUITY LLC, OR OF ANY SUCH UNDERWRITER OR SELECTED DEALER.

 

THIS PURCHASE WARRANT IS NOT EXERCISABLE PRIOR TO [________________] [DATE THAT IS 180 DAYS FROM THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE OFFERING]. VOID AFTER 5:00 P.M., EASTERN TIME, [___________________] [DATE THAT IS FIVE YEARS FROM THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE OFFERING].

 

WARRANT TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK

 

TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.

 

Warrant Shares: _______1 Initial Exercise Date: [___], 2022      

 

THIS WARRANT TO PURCHASE COMMON STOCK (the “Warrant”) certifies that, for value received, _____________ or his, her or its assigns (the “Holder”) is entitled, upon the terms and subject to the limitations on exercise and the conditions hereinafter set forth, at any time on or after [_____], 2022, which is one hundred eighty (180) days following the Commencement Date (the “Initial Exercise Date”) and, in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(A), prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on [_____], 2026, the date that is five (5) years following the Commencement Date (the “Termination Date”), but not thereafter, to subscribe for and purchase from Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), up to ______1 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), of the Company (the “Warrant Shares”), as subject to adjustment hereunder. The purchase price of one share of Common Stock under this Warrant shall be equal to the Exercise Price, as defined in Section 2(b).

 

Section 1. Definitions. In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated in this Section 1:

 

Affiliate” means any Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with a Person, as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

 

Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that banks shall not be deemed to be authorized or obligated to be closed due to a “shelter in place,” “non-essential employee” or similar closure of physical branch locations at the direction of any governmental authority if such banks’ electronic funds transfer systems (including for wire transfers) are open for use by customers on such day.

 

 

1 Total equals 5% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issued and sold in the Offering.

 

 

 

 

Commencement Date” means [____], 2021, the date on which sales of the securities issued in the Offering commenced.

 

Commission” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Offering” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1.2.1 of the Underwriting Agreement.

 

Person” means an individual or corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

 

Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended or interpreted from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Trading Day” means a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading.

 

Trading Market” means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or the New York Stock Exchange (or any successors to any of the foregoing).

 

Underwriting Agreement” means that certain Underwriting Agreement, dated as of [_____], 2021, by and between, the Company and ThinkEquity LLC, as representatives of the underwriters set forth therein.

 

VWAP” means, for any date, the price determined by the first of the following clauses that applies: (a) if the Common Stock then listed or quoted on a Trading Market, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the Trading Market on which the Common Stock is then listed or quoted as reported by Bloomberg L.P. (based on a Trading Day from 9:30 a.m. (New York City time) to 4:02 p.m. (New York City time)), (b)  if OTCQB or OTCQX is not a Trading Market, the volume weighted average price of a share of Common Stock for such date (or the nearest preceding date) on the OTCQB or OTCQX as applicable, (c) if Common Stock is not then listed or quoted for trading on the OTCQB or OTCQX and if prices for Common Stock are then reported in the “Pink Sheets” published by OTC Markets Group, Inc. (or a similar organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), the most recent bid price per share of Common Stock so reported, or (d) in all other cases, the fair market value of the Common Stock as determined by an independent appraiser selected in good faith by the Holder and reasonably acceptable to the Company, the fees and expenses of which shall be paid by the Company.

 

2 

 

 

Section 2. Exercise.

 

a)  Exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant may be made, in whole or in part, at any time or times on or after the Initial Exercise Date and on or before the Termination Date by delivery to the Company (or such other office or agency of the Company as it may designate by notice in writing to the registered Holder at the address of the Holder appearing on the books of the Company) of a duly executed facsimile copy (or e-mail attachment) of the Notice of Exercise Form annexed hereto. Within two (2) Trading Days following the date of exercise as aforesaid, the Holder shall deliver the aggregate Exercise Price for the shares specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise by wire transfer or cashier’s check drawn on a United States bank unless the cashless exercise procedure specified in Section 2(c) below is specified in the applicable Notice of Exercise. No ink-original Notice of Exercise shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any Notice of Exercise form be required. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company until the Holder has purchased all of the Warrant Shares available hereunder and the Warrant has been exercised in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company for cancellation within five (5) Trading Days of the date the final Notice of Exercise is delivered to the Company. Partial exercises of this Warrant resulting in purchases of a portion of the total number of Warrant Shares available hereunder shall have the effect of lowering the outstanding number of Warrant Shares purchasable hereunder in an amount equal to the applicable number of Warrant Shares purchased. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the number of Warrant Shares purchased and the date of such purchases. The Company shall deliver any objection to any Notice of Exercise Form within two (2) Business Days of receipt of such notice. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Warrant, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this paragraph, following the purchase of a portion of the Warrant Shares hereunder, the number of Warrant Shares available for purchase hereunder at any given time may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.

 

b)  Exercise Price. The exercise price per share of the Common Stock under this Warrant shall be $[__]2, subject to adjustment hereunder (the “Exercise Price”).

 

c)  Cashless Exercise. In lieu of exercising this Warrant by delivering the aggregate Exercise Price by wire transfer or cashier’s check, at any time on or after the Initial Exercise Date, at the election of the Holder this Warrant may also be exercised, in whole or in part, at such time by means of a “cashless exercise” in which the Holder shall be entitled to receive the number of Warrant Shares equal to the quotient obtained by dividing [(A-B) (X)] by (A), where:

 

  (A) = as applicable: (i) the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if such Notice of Exercise is (1) both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on a day that is not a Trading Day or (2) both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof on a Trading Day prior to the opening of “regular trading hours” (as defined in Rule 600(b)(64) of Regulation NMS promulgated under the federal securities laws) on such Trading Day, (ii) the VWAP on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if such Notice of Exercise is executed during “regular trading hours” on a Trading Day and is delivered within two (2) hours thereafter (including until two (2) hours after the close of “regular trading hours” on a Trading Day) pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof or (iii) the VWAP on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise if the date of such Notice of Exercise is a Trading Day and such Notice of Exercise is both executed and delivered pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof after the close of “regular trading hours” on such Trading Day;

 

 

2 125% of the public offering price per share of Common Stock issued and sold in the Offering.

 

3 

 

 

(B) = the Exercise Price of this Warrant, as adjusted hereunder; and

 

(X) = the number of Warrant Shares that would be issuable upon exercise of this Warrant in accordance with the terms of this Warrant if such exercise were by means of a cash exercise rather than a cashless exercise.

 

If Warrant Shares are issued in such a “cashless exercise,” the parties acknowledge and agree that in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act, the Warrant Shares shall take on the registered characteristics of the Warrants being exercised, and the holding period of the Warrants being exercised may be tacked on to the holding period of the Warrant Shares.  The Company agrees not to take any position contrary to this Section 2(c).

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, on the Termination Date, this Warrant shall be automatically exercised via cashless exercise pursuant to this Section 2(c).

 

d)  Mechanics of Exercise.

 

i. Delivery of Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. The Company shall cause the Warrant Shares purchased hereunder to be transmitted by its transfer agent to the Holder by crediting the account of the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with The Depository Trust Company through its Deposit or Withdrawal at Custodian system (“DWAC”) if the Company is then a participant in such system and either (A) there is an effective registration statement permitting the issuance of the Warrant Shares to or resale of the Warrant Shares by Holder, or (B) the Warrant Shares are eligible for resale by the Holder without volume or manner-of-sale limitations pursuant to Rule 144 and, in either case, the Warrant Shares have been sold by the Holder prior to the Warrant Share Delivery Date (as defined below), and otherwise by physical delivery of a certificate, registered in the Company’s share register in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Warrant Shares to which the Holder is entitled pursuant to such exercise to the address specified by the Holder in the Notice of Exercise by the date that is two (2) Trading Days after the delivery to the Company of the Notice of Exercise (such date, the “Warrant Share Delivery Date”). If the Warrant Shares can be delivered via DWAC, the transfer agent shall have received from the Company, at the expense of the Company, any legal opinions or other documentation required by it to deliver such Warrant Shares without legend (subject to receipt by the Company of reasonable back up documentation from the Holder, including with respect to affiliate status) and, if applicable and requested by the Company prior to the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the transfer agent shall have received from the Holder a confirmation of sale of the Warrant Shares (provided the requirement of the Holder to provide a confirmation as to the sale of Warrant Shares shall not be applicable to the issuance of unlegended Warrant Shares upon a cashless exercise of this Warrant if the Warrant Shares are then eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144(b)(1)). The Warrant Shares shall be deemed to have been issued, and Holder or any other person so designated to be named therein shall be deemed to have become a holder of record of such shares for all purposes, as of the date the Warrant has been exercised, with payment to the Company of the Exercise Price (or by cashless exercise, if permitted) and all taxes required to be paid by the Holder, if any, pursuant to Section 2(d)(vi) prior to the issuance of such shares, having been paid. If the Company fails for any reason to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares subject to a Notice of Exercise by the second Trading Day following the Warrant Share Delivery Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder, in cash, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, for each $1,000 of Warrant Shares subject to such exercise (based on the VWAP of the Common Stock on the date of the applicable Notice of Exercise), $10 per Trading Day (increasing to $20 per Trading Day on the fifth Trading Day after such liquidated damages begin to accrue) for each Trading Day after the second Trading Day following such Warrant Share Delivery Date until such Warrant Shares are delivered or Holder rescinds such exercise.

 

4 

 

 

ii.  Delivery of New Warrants Upon Exercise. If this Warrant shall have been exercised in part, the Company shall, at the request of a Holder and upon surrender of this Warrant certificate, at the time of delivery of the Warrant Shares, deliver to the Holder a new Warrant evidencing the rights of the Holder to purchase the unpurchased Warrant Shares called for by this Warrant, which new Warrant shall in all other respects be identical with this Warrant.

 

iii.  Rescission Rights. If the Company fails to cause its transfer agent to deliver to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to Section 2(d)(i) by the Warrant Share Delivery Date, then the Holder will have the right to rescind such exercise; provided, however, that the Holder shall be required to return any Warrant Shares or Common Stock subject to any such rescinded exercise notice concurrently with the return to Holder of the aggregate Exercise Price paid to the Company for such Warrant Shares and the restoration of Holder’s right to acquire such Warrant Shares pursuant to this Warrant (including, issuance of a replacement warrant certificate evidencing such restored right).

 

iv.  Compensation for Buy-In on Failure to Timely Deliver Warrant Shares Upon Exercise. In addition to any other rights available to the Holder, if the Company fails to cause its transfer agent to transmit to the Holder the Warrant Shares pursuant to an exercise on or before the Warrant Share Delivery Date, and if after such date the Holder is required by its broker to purchase (in an open market transaction or otherwise) or the Holder’s brokerage firm otherwise purchases, shares of Common Stock to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of the Warrant Shares which the Holder anticipated receiving upon such exercise (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall (A) pay in cash to the Holder the amount, if any, by which (x) the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions, if any) for the shares of Common Stock so purchased exceeds (y) the amount obtained by multiplying (1) the number of Warrant Shares that the Company was required to deliver to the Holder in connection with the exercise at issue times (2) the price at which the sell order giving rise to such purchase obligation was executed, and (B) at the option of the Holder, either reinstate the portion of the Warrant and equivalent number of Warrant Shares for which such exercise was not honored (in which case such exercise shall be deemed rescinded) or deliver to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock that would have been issued had the Company timely complied with its exercise and delivery obligations hereunder. For example, if the Holder purchases Common Stock having a total purchase price of $11,000 to cover a Buy-In with respect to an attempted exercise of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate sale price giving rise to such purchase obligation of $10,000, under clause (A) of the immediately preceding sentence the Company shall be required to pay the Holder $1,000. The Holder shall provide the Company written notice indicating the amounts payable to the Holder in respect of the Buy-In and, upon request of the Company, evidence of the amount of such loss. Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue any other remedies available to it hereunder, at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief with respect to the Company’s failure to timely deliver shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant as required pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

5 

 

 

v. No Fractional Shares or Scrip. No fractional shares or scrip representing fractional shares shall be issued upon the exercise of this Warrant. As to any fraction of a share which the Holder would otherwise be entitled to purchase upon such exercise, the Company shall, at its election, either pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the Exercise Price or round up to the next whole share.

 

vi. Charges, Taxes and Expenses. Issuance of Warrant Shares shall be made without charge to the Holder for any issue or transfer tax or other incidental expense in respect of the issuance of such Warrant Shares, all of which taxes and expenses shall be paid by the Company, and such Warrant Shares shall be issued in the name of the Holder or in such name or names as may be directed by the Holder; provided, however, that in the event that Warrant Shares are to be issued in a name other than the name of the Holder, this Warrant when surrendered for exercise shall be accompanied by the Assignment Form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder and the Company may require, as a condition thereto, the payment of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any transfer tax incidental thereto. The Company shall pay all transfer agent fees required for same-day processing of any Notice of Exercise and all fees to the Depository Trust Company (or another established clearing corporation performing similar functions) required for same-day electronic delivery of the Warrant Shares.

 

vii. Closing of Books. The Company will not close its stockholder books or records in any manner which prevents the timely exercise of this Warrant, pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

viii. Signature. This Section 2 and the exercise form attached hereto set forth the totality of the procedures required of the Holder in order to exercise this Purchase Warrant.  Without limiting the preceding sentences, no ink-original exercise form shall be required, nor shall any medallion guarantee (or other type of guarantee or notarization) of any exercise form be required in order to exercise this Purchase Warrant.  No additional legal opinion, other information or instructions shall be required of the Holder to exercise this Purchase Warrant.  The Company shall honor exercises of this Purchase Warrant and shall deliver Shares underlying this Purchase Warrant in accordance with the terms, conditions and time periods set forth herein.

 

6 

 

 

 

e) Holder’s Exercise Limitations. The Company shall not effect any exercise of this Warrant, and a Holder shall not have the right to exercise any portion of this Warrant, pursuant to Section 2 or otherwise, to the extent that after giving effect to such issuance after exercise as set forth on the applicable Notice of Exercise, the Holder (together with the Holder’s Affiliates, and any other Persons acting as a group together with the Holder or any of the Holder’s Affiliates), would beneficially own in excess of the Beneficial Ownership Limitation (as defined below).  For purposes of the foregoing sentence, the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by the Holder and its Affiliates shall include the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant with respect to which such determination is being made, but shall exclude the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issuable upon (i) exercise of the remaining, nonexercised portion of this Warrant beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates and (ii) exercise or conversion of the unexercised or nonconverted portion of any other securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any other Common Stock Equivalents) subject to a limitation on conversion or exercise analogous to the limitation contained herein beneficially owned by the Holder or any of its Affiliates.  Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, for purposes of this Section 2(e), beneficial ownership shall be calculated in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, it being acknowledged by the Holder that the Company is not representing to the Holder that such calculation is in compliance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the Holder is solely responsible for any schedules required to be filed in accordance therewith. To the extent that the limitation contained in this Section 2(e) applies, the determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable shall be in the sole discretion of the Holder, and the submission of a Notice of Exercise shall be deemed to be the Holder’s determination of whether this Warrant is exercisable (in relation to other securities owned by the Holder together with any Affiliates) and of which portion of this Warrant is exercisable, in each case subject to the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, and the Company shall have no obligation to verify or confirm the accuracy of such determination. In addition, a determination as to any group status as contemplated above shall be determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. For purposes of this Section 2(e), in determining the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, a Holder may rely on the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock as reflected in (A) the Company’s most recent periodic or annual report filed with the Commission, as the case may be, (B) a more recent public announcement by the Company or (C) a more recent written notice by the Company or the Company’s transfer agent setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding.  Upon the written or oral request of a Holder, the Company shall within two Trading Days confirm orally and in writing to the Holder the number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding.  In any case, the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be determined after giving effect to the conversion or exercise of securities of the Company, including this Warrant, by the Holder or its Affiliates since the date as of which such number of outstanding shares of Common Stock was reported. The “Beneficial Ownership Limitation” shall be 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this Warrant. The Holder, upon notice to the Company, may increase or decrease the Beneficial Ownership Limitation provisions of this Section 2(e), provided that the Beneficial Ownership Limitation in no event exceeds 9.99% of the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of this Warrant held by the Holder and the provisions of this Section 2(e) shall continue to apply. Any increase in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the Company. The provisions of this paragraph shall be construed and implemented in a manner otherwise than in strict conformity with the terms of this Section 2(e) to correct this paragraph (or any portion hereof) which may be defective or inconsistent with the intended Beneficial Ownership Limitation herein contained or to make changes or supplements necessary or desirable to properly give effect to such limitation. The limitations contained in this paragraph shall apply to a successor holder of this Warrant.

 

7 

 

 

Section 3. Certain Adjustments.

 

a) Stock Dividends and Splits. If the Company, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding: (i) pays a stock dividend or otherwise makes a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock (which, for avoidance of doubt, shall not include any shares of Common Stock issued by the Company upon exercise of this Warrant), (ii) subdivides outstanding shares of Common Stock into a larger number of shares, (iii) combines (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issues by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Company, then in each case the Exercise Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding immediately before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after such event, and the number of shares issuable upon exercise of this Warrant shall be proportionately adjusted such that the aggregate Exercise Price of this Warrant shall remain unchanged. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 3(a) shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or re-classification. For the purposes of clarification, the Exercise Price of this Warrant will not be adjusted in the event that the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, as applicable, sells or grants any option to purchase, or sell or grant any right to reprice, or otherwise dispose of or issue (or announce any offer, sale, grant or any option to purchase or other disposition) any Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents, at an effective price per share less than the Exercise Price then in effect.

 

b) [RESERVED]

 

c)  Subsequent Rights Offerings. In addition to any adjustments pursuant to Section 3(a) above, if at any time the Company grants, issues or sells any Common Stock Equivalents or rights to purchase stock, warrants, securities or other property pro rata to the record holders of any class of shares of Common Stock (the “Purchase Rights”), then the Holder will be entitled to acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate Purchase Rights which the Holder could have acquired if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date on which a record is taken for the grant, issuance or sale of such Purchase Rights, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the grant, issue or sale of such Purchase Rights (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder’s right to participate in any such Purchase Right would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Purchase Right to such extent (or beneficial ownership of such shares of Common Stock as a result of such Purchase Right to such extent) and such Purchase Right to such extent shall be held in abeyance for the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation).

 

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d) Pro Rata Distributions. During such time as this Warrant is outstanding, if the Company shall declare or make any dividend (other than cash dividends) or other distribution of its assets (or rights to acquire its assets) to holders of shares of Common Stock, by way of return of capital or otherwise (including, without limitation, any distribution of shares or other securities, property or options by way of a dividend, spin off, reclassification, corporate rearrangement, scheme of arrangement or other similar transaction) (a "Distribution"), at any time after the issuance of this Warrant, then, in each such case, the Holder shall be entitled to participate in such Distribution to the same extent that the Holder would have participated therein if the Holder had held the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon complete exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on exercise hereof, including without limitation, the Beneficial Ownership Limitation) immediately before the date of which a record is taken for such Distribution, or, if no such record is taken, the date as of which the record holders of shares of Common Stock are to be determined for the participation in such Distribution (provided, however, to the extent that the Holder's right to participate in any such Distribution would result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation, then the Holder shall not be entitled to participate in such Distribution to such extent (or in the beneficial ownership of any shares of Common Stock as a result of such Distribution to such extent) and the portion of such Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until such time, if ever, as its right thereto would not result in the Holder exceeding the Beneficial Ownership Limitation). To the extent that this Warrant has not been partially or completely exercised at the time of such Distribution, such portion of the Distribution shall be held in abeyance for the benefit of the Holder until the Holder has exercised this Warrant.

 

e) Fundamental Transaction. If, at any time while this Warrant is outstanding, (i) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person, (ii) the Company, directly or indirectly, effects any sale, lease, license, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (iii) any, direct or indirect, purchase offer, tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Stock are permitted to sell, tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property and has been accepted by the holders of 50% or more of the outstanding Common Stock, (iv) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions effects any reclassification, reorganization or recapitalization of the Common Stock or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Stock is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property, or (v) the Company, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (not including any shares of Common Stock held by the other Person or other Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the other Persons making or party to, such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination) (each a “Fundamental Transaction”), then, upon any subsequent exercise of this Warrant, the Holder shall have the right to receive, for each Warrant Share that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Transaction, at the option of the Holder (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant), the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of the Company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration (the “Alternate Consideration”) receivable by holders of Common Stock as a result of such Fundamental Transaction for each share of Common Stock for which this Warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction (without regard to any limitation in Section 2(e) on the exercise of this Warrant). For purposes of any such exercise, the determination of the Exercise Price shall be appropriately adjusted to apply to such Alternate Consideration based on the amount of Alternate Consideration issuable in respect of one share of Common Stock in such Fundamental Transaction, and the Company shall apportion the Exercise Price among the Alternate Consideration in a reasonable manner reflecting the relative value of any different components of the Alternate Consideration. If holders of Common Stock are given any choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a Fundamental Transaction, then the Holder shall be given the same choice as to the Alternate Consideration it receives upon any exercise of this Warrant following such Fundamental Transaction. The Company shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Company is not the survivor (the “Successor Entity”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3(e) pursuant to written agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and approved by the Holder (without unreasonable delay) prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the Holder, deliver to the Holder in exchange for this Warrant a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Warrant which is exercisable for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon exercise of this Warrant (without regard to any limitations on the exercise of this Warrant) prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the exercise price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such exercise price being for the purpose of protecting the economic value of this Warrant immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction), and which is reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Holder. Upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Warrant referring to the “Company” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under this Warrant with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein.

 

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f) Calculations. All calculations under this Section 3 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. For purposes of this Section 3, the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) issued and outstanding.

 

g) Notice to Holder.

 

i. Adjustment to Exercise Price. Whenever the Exercise Price is adjusted pursuant to any provision of this Section 3, the Company shall promptly deliver to the Holder by facsimile or email a notice setting forth the Exercise Price after such adjustment and any resulting adjustment to the number of Warrant Shares and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 

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ii. Notice to Allow Exercise by Holder. If (A) the Company shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution in whatever form) on the Common Stock, (B) the Company shall declare a special nonrecurring cash dividend on or a redemption of the Common Stock, (C) the Company shall authorize the granting to all holders of the Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of capital stock of any class or of any rights, (D) the approval of any stockholders of the Company shall be required in connection with any reclassification of the Common Stock, any consolidation or merger to which the Company is a party, any sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or any compulsory share exchange whereby the Common Stock is converted into other securities, cash or property, or (E) the Company shall authorize the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Company, then, in each case, the Company shall cause to be delivered by facsimile or email a notice to the Holder at its last facsimile number or email address as it shall appear upon the Warrant Register of the Company, at least 20 calendar days prior to the applicable record or effective date hereinafter specified, stating (x) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution, redemption, rights or warrants, or if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of the Common Stock of record to be entitled to such dividend, distributions, redemption, rights or warrants are to be determined or (y) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange is expected to become effective or close, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of the Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their shares of the Common Stock for securities, cash or other property deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or share exchange; provided that the failure to provide such notice or any defect therein shall not affect the validity of the corporate action required to be specified in such notice. To the extent that any notice provided hereunder constitutes, or contains, material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Company shall simultaneously file such notice with the Commission pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Holder shall remain entitled to exercise this Warrant during the period commencing on the date of such notice to the effective date of the event triggering such notice except as may otherwise be expressly set forth herein.

 

Section 4. Transfer of Warrant.

 

a) Transferability. Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(e)(1)(A), neither this Warrant nor any Warrant Shares issued upon exercise of this Warrant shall be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the securities by any person for a period of 180 days immediately following the date of commencement of sales of the Offering pursuant to which this Warrant is being issued, except the transfer of any security:

 

  i. by operation of law or by reason of reorganization of the Company;

 

  ii. to any FINRA member firm participating in the offering and the officers or partners thereof, if all securities so transferred remain subject to the lock-up restriction in this Section 4(a) for the remainder of the time period;

 

  iii. if the aggregate amount of securities of the Company held by the Holder or related person do not exceed 1% of the securities being offered;

 

  iv. that is beneficially owned on a pro-rata basis by all equity owners of an investment fund, provided that no participating member manages or otherwise directs investments by the fund, and participating members in the aggregate do not own more than 10% of the equity in the fund; or

 

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  v. the exercise or conversion of any security, if all securities received remain subject to the lock-up restriction in this Section 4(a) for the remainder of the time period.

 

Subject to the foregoing restriction, any applicable securities laws and the conditions set forth in Section 4(d), this Warrant and all rights hereunder (including, without limitation, any registration rights) are transferable, in whole or in part, upon surrender of this Warrant at the principal office of the Company or its designated agent, together with a written assignment of this Warrant substantially in the form attached hereto duly executed by the Holder or its agent or attorney and funds sufficient to pay any transfer taxes payable upon the making of such transfer. Upon such surrender and, if required, such payment, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in the name of the assignee or assignees, as applicable, and in the denomination or denominations specified in such instrument of assignment, and shall issue to the assignor a new Warrant evidencing the portion of this Warrant not so assigned, and this Warrant shall promptly be cancelled. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Warrant to the Company unless the Holder has assigned this Warrant in full, in which case, the Holder shall surrender this Warrant to the Company within three (3) Trading Days of the date the Holder delivers an assignment form to the Company assigning this Warrant full. The Warrant, if properly assigned in accordance herewith, may be exercised by a new holder for the purchase of Warrant Shares without having a new Warrant issued.

 

b) New Warrants. This Warrant may be divided or combined with other Warrants upon presentation hereof at the aforesaid office of the Company, together with a written notice specifying the names and denominations in which new Warrants are to be issued, signed by the Holder or its agent or attorney. Subject to compliance with Section 4(a), as to any transfer which may be involved in such division or combination, the Company shall execute and deliver a new Warrant or Warrants in exchange for the Warrant or Warrants to be divided or combined in accordance with such notice. All Warrants issued on transfers or exchanges shall be dated the initial issuance date of this Warrant and shall be identical with this Warrant except as to the number of Warrant Shares issuable pursuant thereto.

 

c) Warrant Register. The Company shall register this Warrant, upon records to be maintained by the Company for that purpose (the “Warrant Register”), in the name of the record Holder hereof from time to time. The Company may deem and treat the registered Holder of this Warrant as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose of any exercise hereof or any distribution to the Holder, and for all other purposes, absent actual notice to the contrary.

 

d) Representation by the Holder. The Holder, by the acceptance hereof, represents and warrants that it is acquiring this Warrant and, upon any exercise hereof, will acquire the Warrant Shares issuable upon such exercise, for its own account and not with a view to or for distributing or reselling such Warrant Shares or any part thereof in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable state securities law, except pursuant to sales registered or exempted under the Securities Act.

 

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Section 5. Registration Rights. 

 

5.1  Demand Registration.

 

5.1.1 Grant of Right. The Company, upon written demand (a “Demand Notice”) of the Holder(s) of at least 51% of the Warrants and/or the underlying Warrant Shares (“Majority Holders”), agrees to register, on one occasion, all or any portion of the Warrant Shares underlying the Warrants (collectively, the “Registrable Securities”). On such occasion, the Company will file a registration statement with the Commission covering the Registrable Securities within sixty (60) days after receipt of a Demand Notice and use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective promptly thereafter, subject to compliance with review by the Commission; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to comply with a Demand Notice if the Company has filed a registration statement with respect to which the Holder is entitled to piggyback registration rights pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof and either: (i) the Holder has elected to participate in the offering covered by such registration statement or (ii) if such registration statement relates to an underwritten primary offering of securities of the Company, until the offering covered by such registration statement has been withdrawn or until thirty (30) days after such offering is consummated. The sole demand for registration may be made at any time beginning on the Initial Exercise Date and expiring on the fifth anniversary of the Commencement Date in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(C). The Company covenants and agrees to give written notice of its receipt of any Demand Notice by any Holder(s) to all other registered Holders of the Warrants and/or the Registrable Securities within ten (10) days after the date of the receipt of any such Demand Notice. 

 

5.1.2  Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to the registration of the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 5.1.1, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. The Company agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the filing required herein to become effective promptly and to qualify or register the Registrable Securities in such States as are reasonably requested by the Holder(s); provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be required to register the Registrable Securities in a State in which such registration would cause: (i) the Company to be obligated to register or license to do business in such State or submit to general service of process in such State, or (ii) the principal stockholders of the Company to be obligated to escrow their shares of capital stock of the Company. The Company shall cause any registration statement filed pursuant to the demand right granted under Section 5.1.1 to remain effective for a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months after the date that the Holders of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement are first given the opportunity to sell all of such securities. The Holders shall only use the prospectuses provided by the Company to sell the Warrant Shares covered by such registration statement, and will immediately cease to use any prospectus furnished by the Company if the Company advises the Holder that such prospectus may no longer be used due to a material misstatement or omission. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5.1.2, the Holder shall be entitled to a demand registration under this Section 5.1.2 on only one (1) occasion and such demand registration right shall terminate on the fifth anniversary of the Commencement Date in accordance with FINRA Rules 5110(g)(8)(B) and 5110(g)(8)(C).

 

5.2  “Piggy-Back” Registration. 

 

5.2.1 Grant of Right. In addition to the demand right of registration described in Section 5.1 hereof, the Holder shall have the right, for a period of no more than five (5) years from the Initial Exercise Date in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(D), to include the Registrable Securities as part of any other registration of securities filed by the Company (other than in connection with a transaction contemplated by Rule 145(a) promulgated under the Securities Act or pursuant to Form S-8 or any equivalent form); provided, however, that if, solely in connection with any primary underwritten public offering for the account of the Company, the managing underwriter(s) thereof shall, in its reasonable discretion, impose a limitation on the number of Registrable Securities that may be included in the Registration Statement because, in such underwriter(s)’ judgment, marketing or other factors dictate such limitation is necessary to facilitate public distribution, then the Company shall be obligated to include in such Registration Statement only such limited portion of the Registrable Securities with respect to which the Holder requested inclusion hereunder as the underwriter shall reasonably permit. Any exclusion of Registrable Securities shall be made pro rata among the Holders seeking to include Registrable Securities in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities sought to be included by such Holders; provided, however, that the Company shall not exclude any Registrable Securities unless the Company has first excluded all outstanding securities, the holders of which are not entitled to inclusion of such securities in such Registration Statement or are not entitled to pro rata inclusion with the Registrable Securities.

  

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5.2.2  Terms. The Company shall bear all fees and expenses attendant to registering the Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 5.2.1 hereof, but the Holders shall pay any and all underwriting commissions and the expenses of any legal counsel selected by the Holders to represent them in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities. In the event of such a proposed registration, the Company shall furnish the then Holders of outstanding Registrable Securities with not less than thirty (30) days written notice prior to the proposed date of filing of such registration statement. Such notice to the Holders shall continue to be given for each registration statement filed by the Company during the five (5) year period following the Initial Exercise Date until such time as all of the Registrable Securities have been sold by the Holder. The holders of the Registrable Securities shall exercise the “piggy-back” rights provided for herein by giving written notice within ten (10) days of the receipt of the Company’s notice of its intention to file a registration statement. Except as otherwise provided in this Warrant, there shall be no limit on the number of times the Holder may request registration under this Section 5.2.2; provided, however, that at any time after the second anniversary of the Initial Exercise Date, the Holders shall not be entitled to exercise any piggyback registration rights under this Section 5.2 if the Warrant Shares are eligible for resale by the Holder without volume or manner-of-sale limitations or other limitations pursuant to Rule 144, with such time period being in accordance with FINRA Rule 5110(g)(8)(D).

 

5.3 General Terms

 

5.3.1 Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify the Holder(s) of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to any registration statement hereunder and each person, if any, who controls such Holders within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 (a) of the Exchange Act against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which any of them may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from such registration statement but only to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions pursuant to which the Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters contained in Section 5.1 of the Underwriting Agreement. The Holder(s) of the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such registration statement, and their successors and assigns, shall severally, and not jointly, indemnify the Company, against all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all reasonable attorneys’ fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any claim whatsoever) to which they may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from information furnished by or on behalf of such Holders, or their successors or assigns, in writing, for specific inclusion in such registration statement to the same extent and with the same effect as the provisions contained in Section 5.2 of the Underwriting Agreement pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify the Company.

 

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5.3.2 Exercise of Warrants. Nothing contained in this Warrant shall be construed as requiring the Holder(s) to exercise their Warrants prior to or after the initial filing of any registration statement or the effectiveness thereof. 

 

5.3.3  Documents Delivered to Holders. The Company shall furnish to each Holder participating in any of the foregoing offerings and to each underwriter of any such offering, if any, a signed counterpart, addressed to such Holder or underwriter, of: (i) an opinion of counsel to the Company, dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, an opinion dated the date of the closing under any underwriting agreement related thereto), and (ii) a “cold comfort” letter dated the effective date of such registration statement (and, if such registration includes an underwritten public offering, a letter dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement) signed by the independent registered public accounting firm which has issued a report on the Company’s financial statements included in such registration statement, in each case covering substantially the same matters with respect to such registration statement (and the prospectus included therein) and, in the case of such accountants’ letter, with respect to events subsequent to the date of such financial statements, as are customarily covered in opinions of issuer’s counsel and in accountants’ letters delivered to underwriters in underwritten public offerings of securities. The Company shall also deliver promptly to each Holder participating in the offering requesting the correspondence and memoranda described below and to the managing underwriter, if any, copies of all correspondence between the Commission and the Company, its counsel or auditors and all memoranda relating to discussions with the Commission or its staff with respect to the registration statement and permit each Holder and underwriter to do such investigation, upon reasonable advance notice, with respect to information contained in or omitted from the registration statement as it deems reasonably necessary to comply with applicable securities laws or rules of FINRA. Such investigation shall include access to books, records and properties and opportunities to discuss the business of the Company with its officers and independent auditors, all to such reasonable extent and at such reasonable times as any such Holder shall reasonably request.

 

5.3.4  Underwriting Agreement. The Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement with the managing underwriter(s), if any, selected by any Holders whose Registrable Securities are being registered pursuant to this Section 5, which managing underwriter shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company. Such agreement shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, each Holder and such managing underwriters, and shall contain such representations, warranties and covenants by the Company and such other terms as are customarily contained in agreements of that type used by the managing underwriter. The Holders shall be parties to any underwriting agreement relating to an underwritten sale of their Registrable Securities and may, at their option, require that any or all the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company to or for the benefit of such underwriters shall also be made to and for the benefit of such Holders. Such Holders shall not be required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the Company or the underwriters except as they may relate to such Holders, their Warrant Shares and their intended methods of distribution.

 

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5.3.5  Documents to be Delivered by Holder(s). Each of the Holder(s) participating in any of the foregoing offerings shall furnish to the Company a completed and executed questionnaire provided by the Company requesting information customarily sought of selling security holders. 

 

5.3.6  Damages. Should the registration or the effectiveness thereof required by Sections 5.1 and 5.2 hereof be delayed by the Company or the Company otherwise fails to comply with such provisions, the Holder(s) shall, in addition to any other legal or other relief available to the Holder(s), be entitled to obtain specific performance or other equitable (including injunctive) relief against the threatened breach of such provisions or the continuation of any such breach, without the necessity of proving actual damages and without the necessity of posting bond or other security. 

 

Section 6. Miscellaneous

 

  a) No Rights as Stockholder Until Exercise. This Warrant does not entitle the Holder to any voting rights, dividends or other rights as a stockholder of the Company prior to the exercise hereof as set forth in Section 2(d)(i).

 

  b) Loss, Theft, Destruction or Mutilation of Warrant. The Company covenants that upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Warrant or any certificate relating to the Warrant Shares, and in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it (which, in the case of the Warrant, shall not include the posting of any bond), and upon surrender and cancellation of such Warrant or stock certificate, if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new Warrant or stock certificate of like tenor and dated as of such cancellation, in lieu of such Warrant or stock certificate.

 

  c) Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, etc. If the last or appointed day for the taking of any action or the expiration of any right required or granted herein shall not be a Trading Day, then, such action may be taken or such right may be exercised on the next succeeding Trading Day.

 

  d) Authorized Shares.

 

The Company covenants that, during the period the Warrant is outstanding, it will reserve from its authorized and unissued Common Stock a sufficient number of shares to provide for the issuance of the Warrant Shares upon the exercise of any purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company further covenants that its issuance of this Warrant shall constitute full authority to its officers who are charged with the duty of issuing the necessary Warrant Shares upon the exercise of the purchase rights under this Warrant. The Company will take all such reasonable action as may be necessary to assure that such Warrant Shares may be issued as provided herein without violation of any applicable law or regulation, or of any requirements of the Trading Market upon which the Common Stock may be listed. The Company covenants that all Warrant Shares which may be issued upon the exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant will, upon exercise of the purchase rights represented by this Warrant and payment for such Warrant Shares in accordance herewith, be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free from all taxes, liens and charges created by the Company in respect of the issue thereof (other than taxes in respect of any transfer occurring contemporaneously with such issue).

 

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Except and to the extent as waived or consented to by the Holder, the Company shall not by any action, including, without limitation, amending its certificate of incorporation or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, dissolution, issue or sale of securities or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Warrant, but will at all times in good faith assist in the carrying out of all such terms and in the taking of all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to protect the rights of Holder as set forth in this Warrant against impairment. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will (i) not increase the par value of any Warrant Shares above the amount payable therefor upon such exercise immediately prior to such increase in par value, (ii) take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Warrant Shares upon the exercise of this Warrant and (iii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all such authorizations, exemptions or consents from any public regulatory body having jurisdiction thereof, as may be, necessary to enable the Company to perform its obligations under this Warrant.

 

Before taking any action which would result in an adjustment in the number of Warrant Shares for which this Warrant is exercisable or in the Exercise Price, the Company shall obtain all such authorizations or exemptions thereof, or consents thereto, as may be necessary from any public regulatory body or bodies having jurisdiction thereof. 

 

  e) Jurisdiction. All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Warrant shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement.

 

  f) Restrictions. The Holder acknowledges that the Warrant Shares acquired upon the exercise of this Warrant, if not registered, and the Holder does not utilize cashless exercise, will have restrictions upon resale imposed by state and federal securities laws.

 

  g) Nonwaiver and Expenses. No course of dealing or any delay or failure to exercise any right hereunder on the part of Holder shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice the Holder’s rights, powers or remedies. Without limiting any other provision of this Warrant or the Underwriting Agreement, if the Company willfully and knowingly fails to comply with any provision of this Warrant, which results in any material damages to the Holder, the Company shall pay to the Holder such amounts as shall be sufficient to cover any costs and expenses including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, including those of appellate proceedings, incurred by the Holder in collecting any amounts due pursuant hereto or in otherwise enforcing any of its rights, powers or remedies hereunder.

 

  h) Notices. Any notice, request or other document required or permitted to be given or delivered to the Holder by the Company shall be delivered in accordance with the notice provisions of the Underwriting Agreement.

 

  i)

Limitation of Liability. No provision hereof, in the absence of any affirmative action by the Holder to exercise this Warrant to purchase Warrant Shares, and no enumeration herein of the rights or privileges of the Holder, shall give rise to any liability of the Holder for the purchase price of any Common Stock or as a stockholder of the Company, whether such liability is asserted by the Company or by creditors of the Company.

 

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  j) Remedies. The Holder, in addition to being entitled to exercise all rights granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Warrant. The Company agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this Warrant and hereby agrees to waive and not to assert the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

 

  k) Successors and Assigns. Subject to applicable securities laws, this Warrant and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of the Company and the successors and permitted assigns of Holder. The provisions of this Warrant are intended to be for the benefit of any Holder from time to time of this Warrant and shall be enforceable by the Holder or holder of Warrant Shares.

 

  l) Amendment. This Warrant may be modified or amended or the provisions hereof waived with the written consent of the Company and the Majority Holders.

 

  m) Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of this Warrant shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Warrant shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Warrant.

 

  n) Headings. The headings used in this Warrant are for the convenience of reference only and shall not, for any purpose, be deemed a part of this Warrant.

 

********************

 

(Signature Page Follows)

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Warrant to be executed by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date first above indicated.

 

  Tivic HEALTH Systems, Inc.
   
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:

 

[Signature Page to the Representative’s Warrant]

 

19

 

 

NOTICE OF EXERCISE 

 

TO: Tivic HEALTH Systems Inc.

 

_________________________

 

(1)   The undersigned hereby elects to purchase ________ Warrant Shares of the Company pursuant to the terms of the attached Warrant (only if exercised in full), and tenders herewith payment of the exercise price in full, together with all applicable transfer taxes, if any.

 

(2)   Payment shall take the form of (check applicable box): 

 

¨ in lawful money of the United States; or 

 

¨ if permitted the cancellation of such number of Warrant Shares as is necessary, in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection 2(c), to exercise this Warrant with respect to the maximum number of Warrant Shares purchasable pursuant to the cashless exercise procedure set forth in subsection 2(c). 

 

(3)   Please register and issue said Warrant Shares in the name of the undersigned or in such other name as is specified below: 

 

_______________________________ 

 

The Warrant Shares shall be delivered to the following DWAC Account Number or by physical delivery of a certificate to: 

 

_______________________________ 

 

_______________________________ 

 

_______________________________ 

 

(4)   Accredited Investor. If the Warrant is being exercised via cash exercise, the undersigned is an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended 

 

[SIGNATURE OF HOLDER]

 

Name of Investing Entity:   

 

Signature of Authorized Signatory of Investing Entity:   

 

Name of Authorized Signatory:   

 

Title of Authorized Signatory:   

 

Date:   

 

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ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

(To assign the foregoing warrant, execute
this form and supply required information.
Do not use this form to exercise the warrant.) 

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, [____] all of or [_______] shares of the foregoing Warrant and all rights evidenced thereby are hereby assigned to

 

_________________________________________________ whose address is 

 

_______________________________________________________________. 

 

_______________________________________________________________ 

 

Dated: ______________, _______ 

 

Holder’s Signature: _____________________________ 

 

Holder’s Address:   _____________________________

 

______________________________ 

 

NOTE: The signature to this Assignment Form must correspond with the name as it appears on the face of the Warrant, without alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever. Officers of corporations and those acting in a fiduciary or other representative capacity should file proper evidence of authority to assign the foregoing Warrant.

