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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): February 3, 2023

 

 

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-40734   86-2049355

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

Shiba Koen Annex 6 f, 1-8, Shiba Koen 3-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 105-0011

(Address of principal executive offices)

+813-6409-6761

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

PONO CAPITAL CORP

643 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligations of the registrant under any of the following provisions.

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of Each Exchange

on Which Registered

Common Stock, $0.000001 par value per share   AWIN   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Redeemable Warrants, each whole warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share   AWINW   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  ☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 


Introductory Note

On February 3, 2023, following the approval at the special meeting of the shareholders of Pono Capital Corp., a Delaware corporation held on January 27, 2023 (the “Special Meeting”), Pono Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub”) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pono Capital Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Pono”), consummated a merger (the “Merger”) with and into AERWINS, Inc. (formerly named AERWINS Technologies Inc.), a Delaware corporation (“AERWINS”) pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger, dated as of September 7, 2022 (as amended on January 19, 2023, the “Merger Agreement”), by and among Pono, Merger Sub, AERWINS, Mehana Equity LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sponsor” or “Purchaser Representative”) in its capacity as the representative of the stockholders of Pono, and Shuhei Komatsu in his capacity as the representative of the stockholders of AERWINS (“Seller Representative”). Accordingly, the Merger Agreement was adopted, and the Merger and other transactions contemplated thereby (collectively, the “Business Combination”) were approved and completed. At the closing on February 3, 2023 of the Business Combination pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into AERWINS with AERWINS surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pono, and Pono changed its name to “AERWINS Technologies Inc.”

 

Item 1.01.

Entry into Material Definitive Agreement.

Merger Agreement and Amendment Thereto

As disclosed under the section titled “The Merger” of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Pono on September 7, 2022, the parties entered into the Merger Agreement, dated as of September 7, 2022, by and among Pono, Merger Sub, Sponsor in its capacity as the representative of the stockholders of Pono, Shuhei Komatsu in his capacity as the representative of the stockholders of AERWINS, and AERWINS. As disclosed in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Pono on January 19, 2023, the parties to the Merger Agreement entered into that certain Amendment No. 1 to the Merger Agreement on January 19, 2023 (the “Amendment”), which provides that instead of seven (7) directors to be appointed to the Pono’s board of directors upon the closing of the Business Combination, the parties will appoint five (5) directors to Pono’s board of directors.

Accordingly, on February 3, 2023 (a) Merger Sub merged with and into AERWINS with AERWINS surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pono, and (b) Pono, which had been formed as a Delaware corporation solely for the purpose of facilitating the Business Combination, changed its name to AERWINS Technologies Inc. Except where context provides otherwise, the term “AERWINS Technologies” refers to AERWINS Technologies, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including AERWINS and after giving effect to the Business Combination and referred to herein as the “Company.”

Item 2.01 of this Current Report discusses the consummation of the Business Combination and events contemplated by the Merger Agreement which took place on February 3, 2023 (the “Closing”), and is incorporated herein by reference.

The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement and Amendment is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement and Amendment, copies of which is included as Exhibits 2.1 and 2.2 hereto, and the terms of which are incorporated by reference.

Lock-up Agreements

In connection with the Business Combination, certain stockholders of AERWINS and certain of AERWINS’ officers and directors (such stockholders, the “Company Holders”) entered into a lock-up agreement (theLock-up Agreement”) pursuant to which they will be contractually restricted, during the Lock-up Period (as defined below), from selling or transferring any of (i) their shares of AERWINS common stock held


immediately following the Closing and (ii) any of their shares of AERWINS common stock that result from converting securities held immediately following the Closing (the “Lock-up Shares”). The “Lock-up Period” means the period commencing at Closing and end the earliest of: (a) six months from the Closing (or, in the case of Shuhei Komatsu, AERWINS’ Chief Executive Officer, thirty months from the Closing), (b) the date the Company consummates a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction with an unaffiliated third party that results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of common stock for cash, securities or other property and (c) the date on which the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations and the like) for any twenty (20) trading days within any thirty (30) trading day period commencing at least one hundred and fifty (150) days after the Closing; provided that 1/3 of such restricted shares shall be released from such restrictions if the closing stock price of the Company’s common stock reaches each of $13.00, $15.00, and $17.00.

The Sponsor is subject to a lock-up pursuant to a letter agreement (the “Sponsor Lock-up Agreement”), entered into at the time of the IPO (as defined below), among Pono, the Sponsor and the other parties thereto, pursuant to which the Sponsor is subject to a lock-up beginning on the Closing and end the earliest of: (a) six months from the Closing, (b) the date the Company consummates a liquidation, merger, share exchange or other similar transaction with an unaffiliated third party that results in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares of the Company’s common stock for cash, securities or other property and (c) the date on which the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations and recapitalizations and the like) for any twenty (20) trading days within any thirty (30) trading day period commencing at least one hundred and fifty (150) days after the Closing; provided that 1/3 of such restricted shares shall be released from such restrictions if the closing stock price of the Company’s common stock reaches each of $13.00, $15.00, and $17.00. “IPO” means Pono’s public offering of 10,000,000 units (the “Units”) at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $100,000,000, which was consummated on August 13, 2021.

The foregoing description of the Lock-up Agreement and Sponsor Lock-up Agreement is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Lock-up Agreement and Sponsor Lock-up Agreement, copies of which is included as Exhibits 10.4 and 10.5 hereto, and the terms of which are incorporated by reference.

Indemnification Agreements

On February 7, 2023, AERWINS Technologies entered into indemnification agreements, with each of AERWINS Technologies’ directors containing provisions which are in some respects broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the Delaware General Corporation Law. The indemnification agreements will require AERWINS Technologies, among other things, to indemnify its directors against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.

The foregoing description of the indemnification agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the indemnification agreement, a form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements

Following execution of the Merger Agreement, certain significant stockholders of AERWINS entered into non-competition and non-solicitation agreements (the “Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements”), pursuant to which they agreed not to compete with Pono, AERWINS and their respective subsidiaries during the two-year period following the Closing and, during such two-year restricted period, not to solicit employees or customers or clients of such entities. The Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements also contain customary non-disparagement and confidentiality provisions.

The foregoing description of the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the form of the Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 10.12 hereto, and the terms of which are incorporated by reference.


Registration Rights Agreements

At the Closing of the Business Combination, certain significant stockholders of AERWINS entered into a registration rights agreement with Pono providing for the right to three demand registrations, piggy-back registrations and shelf registrations with respect to the Merger Consideration shares.

The foregoing description of the Registration Rights Agreement is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the form of the Registration Rights Agreement, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 10.3 hereto, and the terms of which are incorporated by reference.

Purchaser Support Agreement

Simultaneously with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the Purchaser Representative entered into a support agreement (the “Purchaser Support Agreement”) in favor of Pono and AERWINS and their present and future successors and subsidiaries. In the Purchaser Support Agreement, the Purchaser Representative agreed to vote all equity interests in Pono in favor of the Merger Agreement and related transactions and to take certain other actions in support of the Merger Agreement and related transactions. The Purchaser Support Agreement also prevents the Purchaser Representative from transferring its voting rights with respect to equity interests in Pono or otherwise transferring equity interests in Pono prior to the meeting of Pono’s stockholders to approve the Merger Agreement and related transactions, except for certain permitted transfers.

The foregoing description of the Purchaser Support Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Purchaser Support Agreement, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.6 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

Voting Agreement

Simultaneously with the execution of the Merger Agreement, certain stockholders of AERWINS entered into a voting agreement (the “Voting Agreement”) in favor of Pono and AERWINS and their present and future successors and subsidiaries. In the Voting Agreement for certain stockholders of AERWINS, they each agreed to vote all of their AERWINS stock interests in favor of the Merger Agreement and related transactions and to take certain other actions in support of the Merger Agreement and related transactions. The Voting Agreement also prevents them from transferring their voting rights with respect to their AERWINS stock or otherwise transferring their AERWINS stock prior to the AERWINS approval of the Merger Agreement and related transactions, except for certain permitted transfers.

The foregoing description of the Voting Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Voting Agreement, a copy of which, or the form of which, is filed as Exhibit 10.7 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

Executive Employment Agreements

On February 3, 2023, the Company entered into employment agreements (the “Employment Agreements”) with executive officers: Shuhei Komatsu (Chief Executive Officer), Taiji Ito (Global Markets Executive Officer), Kazuo Miura (Chief Product Officer) and Kensuke Okabe (Chief Financial Officer).

The Employment Agreements all provide for at-will employment that may be terminated by the Company for death or disability and with or without cause, by the executive with or without good reason, or mutually terminated by the parties. The Employment Agreements for Mr. Komatsu, Mr. Ito, Mr. Miura, and Mr. Okabe provide for a severance payment equal to the remaining base salary for the remaining period of the respective term of employment (each term is one (1) year) upon termination by the Company without cause or termination by such executive for good reason. The executive agreements provide for a base salary of $200,000, $200,000, $200,000 and $200,000 for Mr. Komatsu, Mr. Ito, Ms. Miura and Mr. Okabe, respectively, as well as possible annual performance bonuses and equity grants under the equity incentive plan if and when determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee.

This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the employment agreements, which are included as Exhibits 10.8, 10.9, 10.10 and 10.11 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.


Option Award Agreements

On February 3, 2023, the Company entered into Option Award Agreements (the “Option Award Agreements”) with executive officers: Shuhei Komatsu (Chief Executive Officer), Taiji Ito (Global Markets Executive Officer), Kazuo Miura (Chief Product Officer) and Kensuke Okabe (Chief Financial Officer).

The Option Award Agreements grants to each of the following persons options to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock, to vest as set forth in the Option Award Agreements, as follows:

 

   

Shuhei Komatsu - 1,525,196 options at an exercise price of $0.00015 per share of common stock

 

   

Taiji Ito - 703,937 options at an exercise price of $0.00015 per share of common stock

 

   

Kazuo Miura - 739,916 options at an exercise price of $0.00015 per share of common stock

 

   

Kensuke Okabe - 469,291 options at an exercise price of $0.00015 per share of common stock

This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the Option Award Agreements, which are included as Exhibits 10.13, 10.14, 10.15 and 10.16 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Stock Purchase Agreement

On February 2, 2023, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement (the “Agreement”) with AERWINS, Inc., and certain investors (collectively referred to herein as the “Purchasers”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Purchasers agreed to purchase an aggregate 3,196,311 shares of common stock (the “Shares”) of AERWINS, Inc. which was immediately exchanged for 5,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company (the “Company Shares”) upon the consummation of the Business Combination in exchange for an aggregate sum of $5,000,000.00 (the “Purchase Price”) with the Purchase Price being paid to AERWINS, Inc. prior to the closing of the Business Combination (the “Closing”). Effective immediately prior to the Closing, AERWINS, Inc. issued the Shares to the Purchasers and thereafter immediately upon the Closing, the Shares were exchanged for the Company Shares, and the Company Shares were issued as a registered issuance of securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to an effective registration filed by the Company on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-268625) which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 13, 2023.

The foregoing is a summary description of certain terms of the Agreement. For a full description of all terms, please refer to the copy of the Agreement that is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.17 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Standby Equity Purchase Agreement

On January 23, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), Pono entered into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (the “SEPA”) with YA II PN, Ltd., (“YA”). The Company and its successors will be able to sell up to one hundred million dollars in aggregate gross purchase price of the Company’s shares of common stock, par value $0.000001 per share (the “Common Shares”) at the Company’s request any time during the 36 months following the date of the SEPA’s entrance into force. The shares would be purchased at 96% or 97% (depending on the type of notice) of the Market Price (as defined below) and would be subject to certain limitations, including that YA could not purchase any shares that would result in it owning more than 4.99% of the Company’s common stock. “Market Price” shall mean the lowest daily VWAP of the Common Shares during the three consecutive trading days commencing on the advance notice date, other than the daily VWAP on any excluded days. “VWAP” means, for any trading day, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for such trading day on the principal market during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P.

Pursuant to the SEPA, the Company is required to register all shares which YA may acquire. The Company agreed to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Registration Statement (as defined in the SEPA) registering all of the shares of common stock that are to be offered and sold to YA pursuant to the SEPA. The Company is required to have a Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC before it can raise any funds using the SEPA. The Company may not issue more than 19.99% of its shares issued and outstanding as of the Effective Date without first receiving shareholder approval for such issuances, unless such additional shares may be issued consistent with the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market. Pursuant to the SEPA, the use of proceeds from the sale


of the shares by the Company to YA shall be used by the Company in the manner as will be set forth in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement (and any post-effective amendment thereto) and any prospectus supplement thereto filed pursuant to the SEPA. There are no other restrictions on future financing transactions. The SEPA does not contain any right of first refusal, participation rights, penalties or liquidated damages. The Company has paid YA Global II SPV, LLC, a subsidiary of YA, a structuring fee in the amount of $15,000, and, on the Effective Date, the Company agreed to issue to YA shares with aggregate value equal to one million dollars, as a commitment fee.

YA has agreed that neither it nor any of its affiliates shall engage in any short-selling or hedging of our common stock during any time prior to the public disclosure of the SEPA. Unless earlier terminated as provided under the SEPA, the SEPA shall terminate automatically on the earliest of (i) the first day of the month next following the 36-month anniversary of the Effective Date or (ii) the date on which the YA shall have made payment of Advances (as defined in the SEPA) pursuant to the SEPA for the Common Shares equal to the Commitment Amount (as defined in the SEPA).

The foregoing is a summary description of certain terms of the SEPA. For a full description of all terms, please refer to the copy of the SEPA that is filed herewith as Exhibits 10.18 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.01.

Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

The disclosure set forth in the “Introductory Note” and “Merger Agreement and Amendment Thereto” above is incorporated into this Item 2.01 by reference.

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the total consideration for the Business Combination and related transactions (the “Merger Consideration”) was approximately $600 million. In connection with the Special Meeting, holders of 11,328,988 shares of Pono common stock sold in its initial public offering exercised their right to redeem those shares for cash prior to the redemption deadline of January 25, 2023, at a price of $10.50 per share, for an aggregate payment from Pono’s trust account of approximately $118.9 million. Effective February 3, 2023, Pono’s units ceased trading, and effective February 6, 2023, AERWINS Technologies’ common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “AWIN” and the warrants began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “AWINW.”

After taking into account the aggregate payment in respect of the redemption, Pono’s trust account had a balance immediately prior to the Closing of $1,795,996.77. Such balance in the trust account was used to pay transaction expenses and other liabilities of Pono, pay certain transaction expenses of AERWINS, with the remaining being deposited in AERWINS cash account.

As discussed in the Introductory Note above, in connection with the Business Combination, a warrant holder of AERWINS received 469,291 shares of AERWINS Technologies’ common stock as Merger Consideration as set forth in the Merger Agreement. The Merger Consideration will be subject to a post-Closing true up 90 days after the Closing.

As a result of the Merger and the Business Combination, holders of Pono common stock automatically received common stock of AERWINS Technologies, and holders of Pono warrants automatically received warrants of AERWINS Technologies with substantively identical terms. At the Closing of the Business Combination, all shares of Pono owned by the Sponsor (consisting of shares of Class A common stock and shares of Class B common stock), which we refer to as the founder shares, automatically converted into an equal number of shares of AERWINS Technologies’ common stock, and Private Placement Warrants held by the Sponsor, automatically converted into warrants to purchase one share of AERWINS Technologies common stock with substantively identical terms.

As of the Closing: public stockholders own approximately 0.3% of the outstanding shares of AERWINS Technologies common stock; the Sponsor and its affiliates own approximately 6.7% of the outstanding shares of AERWINS Technologies common stock and AERWINS’s former security holders collectively own approximately 93.0% of the outstanding shares of AERWINS Technologies common stock.


FORM 10 INFORMATION

Item 2.01(f) of Form 8-K states that if the predecessor registrant was a shell company, as Pono was immediately before the Business Combination, then the registrant must disclose the information that would be required if the registrant were filing a general form for registration of securities on Form 10. Accordingly, AERWINS Technologies is providing the information below that would be included in a Form 10 if AERWINS Technologies were to file a Form 10. Please note that the information provided below relates to AERWINS Technologies as the combined company after the consummation of the Business Combination, unless otherwise specifically indicated or the context otherwise requires.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Current Report on Form 8-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimated,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “outlook” or words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding AERWINS Technologies’ industry and market sizes, future opportunities for AERWINS Technologies and AERWINS Technologies’ estimated future results. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

In addition to factors previously disclosed in prior reports filed with the SEC, including the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: a delay or failure to realize the expected benefits from the Business Combination; risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to AERWINS Technologies; risks related to AERWINS Technologies’ limited operating history, the roll-out of AERWINS Technologies’ business and the timing of expected business milestones; AERWINS Technologies’ ability to implement its business plan and scale its business, which includes the extent of market reception and adoption of Air Mobility Vehicles (“AMVs”) as transportation and logistics solutions, navigating a new and evolving regulatory environment for AMVs, timely fulfillment of product orders, the ability to produce safe, high-quality and cost-effective AMVs on an ongoing basis, the performance of our AMVs relative to customer expectations and customers’ interest in and demand for our manned AMVs and air mobility solutions, and building a well-recognized and respected brand; AERWINS Technologies’ potential profit margin from sales of AMVs; AERWINS Technologies’ ability to formulate, implement and modify as necessary effective sales, marketing, and strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth; AERWINS Technologies’ ability to expand internationally; the viability of AERWINS Technologies’ intellectual property and intellectual property created in the future; acceptance by the marketplace of the products that AERWINS Technologies markets; government regulations and AERWINS Technologies’ ability to obtain applicable regulatory approvals and comply with government regulations, including under the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration, and the risk that AERWINS Technologies may not be able to develop and maintain effective internal controls.

Actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially, and potentially adversely, from any projections and forward-looking statements and the assumptions on which those forward-looking statements are based. There can be no assurance that the data contained herein is reflective of future performance to any degree. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a predictor of future performance as projected financial information and other information are based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to various significant risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. All information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof in the case of information about AERWINS Technologies or the date of such information in the case of information from persons other than AERWINS Technologies, and AERWINS Technologies disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K. Forecasts and estimates regarding AERWINS Technologies’ industry and end markets are based on sources AERWINS Technologies believes to be reliable, however there can be no assurance these forecasts and estimates will prove accurate in whole or in part. Annualized, pro forma, projected and estimated numbers are used for illustrative purposes only, are not forecasts and may not reflect actual results.


Business

The business of AERWINS is described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “Information About AERWINS” and that information is incorporated herein by reference.

Risk Factors

The risks associated with AERWINS Technologies are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “Risk Factors,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

Financial Information

The disclosure contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the sections titled “Selected Historical Financial Information of AERWINS” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of AERWINS” are incorporated by reference herein.

The audited financial statements of AERWINS for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, together with the notes thereto, are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 beginning on page F-51, and are incorporated herein by reference. The unaudited financial statements of AERWINS for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, together with the notes thereto, included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 beginning on page F-77, are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements are included as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

Properties

The facilities of AERWINS Technologies are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “Information About AERWINS - Facilities,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The disclosure contained under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of AERWINS” in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 is incorporated herein by reference.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of AERWINS Technologies’ common stock upon the completion of the Business Combination by:

 

   

each person known by AERWINS Technologies to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of AERWINS Technologies’ common stock;

 

   

each of AERWINS Technologies’ officers and directors;

 

   

all executive officers and directors of AERWINS Technologies.

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options and warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.

In the table below, percentage ownership is based on 55,726,752 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 3, 2023, including 51,929,065 shares issued as Merger Consideration, and reflects the valid redemption of 11,328,988 shares of Class A common stock by public stockholders of Pono. The table below includes the common stock underlying the Private Placement Warrants held or to be held by Sponsor because these securities exercisable within


sixty (60) days. This table also assumes that there are no other issuances of equity securities in connection with the Closing, including equity awards that may be issued under the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan following the Business Combination.

Unless otherwise indicated, AERWINS Technologies believes that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the following entities or individuals is c/o of the Company at Shiba Koen Annex 6 f, 1-8, Shiba Koen 3-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 105-0011.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owners†

   Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned
     % of Class(1)  

Directors and Executive Officers

     

Shuhei Komatsu(2)

     15,187,425        26.53

Kensuke Okabe(3)

     469,291      *

Taiji Ito(4)

     703,937      1.25

Kazuo Miura(5)

     807,970        1.43

Mike K. Sayama

     15,000        *

Steve Iwamura

     15,000        *

Marehiko Yamada

     —          —  

All named executive officers and directors as a group 7 persons

     17,198,623        30.09

Greater than 5% Holders:

     

Mehana Equity LLC (the Sponsor)(6)

     3,989,806        7.09

Dustin Shindo(6)

     3,989,806        7.09

Shuhei Komatsu(2)

     15,187,425        26.53

 

*

Less than 1.0%

(1)

Percentages are based on 55,726,752 shares of AERWINS Technologies’ common stock outstanding following the consummation of the Business Combination.

(2)

Includes 1,525,196 shares of common stock underlying options held by Shuhei Komatsu.

(3)

Includes 469,291 shares of common stock underlying options held by Kensuke Okabe.

(4)

Includes 703,937 shares of common stock underlying options held by Taiji Ito.

(5)

Includes 739,916 shares of common stock underlying options held by Kazuo Miura.

(6)

Mehana Equity LLC, the Sponsor, is the record holder of the securities reported herein. Dustin Shindo, our Chairman, is the managing member of the Sponsor. By virtue of this relationship, Mr. Shindo may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the securities held of record by the Sponsor. Mr. Shindo disclaims any such beneficial ownership except to the extent of his pecuniary interest. These shares include (i) 391,256 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants held by Mehana Equity LLC (ii) 129,375 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants held by Mehana Capital LLC (iii) 3,296,675 shares held by Mehana Equity LLC and (iv) 172,500 shares held by Mehana Capital, LLC.

Directors and Executive Officers

AERWINS Technologies’ directors and executive officers after the Closing are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “Management After the Business Combination,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

Executive Compensation

The compensation of the named executive officers of Pono before the Business Combination is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “Pono’s Management,” which is incorporated herein by reference. The compensation of the named executive officers of AERWINS before the Business Combination is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “Executive and Director Compensation of AERWINS”, which is incorporated herein by reference.


The information set forth in this Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 5.02 is incorporated in this Item 2.01 by reference.

At the Special Meeting, Pono’s shareholders approved the AERWINS Technologies Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). A description of the material terms of the Plan is set forth in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 titled “The Incentive Plan Proposal (Proposal 6),” which is incorporated herein by reference. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Plan, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The certain relationships and related party transactions of Pono and AERWINS are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and are incorporated herein by reference.

Reference is made to the disclosure regarding director independence in the section of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 titled “Management After the Business Combination - Director Independence,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

The information set forth under Item 5.02 “Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers” of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated into this Item 2.01 by reference.

The information set forth in the section titled “Registration Rights Agreements” in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K are incorporated herein by reference.

Legal Proceedings

Reference is made to the disclosure regarding legal proceedings in the sections of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 titled “Information About Pono - Legal Proceedings,” and “Information about AERWINS - Legal Proceedings” which are incorporated herein by reference.

Market Price of and Dividends on the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

AERWINS Technologies’ common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “AWIN” and its warrants began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “AWINW” on February 6, 2023. Pono has not paid any cash dividends on its common stock to date. The payment of cash dividends by AERWINS Technologies in the future will be dependent upon AERWINS Technologies’ revenues and earnings, if any, capital requirements and general financial condition subsequent to completion of the Business Combination. The payment of any dividends subsequent to the Business Combination will be within the discretion of the board of directors of AERWINS Technologies.

Information regarding Pono’s common stock, rights and units and related stockholder matters are described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “Description of Securities of New Pono Capital” and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Reference is made to the disclosure set forth under Item 3.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K concerning the issuance of AERWINS Technologies’ common stock in connection with the Business Combination, which is incorporated herein by reference.


Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered

The description of AERWINS Technologies’ securities is contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the sections titled “Description of Securities of New Pono Capital.”

Indemnification of Directors and Officers

The description of the indemnification arrangements with AERWINS Technologies’ directors and officers is contained in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “Pono’s Management - Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors” and the disclosure under Item 1.01 “Entry into Material Definitive Agreement-Indemnification Agreements” of this Current Report on Form 8-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information set forth under Item 9.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Financial Statements and Exhibits

The information set forth under Item 9.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.02.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

The information contained above in Item 1.01 is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02. In the SEPA, YA represented that, among other things, it is an institutional “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a)(3) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The securities referred to in this Current Report on Form 8-K are being issued and sold by the Company to YA in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

At the closing of the Business Combination, the Company issued an aggregate of 150,000 shares of common stock to Boustead Securities, LLC, in partial satisfaction of fees due to them in connection with the Business Combination. Boustead Securities, LLC represented that, it is an institutional “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a)(3) of Regulation D under the Securities Act. The securities referred to in this Current Report on Form 8-K are being issued and sold by the Company to Boustead Securities, LLC in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

Item 3.03.

Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

The shareholders of Pono approved the Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation at the Special Meeting. In connection with the Closing, AERWINS Technologies adopted the Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws effective as of the Closing Date. Reference is made to the disclosure described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “The Charter Amendment Proposals (Proposals 2 Through 4),” which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the disclosure described in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “COMPARISON OF STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS” is incorporated by reference herein.

The full text of the Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws, which are included as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 hereto, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K, are incorporated herein by reference.


Item 5.01.

Changes in Control of Registrant.

Reference is made to the disclosure in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “The Business Combination Proposal (Proposal 1)”, which is incorporated herein by reference. Further reference is made to the information contained in Item 2.01 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

As of the Closing: public stockholders own approximately 0.3% of the outstanding shares of AERWINS Technologies common stock; the Sponsor and its affiliates own approximately 6.7% of the outstanding shares of AERWINS Technologies common stock and AERWINS’ former security holders collectively own approximately 93.0% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock in each case assuming no Private Placement Warrants or Public Warrants are exercised.

 

Item 5.02.

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

Election of Directors and Appointment of Officers

The following persons are serving as executive officers and directors following the Closing. For information concerning the executive officers and directors, see the disclosure in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with


the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the sections titled “Pono’s Management,” and “Management After the Business Combination,” and “Executive and Director Compensation of Aerwins,” which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Name

   Age   

Position(s)

Shuhei Komatsu

   40    Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 

Taiji Ito

   46    Director, Global Markets Executive Officer

Kensuke Okabe

   40    Chief Financial Officer

Kazuo Miura

   61    Chief Product Officer

Steve Iwamura

   64    Independent Director

Mike Sayama

   68    Independent Director

Marehiko Yamada

   49    Independent Director

Each director will hold office until his or her term expires at the next annual meeting of stockholders for such director’s class or until his or her death, resignation, removal or the earlier termination of his or her term of office.

Effective upon Closing, each of Dustin Shindo, Dr. Hank Wuh and Trisha Nomura resigned as officers of Pono. Effective upon Closing, each of Dustin Shindo, Dr. Hank Wu and Kotaro Chiba resigned as directors of Pono.

2022 Equity Incentive Plan

At the Special Meeting, Pono shareholders considered and approved the AERWINS Technologies Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) and reserved an amount of shares of common stock equal to 15% of the number of shares of common stock of AERWINS Technologies following the Business Combination for issuance thereunder. The Plan was approved by the Pono board of directors on January 28, 2023. The Plan became effective immediately upon the Closing of the Business Combination.

A more complete summary of the terms of the Plan is set forth in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the section titled “The Incentive Plan Proposal (Proposal 6).” That summary and the foregoing description are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of the Plan, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

Employment Agreements

On February 3, 2023, the Company entered into employment agreements (the “Employment Agreements”) with executive officers: Shuhei Komatsu (Chief Executive Officer), Taiji Ito (Global Markets Executive Officer), Kazuo Miura (Chief Product Officer) and Kensuke Okabe (Chief Financial Officer).

The Employment Agreements all provide for at-will employment that may be terminated by the Company for death or disability and with or without cause, by the executive with or without good reason, or mutually terminated by the parties. The Employment Agreements for Mr. Komatsu, Mr. Ito, Mr. Miura, and Mr. Okabe provide for a severance payment equal to the remaining base salary for the remaining period of the respective term of employment (each term is one (1) year) upon termination by the Company without cause or termination by such executive for good reason. The executive agreements provide for a base salary of $200,000, $200,000, $200,000 and $200,000 for Mr. Komatsu, Mr. Ito, Ms. Miura and Mr. Okabe, respectively, as well as possible annual performance bonuses and equity grants under the equity incentive plan if and when determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee.

This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the employment agreements, which are included as Exhibits 10.8, 10.9, 10.10 and 10.11 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Option Award Agreements

On February 3, 2023, the Company entered into Option Award Agreements (the “Option Award Agreements”) with executive officers: Shuhei Komatsu (Chief Executive Officer), Taiji Ito (Global Markets Executive Officer), Kazuo Miura (Chief Product Officer) and Kensuke Okabe (Chief Financial Officer).


The Option Award Agreements grants to each of the following persons options to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock, to vest as set forth in the Option Award Agreements, as follows:

 

   

Shuhei Komatsu - 1,525,196 options at an exercise price of $0.00015 per share of common stock

 

   

Taiji Ito - 703,937 options at an exercise price of $0.00015 per share of common stock

 

   

Kazuo Miura - 739,916 options at an exercise price of $0.00015 per share of common stock

 

   

Kensuke Okabe - 469,291 options at an exercise price of $0.00015 per share of common stock

This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the Option Award Agreements, which are included as Exhibits 10.13, 10.14, 10.15 and 10.16 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.03.

Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

The information set forth in Item 3.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.03.

 

Item 5.05.

Amendments to the Registrant’s Code of Ethics, or Waiver of a Provision of the Code of Ethics.

On February 3, 2023, the Company adopted a new Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of its employees, officers and directors, including its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other executive and senior financial officers. The full text of AERWINS Technologies’ Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available in Exhibit 14.1 filed hereto. In addition, a copy of the Code of Ethics will be provided without charge upon request to us in writing at Shiba Koen Annex 6 f, 1-8, Shiba Koen 3-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 105-0011.

The adoption of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics did not relate to or result in any waiver, explicit or implicit, of any provision of the previous Code of Conduct. Any waivers under the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be disclosed on a Current Report on Form 8-K or as otherwise permitted by the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq (or other stock exchange on which AERWINS Technologies’ securities are then listed).

 

Item 5.06.

Change in Shell Company Status.

As a result of the Business Combination, Pono ceased being a shell company. Reference is made to the disclosure in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus field with the SEC on January 13, 2023 in the sections titled “The Business Combination Proposal (Proposal 1)”, which is incorporated herein by reference. The information contained in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.06.

 

Item 7.01

Regulation FD Disclosure.

On February 3, 2023, the Company issued a press release announcing the consummation of the Business Combination. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01

Other Events.

The Company’s common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “AWIN” and the public warrants are listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “AWINW.”

 

Item 9.01.

Financial Statement and Exhibits.

(a) Financial statements of businesses acquired.

The audited financial statements of AERWINS for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, together with the notes thereto, are included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 beginning on page F-51, are incorporated herein by reference. The unaudited financial statements of AERWINS for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, together with the notes thereto, included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus filed with the SEC on January 13, 2023 beginning on page F-77, are incorporated herein by reference.

(b) Pro forma financial information.

Information responsive to Item 9.01(b) of Form 8-K is set forth in the unaudited pro forma financial statements, included which are filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.


(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Description

  2.1†   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 7, 2022, by and among Pono Capital Corp., Pono Merger Sub, Inc. and AERWINS Technologies Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed by Pono Capital Corp. with the SEC on September 7, 2022).
  2.2   Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated January 19, 2023, by and among the Pono Capital Corp., Mehana Equity LLC, as Purchaser Representative, AERWINS Inc. and Shuhei Komatsu, as Seller Representative (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Pono Capital Corp. with the SEC on January 19, 2023).
  3.1*   Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of AERWINS Technologies Inc.
  3.2*   Amended and Restated Bylaws of AERWINS Technologies Inc.
  4.1   Warrant Agreement, dated August 10, 2021, by and between Pono Capital Corp. and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed by Pono Capital Corp. on August 16, 2021).
  4.2   Specimen Unit Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed by Pono Capital Corp. on July 8, 2021).
  4.3   Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed by Pono Capital Corp. on July 8, 2021).
  4.4   Specimen Warrant Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed by Pono Capital Corp. with the SEC on July 8, 2021).
10.1+   Form of AERWINS Technologies Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex C to the proxy statement/prospectus which is part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Pono Capital Corp. with the SEC on January 4, 2023).
10.2*   Form of Indemnity Agreement.
10.3   Form of Registration Rights Agreement by certain AERWINS equity holders (included as Exhibit E to Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus which is part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Pono Capital Corp. with the SEC on January 4, 2023).
10.4   Form of Lockup by certain AERWINS equity holders (included as Exhibit C to Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus which is part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Pono Capital Corp. with the SEC on January 4, 2023).
10.5   Letter Agreement, dated August 10, 2021, by and among Pono Capital Corp., its officers, directors, and Mehana Equity LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed by Pono Capital Corp. on August 16, 2021).
10.6   Purchaser Support Agreement. (incorporated by reference to 10.4 to Form 8-K filed by Pono Capital Corp. with the SEC on September 7, 2022).
10.7   Voting Agreement. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Form 8-K filed by Pono Capital Corp. with the SEC on September 7, 2022).
10.8*+   Employment Agreement between AERWINS Technologies Inc. and Shuhei Komatsu, dated February 3, 2023.
10.9*+   Employment Agreement between AERWINS Technologies Inc. and Taiji Ito, dated February 3, 2023.
10.10*+   Employment Agreement between AERWINS Technologies Inc. and Kazuo Miura, dated February 3, 2023.
10.11*+   Employment Agreement between AERWINS Technologies Inc. and Kensuke Okabe, dated February 3, 2023.
10.12   Form of Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement (included as Exhibit D to Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus which is part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by Pono Capital Corp. with the SEC on January 4, 2023).
10.13*+   Option Award Agreement between AERWINS Technologies Inc. and Shuhei Komatsu, dated February 3, 2023
10.14*+   Option Award Agreement between AERWINS Technologies Inc. and Taiji Ito, dated February 3, 2023.
10.15*+   Option Award Agreement between AERWINS Technologies Inc. and Kazuo Miura, dated February 3, 2023.
10.16*+   Option Award Agreement between AERWINS Technologies Inc. and Kensuke Okabe, dated February 3, 2023.
10.17   Form of Subscription Agreement dated February 2, 2023. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed by AERWINS Technologies Inc. on February 3, 2023).


10.18    Standby Equity Purchase Agreement dated January 23, 2023 with YA II PN, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed by Pono Capital Corp. on January 23, 2023).
14.1*    Code of Ethics.
21.1*    Subsidiaries of the Registrant
99.1*    Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.
99.2    Press Release (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K filed by AERWINS Technologies Inc. with the SEC on February 3, 2023).

 

*

Filed herewith

+

Indicates a management or compensatory plan.

Schedules to this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Registration S-K. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any omitted schedules to the SEC upon request.


SIGNATURES

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

 

    AERWINS Technologies Inc.
Dated: February 9, 2023     By:  

/s/ Shuhei Komatsu

      Shuhei Komatsu
      Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 3.1

 

  

Delaware

The First State

   Page 1

I, JEFFREY W. BULLOCK, SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THE ATTACHED IS A TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF THE RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF “PONO CAPITAL CORP”, CHANGING ITS NAME FROM “PONO CAPITAL CORP” TO “AERWINS TECHNOLOGIES INC.”, FILED IN THIS OFFICE ON THE THIRD DAY OF FEBRUARY, A.D. 2023, AT 2:56 O`CLOCK P.M.

 

  LOGO    LOGO
5087776 8100    Authentication: 202641318
SR# 20230370484    Date: 02-03-23
You may verify this certificate online at corp.delaware.gov/authver.shtml   


State of Delaware

Secretary of State

Division of Corporations

Delivered 02:56 PM 02/03/2023

FILED 02:56 PM 02/03/2023

SR 20230370484 - File Number 5087776

  

 

FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

PONO CAPITAL CORP

Pono Capital Corp (the “Corporation”) a corporation organized and existing under the Delaware General Corporation Law, hereby certifies as follows:

FIRST: The name of the corporation is Pono Capital Corp.

SECOND: The date of filing of the original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware is February 12, 2021 (the “Original Certificate”).

THIRD: The Original Certificate was amended and restated in its entirety by the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 15,2021 (the “Second Certificate”).

FOURTH: The Second Certificate was amended and restated in its entirety by the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 9, 2021 (the “Third Certificate”).

FIFTH: This Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation amends and restates the Third Certificate in its entirety.

SIXTH: This Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been duly approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation on January 26, 2023 and by the stockholders of the Corporation on January 27, 2023, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 141,228,242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

SEVENTH: the Third Certificate is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to provide as follows:

Section 1. Name. The name of the corporation is AERWINS Technologies Inc. (the “Corporation”).

Section 2. Registered Office and Agent. The name and address of the registered agent of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is Corporate Creations Network Inc., 3411 Silverside Road Tatnall Building #104, Wilmington, DE 19810, New Castle County, or such other agent and address as the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) shall from time to time select.

 

1


Section 3. Purpose and Business. The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), including, but not limited to the following:

 

  (a)

The conduct of the following business activities:

 

  (i)

Research, development, manufacturing, sales, rental and maintenance of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles;

 

  (ii)

Photographing, survey, inspection, pesticide spraying, and disaster observation using manned vehicles;

 

  (iii)

Research, development, manufacture, sale, rental and management of software and systems;

 

  (iv)

Planning, production and operation of media and content;

 

  (v)

Services related to virtual currencies and other electromagnetic value information;

 

  (vi)

Various seminars, performances, planning, operation and sales of educational institutions;

 

  (vii)

Research, development, manufacturing, sales, rental, export/import and maintenance of various products and software;

 

  (viii)

Projects related to Drone racing planning and management; and

 

  (ix)

Consulting services related to the preceding items and all incidental and related services.

 

  (b)

The Corporation may at any time exercise such rights, privileges, and powers, when not inconsistent with the purposes and object for which this Corporation is organized.

 

  (c)

The Corporation shall have the power to have succession by its corporate name in perpetuity, or until dissolved and its affairs wound up according to law.

 

  (d)

The Corporation shall have the power to sue and be sued in any court of law or equity.

 

  (e)

The Corporation shall have the power to make contracts.

 

  (f)

The Corporation shall have the power to hold, purchase and convey real and personal estate and to mortgage or lease any such real and personal estate with its franchises. The power to hold real and personal estate shall include the power to take the same by devise or bequest in the State of Delaware, or in any other state, territory or country.

 

  (g)

The Corporation shall have the power to appoint such officers and agents as the affairs of the Corporation shall require and allow them suitable compensation.

 

  (h)

The Corporation shall have the power to make bylaws not inconsistent with the constitution or laws of the United States, or of the State of Delaware, for the management, regulation and government of its affairs and property, the transfer of its stock, the transaction of its business and the calling and holding of meetings of stockholders.

 

  (i)

The Corporation shall have the power to wind up and dissolve itself, or be wound up or dissolved.

 

2


  (j)

The Corporation shall have the power to adopt and use a common seal or stamp, or to not use such seal or stamp and if one is used, to alter the same. The use of a seal or stamp by the Corporation on any corporate documents is not necessary. The Corporation may use a seal or stamp, if it desires, but such use or non-use shall not in any way affect the legality of the document.

 

  (k)

The Corporation shall have the power to borrow money and contract debts when necessary for the transaction of its business, or for the exercise of its corporate rights, privileges or franchises, or for any other lawful purpose of its incorporation; to issue bonds, promissory notes, bills of exchange, debentures and other obligations and evidence of indebtedness, payable at a specified time or times, or payable upon the happening of a specified event or events, whether secured by mortgage, pledge or otherwise, or unsecured, for money borrowed, or in payment for property purchased, or acquired, or for another lawful object.

 

  (1)

The Corporation shall have the power to guarantee, purchase, hold, sell, assign, transfer, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of the shares of the capital stock of, or any bonds, securities or evidence in indebtedness created by any other corporation or corporations in the State of Delaware, or any other state or government and, while the owner of such stock, bonds, securities or evidence of indebtedness, to exercise all the rights, powers and privileges of ownership, including the right to vote, if any.

 

  (m)

The Corporation shall have the power to purchase, hold, sell and transfer shares of its own capital stock and use therefore its capital, capital surplus, surplus or other property or fund.

 

  (n)

The Corporation shall have the power to conduct business, have one or more offices and hold, purchase, mortgage and convey real and personal property in the State of Delaware and in any of the several states, territories, possessions and dependencies of the United States, the District of Columbia and in any foreign country.

 

  (o)

The Corporation shall have the power to do all and everything necessary and proper for the accomplishment of the objects enumerated in its this Fourth Amended Certificate of Incorporation (this “Fourth Amended Certificate”), or any amendments thereof, or necessary or incidental to the protection and benefit of the Corporation and, in general, to carry on any lawful business necessary or incidental to the attainment of the purposes of the Corporation, whether or not such business is similar in nature to the purposes set forth in this Fourth Amended Certificate, or any amendment thereof.

 

  (p)

The Corporation shall have the power to make donations for the public welfare or for charitable, scientific or educational purposes.

 

  (q)

The Corporation shall have the power to enter partnerships, general or limited, or joint ventures, in connection with any lawful activities.

Section 4. Capital Stock.

 

  (a)

Classes and Number of Shares. The total number of shares of all classes of stock, which the Corporation shall have authority to issue shall be Four Hundred Million (400,000,000) shares of common stock, par value of $0.000001 per share (the “Common Stock”) and Twenty Million (20,000,000) shares of preferred stock, par value of $0.000001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”). The shares of Common Stock that were classified as Class A Common Stock in the Third Certificate are hereby classified as Common Stock hereunder.

 

3


  (b)

Powers and Rights of Common Stock.

 

  (i)

Preemptive Right. No shareholders of the Corporation holding Common Stock shall have any preemptive or other right to subscribe for any additional unissued or treasury shares of stock or for other securities of any class, or for rights, warrants or options to purchase stock, or for scrip, or for securities of any kind convertible into stock or carrying stock purchase warrants or privileges unless so authorized by the Corporation.

 

  (ii)

Voting Rights and Powers. With respect to all matters upon which stockholders are entitled to vote or to which stockholders are entitled to give consent, the holders of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock shall be entitled to cast thereon one (1) vote in person or by proxy for each share of the Common Stock standing in his/her name.

 

  (iii)

Dividends and Distributions.

 

  (A)

Cash Dividends. Subject to the rights of holders of Preferred Stock, holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such cash dividends as may be declared thereon by the Board from time to time out of assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefore; and

 

  (B)

Other Dividends and Distributions. The Board may issue shares of the Common Stock in the form of a distribution or distributions pursuant to a stock dividend or split-up of the shares of the Common Stock.

 

  (iv)

Other Rights. Except as otherwise required by the DGCL and as may otherwise be provided in this Fourth Amended Certificate, each share of the Common Stock shall have identical powers, preferences and rights, including rights in liquidation.

 

  (c)

Classes of Preferred Stock. The powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions pertaining to the Preferred Stock, or any series thereof, shall be such as may be fixed, from time to time, by the Board in its sole discretion, authority to do so being hereby expressly vested in the Board. The authority of the Board with respect to each such series of Preferred Stock will include, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the determination of any or all of the following:

 

  (i)

The number of shares of any series and the designation to distinguish the shares of such series from the shares of all other series;

 

  (ii)

the voting powers, if any, of the shares of such series and whether such voting powers are full or limited;

 

  (iii)

the redemption provisions, if any, applicable to such series, including the redemption price or prices to be paid;

 

  (iv)

whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or noncumulative, the dividend rate or rates of such series and the dates and preferences of dividends on such series;

 

4


  (v)

the rights of such series upon the voluntary or involuntary dissolution of, or upon any distribution of the assets of, the Corporation;

 

  (vi)

the provisions, if any, pursuant to which the shares of such series are convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes or of any other series of the same or any other class or classes of stock, or any other security, of the Corporation or any other corporation or other entity, and the rates or other determinants of conversion or exchange applicable thereto;

 

  (vii)

the right, if any, to subscribe for or to purchase any securities of the Corporation or any other corporation or other entity;

 

  (viii)

the provisions, if any, of a sinking fund applicable to such series; and

 

  (ix)

any other relative, participating, optional or other powers, preferences or rights, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of such series.

 

  (d)

Issuance of the Common Stock and the Preferred Stock. The Board may from time to time authorize by resolution the issuance of any or all shares of the Common Stock and the Preferred Stock herein authorized in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Fourth Amended Certificate for such purposes, in such amounts, to such persons, corporations, or entities, for such consideration and in the case of the Preferred Stock, in one or more series, all as the Board in its discretion may determine and without any vote or other action by the stockholders, except as otherwise required by law. The Board, from time to time, also may authorize, by resolution, options, warrants and other rights convertible into Common or Preferred stock (collectively “securities”). The securities must be issued for such consideration, including cash, property, or services, as the Board may deem appropriate, subject to the requirement that the value of such consideration be no less than the par value of the shares issued. Any shares issued for which the consideration so fixed has been paid or delivered shall be fully paid stock and the holder of such shares shall not be liable for any further call or assessment or any other payment thereon, provided that the actual value of such consideration is not less that the par value of the shares so issued. The Board may issue shares of the Common Stock in the form of a distribution or distributions pursuant to a stock dividend or split-up of the shares of the Common Stock only to the then holders of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock.

 

  (e)

Cumulative Voting. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, there shall be no cumulative voting on any matter brought to a vote of stockholders of the Corporation.

 

  (f)

One Class. Except as otherwise required by the DGCL, this Fourth Amended Certificate, or any designation for a class of Preferred Stock (which may provide that an alternate vote is required), (i) all shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Corporation; and (ii) the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of all outstanding shares of voting stock entitled to vote in connection with the applicable matter shall be required for approval of such matter.

 

5


  (g)

Section 242(b)(2) Election. For the avoidance of doubt, the intent of Section 4(f) is, and the operation of Section 4(f) shall be, that, without limitation, (i) 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 Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL, with no vote of any holders of a particular class of stock, voting as a separate class, being required; and (ii) unless otherwise set forth in a certificate of designations for the applicable class of Preferred Stock, the number of authorized shares of any class 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 Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL, with no vote of any holders of a particular class of stock, voting as a separate class, being required.

Section 5. Adoption of Bylaws. In the furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute and subject to Section 6, the Board is expressly authorized to adopt, repeal, rescind, alter or amend in any respect the bylaws of the Corporation (the “Bylaws”).

Section 6. Shareholder Amendment of Bylaws. Notwithstanding Section 5, the Bylaws may also be adopted, repealed, rescinded, altered or amended in any respect by the stockholders of the Corporation, but only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all outstanding shares of voting stock, regardless of class and voting together as a single voting class.

Section 7. Board of Directors.

 

  (a)

The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by and under the direction of the Board.

 

  (b)

The number of directors of the Corporation, other than those who may be elected by the holders of one or more series of the Preferred Stock voting separately by class or series, shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by the Board pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the Board.

