UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For The Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021

 

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

 

Commission File No. 001-38717

 

PALTALK, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   20-3191847
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
   
30 Jericho Executive Plaza Suite 400E    
Jericho, NY   11753
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 967-5120

 

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

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value   PALT   The Nasdaq Capital Market

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company
    Emerging growth company

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of the common stock as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was approximately $32,839,404.

 

As of March 21, 2022, the registrant had 9,837,157* shares of common stock outstanding.

 

* Excludes 31,963 shares of common stock that are held as treasury stock by Paltalk, Inc.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

 

The information required by Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, to the extent not set forth herein, is incorporated by reference to the registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A relating to the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this Annual Report on Form 10-K relates.

 

 

 

 

 

PALTALK, INC.  

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K  

TABLE OF CONTENTS  

 

    Page
PART I    
ITEM 1. Business 1
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors 7
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 23
ITEM 2. Properties 23
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings 23
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 23
     
PART II  
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 24
ITEM 6. Reserved 24
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 25
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 35
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 36
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 37
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures 37
ITEM 9B. Other Information 38
ITEM 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 38
     
PART III    
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 39
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation 39
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 39
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 39
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 39
     
PART IV    
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 40
ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary 42
  Signatures 43

 

Unless the context otherwise indicates, references to “Paltalk,” “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to Paltalk, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

 

Paltalk, our logo and other trademarks or service marks appearing in this report are the property of Paltalk, Inc. Trade names, trademarks and service marks of other companies appearing in this report are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks and trade names included in this report are without the ®, or other applicable symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensors to these trademarks, service marks and trade names.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, operational metrics such as those related to active users are based on internally-derived metrics for users across all platforms through which our applications are accessed.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “began,” “believe,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “would” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, including, without limitation, the following:

 

  our ability to effectively market and generate revenue from our applications;

 

  our ability to generate and maintain active users and to effectively monetize our user base;

 

  our ability to update our applications to respond to rapid technological changes;

 

  the intense competition in the industry in which our business operates and our ability to effectively compete with existing competitors and new market entrants;

 

  our ability to consummate favorable acquisitions and effectively integrate any companies or properties that we acquire;
     
  the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations and our business;

 

  the dependence of our applications on mobile platforms and operating systems that we do not control, including our heavy reliance on the platforms of Apple, Facebook and Google and their ability to discontinue, limit or restrict access to their platforms by us or our applications, change their terms and conditions or other policies or features (including restricting methods of collecting payments, sending notifications or placing advertisements), establish more favorable relationships with one or more of our competitors or develop applications or features that compete with our applications;

 

  our ability to develop, establish and maintain strong brands;

 

  our reliance on our executive officers and consultants;

 

  our ability to adapt or modify our applications for the international market and derive revenue therefrom;

 

  legal and regulatory requirements related to holding and distributing cryptocurrencies and accepting cryptocurrencies as a method of payment for our services;

 

  the ability of foreign governments to restrict access to our applications or impose new regulations;

 

  the reliance of our mobile applications on having a mobile data plan and/or Wi-Fi access to gain internet connectivity;

 

  the effect of security breaches, computer viruses and cybersecurity incidents;

 

  our reliance upon credit card processors and related merchant account approvals and the impact of chargeback liabilities that we may face from credit card processors;

 

  the possibility that our users or third parties may be physically or emotionally harmed following interaction with other users;

 

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  our ability to obtain additional capital or financing when and if necessary, to execute our business plan, including through offerings of debt or equity or sale of any of our assets;

 

  the risk that we may face litigation resulting from the transmission of information through our applications;

 

  the effects of current and future government regulation, including laws and regulations regarding the use of the internet, privacy, cybersecurity and protection of user data and cryptocurrency technology;

 

  the impact of any claim that we have infringed on intellectual property rights of others;

 

  our ability to protect our intellectual property rights;

 

  our ability to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting;

 

  our ability to offset fees associated with the distribution platforms that host our applications;

 

  our reliance on internally derived data to accurately report user metrics and other measures of our performance;

 

  our ability to release new applications or improve upon or add features to existing applications on schedule or at all;

 

  our reliance on third-party investor relations firms to help create awareness of our Company and compliance by such third parties with regulatory requirements related to promotional reports; and

 

  our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and consultants.

 

For a more detailed discussion of these and other factors that may affect our business, see the discussion in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report. We caution that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive, and new factors may emerge, or changes to the foregoing factors may occur, that could impact our business. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, relating to the matters discussed in this report, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

 

Company Overview

 

We are a leading communications software innovator that powers multimedia social applications. Our product portfolio includes Paltalk, Camfrog and Tinychat, which together host one of the world’s largest collections of video-based communities. The Company’s other product is Vumber, which is a telecommunications services provider that enables users to communicate privately by having multiple phone numbers with any area code through which calls can be forwarded to a user’s existing telephone number. We have an over 20-year history of technology innovation and hold 14 patents.

 

We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 2005. Our principal executive office is located at 30 Jericho Executive Plaza Suite 400E, Jericho, NY 11753.

 

Our Services and Products

 

We operate a leading network of consumer applications that we believe create a unique social media enterprise where users can meet, see, chat, broadcast and message in real time in a secure environment with others in our network. Our consumer applications generate revenue principally from subscription fees and advertising arrangements.

 

We believe that the scale of our user base presents a competitive advantage in the video social networking industry and provides growth opportunities to advance our existing products with up-sell opportunities and build future brands with cross-sell offers. We also believe that our proprietary consumer app technology platform can scalably support large communities of users in activities such as video, voice and text chat, online card and board games and provide robust user monetization tools.

 

Our continued growth depends on attracting new consumer application users through the introduction of new applications, features and partnerships and further penetration of our existing markets. Our principal growth strategy is to invest in the development of proprietary software, expand our sales and marketing efforts with respect to such software, and increase our consumer application user base through potential platform partnerships and new and existing advertising campaigns that we run through internet and mobile advertising networks, all while balancing the capital needs of the business. Our strategy also includes the acquisition of, or investment in, technologies, solutions or businesses that complement our business.

 

Our strategy is to approach these opportunities in a measured way, being mindful of our resources and evaluating factors such as potential revenue, time to market and amount of capital needed to invest in the opportunity.

 

Consumer Applications

 

We operate a leading network of consumer applications that create a unique social media enterprise where users can meet, see, chat, broadcast, play online card and board games and message in real time in a secure environment with others in our network. The proprietary technology underlying our products allows us to operate thousands of simultaneous streams, including on mobile platforms, which support interactions on a one-on-one, one-to-many and many-to-many basis. Furthermore, our technology is supported by a portfolio of 14 issued patents.

 

Live Video Chat. We have three existing products in the video chat space: Paltalk, Camfrog and Tinychat. Our major revenue-generating live video chat products are Paltalk and Camfrog. Each product enables individuals to self-organize around topics and users with common affinities. Tinychat enables adaptations of our video technology for use in alternative markets, focused on a younger demographic user base.

 

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Paltalk and Camfrog are both leading providers of live video social networking applications available on Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android and other tablet devices. Together, these products power one of the world’s largest global collections of video-based communities, with proprietary technology to host thousands of simultaneous live group conversations on topics such as politics, financial markets, music and dating. Our proprietary client server technology helps maintain high quality video and audio, even as many users simultaneously watch a particular broadcaster. Paltalk and Camfrog both attract a demographically and geographically diverse user base, with users in over 180 different countries. Paltalk users are approximately one-third domestic and two-thirds international, and Camfrog users have an even larger international presence, with a particular concentration in Southeast Asia.

 

Telecommunications. We own and operate a small telecommunications services provider called Vumber that enables users to have multiple phone numbers in any area code through which calls can be forwarded to a user’s existing cell phone or land line telephone number. Vumber serves both the retail and small business community. Vumber not only allows individuals to communicate while protecting privacy, but also gives business professionals the ability to add a new business line with any chosen area code to their cell phones. Vumber provides an in-depth data analytics platform that can track, record and analyze calls to gain new insights into one’s business.

 

Product Payment Options. Our users have a variety of methods by which to purchase product subscriptions across all of our platforms. Users can pay by credit card, PayPal, Western Union, check, local e-wallet providers, or complete an in-app purchase through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for Android users.

 

Apple retains generally up to 30% of the revenue that is generated from sales on our iPhone applications through in-app purchases in the United States. Google also retains generally up to 30% of the revenue that is generated from sales on Android applications via Google wallet through in-app purchases in the United States.