 

21

 

Exhibit 10.4a

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

 

2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Plan Adopted by the Board: August 7, 2021
Plan Approved by the Shareholders: August 16, 2021

 

Termination Date: August 6, 2031

 

1.      General.

 

(a)          Purposes. The purposes of the Plan are as follows:

 

(i)            To provide additional incentive for selected Employees, Directors and Consultants to further the growth, development and financial success of the Company by providing a means by which such persons can personally benefit through the ownership of capital stock of the Company; and

 

(ii)           To enable the Company to secure and retain key Employees, Directors and Consultants considered important to the long-term success of the Company by offering such persons an opportunity to own capital stock of the Company.

 

(b)          Eligible Stock Award Recipients. The persons eligible to receive Stock Awards under the Plan are the Employees, Directors and Consultants of the Company and its Affiliates.

 

(c)         Available Stock Awards. The following Stock Awards are available under the Plan: (i) Incentive Stock Options; (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options; (iii) Restricted Stock awards, (iv) Restricted Stock Units; (v) Stock Bonus awards; and (vi) Performance-Based Awards.

 

2.      Definitions.

 

(a)          Administrator” means the entity that conducts the general administration of the Plan as provided herein. The term “Administrator” shall refer to the Board unless the Board has delegated administration to a Committee as provided in Article 3.

 

(b)          Affiliate” means:

 

(i)            with respect to Incentive Stock Options, any “parent corporation” or “subsidiary corporation” of the Company, whether now existing or hereafter created or acquired, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and 424(f) of the Code, respectively; and

 

(ii)          with respect to Stock Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, any entity described in paragraph (a) of this Section 2(b), plus any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, whether now existing or hereafter created or acquired, with respect to which the Company beneficially owns more than fifty percent (50%) of: (1) the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities or (2) the capital or profits interests of a limited liability company, partnership or joint venture.

 

 

 

 

(c)          “Award Shares” means the shares of Common Stock of the Company issued or issuable pursuant to a Stock Award, including Option Shares issued or issuable pursuant to an Option.

 

(d)          Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(e)         Cause” shall mean, unless the applicable Stock Award Agreement states otherwise: (a) the Company or an Affiliate having “cause” to terminate a Participant’s employment or service, as defined in any employment or consulting agreement or similar services agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate in effect at the time of such termination, or (b) in the absence of any such employment, consulting or similar services agreement (or the absence of any definition of “Cause” contained therein), “Cause” shall mean, as determined by the Administrator, the Participant’s (i) act(s) of fraud or dishonesty, (ii) knowing and material failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations or satisfactorily perform Participant’s services, (iii) insubordination, (iv) Participant’s material violation of any Company policy that causes, or is likely to cause, harm to the Company, or (v) drug or alcohol abuse.

 

(f)          Change in Control” shall mean any one of the following events, provided that such event constitutes a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company, or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets, as provided in Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Code and Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5):

 

(i)            The direct or indirect sale or transfer, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, by the shareholders of the Company of voting securities, in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions hold, as a result of holding Company securities prior to such transaction, in the aggregate, securities possessing less than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power all outstanding voting securities of the Company or of the acquiring entity immediately after such transaction or series of related transactions;

 

(ii)           A merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving entity, except for a transaction in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation hold as a result of holding Company securities prior to such transaction, in the aggregate, securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the surviving entity (or the parent of the surviving entity) immediately after such merger or consolidation;

 

(iii)          A reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving entity but in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such merger hold as a result of holding Company securities prior to such transaction, in the aggregate, securities possessing less than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the Company or of the acquiring entity immediately after such merger;

 

(iv)          The sale, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, except for a transaction in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction(s) receive as a distribution with respect to securities of the Company, in the aggregate, securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the acquiring entity immediately after such transaction(s); or

 

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(v)          Any time individuals who, on the date this Plan is adopted by the Board, are members of the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board; provided, however, that if the appointment or election (or nomination for election) of any new Board member was approved or recommended by a majority vote of the members of the Incumbent Board then still in office, such new member shall, for purposes of this Plan, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Plan, the term Change in Control shall not include (A) the acquisition of securities of the Company in a transaction or series of related transactions the primary purpose of which is to obtain financing for the Company through the issuance of equity securities, or (B) a sale of assets, merger, or other transaction effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company. The definition of Change in Control (or any analogous term) in an individual written agreement between the Company or any Affiliate and a Participant shall supersede the foregoing definition with respect to Stock Awards subject to such agreement; providedhowever, that if no definition of Change in Control or any analogous term is set forth in such an individual written agreement, the foregoing definition shall apply.

 

(g)          Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(h)          Committee” means a committee appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 3(c).

 

(i)           Common Stock” means the shares of common stock of the Company.

 

(j)           Company” means Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

(k)          Consultant” means any consultant or adviser if:

 

(a)           The consultant or adviser renders bona fide services to the Company or any Affiliate;

 

(b)           The services rendered by the consultant or adviser are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities; and

 

(i)            The consultant or adviser is a natural person who has contracted directly with the Company or any Affiliate to render such services.

 

(l)           Director” means a member of the Board.

 

(m)         Disability” means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code and as interpreted by the Administrator in each case.

 

(n)          Dividend Equivalents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7(c)(iii).

 

3

 

 

(o)          Effective Date” shall have the meaning given in Section 16 herein.

 

(p)          Employee” means any person, including Officers and Directors, providing services as an employee to the Company or any Affiliate. Neither service as a Director nor receipt of a director’s fee shall be sufficient to make a Director an “Employee.”

 

(q)          Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

(r)          Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock of the Company determined as follows:

 

(i)            If the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading on a Nasdaq market system or a stock exchange which reports closing sale prices, the Fair Market Value shall be the closing sale price on the date of valuation on such Nasdaq market system or principal stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed or admitted to trading, or, if no closing sale price is quoted on such day, then the Fair Market Value shall be the closing sale price of the Common Stock on such Nasdaq market system or such exchange on the next preceding day for which a closing sale price is reported;

 

(ii)           If the Common Stock is not then listed or admitted to trading on a Nasdaq market system or a stock exchange which reports closing sale prices, the Fair Market Value shall be the average of the closing bid and asked prices of the Common Stock in the over-the-counter market on the date of valuation; or

 

(iii)          If neither (i) nor (ii) is applicable as of the date of valuation, then the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Administrator in good faith using any reasonable method of valuation, which determination shall be conclusive and binding on all interested parties.

 

(s)          Incentive Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(t)           Non-Employee Director” means a member of the Board who qualifies as a “Non-Employee Director” as defined in Rule 16b-3(b)(3) of the Exchange Act, or any successor rule.

 

(u)          Nonstatutory Stock Option” means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.

 

(v)           Officer means any person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(w)          Option” means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.

 

(x)          Option Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. Each Option Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and any rules and regulations adopted by the Administrator and incorporated therein.

 

4

 

 

(y)          Optionee” means the Participant to whom an Option is granted or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.

 

(z)          Option Shares” means the shares of Common Stock of the Company issued or issuable pursuant to the exercise of an Option.

 

(aa)        Participant” means an Optionee or any other person to whom a Stock Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Stock Award.

 

(bb)         Performance-Based Award” means a Stock Award subject to the achievement of a Performance Goal or Performance Goals, as set forth in the applicable Stock Award Agreement.

 

(cc)        Performance Criteria” means the criteria that the Administrator selects for purposes of establishing the Performance Goal or Performance Goals for a Participant for a Performance Period. The Performance Criteria that will be used to establish Performance Goals are limited to the following: net earnings (either before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), sales or revenue, net income (either before or after taxes), operating earnings, cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow), return on net assets, return on shareholders’ equity, return on sales, gross or net profit margin, working capital, earnings per share and price per share of Common Stock, the achievement of certain milestones, customer retention rates, licensing, partnership or other strategic transactions, obtaining a specified level of financing for the Company, as determined by the Administrator, including the issuance of securities, or the achievement of one or more corporate, divisional or individual scientific or inventive measures. Any of the criteria identified above may be measured either in absolute terms or as compared to any incremental increase or as compared to results of a peer group. The Administrator shall define in an objective fashion the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for such Performance Period for such Participant.

 

(dd)        Performance Goals” means, for a Performance Period, the goals established in writing by the Administrator for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria. Depending on the Performance Criteria used to establish such Performance Goals, the Performance Goals may be expressed in terms of overall Company performance or the performance of an Affiliate, division or other operational unit, or an individual. The Administrator, in its discretion, may adjust or modify the calculation of Performance Goals for such Performance Period in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants (i) in the event of, or in anticipation of, any unusual or extraordinary corporate item, transaction, event, or development, or (ii) in recognition of, or in anticipation of, any other unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company, or the financial statements of the Company, or in response to, or in anticipation of, changes in applicable laws, regulations, accounting principles, or business conditions.

 

(ee)         Performance Period” means the one or more periods of time, which may be of varying and overlapping durations, as the Administrator may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participant’s right to, and the payment of, a Performance-Based Award.

 

5

 

 

(ff)          Plan” means this 2021 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

(gg)        Restricted Stock” means Common Stock awarded to a Participant pursuant to Section 7(b) that is subject to certain restrictions and may be subject to risk of forfeiture or repurchase.

 

(hh)        Restricted Stock Award Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of a Restricted Stock award. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and any rules and regulations adopted by the Administrator and incorporated therein.

 

(ii)          Restricted Stock Unit” means a Stock Award that is valued by reference to a share of Common Stock, which value may be paid to a Participant by delivery of such property as the Administrator shall determine, including, without limitation, cash or shares of Common Stock, or any combination thereof, and that has such restrictions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose, including, without limitation, any restriction on the right to retain such Stock Awards, and, subject to Section 7(c)(iii), to receive any cash Dividend Equivalents with respect to such Stock Awards, which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, in installments or otherwise, as the Administrator may deem appropriate.

 

(jj)          Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

(kk)       “Stock Award” means any right granted under the Plan, including an Option, a right to acquire Restricted Stock, a Restricted Stock Unit, a Stock Bonus, or a Performance-Based Award.

 

(ll)          “Stock Award Agreement” means any written or electronic agreement, including an Option Agreement, Stock Bonus Agreement, or Restricted Stock Award Agreement, between the Company and a holder of a Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Stock Award grant. Each Stock Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and any additional rules and regulations adopted by the Administrator and incorporated therein.

 

(mm)      Stock Bonus” means a payment in the form of shares of Common Stock, or as part of any bonus, deferred compensation or other arrangement, made in lieu of all or any portion of the compensation, granted pursuant to Section 7(a).

 

(nn)        Stock Bonus Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and a Participant evidencing the terms and conditions of a Stock Bonus. Each Stock Bonus Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and any rules and regulations adopted by the Administrator and incorporated therein.

 

(oo)        “Ten Percent Shareholder” means a person who owns (or is deemed to own pursuant to Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any of its Affiliates.

 

(pp)        Termination of Service” means:

 

6

 

 

(i)            With respect to Stock Awards granted to a Participant in his or her capacity as an Employee, the time when the employer-employee relationship between the Participant and the Company (or an Affiliate) is terminated for any reason, including, without limitation a termination by resignation, discharge, death or retirement;

 

(ii)           With respect to Stock Awards granted to a Participant in his or her capacity as a Director, the time when the Participant ceases to be a Director for any reason, including without limitation a cessation by resignation, removal, failure to be reelected, death or retirement, but excluding cessations where there is a simultaneous or continuing employment of the former Director by the Company (or an Affiliate) and the Administrator expressly deems such cessation not to be a Termination of Service;

 

(iii)          With respect to Stock Awards granted to a Participant in his or her capacity as a Consultant, the first to occur of (A) the termination of the contractual relationship between the Participant and the Company (or an Affiliate) for any reason, or (B) the Participant is no longer providing services to the Company; and

 

(iv)         With respect to Stock Awards granted to a Participant in his or her capacity as an Employee, Director or Consultant of an Affiliate, when such entity ceases to qualify as an Affiliate under this Plan, unless earlier terminated as set forth above.

 

The Administrator, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine the effect of all other matters and issues relating to a Termination of Service.

 

3.      Administration.

 

(a)          Administration by Board. The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator unless and until the Board delegates administration to a Committee or an Officer, as provided in Section 3(c) below.

 

(b)          Powers of the Administrator. The Administrator shall have the power, except as otherwise provided herein:

 

(i)                 To determine from time to time (A) which of the persons eligible under the Plan shall be granted Stock Awards; (B) when and how the Stock Awards shall be granted; (C) what type or combination of types of Stock Awards will be granted; (D) the terms and conditions of each Stock Award granted (which need not be identical), including, without limitation, the transferability or repurchase of such Stock Awards or Award Shares issuable thereunder, as applicable, and the circumstances under which Stock Awards become exercisable or vested or are forfeited or expire, which terms may but need not be conditioned upon the passage of time, continued employment, the satisfaction of performance criteria, the occurrence of certain events, or other factors; and (E) the number of Award Shares subject to a Stock Award that shall be granted to a Participant.

 

(ii)           To construe and interpret the Plan and Stock Awards granted under it, and to make exceptions to any such provisions in good faith and for the benefit of the Company, and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for the Plan’s administration. The Administrator, in the exercise of its power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Stock Award Agreement in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan fully effective.

 

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(iii)          To settle all controversies regarding the Plan and Stock Awards granted under it.

 

(iv)          To accelerate the time at which a Stock Award may first be exercised or the time during which a Stock Award or any part thereof will vest in accordance with the Plan (subject to Section 4(d) below), notwithstanding the provisions in the Stock Award stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.

 

(v)          To suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Suspension or termination of the Plan shall not impair rights and obligations under any Stock Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written consent of the affected Participant.

 

(vi)         To submit any amendment to the Plan for shareholder approval.

 

(vii)         To amend the Plan in any respect the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to provide Participants with the maximum benefits provided or to be provided under the provisions of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder relating to Incentive Stock Options or to bring the Plan or Incentive Stock Options granted under it into compliance therewith.

 

(viii)       To amend the terms of any one or more Stock Awards, including, but not limited to, amendments to provide terms more favorable than previously provided in the Stock Award Agreement, subject to any specified limits in the Plan that are not subject to Administrator discretion; provided, however, that the rights under any Stock Award shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (a) the Company requests the consent of the affected Participant, and (b) such Participant consents in writing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to the limitations of applicable law, if any, and without the affected Participant’s consent, the Administrator may amend the terms of any one or more Stock Awards if necessary to maintain the qualified status of the Stock Award as an Incentive Stock Option or to bring the Stock Award into compliance with Section 409A of the Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder.

 

(ix)          To amend the Plan as provided in Section 14.

 

(x)           To prescribe and amend the terms of the agreements or other documents evidencing Stock Awards made under this Plan (which need not be identical).

 

(xi)          To place such restrictions on the sale or other disposition of Award Shares as may be deemed appropriate by the Administrator.

 

(xii)         To determine whether, and the extent to which, adjustments are required pursuant to Section 11.

 

(xiii)        Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Administrator deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company.

 

8

 

 

(c)          Delegation to a Committee.

 

(i)            General. The Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a committee of the Board composed of not fewer than two (2) members (the “Committee”). If administration is delegated to a Committee, the Committee shall have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board (and references in the Plan to the Administrator shall thereafter be deemed to be references to the Committee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. The Board may abolish the Committee at any time and revest in the Board the administration of the Plan. Appointment of Committee members shall be effective upon acceptance of appointment. In its sole discretion, the Board may at any time and from time to time exercise any and all rights and duties of the Administrator under the Plan except with respect to matters which under Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act are required to be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee. Committee members may resign at any time by delivering written notice to the Board. Vacancies in the Committee may only be filled by the Board.

 

(ii)          Rule 16b-3 Compliance.  In the discretion of the Board, the Committee may consist solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors, in accordance with Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.  In addition, the Board or the Committee, in its discretion, may delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board who need not be Non-Employee Directors the authority to grant Stock Awards to eligible persons who are not then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

 

(d)          Delegation to an Officer. The Board or any Committee may delegate to one (1) or more Officers the authority to do one or both of the following: (i) to the extent permitted by applicable law, designate Employees who are not Officers to be recipients of Stock Awards and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the terms thereof, and (ii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to such Stock Awards granted to such Employees. Any such Stock Awards will be granted on the applicable form of Stock Award Agreement most recently approved for use by the Board or the Committee, unless otherwise provided in the resolutions approving the delegation authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, neither the Board nor any Committee may delegate the authority to determine the Fair Market Value to an Officer who is acting solely in the capacity of an Officer (and not also as a Director).

 

(e)          Effect of Change in Status. The Administrator shall have the absolute discretion to determine the effect upon a Stock Award, and upon an individual’s status as an Employee, Consultant or Director under the Plan, including whether a Participant shall be deemed to have experienced a Termination of Service or other change in status, and upon the vesting, expiration or forfeiture of a Stock Award or Award Shares issuable in respect thereof, in the case of (i) a Termination of Service for cause, (ii) any leave of absence approved by the Company or an Affiliate, (iii) any transfer between the Company and any Affiliate or between any Affiliates, (iii) any change in the Participant’s status from an Employee to a Consultant or member of the Administrator of Directors, or vice versa, and (v) any Employee who becomes employed by any partnership, joint venture, corporation or other entity not meeting the requirements of an Affiliate.

 

9

 

 

(f)           Determinations of the Administrator. All decisions, determinations and interpretations by the Administrator regarding this Plan shall be final and binding on all Participants or other persons claiming rights under the Plan or any Stock Award. The Administrator shall consider such factors as it deems relevant to making such decisions, determinations and interpretations including, without limitation, the recommendations or advice of any Director, Officer or Employee of the Company and such attorneys, consultants and accountants as it may select. A Participant or other holder of a Stock Award may contest a decision or action by the Administrator with respect to such person or Stock Award only on the grounds that such decision or action was arbitrary or capricious or was unlawful, and any review of such decision or action shall be limited to determining whether the Administrator’s decision or action was arbitrary or capricious or was unlawful.

 

(g)          Arbitration. Any dispute or claim concerning any Stock Awards granted (or not granted) pursuant to the Plan or any disputes or claims relating to or arising out of the Plan shall be fully, finally and exclusively resolved by binding and confidential arbitration conducted pursuant to the rules of Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (“JAMS”) in the County of San Mateo, California. In addition to any other relief, the arbitrator may award to the prevailing party recovery of its attorneys’ fees and costs. By accepting a Stock Award, Participants and the Company waive their respective rights to have any such disputes or claims tried by a judge or jury.

 

4.      Shares Subject to the Plan; Share Counting; Overall Limitations.

 

(a)           Shares Subject to the Plan.

 

(i)            Award Shares. Subject to the provisions of Section 10 relating to adjustments upon changes in stock, the Award Shares that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards shall not exceed in the aggregate Three Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand (3,750,000) shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Initial Reserve”). In addition, subject to the provisions of Section 10 relating to adjustments upon changes in stock, such aggregate Award Shares that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards will automatically increase on January 1 of each fiscal year (for a period of ten years after adoption of the Plan) during the term of the Plan, commencing on January 1, 2022 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2031, in an amount equal to the lesser of (a) five percent (5%) of the total number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding on December 31st of the preceding calendar year or (b) such number of shares determined by the Board, in its discretion.

 

(ii)           Aggregate Incentive Stock Option Limit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4(a)(i) and subject to the provisions of Section 10 relating to adjustments upon changes in stock, the aggregate maximum number of Award Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options is a number of shares of Common Stock equal to one and one half (1.5) multiplied by the Initial Reserve.

 

(b)           Share Counting; Reversion of Award Shares to Plan.

 

(i)            Share Counting. For purposes of counting the number of Award Shares available for the grant of Stock Awards under the Plan under this Section 4, all Award Shares covered by any Stock Award shall be counted against Award Shares available under the Plan on a “one for one” basis, provided, however, that (a) Stock Awards that may be settled only in cash shall not be so counted, and (b) while any Performance-Based Award is outstanding, the maximum number of Award Shares issuable under such Stock Award shall be counted against available Award Shares under the Plan, and upon final settlement of such Performance-Based Award, any Award Shares not issued to the holder thereof due to failure to achieve any related Performance Goal(s) shall revert to the Plan and again be available for grant and issuance pursuant to Section 4(b)(ii) below.

 

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(ii)           Award Shares Available for Subsequent Issuance. Award Shares subject to Stock Awards, and Award Shares issued under this Plan under any Stock Award, will again be available for grant and issuance in connection with subsequent Stock Awards under this Plan to the extent such Award Shares: (a) are subject to issuance upon exercise of an Option or settlement of a Restricted Stock Unit granted under this Plan but which cease to be subject to the Option or Restricted Stock Unit by expiration, termination, cancellation, or forfeiture prior to the issuance of such Award Shares; or (b) are subject to Stock Awards granted under this Plan that are repurchased by the Company at the original issue price.

 

(iii)          Award Shares Not Available for Subsequent Issuance. Award Shares used to pay the exercise price of an Option, Award Shares withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to a Stock Award, or Award Shares repurchased by the Company for any reason other than Shares repurchased at their original issue price, in each case, will not become available for future grant or sale under this Plan.

 

(c)           Dividends and Dividend Equivalents. The maximum number of Award Shares that may be issued under the Plan in Section 4(a) above shall not be affected by the payment of dividends or Dividend Equivalents in cash or in shares of Common Stock in connection with outstanding Stock Awards.

 

(d)           Vesting and Acceleration Restriction. Awards shall not provide for any vesting prior to at least twelve (12) months from the date of grant. In addition, the Administrator will not permit the discretionary acceleration of vesting of Awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may permit (i) acceleration of vesting of Awards in the event of the Participant’s death or Disability, or in connection with a Change in Control, and / or (ii) the vesting of Stock Awards on any basis prior to twelve (12) months from grant representing up to an aggregate of five percent (5%) of the Award Shares reserved and available for grant under the Plan.

 

5.      Eligibility and Certain Limitations.

 

(a)           General. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees; all other Stock Awards may be granted only to Employees, Directors and Consultants. In the event a Participant is both an Employee and a Director, or a Participant is both a Director and a Consultant, the Stock Award Agreement shall specify the capacity in which the Participant is granted the Stock Award; provided, however, if the Stock Award Agreement is silent as to such capacity, the Stock Award shall be deemed to be granted to the Participant as an Employee or as a Consultant, as applicable.

 

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(b)           Ten Percent Shareholders. A Ten Percent Shareholder shall not be granted an Incentive Stock Option unless the exercise price of such Option is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock at the date of grant and the Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant.

 

(c)          Non-Employee Director Compensation LimitThe aggregate value of all compensation granted or paid, as applicable, to any individual for service as a Non-Employee Director with respect to any calendar year, including Award Shares granted and cash fees paid by the Company to such Non-Employee Director, will not exceed U.S. $500,000 in total value, calculating the value of any equity awards based on the grant date fair value of such equity awards for financial reporting purposes; provided, however, that such maximum aggregate amount shall not exceed $650,000 in any calendar year for any individual Non-Employee Director (i) in such Non-Employee Director’s initial year of election, or (ii) designated as the “Lead Independent Director” or “Chairman of the Board” or having a similar title. 

 

6.      Option Agreement Provisions.

 

Each Option shall be granted pursuant to a written Option Agreement, signed by an Officer of the Company and by the Optionee, which shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall deem appropriate. The provisions of separate Option Agreements need not be identical, but each Option Agreement shall include (through incorporation of the provisions hereof by reference in the Option Agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions (except to the extent that any such provision indicates it is permissible rather than mandatory):

 

(a)           Term. No Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of its grant or such shorter period specified in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Shareholder shall be subject to the provisions of Section 5(b).

 

(b)           Exercise Price of an Option. Subject to the provisions of Section 5(b) regarding Incentive Stock Options granted to Ten Percent Shareholders, the exercise price of each Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the date the Option is granted. The Administrator shall determine the exercise price of each Nonstatutory Stock Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Incentive Stock Option may be granted with an exercise price lower than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option if such Incentive Stock Option is granted pursuant to an assumption of or substitution for another option in a manner consistent with the provisions of Section 424(a) of the Code.

 

(c)          Consideration. The purchase price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option shall be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, by any combination of the methods of payment set forth below. The Administrator shall have the authority to grant Options that do not permit all of the following methods of payment (or otherwise restrict the ability to use certain methods) and to grant Options that require the consent of the Company to utilize a particular method of payment. The methods of payment permitted by this Section 6(c) are:

 

(i)            by cash or check;

 

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(ii)           pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve Administrator that, prior to the issuance of Common Stock, results in either the receipt of cash (or check) by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the aggregate exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds;

 

(iii)          by delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of Common Stock;

 

(iv)          by a “cashless exercise” arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair Market Value that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price; provided, however, that the Company shall accept a cash or other payment from the Participant to the extent of any remaining balance of the aggregate exercise price not satisfied by such reduction in the number of whole shares to be issued; provided, further, however, that shares of Common Stock will no longer be outstanding under an Option and will not be exercisable thereafter to the extent that (A) shares are used to pay the exercise price pursuant to the “cashless exercise,” (B) shares are delivered to the Participant as a result of such exercise, and (C) shares are withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations; or

 

(v)          in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Administrator.

 

(d)          Transferability. The following restrictions on the transferability of Options shall apply:

 

(i)            Restrictions on Transfer. An Option shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionee only by the Optionee; provided, however, that the Administrator may, in its sole discretion, permit transfer of the Option to a revocable trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, an Incentive Stock Option shall not be transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and shall be exercisable only by the Optionee during the Optionee’s lifetime, except as otherwise permitted by the Administrator and by Sections 421, 422 and 424 of the Code and the regulations and other guidance thereunder.

 

(ii)          Domestic Relations Orders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option may be transferred pursuant to a domestic relations order; provided, however, that if an Option is an Incentive Stock Option, such Option shall be deemed to be a Nonstatutory Stock Option as a result of such transfer.

 

(iii)         Beneficiary Designation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Optionee may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form provided by or otherwise satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionee, shall thereafter be the beneficiary of an Option with the right to exercise the Option and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from an Option exercise. In the absence of such a designation, the executor or administrator of the Optionee’s estate shall be entitled to exercise the Option and receive the Common Stock or other consideration resulting from an Option exercise.

 

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(e)               Vesting. Each Option shall vest and become exercisable in one or more installments, at such time or times and subject to such conditions, including without limitation the achievement of specified Performance Goals or objectives established with respect to one or more performance criteria, as shall be determined by the Administrator (provided that no Option shall vest for at least twelve (12) months following the date of grant).

 

(f)                Termination of Service. In the event of the Termination of Service of an Optionee for any reason (other than for Cause, or upon the Optionee’s death or Disability), the Optionee may exercise his or her Option to the extent vested for a period of three (3) months following the date of termination (unless some other period of time is specified in an Option Agreement or other agreement between Optionee and the Company or an Affiliate).

 

(g)               Disability of Optionee. In the event of a Termination of Service of an Optionee as a result of the Optionee’s Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option within the period specified in the Option Agreement (in no event to exceed twelve (12) months from the date of such termination in the case of an Incentive Stock Option), and only to the extent that the Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option at the date of such termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement).

 

(h)               Death of Optionee. In the event that (i) an Optionee’s Termination of Service occurs as a result of the Optionee’s death, or (ii) an Optionee dies within the period (if any) specified in the Option Agreement after the Optionee’s Termination of Service for a reason other than death, then, notwithstanding Section 6(f) above, the Option may be exercised (to the extent the Optionee was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of death) by the Optionee’s estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance or by a person designated to exercise the option upon the Optionee’s death, but only within the period ending on the earlier of (i) the date that is twelve (12) months after the date of Termination of Service, or (ii) the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement.

 

(i)                Termination for Cause. In the event of the Termination of Service of an Optionee for Cause, except as otherwise determined by the Administrator in the specific situation, all Options granted to such Optionee shall terminate and be forfeited immediately upon such Termination of Service.

 

(j)                Extension of Termination Date. An Optionee’s Option Agreement may provide that if the exercise of the Option following an Optionee’s Termination of Service (other than for Cause or upon the Optionee’s death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely because the issuance of shares of Common Stock would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act, then the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of a period of three (3) months after the termination of the Optionee’s Continuous Service during which the exercise of the Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements, or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement.

 

(k)              Early Exercise. The Option may, but need not, include a provision whereby the Optionee may elect at any time prior to a Termination of Service to exercise the Option as to any part or all of the Option Shares prior to the full vesting of the Option. Any unvested Option Shares so purchased may be subject to an unvested share repurchase option in favor of the Company or to any other restriction the Administrator determines to be appropriate.

 

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7.            Provisions of Stock Awards Other Than Options.

 

(a)               Stock Bonus Awards. Stock Bonus awards shall be made pursuant to Stock Bonus Agreements in such form and containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of Stock Bonus Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Stock Bonus Agreements need not be identical, but each Stock Bonus Agreement shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions (except to the extent that any such provision indicates it is permissible rather than mandatory):

 

(i)                 Consideration. A Stock Bonus may be awarded in consideration for past services actually rendered to the Company or an Affiliate for its benefit, provided that the Participant remains eligible to receive Stock Awards hereunder at the time of the award.

 

(ii)                Vesting. Award Shares issued pursuant to a Stock Bonus Agreement may, but need not, be subject to a share repurchase option in favor of the Company in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the Administrator (which may include the satisfaction of Performance Goals).

 

(iii)                Termination of Service. In the event of a Termination of Service, the Company may reacquire any or all of the Award Shares held by the Participant which have or have not vested as of the date of termination under the terms of the Stock Bonus Agreement.

 

(iv)             Transferability. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, rights to acquire Award Shares under the Stock Bonus Agreement shall not be transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, or, to the extent permitted by the Administrator, to a revocable trust.

 

(b)              Restricted Stock Awards. Each Restricted Stock award shall be made pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award Agreement in such form and containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of the Restricted Stock Award Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock Award Agreements need not be identical, but each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions (except to the extent that any such provision indicates it is permissible rather than mandatory):

 

(i)                 Purchase Price. The purchase price under each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall be such amount as the Administrator shall determine and designate in such Restricted Stock Award Agreement, including no consideration or such minimum consideration as may be required by applicable law.

 

(ii)                Consideration. The purchase price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, if any, shall be paid either: (a) in cash at the time of purchase; (b) at the discretion of the Administrator, according to a deferred payment or other similar arrangement with the Participant; or (c) in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Administrator in its discretion.

 

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(iii)               Vesting. Award Shares acquired under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement may, but need not, be subject to a share repurchase option in favor of the Company in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the Administrator (which may include the satisfaction of Performance Goals).

 

(iv)              Termination of Service. In the event of a Participant’s Termination of Service, the Company may repurchase or otherwise reacquire any or all of the Award Shares held by the Participant which have or have not vested as of the date of termination under the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.

 

(v)               Transferability. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, rights to acquire Award Shares under the Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall not be transferable except by will, by the laws of descent and distribution, or, to the extent permitted by the Administrator, to a revocable trust.

 

(c)               Restricted Stock Units.

 

(i)                 Issuance of Restricted Stock Units. The Administrator is authorized to make Awards of Restricted Stock Units to any Participant selected by the Administrator in such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the Administrator. At the time of grant, the Administrator shall specify the date or dates on which the Restricted Stock Units shall become fully vested and nonforfeitable, and may specify such conditions to vesting as it deems appropriate. Alternatively, Restricted Stock Units may become fully vested and nonforfeitable pursuant to the satisfaction of one or more Performance Goals as the Administrator determines to be appropriate at the time of the grant of the Restricted Stock Units or thereafter, in each case on a specified date or dates or over any period or periods determined by the Administrator. At the time of grant, the Administrator shall specify the maturity date applicable to each grant of Restricted Stock Units which shall be no earlier than the vesting date or dates of the Award. All Restricted Stock Unit awards shall be subject to such additional terms and conditions as determined by the Administrator and shall be evidenced by a written Stock Award Agreement.

 

(ii)               Settlement of Restricted Stock Units. On the maturity date, the Company shall transfer to the Participant one unrestricted, fully transferable share of Common Stock or cash equal to the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock for each Restricted Stock Unit that is vested and scheduled to be distributed on such date and not previously forfeited.

 

(iii)               Dividend Equivalents. Unless otherwise provided in a Stock Award Agreement, each Restricted Stock Unit may include the right to receive, on a deferred basis, amounts equivalent to cash, stock or other property dividends on shares of Common Stock (“Dividend Equivalents”) as provided herein. Dividend Equivalents will accumulate and be withheld until the applicable Restricted Stock Units upon which the Dividend Equivalents are awarded vest and any Dividend Equivalent payments that have accumulated and have been withheld by the Committee and attributable to any particular Restricted Stock Unit shall be distributed to the Participant in cash or, at the sole discretion of the Administrator, in Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such Dividend Equivalent payments then due; provided that, in the event that all or any portion of any Restricted Stock Unit is forfeited, the Dividend Equivalents attributable to such forfeited Restricted Stock Unit shall also be forfeited. Upon the vesting and settlement of Restricted Stock Units that include Dividend Equivalents, the Dividend Equivalents attributable to such Restricted Stock Units shall expire automatically.

 

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(iv)             Termination of Service. Except as otherwise set forth in the Stock Award Agreement or as otherwise determined by the Administrator, vesting of Restricted Stock Units ceases on the date Participant experiences a Termination of Service.

 

8.             Covenants of the Company.

 

(a)               Availability of Shares. During the terms of the Stock Awards, the Company shall keep available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock required to satisfy such Stock Awards.

 

(b)              Compliance with Laws and Regulations. This Plan, the grant and exercise of Stock Awards thereunder, and the obligation of the Company to sell, issue or deliver Award Shares under such Stock Awards, shall be subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations and to such approvals by any governmental or regulatory agency as may be required. The Company shall not be required to register in a Participant’s name or deliver any Award Shares prior to the completion of any registration or qualification of such Shares under any federal, state or local law or any ruling or regulation of any government body which the Administrator shall determine to be necessary or advisable. To the extent the Company is unable to or the Administrator deems it infeasible to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary or advisable for the lawful issuance and sale of any Award Shares hereunder, the Company shall be relieved of any liability with respect to the failure to issue or sell such Award Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. No Option shall be exercisable and no Award Shares shall be issued and/or transferable under any other Stock Award unless a registration statement with respect to the Award Shares underlying such Stock Award is effective and current or the Company has determined that such registration is unnecessary.

 

9.            Use of Proceeds.

 

Proceeds from the sale of Award Shares shall constitute general funds of the Company and shall be used for general operating capital of the Company.

 

10.          Adjustments Upon Change in Common Stock.

 

If any change is made in the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Stock Award without the receipt of consideration by the Company (through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, reverse stock split, liquidating dividend, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or other distribution of the Company’s equity securities), the Plan and all outstanding Stock Awards will be appropriately adjusted in the class and maximum number of shares subject to the Plan and the class and number of shares and price per share of Common Stock subject to outstanding Stock Awards. Any adjustment in Incentive Stock Options under this Section 10 shall be made only to the extent not constituting a “modification” within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code, and any otherwise applicable adjustments under this Section 10 shall be made in a manner that does not adversely affect the exemption provided pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act or the exemption under Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable. The Company shall give each Participant notice of an adjustment hereunder and, upon notice, such adjustment shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.

 

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11.          Adjustments Upon Change in Control.

 

(a)               Continuation of Awards; Assumption or Replacement of Awards by Successor; Payment for Awards. In the event of a Change in Control of the Company, outstanding Stock Awards under this Plan shall be subject to the documentation evidencing the Change in Control transaction, which need not treat all outstanding Stock Awards in an identical manner. Such agreement, without the Participant’s consent, shall provide for one or more of the following with respect to all outstanding Stock Awards as of the effective date of such Change in Control transaction:

 

(i)                 The continuation of outstanding Stock Awards by the Company (if the Company is the successor entity).

 

(ii)               The assumption of outstanding Stock Awards by the successor or acquiring entity in such Change in Control transaction (or by its parent, if any), which assumption will be binding on all selected Participants; provided that the exercise price and the number and nature of shares issuable upon exercise of any such Option or any Stock Award that is subject to Section 409A of the Code, will be adjusted appropriately pursuant to Section 424(a) of the Code.

 

(iii)              The substitution by the successor or acquiring entity in such Change in Control transaction (or by its parent entity, if any) of equivalent awards with substantially the same terms for selected Stock Awards (except that the exercise price and the number and nature of shares issuable upon exercise of any such Option or any Stock Award that is subject to Section 409A of the Code, will be adjusted appropriately pursuant to Section 424(a) of the Code).

 

(iv)              A payment to the Participant equal to the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of the Award Shares subject to the Stock Award as of the effective date of such Change in Control transaction over (ii) the exercise price or purchase price of Award Shares, as the case may be, subject to the Stock Award, in connection with the cancellation of the Stock Award. Such payment will be made in the form of cash, cash equivalents, or securities of the surviving corporation or its parent with a Fair Market Value equal to the required amount. Subject to Section 409A of the Code, such payment may be made in installments, may be deferred until the date or dates when the Stock Award would have become exercisable or such Award Shares would have vested, and may be subject to continued vesting based on the Participant’s continuing to provide services following such Change in Control transaction. In addition, any escrow, holdback, earnout or similar provisions in the agreement for such Change in Control transaction may apply to such payment to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions apply to the holders of Common Stock. If the exercise price of an Option exceeds the Fair Market Value of the Option Shares, then the Option may be cancelled without making a payment to the Participant. For purposes of this subsection, the Fair Market Value of any security will be determined without regard to any vesting conditions that may apply to such security.

 

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Outstanding Stock Awards need not be treated similarly in a Change in Control transaction.

 

(b)               Stock Awards Not Assumed, Converted, Replaced. Notwithstanding Section 11(a) above, solely in a Change in Control transaction in which the successor or acquiring corporation refuses to assume, convert, replace, substitute, or make payment against cancellation of outstanding Stock Awards, as provided above, then notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan to the contrary, and unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, all Stock Awards granted under this Plan shall accelerate in full as of the time of consummation of the Change in Control transaction. In such event, the Administrator will notify Participants in writing or electronically that such Stock Awards will be exercisable for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and such Stock Award will terminate upon the expiration of such period.

 

(c)               Notice to Participants. The Administrator shall give written notice of any proposed Change in Control transaction referred to in this Section 11 at a reasonable period of time prior to the closing date for such transaction (which notice may be given either before or after the approval of such transaction), in order that Participants may have a reasonable period of time prior to the closing date of such transaction within which to exercise any Stock Awards that are then exercisable (including any Stock Awards that may become exercisable upon the closing date of such Change in Control transaction). A Participant may condition his or her exercise of any Stock Awards upon the consummation of the Change in Control transaction.

 

12.          Dissolution or Liquidation.

 

In the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company, then all outstanding Stock Awards shall terminate immediately prior to such event.

 

13.          Miscellaneous.

 

(a)               Foreign Award Recipients. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, in order to comply with the laws and practices in countries other than the United States in which the Company and its Affiliates operate or have employees or other individuals eligible for Stock Awards, the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to: (i) determine which Affiliates shall be covered by this Plan; (ii) determine which individuals outside the United States are eligible to participate in this Plan, which may include individuals who provide services to the Company or Affiliate under an agreement with a foreign nation or agency; (iii) modify the terms and conditions of any Stock Award granted to individuals who are located outside the United States or who are foreign nationals to comply with applicable foreign laws, policies, customs and practices; (iv) establish subplans and modify exercise procedures and other terms and procedures, to the extent determined necessary or advisable by the Administrator and provided that (a) no such subplans and/or modifications shall increase the share limitations contained in Section 4(a) hereof and (b) in such instance, such subplans and/or modifications shall be attached to this Plan as appendices; and (v) take any action, before or after a Stock Award is made, that the Administrator determines to be necessary or advisable to obtain approval or comply with any local governmental regulatory exemptions or approvals. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may not take any actions hereunder, and no Award shall be granted, that would violate the Exchange Act or any other applicable United States securities law, the Code or any other applicable United States governing statute or law.

 

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(b)                Shareholder Rights. Neither a Participant nor any person to whom a Stock Award is transferred shall be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of the rights of a holder with respect to, any Award Shares unless and until such person has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Stock Award pursuant to its terms and the Company has duly issued a stock certificate for such Award Shares. After Award Shares are issued to the Participant, the Participant will be a shareholder and have all the rights of a shareholder with respect to such Award Shares, including the right to vote and receive all dividends or other distributions made or paid with respect to such Award Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such Award Shares are Restricted Stock, then any new, additional or different securities the Participant may become entitled to receive with respect to such Award Shares by virtue of a stock dividend, stock split or any other change in the corporate or capital structure of the Company will be subject to the same restrictions as the Restricted Stock; provided, further, that the Participant will have no right to such stock dividends or stock distributions with respect to unvested shares of Restricted Stock, and any such dividends or stock distributions shall be accrued and paid only at such time if any, as such unvested shares of Restricted Stock become vested. The Administrator, in its discretion, may provide in the Stock Award Agreement evidencing any Stock Award that the Participant shall be entitled to Dividend Equivalents with respect to the payment of cash dividends on Award Shares subject to such Stock Award during the period beginning on the date the Stock Award is granted and ending, with respect to each Award Share subject to the Stock Award, on the earlier of the date on which the Stock Award is exercised or settled or the date on which the Award Shares are forfeited; provided, that under no circumstances may Dividend Equivalents be granted for any Option and provided, further, that no Dividend Equivalents shall be paid with respect to unvested Award Shares, and any such dividends or stock distributions shall be accrued and paid only at such time, if any, as such unvested Award Shares become vested. Such Dividend Equivalents, if any, shall be credited to the Participant and distributed to the Participant in cash or, at the sole discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such Dividend Equivalents then due.

 

(c)               No Employment or Other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan or any Stock Award Agreement shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue to serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Stock Award was granted or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (i) the employment of an Employee with or without notice and with or without Cause; (ii) the service of a Consultant pursuant to the terms of such Consultant’s agreement with the Company or an Affiliate; or (iii) the service of a Director pursuant to the Bylaws or Articles of Incorporation of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable provisions of the corporate law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated, as the case may be.