 

  (c)

Subject to Section 7(h), the Board shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible and designated Class I, Class II and Class III. The Board is authorized to assign members of the Board already in office to Class I, Class II or Class III. The term of the initial Class I Directors shall expire at the first annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation following the effectiveness of this Fourth Amended Certificate, the term of the initial Class II Directors shall expire at the second annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation following the effectiveness of this Fourth Amended Certificate and the term of the initial Class III Directors shall expire at the third annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation following the effectiveness of this Fourth Amended Certificate. At each succeeding annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, beginning with the first annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation following the effectiveness of this Fourth Amended Certificate, each of the successors elected to replace the class of directors whose term expires at that annual meeting shall be elected for a three-year term or until the election and qualification of their respective successors in office, subject to their earlier death, resignation or removal. Subject to Section 7(h), if the number of directors that constitutes the Board is changed, any increase or decrease shall be apportioned by the Board among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, but in no case shall a decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board shorten the term of any incumbent director. Subject to the rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock, voting separately by class or series, to elect

 

6


  directors pursuant to the terms of one or more series of Preferred Stock, the election of directors shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote thereon. The Board is hereby expressly authorized, by resolution or resolutions thereof, to assign members of the Board already in office to the aforesaid classes at the time this Fourth Amended Certificate (and therefore such classification) becomes effective in accordance with the DGCL.

 

  (d)

Subject to Section 7(h), a director shall hold office until the annual meeting for the year in which his or her term expires and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, subject, however, to such director’s earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.

 

  (e)

Unless and except to the extent that the Bylaws shall so require, the election of directors need not be by written ballot. The holders of shares of Common Stock shall not have cumulative voting rights with regard to election of directors.

 

  (f)

Subject to Section 7(h), newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancies on the Board resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal or other cause may be filled solely and exclusively by a majority vote of the remaining directors then in office, even if less than a quorum or by a sole remaining director (and not by stockholders), and any director so chosen shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors to which the new directorship was added or in which the vacancy occurred and until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, subject, however, to such director’s earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal.

 

  (g)

Subject to Section 7(h) and except as otherwise provided for by this Fourth Amended Certificate, any or all of the directors may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the voting power of all then issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class (on an as converted to Class A Common Stock basis).

 

  (h)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 7, and except as otherwise required by law, whenever the holders of one or more series of the Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting separately by class or series, to elect one or more directors, the term of office, the filling of vacancies, the removal from office and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of such series of the Preferred Stock as set forth in this Amended and Restated Certificate (including any Preferred Stock Designation) and such directors shall not be included in any of the classes created pursuant to this Section 7 unless expressly provided by such terms.

 

  (i)

A quorum for the transaction of business by the directors shall be set forth in the Bylaws.

Section 8. Powers of Board.

 

  (a)

In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws of the DGCL, the Board is expressly authorized and empowered:

 

  (i)

To make, alter, amend, and repeal the Bylaws;

 

7


  (ii)

Subject to the applicable provisions of the Bylaws then in effect, to determine, from time to time, whether and to what extent, and at what times and places, and under what conditions and regulations, the accounts and books of the Corporation, or any of them, shall be open to stockholder inspection, provided that no stockholder shall have any right to inspect any of the accounts, books or documents of the Corporation, except as permitted by law, unless and until authorized to do so by resolution of the Board or of the stockholders of the Corporation;

 

  (iii)

To authorize and issue, without stockholder consent, obligations of the Corporation, secured and unsecured, under such terms and conditions as the Board, in its sole discretion, may determine, and to pledge or mortgage, as security therefore, any real or personal property of the Corporation, including after-acquired property;

 

  (iv)

To determine whether any and, if so, what part of the earned surplus of the Corporation shall be paid in dividends to the stockholders, and to direct and determine other use and disposition of any such earned surplus;

 

  (v)

To fix, from time to time, the amount of the profits of the Corporation to be reserved as working capital or for any other lawful purpose;

 

  (vi)

To establish bonus, profit-sharing, stock option, or other types of incentive compensation plans for the employees, including officers and directors, of the Corporation, and to fix the amount of profits to be shared or distributed, and to determine the persons to participate in any such plans and the amount of their respective participations;

 

  (vii)

to designate, by resolution or resolutions passed by a majority of the whole Board, one or more committees, each consisting of two or more directors, which, to the extent permitted by law and authorized by the resolution or the Bylaws, shall have and may exercise the powers of the Board; and

 

  (viii)

To provide for the reasonable compensation of its own members by Bylaw, and to fix the terms and conditions upon which such compensation will be paid.

 

  (b)

In addition to the powers and authority hereinbefore, or by statute, expressly conferred upon it, the Board may exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, subject, nevertheless, to the provisions of the laws of the State of Delaware, of this Fourth Amended Certificate, and of the Bylaws of the Corporation.

Section 9. Interested Directors. No contract or transaction between this Corporation and any of its directors, or between this Corporation and any other corporation, firm, association, or other legal entity shall be invalidated by reason of the fact that the director of the Corporation has a direct or indirect interest, pecuniary or otherwise, in such corporation, firm, association, or legal entity, or because the interested director was present at the meeting of the Board which acted upon or in reference to such contract or transaction, or because he participated in such action, provided that: (1) the interest of each such director shall have been disclosed to or known by the Board and a disinterested majority of the Board shall have, nonetheless, ratified and approved such contract or transaction (such interested director or directors may be counted in determining whether a quorum is present for the meeting at which such ratification or approval is given); or (2) the conditions of DGCL Title 8, Section 144 are met.

 

8


Section 10. Stockholder Action. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effective at a duly called annual meeting or at a special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, unless such action requiring or permitting stockholder approval is approved by a majority of the directors, in which case such action may be authorized or taken by the written consent of the holders of outstanding shares of voting stock having not less than the minimum voting power that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting of stockholders at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted, provided all other requirements of applicable law and this Fourth Amended Certificate have been satisfied.

Section 11. Special Stockholder Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by a majority of the Board. Special meetings may not be called by any other person or persons. Each special meeting shall be held at such date and time as is requested by Board, within the limits fixed by law.

Section 12. Location of Stockholder Meetings. Meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be held within or without the State of Delaware, as the Bylaws may provide. The books of the Corporation may be kept (subject to any provision of the DGCL) outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board or in the Bylaws.

Section 13. Private Property of Stockholders. The private property of the stockholders shall not be subject to the payment of corporate debts to any extent whatever and the stockholders shall not be personally liable for the payment of the Corporation’s debts.

Section 14. Amendments. The Corporation reserves the right to adopt, repeal, rescind, alter or amend in any respect any provision contained in this Fourth Amended Certificate in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by applicable law and all rights conferred on stockholders herein granted subject to this reservation.

Section 15. Term of Existence. The Corporation is to have perpetual existence.

Section 16. Liability of Directors. No director of this Corporation shall have personal liability to the Corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officers involving any act or omission of any such director or officer. The foregoing provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or, which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under applicable sections of the DGCL, (iv) the payment of dividends in violation of the DGCL or, (v) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Any repeal or modification of this Section 16 by the stockholders of the Corporation shall be prospective only and shall not adversely affect any limitation on the personal liability of a director or officer of the Corporation for acts or omissions prior to such repeal or modification.

Section 17. Indemnification.

 

  (a)

Indemnification in Actions, Suits or Proceedings other than Those by or in the Right of the Corporation. Subject to Section 17(c) and Section 17(j), the Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL and applicable Delaware law as in effect at any time, indemnify, hold harmless and defend any person who: (i) was or is a director or officer of the Corporation or was or is a director or officer of a direct or

 

9


  indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, and (ii) was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or was or is otherwise directly involved in (including as a witness), 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 such person was or is a director or officer of the Corporation or any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, or was or is serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, partner, member or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity or in any other capacity, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person 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 such person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea or nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person 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 such person’s conduct was unlawful.

 

  (b)

Indemnification in Actions, Suits or Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation. Subject to Section 17 (c) and Section 17(j), the Corporation shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend any person who: (i) was or is a director or officer of the Corporation or was or is a director or officer of a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, and (ii) was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to, or was or is otherwise directly involved in (including as a witness), 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 such person was or is a director or officer of the Corporation or any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, or was or is serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, partner, member or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, and whether the basis of such action, suit or proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity or in any other capacity, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation; except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Courts in the State of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court in the State of Delaware or such other court shall deem proper.

 

10


  (c)

Authorization of Indemnification. Any indemnification or defense under this Section 17 (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 17(a) or Section 17(b), as the case may be. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination: (i) by directors constituting a majority of the Board and who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum (the “Board Voting Majority”), or (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by the Board Voting Majority, even though less than a quorum, or (iii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (iv) by the stockholders. Such determination shall be made, with respect to former directors and officers, by any person or persons having the authority to act on the matter on behalf of the Corporation. To the extent, however, that a present or former director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding set forth in Section 17(a) or Section 17(b) or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith, without the necessity of authorization in the specific case.

 

  (d)

Good Faith Defined. For purposes of any determination under Section 17(c), a person shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, to have had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful, if such person’s action is based on good faith reliance on the records or books of account of the Corporation or another enterprise, or on information supplied to such person by the officers of the Corporation or another enterprise in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Corporation or another enterprise or on information or records given or reports made to the Corporation or another enterprise by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by the Corporation or another enterprise. The term “another enterprise” as used in this Section 17(d) shall mean any other corporation or any partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise of which such person was or is serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, partner, member or agent. The provisions of this Section 17(d) shall not be deemed to be exclusive or to limit in any way the circumstances in which a person may be deemed to have met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 17(a) or Section 17(b), as the case maybe.

 

  (e)

Expenses Payable in Advance. Expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by a current or former director or officer in defending any action, suit or proceeding described in Section 17(a) or Section 17(b) shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in this Section 17.

 

  (f)

Non-exclusivity of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The indemnification, defense and advancement of expenses provided by or granted pursuant to this Section 17 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under the Certificate, any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, it being the policy of the Corporation that indemnification

 

11


  of the persons specified in Section 17(a) or Section 17(b) shall be made to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. The provisions of this Section 17 shall not be deemed to preclude the indemnification of, or advancement of expenses to, any person who is not specified in Section 17(a) or Section 17(b) but whom the Corporation has the power or obligation to indemnify under the provisions of the DGCL or otherwise.

 

  (g)

Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who was or is a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, or was or is serving at the request of the Corporation, as a director, officer, employee, partner, member or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power or the obligation to indemnify, hold harmless or defend such person against such liability under the provisions of this Section 17.

 

  (h)

Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Section 17 references to the “Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents so that any person who was or is a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or was or is serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee, partner, member or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under the provisions of this Section 17 with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued. For purposes of this Section 17, references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect of any employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in this Section 17.

 

  (i)

Survival of Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. The indemnification, defense and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Section 17 shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

  (j)

Limitation on Indemnification. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 17 to the contrary, except for proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification and defense under this Section 17 (which shall be governed by Section 17(k)(ii)), the Corporation shall not be obligated under this Section 17 to indemnify, hold harmless or defend any director, officer, employee or agent in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person unless such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 17 to the contrary, the prevailing party shall not be entitled to recover from the other party reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the prosecution or defense of such action to the extent that such fees, costs and expenses relate to “internal corporate claims” as defined in Section 109(b) of the DGCL

 

 

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  (k)

Contract Rights.

 

  (i)

The obligations of the Corporation under this Section 17 to indemnify, hold harmless and defend a person who was or is a director or officer of the Corporation or was or is a director or officer of a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, including the duty to advance expenses, shall be considered a contract between the Corporation and such person, and no modification or repeal of any provision of this Section 17 shall affect, to the detriment of such person, such obligations of the Corporation in connection with a claim based on any act or failure to act occurring before such modification or repeal.

 

  (ii)

If a claim under Section 17(a), Section 17(b) or Section 17(e) is not paid in full by the Corporation within 90 days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be 45 days, the person making such claim may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, if successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, such person shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (i) any suit brought by such person to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by such person to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense, and (ii) in any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that such person has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the DGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel or its Stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of such person is proper in the circumstances because such person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel or its Stockholders) that such person has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that such person has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by such person, be a defense to such suit.

 

  (1)

Indemnification Agreements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Corporation shall have the express authority to enter into such agreements as the Board deems appropriate for the indemnification of present or future directors and officers of the Corporation in connection with their service to, or status with, the Corporation or any other corporation, entity or enterprise with whom such person is serving at the express written request of the Corporation.

 

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Section 18. Forum: Consent to Jurisdiction: Severability.

 

  (a)

Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (the “Court of Chancery”) shall, to the fullest extent provided by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for any stockholder (including a beneficial owner) to bring (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, its directors, officers or employees arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or this Amended and Restated Certificate or the Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against the Corporation, its directors, officers or employees governed by the internal affairs doctrine and, if brought outside of Delaware, the stockholder bringing the suit will be deemed to have consented to service of process on such stockholder’s counsel, except for, as to each of (i) through (iv) above, any claim (A) as to which the Court of Chancery determines that there is an indispensable party not subject to the jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery (and the indispensable party does not consent to the personal jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery within ten days following such determination), (B) which is vested in the exclusive jurisdiction of a court or forum other than the Court of Chancery, or (C) for which the Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction, as to which the Court of Chancery and the U.S. federal district court for the District of Delaware shall have concurrent jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 18(a) will not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the rules and regulations thereunder or any other claim for which the U.S. federal district courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the U.S. federal district courts shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, against the Corporation or any director, officer, other employee or agent of the Corporation. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any security of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Section 18(a).

 

  (b)

Consent to Jurisdiction. If any action the subject matter of which is within the scope of Section 18(a) immediately above is filed in a court other than a court located within the State of Delaware (a “Foreign Action”) in the name of any stockholder, such stockholder shall be deemed to have consented to (i) the personal jurisdiction of the state and U.S. federal district courts located within the State of Delaware in connection with any action brought in any such court to enforce Section 18( a) (an “FSC Enforcement Action”) and (ii) having service of process made upon such stockholder in any such FSC Enforcement Action by service upon such stockholder’s counsel in the Foreign Action as agent for such stockholder.

 

  (c)

Severability. If any provision or provisions of this Section 18 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 Section 18 (including, without limitation, each portion of any sentence of this Section 18 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. 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 Section 18.

 

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Section 19. Corporate Opportunity. To the extent allowed by law, the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any other analogous doctrine, shall not apply with respect to the Corporation or any of its officers or directors, or any of their respective affiliates, in circumstances where the application of any such doctrine would conflict with any fiduciary duties or contractual obligations they may have as of the date of this Fourth Amended Certificate or in the future, and the Corporation renounces any expectancy that any of the directors or officers of the Corporation will offer any such corporate opportunity of which he or she may become aware to the Corporation, except, the doctrine of corporate opportunity shall apply with respect to any of the directors or officers of the Corporation with respect to a corporate opportunity that was offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation and (i) such opportunity is one the Corporation is legally and contractually permitted to undertake and would otherwise be reasonable for the Corporation to pursue and (ii) the director or officer is permitted to refer that opportunity to the Corporation without violating any legal obligation.

Section 20. Headings. The headings contained herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Fourth Amended Certificate and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Fourth Amended Certificate as of February 3, 2023.

 

Pono Capital Corp
By:  

/s/ Dustin Shindo

Name:   Dustin Shindo
Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 

15

Exhibit 3.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS

Of

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

(formerly known as Pono Capital Corp)

a Delaware corporation

Adopted February 3, 2023

 

1.

Offices. AERWINS Technologies Inc. (the “Corporation”) may have an office or offices, and keep the books and records of the Corporation, except as may otherwise be required by applicable law, at such other place or places, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the Board may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

 

2.

Meetings of Stockholders.

 

  2.1.

Annual Meetings. The annual meetings of stockholders for the election of directors and for such other business as may be stated in the notice of the meeting shall be held at such time and date and place as the Board, by resolution, shall determine and as set forth in the notice of the meeting and shall be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware. If the date of the annual meeting shall fall upon a legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next succeeding business day.

 

  2.2.

Deferred Meeting for Election of Directors, etc. If the annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of other business is not held within the time specified in Section 2.1, the Board shall call a special meeting of stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of other business as soon thereafter as convenient.

 

  2.3.

Other Special Meetings. A special meeting of stockholders (other than a special meeting for the election of directors), unless otherwise prescribed by statute, may only be called by the Board and may be called at any time by the Board. At any special meeting of stockholders, only such business may be transacted as is related to the purpose(s) of such meeting set forth in the notice thereof given pursuant to Section 2.5 or in any waiver of notice thereof given pursuant to Section 2.6.

 

  2.4.

Fixing Record Date. For the purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or for the purpose of determining 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, in advance, a date as of the record date for any such determination of stockholders. Such date shall not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other action. If no such record date is fixed:

 

  (a)

The record date for the determination of 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 no 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;

 

  (b)

The record date for determining stockholders entitled to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board is necessary, shall be the day on which the first written consent is expressed;


  (c)

The record date for determining stockholders for any purpose other than those specified in Sections 2.4(a) and Section 2.4(b) shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.

When a determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of stockholders has been made as provided in this Section 2.4, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof, unless the Board fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

  2.5.

Notice of Meetings of Stockholders; Location. Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.4 and Section 2.6, whenever under any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law (as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time, and including any successor provision thereto, the “DGCL”), the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (as the same may be amended, supplemented and/or restated from time to time, the “Certificate”) or these Bylaws, stockholders are required or permitted to take any action at a meeting, written notice shall be given stating the place, date and hour of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose(s) for which the meeting is called. Except as otherwise provided by any provision of the DGCL, a copy of the notice of any meeting shall be given, personally or by mail, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting, to each stockholder entitled to notice of, or to vote at, such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. An affidavit of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or of the transfer agent of the Corporation that the notice required by this Section 2.5 has been given shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken and, at the adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting originally called. If, however, the adjournment is for more than 60 days or if, after the adjournment, a new record date 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 meeting. The Board may designate the place of meeting for any meeting of Stockholders. If no designation is made by the Board, the place of meeting shall be the principal executive offices of the Corporation. The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as authorized by the DGCL

 

  2.6.

Waivers of Notice. Whenever notice is required to be given to the stockholders under any provision of the DGCL, or the Certificate or these Bylaws, a written waiver thereof, signed by a stockholder entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a stockholder at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the stockholder 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.

 

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  2.7.

Quorum of Stockholders; Adjournment; Postponement. The holders of a majority of the voting power, present, in person or represented by proxy, shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business at such meeting, except where otherwise provided by any provision of the DGCL. When a quorum is once present to organize a meeting of stockholders, it is not broken by the subsequent withdrawal of any stockholders. The Chairman, or the holders of a majority of the shares of stock present in person or represented by proxy at any meeting of stockholders, including an adjournment meeting, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn such meeting to another time and place. Any previously scheduled meeting of stockholders may be postponed, and any previously scheduled special meeting of Stockholders may be canceled, by the Board upon public notice given prior to the time previously scheduled for such meeting of stockholders.

 

  2.8.

Voting; Proxies.

 

  (a)

Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate, every stockholder of record shall be entitled at every meeting of stockholders to one vote for each share of capital stock standing in his name on the record of stockholders determined in accordance with Section 2.4. If the Certificate provides for more or less than one vote for any share on any matter, every reference in these Bylaws or any provision of the DGCL, to a majority or other proportion of stock shall refer to such majority or other proportion of the votes of such stock. The provisions of the DGCL shall apply in determining whether any shares of capital stock may be voted and the persons, if any entitled to vote such shares, but the Corporation shall be protected in treating the persons in whose names shares of capital stock stand on the record of stockholders as owners thereof for all purposes.

 

  (b)

In any uncontested election of directors, each person receiving a majority of the votes cast shall be deemed elected. For purposes of this paragraph, a ‘majority of the votes cast’ shall mean that the number of votes cast ‘for’ a director must exceed the number of votes cast ‘against’ that director (with ‘abstentions’ and ‘broker non-votes’ not counted as a vote cast with respect to that director). In any contested election of directors, the persons receiving a plurality of the votes cast, up to the number of directors to be elected in such election, shall be deemed elected. The Board may, but need not, establish policies and procedures regarding the nomination, election and resignation of directors, which policies and procedures may: (i) include a condition to nomination by the Board for election or re-election as a director that an individual agree to tender, if elected or re-elected, an irrevocable offer of resignation conditioned on: (A) failing to receive the required vote for re-election at the next meeting at which such person would face re-election and (B) acceptance of the resignation by the Board, (ii) require: (A) if one exists, the Corporation’s nominating and governance committee or other committee designated by the Board (the “Nominating and Governance Committee”) to make a recommendation to the Board on whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be taken and (B) the Board to act on the Nominating and Governance Committee’s recommendation and publicly disclose its decision and the rationale behind it within 90 days, to the extent practicable, from the date of the certification of the election results. A “contested election” is one in which: (i) the Secretary receives a notice that a Stockholder has nominated a person for election to the Board in compliance with the advance notice requirements for stockholder nominees for director

 

3


  set forth in Section and (ii) such nomination has not been withdrawn by such stockholder on or before the 10th day before the Corporation first mails its notice of meeting for such meeting to the stockholders. An “uncontested election” is any election other than a contested election. All elections of directors shall be by written ballot unless otherwise provided in the Certificate.

 

  (c)

As to each matter submitted to a vote of the stockholders (other than the election of directors), except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate or by these Bylaws, such matter shall be decided by a majority of the votes cast on such matter.

 

  (d)

In voting on any other question on which a vote by ballot is required by law, the voting shall be by ballot. Each ballot shall be signed by the stockholder voting or by his proxy and shall state the number of shares voted. Every stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person(s) to act for him by proxy. Any proxy to be used at a meeting of stockholders must be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation or his or her representative at the principal executive offices of the Corporation at or before the time of the meeting. The validity and enforceability of any proxy shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the DGCL. The Chairman shall fix and announce at the meeting the date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at the meeting.

 

  2.9.

Nomination of Directors. Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws shall be eligible for election as directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only (a) by or at the direction of the Board or (b) by any stockholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors at a meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in Section 2.10

 

  2.10.

Notices of Business or Nominations for Director.

 

  (a)

For director nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting of stockholders by a stockholder, a stockholder’s notice must include the following information and/or documents, as applicable: (A) the name and address of the stockholder giving the notice, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of the beneficial owner of stock of the Corporation, if any, on whose behalf such nomination or proposal of other business is made (such beneficial owner, the “Beneficial Owner”); (B) representations that, as of the date of delivery of such notice, such stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation and is entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at such meeting to propose and vote for such nomination and any such other business; (C) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director (a “Stockholder Nominee”): (1) all information relating to such Stockholder Nominee that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended from time to time, the “Exchange Act”) or any successor provision thereto, including such Stockholder Nominee’s written consent to being

 

4


  named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected and to being named in the Corporation’s proxy statement and form of proxy if the Corporation so determines, (2) a statement whether such Stockholder Nominee, if elected, intends to tender, promptly following such Stockholder Nominee’s election or re-election, an irrevocable offer of resignation effective upon such Stockholder Nominee’s failure to receive the required vote for re-election at the next meeting at which such Stockholder Nominee would face re-election and upon acceptance of such resignation by the Board; and (3) such other information as may be reasonably requested by the Corporation; (D) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting: (1) a brief description of such business, (2) the text of the proposal (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, if such business includes a proposal to amend these Bylaws, the text of the proposed amendment) and (3) the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting; and (E) in all cases: (1) the name of each individual, firm, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust or other entity (including any successor thereto, a “Person”) with whom the stockholder, any Beneficial Owner, any Stockholder Nominee and the respective affiliates and associates (as defined under Regulation 12B under the Exchange Act or any successor provision thereto) of such stockholder, Beneficial Owner and/or Stockholder Nominee (each of the foregoing, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Stockholder, Beneficial Owner and/or Stockholder Nominee, a “Stockholder Group Member”) either is acting in concert with respect to the Corporation or has any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether written or oral) for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except pursuant to a revocable proxy given to such Person in response to a public proxy solicitation made generally by such Person to all holders of common stock of the Corporation) or disposing of any capital stock of the Corporation or to cooperate in obtaining, changing or influencing the control of the Corporation (except independent financial, legal and other advisors acting in the ordinary course of their respective businesses) (each Person described in this clause (1), including each Stockholder Group Member, a “Covered Person”), and a description, and, if in writing, a copy, of each such agreement, arrangement or understanding, (2) a list of the class, series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation that are beneficially owned or owned of record by each Covered Person, together with documentary evidence of such record or beneficial ownership, (3) a list of all derivative securities (as defined in Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act or any successor provision thereto) and other derivatives or similar arrangements to which any Covered Person is a counterparty and relating to any shares of capital stock of the Corporation, a description of all economic terms of all such derivative securities and other derivatives or similar arrangements and copies of all agreements and other documents relating to each of such derivative securities and other derivatives or similar arrangements, (4) a list of all transactions by any Covered Person involving any shares of capital stock of the Corporation or any derivative securities (as defined under Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act or any successor provision thereto) or other derivatives or similar arrangements related to any shares of capital stock of the Corporation entered into or consummated within 60 days prior to the date of such notice, (5) details of all other material interests of each Covered Person in such nomination or proposal or shares of capital stock of the Corporation (including any rights to dividends or performance-related fees based on any increase or decrease in the value of such shares of capital stock) and (6) a representation as to whether any

 

5


  Covered Person intends or is part of a group which intends to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to, in the case of a nomination or nominations, at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock reasonably believed by the Covered Person to be sufficient to elect the nominee or nominees proposed to be nominated by the stockholder and, in the case of a proposal, holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to elect any Stockholder Nominee or approve such proposal (such representation, the “Solicitation Representation”).

 

  (b)

A notice delivered by or on behalf of any Stockholder under this Section 2.10 shall be deemed to be not in compliance with this Section 2.10 and not be effective if: (x) such notice does not include all of the information, documents and representations required under this Section 2.10, (y) after delivery of such notice, any information or document required to be included in such notice changes or is amended, modified or supplemented, as applicable, prior to the date of the relevant meeting and such information and/or document is not delivered to the Corporation by way of a further written notice as promptly as practicable following the event causing such change in information or amendment, modification or supplement, as applicable, and in any case where such event occurs within 45 days of the date of the relevant meeting, within five business days after such event or (z) any Covered Person does not act in accordance with the representation set forth in the Solicitation Representation; provided, however, that the Board shall have the authority to waive any such non-compliance if the Board determines that such action is appropriate in the exercise of its fiduciary duties.

 

  (c)

Notwithstanding Section 2.10(b), in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board is increased effective at the next annual meeting and there is no Public Announcement (as defined below) specifying the size of the increased Board made by the Corporation at least 100 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 2.10 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it is delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such Public Announcement is first made by the Corporation and such notice otherwise complies with the requirements of this Section 2.10. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days, or delayed by more than 90 days, from such anniversary date, or if no annual meeting was held in the preceding year, notice by a stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting and the 10th day following the day on which the Public Announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Corporation. In no event shall the Public Announcement of an adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a Stockholder’s notice as described in this Section 2.10.

 

6


  (d)

“Public Announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, Section 14 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act or any document delivered to all Stockholders (including any quarterly income statement).

 

  2.11.

Selection and Duties of Inspectors at Meeting of Stockholders. The Board, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, may appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If inspectors are not so appointed, the person presiding at such meeting may and, on the request of any stockholder entitled to vote thereat shall, appoint one or more inspectors. In case any person appointed fails to appear or act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the Board in advance of the meeting or at the meeting by the person presiding thereat. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector at such meeting with strict impartiality and according to the best of his ability. The inspector(s) shall determine the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each, the shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a quorum, the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, determine the result, and shall do such acts as are proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders. On the request of the person presiding at the meeting or any stockholder entitled to vote thereat, the inspector(s) shall make a report in writing of any challenge, question or matter determined by him or them and execute a certificate of any fact found by him or them. Any report or certificate made by the inspector(s) shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated and of the vote as certified by him or them.

 

  2.12.

Organization. At every meeting of stockholders, the Chief Executive Officer or, in the absence of the Chief Executive Officer, a President or a Vice President, and in case more than one Vice President shall be present, that Vice President designated by the Board (or in the absence of any such designation, the most senior Vice President, based on age, present) shall act as chairman of the meeting. In case none of the officers above designated to act as chairman or secretary of the meeting, respectively, shall be present, a chairman or a secretary of the meeting, as the case may be, may be chosen by a majority of the voting power present at such meeting, which includes the voting power which is present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

  2.13.

Order of Business. The order of business at all meetings of stockholders shall be as determined by the chairman of the meeting, but the order of business to be followed at any meeting at which a quorum is present may be changed by a majority of the votes cast at such meeting by the holders of shares of capital stock present, in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

  2.14.

Action Without Meeting. Unless otherwise provided by the Certificate or these Bylaws, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken is signed by the stockholders holding at least a majority of the voting power, except that if a different proportion of voting power is required for such action at a meeting, then that proportion of written consents is

 

7


  required. Every written consent shall bear the date of signature of each stockholder who signs the consent and no written consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within 60 days of the date the earliest dated consent is delivered to the Corporation, a written consent or consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take action are delivered to the Corporation in the manner prescribed herein. An electronic transmission consenting to an action to be taken and transmitted by a stockholder or proxyholder, or by a person or persons authorized to act for a stockholder or proxyholder, shall be deemed to be written, signed and dated for the purposes of this Section 2.14 to the extent permitted by law. Any such consent shall be delivered in accordance with the DGCL. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing or electronic transmission and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date of such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of stockholders or members to take the action were delivered to the Corporation as provided by law.

 

  2.15.

Copies, Etc. Any copy, facsimile or other reliable reproduction of a consent in writing may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing for any and all purposes for which the original writing could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing

 

3.

Directors.

 

  3.1.

Number and Term. Except as provided by any provision of the DGCL, the number of directors shall initially be one (1) or such other number of persons as the majority of the full Board, by resolution, may from time to time determine. The directors shall, except for filling vacancies (whether resulting from an increase in the number of directors, resignations, removals or otherwise), be elected at the annual meeting of the stockholders and each director shall be elected to serve until his successor is elected and qualifies. Directors need not be stockholders. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board shall shorten the term of any incumbent director. The members of the Board may elect a chairman of the Board (the “Chairman”) by a vote of a majority vote of all directors (which may include the vote of the person so elected).

 

  3.2.

Resignations. Any director, member of a committee or other officer may resign at any time. Such resignation shall be made in writing and shall take effect at the time specified therein and, if no time be specified, at the time of its receipt by the Chief Executive Officer or Secretary. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

 

  3.3.

Vacancies. Except as may otherwise be provided in connection with rights to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, which may be granted to the holders of any class or series of preferred stock, if the position of any director becomes vacant (whether resulting from an increase in the number of directors, resignations, removals or otherwise), the remaining directors in office, though less than a quorum, by a majority vote, may appoint any qualified person to fill such vacancy, who shall hold office for the unexpired term and until his successor shall be duly chosen.

 

 

8


  3.4.

Removal. Other than with respect to any director(s) who are named by a class of preferred stock of the Corporation, which may be removed and replaced either for or without cause at any time solely by the holders of such class of preferred stock, any director(s) may be removed by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the voting power of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote, at a special meeting of the stockholders called for that purpose and the vacancies thus created may be filled, at the meeting held for the purpose of removal, by the majority affirmative vote of the holders of all of the voting power of the issued and outstanding stock entitled to vote.

 

  3.5.

Increase or Decrease of Number. The number of directors may be increased or decreased only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors, though less than a quorum. Any newly created directorships may be filled in the same manner as a vacancy.

 

  3.6.

Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board, except as otherwise provided by applicable law or by the Certificate. If any such provision is made in the Certificate, the powers and duties imposed upon the Board by applicable law shall be exercised or performed to such extent and by such person or persons as shall be provided in the Certificate. The Board shall exercise all of the powers of the Corporation except such as are by law, or by the Certificate of the Corporation or by these Bylaws, conferred upon or reserved to the stockholders.

 

  3.7.

Conference Call. Members of the Board or any committee designated by such Board may participate in a meeting of the Board or such committee by means of telephone conference or similar communication equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and participation pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall constitute presence at such meeting.

 

  3.8.

Committees. The Board may, by resolution(s) passed by a majority of the whole Board, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one (1) or more of the directors of the Corporation. The Board may designate one 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 any member or such committee or committees, the member or members thereof present at any such meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they 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, but no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to amending the Certificate, adopting an agreement of merger or consolidation, recommending to the stockholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s property and assets, recommending to the stockholders a dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation of a dissolution, or amending these Bylaws of the Corporation and, unless the resolution, these Bylaws or the Certificate expressly so provide, no such committee shall have the power or authority to declare a dividend or to authorize the issuance of stock.

 

9


  3.9.

Meetings. Meetings of the Board, regular or special, may be held at any place within or without the State of Delaware.

 

  (a)

On the day when, and at the place where, the annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors is held, and as soon as practicable thereafter, the Board may hold its annual meeting, without notice of such meeting, for the purposes or organization, election of officers and transaction of other business. The annual meeting of the Board may be held at any other time and place specified in a notice given as provided in this Section 3.9 for special meetings of the Board or in a waiver of notice thereof.

 

  (b)

Regular meetings of the directors may be held without notice at such place and time as shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the directors.

 

  (c)

Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Chief Executive Officer or by the Secretary on the written request of any two or more directors on at least ten (10) days’ notice to each director and shall be held at such place(s) as may be determined by the directors, or as shall be stated in the call of the meeting.

 

  (d)

Anything in these Bylaws or in any resolution adopted by the Board to the contrary notwithstanding, notice of any meeting of the Board need not be given to any director who submits a signed waiver of such notice, whether before or after such meeting, or who attends such meeting without protesting, prior thereto or at its commencement, the lack of notice to him.

 

  3.10.

Quorum. A majority of the directors in office from time to time shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If at any meeting of the Board there shall be less than a quorum present, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is obtained and no further notice thereof need be given, other than by announcement at the meeting which shall be so adjourned.

 

  3.11.

Compensation. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate, the Board shall have the authority to fix the compensation of the directors. The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board and may be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the Board or paid a stated salary or paid other compensation as director. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be allowed compensation for attending committee meetings.

 

  3.12.

Action Without Meeting. 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 a written consent thereto is signed by all members of the Board, or of such committee, as the case may be, and such written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee.

 

  3.13.

Telephone Meeting. Any one or more members of the Board or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of the Board or such committee by means of a telephone conference or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

  3.14.

Annual Report. As soon as practicable after the close of each fiscal year, a report of the business and affairs of the Corporation to the shareholders shall be made under the direction of the Board, unless the Board determines, in its reasonable discretion, that such a report is not reasonably required.

 

10


4.

Officers.

 

  4.1.

Officers. The Board may elect or appoint a Chief Executive Officer and such other officers as it may determine. The Board may designate one or more Vice Presidents as Executive Vice Presidents and may use descriptive words or phrases to designate the standing, seniority or area of special competence of the Vice Presidents elected or appointed by it. Each officer shall hold his office until his successor is elected and qualified or until his earlier death, resignation or removal in the manner provided in Section 4.2. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person. The Board may require any officer to give a bond or other security for the faithful performance of his duties, in such amount and with such sureties as the Board may determine. All officers as between themselves and the Corporation shall have such authority and perform such duties in the management of the Corporation as may be provided in these Bylaws or as the Board may from time to time determine.

 

  4.2.

Removal of Officers. Any officer elected or appointed by the Board may be removed by the Board with or without cause. The removal of an officer without cause shall be without prejudice to his contract rights, if any. The election or appointment of an officer shall not of itself create contract rights.

 

  4.3.

Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by notifying the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary in writing. Such resignation shall take effect at the date of receipt of such notice or at such later time as is therein specified and, unless otherwise specified, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. The resignation of an officer shall be without prejudice to the contract rights of the Corporation, if any.

 

  4.4.

Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or any other cause shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the manner prescribed in these Bylaws for the regular election or appointment to such office.

 

  4.5.

Compensation. Salaries or other compensation of the officers may be fixed from time to time by the Board. No officer shall be prevented from receiving a salary or other compensation by reason of the fact that he is also a director.

 

  4.6.

Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer shall have general supervision and direction of the business and affairs of the Corporation, subject to control of the Board, and shall report directly to the Board, and shall have supervisory responsibility over officers operating and discharging their responsibilities. The Chief Executive Officer shall perform all such other duties which are commonly incident to the capacity of Chief Executive Officer or which are delegated to him or her by the Board.

 

  4.7.

President. The President shall have general supervision and direction of the business and affairs of the Corporation as directed by the Chief Executive Officer. The President may, if present, preside at all meetings of the stockholders. He may, with the Secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary or an Assistant Treasurer, sign certificates for shares of the Corporation. He may sign and execute, in the name of the Corporation, deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts and other instruments, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation, or shall be required by law otherwise to be signed or executed, and, in general, he shall perform all duties incident to the office of President and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board. If there is no President, the Chief Executive Officer shall perform the President’s functions.

 

11


  4.8.

Principal Financial Officer. The Principal Financial Officer shall perform all the powers and duties of the office of the principal financial officer and in general have overall supervision of the financial operations of the Corporation. The Principal Financial Officer shall, when requested, counsel with and advise the other officers of the Corporation and shall perform such other duties as he may agree with the Chief Executive Officer or as the Board may from time to time determine. If there is no Principal Financial Officer, the Chief Executive Officer shall perform the Principal Financial Officer’s functions.

 

  4.9.

Executive Vice Presidents. At the request of the President or, in his absence, at the request of the Board, the Executive Vice Presidents shall (in such order as may be designated by the Board or, in the absence of any such designation, in order of seniority based on age) perform all of the duties of the President and, so acting, shall have all the powers of and be subject to all restrictions upon the President. Any Executive Vice President may also, with the Secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary or an Assistant Treasurer, sign certificates for shares of the Corporation, may sign and execute in the name of the Corporation deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or other instruments authorized by the Board, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation, or shall be required by law otherwise to be signed or executed, and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board or the President.

 

  4.10.

Secretary. The Secretary, if present, shall act as Secretary of all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board and shall keep the minutes thereof in the proper book(s) to be provided for that purpose; he shall see that all notices required to be given by the Corporation are duly given and served; he may, with the Chief Executive Officer or a Vice President, sign certificates for shares of the Corporation; he shall be custodian of the seal of the Corporation, if any, and may seal with the seal of the Corporation or a facsimile thereof, if any, all certificates for shares of capital stock of the Corporation and all documents; he shall have charge of the stock ledger and also of the other books, records and papers of the Corporation relating to its organization and management as a Corporation and shall see that the reports, statements and other documents required by law are properly kept and filed; and shall, in general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer. If there is no Secretary, the Chief Executive Officer shall perform the Secretary’s functions.

 

  4.11.

Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds, securities and notes of the Corporation; receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the Corporation from any sources whatsoever; deposit all such monies in the name of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as shall be selected in accordance with these Bylaws; against proper vouchers, cause such funds to be disbursed by checks or drafts on the authorized depositories of the Corporation signed in such manner as shall be determined in accordance with any provisions of these Bylaws, and be responsible for the accuracy of the amounts of all monies to disbursed; regularly enter or cause to be entered in books to be kept by him or under his direction full and adequate account of all monies received or paid by him for the account of the Corporation; have the right to require,

 

12


  from time to time, reports or statements giving such information as he may desire with respect to any and all financial transactions of the Corporation from the officers or agents transacting the same; render to the Chief Executive Officer or the Board, whenever the Chief Executive Officer or the Board, respectively, shall require him so to do, an account of the financial conditions of the Corporation and of all his transactions as Treasurer; exhibit at all reasonable times his books of account and other records to any of the directors upon application at the office of the Corporation where such books and records are kept; and, in general, perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board; and he may sign with the Chief Executive Officer or a Vice President certificates for shares of the capital stock of the Corporation. If there is no Treasurer, the Chief Executive Officer shall perform the Treasurer’s functions.

 

  4.12.

Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers. Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the Secretary or by the Treasurer, respectively, or by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer. Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers may, with the Chief Executive Officer or a Vice President, sign certificates for shares of the Corporation.

 

  4.13.

Additional Matters. The Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Principal Financial Officer of the Corporation shall have the authority to designate employees of the Corporation to have the title of Vice President, Assistant Vice President, Assistant Treasurer, Assistant Controller or Assistant Secretary. Any employee so designated shall have the powers and duties determined by the officer making such designation. The persons upon whom such titles are conferred shall not be deemed officers of the Corporation unless elected by the Board.

 

5.

Contracts, Checks, Drafts, Bank Accounts, etc.

 

  5.1.

Execution of Contracts. The Board may authorize any officer, employee or agent, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, to enter into any contract or execute and satisfy any instrument, and any such authority may be general or confined to specific instances, or otherwise limited.

 

  5.2.

Loans. The Chief Executive Officer or any other officer, employee or agent authorized by these Bylaws or by the Board may effect loans and advances at any time for the Corporation from any bank, trust company or other institutions or from any firm, corporation or individual and for such loans and advances may make, execute and deliver promissory notes, bonds or other certificates or evidence of indebtedness of the Corporation and, when authorized by the Board to do so, may pledge and hypothecate or transfer any securities or the property of the Corporation as security for any such loans or advances. Such authority conferred by the Board may be general or confined to specific instances or otherwise limited.

 

  5.3.

Checks, Drafts, etc. All checks, drafts and other orders for the payment of money out of the funds of the Corporation and all notes or other evidence of indebtedness of the Corporation shall be signed on behalf of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board.

 

  5.4.

Deposits. The funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the order of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board may select or as may be selected by an officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to whom such power may from time to time be delegated by the Board.

 

13


6.

Stocks and Dividends.

 

  6.1.

Certificates Representing Shares. The shares of the Corporation shall not be certificated unless required by law.

 

  6.2.

Transfer of Shares. Transfers of shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be made only on the books of the Corporation by the holder thereof or by his duly authorized attorney appointed by a power of attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary or a transfer agent of the Corporation and on surrender of any certificate(s) representing such shares of capital stock, if they exist, properly endorsed for transfer and upon payment of all necessary transfer taxes and such other instruments of transfer as requested by the Corporation. A person in whose name shares of capital stock shall stand on the books of the Corporation shall be deemed the owner thereof to receive dividends, to vote as such owner and for all other purposes as respects the Corporation, its stockholders and creditors for any purpose, except to render the transferee liable for the debts of the Corporation to the extent provided by law, until such transfer shall have been entered on the books of the Corporation by an entry showing from and to whom transferred.

 

  6.3.

Registered Stockholders and Addresses of Stockholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its records as the owner of shares of capital stock to receive dividends and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares of capital stock on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by applicable law. Each stockholder shall designate to the Secretary or transfer agent of the Corporation an address at which notices of meetings and all other corporate notices may be given to such person, and, if any stockholder fails to designate such address, corporate notices may be given to such person by mail directed to such person at such person’s post office address, if any, as the same appears on the stock record books of the Corporation or at such person’s last known post office address or as otherwise provided by applicable law.

 

  6.4.

Transfer and Registry Agents. The Corporation may from time to time maintain one or more transfer offices or agents and registry offices or agents at such place(s) as may be determined from time to time by the Board.

 

  6.5.

Lost, Destroyed, Stolen and Mutilated Certificates. The holder of any shares shall immediately notify the Corporation of any loss, destruction, theft or mutilation of the certificate representing such shares and the Corporation may issue a new certificate to replace the certificate alleged to have been lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated. The Board may, in its discretion, as a condition to the issue of any such new certificate, require the owner of the lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated certificate, or his legal representatives, to make proof satisfactory to the Board of such loss, destruction, theft or mutilation and to advertise such fact in such manner as the Board may require, and to give the Corporation and its transfer agents and registrars, or such of them as the Board may require, a bond in such form, in such sums and with such surety or sureties as the Board may direct, to indemnify the Corporation and its transfer agents and registrars against any claim that may be made against any of them on account of the continued existence of any such certificate so alleged to have been lost, destroyed, stolen or mutilated and against any expense in connection with such claim.

 

14


  6.6.

Regulations. The Board may make rules and regulations as it may deem expedient, not inconsistent with these Bylaws or with the Certificate, concerning the issue, transfer and registration of certificates representing shares of its capital stock.

 

  6.7.

Restriction on Transfer of Stock. A written restriction on the transfer or registration of transfer of capital stock of the Corporation, if permitted by the provisions of the DGCL, and noted conspicuously on the certificate representing such capital stock, if such certificate exists, may be enforced against the holder of the restricted capital stock of any successor or transferee of the holder including an executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or other fiduciary entrusted with like responsibility for the person or estate of the holder. Unless noted conspicuously on the certificate representing such capital stock, a restriction, even though permitted by the provisions of the DGCL, as the same may be amended and supplements, shall be ineffective except against a person with actual knowledge of the restriction. A restriction on the transfer or registration of transfer of capital stock of the Corporation may be imposed either by the Certificate or by an agreement among any number of stockholders or among such stockholders and the Corporation. No restriction so imposed shall be binding with respect to capital stock issued prior to the adoption of the restriction unless the holders of such capital stock are parties to an agreement or voted in favor of the restriction. Except to the extent that the Corporation has obtained an opinion of counsel acceptable to the Corporation that transfer restrictions are not required under applicable securities laws, or has otherwise satisfied itself that such transfer restrictions are not required, any certificates representing shares of the Corporation shall bear a legend on the face of the certificate, or on the reverse of the certificate if a reference to the legend is contained on the face, which reads substantially as follows:

THE SECURITIES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND NO INTEREST MAY BE SOLD, DISTRIBUTED, ASSIGNED, OFFERED, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED UNLESS (A) THERE IS AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS COVERING ANY SUCH TRANSACTION INVOLVING SAID SECURITIES, (B) THIS CORPORATION RECEIVES AN OPINION OF LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE HOLDER OF THESE SECURITIES SATISFACTORY TO THIS CORPORATION STATING THAT SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION, OR (C) THIS CORPORATION OTHERWISE SATISFIES ITSELF THAT SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION.

 

  6.8.

Dividends, Surplus, etc. Subject to the provisions of the Certificate and of law, the Board:

 

  (a)

may declare and pay dividends or make other distributions on the outstanding shares of capital stock in such amounts and at such time to times as, in its discretion, the conditions of the affairs of the Corporation shall render advisable;

 

  (b)

may use and apply, in its discretion, any of the surplus of the Corporation in purchasing or acquiring any shares of capital stock of the Corporation, or purchase warrants therefor, in accordance with law, or any of its bonds, debentures, notes, scrip or other securities or evidence of indebtedness; and

 

15


  (c)

may set aside from time to time out of such surplus or net profits such sum(s) as, in its discretion, it may think proper, as a reserve fund to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends or for the purpose of maintaining or increasing the property or business of the Corporation, or for any other purpose it may think conducive to the best interests of the Corporation.

 

7.

Miscellaneous.

 

  7.1.

Seal. The Board shall have the power by resolution to adopt, make and use a corporate seal and to alter the form of such seal from time to time.