 

All of our credit card transactions are processed through various payment providers. Video chat users in certain international territories also have an option to purchase through local resellers. Local resellers prepay in bulk for services and debit the prepaid balance as one-time subscriptions and virtual currency are sold to end users. Regardless of which payment method is utilized, users may access our products through any of the gateways we offer.

 

Technology Services

 

Technology service revenue is generated under service and partnership agreements that we negotiate with third parties which includes development, integration, engineering, licensing or other services that we provide.

 

On May 29, 2020, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement, which was subsequently amended and restated (the “Amended and Restated Agreement”) with SecureCo, LLC (“SecureCo”), pursuant to which we agreed to sell substantially all of the assets related to our secure communications business to SecureCo. The Amended and Restated Agreement also provides for a revenue sharing arrangement, pursuant to which we are entitled to receive quarterly royalty payments ranging from 5% to 10% of certain revenues received by SecureCo, with the aggregate amount of such royalty payments not to exceed $500,000. The royalty payments, if received, will be recorded as technology service revenue. We do not expect to continue to pursue secure communications products or technology implementation services as part of our overall business strategy.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, we also recorded technology service revenue in connection with our agreement to serve as a launch partner with Open Props, Inc. (formerly YouNow, Inc., and referred to herein as “YouNow”) and to integrate YouNow’s props infrastructure (the “Props platform”) into our Camfrog and Paltalk applications (as amended, the “YouNow Agreement”).

 

Pursuant to the terms of the YouNow Agreement, YouNow agreed to pay us, in exchange for our services, an aggregate of 10.5 million cryptographic props tokens (“Props tokens”) upon the achievement of certain milestones. Once the integration of Props tokens into our Paltalk and Camfrog applications was completed, we began receiving Props tokens for providing a validator service and for allowing users to participate in the loyalty platform. The loyalty platform was intended to drive engagement and incentivize users financially by providing users with the ability to earn Props tokens while using the Paltalk and Camfrog applications. The net revenue earned was recorded under “technology service revenue” in the consolidated statements of operations.

 

In August 2021, we received notice from YouNow that it was terminating the YouNow Agreement, and that it would no longer support the Props platform past the end of calendar year 2021. In connection with the notice of termination and in accordance with the YouNow Agreement, we received an additional 2.6 million Props tokens. The value of these tokens was recorded as revenue under “technology service revenue” in the consolidated statements of income. Following the termination of the YouNow Agreement, we expect that most of our technology service revenue generated in the future will result from opportunistic partnerships between us and third parties.  

 

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Company Business Strategy

 

User Growth Through Marketing Efforts

 

Our continued growth depends on attracting new consumer application users through the introduction of new applications, features and partnerships and further penetration of our existing markets. Our principal growth strategy is to invest in the development of proprietary software, expand our sales and marketing efforts with respect to such software, and increase our consumer application user base through potential platform partnerships and new and existing advertising campaigns that we run through internet and mobile advertising networks, all while balancing the capital needs of the business.

 

Our strategy is to approach these opportunities in a measured way, being mindful of our resources and evaluating factors such as potential revenue, time to market and amount of capital needed to invest in the opportunity.

 

During the first quarter of 2022, we engaged two marketing agencies to help us drive consumer engagement through the Paltalk and Camfrog applications.

 

Enhance Existing Live Video Chat Applications

 

We plan to enhance our existing live video chat applications, which we anticipate will include several initiatives intended to improve usage and revenue potential. We plan to add incentives for loyal or valuable users to enhance retention and overall user activity in the products. We also intend to improve our product and marketing capabilities on mobile, to enhance monetization and our ability to acquire new users on mobile platforms. In addition, we expect to increase the quality and quantity of live streaming entertainment content and broaden the distribution across our user base. Finally, we plan to continue integrating certain technical functions of Paltalk and Camfrog, which will reduce operating costs and speed time-to-market of future enhancements.

 

In August 2020, we began serving as a launch partner with YouNow to integrate YouNow’s props infrastructure into our Camfrog and Paltalk applications, which allowed users to earn Props tokens while using the Paltalk and Camfrog applications. On October 15, 2021, we launched our new rewards loyalty program, Paltalk Rewards Points, and simultaneously ended the distribution of Props tokens, our prior rewards program. Paltalk and Camfrog users kept their existing rewards earned from the former Props program as Paltalk Rewards Points and now have the opportunity to earn new Paltalk Rewards Points. In connection with the Paltalk Rewards Points, we added 25 new reward tiers such as specialty coins, subscriptions, stickers, flair, and other popular buttons.

 

In November 2021, we launched a real-time asynchronous message board feature, the “Paltalk Feed”, which grants users the ability to interact with the platform without a live video cam. The Paltalk Feed allows our users to comment, add photos or videos and contribute to conversations around shared interests on a digital message board.

 

In addition, during the first quarter of 2022, we integrated Hive Automated Content Moderation Solutions (“Hive”) into our Paltalk and Camfrog platforms in an effort to enhance our user experience by reducing spam and objectionable content on our applications.

 

Private Rooms and Online Games

 

On January 12, 2021, we launched a private room functionality on our Paltalk platform in beta version. In private rooms, users are able to set up their own unique URL private room that can be used again and again. Users are able to invite up to twelve friends to video chat for unlimited use, unlike other similar offerings which have a 40-minute time out for free users. Private rooms are currently available on our desktop application, Android platforms and the iOS platform. We are optimistic that our users will take advantage of this new feature due to its audio and video fidelity and expect that as the feature gains popularity, these users will utilize other paid services offered by us. Additionally, users can play online card and board games such as poker, blackjack, gin rummy, bridge, and chess on the Paltalk platform.

 

Defend our Intellectual Property

 

We have a portfolio of 14 issued patents. We have successfully defended certain of our intellectual property in the past and have generated tens of millions of dollars in licensing fees for the use of our patents. We intend to continue defending our intellectual property rights.

 

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Marketing Strategy

 

We invest in advertising and marketing primarily for the purpose of acquiring users for our consumer applications. We adapt our marketing expenditures and channels as we gather the data to analyze the success of our campaigns. We primarily advertise through internet and mobile advertising networks and run hundreds of campaigns at any given time, targeting various audiences of users, and focusing on campaigns that we believe will produce a positive return over the lifetime of new users. We also generate new sign-ups organically, as people find our sites and applications through brand recognition and word of mouth, search engines and product review websites.

 

During the first quarter of 2022, we engaged two marketing agencies to help us drive consumer engagement through the Paltalk and Camfrog applications. We expect that increasing our marketing efforts by partnering with these marketing agencies and increasing our annual marketing spend will provide a meaningful contribution to new users and generate revenue.

 

Competition and Our Industry

 

Competition in our industry remains fierce. The market for consumer applications is extremely dynamic and is undergoing constant change. We believe this environment creates significant opportunities for us as well as our direct and indirect competitors. Our principal competitors are BIGO Live, Cisco Webex, Facebook Live, Google Meet, Houseparty, Instagram Live, Live.ly, Live.me, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Twitch, YouTube Live and Zoom.

 

Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, managerial, technological and other resources than we do. In addition, there are relatively few barriers to entry into the consumer applications industry, and, as a result, any organization that has adequate financial resources and access to technical expertise and skilled personnel may become one of our competitors.

 

In order to compete effectively, we seek to offer software, services and applications that are differentiated from existing products, superior in quality and more appealing than those of our competitors. We believe that our applications compete favorably against those offered by our competitors due to their ability to scale, their cost-efficiency and their innovative technology. We also believe that we have the tools and expertise to attract new users through Facebook and other sources at a lower cost per subscriber than certain of our traditional competitors.

 

Although we believe we have the capability to compete effectively in the consumer applications industry, our competitors may offer products, services and applications that we do not provide, and that may have more desirable features or may be offered at lower prices, and they may be able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion, sale and support of their products. In addition, many of our competitors have more extensive customer bases and broader customer relationships than we have, including relationships with our potential customers.

 

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Governmental Regulations

 

We are subject to a number of U.S. federal and state laws and regulations that affect companies conducting business on the internet, many of which are still evolving and being litigated in the courts and could be interpreted in ways that could harm our business. These laws and regulations may involve user privacy, data protection, content, intellectual property, distribution, electronic contracts and other communications, competition, protection of minors, consumer protection, taxation and online payment services. In particular, we are subject to federal and state laws regarding privacy and protection of user data, which are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change. We are also subject to diverse and evolving laws and regulations in other countries in which we operate. The application and interpretation of these laws and regulations are often uncertain, particularly in the new and rapidly-evolving industry in which we operate. Because our applications are accessible worldwide and used by residents of some foreign countries, foreign jurisdictions may claim that we must comply with foreign laws, even in jurisdictions in which we have no local business entity, employees or infrastructure.