 

(d)              Unfunded Status of the Plan. The Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant by the Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company.

 

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(e)               Clawback / Recovery. All Stock Awards held by any Participant shall be subject to clawback, recoupment or forfeiture (i) to the extent that such Participant is determined to have engaged in fraud or intentional illegal conduct materially contributing to a financial restatement, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion, (ii) as provided under any clawback, recoupment or forfeiture policy adopted by the Board, or (iii) required by law. Such clawback, recoupment or forfeiture policy, in addition to any other remedies available under applicable law, may require the cancellation of outstanding Stock Awards and the recoupment of any gains realized with respect to Stock Awards.

 

(f)                Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionee during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and any Affiliates) exceeds One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), the Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options, notwithstanding any contrary provision of the applicable Option Agreement(s).

 

(g)               Withholding Obligations. The Company may, in its sole discretion, satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to a Stock Award by any of the following means (in addition to the Company’s right to withhold from any compensation paid to the Participant by the Company) or by a combination of such means: (i) causing the Participant to tender a cash payment; (ii)  withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares of Common Stock issued or otherwise issuable to the Participant in connection with the Stock Award, provided that no shares of Common Stock are withheld with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law (or such lower amount as may be necessary to avoid classification of the Stock Award as a liability); or (iii) by such other method as may be set forth in the Stock Award Agreement.

 

(h)              Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. To the extent applicable, the Plan and Stock Award Agreements shall be interpreted in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued or amended after the Effective Date (as defined in Section 18 below). Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or Stock Award to the contrary, in the event that following the Effective Date the Administrator determines that any Stock Award may be subject to Section 409A of the Code and related Department of Treasury guidance (including such Department of Treasury guidance as may be issued after the Effective Date), the Administrator may adopt such amendments to the Plan and the applicable Stock Award Agreement or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, that the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate to (i) exempt the Stock Award from Section 409A of the Code and/or preserve the intended tax treatment of the benefits provided with respect to the Stock Award; or (ii) comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued or amended after the Effective Date.

 

(i)                 Documentation and Communications. The Stock Award Agreement for a given Stock Award, this Plan, and related communications and any other documents may be delivered to, and accepted by, a Participant or any other person in any manner (including electronic distribution or posting) that meets applicable legal requirements.

 

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14.           Amendment of the Plan.

 

(a)               In General. The Administrator at any time, and from time to time, may amend the Plan. However, no amendment shall be effective unless approved by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months before or after the adoption of the amendment where the amendment will:

 

(i)                 Increase the number of shares reserved for Stock Awards under the Plan, except as provided in Section 11 relating to adjustments upon changes in Common Stock;

 

(ii)               Modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the Plan (to the extent such modification requires shareholder approval in order for the Plan to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code); or

 

(iii)              Modify the Plan in any other way if such modification requires shareholder approval in order for the Plan to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code.

 

(b)                No Repricing. The Administrator may not (except pursuant to Section 10 or in connection with a Change in Control), when the exercise price or grant price per Award Share exceeds the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock, without the approval of the Company’s shareholders, cancel an Option or Stock Award in exchange for cash or take any other action with respect to an Option or Stock Award that would be treated as a repricing under the rules and regulations of the principal securities market on which the Award Shares are traded, including a reduction of the exercise price of an Option or the exchange of an Option for another Stock Award.

 

(c)               Amendment to Maximize Benefits. It is expressly contemplated that the Administrator may amend the Plan in any respect the Administrator deems necessary or advisable to provide Participants with the maximum benefits provided or to be provided under the provisions of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder relating to Incentive Stock Options and/or to bring the Plan and/or Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan into compliance therewith.

 

(d)               No Impairment. The rights and obligations under any Stock Award granted before any amendment of the Plan shall not be altered or impaired by such amendment unless the Company requests the consent of the person to whom the Stock Award was granted and such person consents in writing; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 16 or elsewhere in this Plan, no such consent shall be required with respect to any amendment or alteration if the Administrator determines in its sole discretion that such amendment or alteration either (i) is required or advisable in order for the Company, the Plan or the Stock Award to satisfy or conform to any law or regulation or to meet the requirements of any accounting standard, or (ii) is not reasonably likely to significantly diminish the benefits provided under such Award, or that any such diminishment has been adequately compensated.

 

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15.              Termination or Suspension of the Plan.

 

(a)               Termination or Suspension. The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Unless sooner terminated, the Plan shall terminate on August 6, 2031 (which shall be within ten (10) years from the date the Plan is adopted by the Board or approved by the shareholders of the Company, whichever is earlier), and no Stock Awards may be granted under the Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated, but Stock Awards and Stock Award Agreements then outstanding shall continue in effect in accordance with their respective terms.

 

(b)              No Impairment. Rights and obligations under any Stock Award granted while the Plan is in effect shall not be altered or impaired by suspension or termination of the Plan, except as otherwise provided herein or with the consent of the person to whom the Stock Award was granted.

 

16.          Effective Date of Plan.

 

The Plan became effective on August 7, 2021, which is the date that the Plan was originally adopted by the Board (the “Effective Date”).

 

17.          Non-Exclusivity of the Plan

 

Neither the adoption of this Plan by the Board nor the submission of this Plan to the shareholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other incentive arrangements as either may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock options or restricted stock otherwise than under this Plan, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.

 

18.          Liability of the Company.

 

The Company and the members of the Board shall not be liable to a Participant or any other persons as to: (a) the non-issuance or non-transfer, or any delay of issuance or transfer, of any Award Shares which results from the inability of the Company to comply with, or to obtain, or from any delay in obtaining from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, all requisite authority to issue or transfer Award Shares if counsel for the Company deems such authority reasonably necessary for lawful issuance or transfer of any such shares and, in furtherance thereof, appropriate legends may be placed on the stock certificates evidencing Award Shares to reflect such transfer restrictions; and (b) any tax consequence expected, but not realized, by any Participant or other person due to the receipt, exercise or settlement of any Option or other Stock Award granted hereunder.

 

19.          Choice of Law.

 

The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern all questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to such state’s conflict of laws rules.

 

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2021 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

OF

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
1. General 1
     
2. Definitions 1
     
3. Administration 7
     
4. Shares Subject to the Plan; Overall Limitations 10
     
5. Eligibility 11
     
6. Option Agreement Provisions 12
     
7. Provisions of Stock Awards Other Than Options 15
     
8. Covenants of the Company 17
     
9. Use of Proceeds 17
     
10. Adjustments Upon Change in Common Stock 17
     
11. Adjustments Upon Change in Control 18
   
12. Dissolution or Liquidation 19
     
13. Miscellaneous 19
     
14. Amendment of the Plan. 22
     
15. Termination or Suspension of the Plan 23
     
16. Effective Date of Plan 23
     
17. Non-Exclusivity of the Plan 23
     
18. Liability of the Company 23
     
19. Choice of Law 23

 

i

 

Exhibit 10.4b

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.
Stock Option Grant Notice
2021 Equity Incentive Plan

   

FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby grants to the Optionee named below, a stock option (the “Option”) to purchase any part or all of the specified number of shares of its Common Stock (“Option Shares”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Stock Option Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”), at the specified purchase price per share without commission or other charge. The Option is granted pursuant to the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and the Stock Option Agreement (the “Option Agreement”), promulgated under the Plan and in effect as of the date of this Grant Notice.

 

  Optionee:    
  Date of Grant:
 
 
  Vesting Commencement Date:
 
 
  Number of Option Shares :
 
 
  Exercise Price (Per Share):
 
 
  Total Exercise Price:
 
 
  Expiration Date:

Ten years after Date of Grant 

 

 

 

Type of Grant: ¨ Incentive Stock Option1   ¨ Nonstatutory Stock Option

   

Exercise Schedule: x Same as Vesting Schedule ¨ Early Exercise Permitted

   

Vesting Schedule: [Except as otherwise provided in the Option Agreement, the number of Option Shares that are vested (disregarding any resulting fractional share) as of any date shall be determined as follows: (i) no Option Shares will be vested prior to the Vesting Commencement Date; (ii) twenty-five percent (25%) of the Option Shares will be vested upon the one (1) year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, provided, however, that there has not been a Termination of Service as of such date; and (iii) the balance of the Option Shares will be vested in a series of thirty-six (36) successive equal monthly installments measured from the first anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, provided, however, that there has not been a Termination of Service as of each such date. In no event will the Option become exercisable for any additional Option Shares after a Termination of Service].

   

Payment:        By one or a combination of the following items (described in the Plan):

   

x By cash or check

   

¨ By net exercise, if the Company has established procedures for net exercise

   

Additional Terms/Acknowledgements: The undersigned Optionee acknowledges receipt of, and understands and agrees to, this Stock Option Grant Notice, the Option Agreement, and the Plan.

   

Further, by their signatures below, the Company and the Optionee agree that the Option is governed by this Grant Notice and by the provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement, both of which are attached to and made a part of this Grant Notice. Optionee acknowledges receipt of copies of the Plan and the Option Agreement, represents that the Optionee has read and is familiar with their provisions, and hereby accepts the Option subject to all of their terms and conditions. Optionee further acknowledges that, as of the Date of Grant, this Grant Notice, the Option Agreement and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between Optionee and the Company regarding the acquisition of stock in the Company and supersede all prior oral and written agreements on that subject, with the exception of options previously granted under the Plan.

 

 

1  If this is an Incentive Stock Option, it (plus other outstanding Incentive Stock Options) cannot be first exercisable for more than $100,000 in value (measured by exercise price) in any calendar year. Any excess over $100,000 is a Nonstatutory Stock Option.

 

[Signatures on following page]

 

 

 

    

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.     Optionee: [name]
     
By:      
  [Name, Title]   Signature
     
Date:     Date:  

  

Attachments: (I) Option Agreement; (II) 2021 Equity Incentive Plan; and (III) Notice of Exercise

 

 

 

    

Attachment I

   

Option Agreement

 

 

 

  

Attachment II

   

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

 

 

 

  

Attachment III

   

Notice Of Exercise

   

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.   

750 Menlo Avenue, Suite 200   

Menlo Park, California 94025  

 

  Date of Exercise:  

         

Ladies and Gentlemen:

   

This constitutes notice under my stock option that I elect to purchase the number of shares for the price set forth below.

   

  Type of option (check one): Incentive  ¨ Nonstatutory  ¨
  Stock option dated: _______________ _______________
  Number of shares as to which option is
exercised:
_______________ _______________
  Certificates to be issued in name of: _______________ _______________
  Total exercise price: $______________ $______________
  Cash or check payment delivered
herewith:
$______________ $______________

 

 

By this exercise, I agree (i) to provide such additional documents as you may require pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan, (ii) to provide for the payment by me to you (in the manner designated by you) of your withholding obligation, if any, relating to the exercise of this option, and (iii) if this exercise relates to an incentive stock option, to notify you in writing within fifteen (15) days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of Common Stock (the “Shares”) issued upon exercise of this option that occurs within two (2) years after the date of grant of this option or within one (1) year after such shares of Common Stock are issued upon exercise of this option.

   

I acknowledge that all certificates representing any of the Shares subject to the provisions of the Option shall have endorsed thereon appropriate legends reflecting restrictions pursuant to the Option Agreement, the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and/or applicable securities laws.

   

  Very truly yours,
   
   

 

 

 

  

Stock Option Agreement 

 

(Incentive Stock Option or Nonstatutory Stock Option)  

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan

   

Effective as of ___________, 2021

   

Pursuant to the Stock Option Grant Notice (“Grant Notice”) and this Stock Option Agreement (“Option Agreement”), Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), has granted to Optionee an option under its 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), to purchase the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock indicated in Optionee’s Grant Notice, at the exercise price indicated in such Grant Notice. This Option Agreement is incorporated by reference into and made a part of the Grant Notice. Whenever capitalized terms are used in this Option Agreement, they shall have the meaning specified (i) in the Plan, (ii) in the relevant Grant Notice, or (iii) below, unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary.

   

The details of the Option granted to Optionee are as follows:

   

1.            Term of Option. Subject to the maximum time limitations in Sections 5(b) and 6(a) of the Plan, the term of the Option shall be the period commencing on the Date of Grant and ending on the Expiration Date (as defined in the Grant Notice), unless terminated earlier as provided herein or in the Plan.

   

2.            Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of the Option granted hereby shall be as provided in the Grant Notice.

   

3.            Exercise of Option.

   

(a)            The Grant Notice sets forth the rate at which the Option Shares shall become subject to purchase (“vest”) by Optionee.

   

(b)            In the event of a Change in Control of the Company, except as otherwise may be provided in the Plan or Grant Notice, the vesting of the Option shall not accelerate, and the Option shall terminate if not exercised (to the extent then vested and exercisable) at or prior to such Change in Control.

   

(c)            Optionee shall exercise the Option, to the extent exercisable, in whole or in part, by sending written notice to the Company on a Notice of Exercise in the form attached to the Grant Notice of his or her intention to purchase Option Shares hereunder, together with a check in the amount of the full purchase price of the Option Shares to be purchased, or such other form of payment as permitted by the Grant Notice. Except as otherwise consented to by the Company, Optionee shall not exercise the Option at any one time with respect to less than five percent (5%) of the total Option Shares set forth in the Grant Notice unless Optionee exercises all of the Option then vested and exercisable.

 

 

 

  

(d)            If the Option is an Incentive Stock Option, by Optionee’s exercise of the Option, Optionee agrees that he or she will notify the Company in writing within fifteen (15) days after the date of any disposition of any of the shares of the Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Option that occurs within two (2) years after the date of the Date of Grant or within one (1) year after such shares of Common Stock are transferred upon exercise of the Option.

   

(e)           Optionee agrees to complete and execute any additional documents which the Company reasonably requests that Optionee complete in order to comply with applicable federal, state and local securities laws, rules and regulations.

   

(f)            Subject to the Company’s compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the issuance of such Option Shares and Optionee’s compliance with all the terms and conditions of the Grant Notice, this Option Agreement, and the Plan, the Company shall promptly deliver the Option Shares to Optionee.

   

(g)            Except as otherwise provided herein or in the Plan, the Option may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by Optionee.

   

(h)           In the event that Optionee is an Employee eligible for overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended (i.e., a “Non-Exempt Employee”), Optionee may not exercise his or her Option until the later of (i) the date that he or she shall have completed at least six (6) months of service to the Company measured from the Date of Grant specified in Optionee’s Grant Notice, or (ii) the date set forth in the Grant Notice for when the Option is first exercisable.

   

4.            Exercise Prior to Vesting (“Early Exercise”). If expressly permitted by the Grant Notice and subject to the provisions of this Option Agreement, Optionee may, at any time that is both (i) prior to a Termination of Service; and (ii) prior to the Expiration Date, elect to exercise all or part of the Option, including the nonvested portion of the Option; provided, however, that:

   

(a)           a partial exercise of the Option shall be deemed to cover first any vested Option Shares and then the earliest vesting installment(s) of unvested Option Shares;

   

(b)            any Option Shares so purchased from installments which have not vested as of the date of exercise shall be subject to a purchase option in favor of the Company, pursuant to an Early Exercise Stock Purchase Agreement in form satisfactory to the Company;

   

(c)            Optionee shall enter into the Early Exercise Stock Purchase Agreement with a vesting schedule that will result in the same vesting as if no early exercise had occurred; and

   

(d)            as provided in the Plan, if the Option is an Incentive Stock Option, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which the Option plus all other Incentive Stock Options held by Optionee are exercisable for the first time during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and its Affiliates) exceeds One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), the Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.

 

2

 

 

5.            Option Not Transferable. The Option granted hereunder shall not be transferable in any manner other than as provided in Section 6(d) of the Plan. More particularly (but without limiting the foregoing), the Option may not be assigned, transferred (except as expressly provided in the Plan), pledged or hypothecated in any way, shall not be assignable by operation of law and shall not be subject to execution, attachment or similar process. Any attempted assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of the Option contrary to the provisions hereof, or the levy of any execution, attachment or similar process upon the Option, shall be null and void and without effect.

   

6.            Termination of Option.

   

(a)           To the extent not previously exercised, the Option shall terminate on the Expiration Date; provided, however, that except as otherwise provided in this Section 6, the Option may not be exercised more than sixty (60) days after the Termination of Service of Optionee for any reason (other than for Cause, as defined below, or upon Optionee’s death or Disability). Within such sixty (60)-day period, except as may otherwise be specifically provided in this Option Agreement or any other agreement between Optionee and the Company which has been approved by the Board, Optionee may exercise the Option only to the extent the same was exercisable on the date of such termination and said right to exercise shall terminate at the end of such period.

   

(b)            In the event of the Termination of Service of Optionee as a result of Optionee’s Disability, the Option shall be exercisable for a period of six (6) months from the date of such termination, but in no event later than the Expiration Date and only to the extent that the Option was exercisable on the date of such termination.

   

(c)            In the event of the Termination of Service of Optionee as a result of Optionee’s death, the Option shall be exercisable by Optionee’s estate (or by the person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by will or by the laws of descent and distribution) for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of such termination, but in no event later than the Expiration Date and only to the extent that Optionee was entitled to exercise the Option on the date of death.

  

3

 

 

(d)            In the event of the Termination of Service of Optionee for Cause (as defined below), unless otherwise determined by the Board, (A) the Option shall expire as of the date of the first occurrence giving rise to such termination or upon the Expiration Date, whichever is earlier; (B) Optionee shall have no rights with respect to any unexercised portion of the Option; and (C) any Option Shares issued in respect of the exercise of the Option on or after the date of the first act and/or event constituting Cause shall have occurred shall be deemed to have been issued in respect of an expired option, and shall thereupon be deemed null and void ab initio, and Optionee shall have no claims to, or rights in, any such Option Shares. “Cause” means with respect to Optionee, the occurrence of any of the following events, as reasonably determined by the Board in each case: (i) Optionee’s commission of any felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude under the laws of the United States or any state thereof; (ii) Optionee’s commission, or attempted commission, of, or participation in, a fraud or act of dishonesty against the Company or any Affiliate, or any of their respective employees, officers or directors; (iii) Optionee’s intentional, material violation of any contract or agreement between the Optionee and the Company or any Affiliate or of any statutory duty owed to the Company or any Affiliate; (iv) Optionee’s unauthorized use or disclosure of the Company’s or an Affiliate’s material confidential information or trade secrets; (v) Optionee’s gross misconduct in connection with Optionee’s service to the Company or an Affiliate; or (vi) Optionee’s failure to promptly return all documents and other tangible items belonging to the Company or its Affiliates in the Participant’s possession or control, including all complete or partial copies, recordings, abstracts, notes or reproductions of any kind made from or about such documents or information contained therein, upon a Termination of Service for any reason. “Cause” shall not require that a civil judgment or criminal conviction have been entered against, or guilty plea shall have been made by, Optionee regarding any of the matters referred to in clauses (i) through (vi). Accordingly, the Board shall be entitled to determine “Cause” based on the its good faith belief. If the Optionee is criminally charged with a felony or similar offense, that shall be a sufficient, but not a necessary, basis for such a belief. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Grant Notice, the foregoing definition of “Cause” shall apply for all purposes relating to the Option, notwithstanding any employment or other agreement by and between Optionee and the Company or any Affiliate thereof that defines a termination on account of “Cause” (or a term having similar meaning).

   

(e)            Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Option is subject to earlier termination upon a Change in Control, as provided in Section 3(b) above and in Section 11 of the Plan, or upon the dissolution of the Company. If the Option will terminate in connection with a Change in Control, the Company shall provide written notice to Optionee of a proposed transaction constituting a Change in Control, not less than ten (10) days prior to the anticipated effective date of the proposed transaction.

   

(f)            Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no portion of any Option which is not exercisable by Optionee upon the Termination of Service of such Optionee shall thereafter become exercisable, regardless of the reason for such termination, except as may otherwise be specifically provided in this Option Agreement or any other agreement between Optionee and the Company which has been approved by the Board.

   

7.            No Right to Continued Service. The Option does not confer upon Optionee any right to continue as an Employee or Director of, or Consultant to, the Company or an Affiliate, nor does it limit in any way the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate Optionee’s employment or other relationship with the Company or an Affiliate, at any time, with or without Cause.

 

4

 

  

8.            Notice of Tax Election. If Optionee makes any tax election relating to the treatment of the Option Shares under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Optionee shall promptly notify the Company of such election.

   

9.            Acknowledgments of Optionee. Optionee acknowledges and agrees that:

   

(a)            Although the Company has made a good faith attempt to qualify the Option as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Sections 421, 422 and 424 of the Code (if the Grant Notice provides that the Option is an Incentive Stock Option), the Company does not warrant that the Option granted herein constitutes an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of such sections, or that the transfer of Option Shares will be treated for federal income tax purposes as specified in Section 421 of the Code.

   

(b)            Optionee shall notify the Company in writing within fifteen (15) days of each disposition (including a sale, exchange, gift or a transfer of legal title) of the Option Shares made within two years after the issuance of such Option Shares.

   

(c)            If the Grant Notice provides that the Option is an Incentive Stock Option, Optionee understands that if, among other things, he or she disposes of any Option Shares granted within two years of the granting of the Option to him or her or within one year of the issuance of such shares to him or her, then such Option Shares will not qualify for the beneficial treatment which Optionee might otherwise receive under Sections 421 and 422 of the Code.

   

(d)            Optionee and his or her transferees shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect to any Option Shares until the date of the issuance of a stock certificate evidencing such Option Shares. No adjustment shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash, securities or other property) or distributions or other rights for which the record date is prior to the date such stock certificate is issued, except as provided in Section 11 of the Plan.

   

(e)            Certificates representing Option Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options shall be imprinted with the following legend:

   

THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE WERE ISSUED BY THE CORPORATION TO THE REGISTERED HOLDER UPON EXERCISE OF AN INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION AS DEFINED IN SECTION 422 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (“ISO”). IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE PREFERENTIAL TAX TREATMENT AFFORDED TO ISOs, THE SHARES SHOULD NOT BE TRANSFERRED PRIOR TO THE LATER OF (A) TWO YEARS AFTER THE DATE OF GRANT OF SUCH ISO, OR (B) ONE YEAR AFTER THE DATE OF EXERCISE OF SUCH ISO. SHOULD THE REGISTERED HOLDER ELECT TO TRANSFER ANY OF THE SHARES PRIOR TO SUCH DATE AND FOREGO ISO TAX TREATMENT, THE TRANSFER AGENT FOR THE SHARES SHALL NOTIFY THE CORPORATION IMMEDIATELY. THE REGISTERED HOLDER SHALL HOLD ALL SHARES PURCHASED UNDER THE INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION IN THE REGISTERED HOLDER'S NAME (AND NOT IN THE NAME OF ANY NOMINEE) PRIOR TO THIS DATE OR UNTIL TRANSFERRED AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.

 

5

 

 

 

10.        Withholding Obligations. Whenever Option Shares are to be issued under the Option Agreement, the Company shall have the right to require Optionee to remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local withholding tax requirements prior to issuance and/or delivery of any certificate or certificates for such Option Shares.

 

11.        No Obligation to Notify. The Company shall have no duty or obligation to Optionee to advise Optionee as to the time or manner of exercising the Option. Furthermore, except as specifically set forth herein or in the Plan, the Company shall have no duty or obligation to warn or otherwise advise Optionee of a pending termination or expiration of the Option or a possible period in which the Option may not be exercised. The Company has no duty or obligation to minimize the tax consequences of the Option granted to Optionee.

 

12.        Miscellaneous.

 

(a)        This Option Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties’ heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.

 

(b)       This Option Agreement, the Grant Notice and the Plan, constitute the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter contained herein and they supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations and understandings of the parties. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Option Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by all of the parties. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Option Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions, whether or not similar, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. No waiver shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party making the waiver. In the event there exists any conflict or discrepancy between any of the terms in the Plan and this Option Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall be controlling. A copy of the Plan has been delivered to Optionee and also may be inspected by Optionee at the principal office of the Company.

 

(c)       Should any portion of the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Option Agreement be declared invalid and unenforceable, then such portion shall be deemed to be severable from this Option Agreement and shall not affect the remainder hereof.

 

6 

 

 

(d)       All notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (i) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified; (ii) three (3) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (iii) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at its principal executive office, and to Optionee at the address set forth in the Company’s records, or at such other address as the Company or Optionee may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other party hereto.

 

(e)       This Option Agreement shall be construed according to the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

7 

 

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.
Restricted Stock Unit Notice of Grant
2021 Equity Incentive Plan

 

FOR GOOD AND VALUABLE CONSIDERATION, Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby grants to the Participant named below, an Award of Restricted Stock Units (the “RSU Award”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Restricted Stock Unit Notice of Grant (the “Grant Notice”), and the Tivic Health Systems, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan will have the same defined meanings in this Grant Notice.

 

Participant:    
Date of Grant:    
Vesting Commencement Date:    
Number of Restricted Stock Units:    

 

Vesting Schedule: Subject to any acceleration provisions contained in the Plan or set forth below, the Restricted Stock Units will vest in accordance with the following schedule:

 

[Twenty-five percent (25%) of the Restricted Stock Units will vest on the one (1)-year anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date, and twenty-five percent (25%) of the Restricted Stock Units will vest on each anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date thereafter, subject to Participant continuing to be a Service Provider through each such date.]

 

In the event Participant ceases to be a Service Provider for any or no reason before Participant vests in the Restricted Stock Units, the Restricted Stock Units and Participant’s right to acquire any Shares hereunder will immediately terminate.

 

Additional Terms/Acknowledgements: The undersigned Participant acknowledges receipt of, and understands and agrees to, this Grant Notice, the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, and the Plan.

 

Further, by their signatures below, the Company and the Participant agree that the RSU Award is governed by this Grant Notice and by the provisions of the Plan and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, both of which are attached to and made a part of this Grant Notice. Participant acknowledges receipt of copies of the Plan and the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, represents that the Participant has read and is familiar with their provisions, and hereby accepts the RSU Award subject to all of their terms and conditions. Participant further acknowledges that, as of the Date of Grant, this Grant Notice, the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between Participant and the Company regarding the acquisition of stock in the Company and supersede all prior oral and written agreements on that subject, with the exception of equity awards previously granted under the Plan.

 

[Signatures on following page]

 

 

 

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.   Participant: [name]

 

By:    
    [Name, Title] Signature

 

Date:     Date:  

 

  Address:
   
   
   
   

 

Attachments: (I) Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement; and (II) 2021 Equity Incentive Plan

 

 

 

 

Attachment I

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.
Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

 

As reflected by the Restricted Stock Unit Notice of Grant (“Grant Notice”) Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), has granted to Participant an RSU Award under its 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the number of restricted stock units as indicated in the Grant Notice (the “RSU Award”). The terms of the RSU Award as specified in the Grant Notice and this Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement constitute the “Award Agreement.” Defined terms not explicitly defined herein but defined in the Grant Notice or the Plan shall have the same definitions as in the Grant Notice or Plan, as applicable.

 

The general terms applicable to the RSU Award are as follows:

 

1.          Governing Plan Documents. Participant’s RSU Award is subject to all the provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to the provisions in:

 

(a)       Section 6(c) of the Plan regarding the award, issuance and settlement of Restricted Stock Units;

 

(b)       Section 11 of the Plan regarding adjustments upon a Change in Control; and

 

(c)       Section 13(c) of the Plan regarding the Company’s retained rights to terminate Participant’s employment or other services to the Company notwithstanding the grant of the RSU Award.

 

The RSU Award is further subject to all interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations, which may from time to time be promulgated and adopted pursuant to the Plan. In the event of any conflict between the RSU Award Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall control.

 

2.          Grant of RSU AwardThis RSU Award represents Participant’s right to be issued on a future date the number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock that is equal to the number of restricted stock units indicated in the Grant Notice, subject to any adjustments as provided in the Plan and Participant’s satisfaction of the vesting conditions set forth therein (the “Restricted Stock Units”). Any additional Restricted Stock Units that become subject to the RSU Award as set forth in the Plan and the provisions of Section 4 below, if any, shall be subject, in a manner determined by the Board, to the same forfeiture restrictions, restrictions on transferability, and time and manner of delivery as applicable to the other Restricted Stock Units covered by the RSU Award.

 

3.          Vesting. Participant’s Restricted Stock Units will vest, if at all, in accordance with the vesting schedule provided in the Grant Notice, subject to the provisions contained herein and the terms of the Plan. Vesting will cease upon a Termination of Services.

 

4.          Dividends. Except as may otherwise be provided in the Plan, Participant may become entitled to receive payments equal to any cash dividends and other distributions paid with respect to a corresponding number of shares of Common Stock to be issued in respect of the Restricted Stock Units covered by the RSU Award. Any such dividends or distributions shall be subject to the same forfeiture restrictions as apply to the Restricted Stock Units and shall be paid at the same time that the corresponding shares are issued in respect of Participant’s vested Restricted Stock Units, provided, however that to the extent any such dividends or distributions are paid in shares of Common Stock, then Participant will automatically be granted a corresponding number of additional Restricted Stock Units subject to the RSU Award (the “Dividend Units”), and further provided that such Dividend Units shall be subject to the same forfeiture restrictions and restrictions on transferability, and same timing requirements for issuance of shares, as apply to the Restricted Stock Units subject to the RSU Award with respect to which the Dividend Units relate.

 

 

 

 

5.          Withholding ObligationsAs further provided in Section 13(g) of the Plan, the Company shall have the right to withhold or otherwise require Participant to remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local withholding tax requirements (the “Withholding Obligation”) prior to delivery of any Common Stock in respect of the RSU Award. In the event the that the amount of the Withholding Obligation is greater than the amount withheld by the Company, Participant agrees to indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any failure by the Company to withhold the proper amount.

 

6.          Date of Issuance.

 

(a)        The issuance of shares in respect of the Restricted Stock Units is intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) and will be construed and administered in such a manner. Subject to the satisfaction of the Withholding Obligation, if any, in the event one or more Restricted Stock Units vests, the Company shall issue to Participant one (1) share of Common Stock for each Restricted Stock Unit that vests on the applicable vesting date(s) (subject to any adjustment under Section 4 above, and subject to any different provisions in the Grant Notice). Each issuance date determined by this paragraph is referred to as an “Original Issuance Date.”

 

(b)       If the Original Issuance Date falls on a date that is not a business day, delivery shall instead occur on the next following business day. In addition, if:

 

(i)       the Original Issuance Date does not occur (1) during an “open window period” applicable to Participant, as determined by the Company in accordance with the Company’s then-effective policy on trading in Company securities, or (2) on a date when Participant is otherwise permitted to sell shares of Common Stock on an established stock exchange or stock market (including but not limited to under a previously established written trading plan that meets the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act and was entered into in compliance with the Company’s policies (a “10b5-1 Arrangement)), and

 

(ii)      either (1) a Withholding Obligation does not apply, or (2) the Company decides, prior to the Original Issuance Date, (A) not to satisfy the Withholding Obligation by withholding shares of Common Stock from the shares otherwise due, on the Original Issuance Date, to Participant under this Award, and (B) not to permit Participant to enter into a “same day sale” commitment with a broker-dealer (including but not limited to a commitment under a 10b5-1 Arrangement) and (C) not to permit Participant to pay the Withholding Obligation in cash,

 

(iii)     then the shares that would otherwise be issued to Participant on the Original Issuance Date will not be delivered on such Original Issuance Date and will instead be delivered on the first business day when Participant is not prohibited from selling shares of the Company’s Common Stock in the open public market or on such other date determined by the Company, but in no event later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs (that is, the last day of Participant’s taxable year in which the Original Issuance Date occurs), or, if and only if permitted in a manner that complies with Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), no later than the date that is the 15th day of the third calendar month of the applicable year following the year in which the shares of Common Stock under this Award are no longer subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(d).

 

 

 

 

7.          Transferability. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, Participant’s RSU Award is not transferable, except by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.

 

8.          Company Not Liable for Taxes. As a condition to accepting the RSU Award, Participant hereby (a) agrees to not make any claim against the Company, or any of its Officers, Directors, Employees or Affiliates related to tax liabilities arising from the RSU Award or other Company compensation and (b) acknowledges that Participant was advised to consult with Participant’s own personal tax, financial and other legal advisors regarding the tax consequences of the RSU Award and have either done so or knowingly and voluntarily declined to do so.

 

9.          Miscellaneous.

 

(a)        This Award Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties’ heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.

 

(b)       This Award Agreement, the Grant Notice and the Plan, constitute the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter contained herein and they supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations and understandings of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Award Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by all of the parties. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Award Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions, whether or not similar, nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver. No waiver shall be binding unless executed in writing by the party making the waiver. In the event there exists any conflict or discrepancy between any of the terms in the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall be controlling. A copy of the Plan has been delivered to Participant and also may be inspected by Participant at the principal office of the Company.

 

(c)       Should any portion of the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Award Agreement be declared invalid and unenforceable, then such portion shall be deemed to be severable from this Award Agreement and shall not affect the remainder hereof.

 

(d)       All notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (i) upon personal delivery to the party to be notified; (ii) three (3) days after having been sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (iii) one (1) day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent to the Company at its principal executive office, and to Participant at the address set forth in the Company’s records, or at such other address as the Company or Participant may designate by ten (10) days advance written notice to the other party hereto.

 

(e)       This Award Agreement shall be construed according to the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

 

 

 

Attachment II

 

2021 Equity Incentive Plan

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.5

 

Tivic Health Systems Inc.

 RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of ________, 2017, by and between Tivic Health Systems Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”), and ______________ (“Purchaser”).

 

1.            Sale of Stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on the Purchase Date (as defined below) the Company will issue and sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company, _________ shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Shares”), at a price of $______ per share (the “Per Share Purchase Price”), for an aggregate purchase price of $________ (the “Purchase Price”), payable in cash. The term “Shares” refers to the purchased Shares and all securities received in replacement of or in connection with the Shares pursuant to stock dividends or splits, all securities received in replacement of the Shares in a recapitalization, merger, reorganization, exchange or the like, and all new, substituted or additional securities or other properties to which Purchaser is entitled by reason of Purchaser’s ownership of the Shares. As an inducement and additional consideration for the Company’s agreement to sell the Shares:

 

(a)            Purchaser hereby transfers and assigns to the Company (x) the business plan of the Company (the “Business Plan”), and (y) any and all right, title and interest the Purchaser has in the Company’s business and any Intellectual Property (as defined below), whether produced, developed or conceived to practice prior to or following the date of this Agreement, which is related to the Company’s business, as was previously and/or currently conducted and as contemplated to be conducted pursuant to the Business Plan or otherwise. For purposes hereof, “Intellectual Property” means: (i) United States and foreign patents, trademarks, copyrights and mask works, registrations and applications therefor, and rights granted upon any reissue, division, continuation or continuation-in-part thereof, (ii) trade secret rights arising out of the laws of any and all jurisdictions, (iii) ideas, inventions, concepts, technology, software, methods, processes, drawings, illustrations, writings know-how, show-how, trade names, domain names, web addresses and web sites, and all rights therein and thereto, (iv) any other intellectual property rights, whether or not registrable, and (v) licenses in or to any of the foregoing. Further, the Purchaser agrees to take all actions reasonably requested by the Company to assist the Company in effecting the foregoing transfer and in establishing, perfecting, defending, enforcing and protecting the Company’s rights in any of the above transferred items, including without limitation assisting in the prosecution of any patent applications included in or based upon the Intellectual Property.

 

(b)            Purchaser hereby represents and warrants that: (a) Purchaser has good and marketable title in and to the Intellectual Property; (b) no assignment, transfer, conveyance or sale of any interest in the Intellectual Property (or any intellectual property rights therein) has been made by Purchaser; and (c) none of the Intellectual Property is subject to any mortgage, security interest, lien, charge or other encumbrance. Purchaser further warrants and represents that Purchaser has full and entire right, power and authority to assign, transfer, convey and deliver, absolutely and forever, his interest in and to the Intellectual Property and that Purchaser will defend title thereto against the claims of any and all persons.

 

 

 

 

2.            Purchase. The purchase and sale of the Shares under this Agreement shall occur at the principal office of the Company simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement by the parties or on such other date as the Company and Purchaser shall agree (the “Purchase Date”). On the Purchase Date, the Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 3(c)(iv) hereof, deliver to Purchaser a certificate representing the Shares to be purchased by Purchaser (which shall be issued in Purchaser’s name) against payment of the Purchase Price therefore and delivery of a fully executed copy of this Agreement and the exhibits thereto, as applicable.

 

3.            Limitations on Transfer. In addition to any other limitation on transfer created by applicable securities laws, Purchaser shall not assign, encumber, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise dispose of any interest in the Shares except in compliance with the provisions below and applicable securities laws.

 

(a)            Repurchase Option. _________ of the Shares shall initially be Unvested Shares, and shall only become Vested Shares in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(b) hereof. In the event of (A) Purchaser’s voluntary or involuntary Termination of Service of with the Company for any reason (including death or disability), with or without cause; or (B) upon an involuntary transfer of Shares contemplated pursuant to Section 3(e) hereof, the Company, or its assignee(s), as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), shall upon the date of such termination (the “Termination Date”), or date of such involuntary transfer, as the case may be, and thereafter as herein contemplated, have an irrevocable, exclusive option (the “Repurchase Option”) to repurchase (x) all or any portion of the Unvested Shares held by Purchaser as of the Termination Date; and, (y) in the event of an involuntary transfer, all or a portion of the Shares which are the subject of an involuntary transfer, in each case, at a per share price equal to the Repurchase Option Purchase Price (as defined in Section 10 below). Purchaser hereby acknowledges that the Company has no obligation, either now or in the future, to repurchase any of the shares of Stock, whether vested or unvested, at any time. Further, Purchaser acknowledges and understands that, in the event that the Company repurchases Shares, the repurchase price may be less than the price Purchaser originally paid and that Purchaser bears any risk associated with the potential loss in value.

 

(b)            Vested Shares.

 

(i)            Time-Based Vesting. The Unvested Shares shall vest and become Vested Shares in a series of forty-eight (48) substantially equal monthly installments (rounded downward to the nearest whole share) commencing on the Vesting Commencement Date (defined below), and on each monthly anniversary thereafter, provided that no Termination of Service shall have occurred prior to each such date, so that all of the Shares shall all be Vested Shares upon the fourth (4th) anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date. For the purposes of this Agreement, the “Vesting Commencement Date” shall be _________.

 

(ii)            Part-Time Employment and Leaves of Absence. If the Purchaser commences working on a part-time basis, or fails to commence working on a full-time basis after being so requested by the Company, then the Company may adjust the vesting schedule set forth in Subsection (i) above in accordance with the Company’s part-time work policy, or the terms of an agreement between the Purchaser and the Company pertaining to his part-time schedule, or as otherwise determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion. If the Purchaser goes on a leave of absence, then the Company may adjust the vesting schedule set forth in Subsection (i) above in accordance with the Company’s leave of absence policy or the terms of such leave. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, service shall be deemed to continue while the Purchaser is on a bona fide leave of absence, if (A) such leave was approved by the Company in writing; and (B) continued crediting of service is expressly required by the terms of such leave or by applicable law (as determined by the Company). Service shall be deemed to terminate when such leave ends, unless the Purchaser immediately returns to active work.

 

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(iii)            Accelerated Vesting Upon Occurrence of Certain Circumstances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all of the Unvested Shares shall vest and become Vested Shares upon the occurrence of certain circumstances, as follows:

 

(1)            Any Shares that are Unvested Shares on the date that is twelve (12) months after the consummation of a Change in Control of the Company shall vest and become Vested Shares on such date, provided that there has not been a Termination of Service of Purchaser prior to such date.

 

(2)            Upon Purchaser’s Involuntary Termination in connection with, or within twelve (12) months following, a Change in Control, any Shares that are Unvested Shares as of the date of such Involuntary Termination shall vest and become Vested Shares as of such date.

 

(c)            Exercise of Repurchase Option Following a Termination of Service. The Repurchase Option may be exercised by the Company, or its assignee, by written notice (the “Repurchase Notice”), at any time within twelve (12) months following the Termination Date (the “Purchase Period”) to Purchaser or Purchaser’s executor and, at the Company’s option, by delivery to Purchaser or Purchaser’s executor of the Repurchase Notice and payment of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price as provided in Section 3(c)(i) hereof with respect to the payment and payment schedule for Shares being repurchased (the “Repurchased Shares”). Upon delivery of such Repurchase Notice and payment of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price, the Company, or its assignee(s), shall become the legal and beneficial owner of the Repurchased Shares and all rights and interest therein or related thereto, and the Company, or its assignee(s), as the case may be, shall have the right to transfer to its own name the number of Repurchased Shares being repurchased by the Company, or its assignee, without further action by Purchaser. Shares repurchased by the Company as herein contemplated shall resume the status of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock of the Company.

 

(i)            Payment of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price. Payment of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price as set forth in the Repurchase Notice(s) shall be made, at the option of the Company and/or its assignees, as the case may be, by delivering to Purchaser (or Purchaser’s executor) within ninety (90) days following delivery of a Repurchase Notice, either (A) a check for the full amount, or (B) ten percent (10%) of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price by check and a promissory note (“Promissory Note”) for the balance of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price set forth in the respective Repurchase Notice, which such Promissory Note shall provide for equal monthly payments of the principal over a period to be agreed upon by the parties. In the event the parties cannot agree on the terms of such Promissory Note, the balance shall be paid over a five (5) year period commencing not later than sixty (60) days after the ten percent (10%) down payment has been paid in cash. Any obligor on a Promissory Note shall have the right to prepay at any time all or any portion of the entire unpaid principal and accrued interest on thirty (30) days’ written notice to Purchaser, or any holder in due course of the Promissory Note, as the case may be. The Promissory Note shall bear simple interest at the lower of (x) the fixed rate of six percent (6%) accruing from the date of purchase, or (y) the highest rate permitted under applicable law. The Promissory Note shall provide for the acceleration of the maturity of the unpaid principal and interest upon default in the payment of any installment of principal or interest, at the option of the holder of the Promissory Note.