 

  7.2.

Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be determined, and may be changed, by resolution of the Board.

 

  7.3.

Books and Records. The Corporation shall: (1) Keep as permanent records minutes of all meetings of its stockholders and the Board, a record of all actions taken by the stockholders or the Board without a meeting, and a record of all actions taken by a committee of the Board exercising the authority of the Board on behalf of the Corporation; (2) Maintain appropriate accounting records; (3) Maintain a record of its stockholders, in a form that permits preparation of a list of the names and addresses of all stockholders, in alphabetical order by class of shares showing the number and class of shares held by each; provided, however, such record may be maintained by an agent of the Corporation; (4) Maintain its records in written form or in another form capable of conversion into written form within a reasonable time; and (5) Keep a copy of the following records (subject to any provision of the DGCL) outside the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board: (a) the Certificate as currently in effect; (b) these Bylaws and all amendments thereto as currently in effect; (c) the minutes of all meetings of stockholders and records of all action taken by stockholders; (d) the Corporation’s financial statements for the past three years; (e) all written communications to stockholders generally within the past three years; (f) a list of the names and business addresses of the current Directors and officers; and (g) the most recent annual report delivered to the Delaware Secretary of State.

 

  7.4.

Forum Selection; Attorneys Fees. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) an action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be a state or federal court located within the state of Delaware, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. If any action is brought by any party against another party, relating to or arising out of these Bylaws, or the enforcement hereof, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the other party reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred

 

16


  in connection with the prosecution or defense of such action, provided that the provisions of this sentence shall not apply with respect to “internal corporate claims” as defined in Section 109(b) of the DGCL. For purposes of these Bylaws, the term “attorneys’ fees” or “attorneys’ fees and costs” shall mean the fees and expenses of counsel to the Corporation and any other parties asserting a claim as set forth in the initial paragraph of this Section 7.4, which may include printing, photocopying, duplicating and other expenses, air freight charges, and fees billed for law clerks, paralegals and other persons not admitted to the bar but performing services under the supervision of an attorney, and the costs and fees incurred in connection with the enforcement or collection of any judgment obtained in any such proceeding. The provisions of this Section 7.4 shall survive the entry of any judgment, and shall not merge, or be deemed to have merged, into any judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the exclusive forum provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any claim for which the federal courts have exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction.

 

  7.5.

Subject to Law and Certificate of Incorporation. All powers, duties and responsibilities provided for in these Bylaws, whether or not explicitly so qualified, are qualified by the provisions of the Certificate and applicable law.

 

  7.6.

Facsimile Signatures. In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these Bylaws, facsimile signatures of any officer or officers of the Corporation may be used at any time unless otherwise restricted by the Board or a committee thereof.

 

  7.7.

Time Periods. In applying any provision of these Bylaws which requires that an act be done or not be done a specified number of days prior to an event or that an act be done during a period of a specified number of days prior to an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded, and the day of the event shall be included.

 

  7.8.

Electronic Transmission. For purposes of these Bylaws, “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.

 

8.

Indemnification. The Corporation shall have the rights and obligations related to indemnification as set forth in the Certificate.

 

9.

Amendments. These Bylaws may be altered or repealed and Bylaws may be made at any annual meeting of the stockholders or at any special meeting thereof, if notice of the proposed alteration or repeal of Bylaw or Bylaws to be made be contained in the notice of such special meeting, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, or by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board at any regular meeting of the Board, or at any special meeting of the Board, if notice of the proposed alteration or repeal, or Bylaw or Bylaws to be made, be contained in the notice of such meeting, or by a written consent in lieu of a meeting as set forth herein.

***************************************************************************

 

17

Exhibit 10.2

INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

This INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is effective as of February 7, 2023, by and between AERWINS Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and __________, an individual (“Indemnitee”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, highly competent persons have become more reluctant to serve publicly-held companies and 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 companies and corporations;

WHEREAS, the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) has determined that, in order to attract and retain qualified individuals such as Indemnitee, 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, the Fourth Amended and Restated 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”);

WHEREAS, the Charter, the Bylaws and the DGCL expressly provide that the indemnification provisions set forth therein are not exclusive, and thereby contemplate that contract 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 and the Charter 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 the 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

 

1


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, among the Company, Indemnitee, and the other parties thereto, the Company and Indemnitee do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Section 1. SERVICES TO THE COMPANY. In consideration of the Company’s covenants and obligations hereunder, 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 17. 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.

Section 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, advisor 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. Other than Mehana Equity LLC (the “Sponsor”) or any of its affiliates, 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;

 

2


  (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 two thirds of the directors then still in office who were directors on the date hereof or whose election or 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) other than an affiliate of the Sponsor, 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;

 

  (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

 

3


  (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, 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, 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, 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.

 

4


  (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 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 of the Company; (iii) any employment benefit plan of the Company or of a Subsidiary 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 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.

 

  (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 of Indemnitee is or was a director or officer or other Corporate Status 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 or other Corporate Status 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, 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, but shall not include any Enforcement Proceeding pursuant to Section 14.

 

  (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.

 

5


  (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.

 

  (p)

to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and the Charter” shall include but not be limited to: (a) the fullest extent authorized or permitted by the provisions of the DGCL that authorizes or contemplates additional indemnification by agreement, or the corresponding provision of any amendment to or replacement of the DGCL, and (b) to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by any amendments to or replacements of the DGCL law adopted after the date of this Agreement that increase the extent to which a company or corporation may indemnify its officers and directors.

Section 3. INDEMNITY IN THIRD-PARTY PROCEEDINGS. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and the Charter, 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 provided, in no event shall Indemnitee be entitled to be indemnified, held harmless or advanced any amounts hereunder in respect of any Expenses, judgments, liabilities, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (if any) that Indemnitee may incur by reason of Indemnitee’s actual fraud or intentional misconduct. Indemnitee shall not be found to have committed actual fraud or intentional misconduct for any purpose of this Agreement unless or until a court of competent jurisdiction shall have made a finding to that effect consistent with DGCL and the Charter.

Section 4. INDEMNITY IN PROCEEDINGS BY OR IN THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and the Charter, 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.

 

6


Section 5. INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A PARTY WHO IS WHOLLY OR PARTLY SUCCESSFUL. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement except for Section 27, 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 and the Charter, 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 (or part thereof) but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defense of 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 and the Charter, 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 (or part thereof), the Company also shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and the Charter, 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 5 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.

Section 6. INDEMNIFICATION FOR EXPENSES OF A WITNESS. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except for Section 27, to the extent that Indemnitee is, by reason of Indemnitee’s Corporate Status, a witness or deponent in any Proceeding to which Indemnitee was not or is not a party or threatened to be made a party, Indemnitee shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and the Charter, be indemnified, held harmless and exonerated against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or on Indemnitee’s behalf in connection therewith.

Section 7. ADDITIONAL INDEMNIFICATION, HOLD HARMLESS AND EXONERATION RIGHTS. Notwithstanding any limitation in Sections 3, 4, or 5, and except for Section 27, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and the Charter, 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 any such Proceeding.

Section 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.

 

7


  (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. Indemnitee shall seek payments or advances from the Company only to the extent that such payments or advances are unavailable from any insurance policy of the Company covering Indemnitee.

Section 9. EXCLUSIONS. Except as specifically set forth herein, the Company shall not be obligated under this Agreement to make any indemnification, advance expenses, hold harmless or exoneration payment in connection with any claim made against Indemnitee:

 

  (a)

for which payment has actually been received by or on behalf of Indemnitee under any insurance policy or other indemnity or advancement provision and which payment has not subsequently been returned, except with respect to any excess beyond the amount actually received under any insurance policy, contract, agreement, other indemnity or advancement provision or otherwise;

 

  (b)

for an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act (or any successor rule) or similar provisions of state statutory law or common law; or

 

  (c)

except as otherwise provided in Sections 14(f) and (g) hereof, prior to a Change in Control, in connection with any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee, including any Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or its directors, officers, employees or other indemnitees, unless (i) the Board authorized such Proceeding (or any part of any Proceeding) prior to its initiation or (ii) the Company provides the indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payments pursuant to the powers vested in the Company under applicable law and the Charter. Indemnitee shall seek payments or advances from the Company only to the extent that such payments or advances are unavailable from any insurance policy of the Company covering Indemnitee.

 

8


Section 10. ADVANCES OF EXPENSES; DEFENSE OF CLAIM.

 

  (a)

Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, except for Section 27, 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 (or reasonably expected by Indemnitee to be incurred by Indemnitee within three months) pursuing an Enforcement Proceeding (as set term is defined in Section 14 below), including Expenses incurred preparing and forwarding statements to the Company to support the advances claimed. For the purposes of this paragraph, assume all references to a “Proceeding” in the definition of Expenses refer an Enforcement Proceeding). To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law and the Charter, the Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company such amounts advanced if it has been determined pursuant to Section 12 (a) that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification and shall not be required to do so until a final determination has been made with respect to Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification under any such Enforcement Proceeding pursuant to Section 14(c). This Section 10(a) shall not apply to any claim made by Indemnitee for which an indemnification, hold harmless or exoneration payment is excluded pursuant to Section 9, but shall apply to any Proceeding referenced in Section 9(b) prior to a final determination that Indemnitee is liable therefor.

 

  (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.

Section 11. PROCEDURE FOR NOTIFICATION AND APPLICATION FOR INDEMNIFICATION.

 

  (a)

Indemnitee agrees to notify promptly the Company in writing (including notification by means of electronic mail transmission, to be followed by physical delivery thereof, together with any documents or copies of such documents regarding the subject matter of the notification) 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.

 

9


  (b)

Indemnitee may deliver to the Company a written application (including delivery by means of electronic mail transmission, to be followed by physical delivery thereof) 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 Indemnitee’s sole discretion. Following such a written application for indemnification by Indemnitee, Indemnitee’s entitlement to indemnification shall be determined according to Section 12(a) of this Agreement.

Section 12. 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, which shall be at the election of the Indemnitee: (i) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even though less than a quorum of the Board, (ii) by a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by majority vote of such directors, (iii) if there are no Disinterested Directors or if such directors so direct, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; or (iv) by vote of the shareholders by ordinary resolution. 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 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.

 

  (b)

In the event the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section 12(a) hereof, the Independent Counsel shall be selected as provided in this Section 12(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

 

10


  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 11(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 12(a) hereof. Upon the due commencement of any judicial proceeding or arbitration pursuant to Section 14(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.

 

  (d)

For the purposes of Section 12, any notification in writing shall be delivered by means of electronic mail transmission, followed by physical delivery thereof.

Section 13. 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 11(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.

 

11


  (b)

If the person, persons or entity empowered or selected under Section 12 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.

 

  (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 13(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.

 

12


Section 14. REMEDIES OF INDEMNITEE.

 

  (a)

In the event that (i) a determination is made pursuant to Section 12 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 and the Charter, is not timely made pursuant to Section 10 of this Agreement, (iii) no determination of entitlement to indemnification shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(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 Sections 5, 6, 7 or the last sentence of Section 12(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. Such adjudication or arbitration proceeding is referred to herein as “Enforcement Proceeding.”

 

  (b)

In the event that a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification, any Enforcement Proceeding 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 Enforcement Proceeding, 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 12(a) of this Agreement adverse to Indemnitee for any purpose. If Indemnitee commences an Enforcement Proceeding, Indemnitee shall not be required to reimburse the Company for any advances pursuant to Section 10 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).

 

  (d)

If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 12(a) of this Agreement that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, the Company shall be bound by such determination in any Enforcement Proceeding, 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 and the Charter.

 

13


  (e)

The Company shall be precluded from asserting in any Enforcement Proceeding commenced pursuant to this Section 14 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 (for purposes of this clause (f), assume all references to a “Proceeding” in the definition of Expenses refer to an Enforcement Proceeding) 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 and the Charter, such Expenses which are incurred by Indemnitee in connection with Enforcement Proceeding brought by Indemnitee: (i) to enforce Indemnitee’s 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 Enforcement Proceeding 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 or on behalf of the Company.

Section 15. SECURITY. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, except for Section 27, 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.

Section 16. 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

 

14


  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.

 

  (b)

The DGCL, the Charter and the Bylaws permit the Company to purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection or make other arrangements including, but not limited to, providing a trust fund, letter of credit, or surety bond (“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. No such payment by the Company shall be deemed to relieve any insurer of its obligations.

 

15


  (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 27, (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.

 

  (f)

Notwithstanding anything contained herein, (i) the Company is primary indemnitor and any indemnification or advancement obligation of the Sponsor or its affiliates is secondary, (ii) the Company shall be required to advance the full amount of Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs and expenses (including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromises and settlements, as fines and penalties and legal or other costs and reasonable expenses of investigating or defending against any claim or alleged claim) to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement, the Charter or any other agreement, without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Sponsor or its affiliates, as applicable, and (iii) the Company irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Sponsor and its affiliates, as applicable, from any and all claims against them for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. No advancement or payment by the Sponsor or its affiliates, as applicable, on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing, and the Sponsor and its affiliates, as applicable, shall have a right of contribution and be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee against the Company.

Section 17. 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 or Enforcement Proceeding (including any rights of appeal thereto and any Proceeding commenced by Indemnitee pursuant to Section 14 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.

 

16


Section 18. 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.

Section 19. 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 the 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.

 

  (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), but subject to such successor’s compliance with Section 19(d), 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.

 

17


  (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.

 

  (f)

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.

Section 20.    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.

Section 21.    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) if mailed by certified or registered mail with postage prepaid, on the third (3rd) business day after the date on which it is so mailed, or (iii) if delivered by electronic mail transmission (other than in circumstances where the physical mailing or delivery of process or documents is required by law), the day on which it is sent.

 

  (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:

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: Shuhei Komatsu

600 N Broad Street, Suite 5 #529

Middletown, Delaware 19709

E-mail: shuhei.komatsu@ali.jp

With a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:

 

18


Anthony L.G., PLLC

Attn: Laura Anthony

625 N. Flagler Drive, Suite 600

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

E-mail: Lanthony@anthonypllc.com

or to any other address as may have been furnished to Indemnitee in writing by the Company.

Section 22. 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 14(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 21 or in such other manner as may be permitted by law, shall be valid and sufficient service thereof.

Section 23. 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.

Section 24. 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.

Section 25. 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 (2) 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.

Section 26. 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.

 

19


Section 27. WAIVER OF CLAIMS TO TRUST ACCOUNT. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Indemnitee hereby agrees that it does not have any right, title, interest or claim of any kind (each, a “Claim”) in or to any monies in the trust account established in connection with the Company’s initial public offering for the benefit of the Company and holders of shares issued in such offering, and hereby waives any Claim it may have in the future as a result of, or arising out of, any services provided to the Company and will not seek recourse against such trust account for any reason whatsoever.

Section 28. 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]

 

20


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indemnity Agreement to be signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

AERWINS Technologies Inc.
By:  

                    

Name: Shuhei Komatsu
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Indemnitee: [_______________]
By:  

 

Name:  

 

Address for notices:

 

 

 

 

Email: _____________________________________

 

21

Exhibit 10.8

Executive Employment Agreement

Dated as of February 3, 2023

This Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated as of the date first set forth above (the “Effective Date”) is entered into by and between AERWINS Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation previously named Pono Capital Corp. (the “Company”) and Shuhei Komatsu (the “Executive”). The Company and Executive may collective be referred to as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.

WHEREAS, the Company now desires to employ the Executive as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Executive desires to serve in such capacities on behalf of the Company, in each case subject to the terms and conditions herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

  1.

Employment.

 

  (a)

Term. The term of this Agreement (the “Initial Term”) shall begin as of the Effective Date and shall end on the earlier of (i) the third (3rd) anniversary of the Effective Date and (ii) the time of the termination of the Executive’s employment in accordance with Section 2(e). The Initial Term and any Renewal Term (as defined below) shall automatically be extended for one or more additional terms of one (1) year each (each a “Renewal Term” and together with the Initial Term, the “Term”), unless either the Company or Executive provides notice to the other Party of their desire to not so renew the Initial Term or Renewal Term (as applicable) at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Initial Term or Renewal Term, as applicable. Executive’s employment with the Company shall be “at will,” meaning that either Executive or the Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time and for any reason, subject to Section 3. Any contrary representations that may have been made to Executive are superseded by this Agreement.

 

  (b)

Duties. The Company hereby appoints Executive, and Executive shall serve, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and shall report to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and to such other persons as designated by the Board. The Executive shall have such duties and responsibilities as are consistent with Executive’s position with the Company. In addition, the Executive shall perform all other duties and accept all other responsibilities incident to such position as may reasonably assigned to Executive by the Board.

 

  2.

Compensation and Other Benefits. As compensation for the services to be rendered hereunder, during the Term the Company shall pay to the Executive the salary and bonuses, and shall provide the benefits, as set forth in this Section 2.

 

  (a)

Base Salary. The Company shall pay to the Executive an annual base salary of $200,000, payable on a monthly basis commencing on the Effective Date (as the same may be adjusted herein, the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll policies.


  (b)

Equity Issuances. The Executive shall be eligible to receive awards of options, restricted stock or other equity awards for shares of common stock, par value $0.000001 per share (the “Common Stock”) of the Company (each, if so issued, an “Equity Award”), pursuant to award agreements in form and substance as determined by the Board and which will be entered into by and between the Company and Executive (if and when executed, each an “Award Agreement”). If an Equity Award, if made, is subject to vesting, then such Equity Award shall be subject to vesting and forfeiture as set forth herein and in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

  (c)

Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible to receive any discretionary bonuses as determined by the Board.

 

  (d)

Fringe Benefits. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits consistent with the practices of the Company, and to the extent the Company provides similar benefits to the Company’s executive officers.

 

  (e)

Business Expenses. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, entertainment and travel expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and procedures.

 

  3.

Termination.

 

  (a)

Definition of Cause. For purposes hereof, “Cause” shall mean:

 

  (i)

a violation of any material written rule or policy of the Company for which violation any employee may be terminated pursuant to the written policies of the Company reasonably applicable to an executive employee;

 

  (ii)

misconduct by the Executive to the material detriment of the Company;

 

  (iii)

the Executive’s conviction (by a court of competent jurisdiction, not subject to further appeal) of, or pleading guilty to, a felony;

 

  (iv)

the Executive’s gross negligence in the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in this Agreement; or

 

  (v)

the Executive’s material failure to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in this Agreement (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to the Executive being delivered a notice of termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of termination for Good Reason to the Company), in either case after written notice from the Board to the Executive of the specific nature of such material failure and the Executive’s failure to cure such material failure within 10 days following receipt of such notice.


  (b)

Definition of Good Reason. For purposes hereof, “Good Reason” shall mean:

 

  (i)

at any time following a Change of Control (as defined below), a material diminution by the Company of compensation and benefits (taken as a whole) provided to the Executive immediately prior to a Change of Control;

 

  (ii)

a reduction in Base Salary or target or maximum bonus, other than as part of an across-the-board reduction in salaries of management personnel;

 

  (iii)

the relocation of the Executive’s principal executive office to a location more than 50 miles further from the Executive’s principal executive office immediately prior to such relocation; or

 

  (iv)

a material breach by the Company of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement which the Company fails to correct within 10 days after the Company receives written notice from Executive of such violation.

 

  (c)

Definition of Change of Control. A “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if, after the Effective Date, (i) the beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company is acquired by any “person” as defined in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company), (ii) the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation where the shareholders of the Company, immediately prior to the consolidation or merger, would not, immediately after the consolidation or merger, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate 50% or more of the combined voting power of the securities of the corporation issuing cash or securities in the consolidation or merger (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if any) in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, or (iii) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned directly or indirectly by shareholders of the Company, immediately prior to the sale or disposition, in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale or disposition.

 

  (d)

Termination by the Company. The Company may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Cause, subject to the terms and conditions herein.

 

  (i)

For Cause. In the event that the Company terminates the Term or Executive’s employment hereunder with Cause, then in such event, subject to Section 3(i), (i) the Company shall pay to Executive any unpaid Base Salary and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses, pursuant to the terms of Section 2(e), incurred by the Executive in each case through the termination date, and each of which shall be paid


  within 10 days following the termination date; (ii) any unvested portion of any equity granted to Executive hereunder or under any Award Agreement or any other agreements with the Company (collectively, the “Equity Grants”) shall immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the Parties; and (iii) all of the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall thereafter cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to Section 14.

 

  (ii)

Without Cause. In the event that the Company terminates the Term or Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause, then in such event, subject to Section 3(i), (i) the Company shall pay to Executive any Base Salary, bonuses, and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses incurred by the Executive in each case through the termination date, and each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (ii) the Company shall pay to Executive, in one lump sum, an amount equal to the Base Salary that would have been paid to Executive for the remainder of the Initial Term (if such termination occurs during the Initial Term) or Renewal Term (if such termination occurs during a Renewal Term), as applicable, which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (iii) any Equity Grant already made to Executive shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested; and (iv) all of the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall thereafter cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to Section 14.

 

  (e)

Termination by the Executive. The Executive may terminate the Term and resign from Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Good Reason.

 

  (i)

With Good Reason. In the event that Executive terminates the Term or resigns from Executive’s employment hereunder with Good Reason, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and Executive shall, subject to Section 3(i), be entitled to such benefits (including without limitation any vesting of unvested shares under any Equity Grant), that would have been payable to Executive or which Executive would have received had the Term and Executive’s employment been terminated by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 3(d)(ii).

 

  (ii)

Without Good Reason. In the event that Executive terminates the Term or resigns from Executive’s employment hereunder without Good Reason, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and Executive shall be entitled, subject to Section 3(i), to such benefits (including without limitation any vesting of unvested shares under any Equity Grant), that would have been payable to Executive or which Executive would have received had the Term and Executive’s employment been terminated by the Company with Cause pursuant to Section 3(d)(i).


  (f)

Termination by Death or Disability. In the event of the Executive’s death or total disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) during the Term, the Term and Executive’s employment shall terminate on the date of death or total disability. In the event of such termination, the Company’s sole obligations hereunder to the Executive (or the Executive’s estate) shall be for unpaid Base Salary, accrued but unpaid bonus and benefits (then owed or accrued and owed in the future), a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination based on the Executive’s target bonus for such year and the portion of such year in which the Executive was employed, and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to the terms hereon through the effective date of termination, each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the date of the Executive’s termination, and any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the Parties.

 

  (g)

Non-Renewal. In the event that the Term is not renewed by either Party pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(a), any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall immediately be forfeited as of the expiration of the Term without any further action of the Parties.

 

  (h)

Change of Control. In the event that a Change of Control occurs during the Term, any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested immediately without any further action of the Parties.

 

  (i)

Conflict. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions herein and those in any other agreement or contract between the Company and the Executive with respect to any Equity Grants granted to Executive, the terms and conditions of such other agreement or contract shall control.

 

  4.

Payments.

 

  (a)

Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if it is determined that any payment or benefit provided to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise, whether or not in connection with a Change of Control (a “Payment”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), such that the Payment would be subject to an excise tax under section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall pay to the Executive an additional amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount of the Gross-Up Payment retained by the Executive after the payment of any Excise Tax and any federal, state and local income and employment tax on the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Excise Tax due on the Payment and any interest and penalties in respect of such Excise Tax. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of Executive’s residence (or, if greater, the state and locality in which Executive is required to file a nonresident income tax return with respect to the Payment) in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes.


  (b)

All determinations made pursuant to Section 4(a) shall be made by the Company which shall provide its determination and any supporting calculations (the “Determination”) to the Executive within thirty days of the date of the Executive’s termination or any other date selected by the Executive or the Company. Within ten calendar days of the delivery of the Determination to the Executive, the Executive shall have the right to dispute the Determination (the “Dispute”). The existence of any Dispute shall not in any way affect the Executive’s right to receive the Gross-Up Payments in accordance with the Determination. If there is no dispute, the Determination by the Company shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Executive, subject to the application of Section 4(c). Within ten days after the Company’s determination, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Gross-Up Payment, if any. If the Company determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it will, at the same time as it makes such Determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that the Executive has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on Executive’s federal, state, local income or other tax return. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Executive of and from any and all claims, damages and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section 4(b), except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Company.

 

  (c)

As a result of the uncertainty in the application of sections 4999 and 280G of the Code, it is possible that the Gross-Up Payments either will have been made which should not have been made, or will not have been made which should have been made, by the Company (an “Excess Gross-Up Payment” or a “Gross-Up Underpayment,” respectively). If it is established pursuant to (A) a final determination of a court for which all appeals have been taken and finally resolved or the time for all appeals has expired, or (B) an Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) proceeding which has been finally and conclusively resolved, that an Excess Gross-Up Payment has been made, such Excess Gross-Up Payment shall be deemed for all purposes to be a loan to the Executive made on the date the Executive received the Excess Gross-Up Payment and the Executive shall repay the Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Company either (i) on demand, if the Executive is in possession of the Excess Gross-Up Payment or (ii) upon the refund of such Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Executive from the IRS, if the IRS is in possession of such Excess Gross-Up Payment, together with interest on the Excess Gross-Up Payment at (X) 120% of the applicable federal rate (as defined in Section 1274(d) of the Code) compounded semi-annually for any period during which the Executive held such Excess Gross-Up Payment and (Y) the interest rate paid to the Executive by the IRS in respect of any period during which the IRS held such Excess Gross-Up Payment. If a Gross-Up Underpayment occurs as determined under one or more of the following circumstances: (I) such determination is made by the Company (which shall include the position taken by the Company, together with its consolidated group, on its federal income tax return) or is made by the IRS, (II) such determination is made by a court, or (III) such determination is made upon the resolution to the Executive’s satisfaction of the Dispute, then the Company shall pay an amount equal to the Gross-Up Underpayment to the Executive within ten calendar days of such determination or resolution, together with interest on such amount at 120% of the applicable federal rate compounded semi-annually from the date such amount should have been paid to the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but for the operation of this Section 4(c), until the date of payment.


  5.

Post-Termination Assistance. Upon the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive agrees to fully cooperate in all matters relating to the winding up or pending work on behalf of the Company and the orderly transfer of work to other employees of the Company following any termination of the Executives’ employment. The Executive further agrees that Executive will provide, upon reasonable notice, such information and assistance to the Company as may reasonably be requested by the Company in connection with any audit, governmental investigation, litigation, or other dispute in which the Company is or may become a party and as to which the Executive has knowledge; provided, however, that (i) the Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for any related out-of-pocket expenses, including travel expenses, and (ii) any such assistance may not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s then current employment.

 

  6.

No Mitigation or Set Off. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced, regardless of whether the Executive obtains other employment. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company may have against the Executive or others; provided, however, the Company shall have the right to offset the amount of any funds loaned or advanced to the Executive and not repaid against any severance obligations the Company may have to the Executive hereunder.

 

  7.

Confidentiality

 

  (a)

Definition. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean all Company Work Product (as hereinafter defined) and all non-public written, electronic, and oral information or materials of Company communicated to or otherwise obtained by Executive in connection with this Agreement, which is related to the products, business and activities of Company, its Affiliates (as defined below), and subsidiaries, and their respective customers, clients, suppliers, and other entities with which such party does business, including: (i) all costing, pricing, technology, software, documentation, research, techniques, procedures, processes, discoveries, inventions, methodologies, data, tools, templates, know how, intellectual property and all other proprietary information of Company; (ii) the terms of this Agreement; and (iii) any other information identified as confidential in writing by Company. Confidential Information shall not include information that: (a) was lawfully known by Executive without an obligation of confidentiality before its receipt from Company; (b) is independently developed by Executive without reliance on or use of Confidential Information; (c) is or becomes publicly available without a breach by Executive of this Agreement; or (d) is disclosed to Executive by a third party which is not required to maintain its confidentiality. An “Affiliate” of a Party shall mean any entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such Party at any time during the Term for so long as such control exists.


  (b)

Company Ownership. Company shall retain all right, title, and interest to the Confidential Information, including all copies thereof and all rights to patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights inherent therein and appurtenant thereto. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Company hereby grants Executive a non-exclusive, non-transferable, license during the Term to use any Confidential Information solely to the extent that such Confidential Information is necessary for the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder. Executive shall not, by virtue of this Agreement or otherwise, acquire any proprietary rights whatsoever in Confidential Information, which shall be the sole and exclusive property and confidential information of Company. No identifying marks, copyright or proprietary right notices may be deleted from any copy of Confidential Information. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the rights of Company from performing similar services for, or delivering the same or similar deliverable to, third parties using the Confidential Information and/or using the same personnel to provide any such services or deliverables.

 

  (c)

Confidentiality Obligations. Executive agrees to hold the Confidential Information in confidence and not to copy, reproduce, sell, assign, license, market, transfer, give or otherwise disclose such Confidential Information to any person or entity or to use the Confidential Information for any purposes whatsoever, without the express written permission of Company, other than disclosure to Executive’s, partners, principals, directors, officers, employees, subcontractors and agents on a “need-to-know” basis as reasonably required for the performance of Executive’s obligations hereunder or as otherwise agreed to herein. Executive shall be responsible to Company for any violation of this Section 7 by Executive’s employees, subcontractors, and agents. Executive shall maintain the Confidential Information with the same degree of care, but no less than a reasonable degree of care, as Executive employs concerning its own information of like kind and character.

 

  (d)

Required Disclosure. If Executive is requested to disclose any of the Confidential Information as part of an administrative or judicial proceeding, Executive shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, promptly notify Company of that request and cooperate with Company, at Company’s expense, in seeking a protective order or similar confidential treatment for the Confidential Information. If no protective order or other confidential treatment is obtained, Executive shall disclose only that portion of Confidential Information which is legally required and will exercise all reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded the Confidential Information which is required to be disclosed.

 

  (e)

Enforcement. Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information is unique and valuable, and that remedies at law will be inadequate to protect Company from any actual or threatened breach of this Section 7 by Executive and that any such breach would cause irreparable and continuing injury to Company. Therefore, Executive agrees that Company shall be entitled to seek equitable relief with respect to the enforcement of this Section 7 without any requirement to post a bond, including, without limitation, injunction and specific performance, without proof of actual damages or exhausting other remedies, in addition to all other remedies


  available to Company at law or in equity. For greater clarity, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of this Section 7, in addition to and not in limitation of any other rights, remedies or damages available at law or in equity, Company shall be entitled to a permanent injunction or other like remedy in order to prevent or restrain any such breach or threatened breach by Executive, and Executive agrees that an interim injunction may be granted against Executive immediately on the commencement of any action, claim, suit or proceeding by Company to enforce the provisions of this Section 7, and Executive further irrevocably consents to the granting of any such interim or permanent injunction or any like remedy. If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce the terms of this Section 7, Executive, if it is determined to be at fault, shall pay Company’s reasonable legal fees and expenses on a substantial indemnity basis.

 

  (f)

Related Duties. Executive shall: (i) promptly deliver to Company upon Company’s request all materials in Executive’s possession which contain Confidential Information; (ii) use its best efforts to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of the Confidential Information; (iii) notify Company in writing immediately upon discovery of any such unauthorized use or disclosure; and (iv) cooperate in every reasonable way to regain possession of any Confidential Information and to prevent further unauthorized use and disclosure thereof.

 

  (g)

Legal Exceptions. Further notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7, Executive may disclose confidential information as may be expressly required by law, governmental rule, regulation, executive order, court order, or in connection with a dispute between the Parties; provided that prior to making any such disclosure, subject to applicable law, Executive shall use its best efforts to: (i) provide Company with at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice setting forth with specificity the reason(s) for such disclosure, supporting documentation therefor, and the circumstances giving rise thereto; and (ii) limit the scope and duration of such disclosure to the strictest possible extent.

 

  (h)

Limitation. Except as specifically set forth herein, no licenses or rights under any patent, copyright, trademark, or trade secret are granted by Company to Executive hereunder, or are to be implied by this Agreement. Except for the restrictions on use and disclosure of Confidential Information imposed in this Agreement, no obligation of any kind is assumed or implied against either Party or their Affiliates by virtue of meetings or conversations between the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter stated above or with respect to the exchange of Confidential Information. Each Party further acknowledges that this Agreement and any meetings and communications of the Parties and their affiliates relating to the same subject matter shall not: (i) constitute an offer, request, invitation or contract with the other Party to engage in any research, development or other work; (ii) constitute an offer, request, invitation or contract involving a buyer-seller relationship, joint venture, teaming or partnership relationship between the Parties and their affiliates; or (iii) constitute a representation, warranty, assurance, guarantee or inducement with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any Confidential Information or the non-infringement of the rights of third persons.


  8.

Intellectual Property Rights.

 

  (a)

Disclosure of Work Product. As used in this Agreement, the term “Work Product” means any invention, whether or not patentable, know-how, designs, mask works, trademarks, formulae, processes, manufacturing techniques, trade secrets, ideas, artwork, software or any copyrightable or patentable works. Executive agrees to disclose promptly in writing to Company, or any person designated by Company, all Work Product that is solely or jointly conceived, made, reduced to practice, or learned by Executive in the course of any work performed for Company (“Company Work Product”). Executive agrees (a) to use Executive’s best efforts to maintain such Company Work Product in trust and strict confidence; (b) not to use Company Work Product in any manner or for any purpose not expressly set forth in this Agreement; and (c) not to disclose any such Company Work Product to any third party without first obtaining Company’s express written consent on a case-by-case basis.

 

  (b)

Ownership of Company Work Product. Executive agrees that any and all Company Work Product conceived, written, created or first reduced to practice in the performance of work under this Agreement shall be deemed “work for hire” under applicable law and shall be the sole and exclusive property of Company.

 

  (c)

Assignment of Company Work Product. Executive irrevocably assigns to Company all right, title and interest worldwide in and to the Company Work Product and all applicable intellectual property rights related to the Company Work Product, including without limitation, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, moral rights, contract and licensing rights (the “Proprietary Rights”). Except as set forth below, Executive retains no rights to use the Company Work Product and agrees not to challenge the validity of Company’s ownership in the Company Work Product. Executive hereby grants to Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, irrevocable and world-wide right, with rights to sublicense through multiple tiers of sublicensees, to reproduce, make derivative works of, publicly perform, and display in any form or medium whether now known or later developed, distribute, make, use and sell any and all Executive owned or controlled Work Product or technology that Executive uses to complete the services and which is necessary for Company to use or exploit the Company Work Product.

 

  (d)

Assistance. Executive agrees to cooperate with Company or its designee(s), both during and after the Term, in the procurement and maintenance of Company’s rights in Company Work Product and to execute, when requested, any other documents deemed necessary by Company to carry out the purpose of this Agreement. Executive will assist Company in every proper way to obtain, and from time to time enforce, United States and foreign Proprietary Rights relating to Company Work Product in any and all countries. Executive’s obligation to assist Company with respect to Proprietary Rights relating to such Company Work Product in any and all countries shall continue beyond the termination of this Agreement, but Company shall compensate Executive at a reasonable rate to be mutually agreed upon after such termination for the time actually spent by Executive at Company’s request on such assistance.


  (e)

Execution of Documents. In the event Company is unable for any reason, after reasonable effort, to secure Executive’s signature on any document requested by Company pursuant to this Section 8 within seven (7) days of the Company’s initial request to Executive, Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as its agent and attorney in fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for and on its behalf solely to execute, verify and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of this Section 8 with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Executive. Executive hereby waives and quitclaims to Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, which Executive now or may hereafter have for infringement of any Proprietary Rights assignable hereunder to Company.

 

  (f)

Executive Representations and Warranties. Executive hereby represents and warrants that: (i) Company Work Product will be an original work of Executive or all applicable third parties will have executed assignments of rights reasonably acceptable to Company; (ii) neither the Company Work Product nor any element thereof will infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party; (iii) neither the Company Work Product nor any element thereof will be subject to any restrictions or to any mortgages, liens, pledges, security interests, encumbrances or encroachments; (iv) Executive will not grant, directly or indirectly, any rights or interest whatsoever in the Company Work Product to any third party; (v) Executive has full right and power to enter into and perform Executive’s obligations under this Agreement without the consent of any third party; (vi) Executive will use best efforts to prevent injury to any person (including employees of Company) or damage to property (including Company’s property) during the Term; and (vii) should Company permit Executive to use any of Company’s equipment, tools, or facilities during the Term, such permission shall be gratuitous and Executive shall be responsible for any injury to any person (including death) or damage to property (including Company’s property) arising out of use of such equipment, tools or facilities.

 

  9.

Representations and Warranties Relating to Securities. The Equity Award, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company that may be issued or granted to the Executive hereunder or pursuant to any other agreement between the Company and the Executive in connection with the transactions contemplated herein may be referred to as the “Securities”, and Executive represents and warrants to the Company as set forth in this Section 9 with respect to the Securities and Executive’s receipt thereof, as of the Effective Date and as of the date of any issuance or granting of any Securities.

 

  (a)

Executive is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (an “Accredited Investor”).

 

  (b)

Executive hereby represent that the Securities awarded pursuant to this Agreement are being acquired for Executive’s own account and not for sale or with a view to distribution thereof. Executive acknowledges and agrees that any sale or distribution of Securities which have vested may be made only pursuant to either (a) a registration statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement has become effective and is current with regard to the shares being sold, or (b) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act that is confirmed in a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to


  counsel for the Company, prior to any such sale or distribution. Executive hereby consents to such action as the Board or the Company deems necessary or appropriate from time to time to prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or to implement the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to placing restrictive legends on certificates evidencing shares of Securities (whether or not the Restrictions applicable thereto have lapsed) and delivering stop transfer instructions to the Company’s stock transfer agent.

 

  (c)

Executive understands that the Securities is being offered and sold to Executive in reliance upon specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and Executive’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Executive set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Executive to acquire the Securities.

 

  (d)

Executive has been furnished with all documents and materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information that Executive requested and deemed material to making an informed investment decision regarding its acquisition of the Securities. Executive has been afforded the opportunity to review such documents and materials and the information contained therein. Executive has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management. Executive understands that such discussions, as well as any written information provided by the Company, were intended to describe the aspects of the Company’s business and prospects which the Company believes to be material, but were not necessarily a thorough or exhaustive description and the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the completeness of such information and makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to any information provided by any entity other than the Company. Some of such information may include projections as to the future performance of the Company, which projections may not be realized, may be based on assumptions which may not be correct and may be subject to numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Additionally, Executive understands and represents that Executive is acquiring the Securities notwithstanding the fact that the Company may disclose in the future certain material information that the Executive has not received. Executive has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as Executive has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to Executive’s investment in the Securities. Executive has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive, either personally, or together with Executive’s advisors has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Securities, is able to bear the risks of an investment in the Securities and understands the risks of, and other considerations relating to, a purchase of the Securities. The Executive and Executive’s advisors have had a reasonable opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company concerning the Securities. Executive’s financial condition is such that Executive is able to bear the risk of holding the Securities that Executive may acquire pursuant to this


  Agreement for an indefinite period of time, and the risk of loss of Executive’s entire investment in the Company. Executive has investigated the acquisition of the Securities to the extent Executive deemed necessary or desirable and the Company has provided Executive with any reasonable assistance Executive has requested in connection therewith. No representations or warranties have been made to Executive by the Company, or any representative of the Company, or any securities broker/dealer, other than as set forth in this Agreement.

 

  (e)

Executive also acknowledges and agrees that an investment in the Securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk of loss of the entire investment in the Company and there is no assurance that a public market for the Securities will ever develop and that, as a result, Executive may not be able to liquidate Executive’s investment in the Securities should a need arise to do so. Executive is not dependent for liquidity on any of the amounts Executive is investing in the Securities. Executive has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive understands that the representations and warranties herein are to be relied upon by the Company as a basis for the exemptions from registration and qualification of the issuance and sale of the Securities under the federal and state securities laws and for other purposes.

 

  (f)

Executive understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed upon or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities.

 

  (g)

Executive understands that until such time as the Securities have been registered under the Securities Act or may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A under the Securities Act or Regulation S without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, the Securities may bear a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of the certificates for such Securities):

“NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH COUNSEL SHALL BE SELECTED BY THE HOLDER), IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.”


  (h)

This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized by Executive. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of Executive, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Executive enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

  (i)

Executive is an individual resident of the state set forth in the notices provision for Executive herein.

 

  10.

Effect of Waiver. The waiver by either Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach hereof. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing.

 

  11.

Assignment. No Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect, provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may transfer, assign or delegate to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company any of Company’s rights, obligations or duties hereunder.

 

  12.

No Third-Party Rights. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement is intended solely for the benefit of the Parties hereto and is not intended to confer any benefits upon, or create any rights in favor of, any person or entity other than the Parties hereto.

 

  13.

Entire Agreement; Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement, any Award Agreement and any other agreement entered into between the Company and Executive with respect to the issuance of any equity securities of the Company or other equity awards relating to the Company set forth the entire agreement of the Parties hereto and shall supersede any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the Executive’s employment by the Company. This Agreement may be changed only by a written document signed by the Executive and the Company.

 

  14.

Survival. The provisions of Section 3, Section 4, Section 5, Section 6, Section 7, Section 8, Section 9 and Section 12 through Section 26, inclusive, shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement, and provided that any expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not excuse a Party from compliance with, or fulfillment of, any obligations or conditions which arose prior to such expiration or termination.

 

  15.

Severability. If any one or more of the provisions, or portions of any provision, of the Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or parts hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

  16.

Governing Law and Waiver of Jury Trial.


  (a)

All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined, and this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such state, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions of such state.

 

  (B)

SUBJECT TO SECTION 18, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE COMMENCED IN THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS, OR, SOLELY IN THE EVENT THAT THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO ASSERT JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGEMENT HEREUNDER FOR ANY REASON, THEN IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH JURISDICTION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA (AS APPLICABLE, THE “SELECTED COURTS”). EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SELECTED COURTS FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR WITH ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR DISCUSSED HEREIN (INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHTS OF A PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT), AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH SELECTED COURTS, OR SUCH SELECTED COURTS ARE IMPROPER OR INCONVENIENT VENUE FOR SUCH PROCEEDING. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO PROCESS BEING SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF VIA REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY (WITH EVIDENCE OF DELIVERY) TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS IN EFFECT FOR NOTICES TO IT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE SHALL CONSTITUTE GOOD AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE OF PROCESS AND NOTICE THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT IN ANY WAY ANY RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

  (c)

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 16(c).


  17.

Attorneys Fees, etc. If any Party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Agreement, then the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other Party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.

 

  18.

Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, but not limited to, common law and statutory claims for discrimination, wrongful discharge, and unpaid wages, shall be resolved by arbitration in Tokyo, Japan pursuant to then-prevailing National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association, provided that in the event that such rules may not be applied in Tokyo, Japan for any reason, then pursuant to arbitration rules as reasonably determined by the Company. The arbitration shall be conducted by three arbitrators, with one arbitrator selected by each Party and the third arbitrator selected by the two arbitrators so selected by the Parties. The arbitrators shall be bound to follow the applicable Agreement provisions in adjudicating the dispute. It is agreed by both Parties that the arbitrators’ decision is final, and that no Party may take any action, judicial or administrative, to overturn such decision. The judgment rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in the Selected Courts. Subject to the provisions of Section 17, each Party will pay its own expenses of arbitration and the expenses of the arbitrators will be equally shared provided that, if in the opinion of the arbitrators any claim, defense, or argument raised in the arbitration was unreasonable, the arbitrators may assess all or part of the expenses of the other Party (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and of the arbitrators as the arbitrators deem appropriate. The arbitrators may not award either Party punitive or consequential damages.

 

  19.

General Remedies. Each Party acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the other Party, and thus each Party acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Agreement will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by such Party of the provisions of this Agreement, that the other Party shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies at law or in equity, and in addition to the penalties assessable herein, to an injunction or injunctions restraining, preventing or curing any breach of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

  20.

Indemnification. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to indemnification and insurance coverage for officers’ liability, fiduciary liability and other liabilities arising out of the Executive’s position with the Company in any capacity, in an amount not less than the highest amount available to any other executive, and such coverage and protections, with respect to the various liabilities as to which the Executive has been customarily indemnified prior to termination of employment, shall continue for at least six years following the end of the Term. Any indemnification agreement entered into between the Company and the Executive shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms following the termination of this Agreement.

 

  21.

Expenses. Other than as specifically set forth herein, each of the Parties will bear their own respective expenses, including legal, accounting and professional fees, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.


  22.

Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other Party, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by email with return receipt requested and received or nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed as set forth below or to such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. All notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered by hand, if personally delivered, (ii) when delivered by courier or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or overnight mail, and (iii) on receipt of confirmed delivery, if sent by email.

If to the Company:

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: Shuhei Komatsu

600 N Broad Street, Suite 5 # 529

Middletown, Delaware 19709

Email: shuhei.komatsu@aerwins.us

If to Executive, to:

Shuhei Komatsu

#4510, 4-20-2 Shibaura,

Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Email: shuhei.komatsu@aerwins.us

 

  23.

Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

  24.

Counsel. The Parties acknowledge and agree that legal counsel to the Company (“Counsel”) has prepared this Agreement at the request of the Company, and that Counsel is not legal counsel to Executive individually. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that they are aware of, and have consented to, the Counsel acting as legal counsel to the Company and preparing this Agreement, and that Counsel has advised each of the Parties to retain separate counsel to review the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered in connection herewith, and each Party has either waived such right freely or has otherwise sought such additional counsel as it has deemed necessary. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that Counsel does not owe any duties to Executive in Executive’s individual capacity in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. Each of the Parties hereby waives any conflict of interest which may apply with respect to Counsel’s actions as set forth herein, and the Parties confirm that the Parties have previously negotiated the material terms of the agreements as set forth herein.

 

  25.

Rule of Construction. The general rule of construction for interpreting a contract, which provides that the provisions of a contract should be construed against the Party preparing the contract, is waived by the Parties hereto. Each Party acknowledges that such Party was represented by separate legal counsel in this matter who participated in the preparation of this Agreement or such Party had the opportunity to retain counsel to participate in the preparation of this Agreement but elected not to do so.


  26.

Execution in Counterparts, Electronic Transmission. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. The signature of any Party which is transmitted by any reliable electronic means such as, but not limited to, a photocopy, electronically scanned or facsimile machine, for purposes hereof, is to be considered as an original signature, and the document transmitted is to be considered to have the same binding effect as an original signature or an original document.

[Signatures appear on following page]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

AERWINS Technologies Inc.
formerly known as
Pono Capital Corp.
By:  

/s/ Taiji Ito

Name:   Taiji Ito
Title:   Global Markets Executive Officer
Executive: Shuhei Komatsu
By:  

/s/ Shuhei Komatsu

Name:   Shuhei Komatsu

Exhibit 10.9

Executive Employment Agreement

Dated as of February 3, 2023

This Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated as of the date first set forth above (the “Effective Date”) is entered into by and between AERWINS Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation previously named Pono Capital Corp. (the “Company”) and Taiji Ito (the “Executive”). The Company and Executive may collective be referred to as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.

WHEREAS, the Company now desires to employ the Executive as the Global Markets Executive Officer of the Company and the Executive desires to serve in such capacities on behalf of the Company, in each case subject to the terms and conditions herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

  1.