 

We are also subject to federal laws and regulations regarding online content, user privacy and electronic marketing, including The Communications Decency Act of 1996, as amended (“The Communications Decency Act”), The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, as amended, The Digital Millennium Copyright Act, The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, as amended, the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, and the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography And Marketing (“CAN-SPAM”) Act of 2003, among others. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act limits our liability as an online service provider for linking to or hosting third-party content that infringes copyrights. The Communications Decency Act provides statutory protections to online service providers like us who distribute third-party content. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act restricts the ability of online service providers to collect personal information from children under 13. Congress, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and many states have promulgated laws and regulations regarding email advertising, including the CAN-SPAM Act. Any changes in these laws or judicial interpretations narrowing the protections of these laws may subject us to increased risk, increased costs of compliance, and limits on the operation of certain parts of our business.

 

Growing public concern about privacy and the use of personal information may subject us to increased regulatory scrutiny. Regulation related to treatment of user data by online services is evolving as federal, state and foreign governments continue to adopt new, or modify existing, laws and regulations addressing data privacy and the collection, processing, storage, transfer and use of data. These state laws include, for example: the California Consumer Protection Act (“CCPA”), which became effective on January 1, 2020, the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), which expands upon the CCPA and was passed in the recent California election in November 2020, and the New York Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security (SHIELD) Act. In addition, the FTC regularly investigates and brings enforcement actions against companies that have used personally identifiable information in a deceptive or unfair manner or in violation of a posted privacy policy. On May 25, 2018, the European Union implemented a privacy regulation called the Global Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) that imposes additional new regulatory scrutiny on our business in the European Economic Area, with possible financial consequences for noncompliance. If we are accused of violating the terms of our privacy policy, implementing unfair privacy practices or otherwise breaching data privacy laws, we may be forced to expend significant financial and managerial resources to defend against an action by the FTC, European Data Protection Authorities, or other state or federal enforcement agencies. Our user database holds the personal information of our users and subscribers residing in the United States and other countries, and we could be sued by those users if any of the information is misused or misappropriated. Any failure by us to adequately protect our users’ privacy and data could also result in loss of user confidence in our consumer applications and services and ultimately in a loss of active users, which could adversely affect our business.

 

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In addition, virtually every U.S. state has passed laws requiring notification to users when there is a security breach resulting in unauthorized disclosure of certain types of personal information, many of which are modeled on California’s Information Practices Act. There are a number of legislative proposals pending before the U.S. Congress and various state legislative bodies concerning data protection that could, if adopted, have an adverse effect on our business. We are unable to determine if and when such legislation may be adopted. Many jurisdictions, including the European Union, have adopted breach notification and other data protection notification laws designed to inform users of unauthorized disclosure of personally identifiable information. The introduction of new privacy and data breach laws and the interpretation of existing privacy and data breach laws in the United States, Europe and other foreign jurisdictions is constantly evolving. There is a risk that new laws may be introduced or that existing laws may be applied in a way that would conflict our current data protection practices or prevent the transfer of data between countries in which we operate.

 

In addition, rising concern about the use of social networking technologies for illegal conduct may in the future produce legislation or other governmental action that could require changes to our applications or restrict or impose additional costs upon the conduct of our business. These regulatory and legislative developments, including excessive taxation, may prevent or significantly limit our ability to expand our business.

 

We may also become subject to laws or regulations in the future that limit our payment processors’ ability to accept bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as a form of payment or to otherwise hold bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. As cryptocurrencies have grown in both popularity and market size, governments around the world have reacted differently to cryptocurrencies, with certain governments deeming cryptocurrency offerings and cryptocurrency exchanges illegal, while others have allowed their use and trade. Governments may in the future curtail or outlaw the acquisition or use of cryptocurrencies or the exchange of cryptocurrencies for fiat currencies. Ownership of, holding, trading in or participating in offerings of cryptocurrencies may then be considered illegal and subject to sanction. Governments may also take regulatory action that may increase the cost and/or subject companies that transact in or hold cryptocurrencies to additional regulation.

 

Some of the video card games that we offer on our Paltalk application are based upon traditional casino games, such as poker and blackjack. We have structured and operate these games and features with gambling laws in mind and believe that these games and features do not constitute gambling. Our games are intended to be for entertainment purposes only and do not offer an opportunity to win earnings outside of the platform.

 

Employees

 

As of March 21, 2022, we had 1 part-time employee and 21 full-time employees. We believe that our future success depends, in part, on our continued ability to hire, assimilate and retain qualified personnel. We attract and retain employees by offering training, bonus opportunities, competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.

 

Company Internet Site and Availability of SEC Filings

 

Our corporate website is located at www.paltalk.com. We make available on that site, as soon as reasonably practicable, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, proxy statements, Current Reports on Form 8-K, other reports filed with or furnished to the SEC, as well as any amendments to those filings. Our SEC filings, as well as our Code of Conduct and other corporate governance documents, can be found in the Investor Relations section of our site and are available free of charge. Amendments to our Code of Conduct and any grant of a waiver from a provision of the Code of Conduct requiring disclosure under applicable SEC rules will be disclosed on our website. Information on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, the SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding us and other issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Below is a summary of our risk factors with a more detailed discussion following. The risks below are those that we believe are the material risks that we currently face, but are not the only risks facing us and our business. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

The success of our consumer applications is principally dependent on our active users and our engagement with our user base.

 

We operate in an intensely competitive industry and any failure to attract new users could diminish or suspend our development and possibly cease our operations.

 

The online live video industry is characterized by rapid technological change and the development of enhancements and new applications, and if we fail to keep pace with technological developments or launch new applications, our business may be adversely affected.

 

We may make or attempt to make acquisitions in the future, which could require significant management attention, disrupt our business, dilute our stockholders and seriously harm our business.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect our revenues, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic likely contributed to an increase in our subscription revenue in certain geographic areas for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. However, we may not be able to sustain our subscription revenue growth rate in such geographic areas or any other areas in the future.

 

Our mobile applications are substantially dependent on interaction with mobile platforms and operating systems that we do not control.

 

Our business depends on developing, establishing and maintaining strong brands. If we are unable to maintain and enhance our brands, we may be unable to expand or retain our active user and paying subscriber bases.

 

Our future success is dependent, in part, on the performance and continued service of our executive officers. Without their continued service, we may be forced to interrupt or eventually cease our operations.

 

We plan to continue expanding our operations internationally and may be subject to increased business and economic risks that could seriously harm our business.

 

Currently, there are a limited number of regulated trading markets for cryptocurrency tokens, and therefore our ability to sell such tokens, if any, may be limited.

 

Digital tokens and other cryptocurrencies that we may hold may be subject to loss, theft or restriction on access.

 

Foreign governments restricting access to our applications could materially adversely impact our business.

 

If our goodwill or other intangible assets become impaired, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings, which could seriously harm our operating results.

 

Our mobile applications rely on high-bandwidth data capabilities, which are subject to hardware, networks, regulations and standards that we do not control.

 

Security breaches, computer viruses and cybersecurity incidents could harm our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

We have faced, and we expect that we will continue to face, chargeback liability when our credit card providers resolve chargebacks in favor of their customers. We cannot accurately anticipate the extent of these liabilities, and if not properly addressed, these liabilities could increase our operating expenses or preclude us from accepting certain credit cards as a method of payment, either of which would materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We face certain risks related to the physical and emotional safety of users and third parties.

 

Our subscription metrics and other estimates are subject to inherent challenges in measurement, and real or perceived inaccuracies in those metrics may seriously harm and negatively affect our reputation and our business.

 

Because we recognize revenue from subscriptions over the term of the subscription, the full impact of downturns or upturns in subscription sales may not be immediately reflected in our results of operations or financial condition.

 

A portion of our revenue is dependent on third-party resellers, the efforts of which we do not control.

 

Our business depends in large part upon the availability of cost-effective advertising space through a variety of media and keeping pace with trends in consumer behavior.

 

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Interruption, maintenance or failure of our programming code, servers or technological infrastructure could hurt our ability to effectively provide our applications, which could damage our reputation and harm our results of operations.

 

Because there has been limited precedent set for financial accounting of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, the determination that we have made for how to account for our tokens and any other digital assets we may acquire may be subject to change.

 

We may be liable as a result of information retrieved from or transmitted over the internet.

 

Changes in laws or regulations, including laws and regulations that impact the use of the internet, such as internet neutrality laws, or laws that relate to content provided over the internet or monitoring such content, could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

If we are subject to intellectual property infringement claims, it could cause us to incur significant expenses, pay substantial damages or royalties and prevent us from offering our applications.