 

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(ii)            Assignment of Repurchase Right. The Board may freely assign the Company’s Repurchase Option, in whole or in part. Any person who accepts an assignment of the Repurchase Option from the Company shall assume all of the Company’s rights and obligations under Sections 3(a), (b) and (c).

 

(iii)            Change in Control. In the event of a Change in Control of the Company then the Repurchase Option shall be assigned by the Company to any successor of the Company (or the successor’s parent) in connection with such Change in Control. To the extent that the Repurchase Option remains in effect following such a Change in Control, it shall apply to the new capital stock or other property received in exchange for the Shares upon consummation of the Change in Control, but only to the extent the Shares are at the time covered by such right. Appropriate adjustments shall be made to the price per share payable upon exercise or deemed exercise of the Repurchase Option to reflect the effect of the Change in Control upon the Company’s capital structure; provided, however, that the aggregate Repurchase Option Purchase Price shall remain the same.

 

(iv)            Escrow. For purposes of facilitating the enforcement of the provisions of Section 3 hereof, Purchaser agrees, immediately upon receipt of the certificate(s) for the Shares subject to the Repurchase Option, to deliver such certificate(s), together with an Assignment Separate from Certificate in the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A executed by Purchaser and by Purchaser’s spouse (if required for transfer), in blank, to the Secretary of the Company, or the Secretary’s designee (the “Escrow Agent”), to hold such certificate(s) and Assignment Separate from Certificate in escrow and to take all such actions and to effectuate all such transfers and/or releases as are in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. These documents shall be held by the Escrow Agent pursuant to the Joint Escrow Instructions of the Company and the Purchaser set forth in Exhibit B attached to this Agreement, which instructions are incorporated into this Agreement by this reference, and which instructions shall also be delivered to the Escrow Agent after the Closing Purchaser hereby acknowledges that the Secretary of the Company, or the Secretary’s designee, is so appointed as the Escrow Agent with the foregoing authorities as a material inducement to make this Agreement and that said appointment is coupled with an interest and is accordingly irrevocable. Purchaser agrees that the Escrow Agent shall not be liable to any party hereof (or to any other party). The Escrow Agent may rely upon any letter, notice or other document executed by any signature purported to be genuine and may resign at any time. Purchaser agrees that if the Secretary of the Company, or the Secretary’s designee, resigns as Escrow Agent for any or no reason, the Board shall have the power to appoint a successor to serve as Escrow Agent pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

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(d)            Right of First Refusal.

 

(i)            Transfer Notice. If at any time Purchaser proposes to transfer any Shares to one or more third parties pursuant to an understanding with such third parties, then Purchaser shall give the Company written notice of Purchaser’s intention to make the transfer (the “Transfer Notice”), which Transfer Notice shall include (A) a description of the Shares to be transferred (“Offered Shares”); (B) the identity of the prospective transferee(s); and (C) the consideration and the material terms and conditions upon which the proposed transfer is to be made. The Transfer Notice shall certify that Purchaser has received a firm offer from the prospective transferee(s) and in good faith believes a binding agreement for the transfer is obtainable on the terms set forth in the Transfer Notice. The Transfer Notice shall also include a copy of any written proposal, term sheet or letter of intent or other agreement relating to the proposed transfer.

 

(ii)            Company’s Option. The Company shall have an option for a period of 20 days from receipt of the Transfer Notice to elect to purchase the Offered Shares at the same price and subject to the same material terms and conditions as described in the Transfer Notice. The Company may exercise this purchase option and purchase all (or a portion of) the Offered Shares by notifying Purchaser in writing before expiration of the 20 day period as to the number of Offered Shares the Company wishes to purchase. If the Company gives Purchaser notice of its intent to purchase the Offered Shares, then the Company shall make payment for the Offered Shares by check or wire transfer against delivery of the Offered Shares to be purchased at the time and place agreed upon by the parties, which shall be no later than 45 days after the Company’s receipt of the Transfer Notice, unless the Transfer Notice contemplated a later closing date or unless the value of the purchase price has not yet been established pursuant to Section 3(d)(iii).

 

(iii)            Valuation of Property. If the purchase price specified in the Transfer Notice or Additional Transfer Notice is payable in property other than cash or evidence of indebtedness, the Company shall have the right to pay the purchase price in the form of cash equal in amount to the value of such property. If Purchaser and the Company cannot agree on such cash value within 20 days after the Company’s receipt of the Transfer Notice, the valuation shall be made by an appraiser of recognized standing selected by Purchaser and the Company or, if they cannot agree on an appraiser within 30 days after the Company’s receipt of the Transfer Notice, each shall select an appraiser of recognized standing and the two appraisers shall designate a third appraiser of recognized standing, whose appraisal shall be determinative of such value. The cost of such appraisal shall be shared equally by Purchaser and the Company, with half of the cost borne by the Company. If the time for the closing of the Company’s purchase has expired but for the determination of the value of the purchase price offered by the prospective transferee(s), then such closing shall held on or prior to the fifth business day after such valuation shall have been made pursuant to this Section 3(d)(iii). In the event that a party fails to appoint an appraiser within the time contemplated pursuant to this Section 3(d)(iii), the determination of the appraiser timely appointed by the Company or Purchaser, as the case may be, shall be determinative of the value of the property in question.

 

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(iv)            Permitted Transfers. The provisions of Section 3(d) of this Agreement shall not apply to any transfer by Purchaser, with or without consideration, of any Shares (A) to the Immediate Family of Purchaser, or to a custodian, trustee (including a trustee of a voting trust), executor, or other fiduciary for the benefit of such persons, or to a trust the benefit of Purchaser, or to a charitable remainder trust; or (B) in connection with any bona fide gift (collectively, the “Permitted Transferees”); provided that in each case, such Transferee or assignee, prior to the completion of the transfer, shall have executed written agreements to be bound by and comply with all applicable provisions of this Agreement. Such transferred Shares shall remain subject to the restrictions of this Agreement, and such Transferee or assignee shall be treated as a “Purchaser” for purposes of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything herein to the contrary, Purchaser shall not transfer any Shares to (x) any Person or Entity which, in the determination of the Company’s Board of Directors, directly or indirectly competes with the Company; or (y) any customer, distributor or supplier of the Company or its Affiliates, if the Company’s Board of Directors should determine that such transfer would result in such customer, distributor or supplier receiving information that would place the Company or its Affiliates at a competitive disadvantage with respect to such customer, distributor or supplier. Any such transfer shall be void ab initio.

 

(v)            Right of First Refusal in Bylaws. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 3 or elsewhere in this Agreement to the contrary, if at any time following the date hereof, the Company’s Bylaws contain provisions regarding the right of the Company to repurchase its securities from shareholders then, notwithstanding such provisions, the terms of this Agreement shall govern the rights of the Company and/or any other party to purchase Shares from Purchaser if and to the extent that there shall be a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the Company’s Bylaws.

 

(e)            Involuntary Transfer.

 

(i)            Company’s Repurchase Option Following an Involuntary Transfer. In the event, at any time after the date of this Agreement, of any transfer by operation of law or other involuntary transfer (including divorce or death, but excluding in the event of death a transfer to a Permitted Transferee) of all or a portion of the Vested or Unvested Shares by the record holder thereof, the Company, or its assignee, as determined by the Board, shall have the right to purchase all of such Shares transferred by Purchaser. Upon such a transfer, the person acquiring the Shares shall promptly notify the Secretary of the Company, in writing, of such transfer. The right to purchase such Shares shall be provided to the Company (or its assignee) for a period of thirty (30) days following receipt by the Company of written notice by the person acquiring the Shares.

 

(ii)            Price for Involuntary Transfer. With respect to any stock to be transferred pursuant to Section 3(e)(i), the purchase price payable by the Company shall be the Repurchase Option Purchase Price, and payment therefor shall be made by the Company to the Transferee in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(e)(iv) hereof.

 

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(iii)            Valuation of Shares. The fair market value price per Share which is a Vested Share that shall be repurchased by the Company in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(e), shall be a price set by the Board that will reflect the current value of the stock of the Company, as of a date as of or about the date of such involuntary transfer, in terms of present earnings and future prospects of the Company, appropriately discounted or increased for any minority or control shareholdings of Purchaser’s Shares, as the case may be. The Company shall notify Purchaser (or Purchaser’s executor) of the price so determined. If Purchaser (or Purchaser’s executor) does not agree with the valuation as determined by the Board, Purchaser (or Purchaser’s executor) shall be entitled to have the valuation determined by an independent appraiser to be mutually agreed upon by the Company and Purchaser (or Purchaser’s executor) or, if they cannot agree on an appraiser within thirty (30) days following delivery of a repurchase notice by the Company, which includes the Board’s determination of the value of the Shares to be repurchased, each shall promptly, and in any event within thirty (30) days therefrom, select an appraiser of recognized standing and the two appraisers shall designate a third appraiser of recognized standing, whose appraisal shall be determinative of such value. The fees and expenses of appraisers herein contemplated shall be borne equally by the Company and Purchaser (or Purchaser’s estate). In the event that a party fails to appoint an appraiser within the time contemplated pursuant to this Section 3(e)(iii), the determination of the appraiser timely appointed by a party shall be determinative of the fair market value of the Shares to be repurchased for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

(iv)            Payment of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price. Payment of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price in respect of Shares involuntarily transferred may be made, at the option of the Company and/or its assignees, as the case may be, by delivering to Transferee (or Purchaser’s executor) within ninety (90) days after it receives notice of such involuntary transfer, either (A) a cashier’s check for the full amount; or (B) ten percent (10%) of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price by check and a Promissory Note for the balance of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price, which such Promissory Note shall provide for equal monthly payments of the principal over a period to be agreed upon by the parties. In the event the parties cannot agree on the terms of such Promissory Note, the balance shall be paid over a five (5) year period commencing not later than sixty (60) days after the ten percent (10%) down payment has been paid in cash. Any obligor on a Promissory Note shall have the right to prepay at any time all or any portion of the entire unpaid principal and accrued interest on thirty (30) days’ written notice to Transferee, or any holder in due course of the Promissory Note, as the case may be. The Promissory Note shall bear simple interest at the lower of (x) the fixed rate of six percent (6%) accruing from the date of purchase; or (y) the highest rate permitted under applicable law. The Promissory Note shall provide for the acceleration of the maturity of the unpaid principal and interest upon default in the payment of any installment of principal or interest, at the option of the holder of the Promissory Note.

 

(v)            Assignment. The Board may assign the Company’s right to purchase any part of the Shares pursuant to Section 3(e) in whole or in part to any shareholder or shareholders of the Company or other persons or organizations.

 

(f)            Restrictions Binding on Transferees. All Transferees of Shares or any interest therein will receive and hold such Shares or interest subject to the provisions of this Agreement. Any sale or transfer of the Shares shall be void unless the provisions of this Agreement are satisfied.

 

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(g)            Termination of Rights. The Repurchase Option, Right of First Refusal, and the Company’s right to repurchase the Shares in the event of an involuntary transfer pursuant to Section 3(e) shall terminate upon the earlier to occur of (A) the first sale of the Common Stock of the Company to the general public, or other securities of the Company; or (B) a Change in Control, provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, the Repurchase Option shall not terminate upon a Change in Control in the event that the Company, the acquiror, or an affiliate thereof (collectively, the “Acquiror”), shall require that Purchaser remain an Employee or Consultant, or become an employee of, or consultant to, Acquiror in respect to the business of the Company for the twelve (12) month period immediately following the consummation of the Change in Control (the “Transition Period”), for so long as the Acquiror agrees to pay Purchaser a monthly gross cash compensation that (prior to any applicable payroll and tax deductions and withholdings), is an amount not less than the annual salary and annual bonus in effect immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control (the “Required Compensation”), and the Repurchase Option, Right of First Refusal, and the Company’s right to repurchase the Shares in the event of an involuntary transfer pursuant to Section 3(e) shall lapse at the end of the Transition Period.

 

(h)            Market Stand-Off. In connection with any underwritten public offering by the Company of its equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including the Company’s initial public offering, the Purchaser or a Transferee shall not directly or indirectly sell, make any short sale of, loan, hypothecate, pledge, offer, grant or sell any option or other contract for the purchase of, purchase any option or other contract for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of or transfer, or agree to engage in any of the foregoing transactions with respect to, any Shares without the prior written consent of the Company or its managing underwriter. Such restriction (the “Market Stand-Off”) shall be in effect for such period of time following the date of the final prospectus for the offering as may be requested by the Company or such underwriter. In no event, however, shall such period exceed 180 days plus such additional period as may reasonably be requested by the Company or such underwriter to accommodate regulatory restrictions on (i) the publication or other distribution of research reports or (ii) analyst recommendations and opinions, including (without limitation) the restrictions set forth in the FINRA Rule of Conduct or Rule 472(f)(4) of the New York Stock Exchange, as amended, or any similar successor rules. The Market Stand-Off shall in any event terminate two years after the date of the Company’s initial public offering. In the event of the declaration of a stock dividend, a spin off, a stock split, an adjustment in conversion ratio, a recapitalization or a similar transaction affecting the Company’s outstanding securities without receipt of consideration, any new, substituted or additional securities which are by reason of such transaction distributed with respect to any Shares subject to the Market Stand-Off, or into which such Shares thereby become convertible, shall immediately be subject to the Market Stand-Off. In order to enforce the Market Stand-Off, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Shares until the end of the applicable stand-off period. The Company’s underwriters shall be beneficiaries of the agreement set forth in this Section 3(h). This Section 3(h) shall not apply to Shares registered in the public offering under the Securities Act.

 

(i)            Adjustments to Stock. If, from time to time, during the term of the Repurchase Option there is any change affecting the Company’s outstanding Common Stock as a class that is effected without the receipt of consideration by the Company (through merger, consolidation, reorganization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, change in corporation structure or other transaction not involving the receipt of consideration by the Company), then any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property to which Purchaser is entitled by reason of Purchaser’s ownership of Shares shall be immediately subject to the Repurchase Option and be included in the word “Shares” for all purposes of the Repurchase Option with the same force and effect as the shares of the Shares presently subject to the Repurchase Option, but only to the extent the Shares are, at the time, covered by such Repurchase Option. While the total Repurchase Option Purchase Price shall remain the same after each such event, the Per Share Purchase Price of Shares upon exercise or deemed exercise of the Repurchase Option shall be appropriately adjusted.

 

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4.            Parachute Payments.

 

(a)            If any payment or benefit Purchaser would receive pursuant to a Change in Control from the Company or otherwise (a “Payment”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then such Payment shall be reduced to the Reduced Amount. The “Reduced Amount” shall be either (x) the largest portion of the Payment that would result in no portion of the Payment being subject to the Excise Tax; or (y) the largest portion, up to and including the total, of the Payment, whichever amount, after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), results in Purchaser’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of the Payment notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax. If a reduction in payments or benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that the Payment equals the Reduced Amount, reduction shall occur in the following order unless Purchaser elects in writing a different order (provided, however, that such election shall be subject to Company approval if made on or after the date on which the event that triggers the Payment occurs): reduction of cash payments; cancellation of accelerated vesting of stock awards; reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of stock award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Purchaser’s stock awards unless Purchaser elects in writing a different order for cancellation.

 

(b)            The accounting firm engaged by the Company for general audit purposes as of the day prior to the effective date of the Change in Control shall perform the foregoing calculations. If the accounting firm so engaged by the Company is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change in Control, the Company shall appoint a nationally recognized accounting firm to make the determinations required hereunder. The Company shall bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such accounting firm required to be made hereunder.

 

(c)            The accounting firm engaged to make the determinations hereunder shall provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to the Company and Purchaser within 15 calendar days after the date on which Purchaser’s right to a Payment is triggered (if requested at that time by the Company or Purchaser) or such other time as requested by the Company or Purchaser. If the accounting firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable with respect to a Payment, it shall furnish the Company and Purchaser with an opinion reasonably acceptable to Purchaser that no Excise Tax will be imposed with respect to such Payment. Any good faith determinations of the accounting firm made hereunder shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Company and Purchaser.

 

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5.            Investment Representations. As an inducement to the Company to issue the Shares to Purchaser, and in order to establish the suitability for Purchaser of such an investment, Purchaser hereby makes the following representations and warranties, and authorizes the Company to rely upon the same:

 

(a)            Investment Intent. Purchaser is aware of and familiar with the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach a knowledgeable and informed decision to acquire the Shares. Purchaser is acquiring the Shares for investment for his own account, not for resale, without any intention of or view toward or for participating, directly or indirectly, in a distribution of the Shares or any portion thereof.

 

(b)            Representatives. Purchaser has consulted with such professional advisors (the “Representatives”), if any, as Purchaser has seen fit in connection with this proposed investment.

 

(c)            Experience. Purchaser and his Representatives, if any, have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that Purchaser is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of his investment in the Shares.

 

(d)            Risks. Purchaser understands that an investment in the Company is speculative, that any possible profits therefrom are uncertain, and that he must bear the economic risks of the investment in the Company for an indefinite period of time. Purchaser is able to bear these economic risks and to hold the Shares for an indefinite period.

 

(e)            Information. Purchaser and his Representatives, if any, have received all information and data with respect to the Company which Purchaser or his Representatives have requested and have deemed relevant in connection with an evaluation of the merits and risks of this investment in the Company, and do not desire any further information or data with respect to the Company prior to the purchase of the Shares.

 

(f)            Securities Laws. Purchaser understands that (i) the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act by reason of a specific exemption therefrom, that the Shares must be held by Purchaser indefinitely, and that Purchaser must, therefore, bear the economic risk of such investment indefinitely, unless a subsequent disposition thereof is registered under the Securities Act or is exempt from such registration. Purchaser further understands that the Shares have not been registered under the “blue sky” laws of any state, including that the shares have not been qualified or a permit obtained for issuance of securities from the California Department of Corporations or any other agency of the State of California.

 

(g)            Transfers. Purchaser understands that the Shares may have to be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act and qualified or registered under other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, which is highly unlikely, or unless an exemption from such qualification or registration is available.

 

(h)            Legends. Purchaser understand and agrees that (i) the legends set forth in Section 6 will be placed on the certificate(s) evidencing the Shares and on certificate(s) issued to Transferees; (ii) the stock records of the Company will be noted with respect to such restrictions; (iii) the Company will not be under any obligation to register the Shares or to comply with any exemption available for sale of the Shares without registration; and (iv) the information or conditions necessary to permit routine sales of securities of the Company under Rule 144 of the Securities Act are not now available and it is not likely that they will become available.

 

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(i)            Further Limitations on Disposition. Without in any way limiting Purchaser’s representations set forth above, Purchaser further agrees that he shall in no event make any disposition of all or any portion of the Shares unless and until: (A)  There is then in effect a Registration Statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with said Registration Statement; or (B) (1) Purchaser shall have notified the Company of the proposed disposition and shall have furnished the Company with a detailed statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed disposition, (2) Purchaser shall have furnished the Company with an opinion of Purchaser’s counsel to the effect that such disposition will not require registration of such shares under the Securities Act, and (3) such opinion of Purchaser’s counsel shall have been reasonably concurred in by counsel for the Company and the Company shall have advised Purchaser of such concurrence.

 

(j)            Valuation of Shares. Purchaser understands that the Shares have been valued by the Board of Directors of the Company and that the Company believes this valuation represents a fair attempt at reaching an accurate appraisal of their worth. Purchaser understands, however, that the Company can give no assurances that the Purchase Price is in fact the fair market value of the Shares and that it is possible that the Internal Revenue Service could successfully assert that the value of the Shares on the date of purchase is greater than so determined.

 

(k)            No Tax Advice. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser’s purchase or disposition of the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted any tax consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company or the Company’s counsel for any tax advice.

 

(l)            No Rights in or to Securities. Purchaser represents, warrants and agrees that the Shares represent all of the equity or other securities of the Company beneficially or of record held by Purchaser, and that, from and after the effective date of this Agreement, Purchaser shall neither have an interest in, nor any rights whatsoever to acquire any interests in, any securities of the Company.

 

6.            Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.

 

(a)            Legends. The certificate or certificates representing the Shares shall bear the following legends (as well as any legends required by applicable state and federal corporate and securities laws):

 

(i)            “THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, ENCUMBERED OR IN ANY MANNER DISPOSED OF, EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A WRITTEN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THE SHARES (OR THE PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST TO THE SHARES). SUCH AGREEMENT GRANTS TO THE COMPANY CERTAIN RIGHTS OF FIRST REFUSAL UPON AN ATTEMPTED TRANSFER OF THE SHARES AND CERTAIN REPURCHASE RIGHTS. THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY WILL UPON WRITTEN REQUEST FURNISH A COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT TO THE HOLDER HEREOF WITHOUT CHARGE.”

 

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(ii)            “THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED, OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION THEREOF UNDER SUCH ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY AND ITS COUNSEL, THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.”

 

(iii)            Any legend required to be placed thereon by the state law requirements of any state in the United States.

 

(b)            Stop-Transfer Notices. Purchaser agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.

 

(c)            Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any purchaser or other Transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.

 

(d)            Removal of Legend. When all of the following events have occurred, the Shares then held by Purchaser will no longer be subject to the legend referred to in Section 6(a)(i): (i) the termination of the Right of First Refusal; (ii) the termination of the Repurchase Option; and (iii) the expiration or termination of the market standoff provisions of Section 3(h) (and of any agreement entered pursuant to Section 3(h)). After such time, and upon Purchaser’s request, a new certificate or certificates representing the Shares not repurchased shall be issued without the legend referred to in Section 6(a)(i), and delivered to Purchaser.

 

7.            No Employment Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a parent or subsidiary of the Company, to terminate Purchaser’s employment or consulting relationship, for any reason, with or without cause.

 

8.            Rights as Shareholder. With respect to the Shares, (i) Purchaser shall have the same voting rights as a holder of shares of the Company’s Common Stock; and (ii) Purchaser shall be entitled to the same dividends paid or declared on the Company’s Common Stock. Upon an exercise of the Repurchase Option or the Right of First Refusal, Purchaser shall have no further rights as a holder of the Shares so purchased, except the right to receive payment for the Shares so purchased in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and Purchaser shall promptly surrender the stock certificate(s) evidencing the Shares so purchased to the Company for transfer or cancellation. In furtherance of, and not in limitation of the foregoing, if the Repurchase Option or Right of First Refusal is exercised in accordance with Section 3 and the Company makes available the consideration for the Shares in respect thereof, then the person from whom such Shares are purchased shall no longer have any rights as a holder of the Shares (other than the right to receive payment of such consideration). Such Shares shall be deemed to have been purchased pursuant to Section 3, whether or not the certificate(s) for such Shares have been delivered to the Company or the consideration for such Shares has been accepted.

 

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9.            Section 83(b) Election. Purchaser understands that Section 83(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), taxes as ordinary income the difference between the amount paid for the Shares and the fair market value of the Shares as of the date any restrictions on the Shares lapse. In this context, “restriction” means the right of the Company to buy back the Shares pursuant to the Repurchase Option set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may elect to be taxed at the time the Shares are purchased, rather than when and as the Repurchase Option expires, by filing an election under Section 83(b) (an “83(b) Election”) of the Code with the Internal Revenue Service within thirty (30) days from the date of purchase. Even if the fair market value of the Shares at the time of the execution of this Agreement equals the amount paid for the Shares, the election must be made to avoid income under Section 83(a) in the future. Purchaser understands that failure to file such an election in a timely manner may result in adverse tax consequences for Purchaser. Purchaser further understands that an additional copy of such election form should be filed with his or her federal income tax return for the calendar year in which the date of this Agreement falls. Purchaser acknowledges that the foregoing is only a summary of the effect of United States federal income taxation with respect to purchase of the Shares hereunder, and does not purport to be complete. Purchaser further acknowledges that the Company has directed Purchaser to seek independent advice regarding the applicable provisions of the Code, the income tax laws of any municipality, state or foreign country in which Purchaser may reside, and the tax consequences of Purchaser’s death.

 

Purchaser further agrees that Purchaser will execute and submit to the Company a copy of the 83(b) Election, attached hereto as Exhibit C. PURCHASER UNDERSTANDS THAT HE MAY SUFFER ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES AS A RESULT OF HIS PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES. PURCHASER REPRESENTS THAT HE HAS CONSULTED WITH ANY TAX ADVISER HE DEEMS ADVISABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES AND THAT PURCHASER IS NOT RELYING ON THE COMPANY OR COMPANY COUNSEL FOR ANY TAX ADVICE. PURCHASER HEREBY ASSUMES ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR FILING SUCH ELECTION AND PAYING ANY TAXES RESULTING FROM SUCH ELECTION OR FROM FAILURE TO FILE THE ELECTION AND PAYING TAXES RESULTING FROM THE LAPSE OF THE REPURCHASE RESTRICTIONS ON THE UNVESTED SHARES.

 

10.            Miscellaneous.

 

(a)            Definitions. The following defined terms shall have the meaning as set forth below:

 

(i)            “Affiliate” means:

 

(1)            any Parent or a Subsidiary of the Company; and

 

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(2)            any entity described in Section 10(a)(i)(1) above, plus any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or joint venture, whether now existing or hereafter created or acquired, with respect to which the Company beneficially owns more than fifty percent (50%) of: (x) the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities or (y) the capital or profits interests of a limited liability company, partnership or joint venture.

 

(ii)            “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(1)            a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation or entity, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company or Parent outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity, outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

 

(2)            a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all (i.e., 95% of the net book value) of the assets of the Company; or

 

(3)            any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) becoming the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities, provided, however, that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the (a) sale of the Company’s securities to institutional or other investors in connection with capital raising activities; or (b) reincorporation of the Company into another jurisdiction; (c) transfer of voting securities of the Company to its or their Affiliates, or (d) a public offering of securities of the Company shall not, in each case, be a Change in Control for any purposes hereunder.

 

(iii)             “Consultant” means a person who performs bona fide services for the Company, or an Affiliate, as a consultant or advisor, excluding Employees and members of the Board of Directors.

 

(iv)             “Director” means a member of the Board.

 

(v)              “Employee” means a regular employee of the Company or an Affiliate, including an Officer or Director, who is treated as an employee in the personnel records of the Company or an Affiliate, but not individuals who are classified by the Company or an Affiliate as: (A) leased from or otherwise employed by a third party; (B) independent contractors, or (C) intermittent or temporary workers. The Company’s or an Affiliate’s classification of an individual as an “Employee” (or as not an “Employee”) for purposes hereof shall not be altered retroactively even if that classification is changed retroactively for another purpose as a result of an audit, litigation or otherwise. Neither service as a Director nor receipt of a director’s fee shall be sufficient to make a Director an “Employee.” Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein set forth, a change in status from an Employee to a Consultant or from a Consultant to an Employee shall not constitute a Termination of Service for the purposes hereof, if and to the extent so determined by the Board. The Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine the effect of all other matters and issues relating to a Termination of Service.

 

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(vi)             “Entity” means any general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint venture, trust, business trust, cooperative, association or any other entity.

 

(vii)            “Governmental Body” means any commission, court, tribunal, magistrate, or other similar recognized organization or body of any federal, state, county, municipal, local, or foreign government or other similar recognized organization or body exercising similar powers or authority.

 

(viii)           “Immediate Family” shall mean any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law and shall include adoptive relationships.

 

(ix)              “Involuntary Termination” shall mean a Termination of Service by reason of:

 

(1)            Purchaser’s involuntary dismissal or discharge by the Company, or by the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof employing the Purchaser) for reasons other than Misconduct (as defined below), or

 

(2)            Purchaser’s voluntary resignation following (x) a change in Purchaser’s position with the Company, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof) which materially reduces Purchaser’s duties and responsibilities or the level of management to which Purchaser reports; (y) a reduction in Purchaser’s level of compensation (including base salary, fringe benefits and target bonus under any performance based bonus or incentive programs) by more than ten percent (10%); or (z) a relocation of Purchaser’s principal place of employment by more than thirty (30) miles, provided and only if such change, reduction or relocation is effected without Purchaser’s written consent.

 

(x)               “Misconduct” means (A) the commission of any act of fraud, embezzlement or dishonesty by Purchaser which materially and adversely affects the business of the Company, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof); (B) any unauthorized use or disclosure by Purchaser of confidential information or trade secrets of the Company, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof) which materially and adversely affects the business of the Company, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof); or (C) any illegal act by Purchaser which materially and adversely affects the business of the Company, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof), or any felony committed by Purchaser, as evidenced by conviction thereof. The provisions of this Section shall not limit the grounds for the dismissal or discharge of Purchaser or any other individual in the service of the Company, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof).

 

(xi)              “Officer” means any person designated by the Board as an officer.

 

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(xii)            “Parent” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

 

(xiii)            “Person” means any individual or Entity, and the heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors, and assigns of such “Person” where the context so requires.

 

(xiv)            “Repurchase Option Purchase Price” means (A) the Per Share Purchase Price, for the Shares that are Unvested Shares as of such Termination Date or date of involuntary transfer, as the case may be; and (B) the fair market value thereof as of or about the date upon which the Repurchase Option is exercised, determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(e)(iii) hereof in the event of an involuntary transfer, for such Shares that are Vested Shares as of the date of involuntary transfer. The Per Share Purchase Price shall be adjusted if the Company shall at any time after the issuance, but prior to exercise of the Repurchase Option, subdivide its Common Stock, by split-up or otherwise, or combine its Common Stock, so that the Per Share Purchase Price shall forthwith be proportionately increased or decreased, in the case of a subdivision or a combination, as the case may be, provided, however, that the aggregate Repurchase Option Purchase Price shall remain the same. Any adjustment shall become effective at the close of business on the date the subdivision or combination becomes effective.

 

(xv)            “Right of First Refusal” shall mean the Company’s right of first refusal described in Section 3(d).

 

(xvi)           “Subsidiary” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

 

(xvii)          “Termination of Service” means:

 

(1)            With respect to Shares purchased by Purchaser in his or her capacity as an Employee, the time when the employer-employee relationship between Purchaser and the Company (or an Affiliate), or following a Change in Control, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof employing the Purchaser), is terminated for any reason, including, without limitation a termination by resignation, discharge, death or retirement;

 

(2)            With respect to Shares purchased by Purchaser in his or her capacity as a Director, the time when Purchaser ceases to be a Director for any reason, including without limitation a cessation by resignation, removal, failure to be reelected, death or retirement, but excluding cessations where there is a simultaneous or continuing employment of the former Director by the Company (or an Affiliate), or following a Change in Control, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof employing the Purchaser), and the Board expressly deems such cessation not to be a Termination of Service; and

 

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(3)            With respect to Shares purchased by Purchaser in his or her capacity as a Consultant, the time when the contractual relationship between Purchaser and the Company (or an Affiliate), or following a Change in Control, the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof employing the Purchaser), is terminated for any reason; and

 

(4)            With respect to Shares purchased by Purchaser in his or her capacity as an Employee or Director of, or Consultant to, an Affiliate, when such entity ceases to qualify as an Affiliate, unless earlier terminated as set forth above.

 

(xviii)          “Transferee” means any person to whom Purchaser has directly or indirectly transferred any Shares.

 

(xix)             “Vested Shares” shall mean the Shares that after the date of this Agreement vest, through the passage of time.

 

(xx)             “Unvested Shares” shall mean any Shares which have not become Vested Shares as of any date for determination thereof.

 

(b)            Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. The parties agree that any action brought by either party to interpret or enforce any provision of this Agreement shall be brought in, and each party agrees to, and does hereby, submit to the jurisdiction and venue of, the appropriate state or federal court for the district encompassing the Company’s principal place of business.

 

(c)            Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Agreement, and the Exhibits hereto sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and merges all prior discussions between them. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

 

(d)            Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof; provided that if any provision of this Agreement, as applied to any party or to any circumstance, is adjudged by a Governmental Body, arbitrator, or mediator not to be enforceable in accordance with its terms, the parties agree that the Governmental Body, arbitrator, or mediator making such determination shall have the power to modify the provision in a manner consistent with its objectives such that it is enforceable, and/or to delete specific words or phrases, and in its reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.

 

(e)            Construction. This Agreement is the result of negotiations between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any one of the parties hereto.

 

(f)            Notices. All notices, consents, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, made and received (i) when delivered personally; (ii) two (2) days following the day when deposited with a reputable, established overnight courier service for delivery to the intended addressee; (iii) five (5) days following the day when deposited with the United States Postal Service as first class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid; and (iv) by electronic (email) transmission or facsimile, provided, however, that such email or facsimile is followed by delivery thereof in any of the manners set forth in clauses (i) through (iii) hereof, in each case, addressed as set forth below or such other address as such party may hereafter specify for the purpose by notice to the other parties hereto:

 

-17-

 

 

if to the Company, to:

 

Tivic Health Systems Inc.

750 Menlo Avenue, Suite 200

Menlo Park, California 94025

Attn: Chief Executive Officer

Facsimile No.: _____________

Email Address:

  

if to Purchaser, to:

 

__________________

__________________

__________________

Facsimile No.: _____________

Email Address: ________________

 

(g)            Telecopy Execution and Delivery. A facsimile, telecopy or other reproduction of this Agreement may be executed by one or more parties hereto and delivered by such party by facsimile or any similar electronic transmission device pursuant to which the signature of or on behalf of such party can be seen. Such execution and delivery shall be considered valid, binding and effective for all purposes. At the request of any party hereto, all parties hereto agree to execute and deliver an original of this Agreement as well as any facsimile, telecopy or other reproduction hereof.

 

(h)            Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered will be deemed an original, and all such counterparts together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(i)            Successors and Assigns. The rights and benefits of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Company’s successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Purchaser under this Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written consent of the Company.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

-18-

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

COMPANY: Tivic Health Systems Inc.
   
  By:  
    Name: Jennifer Ernst
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

PURCHASER:  
  [NAME]
  Social Security No.: ________________________
   

 

I, _____________________, spouse of __________, have read and hereby approve the foregoing Agreement. In consideration of the Company’s granting my spouse the right to purchase the Shares as set forth in the Agreement, I hereby agree to be irrevocably bound by the Agreement and further agree that any community property or similar interest that I may have in the Shares shall be similarly bound by the Agreement. I hereby appoint my spouse as my attorney-in-fact with respect to any amendment or exercise of any rights under the Agreement.

 

   
  Spouse of [NAME]

 

-19-

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Assignment Separate From Certificate

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED and pursuant to that certain Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement between the undersigned (“Purchaser”) and Tivic Health Systems Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”), dated _________, 2017 (the “Agreement”), Purchaser hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto the Company _________________________ (________) shares of the Common Stock of the Company standing in Purchaser’s name on the Company’s books and represented by Certificate No. _____, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint __________________________ Attorney to transfer said stock on the books of the Company with full power of substitution in the premises. THIS ASSIGNMENT MAY ONLY BE USED AS AUTHORIZED BY THE AGREEMENT AND THE EXHIBITS THERETO.

 

Dated: ________________  
   
   
  Spouse of [NAME]

 

Instruction: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line. The purpose of this assignment is to enable the Company to exercise its repurchase option set forth in the Agreement without requiring additional signatures on the part of Purchaser.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS

________________

 

Tivic Health Systems Inc.

750 Menlo Avenue, Suite 200

Menlo Park, California 94025

Attn: Corporate Secretary

 

Dear Secretary:

 

As Escrow Agent for both Tivic Health Systems Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”), and _________ (the “Purchaser”), you are hereby authorized and directed to hold the documents delivered to you pursuant to the terms of that certain Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated as of ______, 2017, to which a copy of these Joint Escrow Instructions is attached, in accordance with the following instructions:

 

In the event that the Company and/or any assignee of the Company (referred to collectively for convenience herein as the “Company”) exercises the Repurchase Option set forth in the Agreement, the Company shall give to the Purchaser and you a written notice specifying the number of shares of stock to be purchased, the purchase price, and the time for a closing hereunder at the principal office of the Company. The Purchaser and the Company hereby irrevocably authorize and direct you to close the transaction contemplated by such notice in accordance with the terms of said notice.

 

At the closing, you are directed (a) to date the stock assignments necessary for the transfer in question, (b) to fill in the number of shares being transferred, and (c) to deliver same, together with the certificate evidencing the shares of stock to be transferred, to the Company against the simultaneous delivery to you of the purchase price (by check or such other form of consideration mutually agreed to by the parties) for the number of shares of stock being purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Repurchase Option.

 

The Purchaser irrevocably authorizes the Company to deposit with you any certificates evidencing shares of stock to be held by you hereunder and any additions and substitutions to said shares as defined in the Agreement. The Purchaser does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint you as his or her attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of this escrow to execute with respect to such securities all documents necessary or appropriate to make such securities negotiable and to complete any transaction herein contemplated. Subject to the provisions of this paragraph 3, the Purchaser shall exercise all rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company while the stock is held by you.

 

Upon written request of the Purchaser after each successive one-year period from the date of the Agreement, unless the Repurchase Option has been exercised, you will deliver to the Purchaser a certificate or certificates representing so many shares of stock remaining in escrow as are not then subject to the Repurchase Option. On the date that is not more than 370 days after the date of the Purchaser’s Termination of Service (as defined in the Agreement) to the Company terminates, you will deliver to the Purchaser a certificate or certificates representing the aggregate number of shares sold and issued pursuant to the Agreement and not purchased by the Company or its assignees pursuant to the exercise of the Repurchase Option.

 

 

 

 

If at the time of termination of this escrow you should have in your possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to the Purchaser, you shall deliver all of same to the Purchaser and shall be discharged of all further obligations hereunder.

 

Your duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified or revoked only by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto.

 

You shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth herein and may rely and shall be protected in relying or refraining from acting on any instrument reasonably believed by you to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. You shall not be personally liable for any act you may do or omit to do hereunder as Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for the Purchaser while acting in good faith and in the exercise of your own good judgment, and any act done or omitted by you pursuant to the advice of your own attorneys shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith.

 

The Company and the Purchaser hereby jointly and severally expressly agree to indemnify and hold harmless you and your designees against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, deficiencies, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses of investigation and defense incurred or suffered by you and your designees, directly or indirectly, as a result of any of your actions or omissions or those of your designees while acting in good faith and in the exercise of your judgment under the Agreement, these Joint Escrow Instructions, exhibits hereto or written instructions from the Company or the Purchaser hereunder.

 

You are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all warnings given by any of the parties hereto or by any other person or corporation, excepting only orders or process of courts of law, and are hereby expressly authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any court. In case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment or decree, you shall not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person, firm or corporation by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding any such order, judgment or decree being subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside, vacated or found to have been entered without jurisdiction.

 

You shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity, authorities or rights of the parties executing or delivering or purporting to execute or deliver the Agreement or any documents or papers deposited or called for hereunder.

 

You shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel and other experts as you may deem necessary properly to advise you in connection with your obligations hereunder, may rely upon the advice of such counsel, and may pay such counsel reasonable compensation therefor. The Company shall reimburse you for any such disbursements.

 

Your responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if you shall resign by written notice to each party. In the event of any such termination, the Company shall appoint a successor Escrow Agent.

 

 

 

 

You are expressly authorized to delegate your duties as Escrow Agent hereunder to the law firm of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP, or any other law firm, which delegation, if any, may change from time to time and shall survive your resignation as Escrow Agent.

 

If you reasonably require other or further instruments in connection with these Joint Escrow Instructions or obligations in respect hereto, the necessary parties hereto shall join in furnishing such instruments.

 

It is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with respect to the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the securities held by you hereunder, you are authorized and directed to retain in your possession without liability to anyone all or any part of said securities until such disputes shall have been settled either by mutual written agreement of the parties concerned or by a final order, decree or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction after the time for appeal has expired and no appeal has been perfected, but you shall be under no duty whatsoever to institute or defend any such proceedings.

 

Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or four days following deposit in the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail with postage and fees prepaid and return receipt requested, addressed to each of the other parties thereunto entitled at the following addresses, or at such other addresses as a party may designate by written notice to each of the other parties hereto.

 

COMPANY: Tivic Health Systems Inc.
  750 Menlo Avenue, Suite 200
  Menlo Park, California 94025

 

PURCHASER: __________________
  __________________
  __________________

 

ESCROW AGENT: __________________
  __________________
  __________________
  __________________

 

By signing these Joint Escrow Instructions, you become a party hereto only for the purpose of said Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become a party to the Agreement.

 

This instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

 

 

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  Tivic Health Systems Inc.,
  a California corporation
   
  By:  
    Name: Jennifer Ernst
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

  PURCHASER:
   
  [NAME]
   
  (Signature)

 

ESCROW AGENT

 

   
[NAME], [TITLE]  

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT C

 

 

 

SECTION 83(b) Election Form and Instructions

 

 

  

THE ATTACHED FORM IS BEING PROVIDED TO YOU, THE PURCHASER, SOLELY FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. THE COMPANY MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO ITS ADEQUACY OR APPROPRIATENESS. ANY DECISION BY YOU TO FILE AN ELECTION PURSUANT TO SECTION 83(b) MUST BE MADE SOLELY IN RELIANCE ON THE ADVICE OF YOUR PERSONAL TAX ADVISOR(S) AND NOT ON ANY STATEMENT OR REPRESENTATION BY THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENTS.

 

Instructions For Filing Elections

 

Attached is a form of election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. If you wish to make the election, you should complete, sign and date the election and then proceed as follows:

 

A.            Make 4 copies of the completed election.

 

B.            Mail the signed original election, and one copy of such election, to the IRS Service Center where you file your federal income tax and include a return, self-addressed, stamped envelope with the election (the IRS will send you a stamped copy, which is your only proof that a filing has been made). This should be mailed via certified mail, return receipt requested. This election should be sent immediately, as you have only 30 days from the date of purchase to make the election; no waivers, late filings or extensions are permitted. For your convenience, a form of cover letter to the IRS is attached hereto.

 

C.            Deliver one copy of the completed election to the Company’s chief executive officer for the Company’s files.

 

D.            Attach one copy of the election to your IRS Personal Income Tax Return (Form 1040) when you file it next year.

 

E.            Attach one copy of the election to your California income tax return (Form 540) when you file it next year (assuming you file a California income tax return).

 

F.            Retain one copy of the election for your personal permanent records.

 

A separate Section 83(b) election is not required to be filed in California if you file a federal Section 83(b) election.