Employment.

 

  (a)

Term. The term of this Agreement (the “Initial Term”) shall begin as of the Effective Date and shall end on the earlier of (i) the third (3rd) anniversary of the Effective Date and (ii) the time of the termination of the Executive’s employment in accordance with Section 2(e). The Initial Term and any Renewal Term (as defined below) shall automatically be extended for one or more additional terms of one (1) year each (each a “Renewal Term” and together with the Initial Term, the “Term”), unless either the Company or Executive provides notice to the other Party of their desire to not so renew the Initial Term or Renewal Term (as applicable) at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Initial Term or Renewal Term, as applicable. Executive’s employment with the Company shall be “at will,” meaning that either Executive or the Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time and for any reason, subject to Section 3. Any contrary representations that may have been made to Executive are superseded by this Agreement.

 

  (b)

Duties. The Company hereby appoints Executive, and Executive shall serve, as the Global Markets Executive Officer of the Company and shall report to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and to such other persons as designated by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board. The Executive shall have such duties and responsibilities as are consistent with Executive’s position with the Company. In addition, the Executive shall perform all other duties and accept all other responsibilities incident to such position as may reasonably assigned to Executive by the Board.

 

  2.

Compensation and Other Benefits. As compensation for the services to be rendered hereunder, during the Term the Company shall pay to the Executive the salary and bonuses, and shall provide the benefits, as set forth in this Section 2.

 

1


  (a)

Base Salary. The Company shall pay to the Executive an annual base salary of $200,000, payable on a monthly basis commencing on the Effective Date (as the same may be adjusted herein, the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll policies.

 

  (b)

Equity Issuances. The Executive shall be eligible to receive awards of options, restricted stock or other equity awards for shares of common stock, par value $0.000001 per share (the “Common Stock”) of the Company (each, if so issued, an “Equity Award”), pursuant to award agreements in form and substance as determined by the Board and which will be entered into by and between the Company and Executive (if and when executed, each an “Award Agreement”). If an Equity Award, if made, is subject to vesting, then such Equity Award shall be subject to vesting and forfeiture as set forth herein and in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

  (c)

Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible to receive any discretionary bonuses as determined by the Board.

 

  (d)

Fringe Benefits. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits consistent with the practices of the Company, and to the extent the Company provides similar benefits to the Company’s executive officers.

 

  (e)

Business Expenses. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, entertainment and travel expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and procedures.

 

  3.

Termination.

 

  (a)

Definition of Cause. For purposes hereof, “Cause” shall mean:

 

  (i)

a violation of any material written rule or policy of the Company for which violation any employee may be terminated pursuant to the written policies of the Company reasonably applicable to an executive employee;

 

  (ii)

misconduct by the Executive to the material detriment of the Company;

 

  (iii)

the Executive’s conviction (by a court of competent jurisdiction, not subject to further appeal) of, or pleading guilty to, a felony;

 

  (iv)

the Executive’s gross negligence in the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in this Agreement; or

 

  (v)

the Executive’s material failure to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in this Agreement (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to the Executive being delivered a notice of termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of termination for Good Reason to the Company), in either case after written notice from the Board to the Executive of the specific nature of such material failure and the Executive’s failure to cure such material failure within 10 days following receipt of such notice.

 

2


  (b)

Definition of Good Reason. For purposes hereof, “Good Reason” shall mean:

 

  (i)

at any time following a Change of Control (as defined below), a material diminution by the Company of compensation and benefits (taken as a whole) provided to the Executive immediately prior to a Change of Control;

 

  (ii)

a reduction in Base Salary or target or maximum bonus, other than as part of an across-the-board reduction in salaries of management personnel;

 

  (iii)

the relocation of the Executive’s principal executive office to a location more than 50 miles further from the Executive’s principal executive office immediately prior to such relocation; or

 

  (iv)

a material breach by the Company of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement which the Company fails to correct within 10 days after the Company receives written notice from Executive of such violation.

 

  (c)

Definition of Change of Control. A “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if, after the Effective Date, (i) the beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company is acquired by any “person” as defined in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company), (ii) the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation where the shareholders of the Company, immediately prior to the consolidation or merger, would not, immediately after the consolidation or merger, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate 50% or more of the combined voting power of the securities of the corporation issuing cash or securities in the consolidation or merger (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if any) in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, or (iii) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned directly or indirectly by shareholders of the Company, immediately prior to the sale or disposition, in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale or disposition.

 

  (d)

Termination by the Company. The Company may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Cause, subject to the terms and conditions herein.

 

3


  (i)

For Cause. In the event that the Company terminates the Term or Executive’s employment hereunder with Cause, then in such event, subject to Section 3(i), (i) the Company shall pay to Executive any unpaid Base Salary and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses, pursuant to the terms of Section 2(e), incurred by the Executive in each case through the termination date, and each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (ii) any unvested portion of any equity granted to Executive hereunder or under any Award Agreement or any other agreements with the Company (collectively, the “Equity Grants”) shall immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the Parties; and (iii) all of the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall thereafter cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to Section 14.

 

  (ii)

Without Cause. In the event that the Company terminates the Term or Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause, then in such event, subject to Section 3(i), (i) the Company shall pay to Executive any Base Salary, bonuses, and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses incurred by the Executive in each case through the termination date, and each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (ii) the Company shall pay to Executive, in one lump sum, an amount equal to the Base Salary that would have been paid to Executive for the remainder of the Initial Term (if such termination occurs during the Initial Term) or Renewal Term (if such termination occurs during a Renewal Term), as applicable, which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (iii) any Equity Grant already made to Executive shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested; and (iv) all of the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall thereafter cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to Section 14.

 

  (e)

Termination by the Executive. The Executive may terminate the Term and resign from Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Good Reason.

 

  (i)

With Good Reason. In the event that Executive terminates the Term or resigns from Executive’s employment hereunder with Good Reason, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and Executive shall, subject to Section 3(i), be entitled to such benefits (including without limitation any vesting of unvested shares under any Equity Grant), that would have been payable to Executive or which Executive would have received had the Term and Executive’s employment been terminated by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 3(d)(ii).

 

  (ii)

Without Good Reason. In the event that Executive terminates the Term or resigns from Executive’s employment hereunder without Good Reason, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and Executive shall be entitled, subject to Section 3(i), to such benefits (including without limitation any vesting of unvested shares under any Equity Grant), that would have been payable to Executive or which Executive would have received had the Term and Executive’s employment been terminated by the Company with Cause pursuant to Section 3(d)(i).

 

4


  (f)

Termination by Death or Disability. In the event of the Executive’s death or total disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) during the Term, the Term and Executive’s employment shall terminate on the date of death or total disability. In the event of such termination, the Company’s sole obligations hereunder to the Executive (or the Executive’s estate) shall be for unpaid Base Salary, accrued but unpaid bonus and benefits (then owed or accrued and owed in the future), a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination based on the Executive’s target bonus for such year and the portion of such year in which the Executive was employed, and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to the terms hereon through the effective date of termination, each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the date of the Executive’s termination, and any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the Parties.

 

  (g)

Non-Renewal. In the event that the Term is not renewed by either Party pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(a), any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall immediately be forfeited as of the expiration of the Term without any further action of the Parties.

 

  (h)

Change of Control. In the event that a Change of Control occurs during the Term, any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested immediately without any further action of the Parties.

 

  (i)

Conflict. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions herein and those in any other agreement or contract between the Company and the Executive with respect to any Equity Grants granted to Executive, the terms and conditions of such other agreement or contract shall control.

 

  4.

Payments.

 

  (a)

Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if it is determined that any payment or benefit provided to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise, whether or not in connection with a Change of Control (a “Payment”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), such that the Payment would be subject to an excise tax under section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall pay to the Executive an additional amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount of the Gross-Up Payment retained by the Executive after the payment of any Excise Tax and any federal, state and local income and employment tax on the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Excise Tax due on the Payment and any interest and penalties in respect of such Excise Tax. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of Executive’s residence (or, if greater, the state and locality in which Executive is required to file a nonresident income tax return with respect to the Payment) in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes.

 

5


  (b)

All determinations made pursuant to Section 4(a) shall be made by the Company which shall provide its determination and any supporting calculations (the “Determination”) to the Executive within thirty days of the date of the Executive’s termination or any other date selected by the Executive or the Company. Within ten calendar days of the delivery of the Determination to the Executive, the Executive shall have the right to dispute the Determination (the “Dispute”). The existence of any Dispute shall not in any way affect the Executive’s right to receive the Gross-Up Payments in accordance with the Determination. If there is no dispute, the Determination by the Company shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Executive, subject to the application of Section 4(c). Within ten days after the Company’s determination, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Gross-Up Payment, if any. If the Company determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it will, at the same time as it makes such Determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that the Executive has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on Executive’s federal, state, local income or other tax return. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Executive of and from any and all claims, damages and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section 4(b), except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Company.

 

  (c)

As a result of the uncertainty in the application of sections 4999 and 280G of the Code, it is possible that the Gross-Up Payments either will have been made which should not have been made, or will not have been made which should have been made, by the Company (an “Excess Gross-Up Payment” or a “Gross-Up Underpayment,” respectively). If it is established pursuant to (A) a final determination of a court for which all appeals have been taken and finally resolved or the time for all appeals has expired, or (B) an Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) proceeding which has been finally and conclusively resolved, that an Excess Gross-Up Payment has been made, such Excess Gross-Up Payment shall be deemed for all purposes to be a loan to the Executive made on the date the Executive received the Excess Gross-Up Payment and the Executive shall repay the Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Company either (i) on demand, if the Executive is in possession of the Excess Gross-Up Payment or (ii) upon the refund of such Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Executive from the IRS, if the IRS is in possession of such Excess Gross-Up Payment, together with interest on the Excess Gross-Up Payment at (X) 120% of the applicable federal rate (as defined in Section 1274(d) of the Code) compounded semi-annually for any period during which the Executive held such Excess Gross-Up Payment and (Y) the interest rate paid to the Executive by the IRS in respect of any period during which the IRS held such Excess Gross-Up Payment. If a Gross-Up Underpayment occurs as determined under one or more of the following circumstances: (I) such determination is made by the Company (which shall include the position taken by the Company, together with its consolidated group, on its federal income tax return) or is made by the IRS, (II) such determination is made by a court, or (III) such determination is made upon the resolution to the Executive’s satisfaction of the Dispute, then the Company shall

 

6


  pay an amount equal to the Gross-Up Underpayment to the Executive within ten calendar days of such determination or resolution, together with interest on such amount at 120% of the applicable federal rate compounded semi-annually from the date such amount should have been paid to the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but for the operation of this Section 4(c), until the date of payment.

 

  5.

Post-Termination Assistance. Upon the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive agrees to fully cooperate in all matters relating to the winding up or pending work on behalf of the Company and the orderly transfer of work to other employees of the Company following any termination of the Executives’ employment. The Executive further agrees that Executive will provide, upon reasonable notice, such information and assistance to the Company as may reasonably be requested by the Company in connection with any audit, governmental investigation, litigation, or other dispute in which the Company is or may become a party and as to which the Executive has knowledge; provided, however, that (i) the Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for any related out-of-pocket expenses, including travel expenses, and (ii) any such assistance may not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s then current employment.

 

  6.

No Mitigation or Set Off. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced, regardless of whether the Executive obtains other employment. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company may have against the Executive or others; provided, however, the Company shall have the right to offset the amount of any funds loaned or advanced to the Executive and not repaid against any severance obligations the Company may have to the Executive hereunder.

 

  7.

Confidentiality

 

  (a)

Definition. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean all Company Work Product (as hereinafter defined) and all non-public written, electronic, and oral information or materials of Company communicated to or otherwise obtained by Executive in connection with this Agreement, which is related to the products, business and activities of Company, its Affiliates (as defined below), and subsidiaries, and their respective customers, clients, suppliers, and other entities with which such party does business, including: (i) all costing, pricing, technology, software, documentation, research, techniques, procedures, processes, discoveries, inventions, methodologies, data, tools, templates, know how, intellectual property and all other proprietary information of Company; (ii) the terms of this Agreement; and (iii) any other information identified as confidential in writing by Company. Confidential Information shall not include information that: (a) was lawfully known by Executive without an obligation of confidentiality before its receipt from Company; (b) is independently developed by Executive without reliance on or use of Confidential Information; (c) is or becomes publicly available without a breach by Executive of this Agreement; or (d) is disclosed to Executive by a third party which is not required to maintain its confidentiality. An “Affiliate” of a Party shall mean any entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such Party at any time during the Term for so long as such control exists.

 

7


  (b)

Company Ownership. Company shall retain all right, title, and interest to the Confidential Information, including all copies thereof and all rights to patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights inherent therein and appurtenant thereto. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Company hereby grants Executive a non-exclusive, non-transferable, license during the Term to use any Confidential Information solely to the extent that such Confidential Information is necessary for the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder. Executive shall not, by virtue of this Agreement or otherwise, acquire any proprietary rights whatsoever in Confidential Information, which shall be the sole and exclusive property and confidential information of Company. No identifying marks, copyright or proprietary right notices may be deleted from any copy of Confidential Information. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the rights of Company from performing similar services for, or delivering the same or similar deliverable to, third parties using the Confidential Information and/or using the same personnel to provide any such services or deliverables.

 

  (c)

Confidentiality Obligations. Executive agrees to hold the Confidential Information in confidence and not to copy, reproduce, sell, assign, license, market, transfer, give or otherwise disclose such Confidential Information to any person or entity or to use the Confidential Information for any purposes whatsoever, without the express written permission of Company, other than disclosure to Executive’s, partners, principals, directors, officers, employees, subcontractors and agents on a “need-to-know” basis as reasonably required for the performance of Executive’s obligations hereunder or as otherwise agreed to herein. Executive shall be responsible to Company for any violation of this Section 7 by Executive’s employees, subcontractors, and agents. Executive shall maintain the Confidential Information with the same degree of care, but no less than a reasonable degree of care, as Executive employs concerning its own information of like kind and character.

 

  (d)

Required Disclosure. If Executive is requested to disclose any of the Confidential Information as part of an administrative or judicial proceeding, Executive shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, promptly notify Company of that request and cooperate with Company, at Company’s expense, in seeking a protective order or similar confidential treatment for the Confidential Information. If no protective order or other confidential treatment is obtained, Executive shall disclose only that portion of Confidential Information which is legally required and will exercise all reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded the Confidential Information which is required to be disclosed.

 

  (e)

Enforcement. Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information is unique and valuable, and that remedies at law will be inadequate to protect Company from any actual or threatened breach of this Section 7 by Executive and that any such breach would cause irreparable and continuing injury to Company. Therefore, Executive agrees that Company shall be entitled to seek equitable relief with respect to the enforcement of this Section 7 without any requirement to post a bond, including, without limitation, injunction and specific performance, without proof of actual damages or exhausting other remedies, in addition to all other remedies

 

8


  available to Company at law or in equity. For greater clarity, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of this Section 7, in addition to and not in limitation of any other rights, remedies or damages available at law or in equity, Company shall be entitled to a permanent injunction or other like remedy in order to prevent or restrain any such breach or threatened breach by Executive, and Executive agrees that an interim injunction may be granted against Executive immediately on the commencement of any action, claim, suit or proceeding by Company to enforce the provisions of this Section 7, and Executive further irrevocably consents to the granting of any such interim or permanent injunction or any like remedy. If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce the terms of this Section 7, Executive, if it is determined to be at fault, shall pay Company’s reasonable legal fees and expenses on a substantial indemnity basis.

 

  (f)

Related Duties. Executive shall: (i) promptly deliver to Company upon Company’s request all materials in Executive’s possession which contain Confidential Information; (ii) use its best efforts to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of the Confidential Information; (iii) notify Company in writing immediately upon discovery of any such unauthorized use or disclosure; and (iv) cooperate in every reasonable way to regain possession of any Confidential Information and to prevent further unauthorized use and disclosure thereof.

 

  (g)

Legal Exceptions. Further notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7, Executive may disclose confidential information as may be expressly required by law, governmental rule, regulation, executive order, court order, or in connection with a dispute between the Parties; provided that prior to making any such disclosure, subject to applicable law, Executive shall use its best efforts to: (i) provide Company with at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice setting forth with specificity the reason(s) for such disclosure, supporting documentation therefor, and the circumstances giving rise thereto; and (ii) limit the scope and duration of such disclosure to the strictest possible extent.

 

  (h)

Limitation. Except as specifically set forth herein, no licenses or rights under any patent, copyright, trademark, or trade secret are granted by Company to Executive hereunder, or are to be implied by this Agreement. Except for the restrictions on use and disclosure of Confidential Information imposed in this Agreement, no obligation of any kind is assumed or implied against either Party or their Affiliates by virtue of meetings or conversations between the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter stated above or with respect to the exchange of Confidential Information. Each Party further acknowledges that this Agreement and any meetings and communications of the Parties and their affiliates relating to the same subject matter shall not: (i) constitute an offer, request, invitation or contract with the other Party to engage in any research, development or other work; (ii) constitute an offer, request, invitation or contract involving a buyer-seller relationship, joint venture, teaming or partnership relationship between the Parties and their affiliates; or (iii) constitute a representation, warranty, assurance, guarantee or inducement with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any Confidential Information or the non-infringement of the rights of third persons.

 

9


  8.

Intellectual Property Rights.

 

  (a)

Disclosure of Work Product. As used in this Agreement, the term “Work Product” means any invention, whether or not patentable, know-how, designs, mask works, trademarks, formulae, processes, manufacturing techniques, trade secrets, ideas, artwork, software or any copyrightable or patentable works. Executive agrees to disclose promptly in writing to Company, or any person designated by Company, all Work Product that is solely or jointly conceived, made, reduced to practice, or learned by Executive in the course of any work performed for Company (“Company Work Product”). Executive agrees (a) to use Executive’s best efforts to maintain such Company Work Product in trust and strict confidence; (b) not to use Company Work Product in any manner or for any purpose not expressly set forth in this Agreement; and (c) not to disclose any such Company Work Product to any third party without first obtaining Company’s express written consent on a case-by-case basis.

 

  (b)

Ownership of Company Work Product. Executive agrees that any and all Company Work Product conceived, written, created or first reduced to practice in the performance of work under this Agreement shall be deemed “work for hire” under applicable law and shall be the sole and exclusive property of Company.

 

  (c)

Assignment of Company Work Product. Executive irrevocably assigns to Company all right, title and interest worldwide in and to the Company Work Product and all applicable intellectual property rights related to the Company Work Product, including without limitation, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, moral rights, contract and licensing rights (the “Proprietary Rights”). Except as set forth below, Executive retains no rights to use the Company Work Product and agrees not to challenge the validity of Company’s ownership in the Company Work Product. Executive hereby grants to Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, irrevocable and world-wide right, with rights to sublicense through multiple tiers of sublicensees, to reproduce, make derivative works of, publicly perform, and display in any form or medium whether now known or later developed, distribute, make, use and sell any and all Executive owned or controlled Work Product or technology that Executive uses to complete the services and which is necessary for Company to use or exploit the Company Work Product.

 

  (d)

Assistance. Executive agrees to cooperate with Company or its designee(s), both during and after the Term, in the procurement and maintenance of Company’s rights in Company Work Product and to execute, when requested, any other documents deemed necessary by Company to carry out the purpose of this Agreement. Executive will assist Company in every proper way to obtain, and from time to time enforce, United States and foreign Proprietary Rights relating to Company Work Product in any and all countries. Executive’s obligation to assist Company with respect to Proprietary Rights relating to such Company Work Product in any and all countries shall continue beyond the termination of this Agreement, but Company shall compensate Executive at a reasonable rate to be mutually agreed upon after such termination for the time actually spent by Executive at Company’s request on such assistance.

 

10


  (e)

Execution of Documents. In the event Company is unable for any reason, after reasonable effort, to secure Executive’s signature on any document requested by Company pursuant to this Section 8 within seven (7) days of the Company’s initial request to Executive, Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as its agent and attorney in fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for and on its behalf solely to execute, verify and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of this Section 8 with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Executive. Executive hereby waives and quitclaims to Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, which Executive now or may hereafter have for infringement of any Proprietary Rights assignable hereunder to Company.

 

  (f)

Executive Representations and Warranties. Executive hereby represents and warrants that: (i) Company Work Product will be an original work of Executive or all applicable third parties will have executed assignments of rights reasonably acceptable to Company; (ii) neither the Company Work Product nor any element thereof will infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party; (iii) neither the Company Work Product nor any element thereof will be subject to any restrictions or to any mortgages, liens, pledges, security interests, encumbrances or encroachments; (iv) Executive will not grant, directly or indirectly, any rights or interest whatsoever in the Company Work Product to any third party; (v) Executive has full right and power to enter into and perform Executive’s obligations under this Agreement without the consent of any third party; (vi) Executive will use best efforts to prevent injury to any person (including employees of Company) or damage to property (including Company’s property) during the Term; and (vii) should Company permit Executive to use any of Company’s equipment, tools, or facilities during the Term, such permission shall be gratuitous and Executive shall be responsible for any injury to any person (including death) or damage to property (including Company’s property) arising out of use of such equipment, tools or facilities.

 

  9.

Representations and Warranties Relating to Securities. The Equity Award, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company that may be issued or granted to the Executive hereunder or pursuant to any other agreement between the Company and the Executive in connection with the transactions contemplated herein may be referred to as the “Securities”, and Executive represents and warrants to the Company as set forth in this Section 9 with respect to the Securities and Executive’s receipt thereof, as of the Effective Date and as of the date of any issuance or granting of any Securities.

 

  (a)

Executive is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (an “Accredited Investor”).

 

  (b)

Executive hereby represent that the Securities awarded pursuant to this Agreement are being acquired for Executive’s own account and not for sale or with a view to distribution thereof. Executive acknowledges and agrees that any sale or distribution of Securities which have vested may be made only pursuant to either (a) a registration statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement has become effective and is current with regard to the shares being sold, or (b) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act that is confirmed in a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to

 

11


  counsel for the Company, prior to any such sale or distribution. Executive hereby consents to such action as the Board or the Company deems necessary or appropriate from time to time to prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or to implement the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to placing restrictive legends on certificates evidencing shares of Securities (whether or not the Restrictions applicable thereto have lapsed) and delivering stop transfer instructions to the Company’s stock transfer agent.

 

  (c)

Executive understands that the Securities is being offered and sold to Executive in reliance upon specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and Executive’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Executive set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Executive to acquire the Securities.

 

  (d)

Executive has been furnished with all documents and materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information that Executive requested and deemed material to making an informed investment decision regarding its acquisition of the Securities. Executive has been afforded the opportunity to review such documents and materials and the information contained therein. Executive has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management. Executive understands that such discussions, as well as any written information provided by the Company, were intended to describe the aspects of the Company’s business and prospects which the Company believes to be material, but were not necessarily a thorough or exhaustive description and the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the completeness of such information and makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to any information provided by any entity other than the Company. Some of such information may include projections as to the future performance of the Company, which projections may not be realized, may be based on assumptions which may not be correct and may be subject to numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Additionally, Executive understands and represents that Executive is acquiring the Securities notwithstanding the fact that the Company may disclose in the future certain material information that the Executive has not received. Executive has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as Executive has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to Executive’s investment in the Securities. Executive has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive, either personally, or together with Executive’s advisors has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Securities, is able to bear the risks of an investment in the Securities and understands the risks of, and other considerations relating to, a purchase of the Securities. The Executive and Executive’s advisors have had a reasonable opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company concerning the Securities. Executive’s financial condition is such that Executive is able to bear the risk of holding the Securities that Executive may acquire pursuant to this

 

12


  Agreement for an indefinite period of time, and the risk of loss of Executive’s entire investment in the Company. Executive has investigated the acquisition of the Securities to the extent Executive deemed necessary or desirable and the Company has provided Executive with any reasonable assistance Executive has requested in connection therewith. No representations or warranties have been made to Executive by the Company, or any representative of the Company, or any securities broker/dealer, other than as set forth in this Agreement.

 

  (e)

Executive also acknowledges and agrees that an investment in the Securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk of loss of the entire investment in the Company and there is no assurance that a public market for the Securities will ever develop and that, as a result, Executive may not be able to liquidate Executive’s investment in the Securities should a need arise to do so. Executive is not dependent for liquidity on any of the amounts Executive is investing in the Securities. Executive has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive understands that the representations and warranties herein are to be relied upon by the Company as a basis for the exemptions from registration and qualification of the issuance and sale of the Securities under the federal and state securities laws and for other purposes.

 

  (f)

Executive understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed upon or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities.

 

  (g)

Executive understands that until such time as the Securities have been registered under the Securities Act or may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A under the Securities Act or Regulation S without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, the Securities may bear a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of the certificates for such Securities):

“NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH COUNSEL SHALL BE SELECTED BY THE HOLDER), IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.”

 

13


  (h)

This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized by Executive. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of Executive, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Executive enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

  (i)

Executive is an individual resident of the state set forth in the notices provision for Executive herein.

 

  10.

Effect of Waiver. The waiver by either Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach hereof. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing.

 

  11.

Assignment. No Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect, provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may transfer, assign or delegate to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company any of Company’s rights, obligations or duties hereunder.

 

  12.

No Third-Party Rights. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement is intended solely for the benefit of the Parties hereto and is not intended to confer any benefits upon, or create any rights in favor of, any person or entity other than the Parties hereto.

 

  13.

Entire Agreement; Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement, any Award Agreement and any other agreement entered into between the Company and Executive with respect to the issuance of any equity securities of the Company or other equity awards relating to the Company set forth the entire agreement of the Parties hereto and shall supersede any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the Executive’s employment by the Company. This Agreement may be changed only by a written document signed by the Executive and the Company.

 

  14.

Survival. The provisions of Section 3, Section 4, Section 5, Section 6, Section 7, Section 8, Section 9 and Section 12 through Section 26, inclusive, shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement, and provided that any expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not excuse a Party from compliance with, or fulfillment of, any obligations or conditions which arose prior to such expiration or termination.

 

  15.

Severability. If any one or more of the provisions, or portions of any provision, of the Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or parts hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

  16.

Governing Law and Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

14


  (a)

All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined, and this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such state, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions of such state.

 

  (B)

SUBJECT TO SECTION 18, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE COMMENCED IN THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS, OR, SOLELY IN THE EVENT THAT THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO ASSERT JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGEMENT HEREUNDER FOR ANY REASON, THEN IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH JURISDICTION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA (AS APPLICABLE, THE “SELECTED COURTS”). EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SELECTED COURTS FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR WITH ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR DISCUSSED HEREIN (INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHTS OF A PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT), AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH SELECTED COURTS, OR SUCH SELECTED COURTS ARE IMPROPER OR INCONVENIENT VENUE FOR SUCH PROCEEDING. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO PROCESS BEING SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF VIA REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY (WITH EVIDENCE OF DELIVERY) TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS IN EFFECT FOR NOTICES TO IT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE SHALL CONSTITUTE GOOD AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE OF PROCESS AND NOTICE THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT IN ANY WAY ANY RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

  (c)

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 16(c).

 

15


  17.

Attorneys Fees, etc. If any Party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Agreement, then the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other Party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.

 

  18.

Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, but not limited to, common law and statutory claims for discrimination, wrongful discharge, and unpaid wages, shall be resolved by arbitration in Tokyo, Japan pursuant to then-prevailing National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association, provided that in the event that such rules may not be applied in Tokyo, Japan for any reason, then pursuant to arbitration rules as reasonably determined by the Company. The arbitration shall be conducted by three arbitrators, with one arbitrator selected by each Party and the third arbitrator selected by the two arbitrators so selected by the Parties. The arbitrators shall be bound to follow the applicable Agreement provisions in adjudicating the dispute. It is agreed by both Parties that the arbitrators’ decision is final, and that no Party may take any action, judicial or administrative, to overturn such decision. The judgment rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in the Selected Courts. Subject to the provisions of Section 17, each Party will pay its own expenses of arbitration and the expenses of the arbitrators will be equally shared provided that, if in the opinion of the arbitrators any claim, defense, or argument raised in the arbitration was unreasonable, the arbitrators may assess all or part of the expenses of the other Party (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and of the arbitrators as the arbitrators deem appropriate. The arbitrators may not award either Party punitive or consequential damages.

 

  19.

General Remedies. Each Party acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the other Party, and thus each Party acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Agreement will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by such Party of the provisions of this Agreement, that the other Party shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies at law or in equity, and in addition to the penalties assessable herein, to an injunction or injunctions restraining, preventing or curing any breach of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

  20.

Indemnification. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to indemnification and insurance coverage for officers’ liability, fiduciary liability and other liabilities arising out of the Executive’s position with the Company in any capacity, in an amount not less than the highest amount available to any other executive, and such coverage and protections, with respect to the various liabilities as to which the Executive has been customarily indemnified prior to termination of employment, shall continue for at least six years following the end of the Term. Any indemnification agreement entered into between the Company and the Executive shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms following the termination of this Agreement.

 

  21.

Expenses. Other than as specifically set forth herein, each of the Parties will bear their own respective expenses, including legal, accounting and professional fees, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

 

16


  22.

Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other Party, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by email with return receipt requested and received or nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed as set forth below or to such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. All notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered by hand, if personally delivered, (ii) when delivered by courier or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or overnight mail, and (iii) on receipt of confirmed delivery, if sent by email.

If to the Company:

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: Shuhei Komatsu

600 N Broad Street, Suite 5 # 529

Middletown, Delaware 19709

Email: shuhei.komatsu@aerwins.us

If to Executive, to:

Taiji Ito

3-32 Kioicho,

Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Email: taiji.ito@aerwins.us

 

  23.

Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

  24.

Counsel. The Parties acknowledge and agree that legal counsel to the Company (“Counsel”) has prepared this Agreement at the request of the Company, and that Counsel is not legal counsel to Executive individually. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that they are aware of, and have consented to, the Counsel acting as legal counsel to the Company and preparing this Agreement, and that Counsel has advised each of the Parties to retain separate counsel to review the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered in connection herewith, and each Party has either waived such right freely or has otherwise sought such additional counsel as it has deemed necessary. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that Counsel does not owe any duties to Executive in Executive’s individual capacity in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. Each of the Parties hereby waives any conflict of interest which may apply with respect to Counsel’s actions as set forth herein, and the Parties confirm that the Parties have previously negotiated the material terms of the agreements as set forth herein.

 

  25.

Rule of Construction. The general rule of construction for interpreting a contract, which provides that the provisions of a contract should be construed against the Party preparing the contract, is waived by the Parties hereto. Each Party acknowledges that such Party was represented by separate legal counsel in this matter who participated in the preparation of this Agreement or such Party had the opportunity to retain counsel to participate in the preparation of this Agreement but elected not to do so.

 

17


  26.

Execution in Counterparts, Electronic Transmission. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. The signature of any Party which is transmitted by any reliable electronic means such as, but not limited to, a photocopy, electronically scanned or facsimile machine, for purposes hereof, is to be considered as an original signature, and the document transmitted is to be considered to have the same binding effect as an original signature or an original document.

[Signatures appear on following page]

 

18


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

AERWINS Technologies Inc.
formerly known as
Pono Capital Corp.
By:  

/s/ Shuhei Komatsu

Name:   Shuhei Komatsu
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
Executive: Taiji Ito
By:  

/s/ Taiji Ito

Name:   Taiji Ito

 

19

Exhibit 10.10

Executive Employment Agreement

Dated as of February 3, 2023

This Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated as of the date first set forth above (the “Effective Date”) is entered into by and between AERWINS Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation previously named Pono Capital Corp. (the “Company”) and Kazuo Miura (the “Executive”). The Company and Executive may collective be referred to as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.

WHEREAS, the Company now desires to employ the Executive as the Chief Product Officer of the Company and the Executive desires to serve in such capacities on behalf of the Company, in each case subject to the terms and conditions herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

  1.

Employment.

 

  (a)

Term. The term of this Agreement (the “Initial Term”) shall begin as of the Effective Date and shall end on the earlier of (i) the third (3rd) anniversary of the Effective Date and (ii) the time of the termination of the Executive’s employment in accordance with Section 2(e). The Initial Term and any Renewal Term (as defined below) shall automatically be extended for one or more additional terms of one (1) year each (each a “Renewal Term” and together with the Initial Term, the “Term”), unless either the Company or Executive provides notice to the other Party of their desire to not so renew the Initial Term or Renewal Term (as applicable) at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Initial Term or Renewal Term, as applicable. Executive’s employment with the Company shall be “at will,” meaning that either Executive or the Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time and for any reason, subject to Section 3. Any contrary representations that may have been made to Executive are superseded by this Agreement.

 

  (b)

Duties. The Company hereby appoints Executive, and Executive shall serve, as the Chief Product Officer of the Company and shall report to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and to such other persons as designated by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board. The Executive shall have such duties and responsibilities as are consistent with Executive’s position with the Company. In addition, the Executive shall perform all other duties and accept all other responsibilities incident to such position as may reasonably assigned to Executive by the Board.

 

  2.

Compensation and Other Benefits. As compensation for the services to be rendered hereunder, during the Term the Company shall pay to the Executive the salary and bonuses, and shall provide the benefits, as set forth in this Section 2.

 

1


  (a)

Base Salary. The Company shall pay to the Executive an annual base salary of $200,000, payable on a monthly basis commencing on the Effective Date (as the same may be adjusted herein, the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll policies.

 

  (b)

Equity Issuances. The Executive shall be eligible to receive awards of options, restricted stock or other equity awards for shares of common stock, par value $0.000001 per share (the “Common Stock”) of the Company (each, if so issued, an “Equity Award”), pursuant to award agreements in form and substance as determined by the Board and which will be entered into by and between the Company and Executive (if and when executed, each an “Award Agreement”). If an Equity Award, if made, is subject to vesting, then such Equity Award shall be subject to vesting and forfeiture as set forth herein and in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

  (c)

Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible to receive any discretionary bonuses as determined by the Board.

 

  (d)

Fringe Benefits. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits consistent with the practices of the Company, and to the extent the Company provides similar benefits to the Company’s executive officers.

 

  (e)

Business Expenses. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, entertainment and travel expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and procedures.

 

  3.

Termination.

 

  (a)

Definition of Cause. For purposes hereof, “Cause” shall mean:

 

  (i)

a violation of any material written rule or policy of the Company for which violation any employee may be terminated pursuant to the written policies of the Company reasonably applicable to an executive employee;

 

  (ii)

misconduct by the Executive to the material detriment of the Company;

 

  (iii)

the Executive’s conviction (by a court of competent jurisdiction, not subject to further appeal) of, or pleading guilty to, a felony;

 

  (iv)

the Executive’s gross negligence in the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in this Agreement; or

 

  (v)

the Executive’s material failure to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in this Agreement (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to the Executive being delivered a notice of termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of termination for Good Reason to the Company), in either case after written notice from the Board to the Executive of the specific nature of such material failure and the Executive’s failure to cure such material failure within 10 days following receipt of such notice.

 

2


  (b)

Definition of Good Reason. For purposes hereof, “Good Reason” shall mean:

 

  (i)

at any time following a Change of Control (as defined below), a material diminution by the Company of compensation and benefits (taken as a whole) provided to the Executive immediately prior to a Change of Control;

 

  (ii)

a reduction in Base Salary or target or maximum bonus, other than as part of an across-the-board reduction in salaries of management personnel;

 

  (iii)

the relocation of the Executive’s principal executive office to a location more than 50 miles further from the Executive’s principal executive office immediately prior to such relocation; or

 

  (iv)

a material breach by the Company of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement which the Company fails to correct within 10 days after the Company receives written notice from Executive of such violation.

 

  (c)

Definition of Change of Control. A “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if, after the Effective Date, (i) the beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company is acquired by any “person” as defined in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company), (ii) the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation where the shareholders of the Company, immediately prior to the consolidation or merger, would not, immediately after the consolidation or merger, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate 50% or more of the combined voting power of the securities of the corporation issuing cash or securities in the consolidation or merger (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if any) in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, or (iii) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned directly or indirectly by shareholders of the Company, immediately prior to the sale or disposition, in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale or disposition.

 

  (d)

Termination by the Company. The Company may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Cause, subject to the terms and conditions herein.

 

  (i)

For Cause. In the event that the Company terminates the Term or Executive’s employment hereunder with Cause, then in such event, subject to Section 3(i), (i) the Company shall pay to Executive any unpaid

 

3


  Base Salary and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses, pursuant to the terms of Section 2(e), incurred by the Executive in each case through the termination date, and each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (ii) any unvested portion of any equity granted to Executive hereunder or under any Award Agreement or any other agreements with the Company (collectively, the “Equity Grants”) shall immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the Parties; and (iii) all of the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall thereafter cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to Section 14.

 

  (ii)

Without Cause. In the event that the Company terminates the Term or Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause, then in such event, subject to Section 3(i), (i) the Company shall pay to Executive any Base Salary, bonuses, and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses incurred by the Executive in each case through the termination date, and each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (ii) the Company shall pay to Executive, in one lump sum, an amount equal to the Base Salary that would have been paid to Executive for the remainder of the Initial Term (if such termination occurs during the Initial Term) or Renewal Term (if such termination occurs during a Renewal Term), as applicable, which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (iii) any Equity Grant already made to Executive shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested; and (iv) all of the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall thereafter cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to Section 14.

 

  (e)

Termination by the Executive. The Executive may terminate the Term and resign from Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Good Reason.

 

  (i)

With Good Reason. In the event that Executive terminates the Term or resigns from Executive’s employment hereunder with Good Reason, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and Executive shall, subject to Section 3(i), be entitled to such benefits (including without limitation any vesting of unvested shares under any Equity Grant), that would have been payable to Executive or which Executive would have received had the Term and Executive’s employment been terminated by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 3(d)(ii).

 

  (ii)

Without Good Reason. In the event that Executive terminates the Term or resigns from Executive’s employment hereunder without Good Reason, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and Executive shall be entitled, subject to Section 3(i), to such benefits (including without limitation any vesting of unvested shares under any Equity Grant), that would have been payable to Executive or which Executive would have received had the Term and Executive’s employment been terminated by the Company with Cause pursuant to Section 3(d)(i).

 

4


  (f)

Termination by Death or Disability. In the event of the Executive’s death or total disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) during the Term, the Term and Executive’s employment shall terminate on the date of death or total disability. In the event of such termination, the Company’s sole obligations hereunder to the Executive (or the Executive’s estate) shall be for unpaid Base Salary, accrued but unpaid bonus and benefits (then owed or accrued and owed in the future), a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination based on the Executive’s target bonus for such year and the portion of such year in which the Executive was employed, and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to the terms hereon through the effective date of termination, each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the date of the Executive’s termination, and any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the Parties.

 

  (g)

Non-Renewal. In the event that the Term is not renewed by either Party pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(a), any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall immediately be forfeited as of the expiration of the Term without any further action of the Parties.

 

  (h)

Change of Control. In the event that a Change of Control occurs during the Term, any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested immediately without any further action of the Parties.

 

  (i)

Conflict. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions herein and those in any other agreement or contract between the Company and the Executive with respect to any Equity Grants granted to Executive, the terms and conditions of such other agreement or contract shall control.

 

  4.

Payments.

 

  (a)

Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if it is determined that any payment or benefit provided to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise, whether or not in connection with a Change of Control (a “Payment”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), such that the Payment would be subject to an excise tax under section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall pay to the Executive an additional amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount of the Gross-Up Payment retained by the Executive after the payment of any Excise Tax and any federal, state and local income and employment tax on the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Excise Tax due on the Payment and any interest and penalties in respect of such Excise Tax. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of Executive’s residence (or, if greater, the state and locality in which Executive is required to file a nonresident income tax return with respect to the Payment) in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes.

 

5


  (b)

All determinations made pursuant to Section 4(a) shall be made by the Company which shall provide its determination and any supporting calculations (the “Determination”) to the Executive within thirty days of the date of the Executive’s termination or any other date selected by the Executive or the Company. Within ten calendar days of the delivery of the Determination to the Executive, the Executive shall have the right to dispute the Determination (the “Dispute”). The existence of any Dispute shall not in any way affect the Executive’s right to receive the Gross-Up Payments in accordance with the Determination. If there is no dispute, the Determination by the Company shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Executive, subject to the application of Section 4(c). Within ten days after the Company’s determination, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Gross-Up Payment, if any. If the Company determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it will, at the same time as it makes such Determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that the Executive has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on Executive’s federal, state, local income or other tax return. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Executive of and from any and all claims, damages and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section 4(b), except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Company.

 

  (c)

As a result of the uncertainty in the application of sections 4999 and 280G of the Code, it is possible that the Gross-Up Payments either will have been made which should not have been made, or will not have been made which should have been made, by the Company (an “Excess Gross-Up Payment” or a “Gross-Up Underpayment,” respectively). If it is established pursuant to (A) a final determination of a court for which all appeals have been taken and finally resolved or the time for all appeals has expired, or (B) an Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) proceeding which has been finally and conclusively resolved, that an Excess Gross-Up Payment has been made, such Excess Gross-Up Payment shall be deemed for all purposes to be a loan to the Executive made on the date the Executive received the Excess Gross-Up Payment and the Executive shall repay the Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Company either (i) on demand, if the Executive is in possession of the Excess Gross-Up Payment or (ii) upon the refund of such Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Executive from the IRS, if the IRS is in possession of such Excess Gross-Up Payment, together with interest on the Excess Gross-Up Payment at (X) 120% of the applicable federal rate (as defined in Section 1274(d) of the Code) compounded semi-annually for any period during which the Executive held such Excess Gross-Up Payment and (Y) the interest rate paid to the Executive by the IRS in respect of any period during which the IRS held such Excess Gross-Up Payment. If a Gross-Up Underpayment occurs as determined under one or more of the following circumstances: (I) such determination is made by the Company (which shall include the position taken by the Company, together with its consolidated group, on its federal income tax return) or is made by the IRS, (II) such determination is made by a court, or (III) such determination is made upon the resolution to the Executive’s satisfaction of the Dispute, then the Company shall

 

6


  pay an amount equal to the Gross-Up Underpayment to the Executive within ten calendar days of such determination or resolution, together with interest on such amount at 120% of the applicable federal rate compounded semi-annually from the date such amount should have been paid to the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but for the operation of this Section 4(c), until the date of payment.

 

  5.

Post-Termination Assistance. Upon the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive agrees to fully cooperate in all matters relating to the winding up or pending work on behalf of the Company and the orderly transfer of work to other employees of the Company following any termination of the Executives’ employment. The Executive further agrees that Executive will provide, upon reasonable notice, such information and assistance to the Company as may reasonably be requested by the Company in connection with any audit, governmental investigation, litigation, or other dispute in which the Company is or may become a party and as to which the Executive has knowledge; provided, however, that (i) the Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for any related out-of-pocket expenses, including travel expenses, and (ii) any such assistance may not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s then current employment.

 

  6.

No Mitigation or Set Off. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced, regardless of whether the Executive obtains other employment. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company may have against the Executive or others; provided, however, the Company shall have the right to offset the amount of any funds loaned or advanced to the Executive and not repaid against any severance obligations the Company may have to the Executive hereunder.

 

  7.

Confidentiality

 

  (a)

Definition. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean all Company Work Product (as hereinafter defined) and all non-public written, electronic, and oral information or materials of Company communicated to or otherwise obtained by Executive in connection with this Agreement, which is related to the products, business and activities of Company, its Affiliates (as defined below), and subsidiaries, and their respective customers, clients, suppliers, and other entities with which such party does business, including: (i) all costing, pricing, technology, software, documentation, research, techniques, procedures, processes, discoveries, inventions, methodologies, data, tools, templates, know how, intellectual property and all other proprietary information of Company; (ii) the terms of this Agreement; and (iii) any other information identified as confidential in writing by Company. Confidential Information shall not include information that: (a) was lawfully known by Executive without an obligation of confidentiality before its receipt from Company; (b) is independently developed by Executive without reliance on or use of Confidential Information; (c) is or becomes publicly available without a breach by Executive of this Agreement; or (d) is disclosed to Executive by a third party which is not required to maintain its confidentiality. An “Affiliate” of a Party shall mean any entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such Party at any time during the Term for so long as such control exists.

 

7


  (b)

Company Ownership. Company shall retain all right, title, and interest to the Confidential Information, including all copies thereof and all rights to patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights inherent therein and appurtenant thereto. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Company hereby grants Executive a non-exclusive, non-transferable, license during the Term to use any Confidential Information solely to the extent that such Confidential Information is necessary for the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder. Executive shall not, by virtue of this Agreement or otherwise, acquire any proprietary rights whatsoever in Confidential Information, which shall be the sole and exclusive property and confidential information of Company. No identifying marks, copyright or proprietary right notices may be deleted from any copy of Confidential Information. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the rights of Company from performing similar services for, or delivering the same or similar deliverable to, third parties using the Confidential Information and/or using the same personnel to provide any such services or deliverables.

 

  (c)

Confidentiality Obligations. Executive agrees to hold the Confidential Information in confidence and not to copy, reproduce, sell, assign, license, market, transfer, give or otherwise disclose such Confidential Information to any person or entity or to use the Confidential Information for any purposes whatsoever, without the express written permission of Company, other than disclosure to Executive’s, partners, principals, directors, officers, employees, subcontractors and agents on a “need-to-know” basis as reasonably required for the performance of Executive’s obligations hereunder or as otherwise agreed to herein. Executive shall be responsible to Company for any violation of this Section 7 by Executive’s employees, subcontractors, and agents. Executive shall maintain the Confidential Information with the same degree of care, but no less than a reasonable degree of care, as Executive employs concerning its own information of like kind and character.

 

  (d)

Required Disclosure. If Executive is requested to disclose any of the Confidential Information as part of an administrative or judicial proceeding, Executive shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, promptly notify Company of that request and cooperate with Company, at Company’s expense, in seeking a protective order or similar confidential treatment for the Confidential Information. If no protective order or other confidential treatment is obtained, Executive shall disclose only that portion of Confidential Information which is legally required and will exercise all reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded the Confidential Information which is required to be disclosed.

 

  (e)

Enforcement. Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information is unique and valuable, and that remedies at law will be inadequate to protect Company from any actual or threatened breach of this Section 7 by Executive and that any such breach would cause irreparable and continuing injury to Company. Therefore, Executive agrees that Company shall be entitled to seek equitable relief with respect to the enforcement of this Section 7 without any requirement to post a bond, including, without limitation, injunction and specific performance, without proof of actual damages or exhausting other remedies, in addition to all other remedies

 

8


  available to Company at law or in equity. For greater clarity, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of this Section 7, in addition to and not in limitation of any other rights, remedies or damages available at law or in equity, Company shall be entitled to a permanent injunction or other like remedy in order to prevent or restrain any such breach or threatened breach by Executive, and Executive agrees that an interim injunction may be granted against Executive immediately on the commencement of any action, claim, suit or proceeding by Company to enforce the provisions of this Section 7, and Executive further irrevocably consents to the granting of any such interim or permanent injunction or any like remedy. If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce the terms of this Section 7, Executive, if it is determined to be at fault, shall pay Company’s reasonable legal fees and expenses on a substantial indemnity basis.