 

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, we may be unable to compete with competitors developing similar technologies.

 

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud and our business may be harmed and our stock price may be adversely impacted.

 

Our common stock is historically thinly traded, stockholders may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all and the price of our common stock may be volatile.

 

The ownership of our common stock is significantly concentrated in a small number of investors, some of whom are affiliated with our Board of Directors and management, which could prevent stockholders from having input on the course of our operations or otherwise lead to actual or potential conflicts of interest.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

The success of our consumer applications is principally dependent on our active users and our engagement with our user base.

 

On an annual basis the Company has millions of users, however, compared to the total number of users in any given period, only a small portion of our users are active users or purchasers of virtual currency. We primarily generate revenue through the sale of subscriptions and virtual currency to this small portion of users and secondarily generate revenue through paid advertisements. Accordingly, the success of our consumer applications is substantially dependent on our ability to convert our users into active users and to sell our users virtual currency.

 

Users discontinue the use of our applications in the ordinary course of business, and to sustain our revenue levels, we must attract, retain and increase the number of users or more effectively monetize our existing users. Falling user retention, growth or engagement could also make our applications less attractive to advertisers, which could harm our business.

 

There are a number of factors that could negatively impact user retention, growth and engagement, including, among other things:

 

users may adopt competing products instead of ours;

 

we may fail to introduce new products and services or improve upon our existing applications, or those new products and services or improvements we introduce may be poorly received;

 

our products may fail to operate effectively on mobile or other platforms;

 

we may be unable to combat spam or other hostile or inappropriate usage on our products or free speech;

 

there may be adverse changes in user sentiment about the quality or usefulness of our existing products;

 

there may be concerns about the privacy implications, safety or security of our products;

 

technical or other problems may frustrate the experience of our users, particularly if those problems prevent us from delivering our products in a fast and reliable manner;

 

we may fail to provide adequate service to our users;

 

we or other companies in our industry may be the subject of adverse media reports or other negative publicity;

 

we may not maintain our brand image or our reputation may be damaged; and

 

we may be subject to denial of service or other attacks from hackers that result in service downtime.

 

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To retain existing users, and particularly those users who are paying subscribers, we must devote significant resources so that our applications retain their interest. If we fail to grow or sustain the number of our users, or if the rates at which we attract and retain existing users declines or the rate at which users become paying subscribers declines, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

We operate in an intensely competitive industry and any failure to attract new users could diminish or suspend our development and possibly cease our operations.

 

The industry in which we compete is highly competitive and has few barriers to entry. If we are unable to efficiently and effectively attract new users as a result of intense competition or a saturated market, we may not be able to continue the provision, development and enhancement of our consumer applications or become profitable on a consistent basis in the future.

 

Important factors affecting our ability to successfully compete include:

 

the usefulness, novelty, performance, ease of use, and reliability of our consumer applications compared to our competitors;

 

the timing and market acceptance of our consumer applications, including developments and enhancements of our competitors’ consumer applications;

 

our ability to effectively monetize our consumer applications and the availability of free or cheaper alternatives from our competitors;

 

our ability to hire and retain talented employees, including technical employees, executives, and marketing experts;

 

the success of our customer service and support efforts;

 

our reputation and brand strength compared to our competitors;

 

competition for acquiring users that could result in increased user acquisition costs;

 

reliance upon the platforms through which our consumer applications are accessed and the platform owner’s ability to control our activities on such platforms;

 

the effectiveness of the marketing and advertisement of our services and consumer applications;

 

our ability to maintain advertisers’ interest in advertising through our consumer applications;

 

our ability to innovate in the ever-changing consumer applications industry in which we operate;

 

changes as a result of new legislation or regulation within the consumer applications industry; and

 

acquisitions or consolidations within the consumer applications industry.

 

Many of our current and potential competitors offer similar services, have longer operating histories, significantly greater capital, financial, technical, marketing and other resources and larger user or subscriber bases than we do. These factors may allow our competitors to more quickly respond to new or emerging technologies and changes in client or consumer preferences. These competitors may engage in more extensive research and development efforts, undertake more far-reaching marketing campaigns and adopt more aggressive pricing strategies that may allow them to build larger user bases consisting of greater numbers of clients or paying users. Our competitors may develop applications and software that are equal or superior to our applications and software or that achieve greater market or industry acceptance. It is possible that a new application developed or offered by one of our competitors could gain rapid scale at the expense of existing brands through harnessing a new technology or distribution channel, creating a new approach to servicing clients or connecting people.

 

Certain entities that we do not directly compete with but that have large or dominant positions in one or more markets could use those positions to gain a competitive advantage against us by integrating competing video chat or social media platforms into products they control, such as search engines, web browsers or mobile device operating systems.

 

Costs for consumers to switch between products in the video chat industry are generally low, and consumers have a propensity to try new products to connect with new people. As a result, new entrants and business models are likely to continue to emerge in our industry. These activities could attract users and subscribers away from our applications and reduce our market share.

 

If we are unable to effectively compete, we may fail to obtain new clients for our products or our users may discontinue the use of our products and we may lose active users, either of which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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The online live video industry is characterized by rapid technological change and the development of enhancements and new applications, and if we fail to keep pace with technological developments or launch new applications, our business may be adversely affected.

 

The online live video industry is characterized by rapid change, and our future success is dependent upon our ability to adopt and innovate. To attract new users and increase revenues from existing users, we need to enhance, add new features to and improve our existing applications and introduce new applications in the future. The success of any enhancements or new features and applications depends on several factors, including timely completion, introduction and market acceptance. Building a new brand or product is generally an iterative process that occurs over a meaningful period of time and involves considerable resources and expenditures, and we may expend significant time and resources developing and launching an application that may not result in revenues in the anticipated timeframe or at all, or may not result in revenue growth that is sufficient to offset increased expenses. If we are unable to successfully develop enhancements, new features or new applications to meet user trends and preferences, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

 

In addition, our applications are designed to operate on a variety of network, hardware and software platforms using internet tools and protocols and we need to continuously modify and enhance our applications to keep pace with technological changes. If we are unable to respond in a timely and cost-effective manner, our current and future applications may become less marketable and less competitive or even obsolete.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect our revenues, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the various attempts to contain it have created significant volatility, uncertainty and economic disruption. The various precautionary as well as on going measures taken by many governmental authorities around the world in order to limit the spread of COVID-19 have had, and could continue to have, an adverse effect on the global markets and its economy, including on the availability and pricing of employees and resources, and other aspects of the global economy. Therefore, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could disrupt and cause delays in our software, disrupt the marketplace in which we operate, slow down the overall economy, curtail consumer spending, make it hard to adequately staff our operations or enter into agreements with independent contractors and have a material adverse effect on our operations. In addition, disruptions in the operations of the third parties with whom we do business have caused and could in the future cause such third parties to fail to perform under their respective contracts or commitments with us. For instance, we were party to a sublease agreement with Telecom for office space located at 122 East 42nd Street in New York, NY, pursuant to which Telecom was required to pay us $11,164 per month. Due to the COVID-19, Telecom was unable to make its monthly payments under the sublease agreement, and as a result, on June 18, 2020, we entered into an agreement with Telecom to terminate the sublease agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Telecom vacated the offices on June 30, 2020. In addition, on June 22, 2020, we entered into an agreement to terminate our lease for this office space. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, we vacated the offices on June 30, 2020 and agreed to forfeit our security deposit of $133,968.

 

To the extent that the COVID-19 pandemic and any subsequent outbreaks cause a substantial reduction or change in timing of our cash provided by operating activities, we may be required to seek additional capital through the incurrence of debt or the issuance equity securities. For instance, on April 13, 2020, to help ensure adequate liquidity in light of the uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we applied for a loan under the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), and on May 3, 2020, we entered into a promissory note with an aggregate principal amount of $506,500 (the “Note”) in favor of Citibank, N.A., as lender (the “Lender”). On January 13, 2021, the Note was fully forgiven by the SBA and the Lender in compliance with the provisions of the CARES Act. While we do not currently expect to incur additional indebtedness under the CARES Act, any inability to obtain additional liquidity as and when needed would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and any subsequent outbreaks continue to impact our results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Despite recent progress in the administration of COVID-19 vaccines, the outbreak of recent variants such as Delta and Omicron, the possible emergence of any new variants, and the related containment and mitigation measures are likely to continue to have a serious adverse impact on the global economy, the severity and duration of which are uncertain.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic likely contributed to an increase in our subscription revenue in certain geographic areas for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. However, we may not be able to sustain our subscription revenue growth rate in such geographic areas or any other areas in the future.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic likely led to an increase in our subscription revenue for the 2021 fiscal year relative to our 2020 subscription revenue in certain geographic areas. You should not rely on the subscription revenue growth of any prior quarterly or annual period as an indication of our future performance. Our subscription revenue may decline in certain geographic areas in future periods if the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic dissipates. These results, as well as other metrics such as total revenues, net income, net cash provided by operating activities and other financial and operating data, may not be indicative of results for future periods.