 

It is your responsibility, not the Company’s, to make sure that the election is properly mailed to the taxing authorities and attached to your tax return filed next year.

 

Within 30 days after the date of purchase, this election must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service Center where the Purchaser files his or her federal income tax returns. The filing should be made by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. The Purchaser must (a) file a copy of the completed form with his or her federal tax return for the current tax year and (b) deliver an additional copy to the Company.

  

 

 

 

Section 83(b) Election

 

This statement is made under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.83-2.

 

(1) The taxpayer who performed the services is:
   
  Name:
   
  Address:
   
  Social Security No.: _______________________

 

(2) The property with respect to which the election is made is ___________ shares of Common Stock of Tivic Health Systems Inc., a California corporation (the “Company”).

 

(3) The property was transferred on __________, 2017.

 

(4) The taxable year for which the election is made is the calendar year 2017.

 

(5) The property is subject to a repurchase right pursuant to which the issuer has the right to acquire the property at the original purchase price if for any reason taxpayer’s service with the issuer is terminated.

 

(6) The fair market value of such property at the time of transfer (determined without regard to any restriction other than a restriction which by its terms will never lapse) is $0.0001 per share of Common Stock.

 

(7) The amount paid for such property is $_______ per share of Common Stock.

 

(8) A copy of this statement was furnished to the Company.

 

(9)            This statement is executed on ________________, 2017.

 

   
Spouse of [NAME]   [NAME]

 

Social Security No.: _________________

 

Within 30 days after the date of purchase, this election must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service Center where the Purchaser files his or her federal income tax returns. The filing should be made by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. The Purchaser must (a) file a copy of the completed form with his or her federal tax return for the current tax year and (b) deliver an additional copy to the Company.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.6

 

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

This INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of _________, 20__, by and between Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and __________ (“Indemnitee”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve publicly-held corporations as directors, officers or in other capacities unless they are provided with adequate protection through insurance or adequate indemnification against inordinate risks of claims and actions against them arising out of their service to and activities on behalf of such corporations;

 

WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals, the Company will attempt to maintain on an ongoing basis, at its sole expense, liability insurance to protect persons serving the Company and its subsidiaries from certain liabilities;

 

WHEREAS, directors, officers and other persons in service to corporations or business enterprises are being increasingly subjected to expensive and time-consuming litigation relating to, among other things, matters that traditionally would have been brought only against the Company or business enterprise itself;

 

WHEREAS, the Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”) and the Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) of the Company, require indemnification of the officers and directors of the Company. Indemnitee may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”). The Charter, Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contracts may be entered into between the Company and members of the Board, officers and other persons with respect to indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement and reimbursement rights;

 

WHEREAS, the uncertainties relating to such insurance and to indemnification have increased the difficulty of attracting and retaining such persons;

 

WHEREAS, the Board has determined that the increased difficulty in attracting and retaining such persons is detrimental to the best interests of the Company’s stockholders and that the Company should act to assure such persons that there will be increased certainty of such protection in the future;

 

WHEREAS, it is reasonable, prudent and necessary for the Company contractually to obligate itself to indemnify, hold harmless, exonerate and to advance expenses on behalf of, such persons to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law so that they will serve or continue to serve the Company free from undue concern that they will not be so protected against liabilities;

 

WHEREAS, this Agreement is a supplement to and in furtherance of the Charter and Bylaws and any resolutions adopted pursuant thereto, and shall not be deemed a substitute therefor, nor to diminish or abrogate any rights of Indemnitee thereunder; and

 

WHEREAS, Indemnitee may not be willing to serve as an officer or director, advisor or in another capacity without adequate protection, and the Company desires Indemnitee to serve in such capacity. Indemnitee is willing to serve, continue to serve and to take on additional service for or on behalf of the Company on the condition that Indemnitee be so indemnified.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants contained herein the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

 

1

 

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

1. SERVICES TO THE COMPANY. Indemnitee will serve or continue to serve as an officer, director, advisor, key employee or in any other capacity of the Company, as applicable, for so long as Indemnitee is duly elected or appointed or retained or until Indemnitee tenders Indemnitee’s resignation or until Indemnitee is removed. The foregoing notwithstanding, this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect after Indemnitee has ceased to serve as a director, officer, advisor, key employee or in any other capacity of the Company, in each case as provided in Section 16. This Agreement, however, shall not impose any obligation on Indemnitee or the Company to continue Indemnitee’s service to the Company beyond any period otherwise required by law or by other agreements or commitments of the parties, if any.

 

2. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement:

 

(a)    “agent” shall mean any person who is or was a director, officer or employee of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company or other person authorized by the Company to act for the Company, to include such person serving in such capacity as a director, officer, employee, fiduciary or other official of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust or other enterprise at the request of, for the convenience of, or to represent the interests of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company.

 

(b)    “Beneficial Owner” and “Beneficial Ownership” shall have the meanings set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below) as in effect on the date hereof.

 

(c)    “Change in Control” shall be deemed to occur upon the earliest to occur after the date of this Agreement of any of the following events:

 

(i)   Acquisition of Stock by Third Party. Any Person (as defined below) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, unless (1) the change in the relative Beneficial Ownership of the Company’s securities by any Person results solely from a reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding shares of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or (2) such acquisition was approved in advance by the Continuing Directors (as defined below) and such acquisition would not constitute a Change in Control under part (iii) of this definition;

 

(ii)  Change in Board of Directors. Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board, and any new director whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least three fifths (3/5) of the directors then still in office who were directors on the date hereof or whose election for nomination for election was previously so approved (collectively, the “Continuing Directors”), cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board;

 

(iii) Corporate Transactions. The effective date of a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination, involving the Company and one or more businesses (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination: (1) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the Beneficial Owners of securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 51% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more Subsidiaries (as defined below)) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination, of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; (2) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination) is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of fifteen percent (15%) or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the surviving corporation except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and (3) at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were Continuing Directors at the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board of Directors, providing for such Business Combination;

 

2

 

 

(iv)  Liquidation. The approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement or series of agreements for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than factoring the Company’s current receivables or escrows due (or, if such stockholder approval is not required, the decision by the Board to proceed with such a liquidation, sale, or disposition in one transaction or a series of related transactions); or

 

(v)  Other Events. There occurs any other event of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A (or any successor rule) (or a response to any similar item on any similar schedule or form) promulgated under the Exchange Act (as defined below), whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement.

 

(d) “Corporate Status” describes the status of a person who is or was a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of the Company or of any other Enterprise (as defined below) which such person is or was serving at the request of the Company.

 

(e) “Delaware Court” shall mean the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.

 

(f)  “Disinterested Director” shall mean a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Proceeding (as defined below) in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

 

(g) “Enterprise” shall mean the Company and any other corporation, constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger to which the Company (or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries) is a party, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, manager, general partner, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent.

 

(h) “Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(i)  “Expenses” shall include all direct and indirect costs, fees and expenses of any type or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, fees of private investigators and professional advisors, duplicating costs, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage, delivery service fees, fax transmission charges, secretarial services and all other disbursements, obligations or expenses in connection with prosecuting, defending, preparing to prosecute or defend, investigating, being or preparing to be a witness in, settlement or appeal of, or otherwise participating in, a Proceeding (as defined below), including reasonable compensation for time spent by Indemnitee for which he or she is not otherwise compensated by the Company or any third party. Expenses also shall include Expenses incurred in connection with any appeal resulting from any Proceeding (as defined below), including without limitation the principal, premium, security for, and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond, or other appeal bond or its equivalent. “Expenses,” however, shall not include amounts paid in settlement by Indemnitee or the amount of judgments or fines against Indemnitee.

 

(j)  “fines” shall include any excise tax assessed on Indemnitee with respect to any employee benefit plan.

 

(k) “Independent Counsel” shall mean a law firm or a member of a law firm with significant experience in matters of corporate law and that neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements); or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding (as defined below) giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

 

(l)  “Person” shall have the meaning as set forth in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act as in effect on the date hereof; provided, however, that “Person” shall exclude: (i) the Company; (ii) any Subsidiaries (as defined below) of the Company; (iii) any employment benefit plan of the Company or of a Subsidiary (as defined below) of the Company or of any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company; and (iv) any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or of a Subsidiary (as defined below) of the Company or of a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company.

 

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(m) “Proceeding” shall include any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, mediation, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of the Company or otherwise and whether of a civil (including intentional or unintentional tort claims), criminal, administrative or investigative or related nature, in which Indemnitee was, is, will or might be involved as a party or otherwise by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a director or officer of the Company, by reason of any action (or failure to act) taken by Indemnitee or of any action (or failure to act) on Indemnitee’s part while acting as a director or officer of the Company, or by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise, in each case whether or not serving in such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification, reimbursement, or advancement of expenses can be provided under this Agreement.

 

(n)  “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Agreement.

 

(o)  “Subsidiary,” with respect to any Person, shall mean any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity of which a majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities or equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by that Person.

 

3.  INDEMNITY IN THIRD-PARTY PROCEEDINGS. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3 if Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise) in any Proceeding, other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status. Pursuant to this Section 3, Indemnitee shall be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually, and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, in the case of a criminal Proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

4.  INDEMNITY IN PROCEEDINGS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4 if Indemnitee was, is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise) in any Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status. Pursuant to this Section 4, Indemnitee shall be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with such Proceeding or any claim, issue or matter therein, if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. No indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration for Expenses shall be made under this Section 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been finally adjudged by a court to be liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent that any court in which the Proceeding was brought or the Delaware Court shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, to be held harmless or to exoneration.

 

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5.  INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A PARTY WHO IS WHOLLY OR PARTLY SUCCESSFUL. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee was or is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a party to (or a participant in) and is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, in whole or in part, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all claims, issues or matters in such Proceeding, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection with each successfully resolved claim, issue or matter. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding, the Company also shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee against all Expenses reasonably incurred in connection with a claim, issue or matter related to any claim, issue, or matter on which Indemnitee was successful. For purposes of this Section and without limitation, the termination of any claim, issue or matter in such a Proceeding by dismissal, with or without prejudice, shall be deemed to be a successful result as to such claim, issue or matter.

 

6.  INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A WITNESS. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a witness or deponent in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee was or is not a party or threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith.

 

7.  ADDITIONAL INDEMNIFICATION, HOLD HARMLESS AND EXONERATION RIGHTS. Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, or 5, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding (including a Proceeding by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor) against all Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of such Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the Proceeding. No indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights shall be available under this Section 7 on account of Indemnitee’s conduct which constitutes a breach of Indemnitee’s duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders or is an act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law.

 

8. CONTRIBUTION IN THE EVENT OF JOINT LIABILITY.

 

(a)  To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification, hold harmless and/or exoneration rights provided for in this Agreement are unavailable to Indemnitee in whole or in part for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying, holding harmless or exonerating Indemnitee, shall pay, in the first instance, the entire amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement and/or for Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding without requiring Indemnitee to contribute to such payment, and the Company hereby waives and relinquishes any right of contribution it may have at any time against Indemnitee.

 

(b)  The Company shall not enter into any settlement of any Proceeding in which the Company is jointly liable with Indemnitee (or would be if joined in such Proceeding) unless such settlement provides for a full and final release of all claims asserted against Indemnitee.

 

(c)  The Company hereby agrees to fully indemnify, hold harmless and exonerate Indemnitee from any claims for contribution which may be brought by officers, directors or employees of the Company other than Indemnitee who may be jointly liable with Indemnitee.

 

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9. ADVANCES OF EXPENSES; DEFENSE OF CLAIM.

 

(a)  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, and to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law, the Company shall pay the Expenses incurred by Indemnitee (or reasonably expected by Indemnitee to be incurred by Indemnitee within three months) in connection with any Proceeding within ten (10) days after the receipt by the Company of a statement or statements requesting such advances from time to time, prior to the final disposition of any Proceeding. Advances shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be unsecured and interest free. Advances shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be made without regard to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses and without regard to Indemnitee’s ultimate entitlement to be indemnified, held harmless or exonerated under the other provisions of this Agreement. Advances shall include any and all reasonable Expenses incurred pursuing a Proceeding to enforce this right of advancement, including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. To the fullest extent required by applicable law, such payments of Expenses in advance of the final disposition of the Proceeding shall be made only upon the Company’s receipt of an undertaking, by or on behalf of Indemnitee, to repay the advanced amounts to the extent that it is ultimately determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, held harmless or exonerated by the Company under the provisions of this Agreement, the Charter, the Bylaws, applicable law or otherwise.

 

(b) The Company will be entitled to participate in the Proceeding at its own expense.

 

(c)  The Company shall not settle any action, claim or Proceeding (in whole or in part) which would impose any Expense, judgment, liability, fine, penalty or limitation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s prior written consent.

 

10. PROCEDURE FOR NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION.

 

(a)  Indemnitee agrees to notify promptly the Company in writing upon being served with any summons, citation, subpoena, complaint, indictment, information or other document relating to any Proceeding, claim, issue or matter therein which may be subject to indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights, or advancement of Expenses covered hereunder. The failure of Indemnitee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any obligation which it may have to Indemnitee under this Agreement, or otherwise.

 

(b)  Indemnitee may deliver to the Company a written application to indemnify, hold harmless or exonerate Indemnitee in accordance with this Agreement. Such application(s) may be delivered from time to time and at such time(s) as Indemnitee deems appropriate in his or her sole discretion. Following such a written application for indemnification by Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be determined according to Section 11(a) of this Agreement.

 

11. PROCEDURE UPON APPLICATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION.

 

(a)  A determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be made in the specific case by one of the following methods: (i) if no Change in Control has occurred (x) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (y) by a committee of Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, or (z) if there are no Disinterested Directors, or if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; or (ii) if a Change in Control has occurred, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee. The Company promptly will advise Indemnitee in writing with respect to any determination that Indemnitee is or is not entitled to indemnification, including a description of any reason or basis for which indemnification has been denied. If it is so determined that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, payment to Indemnitee shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination. Indemnitee shall reasonably cooperate with the person, persons or entity making such determination with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification, including providing to such person, persons or entity upon reasonable advance request any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination. Any costs or Expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person, persons or entity making such determination shall be borne by the Company (irrespective of the determination as to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification) and the Company hereby agrees to indemnify and to hold Indemnitee harmless therefrom.

 

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(b)  In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 11(a) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 11(b). The Independent Counsel shall be selected by Indemnitee (unless Indemnitee shall request that such selection be made by the Board), and Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Company advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and certifying that the Independent Counsel so selected meets the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement. If the Independent Counsel is selected by the Board, the Company shall give written notice to Indemnitee advising Indemnitee of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected and certifying that the Independent Counsel so selected meets the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement. In either event, Indemnitee or the Company, as the case may be, may, within ten (10) days after such written notice of selection shall have been received, deliver to the Company or to Indemnitee, as the case may be, a written objection to such selection; provided, however, that such objection may be asserted only on the ground that the Independent Counsel so selected does not meet the requirements of “Independent Counsel” as defined in Section 2 of this Agreement, and the objection shall set forth with particularity the factual basis of such assertion. Absent a proper and timely objection, the person so selected shall act as Independent Counsel. If such written objection is so made and substantiated, the Independent Counsel so selected may not serve as Independent Counsel unless and until such objection is withdrawn or a court of competent jurisdiction has determined that such objection is without merit. If, within twenty (20) days after submission by Indemnitee of a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section 10(b) hereof, no Independent Counsel shall have been selected and not objected to, either the Company or Indemnitee may petition the Delaware Court for resolution of any objection which shall have been made by the Company or Indemnitee to the other’s selection of Independent Counsel and/or for the appointment as Independent Counsel of a person selected by the Delaware Court, and the person with respect to whom all objections are so resolved or the person so appointed shall act as Independent Counsel under Section 11(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 13(a) of this Agreement, Independent Counsel shall be discharged and relieved of any further responsibility in such capacity (subject to the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing).

 

(c)  The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of Independent Counsel and to fully indemnify and hold harmless such Independent Counsel against any and all Expenses, claims, liabilities and damages arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its engagement pursuant hereto.

 

12. PRESUMPTIONS AND EFFECT OF CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS.

 

(a)  In making a determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification hereunder, the person, persons or entity making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement if Indemnitee has submitted a request for indemnification in accordance with Section 10(b) of this Agreement, and the Company shall have the burden of proof to overcome that presumption in connection with the making by any person, persons or entity of any determination contrary to that presumption. Neither the failure of the Company (including by the Disinterested Directors or Independent Counsel) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of any action pursuant to this Agreement that indemnification is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct, nor an actual determination by the Company (including by the Disinterested Directors or Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

(b)  If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 11 of this Agreement to determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification shall not have made a determination within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a final judicial determination that any or all such indemnification is expressly prohibited under applicable law; provided, however, that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional fifteen (15) days, if the person, persons or entity making the determination with respect to entitlement to indemnification in good faith requires such additional time for the obtaining or evaluating of documentation and/or information relating thereto.

 

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(c)  The termination of any Proceeding or of any claim, issue or matter therein, by judgment, order, settlement or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement) of itself adversely affect the right of Indemnitee to indemnification or create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company or, with respect to any criminal Proceeding, that Indemnitee had reasonable cause to believe that Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful.

 

(d)  For purposes of any determination of good faith, Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of the Enterprise, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors, trustees, general partners, managers or managing members of the Enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member of the Enterprise, or on information or records given or reports made to the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member of the Enterprise, by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected by the Enterprise, its Board, any committee of the Board or any director, trustee, general partner, manager or managing member. The provisions of this Section 12(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the other circumstances in which Indemnitee may be deemed or found to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement.

 

(e)  The knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any other director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, agent or employee of the Enterprise shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement.

 

13. REMEDIES OF INDEMNITEE.

 

(a)  In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification under this Agreement, (ii) advancement of Expenses, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, is not timely made pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 11(a) of this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request for indemnification, (iv) payment of indemnification is not made pursuant to Section 5, 6, 7 or the last sentence of Section 11(a) of this Agreement within ten (10) days after receipt by the Company of a written request therefor, (v) a contribution payment is not made in a timely manner pursuant to Section 8 of this Agreement, (vi) payment of indemnification pursuant to Section 3 or 4 of this Agreement is not made within ten (10) days after a determination has been made that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, or (vii) payment to Indemnitee pursuant to any hold harmless or exoneration rights under this Agreement or otherwise is not made in accordance with this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be entitled to an adjudication by the Delaware Court to such indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, contribution or advancement rights. Alternatively, Indemnitee, at Indemnitee’s option, may seek an award in arbitration to be conducted by a single arbitrator pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures of the American Arbitration Association. Except as set forth herein, the provisions of Delaware law (without regard to its conflict of laws rules) shall apply to any such arbitration. The Company shall not oppose Indemnitee’s right to seek any such adjudication or award in arbitration.

 

(b)  In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 11(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 13 shall be conducted in all respects as a de novo trial, or arbitration, on the merits and Indemnitee shall not be prejudiced by reason of that adverse determination.

 

(c)  In any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 13, Indemnitee shall be presumed to be entitled to be indemnified, held harmless, and exonerated and to receive advancement of Expenses under this Agreement and the Company shall have the burden of proving Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, held harmless, and exonerated and to receive advancement of Expenses, as the case may be, and the Company may not refer to or introduce into evidence any determination pursuant to Section 11(a) of this Agreement adverse to Indemnitee for any purpose. If Indemnitee commences a judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to this Section 13, Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any advances pursuant to Section 9 until a final determination is made with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification (as to which all rights of appeal have been exhausted or lapsed).

 

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(d)  If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 11(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 13, absent (i) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (ii) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law.

 

(e)  The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding or arbitration commenced pursuant to this Section 13 that the procedures and presumptions of this Agreement are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in any such court or before any such arbitrator that the Company is bound by all the provisions of this Agreement.

 

(f)  The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law against all Expenses and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall (within ten (10) days after the Company’s receipt of such written request) pay to Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, such Expenses which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any judicial proceeding or arbitration brought by Indemnitee: (i) to enforce his or her rights under, or to recover damages for breach of, this Agreement or any other indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement or contribution agreement or provision of the Charter, or the Bylaws now or hereafter in effect; or (ii) for recovery or advances under any insurance policy maintained by any person for the benefit of Indemnitee, regardless of the outcome and whether Indemnitee ultimately is determined to be entitled to such indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration right, advancement, contribution or insurance recovery, as the case may be (unless such judicial proceeding or arbitration was not brought by Indemnitee in good faith).

 

(g)  Interest shall be paid by the Company to Indemnitee at the legal rate under Delaware law for amounts which the Company indemnifies, holds harmless or exonerates, or advances, or is obliged to indemnify, hold harmless or exonerate or advance for the period commencing with the date on which Indemnitee requests indemnification, to be held harmless, exonerated, contribution, reimbursement or advancement of any Expenses and ending with the date on which such payment is made to Indemnitee by the Company.

 

14.  SECURITY. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent requested by Indemnitee and approved by the Board, the Company may at any time and from time to time provide security to Indemnitee for the Company’s obligations hereunder through an irrevocable bank line of credit, funded trust or other collateral. Any such security, once provided to Indemnitee, may not be revoked or released without the prior written consent of Indemnitee.

 

15. NON-EXCLUSIVITY; SURVIVAL OF RIGHTS; INSURANCE; SUBROGATION.

 

(a)  The rights of Indemnitee as provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under applicable law, the Charter, the Bylaws, any agreement, a vote of stockholders or a resolution of directors, or otherwise. No amendment, alteration or repeal of this Agreement or of any provision hereof shall limit or restrict any right of Indemnitee under this Agreement in respect of any Proceeding (regardless of when such Proceeding is first threatened, commenced or completed) or claim, issue or matter therein arising out of, or related to, any action taken or omitted by such Indemnitee in Indemnitee’s Corporate Status prior to such amendment, alteration or repeal. To the extent that a change in applicable law, whether by statute or judicial decision, permits greater indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration rights or advancement of Expenses than would be afforded currently under the Charter, the Bylaws or this Agreement, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits so afforded by such change. No right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other right or remedy.

 

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(b)  The DGCL, the Charter and the Bylaws permit the Company to purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection or make other arrangements (“Indemnification Arrangements”) on behalf of Indemnitee against any liability asserted against Indemnitee or incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee or in such capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or arising out of Indemnitee’s status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify Indemnitee against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement or under the DGCL, as it may then be in effect. The purchase, establishment, and maintenance of any such Indemnification Arrangement shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or of Indemnitee under this Agreement except as expressly provided herein, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and Indemnitee shall not in any way limit or affect the rights and obligations of the Company or the other party or parties thereto under any such Indemnification Arrangement.

 

(c)  To the extent that the Company maintains an insurance policy or policies providing liability insurance for directors, officers, trustees, partners, managers, managing members, fiduciaries, employees, or agents of the Company or of any other Enterprise which such person serves at the request of the Company, Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director, officer, trustee, partner, managers, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent under such policy or policies. If, at the time the Company receives notice from any source of a Proceeding as to which Indemnitee is a party or a participant (as a witness, deponent or otherwise), the Company has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of such Proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

 

(d)  In the event of any payment under this Agreement, the Company, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee, who shall execute all papers required and take all action necessary to secure such rights, including execution of such documents as are necessary to enable the Company to bring suit to enforce such rights.

 

(e)  The Company’s obligation to indemnify, hold harmless, exonerate or advance Expenses hereunder to Indemnitee who is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise shall be reduced by any amount Indemnitee has actually received as indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payments or advancement of expenses from such Enterprise. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary except for Section 25, (i) Indemnitee shall have no obligation to reduce, offset, allocate, pursue or apportion any indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration, advancement, contribution or insurance coverage among multiple parties possessing such duties to Indemnitee prior to the Company’s satisfaction and performance of all its obligations under this Agreement, and (ii) the Company shall perform fully its obligations under this Agreement without regard to whether Indemnitee holds, may pursue or has pursued any indemnification, advancement, hold harmless, exoneration, contribution or insurance coverage rights against any person or entity other than the Company.

 

16.  DURATION OF AGREEMENT. All agreements and obligations of the Company contained herein shall continue during the period Indemnitee serves as a director or officer of the Company or as a director, officer, trustee, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other Enterprise which Indemnitee serves at the request of the Company and shall continue thereafter so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any possible Proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto and any Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 13 of this Agreement) by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, whether or not Indemnitee is acting in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification or advancement can be provided under this Agreement.

 

17.  SEVERABILITY. If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (a) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law; (b) such provision or provisions shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to conform to applicable law and to give the maximum effect to the intent of the parties hereto; and (c) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of any Section, paragraph or sentence of this Agreement containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested thereby.

 

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18. ENFORCEMENT AND BINDING EFFECT.

 

(a)  The Company expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on it hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to serve as a director, officer or key employee of the Company, and the Company acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in serving as a director, officer or key employee of the Company.

 

(b)  Without limiting any of the rights of Indemnitee under the Charter or Bylaws as they may be amended from time to time, this Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, including any forms of indemnification agreement entered into by and between Company and Indemnitee prior to the date hereof.

 

(c)  The indemnification, hold harmless, exoneration and advancement of expenses rights provided by or granted pursuant to this Agreement shall be binding upon and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company), shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or a director, officer, trustee, general partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of any other Enterprise at the Company’s request, and shall inure to the benefit of Indemnitee and Indemnitee’s spouse, assigns, heirs, devisees, executors and administrators and other legal representatives.

 

(d)  The Company shall require and cause any successor (whether direct or indirect by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, by written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.

 

(e)  The Company and Indemnitee agree herein that a monetary remedy for breach of this Agreement, at some later date, may be inadequate, impracticable and difficult of proof, and further agree that such breach may cause Indemnitee irreparable harm. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that Indemnitee may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, enforce this Agreement by seeking, among other things, injunctive relief and/or specific performance hereof, without any necessity of showing actual damage or irreparable harm and that by seeking injunctive relief and/or specific performance, Indemnitee shall not be precluded from seeking or obtaining any other relief to which Indemnitee may be entitled. The Company and Indemnitee further agree that Indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be entitled to such specific performance and injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and permanent injunctions, without the necessity of posting bonds or other undertaking in connection therewith. The Company acknowledges that in the absence of a waiver, a bond or undertaking may be required of Indemnitee by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Company hereby waives any such requirement of such a bond or undertaking to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

19.  MODIFICATION AND WAIVER. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be binding unless executed in writing by the Company and Indemnitee. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions of this Agreement nor shall any waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

 

20.  NOTICES. All notices, requests, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) if delivered by hand and receipted for by the party to whom said notice or other communication shall have been directed on such delivery, or (ii) mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third (3rd) business day after the date on which it is so mailed:

 

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(a)  If to Indemnitee, at the address indicated on the signature page of this Agreement, or such other address as Indemnitee shall provide in writing to the Company.

 

(b) If to the Company, to:

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

750 Menlo Avenue, Suite 200

Menlo Park, CA 94025

Attention: Jennifer Ernst, Chief Executive Officer

 

With a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to

 

Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP

1117 California Avenue, Suite 200

Palo Alto, California 94304

Attn: Roger C. Rappoport

Christopher L. Tinen

 

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee in writing by the Company.

 

21.  APPLICABLE LAW AND CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. This Agreement and the legal relations among the parties shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Except with respect to any arbitration commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 13(a) of this Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company and Indemnitee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally: (a) agree that any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought only in the Delaware Court and not in any other state or federal court in the United States of America or any court in any other country; (b) consent to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court for purposes of any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement; (c) waive any objection to the laying of venue of any such action or proceeding in the Delaware Court; and (d) waive, and agree not to plead or to make, any claim that any such action or proceeding brought in the Delaware Court has been brought in an improper or inconvenient forum, or is subject (in whole or in part) to a jury trial. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the parties hereby agree that the mailing of process and other papers in connection with any such action or proceeding in the manner provided by Section 20 or in such other manner as may be permitted by law, shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.

 

22.  IDENTICAL COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same Agreement. Only one such counterpart signed by the party against whom enforceability is sought needs to be produced to evidence the existence of this Agreement.

 

23.  MISCELLANEOUS. Use of the masculine pronoun shall be deemed to include usage of the feminine pronoun where appropriate. The headings of the paragraphs of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be deemed to constitute part of this Agreement or to affect the construction thereof.

 

24.  PERIOD OF LIMITATIONS. No legal action shall be brought and no cause of action shall be asserted by or in the right of the Company against Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s spouse, heirs, executors or personal or legal representatives after the expiration of two years from the date of accrual of such cause of action, and any claim or cause of action of the Company shall be extinguished and deemed released unless asserted by the timely filing of a legal action within such two-year period; provided, however, that if any shorter period of limitations is otherwise applicable to any such cause of action such shorter period shall govern.

 

25.  ADDITIONAL ACTS. If for the validation of any of the provisions in this Agreement any act, resolution, approval or other procedure is required to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company undertakes to cause such act, resolution, approval or other procedure to be affected or adopted in a manner that will enable the Company to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

 

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26.  MAINTENANCE OF INSURANCE. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and maintain in effect during the entire period for which the Company is obligated to indemnify the Indemnitee under this Agreement, one or more policies of insurance with reputable insurance companies to provide the officers/directors of the Company with coverage for losses from wrongful acts and omissions and to ensure the Company’s performance of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement. The Indemnitee shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage available for any such director or officer under such policy or policies. In all such insurance policies, the Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide the Indemnitee with the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of the Company’s directors and officers.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indemnification Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

  TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.
   
  By:  
    Name: Jennifer Ernst
    Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
  INDEMNITEE
   
  By:  
    Name:  
    Address:  

 

[Signature Page to Indemnification Agreement]

 

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Exhibit 10.10

 

CERTAIN INFORMATION, IDENTIFIED BY [*****], HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THE EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH (I) NOT MATERIAL, AND (II) WOULD LIKELY CAUSE COMPETITIVE HARM TO THE COMPANY IF PUBLICLY DISCLOSED

  

MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

This Master Services Agreement (“Agreement”), including all Exhibits and Appendices, is made and entered into as of the date shown on the last page of this Agreement (“Effective Date”) by and between Extron Logistics LLC with offices at 496 S. Abbott Ave, Milpitas, CA, 95035 (“Extron Logistics LLC” or “Extron”) and its affiliated entities and Tivic Health Systems, Inc. (“Client”).

 

In consideration of the mutual promises and the terms, conditions and covenants of this Agreement, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Scope.

 

1.1.            Scope. This Agreement sets forth the general business terms, conditions and provisions pursuant to which Extron shall, on behalf of Client: (a) receive and warehouse certain inventory owned by Client; (b) manufacture certain products utilizing Client’s inventory held by Extron; (c) perform device validation and quality control services; (d) perform logistics services; and (e) perform such other services set forth in a Statement of Work executed by both Extron and Client (collectively the “Services”). Additional terms regarding each program or product purchased or provided under this Agreement are set forth in one or more Pricelist(s), Statement(s) of Work and Service Level Agreement(s) and change order(s) thereto which will be executed by the parties from time to time during the term of this Agreement. No Statement of Work, Service Level Agreement, or change order shall be valid unless signed by both Extron and Client.

 

1.2.               Arrangement. Nothing in this Agreement should be construed to (i) make Extron Logistics LLC a sole supplier to Client, (ii) grant any exclusive rights to Extron Logistics LLC, or (iii) prohibit Client from obtaining similar services from other parties.

2. Services.

 

2.1.               Statements of Work. Services provided by Extron Logistics LLC pursuant to this Agreement shall be performed by appropriately qualified employees of Extron, supplemented by temporary workers in non- critical roles as needed at the sole discretion of Extron, and in all cases in a prompt, professional, and diligent manner in accordance with industry best practices. Additional details and requirements, including service level standards, may be set forth in a Statement of Work (SOW), an example of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A. Any such SOW(s) will only be valid if signed by the parties. Unless otherwise specifically set forth in the relevant SOW, the terms of this Agreement control in the event of any conflict between the SOW and this Agreement.

 

2.2.               Change Orders. Any modification, addition, or other alteration to any SOW may only be effected pursuant to a new SOW or written Change Order or a new SOW executed between the parties. An example Change Order is attached hereto as Exhibit B.

 

2.3.               Service Level Agreement. Extron will perform all of the Services promptly and in accordance with industry best practices and the requests of Client. Extron will implement all measures necessary or appropriate to (a) safeguard and protect all Client inventory in its possession, (b) properly assemble Client’s products in accordance with Client’s instructions and specifications without breaking or damaging any parts thereof, (c) identify any errors or defects in assembly, materials, or defective or non- operational products as part of its quality control process, (d) promptly and securely assemble and package each product so as to prevent breakage and/or damage during assembly and shipping (subject to the limitations of the product and packaging designed by the Client), (e) comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations in connection with its performance of the Services, and (f) promptly communicate all events and circumstances regarding the inventory, products, logistics, or other obligations of Extron to Client. Extron will follow those written instructions, specification, guidelines, processes, and procedures requested or provided by Client from time to time. At the time that a SOW is executed, the parties may also specify a Service Level Agreement (SLA) in the SOW which will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the obligations set forth herein. The prices specified in any Pricelist and SOW are for the level of service and insurance coverage described in such SOW and/or SLA. In the event that no SOW or SLA is executed by the parties or if no level of insurance coverage is specified, the Service Levels including insurance coverage shall be at the base level set forth in this Agreement and, if applicable, the SOW.

 

 

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2.4.           Additional Services. In the event that the Client desires Extron Logistics LLC to provide new or additional Services, the parties shall either execute a new Pricelist and/or SOW for such new or additional Services or shall execute a Change Order to an existing SOW to supplement the Services provided thereunder. In the event of a new SOW or Change Order, the level of service described in this Agreement and the existing SLA shall remain the same unless amended. The terms of this Agreement shall control the agreement between the parties unless clearly and specifically otherwise provided in an SOW and/or SLA.

 

2.5.         Packaging. Extron will be responsible for packaging and labeling Client’s products in accordance with the specifications provided by Company from time-to-time.

 

3. Term.

 

3.1.               Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement (“Term”) shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue for [*****], and shall thereafter [*****] (each a renewal period) on the same terms and conditions, in each case unless earlier terminated as provided for herein or in an SOW. Either Party mayterminate this Agreement effective as of the end of the then-current Term by providing notice of its election to so terminate this Agreement at least [*****] to the end of the then-current Term.

 

3.2.               Additional Termination Rights. In addition to the foregoing termination rights, Client or Extron may terminate this Agreement and/or any or all SOWs: (a) immediately if the other party materially breaches this Agreement or a SOW and fails to cure such breach within fifteen days of receipt of written notice thereof; or (b) upon thirty days prior written notice to the other party.

3.3.               Effect of Termination. Termination of a SOW will not terminate this Agreement. Termination of this Agreement will terminate each SOW except to the extent such SOW has a timeframe which extends beyond termination of this Agreement, in which case the terms of this Agreement applicable to such SOW will survive and remain binding upon the parties solely with respect to such SOW until the completion or termination of such SOW. After termination of this Agreement, Extron will continue to safely store and protect all inventory and assembled products belonging to Client, and will deliver all such inventory and products to a location specified be client, such specification and delivery to occur within thirty days following the termination of this Agreement (except to the extent necessary to fulfill its obligations under Section 3.4 of this Agreement). Certain obligations of this Agreement will survive its termination as set forth in Section 0.

 

3.4.               Fulfillment. Upon termination of this Agreement, if Client so elects, Extron will fulfill all orders accepted by Extron Logistics LLC prior to the effective date of the expiration or termination of this Agreement in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement for a period of up to [*****] following the effective date of the expiration or termination.

 

 

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3.5.            Support. In the event of termination of this Agreement, Extron Logistics LLC shall cooperate with Client and Client’s third party service providers by, in addition to other means, providing requested information and committing necessary resources to ensure that service quality is maintained at levels set forth in the Statement of Work or otherwise required under this Agreement.

 

4. Pricing and Fees.

 

4.1.            Pricing and fees are set forth in the PriceList as attached in Exhibit C. Pricing may be reviewed by the parties periodically, but no change in pricing or fees will be effective until agreed upon in writing pursuant to a Change Order and PriceList is executed by both parties.

 

4.2.            All prices and fees in the PriceList are exclusive of any local, municipal, state, federal or other government taxes, duties, excise taxes, value-added taxes, withholding taxes, tariffs, or foreign government taxes, now or hereafter, imposed on the production, storage, sale, transportation, import, export, licensing or use of the Products and Services or otherwise arising in connection with this agreement. Client shall be responsible for the payment of such Taxes, but notwithstanding the foregoing Client will not be responsible for paying any taxes on or resulting from Extron Logistics LLC’s income. Extron will, to the extent required by applicable law, charge and collect all applicable Taxes and will remit such amounts to the appropriate taxing authorities.

4.3 Notwithstanding Section 1.2 in the event that during the term of this Agreement, Client seeks a third party to provide services which are the same or similar to the services provided hereunder, Client shall inform Extron Logistics LLC of such opportunity, when reasonably practicable, and invite Extron Logistics LLC to submit a response to a request for proposal.

 

5. Purchase Orders, Invoicing and Payments.

 

5.1 Client shall issue Extron Logistics LLC a written purchase order, blanket order or other written instructions (“Order”) for Products, Components and/or Services, in accordance and consistent with the SOW(s), SLA’s and this Agreement. Extron Logistics LLC shall not be required to accept any Order or perform any Services which are precluded by law or any other restrictions. All Orders shall be subject to Extron Logistics LLC’s acceptance and shall be governed solely by this Agreement and the applicable SOW(s). Different or inconsistent terms and conditions in an Order or Orders not accepted by Extron shall have no effect and the terms of this Agreement shall remain in effect. In the event Client wishes to utilize only one Order document, then that shall be documented in this MSA or in the SOW and Extron Logistics, LLC shall execute with Client.

 

 

 

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5.2             Extron will receive and safely store and maintain all inventory shipped by client to Extron, under those conditions necessary to protect the inventory from damage, degradation, or impairment, and in accordance with any written instructions provided by Client from time-to-time. Extron shall promptly, professionally, and carefully manufacture certain of Client’s products utilizing such inventory, in accordance with Client’s written instructions, specifications, and guidelines. Extron shall promptly test all manufactured and/or assembled products for quality and identify any such products which fail to meet the instructions, specifications and guidelines provided by Client. Extron will, in accordance with the foregoing, fulfill any obligations set forth on a SOW. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Extron Logistics LLC shall not be required to perform any Services which violate any applicable law.

 

Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Extron will accept all incoming orders for Client’s products delivered by Client and shall promptly, accurately, and completely fulfill such orders by packaging and shipping the identified Client products to the persons identified in the applicable order.

 

5.3             Extron Logistics LLC will invoice Client in U.S. dollars for Services that have been performed by Extron in accordance with this Agreement and the SOW, in the manner specifically set forth in the applicable SOW and Price List, or as otherwise agreed upon in writing by Extron and Client. If the invoice method is not set forth in the SOW, Extron will invoice Client for amounts owed pursuant to this Agreement or a SOW on a monthly basis, such invoices to be itemized and reasonably detailed. Extron will promptly provide any supplemental or supporting information reasonably requested by Client in connection with an invoiced amount. Unless alternative timing is set forth in a SOW or Pricelist (after credit review), all undisputed payments owed by Client to Extron Logistics LLC shall be due and payable within [*****] from the date Client receives Extron Logistics LLC’s invoice. Any disputed payment amounts will, if determined to be payable, be paid within [*****] of the resolution of such dispute.

5.4 All invoices are deemed correct and payable unless “disputed”. An invoice is considered “disputed” only if subject to a bona fide dispute raised by Client in writing delivered to Extron Logistics, LLC within [*****] of the date of the invoice. Disputed invoices shall be resolved in accordance with the Dispute Resolution Section 18 below. Invoices not “disputed” within the terms of this section shall be paid in full without withhold or offset but may be subject to a claim for refund as provided Section 18 of this agreement.

 

6. Subcontractors.

 

6.1.               Extron Logistics LLC will perform all of the Services and any other obligations under this Agreement and each SOW. Extron will not subcontract, delegate, or use any third party to perform all or any portion of the Services, or any obligations hereunder or under any SOW, without Client’s prior written consent.

 

6.2.               To the extent Extron uses any third party, agent, or otherwise subcontracts or delegates any obligations under this Agreement or any SOW, Extron will remain liable and responsible for all actions, omissions, and performance of such third party, unless the third-party agent or subcontractor is required by Client.

 

 

 

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7. Intellectual Property.

 

7.1.            All intellectual property in and to Client’s products, assembly and manufacturing procedures, instructions, guidelines, protocols, specifications, and other materials, all Client Materials (defined below), and any other intellectual property or rights thereto used or created by Client in connection with this Agreement or any SOW (collectively “Intellectual Property”) shall be the sole and exclusive property of Client. Extron will not acquire any right, title, or interest in or to the Intellectual Property, and to the extent Extron does acquire any right, title, or interest in or to such Intellectual Property created by Client, Extron hereby irrevocably transfers, assigns, and conveys to Client all such right, title, and interest. Extron will, upon Client’s request, execute and deliver to Client all assignments and documents requested by Client as necessary to transfer any and all right, title, and interest in and to the Intellectual Property to Client. Extron will use the Intellectual Property solely to the extent necessary to perform its obligations under this Agreement and for no other purpose, and Extron will not disclose or permit any third party to access information constituting the Intellectual Property without the prior written consent of Client. However, all Intellectual Property developed by Extron, regardless of whether it is for use with Client or other Clients of Extron, shall remain the property of Extron.

 

7.2.            Extron Logistics LLC shall not decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer or modify any Client- provided Software masters, documentation or other materials (“Client Material”). Extron Logistics LLC will reproduce Client’s proprietary rights legends found on or in the Client Material and further agrees not to remove any copyright or other proprietary

notices contained in the Client Material, on any Client materials or products, or otherwise modify any Client Material or Client’s products without Client’s prior written consent.