 

  (f)

Related Duties. Executive shall: (i) promptly deliver to Company upon Company’s request all materials in Executive’s possession which contain Confidential Information; (ii) use its best efforts to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of the Confidential Information; (iii) notify Company in writing immediately upon discovery of any such unauthorized use or disclosure; and (iv) cooperate in every reasonable way to regain possession of any Confidential Information and to prevent further unauthorized use and disclosure thereof.

 

  (g)

Legal Exceptions. Further notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7, Executive may disclose confidential information as may be expressly required by law, governmental rule, regulation, executive order, court order, or in connection with a dispute between the Parties; provided that prior to making any such disclosure, subject to applicable law, Executive shall use its best efforts to: (i) provide Company with at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice setting forth with specificity the reason(s) for such disclosure, supporting documentation therefor, and the circumstances giving rise thereto; and (ii) limit the scope and duration of such disclosure to the strictest possible extent.

 

  (h)

Limitation. Except as specifically set forth herein, no licenses or rights under any patent, copyright, trademark, or trade secret are granted by Company to Executive hereunder, or are to be implied by this Agreement. Except for the restrictions on use and disclosure of Confidential Information imposed in this Agreement, no obligation of any kind is assumed or implied against either Party or their Affiliates by virtue of meetings or conversations between the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter stated above or with respect to the exchange of Confidential Information. Each Party further acknowledges that this Agreement and any meetings and communications of the Parties and their affiliates relating to the same subject matter shall not: (i) constitute an offer, request, invitation or contract with the other Party to engage in any research, development or other work; (ii) constitute an offer, request, invitation or contract involving a buyer-seller relationship, joint venture, teaming or partnership relationship between the Parties and their affiliates; or (iii) constitute a representation, warranty, assurance, guarantee or inducement with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any Confidential Information or the non-infringement of the rights of third persons.

 

9


  8.

Intellectual Property Rights.

 

  (a)

Disclosure of Work Product. As used in this Agreement, the term “Work Product” means any invention, whether or not patentable, know-how, designs, mask works, trademarks, formulae, processes, manufacturing techniques, trade secrets, ideas, artwork, software or any copyrightable or patentable works. Executive agrees to disclose promptly in writing to Company, or any person designated by Company, all Work Product that is solely or jointly conceived, made, reduced to practice, or learned by Executive in the course of any work performed for Company (“Company Work Product”). Executive agrees (a) to use Executive’s best efforts to maintain such Company Work Product in trust and strict confidence; (b) not to use Company Work Product in any manner or for any purpose not expressly set forth in this Agreement; and (c) not to disclose any such Company Work Product to any third party without first obtaining Company’s express written consent on a case-by-case basis.

 

  (b)

Ownership of Company Work Product. Executive agrees that any and all Company Work Product conceived, written, created or first reduced to practice in the performance of work under this Agreement shall be deemed “work for hire” under applicable law and shall be the sole and exclusive property of Company.

 

  (c)

Assignment of Company Work Product. Executive irrevocably assigns to Company all right, title and interest worldwide in and to the Company Work Product and all applicable intellectual property rights related to the Company Work Product, including without limitation, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, moral rights, contract and licensing rights (the “Proprietary Rights”). Except as set forth below, Executive retains no rights to use the Company Work Product and agrees not to challenge the validity of Company’s ownership in the Company Work Product. Executive hereby grants to Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, irrevocable and world-wide right, with rights to sublicense through multiple tiers of sublicensees, to reproduce, make derivative works of, publicly perform, and display in any form or medium whether now known or later developed, distribute, make, use and sell any and all Executive owned or controlled Work Product or technology that Executive uses to complete the services and which is necessary for Company to use or exploit the Company Work Product.

 

  (d)

Assistance. Executive agrees to cooperate with Company or its designee(s), both during and after the Term, in the procurement and maintenance of Company’s rights in Company Work Product and to execute, when requested, any other documents deemed necessary by Company to carry out the purpose of this Agreement. Executive will assist Company in every proper way to obtain, and from time to time enforce, United States and foreign Proprietary Rights relating to Company Work Product in any and all countries. Executive’s obligation to assist Company with respect to Proprietary Rights relating to such Company Work Product in any and all countries shall continue beyond the termination of this Agreement, but Company shall compensate Executive at a reasonable rate to be mutually agreed upon after such termination for the time actually spent by Executive at Company’s request on such assistance.

 

10


  (e)

Execution of Documents. In the event Company is unable for any reason, after reasonable effort, to secure Executive’s signature on any document requested by Company pursuant to this Section 8 within seven (7) days of the Company’s initial request to Executive, Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as its agent and attorney in fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for and on its behalf solely to execute, verify and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of this Section 8 with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Executive. Executive hereby waives and quitclaims to Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, which Executive now or may hereafter have for infringement of any Proprietary Rights assignable hereunder to Company.

 

  (f)

Executive Representations and Warranties. Executive hereby represents and warrants that: (i) Company Work Product will be an original work of Executive or all applicable third parties will have executed assignments of rights reasonably acceptable to Company; (ii) neither the Company Work Product nor any element thereof will infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party; (iii) neither the Company Work Product nor any element thereof will be subject to any restrictions or to any mortgages, liens, pledges, security interests, encumbrances or encroachments; (iv) Executive will not grant, directly or indirectly, any rights or interest whatsoever in the Company Work Product to any third party; (v) Executive has full right and power to enter into and perform Executive’s obligations under this Agreement without the consent of any third party; (vi) Executive will use best efforts to prevent injury to any person (including employees of Company) or damage to property (including Company’s property) during the Term; and (vii) should Company permit Executive to use any of Company’s equipment, tools, or facilities during the Term, such permission shall be gratuitous and Executive shall be responsible for any injury to any person (including death) or damage to property (including Company’s property) arising out of use of such equipment, tools or facilities.

 

  9.

Representations and Warranties Relating to Securities. The Equity Award, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company that may be issued or granted to the Executive hereunder or pursuant to any other agreement between the Company and the Executive in connection with the transactions contemplated herein may be referred to as the “Securities”, and Executive represents and warrants to the Company as set forth in this Section 9 with respect to the Securities and Executive’s receipt thereof, as of the Effective Date and as of the date of any issuance or granting of any Securities.

 

  (a)

Executive is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (an “Accredited Investor”).

 

  (b)

Executive hereby represent that the Securities awarded pursuant to this Agreement are being acquired for Executive’s own account and not for sale or with a view to distribution thereof. Executive acknowledges and agrees that any sale or distribution of Securities which have vested may be made only pursuant to either (a) a registration statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement has become effective and is current with regard to the shares being sold, or (b) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act that is confirmed in a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to

 

11


  counsel for the Company, prior to any such sale or distribution. Executive hereby consents to such action as the Board or the Company deems necessary or appropriate from time to time to prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or to implement the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to placing restrictive legends on certificates evidencing shares of Securities (whether or not the Restrictions applicable thereto have lapsed) and delivering stop transfer instructions to the Company’s stock transfer agent.

 

  (c)

Executive understands that the Securities is being offered and sold to Executive in reliance upon specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and Executive’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Executive set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Executive to acquire the Securities.

 

  (d)

Executive has been furnished with all documents and materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information that Executive requested and deemed material to making an informed investment decision regarding its acquisition of the Securities. Executive has been afforded the opportunity to review such documents and materials and the information contained therein. Executive has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management. Executive understands that such discussions, as well as any written information provided by the Company, were intended to describe the aspects of the Company’s business and prospects which the Company believes to be material, but were not necessarily a thorough or exhaustive description and the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the completeness of such information and makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to any information provided by any entity other than the Company. Some of such information may include projections as to the future performance of the Company, which projections may not be realized, may be based on assumptions which may not be correct and may be subject to numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Additionally, Executive understands and represents that Executive is acquiring the Securities notwithstanding the fact that the Company may disclose in the future certain material information that the Executive has not received. Executive has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as Executive has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to Executive’s investment in the Securities. Executive has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive, either personally, or together with Executive’s advisors has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Securities, is able to bear the risks of an investment in the Securities and understands the risks of, and other considerations relating to, a purchase of the Securities. The Executive and Executive’s advisors have had a reasonable opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company concerning the Securities. Executive’s financial condition is such that Executive is able to bear the risk of holding the Securities that Executive may acquire pursuant to this

 

12


  Agreement for an indefinite period of time, and the risk of loss of Executive’s entire investment in the Company. Executive has investigated the acquisition of the Securities to the extent Executive deemed necessary or desirable and the Company has provided Executive with any reasonable assistance Executive has requested in connection therewith. No representations or warranties have been made to Executive by the Company, or any representative of the Company, or any securities broker/dealer, other than as set forth in this Agreement.

 

  (e)

Executive also acknowledges and agrees that an investment in the Securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk of loss of the entire investment in the Company and there is no assurance that a public market for the Securities will ever develop and that, as a result, Executive may not be able to liquidate Executive’s investment in the Securities should a need arise to do so. Executive is not dependent for liquidity on any of the amounts Executive is investing in the Securities. Executive has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive understands that the representations and warranties herein are to be relied upon by the Company as a basis for the exemptions from registration and qualification of the issuance and sale of the Securities under the federal and state securities laws and for other purposes.

 

  (f)

Executive understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed upon or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities.

 

  (g)

Executive understands that until such time as the Securities have been registered under the Securities Act or may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A under the Securities Act or Regulation S without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, the Securities may bear a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of the certificates for such Securities):

“NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH COUNSEL SHALL BE SELECTED BY THE HOLDER), IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.”

 

13


  (h)

This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized by Executive. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of Executive, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Executive enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

  (i)

Executive is an individual resident of the state set forth in the notices provision for Executive herein.

 

  10.

Effect of Waiver. The waiver by either Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach hereof. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing.

 

  11.

Assignment. No Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect, provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may transfer, assign or delegate to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company any of Company’s rights, obligations or duties hereunder.

 

  12.

No Third-Party Rights. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement is intended solely for the benefit of the Parties hereto and is not intended to confer any benefits upon, or create any rights in favor of, any person or entity other than the Parties hereto.

 

  13.

Entire Agreement; Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement, any Award Agreement and any other agreement entered into between the Company and Executive with respect to the issuance of any equity securities of the Company or other equity awards relating to the Company set forth the entire agreement of the Parties hereto and shall supersede any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the Executive’s employment by the Company. This Agreement may be changed only by a written document signed by the Executive and the Company.

 

  14.

Survival. The provisions of Section 3, Section 4, Section 5, Section 6, Section 7, Section 8, Section 9 and Section 12 through Section 26, inclusive, shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement, and provided that any expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not excuse a Party from compliance with, or fulfillment of, any obligations or conditions which arose prior to such expiration or termination.

 

  15.

Severability. If any one or more of the provisions, or portions of any provision, of the Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or parts hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

  16.

Governing Law and Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

14


  (a)

All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined, and this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such state, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions of such state.

 

  (B)

SUBJECT TO SECTION 18, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE COMMENCED IN THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS, OR, SOLELY IN THE EVENT THAT THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO ASSERT JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGEMENT HEREUNDER FOR ANY REASON, THEN IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH JURISDICTION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA (AS APPLICABLE, THE “SELECTED COURTS”). EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SELECTED COURTS FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR WITH ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR DISCUSSED HEREIN (INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHTS OF A PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT), AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH SELECTED COURTS, OR SUCH SELECTED COURTS ARE IMPROPER OR INCONVENIENT VENUE FOR SUCH PROCEEDING. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO PROCESS BEING SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF VIA REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY (WITH EVIDENCE OF DELIVERY) TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS IN EFFECT FOR NOTICES TO IT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE SHALL CONSTITUTE GOOD AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE OF PROCESS AND NOTICE THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT IN ANY WAY ANY RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

  (c)

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 16(c).

 

15


  17.

Attorneys Fees, etc. If any Party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Agreement, then the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other Party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.

 

  18.

Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, but not limited to, common law and statutory claims for discrimination, wrongful discharge, and unpaid wages, shall be resolved by arbitration in Tokyo, Japan pursuant to then-prevailing National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association, provided that in the event that such rules may not be applied in Tokyo, Japan for any reason, then pursuant to arbitration rules as reasonably determined by the Company. The arbitration shall be conducted by three arbitrators, with one arbitrator selected by each Party and the third arbitrator selected by the two arbitrators so selected by the Parties. The arbitrators shall be bound to follow the applicable Agreement provisions in adjudicating the dispute. It is agreed by both Parties that the arbitrators’ decision is final, and that no Party may take any action, judicial or administrative, to overturn such decision. The judgment rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in the Selected Courts. Subject to the provisions of Section 17, each Party will pay its own expenses of arbitration and the expenses of the arbitrators will be equally shared provided that, if in the opinion of the arbitrators any claim, defense, or argument raised in the arbitration was unreasonable, the arbitrators may assess all or part of the expenses of the other Party (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and of the arbitrators as the arbitrators deem appropriate. The arbitrators may not award either Party punitive or consequential damages.

 

  19.

General Remedies. Each Party acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the other Party, and thus each Party acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Agreement will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by such Party of the provisions of this Agreement, that the other Party shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies at law or in equity, and in addition to the penalties assessable herein, to an injunction or injunctions restraining, preventing or curing any breach of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

  20.

Indemnification. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to indemnification and insurance coverage for officers’ liability, fiduciary liability and other liabilities arising out of the Executive’s position with the Company in any capacity, in an amount not less than the highest amount available to any other executive, and such coverage and protections, with respect to the various liabilities as to which the Executive has been customarily indemnified prior to termination of employment, shall continue for at least six years following the end of the Term. Any indemnification agreement entered into between the Company and the Executive shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms following the termination of this Agreement.

 

  21.

Expenses. Other than as specifically set forth herein, each of the Parties will bear their own respective expenses, including legal, accounting and professional fees, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

 

16


  22.

Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other Party, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by email with return receipt requested and received or nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed as set forth below or to such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. All notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered by hand, if personally delivered, (ii) when delivered by courier or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or overnight mail, and (iii) on receipt of confirmed delivery, if sent by email.

If to the Company:

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: Shuhei Komatsu

600 N Broad Street, Suite 5 # 529

Middletown, Delaware 19709

Email: shuhei.komatsu@aerwins.us

If to Executive, to:

Kazuo Miura

4-5-13 Edahigashi,

Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan

Email: kazuo.miura@aerwins.us

 

  23.

Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

  24.

Counsel. The Parties acknowledge and agree that legal counsel to the Company (“Counsel”) has prepared this Agreement at the request of the Company, and that Counsel is not legal counsel to Executive individually. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that they are aware of, and have consented to, the Counsel acting as legal counsel to the Company and preparing this Agreement, and that Counsel has advised each of the Parties to retain separate counsel to review the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered in connection herewith, and each Party has either waived such right freely or has otherwise sought such additional counsel as it has deemed necessary. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that Counsel does not owe any duties to Executive in Executive’s individual capacity in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. Each of the Parties hereby waives any conflict of interest which may apply with respect to Counsel’s actions as set forth herein, and the Parties confirm that the Parties have previously negotiated the material terms of the agreements as set forth herein.

 

  25.

Rule of Construction. The general rule of construction for interpreting a contract, which provides that the provisions of a contract should be construed against the Party preparing the contract, is waived by the Parties hereto. Each Party acknowledges that such Party was represented by separate legal counsel in this matter who participated in the preparation of this Agreement or such Party had the opportunity to retain counsel to participate in the preparation of this Agreement but elected not to do so.

 

17


  26.

Execution in Counterparts, Electronic Transmission. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. The signature of any Party which is transmitted by any reliable electronic means such as, but not limited to, a photocopy, electronically scanned or facsimile machine, for purposes hereof, is to be considered as an original signature, and the document transmitted is to be considered to have the same binding effect as an original signature or an original document.

[Signatures appear on following page]

 

18


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

formerly known as

Pono Capital Corp.
By:  

/s/ Shuhei Komatsu

Name: Shuhei Komatsu
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
Executive: Kazuo Miura
By:  

/s/ Kazuo Miura

Name:   Kazuo Miura

 

19

Exhibit 10.11

Executive Employment Agreement

Dated as of February 3, 2023

This Executive Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated as of the date first set forth above (the “Effective Date”) is entered into by and between AERWINS Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation previously named Pono Capital Corp. (the “Company”) and Kensuke Okabe (the “Executive”). The Company and Executive may collective be referred to as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.

WHEREAS, the Company now desires to employ the Executive as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Executive desires to serve in such capacities on behalf of the Company, in each case subject to the terms and conditions herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

  1.

Employment.

 

  (a)

Term. The term of this Agreement (the “Initial Term”) shall begin as of the Effective Date and shall end on the earlier of (i) the third (3rd) anniversary of the Effective Date and (ii) the time of the termination of the Executive’s employment in accordance with Section 2(e). The Initial Term and any Renewal Term (as defined below) shall automatically be extended for one or more additional terms of one (1) year each (each a “Renewal Term” and together with the Initial Term, the “Term”), unless either the Company or Executive provides notice to the other Party of their desire to not so renew the Initial Term or Renewal Term (as applicable) at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Initial Term or Renewal Term, as applicable. Executive’s employment with the Company shall be “at will,” meaning that either Executive or the Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time and for any reason, subject to Section 3. Any contrary representations that may have been made to Executive are superseded by this Agreement.

 

  (b)

Duties. The Company hereby appoints Executive, and Executive shall serve, as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and shall report to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and to such other persons as designated by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board. The Executive shall have such duties and responsibilities as are consistent with Executive’s position with the Company. In addition, the Executive shall perform all other duties and accept all other responsibilities incident to such position as may reasonably assigned to Executive by the Board.

 

  2.

Compensation and Other Benefits. As compensation for the services to be rendered hereunder, during the Term the Company shall pay to the Executive the salary and bonuses, and shall provide the benefits, as set forth in this Section 2.

 

1


  (a)

Base Salary. The Company shall pay to the Executive an annual base salary of $200,000, payable on a monthly basis commencing on the Effective Date (as the same may be adjusted herein, the “Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll policies.

 

  (b)

Equity Issuances. The Executive shall be eligible to receive awards of options, restricted stock or other equity awards for shares of common stock, par value $0.000001 per share (the “Common Stock”) of the Company (each, if so issued, an “Equity Award”), pursuant to award agreements in form and substance as determined by the Board and which will be entered into by and between the Company and Executive (if and when executed, each an “Award Agreement”). If an Equity Award, if made, is subject to vesting, then such Equity Award shall be subject to vesting and forfeiture as set forth herein and in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

  (c)

Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible to receive any discretionary bonuses as determined by the Board.

 

  (d)

Fringe Benefits. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to fringe benefits consistent with the practices of the Company, and to the extent the Company provides similar benefits to the Company’s executive officers.

 

  (e)

Business Expenses. The Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket business, entertainment and travel expenses incurred by the Executive in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder and in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and procedures.

 

  3.

Termination.

 

  (a)

Definition of Cause. For purposes hereof, “Cause” shall mean:

 

  (i)

a violation of any material written rule or policy of the Company for which violation any employee may be terminated pursuant to the written policies of the Company reasonably applicable to an executive employee;

 

  (ii)

misconduct by the Executive to the material detriment of the Company;

 

  (iii)

the Executive’s conviction (by a court of competent jurisdiction, not subject to further appeal) of, or pleading guilty to, a felony;

 

  (iv)

the Executive’s gross negligence in the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in this Agreement; or

 

  (v)

the Executive’s material failure to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Company as described in this Agreement (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or any such failure subsequent to the Executive being delivered a notice of termination without Cause by the Company or delivering a notice of termination for Good Reason to the Company), in either case after written notice from the Board to the Executive of the specific nature of such material failure and the Executive’s failure to cure such material failure within 10 days following receipt of such notice.

 

2


  (b)

Definition of Good Reason. For purposes hereof, “Good Reason” shall mean:

 

  (i)

at any time following a Change of Control (as defined below), a material diminution by the Company of compensation and benefits (taken as a whole) provided to the Executive immediately prior to a Change of Control;

 

  (ii)

a reduction in Base Salary or target or maximum bonus, other than as part of an across-the-board reduction in salaries of management personnel;

 

  (iii)

the relocation of the Executive’s principal executive office to a location more than 50 miles further from the Executive’s principal executive office immediately prior to such relocation; or

 

  (iv)

a material breach by the Company of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement which the Company fails to correct within 10 days after the Company receives written notice from Executive of such violation.

 

  (c)

Definition of Change of Control. A “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if, after the Effective Date, (i) the beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) of securities representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company is acquired by any “person” as defined in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act (other than the Company, any subsidiary of the Company, or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company), (ii) the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another corporation where the shareholders of the Company, immediately prior to the consolidation or merger, would not, immediately after the consolidation or merger, beneficially own (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, shares representing in the aggregate 50% or more of the combined voting power of the securities of the corporation issuing cash or securities in the consolidation or merger (or of its ultimate parent corporation, if any) in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, or (iii) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, at least 50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned directly or indirectly by shareholders of the Company, immediately prior to the sale or disposition, in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale or disposition.

 

  (d)

Termination by the Company. The Company may terminate the Term and Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Cause, subject to the terms and conditions herein.

 

  (i)

For Cause. In the event that the Company terminates the Term or Executive’s employment hereunder with Cause, then in such event, subject to Section 3(i), (i) the Company shall pay to Executive any unpaid Base Salary and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses, pursuant to the terms of Section 2(e), incurred by the Executive in each case through the termination date, and each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (ii) any unvested portion of any equity granted to Executive hereunder or under any Award Agreement or any other agreements with the Company (collectively, the “Equity Grants”) shall immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the Parties; and (iii) all of the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall thereafter cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to Section 14.

 

3


  (ii)

Without Cause. In the event that the Company terminates the Term or Executive’s employment hereunder without Cause, then in such event, subject to Section 3(i), (i) the Company shall pay to Executive any Base Salary, bonuses, and benefits then owed or accrued, and any unreimbursed expenses incurred by the Executive in each case through the termination date, and each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (ii) the Company shall pay to Executive, in one lump sum, an amount equal to the Base Salary that would have been paid to Executive for the remainder of the Initial Term (if such termination occurs during the Initial Term) or Renewal Term (if such termination occurs during a Renewal Term), as applicable, which shall be paid within 10 days following the termination date; (iii) any Equity Grant already made to Executive shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested; and (iv) all of the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder shall thereafter cease, other than such rights or obligations which arose prior to the termination date or in connection with such termination, and subject to Section 14.

 

  (e)

Termination by the Executive. The Executive may terminate the Term and resign from Executive’s employment hereunder at any time, with or without Good Reason.

 

  (i)

With Good Reason. In the event that Executive terminates the Term or resigns from Executive’s employment hereunder with Good Reason, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and Executive shall, subject to Section 3(i), be entitled to such benefits (including without limitation any vesting of unvested shares under any Equity Grant), that would have been payable to Executive or which Executive would have received had the Term and Executive’s employment been terminated by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 3(d)(ii).

 

  (ii)

Without Good Reason. In the event that Executive terminates the Term or resigns from Executive’s employment hereunder without Good Reason, the Company shall pay to Executive the amounts, and Executive shall be entitled, subject to Section 3(i), to such benefits (including without limitation any vesting of unvested shares under any Equity Grant), that would have been payable to Executive or which Executive would have received had the Term and Executive’s employment been terminated by the Company with Cause pursuant to Section 3(d)(i).

 

4


  (f)

Termination by Death or Disability. In the event of the Executive’s death or total disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) during the Term, the Term and Executive’s employment shall terminate on the date of death or total disability. In the event of such termination, the Company’s sole obligations hereunder to the Executive (or the Executive’s estate) shall be for unpaid Base Salary, accrued but unpaid bonus and benefits (then owed or accrued and owed in the future), a pro-rata bonus for the year of termination based on the Executive’s target bonus for such year and the portion of such year in which the Executive was employed, and reimbursement of expenses pursuant to the terms hereon through the effective date of termination, each of which shall be paid within 10 days following the date of the Executive’s termination, and any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall immediately be forfeited as of the termination date without any further action of the Parties.

 

  (g)

Non-Renewal. In the event that the Term is not renewed by either Party pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(a), any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall immediately be forfeited as of the expiration of the Term without any further action of the Parties.

 

  (h)

Change of Control. In the event that a Change of Control occurs during the Term, any unvested portion of any Equity Grants shall, to the extent not already vested, be deemed automatically vested immediately without any further action of the Parties.

 

  (i)

Conflict. In the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions herein and those in any other agreement or contract between the Company and the Executive with respect to any Equity Grants granted to Executive, the terms and conditions of such other agreement or contract shall control.

 

  4.

Payments.

 

  (a)

Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if it is determined that any payment or benefit provided to the Executive under this Agreement or otherwise, whether or not in connection with a Change of Control (a “Payment”), would constitute an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), such that the Payment would be subject to an excise tax under section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), the Company shall pay to the Executive an additional amount (the “Gross-Up Payment”) such that the net amount of the Gross-Up Payment retained by the Executive after the payment of any Excise Tax and any federal, state and local income and employment tax on the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Excise Tax due on the Payment and any interest and penalties in respect of such Excise Tax. For purposes of determining the amount of the Gross-Up Payment, Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income tax and employment taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income and employment taxation in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of Executive’s residence (or, if greater, the state and locality in which Executive is required to file a nonresident income tax return with respect to the Payment) in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up Payment is to be made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes.

 

5


  (b)

All determinations made pursuant to Section 4(a) shall be made by the Company which shall provide its determination and any supporting calculations (the “Determination”) to the Executive within thirty days of the date of the Executive’s termination or any other date selected by the Executive or the Company. Within ten calendar days of the delivery of the Determination to the Executive, the Executive shall have the right to dispute the Determination (the “Dispute”). The existence of any Dispute shall not in any way affect the Executive’s right to receive the Gross-Up Payments in accordance with the Determination. If there is no dispute, the Determination by the Company shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the Executive, subject to the application of Section 4(c). Within ten days after the Company’s determination, the Company shall pay to the Executive the Gross-Up Payment, if any. If the Company determines that no Excise Tax is payable by the Executive, it will, at the same time as it makes such Determination, furnish Executive with an opinion that the Executive has substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on Executive’s federal, state, local income or other tax return. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Executive of and from any and all claims, damages and expenses resulting from or relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section 4(b), except for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Company.

 

  (c)

As a result of the uncertainty in the application of sections 4999 and 280G of the Code, it is possible that the Gross-Up Payments either will have been made which should not have been made, or will not have been made which should have been made, by the Company (an “Excess Gross-Up Payment” or a “Gross-Up Underpayment,” respectively). If it is established pursuant to (A) a final determination of a court for which all appeals have been taken and finally resolved or the time for all appeals has expired, or (B) an Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) proceeding which has been finally and conclusively resolved, that an Excess Gross-Up Payment has been made, such Excess Gross-Up Payment shall be deemed for all purposes to be a loan to the Executive made on the date the Executive received the Excess Gross-Up Payment and the Executive shall repay the Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Company either (i) on demand, if the Executive is in possession of the Excess Gross-Up Payment or (ii) upon the refund of such Excess Gross-Up Payment to the Executive from the IRS, if the IRS is in possession of such Excess Gross-Up Payment, together with interest on the Excess Gross-Up Payment at (X) 120% of the applicable federal rate (as defined in Section 1274(d) of the Code) compounded semi-annually for any period during which the Executive held such Excess Gross-Up Payment and (Y) the interest rate paid to the Executive by the IRS in respect of any period during which the IRS held such Excess Gross-Up Payment. If a Gross-Up Underpayment occurs as determined under one or more of the following circumstances: (I) such determination is made by the Company (which shall include the position taken by the Company, together with its consolidated group, on its federal income tax return) or is made by the IRS, (II) such determination is made by a court, or (III) such determination is made upon the resolution to the Executive’s satisfaction of the Dispute, then the Company shall pay an amount equal to the Gross-Up Underpayment to the Executive within ten calendar days of such determination or resolution, together with interest on such amount at 120% of the applicable federal rate compounded semi-annually from the date such amount should have been paid to the Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, but for the operation of this Section 4(c), until the date of payment.

 

6


  5.

Post-Termination Assistance. Upon the Executive’s termination of employment with the Company, the Executive agrees to fully cooperate in all matters relating to the winding up or pending work on behalf of the Company and the orderly transfer of work to other employees of the Company following any termination of the Executives’ employment. The Executive further agrees that Executive will provide, upon reasonable notice, such information and assistance to the Company as may reasonably be requested by the Company in connection with any audit, governmental investigation, litigation, or other dispute in which the Company is or may become a party and as to which the Executive has knowledge; provided, however, that (i) the Company agrees to reimburse the Executive for any related out-of-pocket expenses, including travel expenses, and (ii) any such assistance may not unreasonably interfere with Executive’s then current employment.

 

  6.

No Mitigation or Set Off. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced, regardless of whether the Executive obtains other employment. The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without limitation, any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company may have against the Executive or others; provided, however, the Company shall have the right to offset the amount of any funds loaned or advanced to the Executive and not repaid against any severance obligations the Company may have to the Executive hereunder.

 

  7.

Confidentiality

 

  (a)

Definition. For purposes of this Agreement, “Confidential Information” shall mean all Company Work Product (as hereinafter defined) and all non-public written, electronic, and oral information or materials of Company communicated to or otherwise obtained by Executive in connection with this Agreement, which is related to the products, business and activities of Company, its Affiliates (as defined below), and subsidiaries, and their respective customers, clients, suppliers, and other entities with which such party does business, including: (i) all costing, pricing, technology, software, documentation, research, techniques, procedures, processes, discoveries, inventions, methodologies, data, tools, templates, know how, intellectual property and all other proprietary information of Company; (ii) the terms of this Agreement; and (iii) any other information identified as confidential in writing by Company. Confidential Information shall not include information that: (a) was lawfully known by Executive without an obligation of confidentiality before its receipt from Company; (b) is independently developed by Executive without reliance on or use of Confidential Information; (c) is or becomes publicly available without a breach by Executive of this Agreement; or (d) is disclosed to Executive by a third party which is not required to maintain its confidentiality. An “Affiliate” of a Party shall mean any entity directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, such Party at any time during the Term for so long as such control exists.

 

7


  (b)

Company Ownership. Company shall retain all right, title, and interest to the Confidential Information, including all copies thereof and all rights to patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights inherent therein and appurtenant thereto. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Company hereby grants Executive a non-exclusive, non-transferable, license during the Term to use any Confidential Information solely to the extent that such Confidential Information is necessary for the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder. Executive shall not, by virtue of this Agreement or otherwise, acquire any proprietary rights whatsoever in Confidential Information, which shall be the sole and exclusive property and confidential information of Company. No identifying marks, copyright or proprietary right notices may be deleted from any copy of Confidential Information. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to limit the rights of Company from performing similar services for, or delivering the same or similar deliverable to, third parties using the Confidential Information and/or using the same personnel to provide any such services or deliverables.

 

  (c)

Confidentiality Obligations. Executive agrees to hold the Confidential Information in confidence and not to copy, reproduce, sell, assign, license, market, transfer, give or otherwise disclose such Confidential Information to any person or entity or to use the Confidential Information for any purposes whatsoever, without the express written permission of Company, other than disclosure to Executive’s, partners, principals, directors, officers, employees, subcontractors and agents on a “need-to-know” basis as reasonably required for the performance of Executive’s obligations hereunder or as otherwise agreed to herein. Executive shall be responsible to Company for any violation of this Section 7 by Executive’s employees, subcontractors, and agents. Executive shall maintain the Confidential Information with the same degree of care, but no less than a reasonable degree of care, as Executive employs concerning its own information of like kind and character.

 

  (d)

Required Disclosure. If Executive is requested to disclose any of the Confidential Information as part of an administrative or judicial proceeding, Executive shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, promptly notify Company of that request and cooperate with Company, at Company’s expense, in seeking a protective order or similar confidential treatment for the Confidential Information. If no protective order or other confidential treatment is obtained, Executive shall disclose only that portion of Confidential Information which is legally required and will exercise all reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurances that confidential treatment will be accorded the Confidential Information which is required to be disclosed.

 

  (e)

Enforcement. Executive acknowledges that the Confidential Information is unique and valuable, and that remedies at law will be inadequate to protect Company from any actual or threatened breach of this Section 7 by Executive and that any such breach would cause irreparable and continuing injury to Company. Therefore, Executive agrees that Company shall be entitled to seek equitable relief with respect to the enforcement of this Section 7 without any requirement to post a bond, including, without limitation, injunction and specific performance, without proof of actual damages or exhausting other remedies, in addition to all other remedies

 

8


  available to Company at law or in equity. For greater clarity, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of this Section 7, in addition to and not in limitation of any other rights, remedies or damages available at law or in equity, Company shall be entitled to a permanent injunction or other like remedy in order to prevent or restrain any such breach or threatened breach by Executive, and Executive agrees that an interim injunction may be granted against Executive immediately on the commencement of any action, claim, suit or proceeding by Company to enforce the provisions of this Section 7, and Executive further irrevocably consents to the granting of any such interim or permanent injunction or any like remedy. If any action at law or in equity is necessary to enforce the terms of this Section 7, Executive, if it is determined to be at fault, shall pay Company’s reasonable legal fees and expenses on a substantial indemnity basis.

 

  (f)

Related Duties. Executive shall: (i) promptly deliver to Company upon Company’s request all materials in Executive’s possession which contain Confidential Information; (ii) use its best efforts to prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of the Confidential Information; (iii) notify Company in writing immediately upon discovery of any such unauthorized use or disclosure; and (iv) cooperate in every reasonable way to regain possession of any Confidential Information and to prevent further unauthorized use and disclosure thereof.

 

  (g)

Legal Exceptions. Further notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 7, Executive may disclose confidential information as may be expressly required by law, governmental rule, regulation, executive order, court order, or in connection with a dispute between the Parties; provided that prior to making any such disclosure, subject to applicable law, Executive shall use its best efforts to: (i) provide Company with at least fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice setting forth with specificity the reason(s) for such disclosure, supporting documentation therefor, and the circumstances giving rise thereto; and (ii) limit the scope and duration of such disclosure to the strictest possible extent.

 

  (h)

Limitation. Except as specifically set forth herein, no licenses or rights under any patent, copyright, trademark, or trade secret are granted by Company to Executive hereunder, or are to be implied by this Agreement. Except for the restrictions on use and disclosure of Confidential Information imposed in this Agreement, no obligation of any kind is assumed or implied against either Party or their Affiliates by virtue of meetings or conversations between the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter stated above or with respect to the exchange of Confidential Information. Each Party further acknowledges that this Agreement and any meetings and communications of the Parties and their affiliates relating to the same subject matter shall not: (i) constitute an offer, request, invitation or contract with the other Party to engage in any research, development or other work; (ii) constitute an offer, request, invitation or contract involving a buyer-seller relationship, joint venture, teaming or partnership relationship between the Parties and their affiliates; or (iii) constitute a representation, warranty, assurance, guarantee or inducement with respect to the accuracy or completeness of any Confidential Information or the non-infringement of the rights of third persons.

 

9


  8.

Intellectual Property Rights.

 

  (a)

Disclosure of Work Product. As used in this Agreement, the term “Work Product” means any invention, whether or not patentable, know-how, designs, mask works, trademarks, formulae, processes, manufacturing techniques, trade secrets, ideas, artwork, software or any copyrightable or patentable works. Executive agrees to disclose promptly in writing to Company, or any person designated by Company, all Work Product that is solely or jointly conceived, made, reduced to practice, or learned by Executive in the course of any work performed for Company (“Company Work Product”). Executive agrees (a) to use Executive’s best efforts to maintain such Company Work Product in trust and strict confidence; (b) not to use Company Work Product in any manner or for any purpose not expressly set forth in this Agreement; and (c) not to disclose any such Company Work Product to any third party without first obtaining Company’s express written consent on a case-by-case basis.

 

  (b)

Ownership of Company Work Product. Executive agrees that any and all Company Work Product conceived, written, created or first reduced to practice in the performance of work under this Agreement shall be deemed “work for hire” under applicable law and shall be the sole and exclusive property of Company.

 

  (c)

Assignment of Company Work Product. Executive irrevocably assigns to Company all right, title and interest worldwide in and to the Company Work Product and all applicable intellectual property rights related to the Company Work Product, including without limitation, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, patents, moral rights, contract and licensing rights (the “Proprietary Rights”). Except as set forth below, Executive retains no rights to use the Company Work Product and agrees not to challenge the validity of Company’s ownership in the Company Work Product. Executive hereby grants to Company a perpetual, non-exclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, irrevocable and world-wide right, with rights to sublicense through multiple tiers of sublicensees, to reproduce, make derivative works of, publicly perform, and display in any form or medium whether now known or later developed, distribute, make, use and sell any and all Executive owned or controlled Work Product or technology that Executive uses to complete the services and which is necessary for Company to use or exploit the Company Work Product.

 

  (d)

Assistance. Executive agrees to cooperate with Company or its designee(s), both during and after the Term, in the procurement and maintenance of Company’s rights in Company Work Product and to execute, when requested, any other documents deemed necessary by Company to carry out the purpose of this Agreement. Executive will assist Company in every proper way to obtain, and from time to time enforce, United States and foreign Proprietary Rights relating to Company Work Product in any and all countries. Executive’s obligation to assist Company with respect to Proprietary Rights relating to such Company Work Product in any and all countries shall continue beyond the termination of this Agreement, but Company shall compensate Executive at a reasonable rate to be mutually agreed upon after such termination for the time actually spent by Executive at Company’s request on such assistance.

 

10


  (e)

Execution of Documents. In the event Company is unable for any reason, after reasonable effort, to secure Executive’s signature on any document requested by Company pursuant to this Section 8 within seven (7) days of the Company’s initial request to Executive, Executive hereby irrevocably designates and appoints Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as its agent and attorney in fact, which appointment is coupled with an interest, to act for and on its behalf solely to execute, verify and file any such documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the purposes of this Section 8 with the same legal force and effect as if executed by Executive. Executive hereby waives and quitclaims to Company any and all claims, of any nature whatsoever, which Executive now or may hereafter have for infringement of any Proprietary Rights assignable hereunder to Company.

 

  (f)

Executive Representations and Warranties. Executive hereby represents and warrants that: (i) Company Work Product will be an original work of Executive or all applicable third parties will have executed assignments of rights reasonably acceptable to Company; (ii) neither the Company Work Product nor any element thereof will infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party; (iii) neither the Company Work Product nor any element thereof will be subject to any restrictions or to any mortgages, liens, pledges, security interests, encumbrances or encroachments; (iv) Executive will not grant, directly or indirectly, any rights or interest whatsoever in the Company Work Product to any third party; (v) Executive has full right and power to enter into and perform Executive’s obligations under this Agreement without the consent of any third party; (vi) Executive will use best efforts to prevent injury to any person (including employees of Company) or damage to property (including Company’s property) during the Term; and (vii) should Company permit Executive to use any of Company’s equipment, tools, or facilities during the Term, such permission shall be gratuitous and Executive shall be responsible for any injury to any person (including death) or damage to property (including Company’s property) arising out of use of such equipment, tools or facilities.

 

  9.

Representations and Warranties Relating to Securities. The Equity Award, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company that may be issued or granted to the Executive hereunder or pursuant to any other agreement between the Company and the Executive in connection with the transactions contemplated herein may be referred to as the “Securities”, and Executive represents and warrants to the Company as set forth in this Section 9 with respect to the Securities and Executive’s receipt thereof, as of the Effective Date and as of the date of any issuance or granting of any Securities.

 

  (a)

Executive is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (an “Accredited Investor”).

 

  (b)

Executive hereby represent that the Securities awarded pursuant to this Agreement are being acquired for Executive’s own account and not for sale or with a view to distribution thereof. Executive acknowledges and agrees that any sale or distribution of Securities which have vested may be made only pursuant to either (a) a registration statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement has become effective and is current with regard to the shares being sold, or (b) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act that is confirmed in a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to

 

11


  counsel for the Company, prior to any such sale or distribution. Executive hereby consents to such action as the Board or the Company deems necessary or appropriate from time to time to prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or to implement the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to placing restrictive legends on certificates evidencing shares of Securities (whether or not the Restrictions applicable thereto have lapsed) and delivering stop transfer instructions to the Company’s stock transfer agent.

 

  (c)

Executive understands that the Securities is being offered and sold to Executive in reliance upon specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and Executive’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Executive set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Executive to acquire the Securities.

 

  (d)

Executive has been furnished with all documents and materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information that Executive requested and deemed material to making an informed investment decision regarding its acquisition of the Securities. Executive has been afforded the opportunity to review such documents and materials and the information contained therein. Executive has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management. Executive understands that such discussions, as well as any written information provided by the Company, were intended to describe the aspects of the Company’s business and prospects which the Company believes to be material, but were not necessarily a thorough or exhaustive description and the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the completeness of such information and makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to any information provided by any entity other than the Company. Some of such information may include projections as to the future performance of the Company, which projections may not be realized, may be based on assumptions which may not be correct and may be subject to numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Additionally, Executive understands and represents that Executive is acquiring the Securities notwithstanding the fact that the Company may disclose in the future certain material information that the Executive has not received. Executive has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as Executive has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to Executive’s investment in the Securities. Executive has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive, either personally, or together with Executive’s advisors has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Securities, is able to bear the risks of an investment in the Securities and understands the risks of, and other considerations relating to, a purchase of the Securities. The Executive and Executive’s advisors have had a reasonable opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company concerning the Securities. Executive’s financial condition is such that Executive is able to bear the risk of holding the Securities that Executive may acquire pursuant to this

 

12


  Agreement for an indefinite period of time, and the risk of loss of Executive’s entire investment in the Company. Executive has investigated the acquisition of the Securities to the extent Executive deemed necessary or desirable and the Company has provided Executive with any reasonable assistance Executive has requested in connection therewith. No representations or warranties have been made to Executive by the Company, or any representative of the Company, or any securities broker/dealer, other than as set forth in this Agreement.

 

  (e)

Executive also acknowledges and agrees that an investment in the Securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk of loss of the entire investment in the Company and there is no assurance that a public market for the Securities will ever develop and that, as a result, Executive may not be able to liquidate Executive’s investment in the Securities should a need arise to do so. Executive is not dependent for liquidity on any of the amounts Executive is investing in the Securities. Executive has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Executive understands that the representations and warranties herein are to be relied upon by the Company as a basis for the exemptions from registration and qualification of the issuance and sale of the Securities under the federal and state securities laws and for other purposes.

 

  (f)

Executive understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed upon or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities.

 

  (g)

Executive understands that until such time as the Securities have been registered under the Securities Act or may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A under the Securities Act or Regulation S without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, the Securities may bear a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of the certificates for such Securities):

“NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH COUNSEL SHALL BE SELECTED BY THE HOLDER), IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.”

 

13


  (h)

This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized by Executive. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of Executive, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Executive enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

  (i)

Executive is an individual resident of the state set forth in the notices provision for Executive herein.

 

  10.

Effect of Waiver. The waiver by either Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach hereof. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing.

 

  11.

Assignment. No Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect, provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may transfer, assign or delegate to any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company any of Company’s rights, obligations or duties hereunder.

 

  12.

No Third-Party Rights. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement is intended solely for the benefit of the Parties hereto and is not intended to confer any benefits upon, or create any rights in favor of, any person or entity other than the Parties hereto.

 

  13.

Entire Agreement; Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement, any Award Agreement and any other agreement entered into between the Company and Executive with respect to the issuance of any equity securities of the Company or other equity awards relating to the Company set forth the entire agreement of the Parties hereto and shall supersede any and all prior agreements and understandings concerning the Executive’s employment by the Company. This Agreement may be changed only by a written document signed by the Executive and the Company.

 

  14.

Survival. The provisions of Section 3, Section 4, Section 5, Section 6, Section 7, Section 8, Section 9 and Section 12 through Section 26, inclusive, shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement, and provided that any expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not excuse a Party from compliance with, or fulfillment of, any obligations or conditions which arose prior to such expiration or termination.

 

  15.

Severability. If any one or more of the provisions, or portions of any provision, of the Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or parts hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

  16.

Governing Law and Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

14


  (a)

All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined, and this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such state, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions of such state.

 

  (B)

SUBJECT TO SECTION 18, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE COMMENCED IN THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS, OR, SOLELY IN THE EVENT THAT THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO ASSERT JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGEMENT HEREUNDER FOR ANY REASON, THEN IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH JURISDICTION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA (AS APPLICABLE, THE “SELECTED COURTS”). EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SELECTED COURTS FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR WITH ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR DISCUSSED HEREIN (INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHTS OF A PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT), AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH SELECTED COURTS, OR SUCH SELECTED COURTS ARE IMPROPER OR INCONVENIENT VENUE FOR SUCH PROCEEDING. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO PROCESS BEING SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF VIA REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY (WITH EVIDENCE OF DELIVERY) TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS IN EFFECT FOR NOTICES TO IT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE SHALL CONSTITUTE GOOD AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE OF PROCESS AND NOTICE THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT IN ANY WAY ANY RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

  (c)

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 16(c).

 

15


  17.

Attorneys Fees, etc. If any Party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Agreement, then the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other Party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.

 

  18.

Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Executive’s employment by the Company, including, but not limited to, common law and statutory claims for discrimination, wrongful discharge, and unpaid wages, shall be resolved by arbitration in Tokyo, Japan pursuant to then-prevailing National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association, provided that in the event that such rules may not be applied in Tokyo, Japan for any reason, then pursuant to arbitration rules as reasonably determined by the Company. The arbitration shall be conducted by three arbitrators, with one arbitrator selected by each Party and the third arbitrator selected by the two arbitrators so selected by the Parties. The arbitrators shall be bound to follow the applicable Agreement provisions in adjudicating the dispute. It is agreed by both Parties that the arbitrators’ decision is final, and that no Party may take any action, judicial or administrative, to overturn such decision. The judgment rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in the Selected Courts. Subject to the provisions of Section 17, each Party will pay its own expenses of arbitration and the expenses of the arbitrators will be equally shared provided that, if in the opinion of the arbitrators any claim, defense, or argument raised in the arbitration was unreasonable, the arbitrators may assess all or part of the expenses of the other Party (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and of the arbitrators as the arbitrators deem appropriate. The arbitrators may not award either Party punitive or consequential damages.

 

  19.

General Remedies. Each Party acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the other Party, and thus each Party acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Agreement will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by such Party of the provisions of this Agreement, that the other Party shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies at law or in equity, and in addition to the penalties assessable herein, to an injunction or injunctions restraining, preventing or curing any breach of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

  20.

Indemnification. During the Term, the Executive shall be entitled to indemnification and insurance coverage for officers’ liability, fiduciary liability and other liabilities arising out of the Executive’s position with the Company in any capacity, in an amount not less than the highest amount available to any other executive, and such coverage and protections, with respect to the various liabilities as to which the Executive has been customarily indemnified prior to termination of employment, shall continue for at least six years following the end of the Term. Any indemnification agreement entered into between the Company and the Executive shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms following the termination of this Agreement.