 

Our business is subscription based, and users are not obligated to, and may choose not to, renew their subscriptions after their existing subscriptions expire. Renewals of subscriptions to our applications may decline or fluctuate because of several factors, such as dissatisfaction with our products and support, a user no longer having a need for our products, including any new users that have subscribed to our services during the COVID-19 pandemic that may subsequently reduce or discontinue their use after the impact of the pandemic has tapered, or the perception that competitive products provide better, more secure, or less expensive options. If we are not able to continue to expand our user base, our revenue may grow more slowly than expected or decline. Similar to the uncertainty of users renewing their subscriptions, the number of new subscribers may slow or decline once the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, particularly as a vaccine becomes widely available, and users return to work or school or are otherwise no longer subject to COVID-related travel restrictions.

 

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Our mobile applications are substantially dependent on interaction with mobile platforms and operating systems that we do not control.

 

A portion of our revenue, primarily our revenue from mobile platforms, is derived from the Apple iOS platform and the Google Android platform. Although we believe that we have a good relationship with Apple and Google, any deterioration in our relationship with either could materially harm our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

We are subject to each of Apple’s and Google’s standard terms and conditions for application developers, which govern the promotion, distribution and operation of our applications on their respective storefronts. Each of Apple and Google has broad discretion to change its standard terms and conditions. In addition, these standard terms and conditions can be vague and subject to changing interpretations by Apple or Google. In addition, each of Apple and Google has the right to prohibit a developer from distributing applications on the storefront if the developer violates the standard terms and conditions. In the event that either Apple or Google ever determines that we are in violation of its standard terms and conditions and prohibits us from distributing our applications on its storefront, it could materially harm our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

The number of people who access the internet through devices other than personal computers, including smart phones, cell phones and handheld tablets, has increased dramatically in the past several years and is projected to continue to increase. Accordingly, we are substantially dependent on interoperability with popular mobile platforms that we do not control, including the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, and a portion of our revenue is derived from these two digital storefronts. There have been occasions in the past when these digital storefronts were unavailable for short periods of time or where there have been issues with the in-App purchasing functionality from the storefront. In the event that either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store is unavailable or if in-App purchasing functionality from the storefront is non-operational for a prolonged period of time, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

In addition, each of the Apple App Store and Google Play Store provides consumers with products that compete with ours. If either of these platforms give preferential treatment to competitive products, it could seriously harm the usage of our products on mobile devices.

 

Our business depends on developing, establishing and maintaining strong brands. If we are unable to maintain and enhance our brands, we may be unable to expand or retain our user and paying subscriber bases.

 

We believe that developing, establishing and maintaining awareness of our application brands is critical to our efforts to achieve widespread acceptance of our applications and is an important element to expanding our client and subscriber bases. Successful promotion of our application brands will depend largely on the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing efforts and on our ability to provide reliable and useful applications at competitive prices. If clients and users do not perceive our products to be of high quality, or if our products are not favorably received by clients and users, the value of our brands could diminish, thereby decreasing the attractiveness of our software, services and applications to clients and users. In addition, advertising and marketing activities may not yield increased revenue, and even if they do, any increased revenue may not offset the expenses we incurred in building our brands.

 

If we fail to successfully promote and maintain our application brands, or incur substantial expenses in unsuccessfully attempting to promote and maintain our brands, we may fail to attract enough new clients or subscribers or retain our existing clients and subscribers to the extent necessary to realize a sufficient return on our advertising and marketing activities, and it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

If our goodwill or other intangible assets become impaired, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings, which could seriously harm our operating results.

 

We are required to test goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if there are indicators that the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds its carried value. As of December 31, 2021, we had recorded a total of $6.3 million of goodwill and $0.2 million of other intangible assets. An adverse change in domestic or global market conditions, particularly if such change has the effect of changing one of our critical assumptions or estimates made in connection with the impairment testing of goodwill or intangible assets, could result in a change to the estimation of fair value that could, in turn, result in an impairment charge to our goodwill or other intangible assets. If we divest or discontinue product categories or products that we previously acquired, or if the value of those parts of our business become impaired, we also may need to evaluate the carrying value of our goodwill. Any such material charges may have a negative impact on our operating results.

 

Our future success is dependent, in part, on the performance and continued service of our executive officers. Without their continued service, we may be forced to interrupt or eventually cease our operations.

 

We are dependent to a great extent upon the experience, abilities and continued service of Jason Katz, our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Kara B. Jenny, our Chief Financial Officer and director. The loss of the services of these individuals would substantially affect our business or operations and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

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Our subscription metrics and other estimates are subject to inherent challenges in measurement, and real or perceived inaccuracies in those metrics may seriously harm and negatively affect our reputation and our business.

 

We regularly review metrics to evaluate growth trends, measure our performance, and make strategic decisions. These metrics are calculated using internal Company data and have not been validated by an independent third party. While these numbers are based on what we believe to be reasonable estimates of our user base for the applicable period of measurement, there are inherent challenges in measuring how our products are used across large populations globally.

 

Some of our demographic data may be incomplete or inaccurate. For example, because users self-report their dates of birth, our age-demographic data may differ from our users’ actual ages. If our users provide us with incorrect or incomplete information regarding their age or other attributes, our estimates may prove inaccurate.

 

In addition, our business strategy is guided by data analytics that we compute internally based on data collection, data processing, cloud-based platforms, statistical projections and forecasting, mobile computing, social media analytics and other applications and technologies. We use these internally derived data analytics to guide decisions concerning the development and modification of features on our applications, monetization strategies for our applications and the development of new applications, among other things.

 

The inability to accurately derive our metrics or data analytics could result in incorrect business decisions and inefficiencies. For instance, if a significant understatement or overstatement of our active users were to occur, we may expend resources to implement unnecessary business measures or fail to take required actions to attract a sufficient number of subscribers to satisfy our growth strategies. If advertisers or investors do not perceive our subscription, geographic or other demographic metrics to be accurate representations of our user base, or if we discover material inaccuracies in our subscription, geographic or other demographic metrics, our reputation may be seriously harmed. At the same time, advertisers may be less willing to allocate their budgets or resources to our products, which could seriously harm our business, results of operation or financial condition.

 

Because we recognize revenue from subscriptions over the term of the subscription, the full impact of downturns or upturns in subscription sales may not be immediately reflected in our results of operations or financial condition.

 

We recognize subscription revenue from customers monthly over the term of the subscription, and subscriptions are generally offered in one-, three-, six-, twelve-, and fifteen-month terms, depending on the particular product. As a result, much of the subscription revenue we report in each period is deferred revenue from subscription agreements entered into during previous periods. Consequently, a decline in new or renewed subscriptions in any one quarter will negatively affect our revenue in future quarters. In addition, we might not be able to immediately adjust our costs and expenses to reflect these reduced revenues. Accordingly, the effect of significant downturns in user acceptance of our applications may not be fully reflected in our results of operations until future periods. Our subscription model also makes it difficult for us to quickly increase our revenue through additional sales in any period, as revenue from new subscribers must be recognized over the term of the subscription. As a result, you should not rely on the amount of subscription revenue generated in prior quarters as an indication of future results.

 

We plan to continue expanding our operations internationally and may be subject to increased business and economic risks that could seriously harm our business.

 

Presently, we derive a significant portion of revenue from international territories and we plan to continue expanding our business operations abroad. In addition, we rely on outsourced development services from companies with employees and consultants based in Russia, India and elsewhere. The recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia has escalated tensions among the United States, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization member states, and Russia. The United States, other North Atlantic Treaty Organization member states, as well as non-member states, have announced new sanctions against Russia and certain Russian banks, enterprises and individuals. These and any future additional sanctions and any resulting conflict between Russia, the United States and other countries may, on a short term, disrupt, or in the future could disrupt, the consulting services provided by our third-party developers residing in Russia. This conflict may increase our costs with respect to any current or future planned development services in Russia, or could result in negative publicity.