 

 

7.3.               Client and/or its suppliers shall retain and own all right, title, and interest in and to all Client Material and Client’s name, logo, and other trademarks (collectively “Marks”). Extron will not use or display any Marks without Client’s prior written consent, which may be provided or withheld by Client at its sole discretion. Upon client approval, Extron shall have the right to use the Client’s name and logo in Extron’s marketing materials.

 

8. Confidentiality/Proprietary Rights.

 

 

 

 

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8.1.               Scope. In performing their obligations under this Agreement, Client and Extron Logistics LLC may each disclose to the other confidential and proprietary information. This Agreement and all such information are hereby designated as confidential ("Confidential Information"). For Client, Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to: (i) Client forecasts; (ii) Client Customer lists and updates (including Client Customer names, addresses and telephone numbers); (iii) all software and other Product release or publication dates; (iv) any information, data or other material marked "Confidential" or the like; For Extron Logistics LLC, Confidential Information includes: (i) any information, oral or written, that is not generally known outside of Extron Logistics LLC, including, but not limited to, information relating to Extron Logistics LLC business services, finances or business operations such as its marketing plans, customer lists and pricing methods, Statement(s) of Work (SOWs), Service Level Agreement (SLA), Pricelist(s) as well as its personnel and organizational data; and (v) Client price lists and policies; (vi) all instructions, documentation, guidelines, and other information provided by or on behalf of Client or its customers or vendors; (vii) all shipping, inventory, and sales information; (viii) all information regarding the assembly, manufacturing, testing, or sale of Client’s products; (ix) any personally identifiable information, including without limitation any names and addresses of Client’s customers; (x) any other information disclosed or made available to Extron, in connection with this Agreement or any SOW, which is not generally known outside of Client (other than pursuant to an agreement of non-disclosure or confidentiality); (xi) Work Product; and (xii) all of Client’s discoveries, inventions, research and development efforts, data, trade secrets, processes, samples, formulas, methods, products, know-how, and show-how; (xii) all derivatives, improvements, additions, modifications, and enhancements to any of the above, including any such information or material created or developed by Extron in performing the Services; and (xiii) information of third parties as to which Client has an obligation of confidentiality. For Extron Logistics LLC, Confidential Information includes Extron’s personnel and organizational data; and information which is obtained by Client during a visit to any Extron Logistics LLC facility. Notwithstanding the foregoing, both parties acknowledge that Confidential Information shall not include any information, data or systems which (i) is or becomes publicly known through no wrongful or erroneous act by the receiving party; (ii) is already known to the receiving party at the time of disclosure; or (iii) is rightfully received by the receiving party from a third party without violation of any non-disclosure or confidentiality obligation. Notwithstanding the restrictions on disclosure in Section 8.2, Client or Extron will be permitted to disclose the other party’s Confidential Information solely to the extent: such disclosure by the receiving party is approved in writing by the disclosing party prior to such disclosure; or such information is required to be disclosed by court order, law or regulation, provided that the receiving party timely notifies the disclosing party of the required disclosure in writing, cooperates with the disclosing party to limit the disclosure or obtain a protective order, and does not disclose more information than is legally required to be disclosed.

8.2.               Restrictions on Disclosure. Confidential Information may not be disclosed, orally or in writing or directly or indirectly, by the receiving party to any third party, and will be restricted to those employees of the receiving party necessary to fulfill such party’s obligations under this Agreement. Both parties agree not to use (during or after the Term of this Agreement) the other party’s Confidential Information for any purpose other than the fulfillment of its obligations under this Agreement. Each party shall ensure that its employees comply with this Section 8.2. In furtherance of, and not in lieu of, the foregoing, Extron will implement and maintain all security measures and controls necessary to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of Client’s Confidential Information, including without limitation anti-virus software, firewalls, access control in Extron’s facilities, and isolating such information from publicly accessible servers and computers. Notwithstanding the restrictions in this Section 8.2, either party may disclose the Confidential Information its accountant or attorney, subject to a duty of confidentiality at least as strict as this Agreement, or in connection with an action or proceeding to the extent necessary or appropriate to enforce its rights hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, and not in limitation of the generality of the foregoing, Extron will not reproduce, disclose, use or commercially exploit any Confidential Information, Work Product, or Intellectual Property except in the performance of its obligations to Company hereunder or under a SOW, and the obligations set forth in this Section 7.3 will continue indefinitely after the termination of this Agreement.

 

 

 

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8.3.            Ownership Rights. Both parties agree that each has and shall retain ownership rights to its own Confidential Information and that upon completion or termination of this Agreement, or if requested by the other party, each party will return all of the other's Confidential Information regardless of the media in which it is stored. Both parties agree to return all Confidential Information including, but not limited to, records released to either party for marketing and distribution services, to either party immediately upon either party's written request, and upon termination or expiration of this Agreement. Any of the other party’s Confidential Information remaining in a party’s possession or control after such return (including without limitation all copies, excerpts, derivative works, reproductions, analysis, summaries, or other documents or information from which such other party’s Confidential Information can be recreated) shall be securely destroyed, except to the extent required to be maintained pursuant to applicable law, in which case the obligations in this Section 7.3 shall remain binding on the party with respect to such retained Confidential Information and such retained Confidential Information shall be securely destroyed promptly following the expiration of such retention requirement.

 

8.4.            Proprietary Rights. All Extron Logistics LLC internal processes or procedures shall remain the property of Extron Logistics LLC unless and until Extron Logistics LLC transfers title to Client. All copyrights, patents, trade secrets, or other intellectual property rights associated with any Client Confidential Information, Client materials or marks, Client products, and Client tools (collectively, the “Work Product”) shall belong exclusively to Client and shall, to the extent possible, be considered a work made for hire for Client within the meaning of Title 17 of the United States Code. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Work Product shall include, without limitation, any and all inventions, techniques, modifications, processes, improvements, industrial design, mask work, source code, object code, compiled code, works of authorship, and all other intellectual property conceived or developed by Client, solely or in conjunction with others, that in any way relates to the products. Extron Logistics LLC assigns, and shall cause its personnel to assign, at the time of creation for the Work Products, without any requirement of further consideration, all right, title, and interest in or that they may have in such Work Product, including any copyrights or other intellectual property rights pertaining thereto. Upon request of Client, Extron Logistics LLC shall take such further actions, and shall cause its personnel to take such further actions, including execution and delivery of instruments of conveyance, as may be appropriate to give full and proper effect to such assignment.

8.5.            Injunctive Relief. Both parties acknowledge that unauthorized disclosure or use of Confidential Information could cause irreparable harm and significant injury, which may be difficult to ascertain. Accordingly, both parties agree that the aggrieved party will have the right to seek and obtain injunctive relief for breaches of Section 7.3 of this Agreement, without the posting of any bond and without proving actual damages, in addition to any other rights and remedies it may have.

 

8.6.            Conflict. The provisions of this Section 7.3 are in addition to any non-disclosure agreement executed by the parties. In the event of a conflict between this section and such non-disclosure agreement, the terms of this Section 7.3 shall apply.

 

 

 

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9. Export Requirements.

 

9.1.            If the software or Products to be shipped hereunder are subject to the export control laws and regulations of the United States, including but not limited to the Export Administration Regulations, International Traffic in Arms Regulations, and sanctions regulations of the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control, then Client accepts full responsibility for obtaining, at Client’s expense, any export license, classification determination, or other U.S. government proceeding that may be required in connection with the sale or distribution of the software or Products, and for maintaining complete and accurate records of the same. Client will inform Extron Logistics LLC of the export classification and any export restrictions which apply to any Product which is to be distributed by Extron Logistics LLC, and shall indemnify Extron Logistics LLC for any costs whatsoever, including penalties and legal costs associated with any investigation, for its failure to correctly inform Extron Logistics LLC of any export restrictions or conditions applicable to such Product. In no event shall Extron Logistics LLC’s cooperation with or assistance in an export control matter be construed as an acceptance by Extron Logistics LLC of responsibility for Client’s export control compliance obligations.

9.2.            9.2 To the extent Client directs Extron Logistics LLC to ship product to individuals or entities identified by Client, Client shall screen the orders in accordance with U.S. Government laws and regulations, and shall not request that Extron Logistics LLC supply the software or Products, either directly or indirectly, to any country subject to a U.S. trade embargo administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, or to any resident or national of any such country, or to any person or entity listed on the “Entity List” or “Denied Persons List” maintained by the U.S. Department of Commerce or the list of “Specially Designated Nationals” maintained by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

 

9.3.            Notwithstanding the foregoing, Extron Logistics LLC represents that it shall not, without prior U.S. Government authorization, supply the software or products, either directly or indirectly, to any country subject to a U.S. trade embargo administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, or to any resident or national of any such country, or to any person or entity listed on the “Entity List” or “Denied Persons List” maintained by the U.S. Department of Commerce or the list of “Specially Designated Nationals” maintained by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

 

10. Insurance.

 

10.1.          Extron will, at its sole cost and expenses, throughout the term of this Agreement carry and maintain insurance coverage (including without limitation commercial general liability, , property (to a maximum property liability of $[*****]), workers compensation, automobile, transit, and data breach insurance coverage) with minimum policy limits that are reasonable based on the nature of Extron’s business and the assets in its possession, and in all times as set forth below in an amount sufficient to cover all damage, loss and/or destruction to Client’s inventory, products, and other assets in Extron’s possession to the applicable limits. Client shall have the right upon request to inspect the insurance policies carried by Extron Logistics, LLC and to require reasonable addendums or amendments thereto. In addition to, and not in lieu of, the foregoing obligations, during the term of this Agreement, Extron Logistics LLC’s insurance policies shall minimally consist of the following policies and meet the following requirements (provided that compliance with such minimum requirements shall constitute compliance with the obligations under this Section 10):

 

 

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10.1.1.            Commercial general liability insurance covering operations of Extron Logistics LLC, including, but not limited to, contractual liability against claims for personal and bodily injury and property damage with a combined single limit of U.S. $[*****].

 

10.1.2.             Workers compensation insurance to cover liability under workers compensation laws of the state in which the work is performed, to statutory limits.

 

10.1.3.             Automobile liability insurance covering bodily injury and property damage liability arising out of the use by or on behalf of the Extron Logistics LLC, its agents and employees of any owned, non-owned or hired automobile with combined single limits of at least U.S. $[*****].

 

10.1.4.             Transit insurance providing all risk coverage for all goods, products, merchandise, machinery, equipment, inventory, supplies, etc. incidental to Extron Logistics LLC's business, and other shipped materials shipped by, or moving at the risk of, Extron Logistics LLC, with a combined limit of U.S. $[*****].

10.1.5.             Property insurance covering all property and goods, real and personal, including inventory, hardware and, software, owned by, or produced, manufactured, or assembled for, Client which are in Extron Logistics LLC’s care, custody or control, at Extron Logistics LLC’s facility, for risk of physical loss or damage, and boiler and machinery breakdown, subject to a combined limit of U.S. $[*****]. Client acknowledges and agrees to provide insurance as required above this level and name Extron as an insured on the client’s policy. Alternately, Client may request Extron in a change order to provide the additional insurance coverage and Client shall bear all increased costs of such insurance.

 

10.2.        Client may, but will not be required to, obtain additional or supplementary insurance policies with respect to Client’s property and goods, real and personal, including without limitation inventory, hardware, and software owned by, or produced, manufactured, or assembled for, Client which are in Extron’s care, custody, or control, are in transit to or from Extron, or any matters otherwise covered or not covered by Extron’s insurance policies.

 

10.3.        Upon written request from Client, Extron Logistics LLC shall provide Client with a Certificate of Insurance within twenty (20) business days after request Date evidencing that the above required insurance policies are in full force and effect and any other information reasonably requested by Client to ensure the insurance requirements pursuant to this Agreement are being fulfilled.

 

10.4.        Extron will: (i) cause Client to be listed as an additional insured on each such policy; (ii) ensure such policies contain an exception to any insured versus insured or cross-liability exclusions for claims brought by an additional insured against another insured; (iii) ensure its insurance policies are primary and not contributory with regard to any other available insurance; and (iv) contain a waiver of subrogation in favor of Client.

 

 

 

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10.5.        [*****].

 

 

10.9 Uninsured Losses: [*****].

 

11. Warranties.

 

11.1.        Extron Logistics LLC and Client each represent and warrant to the other that it has the authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder.

 

11.2.        Extron Logistics LLC represents and warrants to Client, as of the date hereof and as of each performance of the Services, that:

 

11.2.1.                it will provide the Services under this Agreement in a good, workmanlike, and businesslike manner that: (a) is consistent, compliant, and in conformance with industry best practices, the terms of this Agreement, and all applicable instructions, standards, specifications, governing laws, scope, and/or SOW(s); (b) is performed by appropriately trained, , and qualified professionals; (c) does not infringe on any third party’s intellectual property or other proprietary rights; (d) is in a secure manner without compromising the security or confidentiality of Client’s Confidential Information; and (e) is in a manner which prevents loss, damage, or other harm to Client’s property.

 

11.2.2.               the products manufactured, assembled, and/or shipped by Extron on behalf of or for Company will be free from defects in workmanship, such products are merchantable and fit for their intended purpose,.

 

11.2.3.              for a period of one (1) year from completion, that all Products manufactured under this Agreement shall materially comply with the applicable workmanship specifications, unless caused by design defect or materials defect from Client’s suppliers

 

 

 

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11.3.        To the extent applicable, warranties, if any, made by Extron Logistics LLC’s suppliers to Extron Logistics LLC are hereby passed through and assigned and transferred to Client. To the extent such warranties are not assignable to Client, Extron will take such action and make such claims with respect to such warranties as requested by Client.

 

11.4.         11.3 Client represents and warrants that: (i) it has full ownership and/or required license rights in and to all Materials provided to Extron Logistics LLC; (ii) it has the right to copy and distribute the Client Materials and/or the Product, and the right to grant Extron Logistics LLC the licenses granted hereunder;

 

(iii) to the best of Client’s knowledge, all materials supplied to Extron Logistics LLC are free of any virus or any other infectious code; and (iv) all purchase orders, change orders, SOWs, SLAs and other documents including emailed documents or documents sent by facsimile which are submitted under Client’s name to Extron Logistics LLC are authorized acts of Client from persons having authority to submit, issue, execute and deliver such documents and Client further represents and warrants that it has in place and will enforce procedures sufficient to prevent submission of documents to Extron Logistics LLC from person not authorized by Client so that Extron Logistics LLC may fully act upon such documents without investigation or examination as being the authorized and effective act of Client. Client may, however, in any SOW limit authority to submit documents to

persons specified in the SOW, in which case Extron Logistics LLC shall not accept documents submitted by persons not specified but shall be under no duty to investigate or otherwise determine that the submission was made without the actual consent of an authorized person.

 

11.5.        Extron Logistics LLC shall assemble or package components or products at Client’s direction set forth in an SOW, SLA, and instructions, specifications, guidelines, and similar documentation provided by Client. Client assumes full responsibility for the design and specifications provided by Client for any such assembly.

 

11.6.        Freight data passed through online systems is not validated or warranted, provided for estimate purposes only as a convenience. Any end- customer billing should be based on receipt of actual freight invoice from that Extron. It should be noted that for some shipments (notably international shipments), duties, taxes, accessorial charges, etc. will be received by Extron at a time significantly (2 weeks to two months) after the initial freight invoice, and Extron cannot and will not be held liable for delayed invoicing.

 

11.7.        Except as specified in this Agreement or in a SOW, Extron Logistics LLC and Client make no other representation or warranty.

 

 

 

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  12. Exclusion of Damages

 

12.1.        EXCEPT FOR THIRD PARTY INFRINGEMENT CLAIMS, OR CLAIMS ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH SECTION 8 (CONFIDENTIALITY), IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS AND LOST REVENUE, OR PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY CLAIM OR ACTION ARISING FROM OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE SERVICES DESCRIBED IN THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY SOW OR AMENDMENT THERETO, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER CAUSE OF ACTION OR LEGAL THEORY, EVEN IF THE PARTY AGAINST WHICH THE CLAIM OR ACTION IS MADE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF OR HAS ACTUAL ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OCCURRING.

 

13. Limitation of Liability.

 

13.1   EXCEPT FOR (1) CLAIMS ARISING UNDER SECTION 8 (CONFIDENTIALITY), (2)THE SPECIFIC INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT, AND (3) GROSS NEGLIGENCE, BAD FAITH, OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT OF CLIENT OR EXTRON LOGISTICS LLC OR ITS SUBCONTRACTORS, IN NO EVENT WILL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGE ARISING UNDER THIS

AGREEMENT, INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFIT, INCOME OR SAVINGS, EVEN IF ADVISED OF OR HAS ACTUAL ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.

 

13.2      LIMITATION OF DAMAGES [*****]

 

 

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13.3     IN VIEW OF THIS LIMITATION CLIENT MAY ELECT TO OBTAIN ITS OWN INSURANCE WITH LIMITS HIGHER OR COVERAGE GREATER THAN THOSE SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, OR MAY REQUEST EXTRON LOGICTICS LLC TO OBTAIN INSURANCE WITH LIMITS HIGHER OR COVERAGE GREATER THAN THAT SPECIFIED HEREIN PROVIDED THAT SUCH LIMITS OR COVERAGE ARE COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE AND PROVIDED THAT CLIENT PAYS THE INCREASED COST OF SUCH INSURANCE.

 

13.4     CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE RATES AND PRICES CONTAINED IN ANY SOW OR SLA ARE BASED UPON THE LIMITATION TO DAMAGES AND LIMITATIONS TO LIABILITY CONTAINED HEREIN AND THAT INCREASED RATES AND PRICES WOULD HAVE BEEN CHARGED IF SUCH LIMITATIONS WERE NOT AGREED TO BY THE PARTIES. CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS OBTAINED THE BENEFIT OF REDUCED PRICES IN RETURN FOR THE LIMITATIONS TO LIABLITY AND DAMAGES SET FORTH HEREIN.

14. 14. Indemnification.

 

Client shall defend, indemnify and hold Extron Logistics LLC, its officers, directors, employees agents, and suppliers harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, demands, attorneys’ fees, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses, obligations, causes of action or suits arising out of or resulting from: (i) any claim or threatened claim, whether made against Extron Logistics LLC or its suppliers, that any Client Material or Marks infringe any copyright, patent, or any other intellectual property right when used in accordance with the licenses granted in Section 5; (ii) any lien (including, without limitation, laborers’, material-men’s or mechanics’ liens) on any Client Material. Client shall pay Extron Logistics LLC’s resulting costs, damages, reasonable attorneys' fees and any settlement, provided (a) Extron Logistics LLC notifies Client of any such claim (Failure to satisfy this condition precedent relieves Client of its obligations to indemnify for a Claim only to the extent that the Client has been actually prejudiced by Extron Logistics LLC’s failure to give notice as required); and (b) Client has sole control of the defense and all related settlement negotiations; and (c) Extron Logistics LLC provides such cooperation as is reasonably necessary, with costs and expenses reasonably incurred to be borne by Client. For avoidance of doubt, Extron Logistics LLC may participate in the defense of any Claim at its expense and through counsel of its own choosing. If Client assumes the defense of a Claim, it may not effect any compromise or settlement of the Claim without the consent of Extron Logistics LLC, and Extron Logistics LLC shall not unreasonably withhold its consent. Extron Logistics LLC may not withhold its consent with respect to a compromise or settlement of a Claim if the following three conditions are met: (x) There is no admission of guilt or liability by Extron Logistics LLC; (y) The sole relief provided is monetary damages that are paid in full by the Client; and (z) The compromise or settlement includes, as an unconditional term, the claimant’s or the plaintiff’s release of Extron Logistics LLC from all liability in respect of Extron Logistics LLC.

 

 

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14.2        For the avoidance of doubt, if Extron Logistics LLC agrees separately with any of its suppliers to indemnify that supplier against any claim against which Client has agreed herein to indemnify Extron Logistics LLC, Client will also indemnify such supplier in accordance herewith, in the event any such claim is made, as if Client were Extron Logistics LLC.

 

15. Termination/Suspension:

 

15.1          If any undisputed (as defined in Section 5.3) payment obligation to Extron Logistics LLC is more than [*****] past due, Extron Logistics LLC reserves the right to suspend its performance under this Agreement or any SOW until the full amount owed, including interest, is paid by Client, and any such suspension shall not constitute a breach of the Agreement by Extron Logistics LLC, provided that Extron Logistics LLC provides Client with notice of such unpaid undisputed amounts and the opportunity to pay such unpaid undisputed amounts within [*****] of such notice prior to any suspension of Extron Logistics LLC’s performance under this Agreement or any SOW.

15.2         Provided this Agreement is not terminated by Extron Logistics LLC for cause or pursuant to Section 13.1(i) or (ii), Orders accepted by Extron Logistics LLC prior to the effective date of the expiration or termination of this Agreement will be fulfilled subject to the terms of this Agreement for a period of up to [*****] following the effective date of the expiration or termination.

 

 

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14.1. 15.3 Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, Client agrees to: (i) pay in full for all finished and unfinished Product and all components and materials created, procured and/or inventoried by Extron Logistics LLC on Client’s behalf; and (ii) immediately pay Extron Logistics LLC for all unpaid invoices including invoices delivered at time of expiration or termination or subsequently. If Client fails or refuses to pay for Finished Goods, Product, components or materials at the expiration or termination of this Agreement as provided herein, Client grants Extron Logistics LLC a security interest in such Finished Goods for the purpose of securing Client’s obligations to Extron Logistics LLC under this Agreement, with the right of Extron Logistics LLC to sell such Finished Goods, Product, components and materials in accordance with the applicable version of the Uniform Commercial Code or corresponding foreign law, subject to Client’s right to receive prior notice of such sale as provided by applicable law, and Client agrees not to claim or assert any intellectual property rights or other claim.

 

15.4        In the event of termination, and provided that Client has fulfilled Client’s obligations

under Section 15.3, Extron Logistics LLC shall cooperate with Client and third party service providers by, in addition to other means, providing requested information and committing necessary resources to ensure that service quality is maintained at levels set forth in the Statement of Work. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Extron Logistics LLC shall have no obligation to provide any services to Client other than the services set forth in this Agreement or any SOW at the applicable prices set forth therein.

 

15.5               In the event of termination and upon request, Extron Logistics LLC agrees to return all Client Materials to Client provided Client has fulfilled Client’s obligations under Section 15.4.

 

15.6       In the event of termination, the licenses granted to Extron Logistics LLC shall be extended only as necessary for Extron Logistics LLC to fulfill customer orders or to proceed under Section 15.5.

 

 

 

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16. Force Majeure.

 

16.1 In no event shall either party be responsible for any delay or failure to perform under this Agreement if such delay or failure to perform is due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including, but not limited to, war, terrorism, embargoes, fire, earthquakes, acts of God, strikes, lockouts, or other labor disputes, riots, governmental authorities, or epidemics, except that Client shall at all times be responsible for the prompt payment of all of its financial obligations to Extron Logistics LLC.

 

17. Dispute Resolution:.

 

17.1         The parties will attempt in good faith to promptly resolve any controversy, dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement through negotiations between the parties before resorting to other remedies available to them. Any such dispute shall be referred to appropriate senior executives of each party who shall have the authority to resolve the matter.

 

17.2          If the senior executives are unable to resolve the dispute within [*****] of submission, the dispute shall be resolved under the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association in a venue in California, with the matter to be heard at the office of the American Arbitration 

 

Association nearest to Extron Logistics LLC’s main office. The matter shall first be submitted to mediation under the mediation rules of the American Arbitration Association. If mediation is certified by the mediator to be at an impasse, the matter shall be then be submitted to and decided by a single arbitrator.

 

17.3         The foregoing shall not apply to a dispute or controversy involving either party’s Confidential Information, intellectual property or Client’s financial obligations to Extron Logistics LLC. In the event of such a dispute or controversy, either may immediately seek any legal and/or equitable remedies it deems necessary. If either party refuses to participate in mediation or arbitration, the other party may in addition to any other remedies, file a court action to compel mediation and/or arbitration and if arbitration or mediation is order

 

18. Notices:

 

18.1         Any notice, demand, acknowledgment or other communication which under the terms of this Agreement must be given or made by either party, shall be in writing and shall be given or made by (i) certified or registered mail addressed, postage paid or (ii) confirmed facsimile transmission, to the respective parties as follows (or to such other address as either party may provide upon written notice to the other party provided in conformance with this Section 19.1):

 

 

 

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Extron Logistics LLC :

 

Extron Logistics LLC

Attn: C.E.O.

 

[*****]

 

With a copy to: Extron

 

Logistics LLC

Attn: General Counsel 496

[*****]

 

to Client:

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

750 Menlo Ave., #200 Menlo

Park, CA 94025

 

With a copy to:

 

[*****]

 

19. General.

 

Address

 

20. Non-Solicitation of Employees:

 

20.1      The parties each recognize that the experience, dedication, and know-how of the other party’s employees represent a valuable

asset and a significant training investment. Therefore, for the term of this Agreement and for two years after its expiration or termination, neither party may, without prior written permission of the other party, directly or indirectly solicit, induce or encourage any of the other party’s employees to terminate their employment with such other party or to accept employment with the soliciting party, or any competitor, supplier, or customer of the other party, nor shall either party cooperate with others in doing or attempting to do so. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that an employee of one party responds to a general advertisement of the other party or a recruiting firm (provided that neither party shall request that a recruiting firm solicit the other party’s employees), the other party shall be free to hire or engage in employment any such employee at any time without any liability to such party.

 

21. General:

 

 

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21.1     The relationship of the parties is that of independent contractor. Neither party may bind the other or is or shall make itself out to be an employee, agent, partner, representative or joint venturer of the other party.

 

21.2     Neither party shall assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Extron Logistics LLC shall have the right to assign or transfer this Agreement to any Extron Logistics LLC affiliate without Client’s prior written consent, provided that such affiliate or successor is able to provide the Services and meet its obligations hereunder; and Client may assign this Agreement to an affiliate or purchaser of all or substantially all of the assets of Client.

 

21.3     Neither party shall have the right to issue a press release with respect to the Services provided hereunder or with respect to the relationship of the parties without the prior written consent of the other party.

 

21.4     In the event any payments to be made under this Agreement are overdue, such payments shall accrue interest at the lower rate of [*****] per month or the maximum percentage permitted by law.

 

21.5      In the event either party asserts a claim to enforce its rights under this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees. The prevailing party shall also be entitled to obtain any other relief to which it may be entitled.

 

21.6         This Agreement is the complete and exclusive agreement between Extron Logistics LLC and Client regarding this subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements and other communications, whether written or oral, between the parties. This Agreement, including, without limitation, any SOW, may only be amended, changed, or revised by a written agreement signed by duly authorized representatives of both Extron Logistics LLC and Client. Headings included in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret this Agreement.

 

21.7         Any waiver of a violation or failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement by either party shall not constitute a waiver of either party’s rights with respect to this Agreement.

 

21.8         All terms and conditions of this Agreement are severable. If any term or provision, or any portion thereof, of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining portions shall not be affected.

 

 

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21.9      Sections 5 (Purchase Orders, Invoicing and Payments), 8 (Confidentiality), 11 (Warranties), 12 (Exclusion of Damages), 13 (Limitation of Liability), 14 (Indemnification), 15 (Termination/ Suspension), 18 (Dispute Resolution), 19 (Notices), 20 (Non- solicitation), and 21 (General) and all other provisions, which by their nature may reasonably be interpreted to survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement, shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

21.10   The parties do not intend that this Agreement shall confer on any third party any right, remedy or benefit or that any third party shall have any right to enforce any provision of this Agreement.

 

21.11   This Agreement is deemed to be entered into in Milpitas, California and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its principles regarding conflict of laws.

 

21.12 The following exhibits and appendices are attached to this Agreement and incorporated herein:

 

Exhibit A (Statement of Work)

 

Exhibit B (Change Order Form), if applicable Exhibit C (Price List)

 

21.13       Each party shall execute and deliver such additional documents or take such additional actions as may be requested by another party to this Agreement if such requested document or action is reasonably necessary to effect the transactions described in this Agreement.

 

21.14       This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original copy of this Agreement and all of which, when taken together, shall be deemed to constitute one and the same agreement.

 

21.15       No right or remedy conferred upon or reserved to any of the parties under the terms of this Agreement is intended to be, nor shall it be deemed, exclusive of any other right or remedy provided in this Agreement or by law or equity, but each shall be cumulative of every other right or remedy. The parties understand and acknowledge that a party would be damaged irreparably by reason of a failure of another party to perform any obligation under this Agreement. Accordingly, if any party attempts to enforce the provisions of this Agreement by specific performance (including preliminary or permanent injunctive relief), the party against whom such action or proceeding is brought waives the claim or defense that the other party has an adequate remedy at law.

 

21.16       Time is of the essence to the performance of the obligations set forth in this Agreement.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties’ duly authorized representatives have signed this Master Services Agreement, inclusive of all Exhibits noted above, intending to be bound, as of the Effective Date.

 

  4/27/2019   4/26/2019
Dated: Dated:  
       
Tivic Health Systems, Inc. Extron Logistics LLC
       
       
By: /s/ Jennifer Ernst By: /s/ Sandeep Duggal
       
Name: Jennifer Ernst Name: Sandeep Duggal
       
Title: CEO Title: CEO

 

20

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Example Statement of Work

 

[Exhibit A to Manufacturing and Services Agreement]

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

Example Change Order Form

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT C

 

PRICELIST

 

&

 

Charges Related to Annual FDA Fees

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.11

 

CERTAIN INFORMATION, IDENTIFIED BY [*****], HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THE EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH (I) NOT MATERIAL, AND (II) WOULD LIKELY CAUSE COMPETITIVE HARM TO THE COMPANY IF PUBLICLY DISCLOSED

 

April 6, 2020

 

Ms. Jennifer Ernst, CEO

Tivic Health

750 Menlo Avenue, Suite 200

Meno Park, CA 94025

 

Dear Ms. Ernst,

 

Future Electronics is pleased to enter into a strategic partnership with Tivic Health granting Tivic Health with Preferred Program status. This program is designed to provide Tivic Health with the highest level of service in the industry. Future Electronics will provide Tivic Health with extended payment terms of net [*****] days from date of invoice, for a period of one year commencing on the date of your signature of this letter agreement. In exchange for becoming a Preferred member of Future Electronics, Tivic Health commits to an estimated minimum of $[*****] in purchases from Future Electronics over the twelve-month period of this agreement.

 

The resource commitment required to ensure this program’s success is significant. Future Electronics will make Tivic Health a priority internally with every Future Electronics Executive educated on the importance of exceeding the $[*****] commitment. Please refer to Attachment A “Statement of Work” for a summary of the work initiatives and commitments both Companies must make to ensure our mutual success.

 

Future Electronics will endeavor to keep a minimum of [*****] stock (as estimated from Tivic’s Forecast, which may be revised [*****]) on hand for released orders. In addition, Future Electronics will provide timely and accurate quotations, specialized supply chain consulting, technical expertise on lighting and other applications and dedicated customer service and program management personnel.

 

In order to achieve the agreed upon level of purchases, Tivic Health is committing to provide Future Electronics [*****]. Future Electronics will provide quotes in a timely manner to Tivic Health and in return Tivic Health fully agrees to [*****].

 

Future Electronics will set up BIM on all mutually agreed lines with Tivic Health to ensure that Future Electronics provides the highest level of service to Tivic Health.

 

Tivic Health agrees to work closely with the Future Electronics Engineering team providing them with access to the Tivic Health engineering team where appropriate.

 

 

 

 

Monitoring and measuring the results will be a key element to the success of this program.  To achieve our objectives of this agreement, we request [*****] meetings to review sales results, to ensure our mutual obligations of this agreement will be fully aligned and met. Further we request a full sales review [*****] from the date of your signature of this letter agreement to ensure you are run rating to your purchase commitment.

 

An important element of the extended payment terms is the timely communication of discrepancies. Tivic Health commits to notify Future Electronics of any invoice discrepancies within [*****] of the receipt of invoice. If no discrepancy notice is received by Future Electronics within the [*****] timeframe, Future Electronics expects Tivic Health to remit the invoice in full by the due date.

 

In the event that Future Electronics determines, in our sole discretion, that Tivic Health is not run rating to your purchase commitment after [*****], as described above, or that you are not otherwise performing your obligations described herein, Future Electronics may terminate this letter agreement at any time upon [*****] prior written notice to you. In such event, we shall reassess your payment terms for all amounts outstanding and going forward from the date of termination.

 

Except as otherwise provided herein, all purchases will be subject to Future Electronics’ standard Terms and Conditions of Sale (available at www.futureelectronics.com), to the exclusion of any conflicting or inconsistent terms and conditions, express or implied.

 

Unless terminated earlier in accordance with the terms described herein, your Preferred Program membership and this letter agreement will be subject to review every [*****].

 

Consistent with our mutual goal of achieving the incremental level of growth, we will send you a monthly performance report to measure our progress. On behalf of Future Electronics and [*****], we value your business and it is our goal to play a larger role in your success.

 

Sincerely, Acknowledged and Agreed:
     
     
/s/ Stephen Greenberg Signature: /s/ Jennifer Ernst
Stephen Greenberg Name: Jennifer Ernst
Director - Customer Programs    
  Date: 4/6/2020

 

Encl:       Attachment A

Statement of Work

 

cc:           [*****]

 

 

 

 

Attachment A

Statement of Work

 

This attachment reviews the cooperative steps Future Electronics and Tivic Health will take in order to ensure the successful implementation of our agreement:

 

1. We will visit your site(s) with an assigned dedicated team comprised of our senior Sales, Marketing, Asset and Engineering staff to work cooperatively with your team.
   
2. Identify specific personnel from your company with the required knowledge base and decision-making power to work effectively with our team.
   
3. The visit will be scheduled no later than [*****] days after the agreement is signed.

 

The objectives of our meetings on site(s) will be the following:

 

1. Conduct an analysis of your forecasted spend to identify devices with updated demand where Future Electronics can meet your last price paid or provide guidance on pricing and sources which benefit you where Future cannot currently participate in the business.
   
2. Determine cut over dates of the converting parts to Future Electronics to ensure our on time delivery commitments.
   
3. Analyze our current engineering engagement to ensure we have full access to your engineering decision makers or to your end customers.
   
4. Examine the supply chain process to ensure the smooth transition of business.

 

We look forward to working very closely with you to ensure our mutual success.

 

  /s/ Jennifer Ernst
  Ms. Jennifer Ernst, CEO
  Tivic Health

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.12

 

CERTAIN INFORMATION, IDENTIFIED BY [*****], HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THE EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH (I) NOT MATERIAL, AND (II) WOULD LIKELY CAUSE COMPETITIVE HARM TO THE COMPANY IF PUBLICLY DISCLOSED

 

UNITED STATES

 

SPECIAL PRODUCT AGREEMENT FOR BONDED INVENTORY

 

This Agreement is made effective (m/d/y), between Future Electronics Corp. (“Future”), and Tivic Health, a corporation having a place of business at , (“Customer”).

 

1.    Customer wishes to purchase from Future certain parts (the “Parts”) which are (a) non-cancelable/non- reschedulable/non-returnable (“NCNR”) for reasons of obsolescence and/or non-standard character and/or otherwise; and/or (b) Customer Specific (“C/S”) due to the nature of the Parts.

 

2.    The Parts to be procured pursuant to this Agreement are listed in Schedule “A”, attached hereto. In the event that Customer wishes, from time to time, to procure additional quantities of the Parts, the parties shall complete and sign an additional Schedule “A”, which shall form part of and be subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

3.    This Agreement constitutes a firm order for the Parts which is non-cancellable and non-reschedulable, and, except for returns made in accordance with the applicable manufacturer’s warranty, the Products are non-returnable for any reason whatsoever, including, without limitation, any force majeure. Customer may release the Parts as it sees fit. On the Final Release Date set forth in Schedule “A”, all Parts remaining in Future’s inventory shall be released and invoiced to Customer using the Customer P.O. number to be issued pursuant to this Agreement, and Customer shall accept and pay for same. Should Customer inform Future that Customer no longer requires the remaining stock of a particular Part, Future will undertake commercial reasonable efforts to find an alternative outlet for such Part during the following [*****] days. Should Future not be successful, then Future shall release and invoice the remaining stock of such Part to Customer in the same manner as above.

 

4.    Any delays by Future in delivering Parts (i) that are due to manufacturer’s lead times or to any cause beyond Future’s reasonable control shall not give rise to liability on the part of Future, and (ii) shall not affect the binding character of this Agreement nor Customer’s commitments hereunder.

5.    Customer’s liability to Future for the Parts (in the quantities set forth in Schedule “A”) shall be the aggregate of the full purchase price of all the Parts: (i) already shipped to Customer, and/or (ii) held in Future’s inventory for Customer, and/or (iii) manufactured, in whole or in part, by Future’s supplier.

 

6.    This Agreement represents the complete understanding of the parties and overrides all incompatible provisions contained in the Customer’s purchase order or other document emanating from either party. Except as otherwise provided herein, the sale of Parts will be subject to Future’s standard Terms and Conditions of Sale, which are available on the back of Seller’s invoices and on-line at http://www.futureelectronics.com, and form an integral part hereof. This Agreement may only be amended by the written agreement of both parties. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Massachusetts.

 

EXECUTED BY DULY AUTHORIZED SIGNING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PARTIES:

 

CUSTOMER FUTURE
       
Name      
(pelase print):   Name:  
       
Signature:   Signature:    
       
Title:   Title:  

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE “A”

 

SPECIAL PRODUCT AGREEMENT FOR BONDED INVENTORY

 

All terms and conditions of Future’s Special Product Agreement for Bonded Inventory originally entered into between Customer and Future on ______ (m/d/y) (the “Agreement”) are incorporated herein by reference. All commitments herein are in addition to and not in lieu of the commitments made pursuant to the Agreement and prior Schedules “A”. The “Final Release Date” shall be six months after the Effective Date defined below.

 

CUSTOMER Name: ______________ PO#: ______________ LOG #:______________

 

The Parts to be procured pursuant to the Agreement are as follows:

 

MFR. MFR. PART # FUTURE PART #

CUSTOMER PART # *

(optional)

QUANTITY PO#

UNIT PRICE

**

PRICE EXT.*

(Qty. x Unit Price

               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               

 

* CUSTOMER PART # is for reference purposes only. In case of any discrepancy, the MFR. PART # shall take precedence.

** Any price quoted herein shall be in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

 

EXECUTED BY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PARTIES THIS ___ DAY OF ____________(month), ___(year) (the “Effective Date”).

 

CUSTOMER FUTURE
       
Name      
(pelase print):   Name:  
       
Signature:   Signature:    
       
Title:   Title:  

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.16

 

 

 

July 29, 2021

 

Briana Benz

   
     
     

Dear Briana:

 

This letter agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into between Briana Benz (“you”) and Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). This Agreement is effective as of the date you sign this Agreement, as indicated below. This Agreement confirms the current terms and conditions of your employment with the Company. This Agreement supersedes all prior negotiations, representations or agreements between you and the Company, including any prior employment agreement, understanding or offer letter between you and the Company.

  

1.            Duties and Scope of Employment.

 

(a)            Position. For the term of your employment under this Agreement (your “Employment”), the Company agrees to employ you in the exempt position of Chief Financial Officer. You will report to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or to such other person as the Company subsequently may determine. You will be working out of the Company’s office in Newark, California, although you may initially be permitted to work remotely, as determined by the Company, it also being understood that the Company may require you to perform business travel to other locations from time to time in connection with the Company’s business. You will perform the duties and have the responsibilities and authority customarily performed and held by an employee in your position or as otherwise may be assigned or delegated to you by the Company.

 

(b)            Obligations to the Company. During the term of your Employment, you will devote your full business efforts and time to the Company. During your Employment, you agree that you will not engage in any other employment, occupation, consulting or other business activity without the prior written consent of the Company, nor will you engage in any other activities that conflict with your obligations to the Company. You shall comply with the Company’s policies and rules, including those policies located in the Company’s Handbook (and applicable State Supplement), if any, and the Employee Invention Assignment and Confidentiality Agreement (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), as they may be in effect from time to time during your Employment.

  

(c)            Employment at Will. Your Employment will be “at will,” meaning that either you or the Company shall be entitled to terminate your Employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. Any contrary representations that may have been made to you shall be superseded by this Agreement. This Agreement will constitute the full and complete agreement between you and the Company on the “at-will” nature of your Employment, which may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. Except as otherwise herein expressly provided for, upon the termination of your employment, you will only be entitled to the compensation and benefits earned and the reimbursements described in this Agreement for the period preceding the effective date of the termination.

 

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(d)            Commencement Date. Assuming your acceptance of this Agreement, as evidenced by your signature below, your full-time Employment will be deemed to have commenced on July 16, 2021.

 

2.            Compensation; Business Expenses.

 

(a)            Base Wage. In this exempt position, the Company will pay you as compensation for your Employment a base salary at a gross annual rate of $250,000, pro-rated for any partial year. Your annual base salary will be subject to review and adjustment based upon the Company’s normal performance review practices. Your base salary will continue to be payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll procedures. The annual base salary specified in this Section 2(a), together with any modifications, is referred to in this Agreement as “Base Salary.”

 

(b)            Incentive Compensation. At the discretion of the Board, you will be eligible to earn a discretionary, annual end-of-year incentive bonus in an amount of up to 25% of your Base Salary. The exact amount of the incentive bonus you may receive will be dependent on the achievement of Company milestones and profitability, and such other milestones as the Board deems appropriate. Payment of your incentive bonus, if earned, will be paid to you as soon as practical following the end of the calendar year, contingent upon final financial results from the prior year and Board approval of meeting performance objectives whether plan or individual, and in any event, within 60 days therefrom. You will not earn any incentive bonus (including a prorated bonus) if your employment terminates for any reason before December 31, for the year in question.