 

  21.

Expenses. Other than as specifically set forth herein, each of the Parties will bear their own respective expenses, including legal, accounting and professional fees, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

 

16


  22.

Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other Party, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by email with return receipt requested and received or nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed as set forth below or to such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. All notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered by hand, if personally delivered, (ii) when delivered by courier or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or overnight mail, and (iii) on receipt of confirmed delivery, if sent by email.

If to the Company:

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: Shuhei Komatsu

600 N Broad Street, Suite 5 # 529

Middletown, Delaware 19709

Email: shuhei.komatsu@aerwins.us

If to Executive, to:

Kensuke Okabe

#505, 7-4-4, Kitayamata,

Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan

Email: kensuke.okabe@aerwins.us

 

  23.

Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

  24.

Counsel. The Parties acknowledge and agree that legal counsel to the Company (“Counsel”) has prepared this Agreement at the request of the Company, and that Counsel is not legal counsel to Executive individually. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that they are aware of, and have consented to, the Counsel acting as legal counsel to the Company and preparing this Agreement, and that Counsel has advised each of the Parties to retain separate counsel to review the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered in connection herewith, and each Party has either waived such right freely or has otherwise sought such additional counsel as it has deemed necessary. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that Counsel does not owe any duties to Executive in Executive’s individual capacity in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. Each of the Parties hereby waives any conflict of interest which may apply with respect to Counsel’s actions as set forth herein, and the Parties confirm that the Parties have previously negotiated the material terms of the agreements as set forth herein.

 

  25.

Rule of Construction. The general rule of construction for interpreting a contract, which provides that the provisions of a contract should be construed against the Party preparing the contract, is waived by the Parties hereto. Each Party acknowledges that such Party was represented by separate legal counsel in this matter who participated in the preparation of this Agreement or such Party had the opportunity to retain counsel to participate in the preparation of this Agreement but elected not to do so.

 

17


  26.

Execution in Counterparts, Electronic Transmission. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. The signature of any Party which is transmitted by any reliable electronic means such as, but not limited to, a photocopy, electronically scanned or facsimile machine, for purposes hereof, is to be considered as an original signature, and the document transmitted is to be considered to have the same binding effect as an original signature or an original document.

[Signatures appear on following page]

 

18


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

AERWINS Technologies Inc. formerly known as Pono Capital Corp.
By:  

/s/ Shuhei Komatsu

Name:   Shuhei Komatsu
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
Executive:   Kensuke Okabe
By:  

/s/ Kensuke Okabe

Name:   Kensuke Okabe

 

19

Exhibit 10.13

OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

Dated as of February 3, 2023

[Shuhei Komatsu]

This Holder Option Award Agreement (this “Agreement”) dated as of the date first set forth above (the “Award Date”) is entered into by and between AERWINS Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation previously named Pono Capital Corp. (the “Company”), and Shuhei Komatsu (the “Holder”). The Company and Holder may collective be referred to as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.

This Agreement is entered into pursuant to an Option Rollover Agreement by and between the Parties dated as of the Award Date (the “Rollover Agreement”) and is subject to the terms and conditions thereof.    

WHEREAS, the Holder is a director or officer of the Company and the Company now desires to grant to Holder certain options to acquire certain shares of common stock, par value $0.000001 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”);

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Holder hereby agree as follows:

 

  1.

Grant. Pursuant to the terms herein, the Company hereby grants to Holder as of the Award Date the right and option (the “Options”) to purchase all or any part of the number of shares of Common Stock as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, subject to adjustment as set forth herein, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Options are not intended to be Incentive Stock Options as defined by Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, as of the Award Date, the Holder has delivered to the Company the purchase price for the Options issued hereunder pursuant to the AERWINS Options (as defined in the Rollover Agreement) and the AERWINS Option Agreement (as defined in the Rollover Agreement), provided that such payment shall not entitle Holder to exercise any of the Options unless such options have vested as set forth herein, and thereafter only in accordance with, and subject to the provisions of, this Agreement.

 

  2.

Vesting; Forfeiture and Rights to the Options.

 

  (a)

The Options will be subject to vesting and forfeiture pursuant to the provisions herein.

 

  (b)

The vesting period shall commence on the Award Date, and thereafter (i) one third (1/3rd) of the Options shall vest on the three month anniversary of the Award Date, (ii) one third (1/3rd) of the Options shall vest on the fifteen month anniversary of the Award Date; and (iii) the remaining one third (1/3rd) of the Options shall vest on the twenty seven month anniversary of the Award Date, in each case subject to the terms and conditions herein, including the forfeiture provisions herein.

 

1


  (c)

Any portion of the Options which have vested in accordance with the terms and conditions herein shall be referred to as the “Vested Options.”

 

  (d)

In the event that the Holder ceases to serve as either a director or an officer of the Company at any time, for any reason, including, without limitation, due to the death of Holder, the resignation by Holder from Holder’s position as a director and from any positions Holder may hold as an officer of the Company, the removal of the Holder as a director of the Company by the stockholders of the Company or the failure of the stockholders of the Company to re-elect Holder as a director of the Company, the removal of the Holder as an officer of the Company by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) for any reason (a “Cessation of Service”), any Options which have not vested as of the time of the Cessation of Service shall automatically be forfeited and returned to the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, a Cessation of Service shall not be deemed to occur (i) if Holder ceases to serve as a director of the Company but continues to serve as an officer of the Company, or (ii) if Holder ceases to serve as an officer of the Company but continues to serve as a director of the Company, and the intent of this provision is that a Cessation of Service shall only be deemed to occur of the Holder ceases to serve in any position as a director or officer of the Company.

 

  (e)

If the Options do not vest according to the terms and conditions set forth in herein, the Options will be forfeited and returned to the Company, and all Holder’s rights, or the rights of Holder’s heirs in and to such Options will terminate, unless the Board determines otherwise in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

  3.

Option Period. Vested Options shall be exercisable at any time following the date of such vesting and expiring on the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date (such period, the “Option Period”). To the extent not exercised by the end of the Option Period, the Options shall automatically expire and terminate.

 

  4.

Price. The exercise price of the Options is shall be as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, subject to adjustment as set forth herein (the “Exercise Price”).

 

  5.

Exercise.

 

  (a)

Vested Options shall be exercisable by Holder delivering to the Company, during the Option Period, a Notice of Option Exercise in the form as attached hereto as Exhibit 1 (the “Exercise Notice”) and complying with the remaining terms and conditions herein.

 

  (b)

The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by full payment of the exercise price by tender to the Company of an amount equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of underlying shares of Common Stock being purchased (the “Purchase Price”), by wire transfer or by certified check or bank cashier’s check, payable to the order of the Company.

 

2


  (c)

Holder’s payment for exercise of the Vested Options shall be accompanied by payment of any amount that the Company, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to comply with any federal, state or local withholding requirements for income and employment tax purposes If the Holder fails to make such payment in a timely manner, the Company may: (i) decline to permit exercise of the Vested Options or (ii) withhold and set-off against compensation and any other amounts payable to the Holder the amount of such required payment. Such withholding may be in the shares underlying the Vested Options at the sole discretion of the Company.

 

  (d)

Upon receipt of the Purchase Price, together with written Exercise Notice, and Holder’s compliance with the other provisions herein, the Company will record the Holder as the beneficial owner of the applicable shares of Common Stock in the books and records of the Company. The shares of Common Stock shall not be certificated. With respect to any exercise of the Vested Options, the Holder will for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock purchased hereunder on the date a properly executed notice and payment of the Purchase Price is received by the Company, except that, if the date of such receipt is a date on which the share transfer books of the Company are closed, Holder will be deemed to have become the holder of such shares at the close of business on the next succeeding date on which the share transfer books are open.

 

  6.

Adjustments. Upon the occurrence of any of the following events at any time after the Award Date, the Holder’s rights with respect to the Options shall be adjusted as hereinafter provided unless otherwise specifically provided in a written agreement between the Holder and the Company relating to the Options:

 

  (a)

If the Common Stock shall be subdivided or combined into a greater or smaller number of shares, the number of shares of Common Stock deliverable upon the exercise of Vested Options shall be equitably and appropriately increased or decreased proportionately, and appropriate and equitable adjustments shall be made in the Exercise Price per share to reflect such subdivision or combination.

 

  (b)

If the Company is merged or consolidated with or is acquired by another entity (an “Acquisition”), the Acquisition agreement shall provide that the Options shall be assumed by the surviving entity and the Exercise Price and number of Options shall be equitably adjusted.

 

  (c)

In the event of a recapitalization or a reorganization of the Company (other than a transaction described in Section 6(b)) pursuant to which securities of the Company or of another corporation are issued with respect to the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Holder upon exercising the Vested Options shall be entitled to receive for the purchase price paid upon such exercise, the securities the Holder would have received if the Holder had exercised the Vested Options prior to such recapitalization or reorganization. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of

 

3


  Common Stock of any class or securities convertible or exercisable into shares of Common Stock of any class shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares subject to the Options. No adjustments shall be made for dividends or other distributions paid in cash or in property other than securities. With respect to shares issued in accordance with this Section 6, no fractional shares shall be issued and the Holder shall receive from the Company cash in lieu of such fractional shares or the Company shall round to the nearest whole share of Common Stock, as determined by the Board.

 

  (d)

The Board or the successor Board of Directors of any surviving or ongoing entity in an Acquisition, as applicable, shall determine the specific adjustments to be made under this Section 6, and its determination shall be conclusive. If the Holder receives securities or cash in connection with a transaction described in this Section 6 above as a result of holding the Options, such securities or cash shall be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions applicable to the Options with respect to which such securities or cash were issued, unless otherwise determined by the Board or the successor Board.

 

  7.

Additional Forfeiture.

 

  (a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, at the option of the Board in its sole and absolute discretion, all Options which are not Vested Options shall be immediately forfeited in the event any of the following events occur (each, a “Forfeiture Event”):

 

  (i)

The Holder purchases or sells securities of the Company without written authorization in accordance with the Company’s insider trading policy then in effect, if any;

 

  (ii)

The Holder (A) discloses, publishes or authorizes anyone else to use, disclose or publish, without the prior written consent of the Company, any proprietary or confidential information of the Company, including, without limitation, any information relating to existing or potential customers, business methods, financial information, trade or industry practices, sales and marketing strategies, employee information, vendor lists, business strategies, intellectual property, trade secrets or any other proprietary or confidential information or (B) directly or indirectly uses any such proprietary or confidential information for the individual benefit of the Holder or the benefit of a third party;

 

  (iii)

Except as prior approved by the Board in writing the Holder directly or indirectly owns, manages, controls or participates in the ownership, management or control of, or is employed or engaged by or otherwise affiliated or associated as an officer, director, partner, consultant, independent contractor, agent, representative or otherwise, with any other person or entity that competes with the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates (as defined hereinafter) in any geographical area

 

4


  in which the Company or any of its Affiliates conducts its business or promotes its products or services; provided, however, that the ownership of not more than one percent (1%) of the stock of a company whose equity interests are publicly traded on a nationally recognized stock exchange or over-the-counter shall not be deemed a violation of this provision;

 

  (iv)

The Holder disrupts or damages, impairs or interferes with the business of the Company or its Affiliates by recruiting, soliciting or otherwise inducing any of their respective employees to enter into employment or other relationship with any other business entity, or terminate or materially diminish their relationship with the Company or its Affiliates, as applicable; or

 

  (v)

The Holder solicits or directs business of any person or entity who is (A) a customer of the Company or its Affiliates at any time or (B) solicited to be a “prospective customer” of the Company or its Affiliates, in any case either for such Holder or for any other person or entity; provided that the Holder has actual knowledge of such prospective customer. For purposes of this Section 7(a)(v) “prospective customer” means a person or entity that contacted, or is contacted by, the Company or its Affiliates regarding the provision of services to or on behalf of such person or entity.

 

  (b)

For purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliate” means with respect to a person or entity, any other person or entity controlled by, in control of or under common control with such person or entity, and “controlled,” “controlled by,” and “under common control with” shall mean direct or indirect possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise) of a person or entity.

 

  8.

Necessity to Become Holder of Record. The Holder shall not have any rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock underlying the Options until Holder shall have become the holder of record of such shares of Common Stock. No dividends or cash distributions, ordinary or extraordinary, as to any shares of Common Stock shall be paid to or provided to the Holder if the record date is prior to the date on which Holder became the holder of record of the applicable shares of Common Stock.

 

  9.

Conditions to Exercise of Vested Options. In order to enable the Company to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (together with the rules and regulations thereunder, the “Securities Act”) and relevant state law, the Company may require the Holder, as a condition of the exercising of the Options granted hereunder, to give written assurance satisfactory to the Company that the shares of Common Stock subject to the Options are being acquired for Holder’s own account, for investment only, with no view to the distribution of same, and that any subsequent resale of any such shares of Common Stock either shall be made pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act and applicable state law which has become effective and is current with

 

5


  regard to the shares of Common Stock being sold, or shall be pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state law. The Options are subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Board shall determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, or qualification of the shares of Common Stock underlying the Options upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary as a condition of, or in connection with the issue or purchase of shares underlying the Options, the Options may not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected.

 

  10.

Representations and Warranties Related to the Options and Common Stock. The Options, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company that may be issued or granted to the Holder hereunder or pursuant to any other agreement between the Company and the Holder in connection with the transactions contemplated herein may be referred to as the “Securities”, and Holder represents and warrants to the Company as set forth in this Section 10 with respect to the Securities and Holder’s receipt thereof, as of the Award Date and as of the date of any issuance or granting of any Securities.

 

  (a)

Holder is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (an “Accredited Investor”).

 

  (b)

Holder hereby represents that the Securities are being acquired for Holder’s own account and not for sale or with a view to distribution thereof. Holder acknowledges and agrees that any sale or distribution of Securities which have vested may be made only pursuant to either (a) a registration statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement has become effective and is current with regard to the shares being sold, or (b) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act that is confirmed in a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Company, prior to any such sale or distribution. Holder hereby consents to such action as the Board or the Company deems necessary or appropriate from time to time to prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or to implement the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to placing restrictive legends on certificates evidencing shares of Securities (whether or not vested) and delivering stop transfer instructions to the Company’s stock transfer agent.

 

  (c)

Holder understands that the Securities are being offered and sold to Holder in reliance upon specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and Holder’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Holder set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Holder to acquire the Securities.

 

6


  (d)

Holder has been furnished with all documents and materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information that Holder requested and deemed material to making an informed investment decision regarding its acquisition of the Securities. Holder has been afforded the opportunity to review such documents and materials and the information contained therein. Holder has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management. Holder understands that such discussions, as well as any written information provided by the Company, were intended to describe the aspects of the Company’s business and prospects which the Company believes to be material, but were not necessarily a thorough or exhaustive description and the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the completeness of such information and makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to any information provided by any entity other than the Company. Some of such information may include projections as to the future performance of the Company, which projections may not be realized, may be based on assumptions which may not be correct and may be subject to numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Additionally, Holder understands and represents that Holder is acquiring the Securities notwithstanding the fact that the Company may disclose in the future certain material information that the Holder has not received. Holder has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as Holder has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to Holder’s investment in the Securities. Holder has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Holder, either personally, or together with Holder’s advisors has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Securities, is able to bear the risks of an investment in the Securities and understands the risks of, and other considerations relating to, a purchase of the Securities. The Holder and Holder’s advisors have had a reasonable opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company concerning the Securities. Holder’s financial condition is such that Holder is able to bear the risk of holding the Securities that Holder may acquire pursuant to this Agreement for an indefinite period of time, and the risk of loss of Holder’s entire investment in the Company. Holder has investigated the acquisition of the Securities to the extent Holder deemed necessary or desirable and the Company has provided Holder with any reasonable assistance Holder has requested in connection therewith. No representations or warranties have been made to Holder by the Company, or any representative of the Company, or any securities broker/dealer, other than as set forth in this Agreement.

 

  (e)

Holder also acknowledges and agrees that an investment in the Securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk of loss of the entire investment in the Company and there is no assurance that a public market for the Securities will ever develop and that, as a result, Holder may not be able to liquidate Holder’s investment in the Securities should a need arise to do so. Holder is not dependent for liquidity on any of the amounts Holder is investing in the Securities. Holder has full power and authority to make the

 

7


  representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Holder understands that the representations and warranties herein are to be relied upon by the Company as a basis for the exemptions from registration and qualification of the issuance and sale of the Securities under the federal and state securities laws and for other purposes.

 

  (f)

Holder understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed upon or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities.

 

  (g)

Holder understands that until such time as the Securities have been registered under the Securities Act or may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A under the Securities Act or Regulation S without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, the Securities may bear a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of the certificates for such Securities):

 

    

“NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH COUNSEL SHALL BE SELECTED BY THE HOLDER), IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.”

 

  (h)

This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized by Holder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of Holder, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Holder enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

  (i)

Holder is an individual resident of the location set forth in the notices provision for Holder herein.

 

  11.

No Transfer. Holder may not sell, transfer, assign, give, place in trust, or otherwise dispose of or pledge, grant a security interest in, or otherwise encumber the Options, whether vested or not, of this Agreement, or otherwise encumber the Options or any rights herein or therein, and any attempted transfer shall be null and void ab initio and the Company shall not recognize any purported transferee as the holder thereof.

 

8


  12.

Taxes.

 

  (a)

Holder shall pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, all federal, state, local and foreign taxes that are required by applicable laws and regulations to be withheld by the Company with respect to such amount. Holder shall be responsible for the payment of all taxes required to be paid in connection with the issuance or vesting of the Options or the shares of Common Stock that may be issued with respect thereto.

 

  (b)

THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT ADDRESS SPECIFIC STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO HOLDER. HOLDER UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, HOLDER REPRESENTS THAT HOLDER HAS REVIEWED WITH HOLDER’S OWN TAX ADVISORS THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT HOLDER IS RELYING SOLELY ON SUCH ADVISORS AND NOT ON ANY STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS OF THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS AGENTS. HOLDER UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT HOLDER (AND NOT THE COMPANY) SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TAX LIABILITY THAT MAY ARISE AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT.

 

  13.

Data Privacy Consent. In order to administer the this Agreement and to implement or structure future equity grants, the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates and certain agents thereof (together, the “Relevant Companies”) may process any and all personal or professional data, including but not limited to Social Security or other identification number, home address and telephone number, date of birth and other information that is necessary or desirable for the administration of this Agreement (the “Relevant Information”). By entering into this Agreement, the Holder (i) authorizes the Company to collect, process, register and transfer to the Relevant Companies all Relevant Information; (ii) waives any privacy rights the Holder may have with respect to the Relevant Information; (iii) authorizes the Relevant Companies to store and transmit such information in electronic form; and (iv) authorizes the transfer of the Relevant Information to any jurisdiction in which the Relevant Companies consider appropriate. The Holder shall have access to, and the right to change, the Relevant Information. Relevant Information will only be used in accordance with applicable law.

 

  14.

Review. The Holder has reviewed this Agreement in its entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel before executing this Agreement and fully understands all provisions of this Agreement. The Holder hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive, and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any questions relating to this Agreement.

 

9


  15.

No Rights to Continued Engagement. This Agreement does not confer upon Holder any right to continued engagement by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies, nor shall it interfere in any way with the rights of the stockholders of the Company to choose not to name or elect Holder as a director of the Company or to remove Holder as a director of the Company, if applicable, in accordance with the Company’s governing documents or any applicable laws.

 

  16.

No Restriction. Nothing in this Agreement will restrict or limit in any way the right of the Board to issue or sell stock of the Company (or securities convertible into stock of the Company) on such terms and conditions as it deems to be in the best interests of the Company, including, without limitation, stock and securities issued or sold in connection with mergers and acquisitions, stock issued or sold in connection with any stock option or similar plan, and stock issued or contributed to any qualified stock bonus or employee stock ownership plan.

 

  17.

Power of Attorney. Holder hereby irrevocably appoints the Company and each of its officers, employees and agents as Holder’s true and lawful attorneys with power (i) to sign in Holder’s name and on Holder’s behalf stock certificates and stock powers covering some or all of the Options and such other documents and instruments as the Board deems necessary or desirable to carry out the terms of this Agreement and (ii) to take such other action as the Board deems necessary or desirable to effectuate the terms of this Agreement. This power, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable. Holder agree to execute such other stock powers and documents as may be reasonably requested from time to time by the Board to effectuate the terms of this Agreement.

 

  18.

Effect of Waiver. The waiver by either Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach hereof. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing.

 

  19.

Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Other than as set forth herein, no Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, including by merger, consolidation, operation of law, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect. Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Company (i) may assign this Agreement to any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, provided that no such assignment shall relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder without the written consent of the Holder, and (ii) will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as

 

10


  hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the successors and permitted assigns of the Parties.

 

  20.

No Third-Party Rights. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement is intended solely for the benefit of the Parties and is not intended to confer any benefits upon, or create any rights in favor of, any person or entity other than the Parties.

 

  21.

Entire Agreement; Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by the Holder and the Company.

 

  22.

Survival. The provisions of Section 10 through Section 33, inclusive, and any additional Sections of this Agreement as required to give effect to or to enforce the foregoing, shall survive any Cessation of Service or any expiration or termination of this Agreement or the Option Term, and provided that any expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not excuse a Party from compliance with, or fulfillment of, any obligations or conditions which arose prior to such expiration or termination.

 

  23.

Severability. If any one or more of the provisions, or portions of any provision, of the Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or parts hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

  24.

Governing Law and Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

  (a)

All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined, and this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such state, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions of such state.

 

  (b)

SUBJECT TO SECTION 26, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE COMMENCED IN THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS, OR, SOLELY IN THE EVENT THAT THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO ASSERT JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGEMENT HEREUNDER FOR ANY REASON, THEN IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH JURISDICTION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA (AS APPLICABLE, THE “SELECTED COURTS”). EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SELECTED COURTS FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR WITH ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR DISCUSSED HEREIN (INCLUDING

 

11


  WITH RESPECT TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHTS OF A PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT), AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH SELECTED COURTS, OR SUCH SELECTED COURTS ARE IMPROPER OR INCONVENIENT VENUE FOR SUCH PROCEEDING. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO PROCESS BEING SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF VIA REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY (WITH EVIDENCE OF DELIVERY) TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS IN EFFECT FOR NOTICES TO IT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE SHALL CONSTITUTE GOOD AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE OF PROCESS AND NOTICE THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT IN ANY WAY ANY RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

  (c)

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 24(c).

 

  25.

Attorneys’ Fees, Etc. If any Party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Agreement, then the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other Party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.

 

  26.

Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved by arbitration in Tokyo, Japan pursuant to then-prevailing National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association, provided that in the event that such rules may not be applied in Tokyo, Japan for any reason, then pursuant to arbitration rules as reasonably determined by the Company. The arbitration shall be conducted by three arbitrators, with one arbitrator selected by each Party and the third arbitrator selected by the two arbitrators so selected by the Parties. The arbitrators shall be bound to follow the applicable Agreement provisions in adjudicating the dispute. It is agreed by both Parties that the arbitrators’ decision is final, and that no Party may take any

 

12


  action, judicial or administrative, to overturn such decision. The judgment rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in the Selected Courts. Subject to the provisions of Section 25, each Party will pay its own expenses of arbitration and the expenses of the arbitrators will be equally shared provided that, if in the opinion of the arbitrators any claim, defense, or argument raised in the arbitration was unreasonable, the arbitrators may assess all or part of the expenses of the other Party (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and of the arbitrators as the arbitrators deem appropriate. The arbitrators may not award either Party punitive or consequential damages.

 

  27.

Limitation on Damages. IN NO EVENT WILL ANY PARTY BE LIABLE TO ANY OTHER PARTY UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS FOR SPECIAL, GENERAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS OR LOST OPPORTUNITY, EVEN IF THE PARTY SOUGHT TO BE HELD LIABLE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

 

  28.

Specific Performance. Each Party acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the other Party, and thus each Party acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Agreement will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by such Party of the provisions of this Agreement, that the other Party shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies at law or in equity, and in addition to the penalties assessable herein, to an injunction or injunctions restraining, preventing or curing any breach of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

  29.

Expenses. Other than as specifically set forth herein, each of the Parties will bear their own respective expenses, including legal, accounting and professional fees, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

 

  30.

Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other Party, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by email with return receipt requested and received or nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed as set forth below or to such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. All notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered by hand, if personally delivered, (ii) when delivered by courier or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or overnight mail, and (iii) on receipt of confirmed delivery, if sent by email.

 

13


If to the Company:

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: Shuhei Komatsu

600 N Broad Street, Suite 5 # 529

Middletown, Delaware 19709

Email: shuhei.komatsu@aerwins.us

If to Holder, to the address for the Holder as set forth in the books and records of the Company.

 

  31.

Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

  32.

Counsel. The Parties acknowledge and agree that legal counsel to the Company has acted as legal counsel to the Company, and that Counsel has prepared this Agreement at the request of the Company, and that Counsel is not legal counsel to Holder individually. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that they are aware of, and have consented to, the Counsel acting as legal counsel to the Company and preparing this Agreement, and that Counsel has advised each of the Parties to retain separate counsel to review the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered in connection herewith, and each Party has either waived such right freely or has otherwise sought such additional counsel as it has deemed necessary. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that Counsel does not owe any duties to Holder in Holder’s individual capacity in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. Each of the Parties hereby waives any conflict of interest which may apply with respect to Counsel’s actions as set forth herein, and the Parties confirm that the Parties have previously negotiated the material terms of the agreements as set forth herein.

 

  33.

Execution in Counterparts, Electronic Transmission. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which taken together shall be but a single 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.

[Signatures appear on following page]

 

14


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Award Date.

 

AERWINS Technologies Inc.
By:  

/s/ Taiji Ito

Name:   Taiji Ito
Title:   Global Markets Executive Officer
Shuhei Komatsu
By:  

/s/ Shuhei Komatsu

Name:   Shuhei Komatsu

 

15


Exhibit A

Number of Options Granted: 1,525,196

 

Exercise Price:    $0.00015 per share of Common Stock

 

16


EXHIBIT 1

NOTICE OF OPTION EXERCISE

Dated: ______________________

To: AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: [_______________]

Sir/Madam:

Notice is hereby given of my election to purchase _____ shares of common stock of AERWINS Technologies Inc. (the “Company”) at a price of $[_________] per share under the provisions of the stock option (“Option”) granted to me on February 3, 2023.

I hereby certify that I am in compliance with the covenants and forfeiture provisions of the Option Agreement dated as of February 3, 2023 between the Company and me (the “Option Agreement”). I acknowledge that a violation of these provisions will result in the forfeiture of any remaining options that I have.

Enclosed is my check made payable to the Company in the amount of $ _________________ in payment of the exercise price of the Option and my check in the amount of $ ________________ made payable to _____________________________ in payment of the tax due on exercise of the Option.

The following information is supplied for use in issuing and registering the shares purchased:

 

Number of shares of Common Stock:  

                 

 
Full Name:  

 

 
Address:  

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
Signature:  

 

 

 

17

Exhibit 10.14

OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

Dated as of February 3, 2023

[Taiji Ito]

This Holder Option Award Agreement (this “Agreement”) dated as of the date first set forth above (the “Award Date”) is entered into by and between AERWINS Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation previously named Pono Capital Corp. (the “Company”), and Taiji Ito (the “Holder”). The Company and Holder may collective be referred to as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.

This Agreement is entered into pursuant to an Option Rollover Agreement by and between the Parties dated as of the Award Date (the “Rollover Agreement”) and is subject to the terms and conditions thereof.

WHEREAS, the Holder is a director or officer of the Company and the Company now desires to grant to Holder certain options to acquire certain shares of common stock, par value $0.000001 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”);

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Holder hereby agree as follows:

 

  1.

Grant. Pursuant to the terms herein, the Company hereby grants to Holder as of the Award Date the right and option (the “Options”) to purchase all or any part of the number of shares of Common Stock as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, subject to adjustment as set forth herein, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Options are not intended to be Incentive Stock Options as defined by Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, as of the Award Date, the Holder has delivered to the Company the purchase price for the Options issued hereunder pursuant to the AERWINS Options (as defined in the Rollover Agreement) and the AERWINS Option Agreement (as defined in the Rollover Agreement), provided that such payment shall not entitle Holder to exercise any of the Options unless such options have vested as set forth herein, and thereafter only in accordance with, and subject to the provisions of, this Agreement.

 

  2.

Vesting; Forfeiture and Rights to the Options.

 

  (a)

The Options will be subject to vesting and forfeiture pursuant to the provisions herein.

 

  (b)

The vesting period shall commence on the Award Date, and thereafter (i) one third (1/3rd) of the Options shall vest on the three month anniversary of the Award Date, (ii) one third (1/3rd) of the Options shall vest on the fifteen month anniversary of the Award Date; and (iii) the remaining one third (1/3rd) of the Options shall vest on the twenty seven month anniversary of the Award Date, in each case subject to the terms and conditions herein, including the forfeiture provisions herein.

 

1


  (c)

Any portion of the Options which have vested in accordance with the terms and conditions herein shall be referred to as the “Vested Options.”

 

  (d)

In the event that the Holder ceases to serve as either a director or an officer of the Company at any time, for any reason, including, without limitation, due to the death of Holder, the resignation by Holder from Holder’s position as a director and from any positions Holder may hold as an officer of the Company, the removal of the Holder as a director of the Company by the stockholders of the Company or the failure of the stockholders of the Company to re-elect Holder as a director of the Company, the removal of the Holder as an officer of the Company by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) for any reason (a “Cessation of Service”), any Options which have not vested as of the time of the Cessation of Service shall automatically be forfeited and returned to the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, a Cessation of Service shall not be deemed to occur (i) if Holder ceases to serve as a director of the Company but continues to serve as an officer of the Company, or (ii) if Holder ceases to serve as an officer of the Company but continues to serve as a director of the Company, and the intent of this provision is that a Cessation of Service shall only be deemed to occur of the Holder ceases to serve in any position as a director or officer of the Company.

 

  (e)

If the Options do not vest according to the terms and conditions set forth in herein, the Options will be forfeited and returned to the Company, and all Holder’s rights, or the rights of Holder’s heirs in and to such Options will terminate, unless the Board determines otherwise in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

  3.

Option Period. Vested Options shall be exercisable at any time following the date of such vesting and expiring on the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date (such period, the “Option Period”). To the extent not exercised by the end of the Option Period, the Options shall automatically expire and terminate.

 

  4.

Price. The exercise price of the Options is shall be as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, subject to adjustment as set forth herein (the “Exercise Price”).

 

  5.

Exercise.

 

  (a)

Vested Options shall be exercisable by Holder delivering to the Company, during the Option Period, a Notice of Option Exercise in the form as attached hereto as Exhibit 1 (the “Exercise Notice”) and complying with the remaining terms and conditions herein.

 

  (b)

The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by full payment of the exercise price by tender to the Company of an amount equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of underlying shares of Common Stock being purchased (the “Purchase Price”), by wire transfer or by certified check or bank cashier’s check, payable to the order of the Company.

 

2


  (c)

Holder’s payment for exercise of the Vested Options shall be accompanied by payment of any amount that the Company, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to comply with any federal, state or local withholding requirements for income and employment tax purposes If the Holder fails to make such payment in a timely manner, the Company may: (i) decline to permit exercise of the Vested Options or (ii) withhold and set-off against compensation and any other amounts payable to the Holder the amount of such required payment. Such withholding may be in the shares underlying the Vested Options at the sole discretion of the Company.

 

  (d)

Upon receipt of the Purchase Price, together with written Exercise Notice, and Holder’s compliance with the other provisions herein, the Company will record the Holder as the beneficial owner of the applicable shares of Common Stock in the books and records of the Company. The shares of Common Stock shall not be certificated. With respect to any exercise of the Vested Options, the Holder will for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock purchased hereunder on the date a properly executed notice and payment of the Purchase Price is received by the Company, except that, if the date of such receipt is a date on which the share transfer books of the Company are closed, Holder will be deemed to have become the holder of such shares at the close of business on the next succeeding date on which the share transfer books are open.

 

  6.

Adjustments. Upon the occurrence of any of the following events at any time after the Award Date, the Holder’s rights with respect to the Options shall be adjusted as hereinafter provided unless otherwise specifically provided in a written agreement between the Holder and the Company relating to the Options:

 

  (a)

If the Common Stock shall be subdivided or combined into a greater or smaller number of shares, the number of shares of Common Stock deliverable upon the exercise of Vested Options shall be equitably and appropriately increased or decreased proportionately, and appropriate and equitable adjustments shall be made in the Exercise Price per share to reflect such subdivision or combination.

 

  (b)

If the Company is merged or consolidated with or is acquired by another entity (an “Acquisition”), the Acquisition agreement shall provide that the Options shall be assumed by the surviving entity and the Exercise Price and number of Options shall be equitably adjusted.

 

  (c)

In the event of a recapitalization or a reorganization of the Company (other than a transaction described in Section 6(b)) pursuant to which securities of the Company or of another corporation are issued with respect to the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Holder upon exercising the Vested Options shall be entitled to receive for the purchase price paid upon such exercise, the securities the Holder would have received if the Holder had exercised the Vested Options prior to such recapitalization or reorganization. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of

 

3


  Common Stock of any class or securities convertible or exercisable into shares of Common Stock of any class shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares subject to the Options. No adjustments shall be made for dividends or other distributions paid in cash or in property other than securities. With respect to shares issued in accordance with this Section 6, no fractional shares shall be issued and the Holder shall receive from the Company cash in lieu of such fractional shares or the Company shall round to the nearest whole share of Common Stock, as determined by the Board.

 

  (d)

The Board or the successor Board of Directors of any surviving or ongoing entity in an Acquisition, as applicable, shall determine the specific adjustments to be made under this Section 6, and its determination shall be conclusive. If the Holder receives securities or cash in connection with a transaction described in this Section 6 above as a result of holding the Options, such securities or cash shall be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions applicable to the Options with respect to which such securities or cash were issued, unless otherwise determined by the Board or the successor Board.

 

  7.

Additional Forfeiture.

 

  (a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, at the option of the Board in its sole and absolute discretion, all Options which are not Vested Options shall be immediately forfeited in the event any of the following events occur (each, a “Forfeiture Event”):

 

  (i)

The Holder purchases or sells securities of the Company without written authorization in accordance with the Company’s insider trading policy then in effect, if any;

 

  (ii)

The Holder (A) discloses, publishes or authorizes anyone else to use, disclose or publish, without the prior written consent of the Company, any proprietary or confidential information of the Company, including, without limitation, any information relating to existing or potential customers, business methods, financial information, trade or industry practices, sales and marketing strategies, employee information, vendor lists, business strategies, intellectual property, trade secrets or any other proprietary or confidential information or (B) directly or indirectly uses any such proprietary or confidential information for the individual benefit of the Holder or the benefit of a third party;

 

  (iii)

Except as prior approved by the Board in writing the Holder directly or indirectly owns, manages, controls or participates in the ownership, management or control of, or is employed or engaged by or otherwise affiliated or associated as an officer, director, partner, consultant, independent contractor, agent, representative or otherwise, with any other person or entity that competes with the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates (as defined hereinafter) in any geographical area

 

4


  in which the Company or any of its Affiliates conducts its business or promotes its products or services; provided, however, that the ownership of not more than one percent (1%) of the stock of a company whose equity interests are publicly traded on a nationally recognized stock exchange or over-the-counter shall not be deemed a violation of this provision;

 

  (iv)

The Holder disrupts or damages, impairs or interferes with the business of the Company or its Affiliates by recruiting, soliciting or otherwise inducing any of their respective employees to enter into employment or other relationship with any other business entity, or terminate or materially diminish their relationship with the Company or its Affiliates, as applicable; or

 

  (v)

The Holder solicits or directs business of any person or entity who is (A) a customer of the Company or its Affiliates at any time or (B) solicited to be a “prospective customer” of the Company or its Affiliates, in any case either for such Holder or for any other person or entity; provided that the Holder has actual knowledge of such prospective customer. For purposes of this Section 7(a)(v) “prospective customer” means a person or entity that contacted, or is contacted by, the Company or its Affiliates regarding the provision of services to or on behalf of such person or entity.

 

  (b)

For purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliate” means with respect to a person or entity, any other person or entity controlled by, in control of or under common control with such person or entity, and “controlled,” “controlled by,” and “under common control with” shall mean direct or indirect possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise) of a person or entity.

 

  8.

Necessity to Become Holder of Record. The Holder shall not have any rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock underlying the Options until Holder shall have become the holder of record of such shares of Common Stock. No dividends or cash distributions, ordinary or extraordinary, as to any shares of Common Stock shall be paid to or provided to the Holder if the record date is prior to the date on which Holder became the holder of record of the applicable shares of Common Stock.

 

  9.

Conditions to Exercise of Vested Options. In order to enable the Company to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (together with the rules and regulations thereunder, the “Securities Act”) and relevant state law, the Company may require the Holder, as a condition of the exercising of the Options granted hereunder, to give written assurance satisfactory to the Company that the shares of Common Stock subject to the Options are being acquired for Holder’s own account, for investment only, with no view to the distribution of same, and that any subsequent resale of any such shares of Common Stock either shall be made pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act and applicable state law which has become effective and is current with

 

5


  regard to the shares of Common Stock being sold, or shall be pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state law. The Options are subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Board shall determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, or qualification of the shares of Common Stock underlying the Options upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary as a condition of, or in connection with the issue or purchase of shares underlying the Options, the Options may not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected.

 

  10.

Representations and Warranties Related to the Options and Common Stock. The Options, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company that may be issued or granted to the Holder hereunder or pursuant to any other agreement between the Company and the Holder in connection with the transactions contemplated herein may be referred to as the “Securities”, and Holder represents and warrants to the Company as set forth in this Section 10 with respect to the Securities and Holder’s receipt thereof, as of the Award Date and as of the date of any issuance or granting of any Securities.

 

  (a)

Holder is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (an “Accredited Investor”).

 

  (b)

Holder hereby represents that the Securities are being acquired for Holder’s own account and not for sale or with a view to distribution thereof. Holder acknowledges and agrees that any sale or distribution of Securities which have vested may be made only pursuant to either (a) a registration statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement has become effective and is current with regard to the shares being sold, or (b) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act that is confirmed in a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Company, prior to any such sale or distribution. Holder hereby consents to such action as the Board or the Company deems necessary or appropriate from time to time to prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or to implement the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to placing restrictive legends on certificates evidencing shares of Securities (whether or not vested) and delivering stop transfer instructions to the Company’s stock transfer agent.

 

  (c)

Holder understands that the Securities are being offered and sold to Holder in reliance upon specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and Holder’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Holder set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Holder to acquire the Securities.

 

6


  (d)

Holder has been furnished with all documents and materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information that Holder requested and deemed material to making an informed investment decision regarding its acquisition of the Securities. Holder has been afforded the opportunity to review such documents and materials and the information contained therein. Holder has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management. Holder understands that such discussions, as well as any written information provided by the Company, were intended to describe the aspects of the Company’s business and prospects which the Company believes to be material, but were not necessarily a thorough or exhaustive description and the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the completeness of such information and makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to any information provided by any entity other than the Company. Some of such information may include projections as to the future performance of the Company, which projections may not be realized, may be based on assumptions which may not be correct and may be subject to numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Additionally, Holder understands and represents that Holder is acquiring the Securities notwithstanding the fact that the Company may disclose in the future certain material information that the Holder has not received. Holder has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as Holder has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to Holder’s investment in the Securities. Holder has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Holder, either personally, or together with Holder’s advisors has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Securities, is able to bear the risks of an investment in the Securities and understands the risks of, and other considerations relating to, a purchase of the Securities. The Holder and Holder’s advisors have had a reasonable opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company concerning the Securities. Holder’s financial condition is such that Holder is able to bear the risk of holding the Securities that Holder may acquire pursuant to this Agreement for an indefinite period of time, and the risk of loss of Holder’s entire investment in the Company. Holder has investigated the acquisition of the Securities to the extent Holder deemed necessary or desirable and the Company has provided Holder with any reasonable assistance Holder has requested in connection therewith. No representations or warranties have been made to Holder by the Company, or any representative of the Company, or any securities broker/dealer, other than as set forth in this Agreement.

 

  (e)

Holder also acknowledges and agrees that an investment in the Securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk of loss of the entire investment in the Company and there is no assurance that a public market for the Securities will ever develop and that, as a result, Holder may not be able to liquidate Holder’s investment in the Securities should a need arise to do so. Holder is not dependent for liquidity on any of the amounts Holder is investing in the Securities. Holder has full power and authority to make the

 

7


  representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Holder understands that the representations and warranties herein are to be relied upon by the Company as a basis for the exemptions from registration and qualification of the issuance and sale of the Securities under the federal and state securities laws and for other purposes.

 

  (f)

Holder understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed upon or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities.

 

  (g)

Holder understands that until such time as the Securities have been registered under the Securities Act or may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A under the Securities Act or Regulation S without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, the Securities may bear a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of the certificates for such Securities):

“NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH COUNSEL SHALL BE SELECTED BY THE HOLDER), IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.”

 

  (h)

This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized by Holder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of Holder, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Holder enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

  (i)

Holder is an individual resident of the location set forth in the notices provision for Holder herein.

 

  11.

No Transfer. Holder may not sell, transfer, assign, give, place in trust, or otherwise dispose of or pledge, grant a security interest in, or otherwise encumber the Options, whether vested or not, of this Agreement, or otherwise encumber the Options or any rights herein or therein, and any attempted transfer shall be null and void ab initio and the Company shall not recognize any purported transferee as the holder thereof.

 

8


  12.

Taxes.

 

  (a)

Holder shall pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, all federal, state, local and foreign taxes that are required by applicable laws and regulations to be withheld by the Company with respect to such amount. Holder shall be responsible for the payment of all taxes required to be paid in connection with the issuance or vesting of the Options or the shares of Common Stock that may be issued with respect thereto.

 

  (b)

THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT ADDRESS SPECIFIC STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO HOLDER. HOLDER UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, HOLDER REPRESENTS THAT HOLDER HAS REVIEWED WITH HOLDER’S OWN TAX ADVISORS THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT HOLDER IS RELYING SOLELY ON SUCH ADVISORS AND NOT ON ANY STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS OF THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS AGENTS. HOLDER UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT HOLDER (AND NOT THE COMPANY) SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TAX LIABILITY THAT MAY ARISE AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT.

 

  13.

Data Privacy Consent. In order to administer the this Agreement and to implement or structure future equity grants, the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates and certain agents thereof (together, the “Relevant Companies”) may process any and all personal or professional data, including but not limited to Social Security or other identification number, home address and telephone number, date of birth and other information that is necessary or desirable for the administration of this Agreement (the “Relevant Information”). By entering into this Agreement, the Holder (i) authorizes the Company to collect, process, register and transfer to the Relevant Companies all Relevant Information; (ii) waives any privacy rights the Holder may have with respect to the Relevant Information; (iii) authorizes the Relevant Companies to store and transmit such information in electronic form; and (iv) authorizes the transfer of the Relevant Information to any jurisdiction in which the Relevant Companies consider appropriate. The Holder shall have access to, and the right to change, the Relevant Information. Relevant Information will only be used in accordance with applicable law.

 

  14.

Review. The Holder has reviewed this Agreement in its entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel before executing this Agreement and fully understands all provisions of this Agreement. The Holder hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive, and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any questions relating to this Agreement.

 

9


  15.

No Rights to Continued Engagement. This Agreement does not confer upon Holder any right to continued engagement by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies, nor shall it interfere in any way with the rights of the stockholders of the Company to choose not to name or elect Holder as a director of the Company or to remove Holder as a director of the Company, if applicable, in accordance with the Company’s governing documents or any applicable laws.

 

  16.

No Restriction. Nothing in this Agreement will restrict or limit in any way the right of the Board to issue or sell stock of the Company (or securities convertible into stock of the Company) on such terms and conditions as it deems to be in the best interests of the Company, including, without limitation, stock and securities issued or sold in connection with mergers and acquisitions, stock issued or sold in connection with any stock option or similar plan, and stock issued or contributed to any qualified stock bonus or employee stock ownership plan.

 

  17.

Power of Attorney. Holder hereby irrevocably appoints the Company and each of its officers, employees and agents as Holder’s true and lawful attorneys with power (i) to sign in Holder’s name and on Holder’s behalf stock certificates and stock powers covering some or all of the Options and such other documents and instruments as the Board deems necessary or desirable to carry out the terms of this Agreement and (ii) to take such other action as the Board deems necessary or desirable to effectuate the terms of this Agreement. This power, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable. Holder agree to execute such other stock powers and documents as may be reasonably requested from time to time by the Board to effectuate the terms of this Agreement.

 

  18.

Effect of Waiver. The waiver by either Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach hereof. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing.

 

  19.

Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Other than as set forth herein, no Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, including by merger, consolidation, operation of law, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect. Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Company (i) may assign this Agreement to any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, provided that no such assignment shall relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder without the written consent of the Holder, and (ii) will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the successors and permitted assigns of the Parties.

 

10


  20.

No Third-Party Rights. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement is intended solely for the benefit of the Parties and is not intended to confer any benefits upon, or create any rights in favor of, any person or entity other than the Parties.

 

  21.

Entire Agreement; Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by the Holder and the Company.

 

  22.

Survival. The provisions of Section 10 through Section 33, inclusive, and any additional Sections of this Agreement as required to give effect to or to enforce the foregoing, shall survive any Cessation of Service or any expiration or termination of this Agreement or the Option Term, and provided that any expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not excuse a Party from compliance with, or fulfillment of, any obligations or conditions which arose prior to such expiration or termination.

 

  23.

Severability. If any one or more of the provisions, or portions of any provision, of the Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or parts hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

  24.

Governing Law and Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

  (a)

All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined, and this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such state, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions of such state.

 

  (b)

SUBJECT TO SECTION 26, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE COMMENCED IN THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS, OR, SOLELY IN THE EVENT THAT THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO ASSERT JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGEMENT HEREUNDER FOR ANY REASON, THEN IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH JURISDICTION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA (AS APPLICABLE, THE “SELECTED COURTS”). EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SELECTED COURTS FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR WITH ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR DISCUSSED HEREIN (INCLUDING

 

11


  WITH RESPECT TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHTS OF A PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT), AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH SELECTED COURTS, OR SUCH SELECTED COURTS ARE IMPROPER OR INCONVENIENT VENUE FOR SUCH PROCEEDING. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO PROCESS BEING SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF VIA REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY (WITH EVIDENCE OF DELIVERY) TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS IN EFFECT FOR NOTICES TO IT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE SHALL CONSTITUTE GOOD AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE OF PROCESS AND NOTICE THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT IN ANY WAY ANY RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

  (c)

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 24(c).

 

  25.

Attorneys’ Fees, Etc. If any Party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Agreement, then the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other Party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.

 

  26.

Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved by arbitration in Tokyo, Japan pursuant to then-prevailing National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association, provided that in the event that such rules may not be applied in Tokyo, Japan for any reason, then pursuant to arbitration rules as reasonably determined by the Company. The arbitration shall be conducted by three arbitrators, with one arbitrator selected by each Party and the third arbitrator selected by the two arbitrators so selected by the Parties. The arbitrators shall be bound to follow the applicable Agreement provisions in adjudicating the dispute. It is agreed by both Parties that the arbitrators’ decision is final, and that no Party may take any

 

12


  action, judicial or administrative, to overturn such decision. The judgment rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in the Selected Courts. Subject to the provisions of Section 25, each Party will pay its own expenses of arbitration and the expenses of the arbitrators will be equally shared provided that, if in the opinion of the arbitrators any claim, defense, or argument raised in the arbitration was unreasonable, the arbitrators may assess all or part of the expenses of the other Party (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and of the arbitrators as the arbitrators deem appropriate. The arbitrators may not award either Party punitive or consequential damages.

 

  27.

Limitation on Damages. IN NO EVENT WILL ANY PARTY BE LIABLE TO ANY OTHER PARTY UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS FOR SPECIAL, GENERAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS OR LOST OPPORTUNITY, EVEN IF THE PARTY SOUGHT TO BE HELD LIABLE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

 

  28.

Specific Performance. Each Party acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the other Party, and thus each Party acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Agreement will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by such Party of the provisions of this Agreement, that the other Party shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies at law or in equity, and in addition to the penalties assessable herein, to an injunction or injunctions restraining, preventing or curing any breach of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

  29.

Expenses. Other than as specifically set forth herein, each of the Parties will bear their own respective expenses, including legal, accounting and professional fees, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

 

  30.

Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other Party, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by email with return receipt requested and received or nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed as set forth below or to such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. All notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered by hand, if personally delivered, (ii) when delivered by courier or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or overnight mail, and (iii) on receipt of confirmed delivery, if sent by email.

 

13


If to the Company:

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: Shuhei Komatsu

600 N Broad Street, Suite 5 # 529

Middletown, Delaware 19709

Email: shuhei.komatsu@aerwins.us

If to Holder, to the address for the Holder as set forth in the books and records of the Company.

 

  31.

Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

  32.

Counsel. The Parties acknowledge and agree that legal counsel to the Company has acted as legal counsel to the Company, and that Counsel has prepared this Agreement at the request of the Company, and that Counsel is not legal counsel to Holder individually. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that they are aware of, and have consented to, the Counsel acting as legal counsel to the Company and preparing this Agreement, and that Counsel has advised each of the Parties to retain separate counsel to review the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered in connection herewith, and each Party has either waived such right freely or has otherwise sought such additional counsel as it has deemed necessary. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that Counsel does not owe any duties to Holder in Holder’s individual capacity in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. Each of the Parties hereby waives any conflict of interest which may apply with respect to Counsel’s actions as set forth herein, and the Parties confirm that the Parties have previously negotiated the material terms of the agreements as set forth herein.

 

  33.

Execution in Counterparts, Electronic Transmission. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which taken together shall be but a single 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.

[Signatures appear on following page]

 

14


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Award Date.

 

AERWINS Technologies Inc.
By:  

/s/ Shuhei Komatsu

Name:   Shuhei Komatsu
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
Taiji Ito
By:  

/s/ Taiji Ito

Name:   Taiji Ito

 

15


Exhibit A

Number of Options Granted: 703,937

 

Exercise Price:                $0.00015 per share of Common Stock

 

16


EXHIBIT 1

NOTICE OF OPTION EXERCISE

Dated: ______________________

To: AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: [_______________]

Sir/Madam:

Notice is hereby given of my election to purchase _____ shares of common stock of AERWINS Technologies Inc. (the “Company”) at a price of $[_________] per share under the provisions of the stock option (“Option”) granted to me on February 3, 2023.

I hereby certify that I am in compliance with the covenants and forfeiture provisions of the Option Agreement dated as of February 3, 2023 between the Company and me (the “Option Agreement”). I acknowledge that a violation of these provisions will result in the forfeiture of any remaining options that I have.

Enclosed is my check made payable to the Company in the amount of $ _________________ in payment of the exercise price of the Option and my check in the amount of $ ________________ made payable to _____________________________ in payment of the tax due on exercise of the Option.

The following information is supplied for use in issuing and registering the shares purchased:

 

Number of shares of Common Stock:  

 

 
Full Name:  

 

 
Address:  

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 
Signature:  

 

 

 

17

Exhibit 10.15

OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

Dated as of February 3, 2023

[Kazuo Miura]

This Holder Option Award Agreement (this “Agreement”) dated as of the date first set forth above (the “Award Date”) is entered into by and between AERWINS Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation previously named Pono Capital Corp. (the “Company”), and Kazuo Miura (the “Holder”). The Company and Holder may collective be referred to as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.

This Agreement is entered into pursuant to an Option Rollover Agreement by and between the Parties dated as of the Award Date (the “Rollover Agreement”) and is subject to the terms and conditions thereof.

WHEREAS, the Holder is a director or officer of the Company and the Company now desires to grant to Holder certain options to acquire certain shares of common stock, par value $0.000001 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”);

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Holder hereby agree as follows:

 

  1.

Grant. Pursuant to the terms herein, the Company hereby grants to Holder as of the Award Date the right and option (the “Options”) to purchase all or any part of the number of shares of Common Stock as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, subject to adjustment as set forth herein, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Options are not intended to be Incentive Stock Options as defined by Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, as of the Award Date, the Holder has delivered to the Company the purchase price for the Options issued hereunder pursuant to the AERWINS Options (as defined in the Rollover Agreement) and the AERWINS Option Agreement (as defined in the Rollover Agreement), provided that such payment shall not entitle Holder to exercise any of the Options unless such options have vested as set forth herein, and thereafter only in accordance with, and subject to the provisions of, this Agreement.

 

  2.

Vesting; Forfeiture and Rights to the Options.

 

  (a)

The Options will be subject to vesting and forfeiture pursuant to the provisions herein.

 

  (b)

The vesting period shall commence on the Award Date, and thereafter (i) one third (1/3rd) of the Options shall vest on the three month anniversary of the Award Date, (ii) one third (1/3rd) of the Options shall vest on the fifteen month anniversary of the Award Date; and (iii) the remaining one third (1/3rd) of the Options shall vest on the twenty seven month anniversary of the Award Date, in each case subject to the terms and conditions herein, including the forfeiture provisions herein.

 

1


  (c)

Any portion of the Options which have vested in accordance with the terms and conditions herein shall be referred to as the “Vested Options.”

 

  (d)

In the event that the Holder ceases to serve as either a director or an officer of the Company at any time, for any reason, including, without limitation, due to the death of Holder, the resignation by Holder from Holder’s position as a director and from any positions Holder may hold as an officer of the Company, the removal of the Holder as a director of the Company by the stockholders of the Company or the failure of the stockholders of the Company to re-elect Holder as a director of the Company, the removal of the Holder as an officer ff the Company by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) for any reason (a “Cessation of Service”), any Options which have not vested as of the time of the Cessation of Service shall automatically be forfeited and returned to the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, a Cessation of Service shall not be deemed to occur (i) if Holder ceases to serve as a director of the Company but continues to serve as an officer of the Company, or (ii) if Holder ceases to serve as an officer of the Company but continues to serve as a director of the Company, and the intent of this provision is that a Cessation of Service shall only be deemed to occur of the Holder ceases to serve in any position as a director or officer of the Company.

 

  (e)

If the Options do not vest according to the terms and conditions set forth in herein, the Options will be forfeited and returned to the Company, and all Holder’s rights, or the rights of Holder’s heirs in and to such Options will terminate, unless the Board determines otherwise in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

  3.

Option Period. Vested Options shall be exercisable at any time following the date of such vesting and expiring on the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date (such period, the “Option Period”). To the extent not exercised by the end of the Option Period, the Options shall automatically expire and terminate.

 

  4.

Price. The exercise price of the Options is shall be as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, subject to adjustment as set forth herein (the “Exercise Price”).

 

  5.

Exercise.

 

  (a)

Vested Options shall be exercisable by Holder delivering to the Company, during the Option Period, a Notice of Option Exercise in the form as attached hereto as Exhibit 1 (the “Exercise Notice”) and complying with the remaining terms and conditions herein.

 

  (b)

The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by full payment of the exercise price by tender to the Company of an amount equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of underlying shares of Common Stock being purchased (the “Purchase Price”), by wire transfer or by certified check or bank cashier’s check, payable to the order of the Company.

 

2


  (c)

Holder’s payment for exercise of the Vested Options shall be accompanied by payment of any amount that the Company, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to comply with any federal, state or local withholding requirements for income and employment tax purposes If the Holder fails to make such payment in a timely manner, the Company may: (i) decline to permit exercise of the Vested Options or (ii) withhold and set-off against compensation and any other amounts payable to the Holder the amount of such required payment. Such withholding may be in the shares underlying the Vested Options at the sole discretion of the Company.

 

  (d)

Upon receipt of the Purchase Price, together with written Exercise Notice, and Holder’s compliance with the other provisions herein, the Company will record the Holder as the beneficial owner of the applicable shares of Common Stock in the books and records of the Company. The shares of Common Stock shall not be certificated. With respect to any exercise of the Vested Options, the Holder will for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock purchased hereunder on the date a properly executed notice and payment of the Purchase Price is received by the Company, except that, if the date of such receipt is a date on which the share transfer books of the Company are closed, Holder will be deemed to have become the holder of such shares at the close of business on the next succeeding date on which the share transfer books are open.

 

  6.

Adjustments. Upon the occurrence of any of the following events at any time after the Award Date, the Holder’s rights with respect to the Options shall be adjusted as hereinafter provided unless otherwise specifically provided in a written agreement between the Holder and the Company relating to the Options:

 

  (a)

If the Common Stock shall be subdivided or combined into a greater or smaller number of shares, the number of shares of Common Stock deliverable upon the exercise of Vested Options shall be equitably and appropriately increased or decreased proportionately, and appropriate and equitable adjustments shall be made in the Exercise Price per share to reflect such subdivision or combination.

 

  (b)

If the Company is merged or consolidated with or is acquired by another entity (an “Acquisition”), the Acquisition agreement shall provide that the Options shall be assumed by the surviving entity and the Exercise Price and number of Options shall be equitably adjusted.

 

  (c)

In the event of a recapitalization or a reorganization of the Company (other than a transaction described in Section 6(b)) pursuant to which securities of the Company or of another corporation are issued with respect to the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Holder upon exercising the Vested Options shall be entitled to receive for the purchase price paid upon such exercise, the securities the Holder would have received if the Holder had exercised the Vested Options prior to such recapitalization or reorganization. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of

 

3


  Common Stock of any class or securities convertible or exercisable into shares of Common Stock of any class shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares subject to the Options. No adjustments shall be made for dividends or other distributions paid in cash or in property other than securities. With respect to shares issued in accordance with this Section 6, no fractional shares shall be issued and the Holder shall receive from the Company cash in lieu of such fractional shares or the Company shall round to the nearest whole share of Common Stock, as determined by the Board.

 

  (d)

The Board or the successor Board of Directors of any surviving or ongoing entity in an Acquisition, as applicable, shall determine the specific adjustments to be made under this Section 6, and its determination shall be conclusive. If the Holder receives securities or cash in connection with a transaction described in this Section 6 above as a result of holding the Options, such securities or cash shall be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions applicable to the Options with respect to which such securities or cash were issued, unless otherwise determined by the Board or the successor Board.

 

  7.

Additional Forfeiture.

 

  (a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, at the option of the Board in its sole and absolute discretion, all Options which are not Vested Options shall be immediately forfeited in the event any of the following events occur (each, a “Forfeiture Event”):

 

  (i)

The Holder purchases or sells securities of the Company without written authorization in accordance with the Company’s insider trading policy then in effect, if any;

 

  (ii)

The Holder (A) discloses, publishes or authorizes anyone else to use, disclose or publish, without the prior written consent of the Company, any proprietary or confidential information of the Company, including, without limitation, any information relating to existing or potential customers, business methods, financial information, trade or industry practices, sales and marketing strategies, employee information, vendor lists, business strategies, intellectual property, trade secrets or any other proprietary or confidential information or (B) directly or indirectly uses any such proprietary or confidential information for the individual benefit of the Holder or the benefit of a third party;

 

  (iii)

Except as prior approved by the Board in writing the Holder directly or indirectly owns, manages, controls or participates in the ownership, management or control of, or is employed or engaged by or otherwise affiliated or associated as an officer, director, partner, consultant, independent contractor, agent, representative or otherwise, with any other person or entity that competes with the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates (as defined hereinafter) in any geographical area

 

4


  in which the Company or any of its Affiliates conducts its business or promotes its products or services; provided, however, that the ownership of not more than one percent (1%) of the stock of a company whose equity interests are publicly traded on a nationally recognized stock exchange or over-the-counter shall not be deemed a violation of this provision;

 

  (iv)

The Holder disrupts or damages, impairs or interferes with the business of the Company or its Affiliates by recruiting, soliciting or otherwise inducing any of their respective employees to enter into employment or other relationship with any other business entity, or terminate or materially diminish their relationship with the Company or its Affiliates, as applicable; or

 

  (v)

The Holder solicits or directs business of any person or entity who is (A) a customer of the Company or its Affiliates at any time or (B) solicited to be a “prospective customer” of the Company or its Affiliates, in any case either for such Holder or for any other person or entity; provided that the Holder has actual knowledge of such prospective customer. For purposes of this Section 7(a)(v) “prospective customer” means a person or entity that contacted, or is contacted by, the Company or its Affiliates regarding the provision of services to or on behalf of such person or entity.

 

  (b)

For purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliate” means with respect to a person or entity, any other person or entity controlled by, in control of or under common control with such person or entity, and “controlled,” “controlled by,” and “under common control with” shall mean direct or indirect possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise) of a person or entity.

 

  8.

Necessity to Become Holder of Record. The Holder shall not have any rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock underlying the Options until Holder shall have become the holder of record of such shares of Common Stock. No dividends or cash distributions, ordinary or extraordinary, as to any shares of Common Stock shall be paid to or provided to the Holder if the record date is prior to the date on which Holder became the holder of record of the applicable shares of Common Stock.

 

  9.

Conditions to Exercise of Vested Options. In order to enable the Company to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (together with the rules and regulations thereunder, the “Securities Act”) and relevant state law, the Company may require the Holder, as a condition of the exercising of the Options granted hereunder, to give written assurance satisfactory to the Company that the shares of Common Stock subject to the Options are being acquired for Holder’s own account, for investment only, with no view to the distribution of same, and that any subsequent resale of any such shares of Common Stock either shall be made pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act and applicable state law which has become effective and is current with

 

5


  regard to the shares of Common Stock being sold, or shall be pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state law. The Options are subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Board shall determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, or qualification of the shares of Common Stock underlying the Options upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary as a condition of, or in connection with the issue or purchase of shares underlying the Options, the Options may not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected.

 

  10.

Representations and Warranties Related to the Options and Common Stock. The Options, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company that may be issued or granted to the Holder hereunder or pursuant to any other agreement between the Company and the Holder in connection with the transactions contemplated herein may be referred to as the “Securities”, and Holder represents and warrants to the Company as set forth in this Section 10 with respect to the Securities and Holder’s receipt thereof, as of the Award Date and as of the date of any issuance or granting of any Securities.

 

  (a)

Holder is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (an “Accredited Investor”).

 

  (b)

Holder hereby represents that the Securities are being acquired for Holder’s own account and not for sale or with a view to distribution thereof. Holder acknowledges and agrees that any sale or distribution of Securities which have vested may be made only pursuant to either (a) a registration statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement has become effective and is current with regard to the shares being sold, or (b) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act that is confirmed in a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Company, prior to any such sale or distribution. Holder hereby consents to such action as the Board or the Company deems necessary or appropriate from time to time to prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or to implement the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to placing restrictive legends on certificates evidencing shares of Securities (whether or not vested) and delivering stop transfer instructions to the Company’s stock transfer agent.

 

  (c)

Holder understands that the Securities are being offered and sold to Holder in reliance upon specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and Holder’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Holder set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Holder to acquire the Securities.

 

6


  (d)

Holder has been furnished with all documents and materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information that Holder requested and deemed material to making an informed investment decision regarding its acquisition of the Securities. Holder has been afforded the opportunity to review such documents and materials and the information contained therein. Holder has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management. Holder understands that such discussions, as well as any written information provided by the Company, were intended to describe the aspects of the Company’s business and prospects which the Company believes to be material, but were not necessarily a thorough or exhaustive description and the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the completeness of such information and makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to any information provided by any entity other than the Company. Some of such information may include projections as to the future performance of the Company, which projections may not be realized, may be based on assumptions which may not be correct and may be subject to numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Additionally, Holder understands and represents that Holder is acquiring the Securities notwithstanding the fact that the Company may disclose in the future certain material information that the Holder has not received. Holder has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as Holder has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to Holder’s investment in the Securities. Holder has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Holder, either personally, or together with Holder’s advisors has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Securities, is able to bear the risks of an investment in the Securities and understands the risks of, and other considerations relating to, a purchase of the Securities. The Holder and Holder’s advisors have had a reasonable opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company concerning the Securities. Holder’s financial condition is such that Holder is able to bear the risk of holding the Securities that Holder may acquire pursuant to this Agreement for an indefinite period of time, and the risk of loss of Holder’s entire investment in the Company. Holder has investigated the acquisition of the Securities to the extent Holder deemed necessary or desirable and the Company has provided Holder with any reasonable assistance Holder has requested in connection therewith. No representations or warranties have been made to Holder by the Company, or any representative of the Company, or any securities broker/dealer, other than as set forth in this Agreement.

 

  (e)

Holder also acknowledges and agrees that an investment in the Securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk of loss of the entire investment in the Company and there is no assurance that a public market for the Securities will ever develop and that, as a result, Holder may not be able to liquidate Holder’s investment in the Securities should a need arise to do so. Holder is not dependent for liquidity on any of the amounts Holder is investing in the Securities. Holder has full power and authority to make the

 

7


  representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Holder understands that the representations and warranties herein are to be relied upon by the Company as a basis for the exemptions from registration and qualification of the issuance and sale of the Securities under the federal and state securities laws and for other purposes.

 

  (f)

Holder understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed upon or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities.

 

  (g)

Holder understands that until such time as the Securities have been registered under the Securities Act or may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A under the Securities Act or Regulation S without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, the Securities may bear a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of the certificates for such Securities):

“NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH COUNSEL SHALL BE SELECTED BY THE HOLDER), IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.”

 

  (h)

This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized by Holder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of Holder, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Holder enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

  (i)

Holder is an individual resident of the location set forth in the notices provision for Holder herein.

 

  11.

No Transfer. Holder may not sell, transfer, assign, give, place in trust, or otherwise dispose of or pledge, grant a security interest in, or otherwise encumber the Options, whether vested or not, of this Agreement, or otherwise encumber the Options or any rights herein or therein, and any attempted transfer shall be null and void ab initio and the Company shall not recognize any purported transferee as the holder thereof.

 

8


  12.

Taxes.

 

  (a)

Holder shall pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, all federal, state, local and foreign taxes that are required by applicable laws and regulations to be withheld by the Company with respect to such amount. Holder shall be responsible for the payment of all taxes required to be paid in connection with the issuance or vesting of the Options or the shares of Common Stock that may be issued with respect thereto.

 

  (b)

THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT ADDRESS SPECIFIC STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO HOLDER. HOLDER UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, HOLDER REPRESENTS THAT HOLDER HAS REVIEWED WITH HOLDER’S OWN TAX ADVISORS THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT HOLDER IS RELYING SOLELY ON SUCH ADVISORS AND NOT ON ANY STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS OF THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS AGENTS. HOLDER UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT HOLDER (AND NOT THE COMPANY) SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TAX LIABILITY THAT MAY ARISE AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT.

 

  13.

Data Privacy Consent. In order to administer the this Agreement and to implement or structure future equity grants, the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates and certain agents thereof (together, the “Relevant Companies”) may process any and all personal or professional data, including but not limited to Social Security or other identification number, home address and telephone number, date of birth and other information that is necessary or desirable for the administration of this Agreement (the “Relevant Information”). By entering into this Agreement, the Holder (i) authorizes the Company to collect, process, register and transfer to the Relevant Companies all Relevant Information; (ii) waives any privacy rights the Holder may have with respect to the Relevant Information; (iii) authorizes the Relevant Companies to store and transmit such information in electronic form; and (iv) authorizes the transfer of the Relevant Information to any jurisdiction in which the Relevant Companies consider appropriate. The Holder shall have access to, and the right to change, the Relevant Information. Relevant Information will only be used in accordance with applicable law.

 

  14.

Review. The Holder has reviewed this Agreement in its entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel before executing this Agreement and fully understands all provisions of this Agreement. The Holder hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive, and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any questions relating to this Agreement.

 

9


  15.

No Rights to Continued Engagement. This Agreement does not confer upon Holder any right to continued engagement by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies, nor shall it interfere in any way with the rights of the stockholders of the Company to choose not to name or elect Holder as a director of the Company or to remove Holder as a director of the Company, if applicable, in accordance with the Company’s governing documents or any applicable laws.

 

  16.

No Restriction. Nothing in this Agreement will restrict or limit in any way the right of the Board to issue or sell stock of the Company (or securities convertible into stock of the Company) on such terms and conditions as it deems to be in the best interests of the Company, including, without limitation, stock and securities issued or sold in connection with mergers and acquisitions, stock issued or sold in connection with any stock option or similar plan, and stock issued or contributed to any qualified stock bonus or employee stock ownership plan.

 

  17.

Power of Attorney. Holder hereby irrevocably appoints the Company and each of its officers, employees and agents as Holder’s true and lawful attorneys with power (i) to sign in Holder’s name and on Holder’s behalf stock certificates and stock powers covering some or all of the Options and such other documents and instruments as the Board deems necessary or desirable to carry out the terms of this Agreement and (ii) to take such other action as the Board deems necessary or desirable to effectuate the terms of this Agreement. This power, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable. Holder agree to execute such other stock powers and documents as may be reasonably requested from time to time by the Board to effectuate the terms of this Agreement.

 

  18.

Effect of Waiver. The waiver by either Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach hereof. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing.

 

  19.

Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Other than as set forth herein, no Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, including by merger, consolidation, operation of law, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect. Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Company (i) may assign this Agreement to any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, provided that no such assignment shall relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder without the written consent of the Holder, and (ii) will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as

 

10


  hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the successors and permitted assigns of the Parties.

 

  20.

No Third-Party Rights. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement is intended solely for the benefit of the Parties and is not intended to confer any benefits upon, or create any rights in favor of, any person or entity other than the Parties.

 

  21.

Entire Agreement; Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by the Holder and the Company.

 

  22.

Survival. The provisions of Section 10 through Section 33, inclusive, and any additional Sections of this Agreement as required to give effect to or to enforce the foregoing, shall survive any Cessation of Service or any expiration or termination of this Agreement or the Option Term, and provided that any expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not excuse a Party from compliance with, or fulfillment of, any obligations or conditions which arose prior to such expiration or termination.

 

  23.

Severability. If any one or more of the provisions, or portions of any provision, of the Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or parts hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

  24.

Governing Law and Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

  (a)

All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined, and this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such state, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions of such state.

 

  (b)

SUBJECT TO SECTION 26, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE COMMENCED IN THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS, OR, SOLELY IN THE EVENT THAT THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO ASSERT JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGEMENT HEREUNDER FOR ANY REASON, THEN IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH JURISDICTION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA (AS APPLICABLE, THE “SELECTED COURTS”). EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SELECTED COURTS FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR WITH ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR DISCUSSED HEREIN (INCLUDING

 

11


  WITH RESPECT TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHTS OF A PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT), AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH SELECTED COURTS, OR SUCH SELECTED COURTS ARE IMPROPER OR INCONVENIENT VENUE FOR SUCH PROCEEDING. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO PROCESS BEING SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF VIA REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY (WITH EVIDENCE OF DELIVERY) TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS IN EFFECT FOR NOTICES TO IT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE SHALL CONSTITUTE GOOD AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE OF PROCESS AND NOTICE THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT IN ANY WAY ANY RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

  (c)

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 24(c).

 

  25.

Attorneys’ Fees, Etc. If any Party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Agreement, then the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other Party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.

 

  26.

Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved by arbitration in Tokyo, Japan pursuant to then-prevailing National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association, provided that in the event that such rules may not be applied in Tokyo, Japan for any reason, then pursuant to arbitration rules as reasonably determined by the Company. The arbitration shall be conducted by three arbitrators, with one arbitrator selected by each Party and the third arbitrator selected by the two arbitrators so selected by the Parties. The arbitrators shall be bound to follow the applicable Agreement provisions in adjudicating the dispute. It is agreed by both Parties that the arbitrators’ decision is final, and that no Party may take any

 

12


  action, judicial or administrative, to overturn such decision. The judgment rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in the Selected Courts. Subject to the provisions of Section 25, each Party will pay its own expenses of arbitration and the expenses of the arbitrators will be equally shared provided that, if in the opinion of the arbitrators any claim, defense, or argument raised in the arbitration was unreasonable, the arbitrators may assess all or part of the expenses of the other Party (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and of the arbitrators as the arbitrators deem appropriate. The arbitrators may not award either Party punitive or consequential damages.

 

  27.

Limitation on Damages. IN NO EVENT WILL ANY PARTY BE LIABLE TO ANY OTHER PARTY UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS FOR SPECIAL, GENERAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS OR LOST OPPORTUNITY, EVEN IF THE PARTY SOUGHT TO BE HELD LIABLE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

 

  28.

Specific Performance. Each Party acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the other Party, and thus each Party acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Agreement will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by such Party of the provisions of this Agreement, that the other Party shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies at law or in equity, and in addition to the penalties assessable herein, to an injunction or injunctions restraining, preventing or curing any breach of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

  29.

Expenses. Other than as specifically set forth herein, each of the Parties will bear their own respective expenses, including legal, accounting and professional fees, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

 

  30.

Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other Party, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by email with return receipt requested and received or nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed as set forth below or to such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. All notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered by hand, if personally delivered, (ii) when delivered by courier or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or overnight mail, and (iii) on receipt of confirmed delivery, if sent by email.

 

13


If to the Company:

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: Shuhei Komatsu

600 N Broad Street, Suite 5 # 529

Middletown, Delaware 19709

Email: shuhei.komatsu@aerwins.us

If to Holder, to the address for the Holder as set forth in the books and records of the Company.

 

  31.

Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

  32.

Counsel. The Parties acknowledge and agree that legal counsel to the Company has acted as legal counsel to the Company, and that Counsel has prepared this Agreement at the request of the Company, and that Counsel is not legal counsel to Holder individually. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that they are aware of, and have consented to, the Counsel acting as legal counsel to the Company and preparing this Agreement, and that Counsel has advised each of the Parties to retain separate counsel to review the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered in connection herewith, and each Party has either waived such right freely or has otherwise sought such additional counsel as it has deemed necessary. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that Counsel does not owe any duties to Holder in Holder’s individual capacity in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. Each of the Parties hereby waives any conflict of interest which may apply with respect to Counsel’s actions as set forth herein, and the Parties confirm that the Parties have previously negotiated the material terms of the agreements as set forth herein.

 

  33.

Execution in Counterparts, Electronic Transmission. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which taken together shall be but a single 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.

[Signatures appear on following page]

 

14


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Award Date.

 

AERWINS Technologies Inc.
By:  

/s/ Shuhei Komatsu

Name:   Shuhei Komatsu
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
Kazuo Miura
By:  

/s/ Kazuo Miura

Name:   Kazuo Miura

 

15


Exhibit A

Number of Options Granted: 739,916

 

Exercise Price:   

$0.00015 per share of Common Stock

 

16


EXHIBIT 1

NOTICE OF OPTION EXERCISE

Dated:                                     

To: AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: [                             ]

Sir/Madam:

Notice is hereby given of my election to purchase              shares of common stock of AERWINS Technologies Inc. (the “Company”) at a price of $[                    ] per share under the provisions of the stock option (“Option”) granted to me on February 3, 2023.

I hereby certify that I am in compliance with the covenants and forfeiture provisions of the Option Agreement dated as of February 3, 2023 between the Company and me (the “Option Agreement”). I acknowledge that a violation of these provisions will result in the forfeiture of any remaining options that I have.

Enclosed is my check made payable to the Company in the amount of $                             in payment of the exercise price of the Option and my check in the amount of $                          made payable to                                                   in payment of the tax due on exercise of the Option.

The following information is supplied for use in issuing and registering the shares purchased:

 

Number of shares of Common Stock:

 

 

 

Full Name:

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

Signature:

 

 

 

 

17

Exhibit 10.16

OPTION AWARD AGREEMENT

Dated as of February 3, 2023

[Kensuke Okabe]

This Holder Option Award Agreement (this “Agreement”) dated as of the date first set forth above (the “Award Date”) is entered into by and between AERWINS Technologies Inc., a Delaware corporation previously named Pono Capital Corp. (the “Company”), and Kensuke Okabe (the “Holder”). The Company and Holder may collective be referred to as the “Parties” and each individually as a “Party”.

This Agreement is entered into pursuant to an Option Rollover Agreement by and between the Parties dated as of the Award Date (the “Rollover Agreement”) and is subject to the terms and conditions thereof.

WHEREAS, the Holder is a director or officer of the Company and the Company now desires to grant to Holder certain options to acquire certain shares of common stock, par value $0.000001 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”);

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Holder hereby agree as follows:

 

  1.

Grant. Pursuant to the terms herein, the Company hereby grants to Holder as of the Award Date the right and option (the “Options”) to purchase all or any part of the number of shares of Common Stock as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, subject to adjustment as set forth herein, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Options are not intended to be Incentive Stock Options as defined by Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, as of the Award Date, the Holder has delivered to the Company the purchase price for the Options issued hereunder pursuant to the AERWINS Options (as defined in the Rollover Agreement) and the AERWINS Option Agreement (as defined in the Rollover Agreement), provided that such payment shall not entitle Holder to exercise any of the Options unless such options have vested as set forth herein, and thereafter only in accordance with, and subject to the provisions of, this Agreement.

 

  2.

Vesting; Forfeiture and Rights to the Options.

 

  (a)

The Options will be subject to vesting and forfeiture pursuant to the provisions herein.

 

  (b)

The vesting period shall commence on the Award Date, and thereafter (i) one third (1/3rd) of the Options shall vest on the three month anniversary of the Award Date, (ii) one third (1/3rd) of the Options shall vest on the fifteen month anniversary of the Award Date; and (iii) the remaining one third (1/3rd) of the Options shall vest on the twenty seven month anniversary of the Award Date, in each case subject to the terms and conditions herein, including the forfeiture provisions herein.    

 

1


  (c)

Any portion of the Options which have vested in accordance with the terms and conditions herein shall be referred to as the “Vested Options.”

 

  (d)

In the event that the Holder ceases to serve as either a director or an officer of the Company at any time, for any reason, including, without limitation, due to the death of Holder, the resignation by Holder from Holder’s position as a director and from any positions Holder may hold as an officer of the Company, the removal of the Holder as a director of the Company by the stockholders of the Company or the failure of the stockholders of the Company to re-elect Holder as a director of the Company, the removal of the Holder as an officer of the Company by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) for any reason (a “Cessation of Service”), any Options which have not vested as of the time of the Cessation of Service shall automatically be forfeited and returned to the Company. For the avoidance of doubt, a Cessation of Service shall not be deemed to occur (i) if Holder ceases to serve as a director of the Company but continues to serve as an officer of the Company, or (ii) if Holder ceases to serve as an officer of the Company but continues to serve as a director of the Company, and the intent of this provision is that a Cessation of Service shall only be deemed to occur of the Holder ceases to serve in any position as a director or officer of the Company.

 

  (e)

If the Options do not vest according to the terms and conditions set forth in herein, the Options will be forfeited and returned to the Company, and all Holder’s rights, or the rights of Holder’s heirs in and to such Options will terminate, unless the Board determines otherwise in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

  3.

Option Period. Vested Options shall be exercisable at any time following the date of such vesting and expiring on the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date (such period, the “Option Period”). To the extent not exercised by the end of the Option Period, the Options shall automatically expire and terminate.

 

  4.

Price. The exercise price of the Options is shall be as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto, subject to adjustment as set forth herein (the “Exercise Price”).

 

  5.

Exercise.

 

  (a)

Vested Options shall be exercisable by Holder delivering to the Company, during the Option Period, a Notice of Option Exercise in the form as attached hereto as Exhibit 1 (the “Exercise Notice”) and complying with the remaining terms and conditions herein.

 

  (b)

The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by full payment of the exercise price by tender to the Company of an amount equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of underlying shares of Common Stock being purchased (the “Purchase Price”), by wire transfer or by certified check or bank cashier’s check, payable to the order of the Company.

 

2


  (c)

Holder’s payment for exercise of the Vested Options shall be accompanied by payment of any amount that the Company, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to comply with any federal, state or local withholding requirements for income and employment tax purposes If the Holder fails to make such payment in a timely manner, the Company may: (i) decline to permit exercise of the Vested Options or (ii) withhold and set-off against compensation and any other amounts payable to the Holder the amount of such required payment. Such withholding may be in the shares underlying the Vested Options at the sole discretion of the Company.

 

  (d)

Upon receipt of the Purchase Price, together with written Exercise Notice, and Holder’s compliance with the other provisions herein, the Company will record the Holder as the beneficial owner of the applicable shares of Common Stock in the books and records of the Company. The shares of Common Stock shall not be certificated. With respect to any exercise of the Vested Options, the Holder will for all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record of the number of shares of Common Stock purchased hereunder on the date a properly executed notice and payment of the Purchase Price is received by the Company, except that, if the date of such receipt is a date on which the share transfer books of the Company are closed, Holder will be deemed to have become the holder of such shares at the close of business on the next succeeding date on which the share transfer books are open.

 

  6.

Adjustments. Upon the occurrence of any of the following events at any time after the Award Date, the Holder’s rights with respect to the Options shall be adjusted as hereinafter provided unless otherwise specifically provided in a written agreement between the Holder and the Company relating to the Options:

 

  (a)

If the Common Stock shall be subdivided or combined into a greater or smaller number of shares, the number of shares of Common Stock deliverable upon the exercise of Vested Options shall be equitably and appropriately increased or decreased proportionately, and appropriate and equitable adjustments shall be made in the Exercise Price per share to reflect such subdivision or combination.

 

  (b)

If the Company is merged or consolidated with or is acquired by another entity (an “Acquisition”), the Acquisition agreement shall provide that the Options shall be assumed by the surviving entity and the Exercise Price and number of Options shall be equitably adjusted.

 

  (c)

In the event of a recapitalization or a reorganization of the Company (other than a transaction described in Section 6(b)) pursuant to which securities of the Company or of another corporation are issued with respect to the outstanding shares of Common Stock, the Holder upon exercising the Vested Options shall be entitled to receive for the purchase price paid upon such exercise, the securities the Holder would have received if the Holder had exercised the Vested Options prior to such recapitalization or reorganization. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of

 

3


  Common Stock of any class or securities convertible or exercisable into shares of Common Stock of any class shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares subject to the Options. No adjustments shall be made for dividends or other distributions paid in cash or in property other than securities. With respect to shares issued in accordance with this Section 6, no fractional shares shall be issued and the Holder shall receive from the Company cash in lieu of such fractional shares or the Company shall round to the nearest whole share of Common Stock, as determined by the Board.

 

  (d)

The Board or the successor Board of Directors of any surviving or ongoing entity in an Acquisition, as applicable, shall determine the specific adjustments to be made under this Section 6, and its determination shall be conclusive. If the Holder receives securities or cash in connection with a transaction described in this Section 6 above as a result of holding the Options, such securities or cash shall be subject to all of the conditions and restrictions applicable to the Options with respect to which such securities or cash were issued, unless otherwise determined by the Board or the successor Board.

 

  7.

Additional Forfeiture.

 

  (a)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, at the option of the Board in its sole and absolute discretion, all Options which are not Vested Options shall be immediately forfeited in the event any of the following events occur (each, a “Forfeiture Event”):

 

  (i)

The Holder purchases or sells securities of the Company without written authorization in accordance with the Company’s insider trading policy then in effect, if any;

 

  (ii)

The Holder (A) discloses, publishes or authorizes anyone else to use, disclose or publish, without the prior written consent of the Company, any proprietary or confidential information of the Company, including, without limitation, any information relating to existing or potential customers, business methods, financial information, trade or industry practices, sales and marketing strategies, employee information, vendor lists, business strategies, intellectual property, trade secrets or any other proprietary or confidential information or (B) directly or indirectly uses any such proprietary or confidential information for the individual benefit of the Holder or the benefit of a third party;

 

  (iii)

Except as prior approved by the Board in writing the Holder directly or indirectly owns, manages, controls or participates in the ownership, management or control of, or is employed or engaged by or otherwise affiliated or associated as an officer, director, partner, consultant, independent contractor, agent, representative or otherwise, with any other person or entity that competes with the business of the Company or any of its Affiliates (as defined hereinafter) in any geographical area

 

4


  in which the Company or any of its Affiliates conducts its business or promotes its products or services; provided, however, that the ownership of not more than one percent (1%) of the stock of a company whose equity interests are publicly traded on a nationally recognized stock exchange or over-the-counter shall not be deemed a violation of this provision;

 

  (iv)

The Holder disrupts or damages, impairs or interferes with the business of the Company or its Affiliates by recruiting, soliciting or otherwise inducing any of their respective employees to enter into employment or other relationship with any other business entity, or terminate or materially diminish their relationship with the Company or its Affiliates, as applicable; or

 

  (v)

The Holder solicits or directs business of any person or entity who is (A) a customer of the Company or its Affiliates at any time or (B) solicited to be a “prospective customer” of the Company or its Affiliates, in any case either for such Holder or for any other person or entity; provided that the Holder has actual knowledge of such prospective customer. For purposes of this Section 7(a)(v) “prospective customer” means a person or entity that contacted, or is contacted by, the Company or its Affiliates regarding the provision of services to or on behalf of such person or entity.

 

  (b)

For purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliate” means with respect to a person or entity, any other person or entity controlled by, in control of or under common control with such person or entity, and “controlled,” “controlled by,” and “under common control with” shall mean direct or indirect possession of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise) of a person or entity.

 

  8.

Necessity to Become Holder of Record. The Holder shall not have any rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to any shares of Common Stock underlying the Options until Holder shall have become the holder of record of such shares of Common Stock. No dividends or cash distributions, ordinary or extraordinary, as to any shares of Common Stock shall be paid to or provided to the Holder if the record date is prior to the date on which Holder became the holder of record of the applicable shares of Common Stock.

 

  9.

Conditions to Exercise of Vested Options. In order to enable the Company to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (together with the rules and regulations thereunder, the “Securities Act”) and relevant state law, the Company may require the Holder, as a condition of the exercising of the Options granted hereunder, to give written assurance satisfactory to the Company that the shares of Common Stock subject to the Options are being acquired for Holder’s own account, for investment only, with no view to the distribution of same, and that any subsequent resale of any such shares of Common Stock either shall be made pursuant to a registration statement under the Securities Act and applicable state law which has become effective and is current with

 

5


  regard to the shares of Common Stock being sold, or shall be pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state law. The Options are subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Board shall determine, in its discretion, that the listing, registration, or qualification of the shares of Common Stock underlying the Options upon any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary as a condition of, or in connection with the issue or purchase of shares underlying the Options, the Options may not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected.

 

  10.

Representations and Warranties Related to the Options and Common Stock. The Options, any shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company that may be issued or granted to the Holder hereunder or pursuant to any other agreement between the Company and the Holder in connection with the transactions contemplated herein may be referred to as the “Securities”, and Holder represents and warrants to the Company as set forth in this Section 10 with respect to the Securities and Holder’s receipt thereof, as of the Award Date and as of the date of any issuance or granting of any Securities.

 

  (a)

Holder is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act (an “Accredited Investor”).

 

  (b)

Holder hereby represents that the Securities are being acquired for Holder’s own account and not for sale or with a view to distribution thereof. Holder acknowledges and agrees that any sale or distribution of Securities which have vested may be made only pursuant to either (a) a registration statement on an appropriate form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), which registration statement has become effective and is current with regard to the shares being sold, or (b) a specific exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act that is confirmed in a favorable written opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Company, prior to any such sale or distribution. Holder hereby consents to such action as the Board or the Company deems necessary or appropriate from time to time to prevent a violation of, or to perfect an exemption from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or to implement the provisions of this Agreement, including but not limited to placing restrictive legends on certificates evidencing shares of Securities (whether or not vested) and delivering stop transfer instructions to the Company’s stock transfer agent.

 

  (c)

Holder understands that the Securities are being offered and sold to Holder in reliance upon specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying upon the truth and accuracy of, and Holder’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Holder set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Holder to acquire the Securities.

 

6


  (d)

Holder has been furnished with all documents and materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information that Holder requested and deemed material to making an informed investment decision regarding its acquisition of the Securities. Holder has been afforded the opportunity to review such documents and materials and the information contained therein. Holder has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management. Holder understands that such discussions, as well as any written information provided by the Company, were intended to describe the aspects of the Company’s business and prospects which the Company believes to be material, but were not necessarily a thorough or exhaustive description and the Company makes no representation or warranty with respect to the completeness of such information and makes no representation or warranty of any kind with respect to any information provided by any entity other than the Company. Some of such information may include projections as to the future performance of the Company, which projections may not be realized, may be based on assumptions which may not be correct and may be subject to numerous factors beyond the Company’s control. Additionally, Holder understands and represents that Holder is acquiring the Securities notwithstanding the fact that the Company may disclose in the future certain material information that the Holder has not received. Holder has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as Holder has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to Holder’s investment in the Securities. Holder has full power and authority to make the representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Holder, either personally, or together with Holder’s advisors has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Securities, is able to bear the risks of an investment in the Securities and understands the risks of, and other considerations relating to, a purchase of the Securities. The Holder and Holder’s advisors have had a reasonable opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company concerning the Securities. Holder’s financial condition is such that Holder is able to bear the risk of holding the Securities that Holder may acquire pursuant to this Agreement for an indefinite period of time, and the risk of loss of Holder’s entire investment in the Company. Holder has investigated the acquisition of the Securities to the extent Holder deemed necessary or desirable and the Company has provided Holder with any reasonable assistance Holder has requested in connection therewith. No representations or warranties have been made to Holder by the Company, or any representative of the Company, or any securities broker/dealer, other than as set forth in this Agreement.

 

  (e)

Holder also acknowledges and agrees that an investment in the Securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk of loss of the entire investment in the Company and there is no assurance that a public market for the Securities will ever develop and that, as a result, Holder may not be able to liquidate Holder’s investment in the Securities should a need arise to do so. Holder is not dependent for liquidity on any of the amounts Holder is investing in the Securities. Holder has full power and authority to make the

 

7


  representations referred to herein, to acquire the Securities and to execute and deliver this Agreement. Holder understands that the representations and warranties herein are to be relied upon by the Company as a basis for the exemptions from registration and qualification of the issuance and sale of the Securities under the federal and state securities laws and for other purposes.

 

  (f)

Holder understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed upon or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Securities.

 

  (g)

Holder understands that until such time as the Securities have been registered under the Securities Act or may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A under the Securities Act or Regulation S without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, the Securities may bear a restrictive legend in substantially the following form (and a stop-transfer order may be placed against transfer of the certificates for such Securities):

“NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL (WHICH COUNSEL SHALL BE SELECTED BY THE HOLDER), IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.”

 

  (h)

This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized by Holder. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of Holder, and this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of Holder enforceable in accordance with its terms.

 

  (i)

Holder is an individual resident of the location set forth in the notices provision for Holder herein.

 

  11.

No Transfer. Holder may not sell, transfer, assign, give, place in trust, or otherwise dispose of or pledge, grant a security interest in, or otherwise encumber the Options, whether vested or not, of this Agreement, or otherwise encumber the Options or any rights herein or therein, and any attempted transfer shall be null and void ab initio and the Company shall not recognize any purported transferee as the holder thereof.

 

8


  12.

Taxes.

 

  (a)

Holder shall pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, all federal, state, local and foreign taxes that are required by applicable laws and regulations to be withheld by the Company with respect to such amount. Holder shall be responsible for the payment of all taxes required to be paid in connection with the issuance or vesting of the Options or the shares of Common Stock that may be issued with respect thereto.

 

  (b)

THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT ADDRESS SPECIFIC STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO HOLDER. HOLDER UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. BY SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT, HOLDER REPRESENTS THAT HOLDER HAS REVIEWED WITH HOLDER’S OWN TAX ADVISORS THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT HOLDER IS RELYING SOLELY ON SUCH ADVISORS AND NOT ON ANY STATEMENTS OR REPRESENTATIONS OF THE COMPANY OR ANY OF ITS AGENTS. HOLDER UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT HOLDER (AND NOT THE COMPANY) SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TAX LIABILITY THAT MAY ARISE AS A RESULT OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT.

 

  13.

Data Privacy Consent. In order to administer the this Agreement and to implement or structure future equity grants, the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates and certain agents thereof (together, the “Relevant Companies”) may process any and all personal or professional data, including but not limited to Social Security or other identification number, home address and telephone number, date of birth and other information that is necessary or desirable for the administration of this Agreement (the “Relevant Information”). By entering into this Agreement, the Holder (i) authorizes the Company to collect, process, register and transfer to the Relevant Companies all Relevant Information; (ii) waives any privacy rights the Holder may have with respect to the Relevant Information; (iii) authorizes the Relevant Companies to store and transmit such information in electronic form; and (iv) authorizes the transfer of the Relevant Information to any jurisdiction in which the Relevant Companies consider appropriate. The Holder shall have access to, and the right to change, the Relevant Information. Relevant Information will only be used in accordance with applicable law.

 

  14.

Review. The Holder has reviewed this Agreement in its entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel before executing this Agreement and fully understands all provisions of this Agreement. The Holder hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive, and final all decisions or interpretations of the Board upon any questions relating to this Agreement.

 

9


  15.

No Rights to Continued Engagement. This Agreement does not confer upon Holder any right to continued engagement by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies, nor shall it interfere in any way with the rights of the stockholders of the Company to choose not to name or elect Holder as a director of the Company or to remove Holder as a director of the Company, if applicable, in accordance with the Company’s governing documents or any applicable laws.

 

  16.

No Restriction. Nothing in this Agreement will restrict or limit in any way the right of the Board to issue or sell stock of the Company (or securities convertible into stock of the Company) on such terms and conditions as it deems to be in the best interests of the Company, including, without limitation, stock and securities issued or sold in connection with mergers and acquisitions, stock issued or sold in connection with any stock option or similar plan, and stock issued or contributed to any qualified stock bonus or employee stock ownership plan.

 

  17.