 

We may enter new international markets where we have limited or no experience in marketing, selling and deploying our products. If we fail to deploy or manage our operations in international markets successfully, our business may suffer. As our international operations increase our operating results may become more greatly affected by fluctuations in the exchange rates of the currencies in which we do business. In addition, we are subject to a variety of risks inherent in doing business internationally, including:

 

political, social, and economic instability;

 

risks related to the legal and regulatory environment in foreign jurisdictions, including with respect to privacy, free speech and unexpected changes in laws, regulatory requirements, and enforcement;

 

potential damage to our brand and reputation due to compliance with local laws, including potential censorship and requirements to provide user information to local authorities;

 

fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

 

higher levels of credit risk and payment fraud;

 

complying with multiple tax jurisdictions;

 

reduced protection for intellectual-property rights in some countries;

 

difficulties in staffing and managing global operations and the increased travel, infrastructure and compliance costs associated with multiple international locations;

 

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regulations that might add difficulties in repatriating cash earned outside the United States and otherwise preventing us from freely moving cash;

 

import and export restrictions and changes in trade regulation;

 

complying with statutory equity requirements;

 

complying with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and similar laws in other jurisdictions;

 

the impact of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union; and

 

export controls and economic sanctions administered by the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security and the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

 

If we are unable to expand internationally and manage the complexity of our global operations successfully, our business could be seriously harmed.

 

A portion of our revenue is dependent on third-party resellers, the efforts of which we do not control.

 

We are dependent on the efforts of third parties who resell our subscriptions for a portion of our revenue. In particular, video chat users in certain international territories have an option to purchase subscriptions through local resellers. These local resellers prepay in bulk for services and debit the prepaid balance as one-time subscriptions and virtual currency are sold to end users.

 

We do not control the efforts of these resellers. If they fail to market or sell our subscriptions successfully, merge or consolidate with other businesses, declare bankruptcy or depart from their respective industries, our business could be harmed. If we are unable to maintain or replace our contractual relationships with resellers, efficiently manage our relationships with them or establish new contractual relationships with other third parties, we may fail to retain subscribers or acquire potential new subscribers and may experience delays and increased costs in adding or replacing subscribers that were lost, any of which could materially affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Foreign governments restricting access to our applications could materially adversely impact our business.

 

We have continued to focus on increasing the international presence of our applications by expanding the localized and translated versions for additional international countries that are culturally aligned with our products. Foreign data protection, privacy, consumer protection, content regulation, and other laws and regulations are often more restrictive than those in the United States. Foreign governments may censor our products in their countries, restrict access to our products from their countries entirely, or impose other restrictions that may affect their citizens’ ability to access our products for an extended period of time or even indefinitely. If foreign governments think we are violating their laws, or for other reasons, they may seek to restrict access to our products, which would give our competitors an opportunity to penetrate geographic markets that we cannot access. As a result, our ability to grow our international user base would be impaired, and we may not be able to maintain or grow our revenue as anticipated and our business could be seriously harmed.

 

Our mobile applications rely on high-bandwidth data capabilities, which are subject to hardware, networks, regulations and standards that we do not control.

 

Our mobile applications require high-bandwidth data capabilities. If the costs of data usage increase or access to cellular networks is limited, our user growth and retention on mobile platforms may be seriously harmed. Additionally, to deliver high-quality video and other content over mobile cellular networks, our products must work well with a range of mobile technologies, systems, networks, regulations and standards that we do not control, and any changes to those mobile technologies, systems, networks, regulations or standards could impact the usability of our mobile applications, which would materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Our business depends in large part upon the availability of cost-effective advertising space through a variety of media and keeping pace with trends in consumer behavior.

 

We depend upon the availability of advertising space through a variety of media, including third-party applications on platforms such as Facebook, to recruit new users and subscribers, generate activity from existing users and subscribers and direct traffic to our application. Historically, we have had to increase our marketing expenditures in order to attract and retain users and sustain our growth. The availability of advertising space varies, and a shortage of advertising space in any particular media or on any particular platform, or the elimination of a particular medium on which we advertise, could limit our ability to generate new subscribers, generate activity from existing subscribers or direct traffic to our applications, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, evolving consumer behavior can affect the availability of profitable marketing opportunities. For example, as consumers communicate less via email and more via text messaging and other virtual means, the reach of email campaigns designed to attract new and repeat users (and retain current users) for our applications is adversely impacted. To continue to reach potential users and grow our business, we must devote more of our overall marketing expenditures to newer advertising channels, which may be unproven and undeveloped, and we may not be able to continue to manage and fine-tune our marketing efforts in response to these trends. In addition, during the first quarter of 2022, we engaged two marketing agencies to help us drive consumer engagement through the Paltalk and Camfrog applications. However, these marketing efforts may be ineffective or inadequate to attract potential users or retain existing users.

 

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Interruption, maintenance or failure of our programming code, servers or technological infrastructure could hurt our ability to effectively provide our applications, which could damage our reputation and harm our results of operations.

 

The availability of our applications depends on the continued operation of our programming code, databases, servers and technological infrastructure. Any damage to, or failure of, our systems could result in interruptions in service for our applications, which could damage our brands and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Our systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from terrorist attacks, floods, fires, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, computer denial of service attacks or other attempts to harm our systems. Some of our systems are not fully redundant, and our disaster recovery planning cannot account for all eventualities.

 

In addition, from time to time we experience limited periods of server downtime due to maintenance or enhancements. If our applications are unavailable during these periods of downtime or if our users are unable to access our applications within a reasonable amount of time, users may not return to our applications in the future, or at all. As our user base and the volume and types of information shared on our applications continues to grow, we will need an increasing amount of technology infrastructure, including network capacity and computing power, to continue to satisfy our users’ needs. It is possible that we may fail to effectively scale and grow our technology infrastructure to accommodate these increased demands. Any failure to support and scale our technology infrastructure could adversely impact the reputation of our brands and harm our results of operations.

 

Security breaches, computer viruses and cybersecurity incidents could harm our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

We receive, process, store and transmit a significant amount of personal user and other confidential information, including credit card information, and enable our users to share their personal information with each other. In some cases, we retain third party vendors to store this information. We continuously develop and maintain systems to protect the security, integrity and confidentiality of this information, but cannot guarantee that inadvertent or unauthorized use or disclosure will not occur or that third parties will not gain unauthorized access to this information despite our efforts. If any such event were to occur, we may not be able to remedy the event, and we may have to expend significant capital and resources to mitigate the impact of such an event, and to develop and implement protections to prevent future events of this nature from occurring.

 

Security breaches, computer malware and cybersecurity incidents have become more prevalent in our industry and may occur on our systems in the future. Although it is difficult to determine what, if any, harm may directly result from an interruption or attack, any security breach caused by hacking, including efforts to gain unauthorized access to our applications, servers or websites, or to cause intentional malfunctions or loss or corruption of data, software, hardware or other computer equipment, and the inadvertent transmission of computer viruses could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. If a breach of our security (or the security of our vendors and partners) occurs, the perception of the effectiveness of our security measures and our reputation may be harmed, we could lose current and potential users and the recognition of our various brands and their competitive positions could be diminished, any or all of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Spammers may attempt to use our products to send targeted and untargeted spam messages to users, which may embarrass or annoy users and make our products less user friendly. We cannot be certain that the technologies that we have developed to repel spamming attacks will be able to eliminate all spam messages from our products. Our actions to combat spam may also require diversion of significant time and focus of our engineering team from improving our products. As a result of spamming activities, our users may use our products less or stop using them altogether, and result in continuing operational cost to us.

 

Similarly, terror and other criminal groups may use our products to promote their goals and encourage users to engage in terror and other illegal activities. We expect that as more people use our products, these groups will increasingly seek to misuse our products. Although we invest resources to combat these activities, including by suspending or terminating accounts we believe are violating our Terms of Service, we expect these groups will continue to seek ways to act inappropriately and illegally on our products. Combating these groups requires our engineering team to divert significant time and focus from improving our products. In addition, we may not be able to control or stop our products from becoming the preferred application of use by these groups, which may become public knowledge and seriously harm our reputation or lead to lawsuits or attention from regulators. If these activities increase, our reputation, user growth and user engagement, and operational cost structure could be seriously harmed. Furthermore, many governments have enacted laws requiring companies to provide notice of data security incidents involving certain types of personal data. Such laws are inconsistent, and compliance in the event of a widespread data breach is costly.

 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we adopted a work-from-home policy in March 2020, and we expect this practice to continue for the foreseeable future. Remote work and remote access increases our vulnerability to cybersecurity attacks. We may see an increase in cyberattack volume, frequency and sophistication driven by the global enablement of remote workforces. We seek to detect and investigate unauthorized attempts and attacks against our network, products and services and to prevent their recurrence where practicable through changes to our internal processes and tools and changes or updates to our products and services; however, we remain potentially vulnerable to additional known or unknown threats. In some instances, we and the users of our applications can be unaware of an incident or its magnitude and effects.