 

(c)            Restricted Stock Purchase Award. In connection with the commencement of your employment, the Company will recommend that the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) issue to you a Restricted Stock Purchase Award, to acquire 450,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock under the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), at a per share purchase price of $0.001 (the “Shares”) pursuant to a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement to be entered into between you and the Company (the “Purchase Agreement”). All of the Shares shall initially be subject to a repurchase option in favor of the Company (the “Repurchase Option”), which will lapse at the rate of 1/48th per month, commencing September 1, 2021, subject to, in each instance, your continued employment with the Company. The issuance of the Shares will be subject to the terms of the Plan and the Purchase Agreement, including but not limited to a “lock-up” provision, and a right of first refusal in favor of the Company. The Repurchase Option shall lapse as to all of the shares in the event of a termination of service without cause in connection with or within 12 months following a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan), as more fully set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

 

(d)            IPO Bonus. Subject to and contingent upon the Company’s closing of an initial public offering of its Common Stock, pursuant to an effective Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “IPO”), the Company shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, pay to you a one-time bonus in the amount of $100,000 (the “IPO Bonus”); provided, however, that you are then still employed by the Company on the date of the closing of the IPO.

 

(e)            Business Expenses. The Company will reimburse you for your necessary and reasonable business expenses incurred in connection with your duties hereunder upon presentation of an itemized account and appropriate supporting documentation, all in accordance with the Company’s generally applicable policies currently in effect or to be adopted after the date hereof, as may be amended from time to time.

 

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3.            Employee Benefits. You will be entitled to earn three (3) weeks of Paid Time Off (“PTO”) in accordance with the Company’s PTO policy. You will remain eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans maintained by the Company and generally available to similarly situated employees of the Company, subject in each case to the generally applicable terms and conditions of the plan in question and to the determinations of any person or committee administering such plans. These benefits may change from time to time.

  

4.            Termination of this Agreement; Separation Benefits.

 

(a)            Termination of this Agreement. This Agreement and your employment with the Company shall terminate under any of the following conditions: (i) your death; (ii) your Complete Disability; (iii) upon your receipt of written notice from the Company that your employment is being terminated for Cause; (iv) upon your receipt of written notice from the Company that your employment is being terminated other than for Cause; (v) upon sixty (60) days’ written notice by you that you are resigning from your employment with the Company; (vi) upon sixty (60) days’ written notice by you that you are resigning from your employment with the Company for Good Reason.

 

(b)            Separation Benefits. You will be entitled to receive separation benefits upon termination of employment only as set forth in Section 4(b)(iv) hereof; provided, however, that in the event you are entitled to any severance pay under a Company-sponsored severance pay plan, any such severance pay to which you are entitled under such severance pay plan will reduce the amount of severance pay to which you are entitled pursuant to Section 4(b)(iv) hereof. In all cases, upon termination of employment you will receive in a lump sum payment for all salary, earned bonus (if any), and unused PTO accrued as of the date of your termination of employment.

 

(i)            Voluntary Resignation. If you voluntarily elect to terminate your employment with the Company (other than in the event of a termination by you for Good Reason), you will not be entitled to any separation benefits.

 

(ii)            Termination for Cause. If the Company or any successor in interest terminates your employment for Cause (as defined below), you will not be entitled to receive any separation benefits.

  

(iii)            Termination for Death or Complete Disability. If your employment with the Company is terminated as a result of your death or Complete Disability, you will not be entitled to receive any separation benefits.

 

(iv)            Involuntary Termination. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b)(iv) and Section 5 hereof, if there is an Involuntary Termination you will be entitled to receive the following:

 

(A)            Severance Payment. If and to the extent that you have been employed by the Company for more than three (3) months, but less than or equal to twelve (12) months, the Company will pay you an amount equal to one-twelfth (1/12th) of your Base Salary for three (3) months, and if and to the extent that you have been employed by the Company for more than twelve (12) months, the Company will pay you an amount equal to one-twelfth (1/12th) of your Base Salary for six (6) months (such 3-month or 6-month period, as applicable, herein referred to as the “Severance Period”), payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll procedures over the Severance Period. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything herein contained to the contrary, if there is an Involuntary Termination after the date of the closing of the IPO, you will be entitled to receive one-twelfth (1/12th) of your Base Salary for six (6) months, payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll procedures over the Severance Period.

 

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(B)            Health Insurance. Provided that you timely elect such coverage, the Company shall pay your group health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (“COBRA”) during the Severance Period; provided, however, that in the event that you become eligible for group insurance coverage in connection with new employment, such COBRA premium payments by the Company shall terminate immediately and, in furtherance thereof, you represent, warrant, covenant and agree to promptly, and in any event, within seven (7) days therefrom, notify the Company of your new employment and eligibility for group insurance coverage related thereto.

 

(c)            Definitions.

 

(i)            Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following: (A) your conviction for, or plea of no contest to, a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (B) your commission of an act of personal dishonesty that is intended to result in your personal enrichment (excluding inadvertent acts that are promptly cured following notice); (C) a continued material failure or failures by you to perform your lawful and reasonable duties of employment (including, but not limited to, compliance with material written policies of the Company and material written agreements with the Company) (but only after the Company has delivered a written demand for performance to you that describes the basis for the Company’s belief that you have committed material violations and you have not cured within a period of 15 days following notice); (D) your willful failure (other than due to physical incapacity) to reasonably cooperate with any audit or investigation by a governmental authority or the Company of the Company’s business or financial conditions or practices that continues after written notice from the Board and at least fifteen (15) days to cure; (E) it is determined that you have conducted yourself in an unprofessional, unethical, illegal or fraudulent manner, or have acted in a manner detrimental to the reputation, character or standing of the Company, or to the financial condition of the Company, including, but not limited to theft or misappropriation of Company’s assets, engaging in unlawful discriminatory or harassing conduct, working while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or the filing of false expense or related reports; (G) a material breach of any of your fiduciary duties to the Company; (H) any willful, material violation by you of any law or regulation applicable to the business of the Company; or (I) a material breach of any of the covenants, representations and warranties contained herein.

  

(ii)            Change in Control” shall have the meaning as set forth in the Plan; provided, however, that from and after the closing of the IPO, “Change in Control” shall have the meaning as set forth in the Company’s equity incentive or other similar plan adopted in connection with the closing of the IPO, as may be amended from time to time.

  

(iii)            Complete Disability” shall mean your inability to perform your duties under this Agreement, whether with or without reasonable accommodation, by reason of any incapacity, physical or mental, which the Company, based upon medical advice or an opinion provided by a licensed physician acceptable to the Company, determines to have incapacitated you from satisfactorily performing all of your usual services for the Company, with or without reasonable accommodation, for a period of at least one hundred eighty (180) days during any twelve (12) month period (whether or not consecutive). Based upon such medical advice or opinion, the determination of the Company shall be final and binding and the date such determination is made shall be the date of such Complete Disability for purposes of this Agreement.

 

(iv)            Good Reason” means the occurrence of one or more of the following (through a single action or series of actions) without your written consent: (A) the assignment to you of any authority, duties or responsibilities or the reduction of your authority, duties or responsibilities, either of which results in a material diminution in your authority, duties or responsibilities at the Company, unless you are provided with a comparable position (i.e., a position of equal or greater organizational level, duties, authority and status); (B) a material reduction by the Company in your Base Salary, other than a one-time reduction that is applicable to substantially all other similarly-situated executives; or (C) a non-temporary relocation of your principal work location office to a location that increases your one way commute from your principal residence by more than 50 miles.

 

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An event or action will not constitute Good Reason unless (1) you give the Company written notice within 60 days after you know or should know of the initial existence of such event or action, (2) such event or action is not reversed, remedied or cured, as the case may be, by the Company as soon as possible but in no event later than 30 days of receiving such written notice from you, and (3) you terminate employment within 60 days following the end of the cure period.

 

(v)            Involuntary Termination” means a termination of your employment by the Company without Cause or you terminate your employment with the Company for Good Reason.

  

5.            Conditions to Receipt of Severance or other Benefits Pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(a)            Release of Claims Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, in order for you to receive any severance or other benefits pursuant to Section 4(b) of this Agreement (the “Severance Benefits”), you will be required to sign and not revoke a separation and release of claims agreement in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”). In all cases, the Release must become effective and irrevocable no later than the 60th day following your Involuntary Termination (the “Release Deadline Date”). If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline Date, you will forfeit any right to the Severance Benefits. In no event will the Severance Benefits be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable.

  

(b)            Section 409A.

  

(i)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Severance Benefits to be paid or provided to you, if any hereunder that, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits, are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) (together, the “Deferred Payments”) will be paid or provided until you have a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no Severance Benefits payable to you, if any, under this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until you have a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

  

(ii)            It is intended that none of the Severance Benefits will constitute Deferred Payments but rather will be exempt from Section 409A as a payment that would fall within the “short-term deferral period” as described in Section 5(b)(iii) below or resulting from an involuntary separation from service as described in Section 5(b)(iv) below. In no event will you have discretion to determine the taxable year of payment of any Deferred Payment.

 

(iii)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if you are a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of your separation from service (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments, if any, that are payable within the first 6 months following your separation from service, will become payable on the date 6 months and 1 day following the date of your separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event of your death following your separation from service, but before the 6 month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of your death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment under Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

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(iv)            Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of this Section 5.

  

(v)            Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A- 1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of this Section 5.

  

(vi)            The foregoing provisions are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the Severance Benefits will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply or be exempt. You and the Company agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to you under Section 409A. In no event will the Company reimburse you for any taxes that may be imposed on you as result of Section 409A.

 

6.            Pre-Employment Conditions.

  

(a)            Confidentiality Agreement. Your acceptance of this offer and commencement of employment with the Company is contingent upon the execution, and delivery to an officer of the Company, of the Confidentiality Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment A for your review and execution prior to or on July 29, 2021.

  

(b)            Arbitration Agreement. In the interest of speedy resolution of disputes, new employees are required to enter into a mutual agreement to arbitrate claims, a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment B (the “Arbitration Agreement”) for your review and execution prior to or on July 29, 2021. Entering into the Arbitration Agreement is a condition of your employment with the Company. As set forth in more detail in the Arbitration Agreement, you and the company agree to submit to mandatory binding arbitration any and all claims arising out of or related to your employment with the Company and your termination thereof, including but not limited to, claims for unpaid wages, wrongful termination, torts, stock or stock options or other ownership interest in the Company and/or discrimination (including harassment) based upon any federal, state or local ordinance, statute, regulation or constitutional provision. THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN REGARD TO SUCH CLAIMS.

 

(c)            Right to Work. For purposes of federal immigration law, you will be required to provide to the Company documentary evidence of your identity and eligibility for employment in the United States. Such documentation must be provided to us within three (3) business days of July 29, 2021, or our employment relationship with you may be terminated.

 

(d)            Verification of Information. This offer of employment is also contingent upon the successful verification of the information you provided to the Company during your application process, as well as a general background check performed by the Company to confirm your suitability for employment. By accepting this offer of employment, you warrant that all information provided by you is true and correct to the best of your knowledge, you agree to execute any and all documentation necessary for the Company to conduct a background check and you expressly release the Company from any claim or cause of action arising out of the Company’s verification of such information.

 

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7.            Successors.

 

(a)            Company’s Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon any successor (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets. For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” shall include any successor to the Company’s business or assets that becomes bound by this Agreement.

 

(b)            Your Successors. This Agreement and all of your rights hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, your personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.

 

8.            Miscellaneous.

  

(a)            Notice. All notices and other communications contemplated under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, made and received (i) when delivered personally; (ii) two (2) days following the day when deposited with a reputable, established overnight courier service for delivery to the intended addressee, the first of which such delivery shall have been with signature required from the recipient; (iii) five (5) days following the day when deposited with the United States Postal Service as first class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid; and (iv) by confirmed electronic (email) transmission or facsimile. In your case, mailed notices shall be addressed to you at the home address that you most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed notices shall be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices shall be directed to the attention of the Board.

 

(b)            Modifications and Waivers. No provision of this Agreement shall be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by you and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than you). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.

 

(c)            Whole Agreement. No other agreements, representations or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement have been made or entered into by either party with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement, the Inventions Agreement and the Arbitration Agreement contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

  

(d)            Withholding Taxes. All payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to reduction to reflect taxes or other charges required to be withheld by law.

  

(e)            Choice of Law and Severability. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California without giving effect to provisions governing the choice of law. If any provision of this Agreement becomes or is deemed invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any applicable jurisdiction by reason of the scope, extent or duration of its coverage, then such provision shall be deemed amended to the minimum extent necessary to conform to applicable law so as to be valid and enforceable or, if such provision cannot be so amended without materially altering the intention of the parties, then such provision shall be stricken and the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. If any provision of this Agreement is rendered illegal by any present or future statute, law, ordinance or regulation (collectively, the “Law”) then that provision shall be curtailed or limited only to the minimum extent necessary to bring the provision into compliance with the Law. All the other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without impairment or limitation.

 

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(f)            No Assignment. This Agreement and all of your rights and obligations hereunder are personal to you and may not be transferred or assigned by you at any time.

  

(g)            Interpretation; Construction. The headings set forth in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be used in interpreting this Agreement. This Agreement has been drafted by legal counsel to the Company, but you acknowledge your understanding that you have been advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement (and by your execution hereof, you acknowledge that you have so consulted with an attorney of your choice or have knowingly and voluntarily waived such consultation), and the normal rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party will not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

(h)            Representations and Warranties. You represent and warrant that you are not restricted or prohibited, contractually or otherwise, from entering into and performing each of the terms and covenants contained in this Agreement, and that your execution and performance of this Agreement will not violate or breach any other agreements between you and any other person or entity. You further represent and warrant that you will not, during the term hereof, enter into any oral or written agreement in conflict with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the agreements referenced herein and the Company’s policies.

 

(i)            Return of Company Property. Upon termination of this Agreement or earlier as requested by the Company, you shall deliver to the Company any and all equipment, and, at the election of the Company, either deliver or destroy, and certify thereto, any and all drawings, notes, memoranda, specifications, devices, formulas and documents, together with all copies, extracts and summaries thereof, and any other material containing or disclosing any third-party information or proprietary information.

  

(j)            Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

  

We are all delighted to be able to extend you this offer and look forward to working with you. To indicate your acceptance of the Company’s offer, please sign and date this letter in the space provided below and return it to me, along with a signed and dated original copy of the Confidentiality Agreement and Arbitration Agreement, on or before July 29, 2021.

  

This Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement and Arbitration Agreement shall be executed and returned to the Company on or before 5:00 P.M. PST time on July 29, 2021 and, to the extent that the Company has not received the executed counterpart signature pages thereto on or before such date and time, this offer shall be deemed withdrawn and shall expire.

 

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Very truly yours,  
   
Tivic Health Systems, Inc.  
   
By: /s Jennifer Ernst  
Name:  Jennifer Ernst, Chief Executive Officer  
   
ACCEPTED AND AGREED:  
   
Briana Benz  
   
/s/ Briana Benz  
Signature  
   
Date: 07/29/2021  

 

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ATTACHMENT A

 

EMPLOYEE INVENTION ASSIGNMENT AND
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

  

(Attached)

 

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ATTACHMENT B

  

ARBITRATION AGREEMENT

 

(Attached)

 

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Exhibit 10.17

 

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

 

2017 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

RESTRICTED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of July 30, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Briana Benz (“Purchaser”) pursuant to and in accordance with the Company’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings given in the Plan.

 

1.            Sale of Stock. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, on the Purchase Date (as defined below) the Company will issue and sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company, 450,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock (the “Shares”), at a price of $0.001 per share (the “Per Share Purchase Price”), for an aggregate purchase price of $450.00 (the “Purchase Price”), all of which shall be payable in cash. The term “Shares” refers to the purchased Shares and all securities received in replacement of or in connection with the Shares pursuant to stock dividends or splits, all securities received in replacement of the Shares in a recapitalization, merger, reorganization, exchange or the like, and all new, substituted or additional securities or other properties to which Purchaser is entitled by reason of Purchaser’s ownership of the Shares.

 

2.            Issuance of Shares. The purchase and sale of the Shares under this Agreement shall occur at the principal office of the Company simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement by the parties or on such other date as the Company and Purchaser shall agree (the “Purchase Date”). On the Purchase Date, the Company shall, subject to the provisions of Section 3(c)(iv) hereof, deliver to Purchaser a certificate representing the Shares to be purchased by Purchaser (which shall be issued in Purchaser’s name) against payment of the Purchase Price therefor.

 

3.            Limitations on Transfer. In addition to any other limitation on transfer created by applicable securities laws, Purchaser shall not assign, encumber, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise dispose of any interest in the Shares except in compliance with the provisions of the Plan, this Agreement and applicable securities laws. In addition to the foregoing limitations on transfer, Purchaser shall not assign, encumber or dispose of any interest in the Shares while the Shares are subject to the Company’s Repurchase Option (as defined below). After any Shares have been released from such Repurchase Option, Purchaser shall not assign, encumber or dispose of any interest in the Shares except to the extent permitted by, and in compliance with, the Plan, applicable laws, and the provisions of this Agreement.

  

(a)            Repurchase Option. All of the Shares shall initially be Unvested Shares (as defined in Section 10 below), and shall only become Vested Shares in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(b) hereof. In the event of Purchaser’s Termination of Service with the Company for any reason (including as a result of Purchaser’s death), with or without cause, the Company, or its assignee(s), as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), shall upon the date of such termination (the “Termination Date”), have an irrevocable, exclusive option to repurchase all or any portion of the Unvested Shares held by Purchaser as of the Termination Date at a per share price equal to the Repurchase Option Purchase Price (as defined in Section 10 below) (the “Repurchase Option”). Purchaser hereby acknowledges that the Company has no obligation, either now or in the future, to repurchase any of the Shares at any time.

 

 

 

 

(b)            Vesting of Shares. The Unvested Shares shall vest and become Vested Shares (as defined in Section 10 below) as follows:

 

(i)            Time-Based Vesting. The Unvested Shares shall vest and become Vested Shares in a series of forty-eight (48) substantially equal monthly installments (rounded downward to the nearest whole share) commencing on the Vesting Commencement Date (defined below), and on each monthly anniversary thereafter, provided that no Termination of Service shall have occurred prior to each such date, so that all of the Shares shall all be Vested Shares upon the fourth (4th) anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date. For the purposes of this Agreement, the “Vesting Commencement Date” shall be August 1, 2021.

 

(ii)            Part-Time Employment and Leaves of Absence. If the Purchaser commences working on a part-time basis, or fails to commence working on a full-time basis after being so requested by the Company, then the Company may adjust the vesting schedule set forth in Subsection (b)(i) above in accordance with the Company’s part-time work policy, or the terms of an agreement between the Purchaser and the Company pertaining to his or her part-time schedule, or as otherwise determined by the Board in its reasonable discretion. If the Purchaser goes on a leave of absence, then the Company may adjust the vesting schedule set forth in Subsection (b)(i) above in accordance with the Company’s leave of absence policy or the terms of such leave. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, service shall be deemed to continue while the Purchaser is on a bona fide leave of absence, if (A) such leave was approved by the Company in writing; and (B) continued crediting of service is expressly required by the terms of such leave or by applicable law (as determined by the Company). Service shall be deemed to terminate when such leave ends, unless the Purchaser immediately returns to active work.

 

(iii)            Accelerated Vesting Upon Occurrence of Certain Circumstances.

 

(A)            Notwithstanding the foregoing, all of the Unvested Shares shall automatically vest and become Vested Shares upon Purchaser’s Involuntary Termination (as defined in Section 10 below) in connection with, or within twenty-four (24) months following, a Change in Control.

 (B)            In the event that the Company terminates Purchaser’s employment with the Company other than for Misconduct, at any time following the first annual anniversary of the closing of the IPO (as hereinafter defined) then, subject to the provisions hereof, the Repurchase Option shall lapse as to an additional 56,250 Unvested Shares (the “Accelerated Shares”) so that such Accelerated Shares shall be Vested Shares as of the Termination Date, in addition to any other Shares that are Vested Shares as of such Termination Date in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything herein contained to the contrary, in no event shall the Repurchase Option lapse as to the Accelerated Shares pursuant to this Section 3(b)(iii)(B) unless (x) Purchaser shall have executed and delivered to the Company a Release (as defined in the offer letter agreement, by and between the Company and Purchaser, dated as of July 29, 2021 (the “Offer Letter”)); and the Release shall have become effective and irrevocable by no later than the Release Deadline Date (as defined in the Offer Letter).

 

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(c)            Exercise of Repurchase Option. The Repurchase Option may be exercised by the Company, or its assignee, by written notice (the “Repurchase Notice”), at any time within twelve (12) months following the Termination Date (the “Purchase Period”) to Purchaser or Purchaser’s executor and, at the Company’s option, by delivery to Purchaser or Purchaser’s executor of the Repurchase Notice and payment of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price as provided in Section 3(c)(i) hereof with respect to the payment and payment schedule for Shares being repurchased (the “Repurchased Shares”). Upon delivery of such Repurchase Notice and payment of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price, the Company, or its assignee(s), shall become the legal and beneficial owner of the Repurchased Shares and all rights and interest therein or related thereto, and the Company, or its assignee(s), as the case may be, shall have the right to transfer to its own name the number of Repurchased Shares being repurchased by the Company, or its assignee, without further action by Purchaser. Shares repurchased by the Company as herein contemplated shall resume the status of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock of the Company.

 

(i)            Payment of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price. Payment of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price as set forth in the Repurchase Notice(s) shall be made, at the option of the Company and/or its assignees, as the case may be, by delivering to Purchaser (or Purchaser’s executor) within ninety (90) days following delivery of a Repurchase Notice, either (A) a cashier’s check for the full amount, or (B) ten percent (10%) of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price by cashier’s check and a promissory note (“Promissory Note”) for the balance of the Repurchase Option Purchase Price set forth in the respective Repurchase Notice, which such Promissory Note shall provide for equal monthly payments of the principal over a period to be agreed upon by the parties. In the event the parties cannot agree on the terms of such Promissory Note, the balance shall be paid over a five (5) year period commencing not later than sixty (60) days after the ten percent (10%) down payment has been paid in cash. Any obligor on a Promissory Note shall have the right to prepay at any time all or any portion of the entire unpaid principal and accrued interest on thirty (30) days’ written notice to Purchaser, or any holder in due course of the Promissory Note, as the case may be. The Promissory Note shall bear simple interest at the lower of (x) the fixed rate of four percent (4%) accruing from the date of purchase, or (y) the highest rate permitted under applicable law. The Promissory Note shall provide for the acceleration of the maturity of the unpaid principal and interest upon default in the payment of any installment of principal or interest, at the option of the holder of the Promissory Note.

 

(ii)            Assignment of Repurchase Right. The Board may freely assign the Company’s Repurchase Option, in whole or in part. Any person who accepts an assignment of the Repurchase Option from the Company shall assume all of the Company’s rights and obligations under Sections 3(a), (b) and (c).

 

(iii)            Change in Control. In the event of a Change in Control of the Company, the Repurchase Option shall be assigned by the Company to any successor of the Company (or the successor’s parent) in connection with such Change in Control, and shall continue to apply to any Unvested Shares. To the extent that the Repurchase Option remains in effect following such a Change in Control, it shall apply to the new capital stock or other property received in exchange for the Shares upon consummation of the Change in Control, but only to the extent the Shares are at the time covered by such right. Appropriate adjustments shall be made to the price per share payable upon exercise or deemed exercise of the Repurchase Option to reflect the effect of the Change in Control upon the Company’s capital structure; provided, however, that the aggregate Repurchase Option Purchase Price shall remain the same.

 

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(iv)            Escrow. For purposes of facilitating the enforcement of the provisions of Section 3 hereof, Purchaser agrees, immediately upon receipt of the certificate(s) for the Shares subject to the Repurchase Option, to deliver such certificate(s), together with an Assignment Separate from Certificate in the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A executed by Purchaser and by Purchaser’s spouse (if required for transfer), in blank, to the Secretary of the Company, or the Secretary’s designee, to hold such certificate(s) and Assignment Separate from Certificate in escrow and to take all such actions and to effectuate all such transfers and/or releases as are in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Purchaser hereby acknowledges that the Secretary of the Company, or the Secretary’s designee, is so appointed as the escrow holder with the foregoing authorities as a material inducement to make this Agreement and that said appointment is coupled with an interest and is accordingly irrevocable. Purchaser agrees that said escrow holder shall not be liable to any party hereof (or to any other party). The escrow holder may rely upon any letter, notice or other document executed by any signature purported to be genuine and may resign at any time. Purchaser agrees that if the Secretary of the Company, or the Secretary’s designee, resigns as escrow holder for any or no reason, the Board shall have the power to appoint a successor to serve as escrow holder pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

(d)            Right of First Refusal.

 

(i)            Transfer Notice. If at any time Purchaser proposes to transfer any Shares to one or more third parties pursuant to an understanding with such third parties, then Purchaser shall give the Company written notice of Purchaser’s intention to make the transfer (the “Transfer Notice”), which Transfer Notice shall include (A) a description of the Shares to be transferred (“Offered Shares”), (B) the identity of the prospective transferee(s) and (C) the consideration and the material terms and conditions upon which the proposed transfer is to be made. The Transfer Notice shall certify that Purchaser has received a firm offer from the prospective transferee(s) and in good faith believes a binding agreement for the transfer is obtainable on the terms set forth in the Transfer Notice. The Transfer Notice shall also include a copy of any written proposal, term sheet or letter of intent or other agreement relating to the proposed transfer.

 

(ii)            Company’s Option. The Company shall have an option for a period of ninety (90) days from receipt of the Transfer Notice to elect to purchase the Offered Shares at the same price and subject to the same material terms and conditions as described in the Transfer Notice. The Company may exercise this purchase option and purchase all (or a portion of) the Offered Shares by notifying Purchaser in writing before expiration of the 90-day period as to the number of Offered Shares the Company wishes to purchase. If the Company gives Purchaser notice of its intent to purchase the Offered Shares, then the Company shall make payment for the Offered Shares by check or wire transfer against delivery of the Offered Shares to be purchased at the time and place agreed upon by the parties, which shall be no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the Company’s receipt of the Transfer Notice, unless the Transfer Notice contemplated a later closing date or unless the value of the purchase price has not yet been established pursuant to Section 3(d)(iii). If the Company fails to purchase all, or purchases less than all, of the Offered Shares by exercising the option set forth in this Section 3(d)(ii) within the period provided, Purchaser shall be entitled to sell the balance of the Offered Shares to the purchaser(s) named in the Transfer Notice at the price specified in the Transfer Notice or at a higher price and on the terms and conditions set forth in the Transfer Notice. Such sale or other transfer must be consummated within 60 days from the expiration of the 90-day period commencing on delivery of the Transfer Notice, and any proposed sale after such 60-day period may be made only by again complying with the procedures set forth in this Section 3(d).

 

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(iii)            Valuation of Property. If the purchase price specified in the Transfer Notice is payable in property other than cash or evidence of indebtedness, the Company shall have the right to pay the purchase price in the form of cash equal in amount to the value of such property. If Purchaser and the Company cannot agree on such cash value within thirty (30) days after the Company’s receipt of the Transfer Notice, the valuation shall be made by an appraiser of recognized standing selected by Purchaser and the Company or, if they cannot agree on an appraiser within forty-five (45) days after the Company’s receipt of the Transfer Notice, each shall select an appraiser of recognized standing and the two appraisers shall designate a third appraiser of recognized standing, whose appraisal shall be determinative of such value. The cost of such appraisal shall be shared equally by Purchaser and the Company. If the time for the closing of the Company’s purchase has expired but for the determination of the value of the purchase price offered by the prospective transferee(s), then such closing shall be held on or prior to the fifth business day after such valuation shall have been made pursuant to this Section 3(b)(iii). In the event that a party fails to appoint an appraiser within the time contemplated pursuant to this Section 3(b)(iii), the determination of the appraiser timely appointed by the Company or Purchaser, as the case may be, shall be determinative of the value of the property in question.

 

(iv)            Permitted Transfers. The provisions of Section 3(d) of this Agreement shall not apply to any transfer by Purchaser, with or without consideration, of any Shares (A) to the Immediate Family of Purchaser, or to a custodian, trustee (including a trustee of a voting trust), executor, or other fiduciary for the benefit of such persons, or to a trust the benefit of Purchaser, or to a charitable remainder trust, (B) or in connection with any bona fide gift (collectively, the “Permitted Transferees”); provided that in each case, such Transferee or assignee, prior to the completion of the transfer, shall have executed written agreements to be bound by and comply with all applicable provisions of this Agreement. Such transferred Shares shall remain subject to the restrictions of this Agreement, and such Transferee or assignee shall be treated as a “Purchaser” for purposes of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything herein to the contrary, Purchaser shall not transfer any Shares which are not Vested Shares or to any Person or Entity which, in the determination of the Company’s Board of Directors, directly or indirectly competes with the Company. Any such transfer shall be void ab initio.

 

(v)            Right of First Refusal in Bylaws. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 3 or elsewhere in this Agreement to the contrary, if at any time following the date hereof, the Company’s Bylaws contain provisions regarding the right of the Company to repurchase its securities from shareholders then, notwithstanding such provisions, the terms of this Agreement shall govern the rights of the Company and/or any other party to purchase Shares from Purchaser if and to the extent that there shall be a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the Company’s Bylaws.

 

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(e)            Involuntary Transfer.

 

(i)            Forfeiture of Unvested Shares and Company’s Right to Purchase Vested Shares upon Involuntary Transfer. In the event, at any time after the date of this Agreement, of any transfer by operation of law or other involuntary transfer (including divorce or death, but excluding in the event of death a transfer to a Permitted Transferee) of all or a portion of the Vested or Unvested Shares by the record holder thereof, (i) all Unvested Shares shall automatically be immediately forfeited to the Company without consideration payable to Purchaser or any other action required by the Company, and (ii) the Company, or its assignee, as determined by the Board, shall have the right to purchase all of such Vested Shares transferred by Purchaser. Upon such a transfer, the person acquiring the Vested Shares shall promptly notify the Secretary of the Company of such transfer. The right to purchase such Vested Shares shall be provided to the Company for a period of thirty (30) days following receipt by the Company of written notice by the person acquiring the Vested Shares.

 

(ii)            Price for Involuntary Transfer. With respect to any Vested Shares to be transferred pursuant to Section 3(e)(i), the purchase price payable by the Company shall be the fair market value thereof as of or about the date upon which the Company (or its assignee) exercises its rights to purchase such transferred Shares, as determined by the Board in the exercise of its good faith judgment, and payment therefor shall be made by the Company to the Transferee over sixty (60) months pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(c)(i)(B) above.

 

(iii)            Assignment. The Board may assign the Company’s right to purchase any part of the Vested Shares pursuant to Section 3(e) in whole or in part to any shareholder or shareholders of the Company or other persons or organizations.

 

(f)            Restrictions Binding on Transferees. All Transferees of Shares or any interest therein will receive and hold such Shares or interest subject to the provisions of this Agreement. Any sale or transfer of the Shares shall be void unless the provisions of this Agreement are satisfied.

 

(g)            Termination of Rights. The Right of First Refusal and the Company’s right to repurchase the Shares in the event of an involuntary transfer pursuant to Section 3(e) shall terminate upon the first sale of the Common Stock, or other securities of the Company to the general public pursuant to an effective Registration Statement.

 

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(h)            Market Stand-Off. In connection with any underwritten public offering by the Company of its equity securities pursuant to an effective registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including the Company’s initial public offering (the “IPO”), the Purchaser or a Transferee shall not directly or indirectly sell, make any short sale of, loan, hypothecate, pledge, offer, grant or sell any option or other contract for the purchase of, purchase any option or other contract for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of or transfer, or agree to engage in any of the foregoing transactions with respect to, any Shares without the prior written consent of the Company or its managing underwriter. Such restriction (the “Market Stand-Off”) shall be in effect for such period of time following the date of the final prospectus for the offering as may be requested by the Company or such underwriter. In order to enforce the Market Stand-Off, the Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to the Shares until the end of the applicable stand-off period. The Company’s underwriters shall be beneficiaries of the agreement set forth in this Section 3(h). This Section 3(h) shall not apply to Shares registered in the public offering under the Securities Act.

  

(i)            Adjustments to Stock. If, from time to time, during the term of the Repurchase Option there is any change affecting the Company’s outstanding Common Stock as a class that is effected without the receipt of consideration by the Company (through merger, consolidation, reorganization, reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, change in corporation structure or other transaction not involving the receipt of consideration by the Company), then any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property to which Purchaser is entitled by reason of Purchaser’s ownership of Shares shall be immediately subject to the Repurchase Option and be included in the word “Shares” for all purposes of the Repurchase Option with the same force and effect as the shares of the Shares presently subject to the Repurchase Option, but only to the extent the Shares are, at the time, covered by such Repurchase Option. While the total Option Price shall remain the same after each such event, the Option Price per share of Shares upon exercise or deemed exercise of the Repurchase Option shall be appropriately adjusted.

 

4.            Parachute Payments.

 

(a)            If any payment or benefit Purchaser would receive pursuant to a Change in Control from the Company or otherwise (a “Payment”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), then such Payment shall be reduced to the Reduced Amount. The “Reduced Amount” shall be either (x) the largest portion of the Payment that would result in no portion of the Payment being subject to the Excise Tax or (y) the largest portion, up to and including the total, of the Payment, whichever amount, after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), results in Purchaser’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of the Payment notwithstanding that all or some portion of the Payment may be subject to the Excise Tax. If a reduction in payments or benefits constituting “parachute payments” is necessary so that the Payment equals the Reduced Amount, reduction shall occur in the following order unless Purchaser elects in writing a different order (provided, however, that such election shall be subject to Company approval if made on or after the date on which the event that triggers the Payment occurs): reduction of cash payments; cancellation of accelerated vesting of stock awards; reduction of employee benefits. In the event that acceleration of vesting of stock award compensation is to be reduced, such acceleration of vesting shall be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of Purchaser’s stock awards unless Purchaser elects in writing a different order for cancellation.

 

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(b)            The accounting firm engaged by the Company for general audit purposes as of the day prior to the effective date of the Change in Control shall perform the foregoing calculations. If the accounting firm so engaged by the Company is serving as accountant or auditor for the individual, entity or group effecting the Change in Control, the Company shall appoint a nationally recognized accounting firm to make the determinations required hereunder. The Company shall bear all expenses with respect to the determinations by such accounting firm required to be made hereunder.

  

(c)            The accounting firm engaged to make the determinations hereunder shall provide its calculations, together with detailed supporting documentation, to the Company and Purchaser within 15 calendar days after the date on which Purchaser’s right to a Payment is triggered (if requested at that time by the Company or Purchaser) or such other time as requested by the Company or Purchaser. If the accounting firm determines that no Excise Tax is payable with respect to a Payment, it shall furnish the Company and Purchaser with an opinion reasonably acceptable to Purchaser that no Excise Tax will be imposed with respect to such Payment. Any good faith determinations of the accounting firm made hereunder shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Company and Purchaser.

 

5.            Investment Representations. As an inducement to the Company to issue the Shares to Purchaser, and in order to establish the suitability for Purchaser of such an investment, Purchaser hereby makes the following representations and warranties, and authorizes the Company to rely upon the same:

 

(a)            Investment Intent. Purchaser is aware of and familiar with the Company’s business affairs and financial condition and has acquired sufficient information about the Company to reach a knowledgeable and informed decision to acquire the Shares. Purchaser is acquiring the Shares for investment for his or her own account, not for resale, without any intention of or view toward or for participating, directly or indirectly, in a distribution of the Shares or any portion thereof.

 

(b)            Representatives. Purchaser has consulted with such professional advisors (the “Representatives”), if any, as Purchaser has seen fit in connection with this proposed investment.

 

(c)            Experience. Purchaser and his or her Representatives, if any, have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that Purchaser is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of his or her receipt of the Shares.

 

(d)            Risks. Purchaser understands that an investment in the Company is speculative, that any possible profits therefrom are uncertain, and that she must bear the economic risks of the investment in the Company for an indefinite period of time. Purchaser is able to bear these economic risks and to hold the Shares for an indefinite period.

 

(e)            Information. Purchaser and his or her Representatives, if any, have received all information and data with respect to the Company which Purchaser or his or her Representatives have requested and have deemed relevant in connection with an evaluation of the merits and risks of this investment in the Company, and do not desire any further information or data with respect to the Company prior to the purchase of the Shares.

 

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(f)            Securities Laws. Purchaser understands that (i) the Shares have not been registered under the Securities Act by reason of a specific exemption therefrom, that the Shares must be held by Purchaser indefinitely, and that Purchaser must, therefore, bear the economic risk of such investment indefinitely, unless a subsequent disposition thereof is registered under the Securities Act or is exempt from such registration. Purchaser further understands that the Shares have not been registered under the “blue sky” laws of any state, including that the shares have not been qualified or a permit obtained for issuance of securities from the California Department of Corporations or any other agency of the State of California or any other state.

 

(g)            Transfers. Purchaser understands that the Shares may have to be held indefinitely unless they are subsequently registered under the Securities Act and qualified or registered under other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, which is highly unlikely, or unless an exemption from such qualification or registration is available.

 

(h)            Legends. Purchaser understand and agrees that (i) the legends set forth in Section 6 will be placed on the certificate(s) evidencing the Shares and on certificate(s) issued to Transferees; (ii) the stock records of the Company will be noted with respect to such restrictions; (iii) the Company will not be under any obligation to register the Shares or to comply with any exemption available for sale of the Shares without registration; and (iv) the information or conditions necessary to permit routine sales of securities of the Company under Rule 144 of the Securities Act are not now available and it is not likely that they will become available.

 

(i)            Further Limitations on Disposition. Subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in this Agreement, without in any way limiting Purchaser’s representations set forth above, Purchaser further agrees that Purchaser shall in no event make any disposition of all or any portion of the Shares unless and until: (A)  There is then in effect a Registration Statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition and such disposition is made in accordance with said Registration Statement; or, (B) (1) Purchaser shall have notified the Company of the proposed disposition and shall have furnished the Company with a detailed statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed disposition, (2) Purchaser shall have furnished the Company with an opinion of Purchaser’s counsel to the effect that such disposition will not require registration of such shares under the Securities Act, and (3) such opinion of Purchaser’s counsel shall have been reasonably concurred in by counsel for the Company and the Company shall have advised Purchaser of such concurrence.

 

(j)            No Tax Advice; Valuation of Shares. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser’s purchase or disposition of the Shares. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, the Purchaser acknowledges and agrees that the Board of Directors of the Company has determined that the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock is $0.001 per share, and that the Company believes this valuation represents a fair attempt at reaching an accurate appraisal of their worth. Purchaser understands, however, that the Company can give no assurances that $0.001 is in fact the fair market value per share of the Shares and that it is possible that the Internal Revenue Service could successfully assert that the value of the Shares on the date of purchase is greater than so determined. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted any tax consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company or the Company’s counsel for any tax advice.

  

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6.            Restrictive Legends and Stop-Transfer Orders.

 

(a)            Legends. The certificate or certificates representing the Shares shall bear the following legends (as well as any legends required by applicable state and federal corporate and securities laws):

 

(i)            “THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY MAY NOT BE SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, ENCUMBERED OR IN ANY MANNER DISPOSED OF, EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS OF A WRITTEN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THE SHARES (OR THE PREDECESSOR IN INTEREST TO THE SHARES). SUCH AGREEMENT GRANTS TO THE COMPANY CERTAIN RIGHTS OF FIRST REFUSAL UPON AN ATTEMPTED TRANSFER OF THE SHARES AND CERTAIN REPURCHASE RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION OF SERVICE WITH THE COMPANY. THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY WILL UPON WRITTEN REQUEST FURNISH A COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT TO THE HOLDER HEREOF WITHOUT CHARGE.”

 

(ii)            “THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED, OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION THEREOF UNDER SUCH ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY AND ITS COUNSEL, THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.”

 

(iii)            Any legend required to be placed thereon by the state law requirements of any state in the United States.

 

(b)            Stop-Transfer Notices. Purchaser agrees that, in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to herein, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent, if any, and that, if the Company transfers its own securities, it may make appropriate notations to the same effect in its own records.

 

(c)            Refusal to Transfer. The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any Purchaser or other Transferee to whom such Shares shall have been so transferred.

 

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(d)            Removal of Legend. When all of the following events have occurred, the Shares then held by Purchaser will no longer be subject to the legend referred to in Section 6(a)(i): (i) the termination of the Right of First Refusal; (ii) the termination of the Repurchase Option, and (iii) the expiration or termination of the market standoff provisions of Section 3(h) (and of any agreement entered pursuant to Section 3(h)). After such time, and upon Purchaser’s request, a new certificate or certificates representing the Shares not repurchased shall be issued without the legend referred to in Section 6(a)(i), and delivered to Purchaser.

 

7.            No Employment Rights. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect in any manner whatsoever the right or power of the Company, or a parent or subsidiary of the Company, to terminate Purchaser’s employment or consulting relationship, for any reason, with or without cause.

 

8.            Rights as Shareholder. With respect to the Shares, (i) Purchaser shall have the same rights as a holder of shares of the Company’s Common Stock, and (ii) Purchaser shall be entitled to the same dividends paid or declared on the Company’s Common Stock; provided, however, that such dividend rights shall apply on Shares that are then Vested Shares as of the date upon which such dividends are declared, unless otherwise prohibited by applicable law. Upon an exercise of the Repurchase Option or the Right of First Refusal, Purchaser shall have no further rights as a holder of the Shares, except the right to receive payment for the Shares in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, and Purchaser shall promptly surrender the stock certificate(s) evidencing the Shares so purchased to the Company for transfer or cancellation. In furtherance of, and not in limitation of the foregoing, if the Repurchase Option or Right of First Refusal is exercised in accordance with Section 3 and the Company makes available the consideration for the Shares in respect thereof, then the person from whom such Shares are purchased shall no longer have any rights as a holder of the Shares (other than the right to receive payment of such consideration). Such Shares shall be deemed to have been purchased pursuant to Section 3, whether or not the certificate(s) for such Shares have been delivered to the Company or the consideration for such Shares has been accepted.