Power of Attorney. Holder hereby irrevocably appoints the Company and each of its officers, employees and agents as Holder’s true and lawful attorneys with power (i) to sign in Holder’s name and on Holder’s behalf stock certificates and stock powers covering some or all of the Options and such other documents and instruments as the Board deems necessary or desirable to carry out the terms of this Agreement and (ii) to take such other action as the Board deems necessary or desirable to effectuate the terms of this Agreement. This power, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable. Holder agree to execute such other stock powers and documents as may be reasonably requested from time to time by the Board to effectuate the terms of this Agreement.

 

  18.

Effect of Waiver. The waiver by either Party of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach hereof. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing.

 

  19.

Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Other than as set forth herein, no Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, including by merger, consolidation, operation of law, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect. Notwithstanding the forgoing, the Company (i) may assign this Agreement to any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company, provided that no such assignment shall relieve the Company of its obligations hereunder without the written consent of the Holder, and (ii) will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, “Company” shall mean the Company as

 

10


  hereinbefore defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the successors and permitted assigns of the Parties.

 

  20.

No Third-Party Rights. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement is intended solely for the benefit of the Parties and is not intended to confer any benefits upon, or create any rights in favor of, any person or entity other than the Parties.

 

  21.

Entire Agreement; Effectiveness of Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be amended only by a written document signed by the Holder and the Company.

 

  22.

Survival. The provisions of Section 10 through Section 33, inclusive, and any additional Sections of this Agreement as required to give effect to or to enforce the foregoing, shall survive any Cessation of Service or any expiration or termination of this Agreement or the Option Term, and provided that any expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not excuse a Party from compliance with, or fulfillment of, any obligations or conditions which arose prior to such expiration or termination.

 

  23.

Severability. If any one or more of the provisions, or portions of any provision, of the Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions or parts hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

  24.

Governing Law and Waiver of Jury Trial.

 

  (a)

All questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined, and this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of such state, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions of such state.

 

  (b)

SUBJECT TO SECTION 26, EACH PARTY AGREES THAT ALL LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE COMMENCED IN THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS, OR, SOLELY IN THE EVENT THAT THE TOKYO DISTRICT COURTS ARE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO ASSERT JURISDICTION WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGEMENT HEREUNDER FOR ANY REASON, THEN IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES WITH JURISDICTION IN PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA (AS APPLICABLE, THE “SELECTED COURTS”). EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE SELECTED COURTS FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR WITH ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR DISCUSSED HEREIN (INCLUDING

 

11


  WITH RESPECT TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE RIGHTS OF A PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT), AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT PERSONALLY SUBJECT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH SELECTED COURTS, OR SUCH SELECTED COURTS ARE IMPROPER OR INCONVENIENT VENUE FOR SUCH PROCEEDING. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF PROCESS AND CONSENTS TO PROCESS BEING SERVED IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF VIA REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL OR OVERNIGHT DELIVERY (WITH EVIDENCE OF DELIVERY) TO SUCH PARTY AT THE ADDRESS IN EFFECT FOR NOTICES TO IT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREES THAT SUCH SERVICE SHALL CONSTITUTE GOOD AND SUFFICIENT SERVICE OF PROCESS AND NOTICE THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED TO LIMIT IN ANY WAY ANY RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

  (c)

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 24(c).

 

  25.

Attorneys’ Fees, Etc. If any Party shall commence an action or proceeding to enforce any provisions of this Agreement, then the prevailing Party in such action or proceeding shall be reimbursed by the other Party for its attorneys’ fees and other costs and expenses incurred in the investigation, preparation and prosecution of such action or proceeding.

 

  26.

Arbitration. Any controversy, claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved by arbitration in Tokyo, Japan pursuant to then-prevailing National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association, provided that in the event that such rules may not be applied in Tokyo, Japan for any reason, then pursuant to arbitration rules as reasonably determined by the Company. The arbitration shall be conducted by three arbitrators, with one arbitrator selected by each Party and the third arbitrator selected by the two arbitrators so selected by the Parties. The arbitrators shall be bound to follow the applicable Agreement provisions in adjudicating the dispute. It is agreed by both Parties that the arbitrators’ decision is final, and that no Party may take any

 

12


  action, judicial or administrative, to overturn such decision. The judgment rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in the Selected Courts. Subject to the provisions of Section 25, each Party will pay its own expenses of arbitration and the expenses of the arbitrators will be equally shared provided that, if in the opinion of the arbitrators any claim, defense, or argument raised in the arbitration was unreasonable, the arbitrators may assess all or part of the expenses of the other Party (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and of the arbitrators as the arbitrators deem appropriate. The arbitrators may not award either Party punitive or consequential damages.

 

  27.

Limitation on Damages. IN NO EVENT WILL ANY PARTY BE LIABLE TO ANY OTHER PARTY UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS FOR SPECIAL, GENERAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS OR LOST OPPORTUNITY, EVEN IF THE PARTY SOUGHT TO BE HELD LIABLE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

 

  28.

Specific Performance. Each Party acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the other Party, and thus each Party acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Agreement will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by such Party of the provisions of this Agreement, that the other Party shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies at law or in equity, and in addition to the penalties assessable herein, to an injunction or injunctions restraining, preventing or curing any breach of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

  29.

Expenses. Other than as specifically set forth herein, each of the Parties will bear their own respective expenses, including legal, accounting and professional fees, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein.

 

  30.

Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other Party, or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by email with return receipt requested and received or nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed as set forth below or to such other address as either Party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. All notices, requests, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered by hand, if personally delivered, (ii) when delivered by courier or overnight mail, if delivered by commercial courier service or overnight mail, and (iii) on receipt of confirmed delivery, if sent by email.

 

13


If to the Company:

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: Shuhei Komatsu

600 N Broad Street, Suite 5 # 529

Middletown, Delaware 19709

Email: shuhei.komatsu@aerwins.us

If to Holder, to the address for the Holder as set forth in the books and records of the Company.

 

  31.

Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

  32.

Counsel. The Parties acknowledge and agree that legal counsel to the Company has acted as legal counsel to the Company, and that Counsel has prepared this Agreement at the request of the Company, and that Counsel is not legal counsel to Holder individually. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that they are aware of, and have consented to, the Counsel acting as legal counsel to the Company and preparing this Agreement, and that Counsel has advised each of the Parties to retain separate counsel to review the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other documents to be delivered in connection herewith, and each Party has either waived such right freely or has otherwise sought such additional counsel as it has deemed necessary. Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that Counsel does not owe any duties to Holder in Holder’s individual capacity in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein. Each of the Parties hereby waives any conflict of interest which may apply with respect to Counsel’s actions as set forth herein, and the Parties confirm that the Parties have previously negotiated the material terms of the agreements as set forth herein.

 

  33.

Execution in Counterparts, Electronic Transmission. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which taken together shall be but a single 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.

[Signatures appear on following page]

 

14


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the Award Date.

 

AERWINS Technologies Inc.
By:  

/s/ Shuhei Komatsu

Name:   Shuhei Komatsu
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
Kensuke Okabe
By:  

/s/ Kensuke Okabe

Name:   Kensuke Okabe

 

15


Exhibit A

 

Number of Options Granted:    469,291
Exercise Price:    $0.00015 per share of Common Stock

 

16


EXHIBIT 1

NOTICE OF OPTION EXERCISE

Dated: ______________________

To: AERWINS Technologies Inc.

Attn: [_______________]

Sir/Madam:

Notice is hereby given of my election to purchase _____ shares of common stock of AERWINS Technologies Inc. (the “Company”) at a price of $[_________] per share under the provisions of the stock option (“Option”) granted to me on February 3, 2023.

I hereby certify that I am in compliance with the covenants and forfeiture provisions of the Option Agreement dated as of February 3, 2023 between the Company and me (the “Option Agreement”). I acknowledge that a violation of these provisions will result in the forfeiture of any remaining options that I have.

Enclosed is my check made payable to the Company in the amount of $ _________________ in payment of the exercise price of the Option and my check in the amount of $ ________________ made payable to _____________________________ in payment of the tax due on exercise of the Option.

The following information is supplied for use in issuing and registering the shares purchased:

 

Number of shares of Common Stock:  

 

 
Full Name:  

 

 
Address:  

 

 
Signature:  

 

 

 

17

Exhibit 14.1

 

LOGO

AERWINS TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CODE OF ETHICS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT

1. Introduction

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of AERWINS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (the “Company”) has adopted this code of ethics and business conduct (this “Code”), as amended from time to time by the Board, and which is applicable to all of the Company’s directors, officers and employees (to the extent that employees are hired in the future) to:

 

   

promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;

 

   

promote the full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as well as in other public communications made by or on behalf of the Company;

 

   

promote compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;

 

   

deter wrongdoing; and

 

   

require prompt internal reporting of breaches of, and accountability for adherence to, this Code.

In addition to following this Code in all aspects of business activities, the Company’s directors, officers and employees are expected to seek guidance in any situation where there is a question regarding compliance issues, whether with the letter or the spirit of the Company’s policies and applicable laws. Cooperation with this Code is essential to the continued success of the Company’s business and the cultivation and maintenance of its reputation as a good corporate citizen. Misconduct is never justified, even where sanctioned or ordered by an officer or other individual in a position of higher management. No individual, regardless of stature or position, can authorize actions that are illegal, or that jeopardize or violate Company standards. This Code sets forth general principles of conduct and ethics and is intended to work in conjunction with the policies and procedures that are covered in the Company’s specific policy statements.

Nothing in this Code prohibits the Company’s directors, officers or employees from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the SEC, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of U.S. federal law or regulation. No prior authorization from the Company is needed to make any such reports or disclosures and there is no duty to notify the Company that any such reports or disclosures have been made. The Company has a no-tolerance policy for retaliation against persons who raise good faith compliance, ethics or related issues.


This Code may be amended and modified by the Board. In this Code, references to the “Company” mean AERWINS TECHNOLOGIES INC. and, in appropriate context, the Company’s subsidiaries, if any.

2. Honest, Ethical and Fair Conduct

Each person owes a duty to the Company to act with integrity. Integrity requires, among other things, being honest, fair and candid. Deceit, dishonesty and subordination of principle are inconsistent with integrity. Service to the Company should never be subordinated to violations of laws or regulations, unscrupulous dealings or to personal gain an advantage.

Each person must:

 

  a.

act with integrity, including being honest and candid while still maintaining the confidentiality of the Company’s information where required or when in the Company’s interests;

 

  b.

observe all applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;

 

  c.

comply with the requirements of applicable accounting and auditing standards, as well as Company policies, in order to maintain a high standard of accuracy and completeness in the Company’s financial records and other business-related information and data;

 

  d.

adhere to a high standard of business ethics and not seek competitive advantage through unlawful or unethical business practices;

 

  e.

deal fairly with the Company’s customers, suppliers, competitors, employees and independent contractors;

 

  f.

refrain from taking advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts or any other unfair-dealing practice;

 

  g.

protect the assets of the Company and ensure their proper use;

 

  h.

until the earliest of (i) the Company’s initial business combination (as such is defined in the Company’s initial registration statement filed with the SEC), (ii) the Company’s liquidation, or (iii) such time that such person ceases to be an officer or director of the Company, in each case, to first present to the Company for the Company’s consideration, prior to presentation to any other entity, any business opportunity, but only if such opportunity is suitable for the Company, subject to the Company’s certificate of incorporation and Bylaws in effect at such time and subject to any other fiduciary or contractual obligations such officer or director may have; and


  i.

avoid actual or apparent conflicts between personal, private interests and the interests of the Company, wherever possible, including receiving improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position, except as may be allowed under guidelines or resolutions approved by the Board (or the appropriate committee of the Board) or as disclosed in the Company’s public filings with the SEC. Anything that would be a conflict for a person subject to this Code also will be a conflict for a member of his or her immediate family or any other close relative.

Examples of conflict of interest situations include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

any significant ownership interest in any supplier or customer;

 

   

any consulting or employment relationship with any supplier or customer;

 

   

the receipt of any money, non-nominal gifts or excessive entertainment from any entity with which the Company has current or prospective business dealings;

 

   

selling anything to the Company or buying anything from the Company, except on the same terms and conditions as a third party would buy or sell a comparable item in an arm’s-length transaction;

 

   

any other financial transaction, arrangement or relationship (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) involving the Company; and

 

   

any other circumstance, event, relationship or situation in which the personal interest of a person subject to this Code interferes, or even appears to interfere, with the interests of the Company as a whole.

Any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest shall be disclosed to the Board.

3. Confidentiality

The Company’s directors, officers and employees must maintain and protect the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by the Company, or that otherwise comes into their possession, while carrying out their duties and responsibilities, except when disclosure is authorized by the Company or legally mandated.

Confidential information encompasses all non-public information (including, for example, “inside information” or information that third-parties have entrusted to the Company) that may be of use to competitors, or may otherwise be harmful to the Company or its key stakeholders, if disclosed. Financial information is of special sensitivity and should under all circumstances be considered confidential, except where its disclosure is approved by the Company or when the information has been publicly disseminated.


4. Disclosure

The Company strives to ensure that the contents of and the disclosures in the reports and documents that the Company files with the SEC and other public communications shall be full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable in accordance with applicable disclosure standards, including standards of materiality, where appropriate. Each person must:

 

   

not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about the Company to others, whether within or outside the Company, including to the Company’s independent registered public accountants, governmental regulators, self-regulating organizations and other governmental officials, as appropriate; and

 

   

in relation to his or her area of responsibility, properly review and critically analyze proposed disclosure for accuracy and completeness.

In addition to the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of each subsidiary of the Company (or persons performing similar functions), if any, and each other person that typically is involved in the financial reporting of the Company must familiarize himself or herself with the disclosure requirements applicable to the Company as well as the business and financial operations of the Company.

Each person must promptly bring to the attention of the Board of Directors any information he or she may have concerning (a) significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal and/or disclosure controls that could adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data or (b) any fraud that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls.

5. Compliance

It is the Company’s obligation and policy to comply with all applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations. All directors, officers and employees of the Company are expected to understand, respect and comply with all of the laws, regulations, policies and procedures that apply to them in their positions with the Company. Employees are responsible for talking to their supervisors to determine which laws, regulations and Company policies apply to their position and what training is necessary to understand and comply with them.

Directors, officers and employees are directed to specific policies and procedures available to persons they supervise.

6. Reporting and Accountability

The Board is responsible for applying this Code to specific situations in which questions are presented to it and has the authority to interpret this Code in any particular situation. Any person who becomes aware of any existing or potential breach of this Code is required to notify the Board promptly. Failure to do so is, in and of itself, a breach of this Code.


Specifically, each person must:

 

   

Notify the Board promptly of any existing or potential violation of this Code.

 

   

Not retaliate against any other person for reports of potential violations that are made in good faith.

The Company will follow the following procedures in investigating and enforcing this Code and in reporting on this Code:

 

   

The Board will take all appropriate action to investigate any breaches reported to it.

 

   

Upon determination by the Board that a breach has occurred, the Board (by majority decision) will take or authorize such disciplinary or preventive action as it deems appropriate, after consultation with the Company’s internal or external legal counsel, up to and including dismissal or, in the event of criminal or other serious violations of law, notification of the SEC or other appropriate law enforcement authorities.

No person following the above procedure shall, as a result of following such procedure, be subject by the Company or any officer or employee thereof to discharge, demotion suspension, threat, harassment or, in any manner, discrimination against such person in terms and conditions of employment.

7. Waivers and Amendments

Any waiver (defined below) or an implicit waiver (defined below) from a provision of this Code for the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and persons performing similar functions or any amendment (as defined below) to this Code is required to be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. In lieu of filing a Current Report on Form 8-K to report any such waivers or amendments, the Company may provide such information on its website, in the event that it establishes one in the future, and if it keeps such information on the website for at least 12 months and discloses the website address as well as any intention to provide such disclosures in this manner in its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

A “waiver” means the approval by the Board of a material departure from a provision of this Code. An “implicit waiver” means the Company’s failure to take action within a reasonable period of time regarding a material departure from a provision of this Code that has been made known to an executive officer of the Company. An “amendment” means any amendment to this Code other than minor technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendments hereto.


Any request for a waiver of any provision of this Code must be in writing and addressed to the Board. All persons should note that it is not the Company’s intention to grant or to permit waivers from the requirements of this Code. The Company expects full compliance with this Code.

8. Insider Information and Securities Trading

The Company’s directors, officers or employees who have access to material, non-public information are not permitted to use that information for security trading purposes or for any purpose unrelated to the Company’s business. It is also against the law to trade or to “tip” others who might make an investment decision based on inside company information. For example, using non-public information to buy or sell the Company securities, options in the Company securities or the securities of any Company supplier, customer, competitor or potential target is prohibited. The consequences of insider trading violations can be severe. These rules also apply to the use of material, non-public information about other companies (including, for example, the Company’s customers, competitors, potential business partners and potential targets). In addition to directors, officers or employees, these rules apply to such person’s spouse, children, parents and siblings, as well as any other family members living in such person’s home.

9. Financial Statements and Other Records

All of the Company’s books, records, accounts and financial statements must be maintained in reasonable detail, must appropriately reflect the Company’s transactions and must both conform to applicable legal requirements and to the Company’s system of internal controls. Unrecorded or “off the books” funds or assets should not be maintained unless permitted by applicable law or regulation.

Records should always be retained or destroyed according to the Company’s record retention policies. In accordance with those policies, in the event of litigation or governmental investigation, please consult the Board or the Company’s internal or external legal counsel.

Any and all reports received by the Company of questionable accounting, violations of internal accounting controls, or any other auditing or financial matters, or the reporting of fraudulent financial information or other questionable conduct that are submitted to an officer of the Company will be handled as follows:

 

   

All reports received will be logged and include, among other things: (1) the date the report was received, (2) a description of the report, (3) the reporting party (if provided), and (4) the status and disposition of an investigation of the report.

 

   

The Vice President and Secretary of the Company will promptly submit to the Audit Committee of the Board (the “Audit Committee”) all reports received. The Audit Committee shall direct and oversee an investigation of all reports as it determines to be appropriate. The Audit Committee may also delegate the oversight and investigation of reports to the appropriate members of the Company’s management. The Audit Committee may request special treatment for any report and may re-assume the direction and oversight of an investigation of any report delegated to members of our management.


10. Improper Influence on Conduct of Audits

No director or officer, or any other person acting under the direction thereof, shall directly or indirectly take any action to coerce, manipulate, mislead or fraudulently influence any public or certified public accountant engaged in the performance of an audit or review of the financial statements of the Company or take any action that such person knows or should know that if successful could result in rendering the Company’s financial statements materially misleading. Any person who believes such improper influence is being exerted should report such action to such person’s supervisor, or if that is impractical under the circumstances, to any of the Company’s directors.

Types of conduct that could constitute improper influence include, but are not limited to, directly or indirectly:

 

   

Offering or paying bribes or other financial incentives, including future employment or contracts for non-audit services;

 

   

Providing an auditor with an inaccurate or misleading legal analysis;

 

   

Threatening to cancel or canceling existing non-audit or audit engagements if the auditor objects to the Company’s accounting;

 

   

Seeking to have a partner removed from the audit engagement because the partner objects to the Company’s accounting;

 

   

Blackmailing; and

 

   

Making physical threats.

11. Anti-Corruption Laws

The Company complies with the anti-corruption laws of the countries in which it does business, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (“FCPA”). Directors, officers, employees and agents, such as third party sales representatives, shall not take or cause to be taken any action that would reasonably result in the Company not complying with such anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA. If you are authorized to engage agents on the Company’s behalf, you are responsible for ensuring they are reputable and for obtaining a written agreement for them to uphold the Company’s standards in this area. The Company will comply with the Policy Statement Regarding Compliance and Ethics attached hereto as Schedule A.

12. Violations

The Board will investigate any reported violations and will oversee an appropriate response, including corrective action and preventative measures. Any director, officer or employee who violates this Code will face appropriate, case specific disciplinary action, which may include demotion or discharge. Such action is in addition to any civil or criminal liability which might be imposed by any court or regulatory agency.


13. Other Policies and Procedures

Any other policy or procedure set out by the Company in writing or made generally known to employees, officers or directors of the Company prior to the date hereof or hereafter are separate requirements and remain in full force and effect.

14. Inquiries

All inquiries and questions in relation to this Code or its applicability to particular people or situations should be addressed to the Board, or such other compliance officer as shall be designated from time to time by the Company.

ADOPTED: This 3rd day of February, 2023.


Schedule A

POLICY STATEMENT REGARDING COMPLIANCE & ETHICS

I. Introduction

AERWINS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (the “Company”) is committed to the highest ethical standards, and expects the same of its directors, officers and employees (to the extent that employees are hired in the future), Third Party (as defined below) representatives, and joint venture partners. Consistent with this commitment, all Company employees are expected to understand and comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations applicable to their job responsibilities at the Company.

This Policy Statement sets forth the Company’s general requirements and expectations relating to several key areas of business conduct and ethics. At the same time, this Policy Statement is not intended to be a comprehensive rulebook and cannot address every situation that a Company director, officer and employee (to the extent that employees are hired in the future) may face. If any Company director, officer or employee (to the extent that employees are hired in the future) feels uncomfortable about a situation or has any doubts about whether a situation or course of conduct is consistent with the Company’s ethical standards, such individuals are advised to seek help from the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.

II. Compliance with All Laws Including Bribery and Other Corrupt Payments Laws

The Company shall comply with all applicable laws, including applicable laws governing bribery, extortion, kickbacks, and the giving or receiving of gifts or hospitality to “Government Officials.”1 Consistent with this commitment, Company directors, officers or employees (to the extent that employees are hired in the future) are prohibited from offering, promising, giving, soliciting, accepting or authorizing another to offer, promise, give, solicit or accept anything of value, either directly or indirectly, for the purpose of corruptly influencing the decision of any person, or to otherwise obtain or retain business or a business advantage in connection with the Company. This includes all local, state and federal corruption laws, as well as international laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, to the extent the Company is conducting business outside of the United States.

III. Facilitation Payments

It is the Company’s policy not to make or authorize anyone to make any small, unofficial payment to secure or expedite the performance of a routine or necessary action by a Government Official (a “Facilitation Payment”)2 in connection with the Company.

IV. Gifts & Hospitality

The Company requires that all gifts and hospitality promised, offered or provided on behalf of the Company be reasonable, related to a legitimate business purpose, and lawful under applicable laws and regulations, including those relating to the nature and amount of gifts and hospitality that can be provided to Government Officials.


1 

“Government Official” means: (i) any person who is an officer, officeholder, full or part-time employee or representative of: (1) a national, state, regional, provincial, city, county or other local government; (2) independent agencies of any government; or (3) state-owned businesses or state-controlled businesses (e.g., a representative of a sovereign wealth fund or public pension fund, an affiliate of a state-owned company owning distressed assets); (ii) political party officials and candidates for political office; and (iii) any employees of quasi-public or non-governmental international organizations (sometimes called “NGOs”).

 

2 

A “Facilitation Payment” may take the form of any kind of advantage, and is not limited to cash or cash equivalents.

No Company employee or Third Party may offer, promise, give, solicit, accept or authorize another to offer, promise, give, solicit or accept any gift or hospitality for the purpose of corruptly influencing the decision of any person, or to otherwise obtain or retain business or a business advantage on behalf of the Company.

All gifts and hospitality are required to be approved by appropriate Company personnel before being provided to any external party, and shall be documented fairly and accurately in the Company’s books and records.

V. Political and Charitable Contributions

It is the policy of the Company that its funds or assets not be used to make a political or charitable contribution,3 unless prior approval has been given by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The Company shall not reimburse any Company employee or Third Party for their own personal political or charitable contributions. When Company employees participate in private political affairs, those employees should be careful to make it clear that their views and actions are their own, and not made on behalf of the Company.

Company employees are prohibited from making or authorizing any person to make a political or charitable contribution on behalf of the Company for the purpose of corruptly influencing the decision of any person, or to otherwise obtain or retain business or a business advantage.

VI. Relationships with Third Parties

The Company shall conduct reasonable commercial and risk-based due diligence on all third party vendors, suppliers, agents, representatives, and intermediaries (each a “Third Party” and collectively “Third Parties”) working on behalf of the Company.


All agreements with Third Parties relating to the Company shall be reduced to writing, accurately reflect the actual goods or services to be provided by the Third Party, and include appropriate anti-corruption compliance representations and warranties.

All payments to Third Parties made by or on behalf of the Company shall be made transparently, consistent with applicable written agreements, and reflected accurately in the Company’s books and records.

VII. Discrimination & Harassment

Company employees shall not discriminate, harass, or authorize any discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Company will not tolerate or authorize any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by any Company employee or Third Party in connection with the Company if and when: (i) submission to such conduct was made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment; (ii) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or (iii) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

 

3 

For purposes of this provision, the term “political contribution” refers to any contribution of something of value to an incumbent elected official, a candidate for elected office, a political party, a political committee, a political organization, a ballot measure committee, an inaugural committee, or a member of the transition team of a successful candidate. The term “charitable contribution” refers to any contribution of something of value to a charitable or philanthropic cause, including, but not limited to donations of cash or cash equivalents to registered charities.

VIII. Money Laundering

It is the policy of the Company to prohibit and actively prevent money laundering and any activity that could conceivably facilitate money laundering, the funding of terrorism, or other criminal activity. Consistent with this policy, the local Company partner shall develop appropriate procedures to help ensure that the Company does not facilitate or engage in any money laundering activities.

IX. Health, Safety, And Environment

The Company is committed to conducting all business activities in a responsible manner, which helps ensure the health, safety, and security of people, preservation of the environment, quality of our business offerings, security, legal, quality, and regulatory requirements in all our business activities.


X. Recordkeeping

The Company shall make and maintain records that fairly and accurately reflect the business transactions of the Company.

XI. Cooperation with Audits And Inspections

The Company, including each Company employee and Third Party, shall cooperate fully with any and all requests made by its shareholders relating to the review and/or inspection of books and records relating to the Company.

XII. Reported Concerns

The Company encourages reporting of suspected violations of this policy statement, violations of law, and perceived incidents of discrimination or harassment. The Company will not tolerate actions by Company directors, officers or employees (to the extent that employees are hired in the future) or Third Parties to discourage or authorize discouragement of any kind against any individual who reports a perceived incident of discrimination or harassment in relation to the Company.

Retaliation of any kind against any individual who reports any perceived incident of discrimination or harassment, or who cooperates with any investigation relating to such reports in good faith is prohibited. Engaging in any form of retaliation may subject Company personnel to discipline, up to and including termination.

XIII. Accountability

Failure to comply with the guidelines and requirements set forth in this Policy Statement is a serious matter. Violating applicable laws, regulations, or the policies set forth in this document, or otherwise engaging in illegal, improper, or unethical conduct may result in appropriate remedial action.

Exhibit 21.1

List of Subsidiaries of

AERWINS Technologies Inc.

 

Entity Name

  

Place of Organization

AERWINS, Inc. *

  

Delaware

A.L.I. Technologies Inc.**

  

Japan

 

*

100% owned subsidiary of AERWINS Technologies Inc.

**

100% owned subsidiary of AERWINS, Inc.

Exhibit 99.1

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Pono is providing the following unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information to aid you in your analysis of the financial aspects of the Business Combination and related transactions. The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information presents the combination of the financial information of Pono and AERWINS adjusted to give effect to the Business Combination and related transactions. The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786 “Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses.” Defined terms included below have the same meaning as terms defined and included elsewhere in this proxy statement.

The historical financial information of Pono was derived from the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Pono as of September 30, 2022, for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the audited financial statements of Pono for the year ended December 31, 2021, included elsewhere in this proxy statement. The historical financial information of AERWINS was derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of AERWINS as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, and the audited consolidated financial statements of AERWINS for the year ended December 31, 2021, included elsewhere in this proxy statement. Such unaudited pro forma financial information has been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited financial statements of Pono and AERWINS, respectively, and should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and related notes, each of which is included elsewhere in this proxy statement. This information should be read together with Pono’ and AERWINS’ audited financial statements and related notes, the sections titled “Pono’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “AERWINS’ Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and other financial information included elsewhere in this proxy statement.

The Business Combination is accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded, in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, Pono is treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes. AERWINS has been determined to be the accounting acquirer because existing AERWINS shareholders, as a group, will retain the largest portion of the voting rights in the combined entity when contemplating the various redemption scenarios, the executive officers of AERWINS are the initial executive officers of the combined company, and the operations of AERWINS will be the continued operations of the combined company.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2022 assumes that the Business Combination and related transactions occurred on September 30, 2022. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021 gives pro forma effect to the Business Combination and related transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2021. Pono and AERWINS have not had any historical relationship prior to the Business Combination. Accordingly, no pro forma adjustments were required to eliminate activities between the companies.

These unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial statements are for informational purposes only. They do not purport to indicate the results that would have been obtained had the Business Combination and related transactions actually been completed on the assumed date or for the periods presented, or which may be realized in the future. The pro forma adjustments are based on the information currently available and the assumptions and estimates underlying the pro forma adjustments are described in the accompanying notes. Actual results may differ materially from the assumptions within the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information.


Description of the Business Combination

On September 7, 2022, the Company entered into an agreement and Plan of Merger with AERWINS, a Delaware corporation. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, among other things and subject to the terms and conditions contained therein, the outstanding shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.000001 per share, of Pono (“Pono Class A common stock”), including any shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.000001 per share, of Pono (“Pono Class B common stock”, and together with the Pono Class A common stock, the “Pono common stock”) all of which will be converted into Pono Class A common stock in accordance with Pono’s third amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Pono Charter”), will be redesignated as common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of AERWINS (which will be the new name of Pono after the Closing, as described below, “New Pono”) (referred to herein as “New Pono common stock”).

In accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Merger Agreement, the aggregate consideration for the Merger, the AERWINS securityholders as of immediately prior to the Effective Time (“AERWINS securityholders”), shall be entitled to receive from Pono, a number of shares of New Pono common stock in an amount equal to $600 million, subject to adjustments for AERWINS’ closing debt net of cash (“Closing Net Indebtedness”), the amount by which AERWINS’ net working capital is less than or exceeds $3.0 million (“Net Working Capital”), and unpaid transaction expenses (“Transaction Expenses”) (collectively, the “Merger Consideration”), as described below, and upon the Merger (i) all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of AERWINS immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than those properly exercising any applicable appraisal rights under Delaware law) will automatically be cancelled and shall cease to exist, in exchange for the right to receive pro rata shares of the aggregate Merger Consideration to be paid to the AERWINS stockholders as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, and (ii) each outstanding option and warrant to acquire shares of AERWINS common stock (whether vested or unvested) will be assumed by Pono and automatically converted into an option or warrant to acquire shares of New Pono common stock, with its price and number of shares equitably adjusted based on the conversion ratio of the shares of AERWINS common stock into the Merger Consideration, as provided in the Merger Agreement and as more particularly described in the notice.

The pro forma adjustments giving effect to the Business Combination and related transactions are summarized below, and are discussed further in the footnotes to these unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial statements:

 

   

the consummation of the Business Combination and reclassification of cash held in Pono’s Trust Account to cash and cash equivalents, net of redemptions (see below);

 

   

the consummation of the Private Placement; and

 

   

the accounting for deferred offering costs and transaction costs incurred by both Pono and AERWINS.

Prior to the Closing, Pono’s public stockholders holding 11,328,988 shares of Class A common stock elected to redeem such shares.


The following summarizes the pro forma ownership of common stock of AERWINS following the Business Combination and related transactions:

 

     Number of
Shares
     Percentage of
Outstanding
Shares
 

Aerwins Stockholders

     51,481,703        93.0

Pono Public Stockholders

     171,012        0.3

Pono Sponsor and affiliates

     3,719,175        6.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma common stock at September 30, 2022

     55,371,890        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2022 and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021 are based on the historical financial statements of Pono and AERWINS. The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based on information currently available, and assumptions and estimates underlying the unaudited pro forma adjustments are described in the accompanying notes. Actual results may differ materially from the assumptions used to present the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information.


UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED AND CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

 

     Pono Capital
Corp
(Historical)
    Aerwins
Technologies,
Inc.
(Historical)
    Issuance of
Private
Units
            Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
           Pro Forma
Combined
 

ASSETS

                 

Current assets

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 118,183     $ 6,378,174     $ —           $ 1,580,000       B      $ 10,059,067  
               1,795,997       D     
     —         —         —             5,000,000       E        —    
     —         —         —             5,321       F        —    
     —         —         —             (4,818,608     G        —    

Accounts receivable, net

     —         185,790       —             —            185,790  

Other receivable

     —         858,537       —             (5,321     F        853,216  

Inventory

     —         1,190,730       —             —            1,190,730  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     14,875       536,509       —             —            551,384  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total current assets

     133,058       9,149,740       —             3,557,389          12,840,187  

Investments held in Trust Account

     118,577,540       —         1,150,000        A        (117,931,543     C        —    
               (1,795,997     D     

Equity method investments

     —         989,923       —             —            989,923  

Operating lease right-of-use assets

     —         680,781       —             —            680,781  

Property and equipment, net

     —         1,188,403       —             —            1,188,403  

Intangible assets, net

     —         149,179       —             —            149,179  

Other assets

     —         244,004       —             —            244,004  

Other long term receivables

     —         98,131       —             —            98,131  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 118,710,598     $ 12,500,161     $ 1,150,000         $ (116,170,151      $ 16,190,608  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 

LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

                 

Current liabilities

                 

Accounts payable

   $ 651,410     $ 1,846,756       —           $ (412,478     G      $ 2,085,688  

Others payable

     —         156,527       —             —            156,527  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     123,914       385,193       —             (7,353     G        501,754  

Income tax payable

     112,535       —         —             —            112,535  

Franchise tax payable

     150,000       —         —             —            150,000  

Contract liabilities

     —         707,931       —             —            707,931  

Notes Payable - current

     —         —         —             1,580,000       B        1,580,000  

Other current liabilities

     —         248,901       —             —            248,901  

Current portion of long-term liabilities

     —         49,755       —             —            49,755  

Finance leases liabilities-current

     —         92,588       —             —            92,588  

Operating leases liabilities-current

     —         288,904       —             —            288,904  

Sponsor working capital loan

     96,200       —         —             —            96,200  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     1,134,059       3,776,555       —             1,160,169          6,070,783  

Long-term loans

     —         2,976,988       —             —            2,976,988  

Corporate bond

     —         —         —             —            —    

Finance leases liabilities-non-current

     —         101,053       —             —            101,053  

Operating leases liabilities-non-current

     —         391,876       —             —            391,876  

Other long term liabilities

     —         245,168       —             —            245,168  

Deferred underwriting fee payable

     3,450,000       —         —             (3,000,000     G        450,000  

Warrant liabilities

     819,226       —         3,028        A        —            822,254  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     5,403,285       7,491,640       3,028           (1,839,831        11,058,122  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 

Class A common stock subject to possible redemption

     118,215,005       —         —             (117,931,543     C        —    
               (283,462     H     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity (deficit)

                 

Preferred stock

     —         —         —             —            —    

Common stock

     5       3,000       1        A        2       E        55  
               (2,953     I     

Additional paid-in capital

     30,231       49,296,389       1,146,972        A        4,999,998       E        50,284,408  
               (537,669     G     
     —         —         —             283,462       H        —    
     —         —         —             2,953       I        —    
     —         —         —             (4,937,928     J        —    

(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings

     (4,937,928     (43,292,152     —             (861,108     G        (44,153,260
     —         —         —             4,937,928       J        —    

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     —         (998,716     —             —            (998,716
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)

     (4,907,692     5,008,521       1,146,973           3,884,685          5,132,487  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total liabilities, temporary equity, and stockholders’ equity

   $ 118,710,598     $ 12,500,161     $ 1,150,000         $ (116,170,151      $ 16,190,608  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

      

 

 

 


UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

 

     Pono Capital
(Historical)
    Aerwins
Technologies,
Inc.
(Historical)
    Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
           Pro Forma
Combined
 

Revenues

   $ —       $ 3,354,566     $ —          $ 3,354,566  

Cost of Sales

     —         3,371,116       —            3,371,116  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Gross Profit

     —         (16,550     —            (16,550

Operating costs

           

Formation and operations

     1,375,230       —         —            1,375,230  

Franchise tax expense

     150,000       —         —            150,000  

Selling expenses

     —         84,938       —            84,938  

General and administrative expenses

     —         5,188,519       —            5,188,519  

Research and development expenses

     —         6,791,564       —            6,791,564  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total operating costs

     1,525,230       12,065,021       —            13,590,251  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Operating loss

     (1,525,230     (12,081,571     —            (13,606,801
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Other income (expense), net

           

Dividends earned on marketable securities held in Trust Account

     699,327       —         (699,327     BB        —    

Interest expense

     —         (19,540     —            (19,540

Gain on foreign currency transaction

     —         65,454       —            65,454  

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

     —         (2,894     —            (2,894

Equity in earning of investee

     —         4,126       —            4,126  

Gain on sale of investment securities

     —         432,980       —            432,980  

Other income

     —         322,039       —            322,039  

Loss on change in fair value of Sponsor Working Capital Loan

     (4,200     —         —            (4,200

Change in fair value of warrant liabilities

     3,431,576       —         —            3,431,576  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

     4,126,703       802,165       (699,327        4,229,541  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

     2,601,473       (11,279,406     (699,327        (9,377,260

Income tax expense

     (112,535     (19,661     —            (132,196
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

     2,488,938       (11,299,067     (699,327        (9,509,456
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

           

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —         (760,659     —            (760,659
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 2,488,938     $ (12,059,726   $ (699,327      $ (10,270,115
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share (Note 4):

           

Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A common stock

     12,043,159       —              —    

Basic and diluted net income per common stock

   $ 0.17       —              —    

Weighted average shares outstanding of Class B common stock

     2,875,000       —              —    

Basic and diluted net income per common stock

   $ 0.17       —              —    

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

     —         28,081,675            55,371,890  

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

     —         31,016,442            55,371,890  

Net loss per share - basic

     —       $ (0.40        $ (0.17

Net loss per share - diluted

     —       $ (0.36        $ (0.17


UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021

 

     Period From
February 12,
2021
(inception)
Through
December 31,
2021
    Year
Ended
December 31,
2021
                    
     Pono Capital
(Historical)
    Aerwins
Technologies,
Inc.
(Historical)
    Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
           Pro Forma
Combined
 

Revenues

   $ —       $ 7,830,130     $ —          $ 7,830,130  

Cost of Sales

     —         6,433,913       —            6,433,913  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Gross Profit

     —         1,396,217       —            1,396,217  

Operating costs

           

Formation and operations

     413,230       —         —            413,230  

Franchise tax expense

     120,647       —         —            120,647  

Selling expenses

     —         259,799       —            259,799  

General and administrative expenses

     —         5,808,297       861,108       AA        6,669,405  

Research and development expenses

     —         9,335,977       —            9,335,977  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total operating costs

     533,877       15,404,073       861,108          16,799,058  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Operating loss

     (533,877     (14,007,856     (861,108        (15,402,841
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Other income (expense), net

           

Interest income

     —         287       —            287  

Bank incentive

     5       —         —            5  

Interest earned on marketable securities held in Trust Account

     3,213       —         (3,213     BB        —    

Interest expense

     —         (37,050     —            (37,050

Gain on foreign currency transaction

     —         912       —            912  

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

     —         (6,919     —            (6,919

Commission fees

     —         (910,391     —            (910,391

Gain on disposal of business

     —         580,177       —            580,177  

Other income

     —         241,153       —            241,153  

Other expenses

     —         (356,198     —            (356,198

Change in fair value of warrant liabilities

     5,621,902       —         —            5,621,902  

Offering costs allocated to warrants

     (505,696     —         —            (505,696
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

     5,119,424       (488,029     (3,213        4,628,182  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations before income taxes

     4,585,547       (14,495,885     (864,321        (10,774,659

Income tax expense

     —         (31,136     —            (31,136
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

     4,585,547       (14,527,021     (864,321        (10,805,795
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

           

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     —         (676,996     —            (676,996
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 4,585,547     $ (15,204,017   $ (864,321      $ (11,482,791
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share (Note 4):

           

Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A common stock subject to redemption

     4,996,904       —              —    

Basic and diluted net income per common stock

   $ 0.62       —              —    

Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A non-redeemable common stock

     226,915       —              —    

Basic and diluted net income per common stock

   $ 0.62       —              —    

Weighted average shares outstanding of Class B non-redeemable common stock

     2,205,882       —              —    

Basic and diluted net income per common stock

   $ 0.62       —              —    

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic

     —         26,341,974            55,371,890  

Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted

     —         28,948,869            55,371,890  

Net loss per share - basic

     —       $ (0.55        $ (0.20

Net loss per share - diluted

     —       $ (0.50        $ (0.20


NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

The Business Combination will be accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded, in accordance with GAAP. Under this method of accounting, Pono will be treated as the “accounting acquiree” and AERWINS as the “accounting acquirer” for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, for accounting purposes, the Business Combination will be treated as the equivalent of AERWINS issuing shares for the net assets of Pono, followed by a recapitalization. The net assets of Pono will be stated at historical cost. Operations prior to the Business Combination will be those of AERWINS.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2022 assumes that the Business Combination and related transactions occurred on September 30, 2022. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021 gives pro forma effect to the Business Combination and related transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2021. These periods are presented on the basis that AERWINS is the acquirer for accounting purposes.

The pro forma adjustments reflecting the consummation of the Business Combination and related transactions are based on certain currently available information and certain assumptions and methodologies that Pono believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The unaudited condensed combined and consolidated pro forma adjustments, which are described in the accompanying notes, may be revised as additional information becomes available and is evaluated. Therefore, it is likely that the actual adjustments will differ from the pro forma adjustments and it is possible the difference may be material. Pono believes that its assumptions and methodologies provide a reasonable basis for presenting all of the significant effects of the Business Combination and related transactions based on information available to management at the time and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information does not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, tax savings, or cost savings that may be associated with the Business Combination. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information is not necessarily indicative of what the actual results of operations and financial position would have been had the Business Combination and related transactions taken place on the dates indicated, nor are they indicative of the future consolidated results of operations or financial position of the post-combination company. They should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and notes thereto of Pono and AERWINS.

Note 2. Accounting Policies and Reclassifications

Upon consummation of the Business Combination, management will perform a comprehensive review of the two entities’ accounting policies. As a result of the review, management may identify differences between the accounting policies of the two entities which, when conformed, could have a material impact on the financial statements of the post-combination company. Based on its initial analysis, management did not identify any differences that would have a material impact on the unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information. As a result, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information does not assume any differences in accounting policies.

As part of the preparation of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial statements, certain reclassifications were made to align Pono’ financial statement presentation with that of AERWINS.


Note 3. Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined and Consolidated Financial Information

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information has been prepared to illustrate the effect of the Business Combination and related transactions and has been prepared for informational purposes only.

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, Release No. 33-10786 “Amendments to Financial Disclosures about Acquired and Disposed Businesses.” Release No. 33-10786 replaces the existing pro forma adjustment criteria with simplified requirements to depict the accounting for the transaction (“Transaction Accounting Adjustments”) and present the reasonably estimable synergies and other transaction effects that have occurred or are reasonably expected to occur (“Management’s Adjustments”). Pono has elected not to present Management’s Adjustments and will only be presenting Transaction Accounting Adjustments in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated financial information. Pono and AERWINS have not had any historical relationship prior to the Business Combination. Accordingly, no pro forma adjustments were required to eliminate activities between the companies.

The pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share amounts presented in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated statement of operations are based upon the number of shares of AERWINS’ common stock outstanding, assuming the Business Combination and related transactions occurred on January 1, 2021.

Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined and Consolidated Balance Sheet

The adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2022 are as follows:

 

  A.

Represents the completion of a private sate of an aggregate of 115,000 Placement Units at a purchase price of $10.00 per Placement Unit executed on November 9, 2022. Placement Units consisted of one share of Class A common stock of the Company and three-quarters of one warrant with each whole warrant entitling its holder to purchase one share of Class A Common Stock.

 

  B.

Reflects the issuance of two promissory notes to Pono Captial Corp. prior to the closing of the Business Combination. On January 31, 2023, Pono Captial Corp. entered into promissory note agreements in the amounts of $1,130,000 and $450,000 between Mehana Equity LLC and EF Hutton, respectively.

 

  C.

Reflects the redemption of 11,328,988 Pono Public Shares for aggregate redemption payments of $119.0 million allocated to New Pono common stock and additional paid-in capital using par value $0.0001 per share and a redemption price of $10.50 per share.

 

  D.

Reflects the reclassification of $1.8 million of investments held in the Trust Account to cash and cash equivalents that becomes available at closing of the Business Combination.

 

  E.

Represents the proceeds from the issuance of 1,544,454 Escrow Shares per the Escrow Agreement entered into in connection with the closing of the Business Combination (as previously defined) for an aggregate of $5.0 million.

 

  F.

Represents the receivables of $5,321 and outstanding to shareholders of AERWINS subject to collection pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

 

  G.

Represents AERWINS’ transaction costs of $0.5 million, and Pono’s transactions costs of $3.5 million inclusive of advisory, banking, printing, legal and accounting fees that are expensed as a part of the Business Combination, deferred underwriting fees and equity issuance costs that are capitalized into additional paid-in capital. Of the transaction costs, $3.5 million has been incurred and reflected in the historical financial statements of Pono, and $0.6 million has been recorded in accounts payable and reflected in the transaction accounting adjustments in the condensed combined and consolidated balance sheet.


  H.

Reflects the reclassification of Pono’ Class A common stock subject to possible redemption into permanent equity.

 

  I.

Represents the issuance of Pono’s common stock at a par value of $0.000001 to AERWINS shareholders as consideration for the Business Combination.

 

  J.

Reflects the reclassification of Pono’ historical accumulated deficit into additional paid-in capital as part of the reverse recapitalization.

Adjustments to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined and Consolidated Statement of Operations

The pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021 are as follows:

 

  AA.

Reflects estimated non-recurring transaction costs not already reflected in the historical financial statements of approximately $0.9 million as if incurred on January 1, 2021, the date the Business Combination occurred for the purposes of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined and consolidated statement of operations.

 

  BB.

Reflects elimination of investment income on the Trust Account.

Note 4. Net Loss per Share

Net loss per share was calculated using the historical weighted average shares outstanding, and the issuance of additional shares in connection with the Business Combination, assuming the shares were outstanding since January 1, 2021. As the Business Combination is being reflected as if it had occurred at the beginning of the period presented, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted net loss per share assumes that the shares issuable relating to the Business Combination have been outstanding for the entirety of all periods presented.

 

     For the Nine Months
Ended

September 30, 2022 (1)
     For the Year Ended
December 31, 2021 (1)
 

Numerator:

     

Pro forma net loss

   $ (9,509,456    $ (10,805,795

Denominator:

     

Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted(2)

     55,371,890        55,371,890  

Net loss per share:

     

Basic and diluted

   $ (0.17    $ (0.20

 

(1)

Pro forma net loss per share includes the related pro forma adjustments as referred to within the section “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined and Consolidated Financial Information.”

(2)

The potentially dilutive outstanding securities were excluded from the computation of pro forma net loss per share, basic and diluted, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive and/or issuance or vesting of such shares is contingent upon the satisfaction of certain conditions which were not satisfied by the end of the periods presented.