 

Our existing general liability insurance coverage and the coverage we carry for cyber-related liabilities may not continue to be available on acceptable terms or be available in sufficient amounts to cover one or more large claims or that the insurer will not deny coverage as to any future claim. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that are not covered or exceed available insurance coverage, or the occurrence of changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could harm our business.

 

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We have faced, and we expect that we will continue to face, chargeback liability when our credit card providers resolve chargebacks in favor of their customers. We cannot accurately anticipate the extent of these liabilities, and if not properly addressed, these liabilities could increase our operating expenses or preclude us from accepting certain credit cards as a method of payment, either of which would materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We depend on the ability to accept credit and debit card payments from our subscribers and our ability to maintain the good standing of our merchant account with our credit card providers to process subscription payments. In the event that one of our customers initiates a billing dispute and one of our credit card providers resolves the dispute in the customer’s favor, the transaction is normally charged back to us and the purchase price is credited or otherwise refunded to the customer. In addition, under current credit card practices, a merchant is liable for fraudulent credit card transactions when, as is the case with the transactions we process, that merchant does not obtain a cardholder’s signature.

 

We have suffered losses and we expect that we will continue to suffer losses as a result of subscriptions placed with fraudulent credit card data, as well as users who chargeback their purchases. Any failure to adequately control fraudulent credit card transactions or keep our chargebacks under an acceptable threshold would result in significantly higher credit card-related costs and, therefore, materially increase our operating expenses.

 

We face certain risks related to the physical and emotional safety of users and third parties.

 

We cannot control the actions of our users in their communications or physical actions. There is a possibility that users or third parties could be physically or emotionally harmed following interaction with another user. We warn our users that we do not screen other users and, given our lack of physical presence, we do not take any action to ensure personal safety on a meeting between users or subscribers arranged following contact initiated via our applications or ensure personal safety of our users against self-harming following contact with other users initiated via our applications. If an unfortunate incident of this nature occurred in a meeting of two people following contact initiated on our applications or that of one of our competitors, any resulting negative publicity could materially and adversely affect us or the online video chat industry in general. Any such incident involving our applications could damage our reputation and our brand, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, the affected users or third parties could initiate legal action against us, which could divert management attention from operations, cause us to incur significant expenses, whether we are successful or not, and damage our reputation.

 

We may need additional capital to execute our business plan. If we do not obtain additional financing, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

We might need to raise additional capital or financing through debt or equity offerings to support our expansion, marketing efforts and application development programs in the future. For instance, we might require additional capital or financing to:

 

hire and retain talented employees, including technical employees, executives, and marketing experts;

 

effectuate our long-term growth strategy and expand our application development programs; and

 

market and advertise our applications to attract more paying subscribers.

 

We may be unable to obtain future capital or financing on favorable terms or at all. If we cannot obtain additional capital or financing, we may need to reduce, defer or cancel application development programs, planned initiatives, marketing or advertising expenses or costs and expenses. The failure to obtain necessary additional capital or financing on favorable terms, if at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

If the distribution of our products through application stores increases, we may incur additional fees from the developers of application stores.

 

As the user base of our consumer applications continues to shift to mobile solutions, we increasingly rely on the Apple iOS and Google Android platforms to distribute our products. While our products are free to download from these stores, we offer our users the opportunity to purchase paid memberships and certain premium features through our products. We determine the prices at which these memberships and features are sold and, in exchange for facilitating the purchase of these memberships and features through our products to users who download our products from these stores, we pay Apple or Google, as applicable, a share, which is currently up to 30% of the revenue we receive from these transactions. In the future, other distribution platforms that we utilize may charge us fees for the distribution of our applications. If the distribution of our products through application stores increases, the amount of fees that we must pay to the developers of these application stores will also increase. Unless we find a way to offset these fees, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

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We may make or attempt to make acquisitions in the future, which could require significant management attention, disrupt our business, dilute our stockholders and seriously harm our business.

 

As part of our business strategy, we have made and intend to make acquisitions to add specialized employees and complementary companies, products and technologies. In the future, we may not be able to find other suitable acquisition candidates, and we may not be able to complete acquisitions on favorable terms, if at all. Our previous and future acquisitions may not achieve our goals, and any future acquisitions we complete could be viewed negatively by users, advertisers or investors. In addition, if we fail to successfully close transactions or integrate new teams, or integrate the products and technologies associated with these acquisitions into our company, our business could be seriously harmed. Any integration process may require significant time and resources, and we may not be able to manage the process successfully. We may not successfully evaluate or use the acquired products, technology and personnel, or accurately forecast the financial impact of an acquisition transaction, including accounting charges. We may also incur unanticipated liabilities that we assume as a result of acquiring companies. We may have to pay cash, incur debt or issue equity securities to pay for any acquisition, any of which could negatively impact our business and financial condition. Issuing equity to finance any such acquisitions would also dilute our existing stockholders. Incurring debt would increase our fixed obligations and could also include covenants or other restrictions that would impede our ability to manage our operations.

 

We may conduct a portion of our operations through informal relationships, partnerships, strategic alliances or joint ventures, and our failure to continue such relationships or resolve any material disagreements with these third parties could have a material adverse effect on the success of these operations, our financial condition and our results of operations.

 

We may conduct a portion of our operations through partnerships, strategic alliances or joint ventures. For instance, at the end of 2019, we launched our consumer application platform strategy, under which we plan to co-brand our video chat applications and promote them in partnership with third-party communities, with the expectation of entering into revenue sharing arrangements with potential partners.

 

We may depend on third parties for elements of these arrangements that are important to the success of the relationship, such as the development of features or technologies to be incorporated into our applications. The performance of these third-party obligations or the ability of third parties to meet their obligations under these arrangements would be outside of our control. If these third parties do not meet or satisfy their obligations under these arrangements, the performance and success of these arrangements, and their value to us, would be adversely affected. If our current or future partners are unable to meet their obligations, we may be forced to undertake the obligations ourselves and/or incur additional expenses in order to have some other party perform such obligations. In such cases we may also be required to seek legal enforcement of our rights, the outcome of which would be uncertain. If any of these events occur, they may adversely impact us, our financial performance and results of operations, and/or adversely impact our ability to enter into similar relationships in the future.

 

Strategic arrangements with third parties could involve risks not otherwise present when we directly manage our operations, including, for example:

 

third parties may share certain approval rights over major decisions within the scope of the relationship;

 

the possibility that these third parties might become insolvent or bankrupt;

 

the possibility that we may incur liabilities as a result of an action taken by one of these third parties;

 

these third parties may be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our policies or objectives; and

 

disputes between us and these third parties may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses, delay or terminate projects and prevent our officers and directors from focusing their time and effort on our business.

 

Risks Related to Our Ownership of Cryptocurrencies

 

Because there has been limited precedent set for financial accounting of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, the determination that we have made for how to account for our tokens and any other digital assets we may acquire may be subject to change.

 

Because there has been limited precedent set for the accounting classification and measurement of cryptocurrency and other digital tokens and related revenue recognition, it is unclear how companies may in the future be required to account for digital asset transactions and assets and related revenue recognition. We are currently accounting for our tokens as indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with Accounting Standard Codification No. 350: Intangibles—Goodwill and Other. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are recorded at cost and are not subject to amortization, but shall be tested for impairment annually and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. Our management has exercised significant judgment in determining the appropriate accounting treatment, and in the event that authoritative guidance is enacted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, we may be required to change our policies or restate our financial statements, which could have an effect on our consolidated financial position and results from operations. Such a restatement or change in policies could adversely affect the accounting for our tokens or other cryptocurrencies that we may acquire and may more generally negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operation.

 

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Legal and Regulatory Risks

 

We may be liable as a result of information retrieved from or transmitted over the internet.

 

We may be sued for defamation, civil rights infringement, negligence, copyright or trademark infringement, invasion of privacy, personal injury, product liability or under other legal theories relating to information that is published or made available on our websites or applications. These types of claims have been brought, sometimes successfully, against online services in the past. We also offer messaging services on our applications and we send emails directly and through third parties to our users, which may subject us to potential risks, such as liabilities or claims resulting from unsolicited email or spamming, lost or misdirected messages, security breaches, illegal or fraudulent use of email or personal information or interruptions or delays in email service. Our insurance does not specifically provide for coverage of these types of claims and, therefore, may be inadequate to protect us against them. In addition, we could incur significant costs in investigating and defending such claims, even if we ultimately are not held liable. If any of these events occur, our revenue could be materially adversely affected or we could incur significant additional expense, and the market price of our securities may decline.