 

9.            Section 83(b) Election. Purchaser understands that Section 83(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), taxes as ordinary income the difference between the amount paid for the Shares (if any) and the fair market value of the Shares as of the date any restrictions on the Shares lapse. In this context, “restriction” means the right of the Company to buy back the Shares pursuant to the Repurchase Option set forth in Section 3 of this Agreement. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may elect to be taxed at the time the Shares are acquired, rather than when and as the Repurchase Option expires, by filing an election under Section 83(b) (an “83(b) Election”) of the Code with the Internal Revenue Service within thirty (30) days from the date of transfer. Purchaser understands that failure to file such an election in a timely manner may result in adverse tax consequences for Purchaser. Purchaser further understands that an additional copy of such election form should be filed with his or her federal income tax return for the calendar year in which the date of this Agreement falls. Purchaser acknowledges that the foregoing is only a summary of the effect of United States federal income taxation with respect to purchase of the Shares hereunder, and does not purport to be complete. Purchaser further acknowledges that the Company has directed Purchaser to seek independent advice regarding the applicable provisions of the Code, the income tax laws of any municipality, state or foreign country in which Purchaser may reside, and the tax consequences of Purchaser’s death.

 

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Purchaser further agrees that Purchaser will execute, file and submit to the Company a copy of the 83(b) Election, attached hereto as Exhibit B.

  

PURCHASER UNDERSTANDS THAT SHE MAY SUFFER ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES AS A RESULT OF HIS OR HER ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES. PURCHASER REPRESENTS THAT SHE HAS CONSULTED WITH ANY TAX ADVISER SHE DEEMS ADVISABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE OR DISPOSITION OF THE SHARES AND THAT PURCHASER IS NOT RELYING ON THE COMPANY OR COMPANY COUNSEL FOR ANY TAX ADVICE. PURCHASER HEREBY ASSUMES ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR FILING SUCH ELECTION AND PAYING ANY TAXES RESULTING FROM SUCH ELECTION OR FROM FAILURE TO FILE THE ELECTION AND PAYING TAXES RESULTING FROM THE LAPSE OF THE REPURCHASE RESTRICTIONS ON THE UNVESTED SHARES.

 

10.            Miscellaneous.

 

(a)            Definitions. The following defined terms shall have the meaning as set forth below:

 

(i)            Change in Control” shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing or anything herein contained to the contrary, from and after the date of the consummation of the first sale of the Company’s securities to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement, “Change in Control” shall have the meaning as set forth in the Company’s equity incentive or similar plan adopted in connection therewith, as may be amended from time to time.

 

(ii)            Good Reason” means the occurrence of one or more of the following (through a single action or series of actions) without Purchaser’s written consent: (A) the assignment to Purchaser of any authority, duties or responsibilities or the reduction of Purchaser’s authority, duties or responsibilities, either of which results in a material diminution in Purchaser’s authority, duties or responsibilities at the Company, unless Purchaser is provided with a comparable position (i.e., a position of equal or greater organizational level, duties, authority and status); (B) a material reduction by the Company in Purchaser’s base salary, other than a one-time reduction of 20% or less that is applicable to substantially all other similarly-situated executives; or (C) a non-temporary relocation of Purchaser’s principal work location office to a location that increases Purchaser’s one way commute from Purchaser’s principal residence by more than 50 miles.

 

An event or action will not constitute Good Reason unless (1) Purchaser gives the Company written notice within 60 days after Purchaser knows or should know of the initial existence of such event or action, (2) such event or action is not reversed, remedied or cured, as the case may be, by the Company as soon as possible but in no event later than 30 days of receiving such written notice from Purchaser, and (3) Purchaser terminates employment within 60 days following the end of the cure period.

 

(iii)            Governmental Body” means any commission, court, tribunal, magistrate, or other similar recognized organization or body of any federal, state, county, municipal, local, or foreign government or other similar recognized organization or body exercising similar powers or authority.

 

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(iv)            Involuntary Termination” shall mean a Termination of Service by reason of:

 

(1)            Purchaser’s involuntary dismissal or discharge by the Company, or by the acquiring or successor entity (or parent or any subsidiary thereof employing the Purchaser) for reasons other than Misconduct (as defined below), or

 

(2)            Purchaser’s voluntary resignation for Good Reason.

 

(v)            Immediate Family” shall mean any child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law and shall include adoptive relationships.

 

(vi)            “Misconduct” means the occurrence of any of the following: (A) Purchaser’s conviction for, or plea of no contest to, a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (B) Purchaser’s commission of an act of personal dishonesty that is intended to result in Purchaser’s personal enrichment (excluding inadvertent acts that are promptly cured following notice); (C) a continued material failure or failures by Purchaser to perform Purchaser’s lawful and reasonable duties of employment (including, but not limited to, compliance with material written policies of the Company and material written agreements with the Company) (but only after the Company has delivered a written demand for performance to Purchaser that describes the basis for the Company’s belief that Purchaser has committed material violations and Purchaser has not cured within a period of 15 days following notice); (D) Purchaser’s willful failure (other than due to physical incapacity) to reasonably cooperate with any audit or investigation by a governmental authority or the Company of the Company’s business or financial conditions or practices that continues after written notice from the Board and at least fifteen (15) days to cure; (E) it is determined that Purchaser has conducted herself in an unprofessional, unethical, illegal or fraudulent manner, or have acted in a manner detrimental to the reputation, character or standing of the Company, or to the financial condition of the Company, including, but not limited to theft or misappropriation of Company’s assets, engaging in unlawful discriminatory or harassing conduct, working while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or the filing of false expense or related reports; (G) a material breach of any of Purchaser’s fiduciary duties to the Company; (H) any willful, material violation by Purchaser of any law or regulation applicable to the business of the Company; or (I) a material breach of any of the covenants, representations and warranties contained herein or in any other agreement with the Company.

 

(vii)            Parent” means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations ending with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the Company owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.

 

(viii)            Person” means any individual or entity, and the heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors, and assigns of such “Person” where the context so requires.

 

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(ix)            “Repurchase Option Purchase Price” means a per share price equal to the Per Share Purchase Price, for the Shares that are Unvested Shares as of such Termination Date (as shall be adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends and the like).

 

(x)            Right of First Refusal” shall mean the Company’s right of first refusal described in Section 3(d).

 

(xi)            “Transferee” means any person to whom Purchaser has directly or indirectly transferred any Shares.

 

(xii)            “Unvested Shares” shall mean any Shares which have not become Vested Shares.

 

(xiii)            Vested Shares” shall mean the Shares that after the date of this Agreement become Vested Shares, whether through the passage of time or as a result of the occurrence of the circumstances described in Section 3(b)(ii), as applicable.

 

(b)            Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

  

(c)            Entire Agreement; Enforcement of Rights. This Agreement, the Plan and the Exhibits hereto (and the Offer Letter, solely for the purposes of Section 3(b)(iii)(B) hereof) sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of the parties relating to the subject matter herein and merges all prior discussions between them. No modification of or amendment to this Agreement, nor any waiver of any rights under this Agreement, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement. The failure by either party to enforce any rights under this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights of such party.

  

(d)            Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions hereof; provided that if any provision of this Agreement, as applied to any party or to any circumstance, is adjudged by a Governmental Body, arbitrator, or mediator not to be enforceable in accordance with its terms, the parties agree that the Governmental Body, arbitrator, or mediator making such determination shall have the power to modify the provision in a manner consistent with its objectives such that it is enforceable, and/or to delete specific words or phrases, and in its reduced form, such provision shall then be enforceable and shall be enforced.

  

(e)            Construction. This Agreement is the result of negotiations between and has been reviewed by each of the parties hereto and their respective counsel, if any; accordingly, this Agreement shall be deemed to be the product of all of the parties hereto, and no ambiguity shall be construed in favor of or against any one of the parties hereto.

  

(f)            Notices. All notices, consents, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, made and received (i) when delivered personally; (ii) two (2) days following the day when deposited with a reputable, established overnight courier service for delivery to the intended addressee; (iii) five (5) days following the day when deposited with the United States Postal Service as first class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid; and (iv) by electronic (email) transmission or facsimile, provided, however, that such email or facsimile is followed by delivery thereof in any of the manners set forth on clauses (i) through (iii) hereof, in each case, addressed as set forth below or such other address as such party may hereafter specify for the purpose by notice to the other parties hereto:

 

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  if to the Company, to:

  

  Tivic Health Systems, Inc.
  750 Menlo Ave. Suite 200
  Menlo Park, California 94025
  Attn: Chief Executive Officer
  Email Address:

 

  if to Purchaser, to:

 

  Briana Benz  
     
     
  Facsimile No.:    
  Email Address:    

  

(g)            Telecopy Execution and Delivery. A facsimile, telecopy or other reproduction of this Agreement may be executed by one or more parties hereto and delivered by such party by facsimile or any similar electronic transmission device pursuant to which the signature of or on behalf of such party can be seen. Such execution and delivery shall be considered valid, binding and effective for all purposes. At the request of any party hereto, all parties hereto agree to execute and deliver an original of this Agreement as well as any facsimile, telecopy or other reproduction hereof.

  

(h)            Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered will be deemed an original, and all such counterparts together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(i)            Successors and Assigns. The rights and benefits of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Company’s successors and assigns. The rights and obligations of Purchaser under this Agreement may only be assigned with the prior written consent of the Company.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

  

COMPANY: Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

 

  By: /s/ Jennifer Ernst
    Name: Jennifer Ernst
    Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

PURCHASER:    /s/ Briana Benz
  Briana Benz

 

  Social Security Number:  

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

Assignment Separate From Certificate

  

FOR VALUE RECEIVED and pursuant to that certain Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement between the undersigned (“Purchaser”) and Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Company”), dated July 30, 2021 (the “Agreement”), Purchaser hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto the Company _________________________________ (________) shares of the Common Stock of the Company standing in Purchaser’s name on the Company’s books and represented by Certificate No. _____, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ______________________ to transfer said stock on the books of the Company with full power of substitution in the premises. THIS ASSIGNMENT MAY ONLY BE USED AS AUTHORIZED BY THE AGREEMENT AND THE EXHIBITS THERETO.

 

Dated:      
   
  Signature:
   
   
  Briana Benz

  

Instruction: Please do not fill in any blanks other than the signature line. The purpose of this assignment is to enable the Company to exercise its repurchase option set forth in the Agreement without requiring additional signatures on the part of Purchaser.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

 

 

Section 83(b) Election Form and Instructions

 

 

 

THE ATTACHED FORM IS BEING PROVIDED TO YOU, THE PURCHASER, SOLELY FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. THE COMPANY MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY AS TO ITS ADEQUACY OR APPROPRIATENESS. ANY DECISION BY YOU TO FILE AN ELECTION PURSUANT TO SECTION 83(b) MUST BE MADE SOLELY IN RELIANCE ON THE ADVICE OF YOUR PERSONAL TAX ADVISOR(S) AND NOT ON ANY STATEMENT OR REPRESENTATION BY THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENTS.

 

Instructions For Filing Elections

 

Attached is a form of election under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. If you wish to make the election, you should complete, sign and date the election and then proceed as follows:

 

A.            Make 4 copies of the completed election.

 

B.            Mail the signed original election, and one copy of such election, to the IRS Service Center where you file your federal income tax and include a return, self-addressed, stamped envelope with the election (the IRS will send you a stamped copy, which is your only proof that a filing has been made). This should be mailed via certified mail, return receipt requested. This election should be sent immediately, as you have only 30 days from the date of purchase to make the election; no waivers, late filings or extensions are permitted. For your convenience, a form of cover letter to the IRS is attached hereto.

 

C.            Deliver one copy of the completed election to the Company’s chief executive officer for the Company’s files.

 

D.            Attach one copy of the election to your IRS Personal Income Tax Return (Form 1040) when you file it next year.

 

E.            Attach one copy of the election to your California income tax return (Form 540) when you file it next year (assuming you file a California income tax return).

 

F.            Retain one copy of the election for your personal permanent records.

 

A separate Section 83(b) election is not required to be filed in California if you file a federal Section 83(b) election.

 

It is your responsibility, not the Company’s, to make sure that the election is properly mailed to the taxing authorities and attached to your tax return filed next year.

  

Within 30 days after the date of purchase, this election must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service Center where the Purchaser files his or her federal income tax returns. The filing should be made by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. The Purchaser must (a) file a copy of the completed form with his or her federal tax return for the current tax year and (b) deliver an additional copy to the Company. 

 

 

 

  

Section 83(b) Election

 

This statement is made under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.83-2.

 

(1) The taxpayer who performed the services is:

 

  Name:     Briana Benz
     
Address: __________
    __________

 

Social Security No.: _________________________

 

(2) The property with respect to which the election is made is 450,000 shares of Common Stock of Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

(3) The property was transferred on July __, 2021.

 

(4) The taxable year for which the election is made is the calendar year 2021.

 

(5) The property is subject to lapsing forfeiture restrictions pursuant to which the property may be forfeited back to the issuer without payment of consideration if for any reason taxpayer’s service with the issuer is terminated.

  

(6) The fair market value of such property at the time of transfer (determined without regard to any restriction other than a restriction which by its terms will never lapse) is $0.36 per share of Common Stock.

  

(7) The amount paid for such property is $0.001 per share of Common Stock.

 

(8) A copy of this statement was furnished to Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

 

(9)            This statement is executed on _____________, 2021.

 

_________________________________

Briana Benz

 

Within 30 days after the date of purchase, this election must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service Center where the Purchaser files his or her federal income tax returns. The filing should be made by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. The Purchaser must (a) file a copy of the completed form with his or her federal tax return for the current tax year and (b) deliver an additional copy to the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.18

 

 

July 31, 2021 

 

Jennifer Ernst 

_______________________

_______________________

 

Dear Jennifer:

 

This letter agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into between Jennifer Ernst (“you”) and Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Subject to your execution hereof, this Agreement, shall become effective as of the date of the consummation of the initial public offering of the Company’s common stock, pursuant to an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “IPO”). This Agreement confirms the terms and conditions of your employment with the Company following the consummation of the IPO and, following the IPO, this Agreement shall supersede all prior negotiations, representations or agreements between you and the Company, including any prior employment agreement, understanding or offer letter between you and the Company.

 

1.            Duties and Scope of Employment.

 

(a)            Position. For the term of your employment under this Agreement (your “Employment”), the Company agrees to continue to employ you in the exempt position of Chief Executive Officer. You will continue to report to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). You will continue working out of the Company’s office in Newark, California, it also being understood that the Company may require you to perform business travel to other locations from time to time in connection with the Company’s business. You will perform the duties and have the responsibilities and authority customarily performed and held by an employee in your position. During your tenure as Chief Executive Officer, you will also participate as a member of the Company’s Board. 

 

(b)           Obligations to the Company. During the term of your Employment, you will devote your full business efforts and time to the Company. During your Employment, you agree that you will not engage in any other employment, occupation, consulting or other business activity without the prior written consent of the Company, nor will you engage in any other activities that conflict with your obligations to the Company. You shall comply with the Company’s policies and rules, including those policies located in the Company’s Handbook (and applicable State Supplement), if any, and the Employee Invention Assignment and Confidentiality Agreement (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), as they may be in effect from time to time during your Employment.

 

(c)            Employment at Will. Your Employment will be “at will,” meaning that either you or the Company shall be entitled to terminate your Employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause. Any contrary representations that may have been made to you shall be superseded by this Agreement. This Agreement will constitute the full and complete agreement between you and the Company on the “at-will” nature of your Employment, which may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you and a duly authorized officer of the Company. Except as otherwise herein expressly provided for, upon the termination of your employment, you will only be entitled to the compensation and benefits earned and the reimbursements described in this Agreement for the period preceding the effective date of the termination.

 

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2.            Compensation; Business Expenses

 

(a)            Base Wage. In this exempt position, the Company will pay you as compensation for your Employment a base salary at a gross annual rate of $275,000, pro-rated for any partial year. Your annual base salary will be subject to review and adjustment based upon the Company’s normal performance review practices. Your base salary will continue to be payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll procedures. The annual base salary specified in this Section 2(a), together with any modifications, is referred to in this Agreement as “Base Salary.” 

 

(b)            Incentive Compensation. At the discretion of the Board, you will be eligible to earn a discretionary, annual end-of-year incentive bonus in an amount of up to 40% of your Base Salary, commencing with the 2022 calendar year (payable in the first quarter, 2023). The exact amount of the incentive bonus you may receive will be dependent on the achievement of Company milestones and profitability, and such other milestones as the Board deems appropriate. Payment of your incentive bonus, if earned, will be paid to you as soon as practical following the end of the calendar year, contingent upon final financial results from the prior year and Board approval of meeting performance objectives whether plan or individual, and in any event, within 60 days therefrom. You will not earn any incentive bonus (including a prorated bonus) if your employment terminates for any reason before December 31, for the year in question. 

 

(c)            Business Expenses. The Company will reimburse you for your necessary and reasonable business expenses incurred in connection with your duties hereunder upon presentation of an itemized account and appropriate supporting documentation, all in accordance with the Company’s generally applicable policies currently in effect or to be adopted after the date hereof, as may be amended from time to time.

 

3.            Employee Benefits. You will be entitled to earn three (3) weeks of Paid Time Off (“PTO”) in accordance with the Company’s PTO policy. You will remain eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans maintained by the Company and generally available to similarly situated employees of the Company, subject in each case to the generally applicable terms and conditions of the plan in question and to the determinations of any person or committee administering such plans. These benefits may change from time to time.

 

4.            Termination of this Agreement; Separation Benefits

 

(a)            Termination of this Agreement. This Agreement and your employment with the Company shall terminate under any of the following conditions: (i) your death; (ii) your Complete Disability; (iii) upon your receipt of written notice from the Company that your employment is being terminated for Cause; (iv) upon your receipt of written notice from the Company that your employment is being terminated other than for Cause; (v) upon sixty (60) days’ written notice by you that you are resigning from your employment with the Company; (vi) upon sixty (60) days’ written notice by you that you are resigning from your employment with the Company for Good Reason.

 

(b)            Separation Benefits. You will be entitled to receive separation benefits upon termination of employment only as set forth in Section 4(b)(iv) hereof; provided, however, that in the event you are entitled to any severance pay under a Company-sponsored severance pay plan, any such severance pay to which you are entitled under such severance pay plan will reduce the amount of severance pay to which you are entitled pursuant to Section 4(b)(iv) hereof. In all cases, upon termination of employment you will receive in a lump sum payment for all salary, earned bonus (if any), and unused PTO accrued as of the date of your termination of employment.

 

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(i)            Voluntary Resignation. If you voluntarily elect to terminate your employment with the Company (other than in the event of a termination by you for Good Reason), you will not be entitled to any separation benefits. 

 

(ii)            Termination for Cause. If the Company or any successor in interest terminates your employment for Cause (as defined below), you will not be entitled to receive any separation benefits.

 

(iii)            Termination for Death or Complete Disability. If your employment with the Company is terminated as a result of your death or Complete Disability, you will not be entitled to receive any separation benefits. 

 

(iv)            Involuntary Termination. Subject to the provisions of Section 4(b)(iv) and Section 5 hereof, if there is an Involuntary Termination you will be entitled to receive the following: 

 

(A)            Severance Payment. The Company will pay you an amount equal to one-twelfth (1/12th) of your Base Salary for six (6) months, payable in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll procedures over the Severance Period. 

 

(B)            Health Insurance. Provided that you timely elect such coverage, the Company shall pay your group health continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (“COBRA”) during the Severance Period; provided, however, that in the event that you become eligible for group insurance coverage in connection with new employment, such COBRA premium payments by the Company shall terminate immediately and, in furtherance thereof, you represent, warrant, covenant and agree to promptly, and in any event, within seven (7) days therefrom, notify the Company of your new employment and eligibility for group insurance coverage related thereto.

 

(c)            Definitions

 

(i)            Cause” means the occurrence of any of the following: (A) your conviction for, or plea of no contest to, a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (B) your commission of an act of personal dishonesty that is intended to result in your personal enrichment (excluding inadvertent acts that are promptly cured following notice); (C) a continued material failure or failures by you to perform your lawful and reasonable duties of employment (including, but not limited to, compliance with material written policies of the Company and material written agreements with the Company) (but only after the Company has delivered a written demand for performance to you that describes the basis for the Company’s belief that you have committed material violations and you have not cured within a period of 15 days following notice); (D) your willful failure (other than due to physical incapacity) to reasonably cooperate with any audit or investigation by a governmental authority or the Company of the Company’s business or financial conditions or practices that continues after written notice from the Board and at least fifteen (15) days to cure; (E) it is determined that you have conducted yourself in an unprofessional, unethical, illegal or fraudulent manner, or have acted in a manner detrimental to the reputation, character or standing of the Company, or to the financial condition of the Company, including, but not limited to theft or misappropriation of Company’s assets, engaging in unlawful discriminatory or harassing conduct, working while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or the filing of false expense or related reports; (G) a material breach of any of your fiduciary duties to the Company; (H) any willful, material violation by you of any law or regulation applicable to the business of the Company; or (I) a material breach of any of the covenants, representations and warranties contained herein.

 

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(ii)            Change in Control” shall have the meaning as set forth in the Company's 2017 Equity Incentive Plan; provided, however, that from and after the closing of the IPO, “Change in Control” shall have the meaning as set forth in the Company’s equity incentive or other similar plan adopted in connection with the closing of the IPO, as may be amended from time to time.

 

(iii)            Complete Disability” shall mean your inability to perform your duties under this Agreement, whether with or without reasonable accommodation, by reason of any incapacity, physical or mental, which the Company, based upon medical advice or an opinion provided by a licensed physician acceptable to the Company, determines to have incapacitated you from satisfactorily performing all of your usual services for the Company, with or without reasonable accommodation, for a period of at least one hundred eighty (180) days during any twelve (12) month period (whether or not consecutive). Based upon such medical advice or opinion, the determination of the Company shall be final and binding and the date such determination is made shall be the date of such Complete Disability for purposes of this Agreement.

 

(iv)            Good Reason” means the occurrence of one or more of the following (through a single action or series of actions) without your written consent: (A) the assignment to you of any authority, duties or responsibilities or the reduction of your authority, duties or responsibilities, either of which results in a material diminution in your authority, duties or responsibilities at the Company, unless you are provided with a comparable position (i.e., a position of equal or greater organizational level, duties, authority and status); (B) a material reduction by the Company in your Base Salary, other than a one-time reduction that is applicable to substantially all other similarly-situated executives; or (C) a non-temporary relocation of your principal work location office to a location that increases your one way commute from your principal residence by more than 50 miles. 

 

An event or action will not constitute Good Reason unless (1) you give the Company written notice within 60 days after you know or should know of the initial existence of such event or action, (2) such event or action is not reversed, remedied or cured, as the case may be, by the Company as soon as possible but in no event later than 30 days of receiving such written notice from you, and (3) you terminate employment within 60 days following the end of the cure period.

 

(v)            Involuntary Termination” means a termination of your employment by the Company without Cause or you terminate your employment with the Company for Good Reason. 

 

5.            Conditions to Receipt of Severance or other Benefits Pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(a)            Release of Claims Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, in order for you to receive any severance or other benefits pursuant to Section 4(b) of this Agreement (the “Severance Benefits”), you will be required to sign and not revoke a separation and release of claims agreement in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Release”). In all cases, the Release must become effective and irrevocable no later than the 60th day following your Involuntary Termination (the “Release Deadline Date”). If the Release does not become effective and irrevocable by the Release Deadline Date, you will forfeit any right to the Severance Benefits. In no event will the Severance Benefits be paid or provided until the Release becomes effective and irrevocable.

 

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(b)            Section 409A

 

(i)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Severance Benefits to be paid or provided to you, if any hereunder that, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits, are considered deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”) (together, the “Deferred Payments”) will be paid or provided until you have a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A. Similarly, no Severance Benefits payable to you, if any, under this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until you have a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

(ii)            It is intended that none of the Severance Benefits will constitute Deferred Payments but rather will be exempt from Section 409A as a payment that would fall within the “short-term deferral period” as described in Section 5(b)(iii) below or resulting from an involuntary separation from service as described in Section 5(b)(iv) below. In no event will you have discretion to determine the taxable year of payment of any Deferred Payment.

 

(iii)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if you are a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of your separation from service (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments, if any, that are payable within the first 6 months following your separation from service, will become payable on the date 6 months and 1 day following the date of your separation from service. All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event of your death following your separation from service, but before the 6 month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of your death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit. Each payment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment under Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

(iv)            Any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of this Section 5. 

 

(v)            Any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A- 1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit will not constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of this Section 5. 

 

(vi)            The foregoing provisions are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the Severance Benefits will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities herein will be interpreted to so comply or be exempt. You and the Company agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to you under Section 409A. In no event will the Company reimburse you for any taxes that may be imposed on you as result of Section 409A. 

 

6.            Pre-Employment Conditions

 

(a)            Confidentiality Agreement. Your acceptance of this offer and the terms of this Agreement is contingent upon the execution, and delivery to an officer of the Company (other than you), of the Confidentiality Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment A for your review and execution concurrent with the execution hereof.

 

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(b)            Arbitration Agreement. In the interest of speedy resolution of disputes, new employees are required to enter into a mutual agreement to arbitrate claims, a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment B (the “Arbitration Agreement”) for your review and execution concurrent with the execution hereof, and delivery to an officer of the Company (other than you). Entering into the Arbitration Agreement is a condition of your continued employment with the Company. As set forth in more detail in the Arbitration Agreement, you and the company agree to submit to mandatory binding arbitration any and all claims arising out of or related to your employment with the Company and your termination thereof, including but not limited to, claims for unpaid wages, wrongful termination, torts, stock or stock options or other ownership interest in the Company and/or discrimination (including harassment) based upon any federal, state or local ordinance, statute, regulation or constitutional provision. THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHTS THEY MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN REGARD TO SUCH CLAIMS.

 

7.            Successors.

 

(a)            Company’s Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon any successor (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets. For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “Company” shall include any successor to the Company’s business or assets that becomes bound by this Agreement. 

 

(b)            Your Successors. This Agreement and all of your rights hereunder shall inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, your personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.

 

8.            Miscellaneous

 

(a)            Notice. All notices and other communications contemplated under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, made and received (i) when delivered personally; (ii) two (2) days following the day when deposited with a reputable, established overnight courier service for delivery to the intended addressee, the first of which such delivery shall have been with signature required from the recipient; (iii) five (5) days following the day when deposited with the United States Postal Service as first class, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid; and (iv) by confirmed electronic (email) transmission or facsimile. In your case, mailed notices shall be addressed to you at the home address that you most recently communicated to the Company in writing. In the case of the Company, mailed notices shall be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices shall be directed to the attention of the Board. 

 

(b)            Modifications and Waivers. No provision of this Agreement shall be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by you and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than you). No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party shall be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time. 

 

(c)            Whole Agreement. No other agreements, representations or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement have been made or entered into by either party with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement, the Inventions Agreement and the Arbitration Agreement contain the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

 

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(d)            Withholding Taxes. All payments made under this Agreement shall be subject to reduction to reflect taxes or other charges required to be withheld by law. 

 

(e)            Choice of Law and Severability. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California without giving effect to provisions governing the choice of law. If any provision of this Agreement becomes or is deemed invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any applicable jurisdiction by reason of the scope, extent or duration of its coverage, then such provision shall be deemed amended to the minimum extent necessary to conform to applicable law so as to be valid and enforceable or, if such provision cannot be so amended without materially altering the intention of the parties, then such provision shall be stricken and the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. If any provision of this Agreement is rendered illegal by any present or future statute, law, ordinance or regulation (collectively, the “Law”) then that provision shall be curtailed or limited only to the minimum extent necessary to bring the provision into compliance with the Law. All the other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect without impairment or limitation.

 

(f)            No Assignment. This Agreement and all of your rights and obligations hereunder are personal to you and may not be transferred or assigned by you at any time.

 

(g)            Interpretation; Construction. The headings set forth in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be used in interpreting this Agreement. This Agreement has been drafted by legal counsel to the Company, but you acknowledge your understanding that you have been advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement (and by your execution hereof, you acknowledge that you have so consulted with an attorney of your choice or have knowingly and voluntarily waived such consultation), and the normal rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party will not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement.

 

(h)            Representations and Warranties. You represent and warrant that you are not restricted or prohibited, contractually or otherwise, from entering into and performing each of the terms and covenants contained in this Agreement, and that your execution and performance of this Agreement will not violate or breach any other agreements between you and any other person or entity. You further represent and warrant that you will not, during the term hereof, enter into any oral or written agreement in conflict with any of the provisions of this Agreement, the agreements referenced herein and the Company’s policies. 

 

(i)            Return of Company Property. Upon termination of this Agreement or earlier as requested by the Company, you shall deliver to the Company any and all equipment, and, at the election of the Company, either deliver or destroy, and certify thereto, any and all drawings, notes, memoranda, specifications, devices, formulas and documents, together with all copies, extracts and summaries thereof, and any other material containing or disclosing any third-party information or proprietary information.

 

(j)            Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

To indicate your acceptance of the Company’s offer, please sign and date this letter in the space provided below and return it to me, along with a signed and dated original copy of the Confidentiality Agreement and Arbitration Agreement, on or before August 2, 2021. To the extent that the Company has not received the executed counterpart signature pages hereto and thereto on or before such date and time, this offer shall be deemed withdrawn and shall expire.

 

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Very truly yours, 

 

Tivic Health Systems, Inc.

 

By: /s/ Karen Drexler  

Name: Karen Drexler, Director 

 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED: 

 

Jennifer Ernst 

 

  /s/ Jennifer Ernst  

Signature 

 

Date: 07/31/2021  

 

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ATTACHMENT A

 

EMPLOYEE INVENTION ASSIGNMENT AND
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

 

(Attached)

 

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ATTACHMENT B 

 

ARBITRATION AGREEMENT 

 

(Attached) 

 

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Exhibit 10.19

 

AMENDMENT Agreement

 

This Amendment Agreement (this “Amendment”) is made and entered into effective as of ____________, 2021 by and among Tivic Health Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the parties who are signatories hereto (the “Investors”).

 

Recitals

 

A.        The Company and certain investors (including the Investors) have entered into a Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2020 (the “Note Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company issued unsecured convertible promissory notes (each a “Note,” and collectively the “Bridge Notes”) to certain investors.

 

B.         Section 13 of each of the Bridge Notes provides that, subject to limited exceptions, the Note may be amended, together with all other Bridge Notes, by agreement of the Company and holders of Bridge Notes representing a majority of the aggregate principal amount of all of the then outstanding Bridge Notes (collectively, the “Requisite Holders”), so long as such amendment and/or waivers are applicable to all Bridge Notes. The undersigned Investors constitute the Requisite Holders.

 

C.         The Company and the undersigned Investors desire to amend the Bridge Notes as herein set forth.

 

Agreement

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants and conditions set forth below, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Amendment hereby agree as follows:

 

1.          Amendment of Section 1 of the Note. Section 1 of the Note is hereby amended and restated in its entirety and shall read as follows:

 

“1.           Definitions. For purposes of this Note, capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in this Section 1:

 

1.1         Business Day” means any day which is not a Saturday or Sunday or a legal holiday on which banks are authorized or required to be closed in California.

 

1.2         Cap” means an amount of $40,000,000.

 

1.3         Change in Control” means, unless otherwise determined by the Company and the holders of at least a majority of the aggregate Principal Amount of all of the then issued and outstanding Bridge Notes:

 

(a)      The direct or indirect sale or transfer, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, by the shareholders of the Company of voting securities, in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions hold, as a result of holding Company securities prior to such transaction, in the aggregate, securities possessing less than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the Company or of the acquiring entity immediately after such transaction or series of related transactions;

 

(b)        A merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving entity, except for a transaction in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation hold as a result of holding Company securities prior to such transaction, in the aggregate, securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the surviving entity (or the parent of the surviving entity) immediately after such merger or consolidation;

 

 

 

 

(c)        A reverse merger in which the Company is the surviving entity but in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such merger hold as a result of holding Company securities prior to such transaction, in the aggregate, securities possessing less than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the Company or of the acquiring entity immediately after such merger; or

 

(d)      The sale, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, except for a transaction in which the holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Company immediately prior to such transaction(s) receive as a distribution with respect to securities of the Company, in the aggregate, securities possessing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities of the acquiring entity immediately after such transaction(s), provided however, that the term “Change in Control” shall not include, for the purposes of this Note, (A) a merger of the Company effected exclusively for the purpose of changing the domicile of the Company, or (B) the transfer of more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all outstanding voting securities in an equity financing for bona fide capital raising purposes.

 

1.4         Common Stock” means the Common Stock of the Company.

 

1.5        Conversion” means any conversion of this Note in connection with a Qualified Financing, Change in Control, Mandatory Conversion or IPO Conversion, as the case may be, in accordance with the provisions hereof.

 

1.6         Convertible Securities” means evidences of convertible indebtedness, shares of Preferred Stock of the Company, or other securities or instruments (other than Options) which are, directly or indirectly, convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, either immediately or upon the arrival of a specified date or the occurrence of a specified event.

 

1.7         Fully Diluted Basis” means the sum of (i) the total number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the applicable Conversion, and (ii) the total number of shares of Common Stock issuable, directly or indirectly, upon conversion of all outstanding Options and Convertible Securities (other than the Bridge Notes and other Convertible Securities that will convert into Qualified Securities, Shadow Preferred or Preferred Conversion Stock, as the case may be, in connection with a Conversion), and (iii) shares of Common Stock reserved and available for future grant under the Company’s equity incentive or similar plans, in each case, immediately prior to such Conversion.

 

1.8         IPO” means the Company’s first underwritten public offering of its Common Stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

1.9         IPO Conversion Price” shall mean a conversion price per share equal to the lesser of (x) seventy-five percent (75%) of the per share public offering price stated on the front cover of the final prospectus for the IPO (before deduction of any underwriting commissions, expenses or other amounts), and (y) the quotient resulting from dividing (A) the Cap, by (B) the Company’s capitalization on a Fully Diluted Basis, as of immediately prior to the IPO Closing Date.

 

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1.10       Options” means any rights, warrants, options or similar rights to subscribe for or to purchase Common Stock or Convertible Securities, whether vested or unvested.

 

1.11       Preferred Conversion Price” means a price per share of Preferred Conversion Stock of $1.4034, as adjusted for as adjusted for any stock splits, stock dividends, combinations, subdivisions, recapitalizations or the like.

 

1.12      Preferred Conversion Stock” means, at the election of the Company, Series Seed-1 Preferred or a newly designated series of Preferred Stock that has substantially the same rights, preferences and privileges as the Series Seed-1 Preferred.

 

1.13       Qualified Financing” means the closing of an equity financing undertaken by the Company after the date hereof and before the Maturity Date, principally for capital raising purposes, in which the aggregate amount of gross proceeds (not including cancellation of the indebtedness represented by all Bridge Notes and other Convertible Securities that will convert into shares of Qualified Securities or Shadow Preferred, as the case may be, in connection with such Conversion) received by the Company from the sale of any series of its equity securities totals at least $2,000,000 in the aggregate.

 

1.14      Qualified Securities” means the securities sold by the Company, and purchased by investors, in a Qualified Financing (other than Shadow Preferred).

 

1.15      Series Seed-1 Preferred” means the shares of Series Seed-1 Preferred stock of the Company.

 

1.16      Series Seed Transaction Documents” means, collectively (i) the Series Seed-1, Seed-2, Seed-3 and Seed-4 Preferred Stock Investment Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2019, by and among the Company and the investors who are a party thereto, and (ii) the Voting Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2019, by and among the Company and the investors who are a party thereto.

 

1.17       Shadow Preferred” means the shares of a series of Preferred Stock issued to Holder and the holders of the other Bridge Notes in the Qualified Financing, having identical rights, privileges, preferences and restrictions as the shares of Qualified Securities, other than with respect to: (i) the per share liquidation preference and the conversion price for purposes of price-based anti-dilution protection, which will equal the applicable conversion price determined to effect a Conversion of this Note in accordance with the provisions hereof; and (ii) the basis used to determine any dividend rights, which shall be the same percentage of the conversion price determined to effect a Conversion of this Note in accordance with the provisions hereof as applied to determine the per share dividend rights of purchasers of Qualified Securities, relative the purchase price paid by the purchasers thereof.

 

1.18        Transaction Documents” means the Note Purchase Agreement and the Bridge Notes.”

 

2.         Amendment of Section 7 of the Note. Section 7 of the Note is hereby amended and restated in its entirety and shall read as follows:

 

“7.           Conversion at Maturity Date; IPO.

 

7.1         Maturity Date Conversion. In the event that neither a Qualified Financing nor a Change in Control shall have occurred on or before the Maturity Date then, notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, the outstanding Principal Amount and all accrued but unpaid interest thereon as of the Maturity Date shall be automatically converted into shares of Preferred Conversion Stock as of the Maturity Date (the “Mandatory Conversion”). The number of shares (which will be rounded down to the closest whole number) of Preferred Conversion Stock to be issued upon such conversion shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the outstanding Principal Amount and all accrued but unpaid interest thereon immediately prior to the Maturity Date, by (y) the Preferred Conversion Price.

 

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7.2        Ancillary Agreements. In connection with the Mandatory Conversion, Holder agrees to execute and deliver to the Company the Series Seed Transaction Documents and/or any documents reasonably requested by the Company, including without limitation, a stock purchase agreement, an investors’ rights agreement, a right of first refusal and co-sale agreement and a voting agreement, thereby agreeing to be bound by all obligations and receive all rights thereunder.

 

7.3         IPO Conversion. In the event that the Company shall consummate an IPO prior to a Qualified Financing, a Change in Control or the Maturity Date, then, notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, the outstanding Principal Amount and, at the election of the Company all accrued but unpaid interest thereon to the date of conversion pursuant to this Section 7.3, shall be automatically converted into shares of Common Stock as of immediately prior to the consummation of an IPO (the “IPO Closing Date”), at a per share price equal to the IPO Conversion Price (the “IPO Conversion”). The number of shares (which will be rounded down to the closest whole number) of Common Stock to be issued upon such conversion shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the outstanding the outstanding Principal Amount and, at the election of the Company, all accrued but unpaid interest thereon (calculated through the date that is not more than seven (7) days prior to the IPO Closing Date), by (y) the IPO Conversion Price. Accrued interest which is not converted into Common Stock in accordance with the provisions hereof, shall be paid to Holder as soon as practicable following the IPO Conversion.

 

7.4         IPO Ancillary Agreements. In connection with the IPO Conversion, Holder agrees to execute and deliver to the Company such documents and agreements as may be reasonably be requested by the Company and/or its underwriter, including, without limitation, a lockup agreement.”

 

3.         Miscellaneous.

 

(a)         Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Attorney Fees. The parties hereto agree that this Amendment will be governed by and construed under the internal laws of the State of California, as applicable to agreements made and to be performed in such state, without regard to principles of conflicts of law. The parties hereto agree that any dispute arising in connection with the interpretation or validity of, or otherwise arising out of, this Amendment, will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the California State and Federal Courts in and for Santa Clara County, California. The parties hereto hereby agree to submit to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue of such courts and agree that process may be served in the manner provided herein for the giving of notices or otherwise as allowed by applicable law. Each party hereto waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any action so brought and waives any bond, surety, or other security that might be required of any other party hereto with respect thereto. In the event that any action, suit or other proceeding is instituted concerning or arising out of this Amendment or any transaction contemplated hereunder, the prevailing party shall recover all of such party’s costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in each such action, suit or other proceeding, including any and all appeals or petitions therefrom.

 

(b)         Headings. The headings and captions used in this Amendment are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Amendment. All references in this Amendment to Sections shall, unless otherwise provided, refer to Sections hereof.

 

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(c)         Amendments and Waivers. No amendment or modification of this Amendment shall be deemed effective unless made in writing and signed by the Company and the Requisite Holders.

 

(d)         Entire Agreement. The Note Purchase Agreement and the Bridge Notes, as supplemented and modified by this Amendment, contain the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter thereof and amend, restate and supersede all prior and contemporaneous arrangements or understandings with respect thereto, including, without limitation, any agreement or instrument executed by and between the Company and Investor prior to or following the date hereof.

 

(e)         Reference to the Agreement. Upon the effectiveness of this Amendment, on and after the date hereof, each reference in the Note Purchase Agreement, and the Bridge Notes to “this Agreement,” “this Note,” “the Bridge Notes,” “hereunder,” “hereof,” “herein” or words of like import, shall mean and be a reference to the Note Purchase Agreement or the Bridge Notes, as applicable, as amended hereby and as may be further amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions thereof.

 

(f)         Severability. To the extent that any provision of this Amendment or any paragraph, term, sentence, phrase, clause or word of this Amendment shall be found to be void, illegal or unenforceable for any reason (and not subject to further appeal), (i) the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be unimpaired and shall remain in full force and effect, and (ii) the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or term shall be replaced by a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of such invalid or unenforceable term or provision.

 

(g)         Further Assurances. The parties to this Amendment will execute such further documents and perform such further acts as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the intent of this Amendment.

 

(h)        Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.

 

[Remainder of Page Left Blank Intentionally]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment Agreement as of the date set forth in the first paragraph hereof.

 

Company: TIVIC HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.,
  a Delaware corporation
   
  By:    
  Name: Jennifer Ernst
  Title: Chief Executive Officer

 

INVESTORS:

 

If Investor is a Corporation, Partnership or Other Entity:   If Investor is an Individual:
     
Name of Entity   Print Name of Individual
     
Signature of Authorized Person   Signature of Individual
     
Print Name of Authorized Person   Print Name of Individual (If more than one signatory)
     
Title   Signature of Additional Individual (If more than one signatory)

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDMENT AGREEMENT]

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

   

We consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Amendment No. 2 to Form S-1 of our report dated May 14, 2021 except for the change in par value of convertible preferred and common stock referenced in Note 1, as to which the date is July 2, 2021, and except for the reverse stock split described in Note 2, as to which the date is September 9, 2021, relating to the financial statements of Tivic Health Systems, Inc. (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph that describes the substantial doubt about Tivic Health Systems, Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern) appearing in this Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

 

We also consent to the reference to us under the caption “Experts” in the Registration Statement.

 

/s/ Rosenberg Rich Baker Berman, P.A.

 

Somerset, New Jersey

September 9, 2021