 

Changes in laws or regulations, including laws and regulations that impact the use of the internet, such as internet neutrality laws, or laws that relate to content provided over the internet or monitoring such content, could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

The adoption of any laws or regulations that adversely affect the growth or use of the internet, including laws governing internet neutrality, could decrease the demand for our products and increase our cost of doing business. In January 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) released an order that repealed the “open internet rules,” often known as “net neutrality,” which prohibit internet providers in the United States from impeding access to most content, or otherwise unfairly discriminating against content providers like us. These rules also prohibited mobile providers from entering into arrangements with specific content providers for faster or better access over their data networks. The FCC order repealing the open internet rules went into effect in June 2018. In response to this decision, California and a number of states implemented their own net neutrality rules which largely mirrored the repealed federal regulations. The U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) has filed suit to bar implementation of these state laws and their application remains uncertain. For instance, on February 8, 2021, the DOJ voluntarily dismissed its suit against California’s net neutrality bill. We cannot predict the outcome of similar litigation or whether the FCC order or state initiatives regulating providers will be modified, overturned, or vacated by other legal action, federal legislation, or the FCC, or the degree to which this repeal would adversely affect our business, if at all. The European Union similarly requires equal access to internet content. If the FCC, Congress, the European Union or courts modify these open internet rules, mobile providers may be able to limit our users’ ability to access our applications or make our applications a less attractive alternative to our competitors’ applications, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

In addition, it is possible that a number of additional laws and regulations may be adopted or construed to apply to us, including gambling laws. Some of the video card games that we offer on our Paltalk application are based upon traditional casino games, such as poker and blackjack. We have structured and operate these games and features with gambling laws in mind and believe that these games and features do not constitute gambling. Our games are offered for entertainment purposes only and do not offer an opportunity to win real money. However, our video card games could in the future become subject to gambling-related laws and regulations and expose us to civil and criminal penalties. If were to become subject to such laws and regulations, we might be required to seek licenses, authorizations or approvals from relevant regulators, the granting of which may be dependent on us meeting certain capital and other requirements, and we may be subject to additional regulation and oversight, such as reporting to regulators, all of which could significantly increase our operating costs. Changes in current laws or regulations or the imposition of new laws and regulations in the United States, Europe or elsewhere regarding these activities may lessen the growth of video card game services and impair our business.

 

If there are changes in laws or regulations regarding privacy and the protection of user data, or if we fail to comply with such laws or regulations, we may face claims brought against us by regulators or users that could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

State, federal and international laws and regulations govern the collection, use, retention, sharing and security of data that we receive from and about our users. These laws can be particularly restrictive in certain states and in countries outside of the United States. In addition, the application and interpretation of these laws and regulations are often uncertain, particularly in the new and rapidly evolving industries in which we operate.

 

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Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with such laws and regulations, including Federal Trade Commission requirements or industry self-regulatory principles, could result in proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others, which could potentially have an adverse effect on our business. As a result of such a failure, or perceived failure, we may be subject to a claim or class-action lawsuit regarding our online services. The successful assertion of a claim against us, or a regulatory action against us, could result in significant monetary damages, diversion of management resources and require us to make significant payments and incur substantial legal expenses. Any claims with respect to violation of privacy or misappropriation of user data brought against us may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Several proposals are pending before federal, state, and foreign legislative and regulatory bodies or have recently been enacted that could significantly affect our business. For example, the California legislature enacted the CCPA, which became effective on January 1, 2020, and the CPRA, which expands upon the CCPA and was passed in the recent California election in November 2020. Likewise, the New York legislature enacted the New York Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security (SHIELD) Act, which went into effect on March 21, 2020. Further, the GDPR, which applies to the European Economic Area and went into effect on May 25, 2018, required us to change our policies and procedures regarding the handling of personal and sensitive data in the European Economic Area. The failure to comply with the GDPR could, in certain instances, result in penalties of up to 4% of our worldwide revenues. Any failure, or perceived failure to comply with the GDPR or other state, federal or international laws could seriously harm our business.

 

Continued privacy concerns may result in new or amended laws and regulations. Future laws and regulations with respect to the collection, compilation, use and publication of information and consumer privacy could result in limitations on our operations, increased compliance or litigation expense, adverse publicity or loss of revenue, which any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. It is also possible that we could be prohibited from collecting or disseminating certain types of data, which could affect our ability to meet our users’ needs.

 

Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property

 

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, we may be unable to compete with competitors developing similar technologies.

 

Historically, our defense of our intellectual property rights has been a significant aspect of our business and has meaningfully contributed to our results of operations. Accordingly, our success and ability to compete are often dependent upon the development of intellectual property for our applications.

 

We aim to protect our confidential proprietary information, in part, by entering into confidentiality agreements and invention assignment agreements with all our employees, consultants, advisors and any third parties who access or contribute to our proprietary know-how, information, or technology. We also rely on trademark, copyright, patent, trade secret, and domain-name-protection laws to protect our proprietary rights. We have filed various applications to protect aspects of our intellectual property, and we currently hold a number of issued patents. In the future we may acquire additional patents or patent portfolios, which could require significant cash expenditures. However, third parties may knowingly or unknowingly infringe our proprietary rights, third parties may challenge proprietary rights held by us, and pending and future trademark and patent applications may not be approved. In addition, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which we operate or intend to operate our business.

 

In any of these cases, we may be required to expend significant time and expense to prevent infringement or to enforce our rights. Although we have taken measures to protect our proprietary rights, others may offer products or concepts that are substantially similar to ours and compete with our business. If we are unable to protect our proprietary rights or prevent unauthorized use or appropriation by third parties, the value of our brand and other intangible assets may be diminished, and competitors may be able to more effectively mimic our service and methods of operations. Any of these events could seriously harm our business.

 

If we are subject to intellectual property infringement claims, it could cause us to incur significant expenses, pay substantial damages or royalties and prevent us from offering our applications.

 

From time to time, third parties may claim that our applications infringe or violate their intellectual property rights. Any claims of infringement could cause us to incur significant expenses and, if successfully asserted against us, could require that we pay substantial damages and prevent us from using licensed technology that may be fundamental to our applications. Even if we were to prevail, any litigation regarding intellectual property could be costly and time-consuming and divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our business operations. We maintain insurance to protect against intellectual property infringement claims and resulting litigation, but such insurance may not cover or may not be sufficient to cover all potential claims, liability or expenses. We may also be obligated to indemnify our business partners in any such litigation, which could further exhaust our resources. Furthermore, as a result of an intellectual property challenge, we may be prevented from offering our applications unless we enter into royalty, license or other agreements. We may not be able to obtain such agreements at all or on terms acceptable to us, and as a result, we may be precluded from offering our applications and services.

 

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Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

 

Our common stock is historically thinly traded, stockholders may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all and the price of our common stock may be volatile.

 

Historically, shares of our common stock were thinly-traded on the OTCQB and have usually been thinly-traded following our uplist to The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”), meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our common stock at or near ask prices at any given time may be relatively small or non-existent. This situation is attributable to a number of factors, including the fact that we are a small company that is relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer that has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on stock price.

 

However, during certain periods we have received, and may continue to receive, a high degree of media coverage that is published or otherwise disseminated by third parties, including blogs, articles, message boards and social and other media. This may include coverage that is not attributable to statements made by the Company or our Board of Directors. Information provided by third parties may not be reliable or accurate and could materially impact the trading price of our common stock which could cause stockholders to lose their investments.

 

The market prices and trading volume of our common stock have recently experienced, and may continue to experience, extreme volatility, which could cause purchasers of our common stock to incur substantial losses. For example, during 2021, the market price of our common stock fluctuated from an intra-day low of $1.48 per share on January 4, 2021 to an intra-day high on Nasdaq of $15.20 on September 29, 2021. The last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on December 31, 2021 was $2.84 per share. From June 2021 to September 2021, daily trading volume ranged from approximately 100 to 133,244,100 shares. We believe that the recent volatility and our current market prices reflect market and trading dynamics unrelated to our underlying business, or macro or industry fundamentals, and we do not know if these dynamics will continue.

 

Although our common stock is now listed for trading on Nasdaq, a broader or more active public trading market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained, and the current trading level of our common stock may not be sustained. Due to these conditions, you may be unable to sell your common stock at or near ask prices or at all if you desire to sell shares of common stock.

 

The stock markets in general have experienced substantial volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of individual companies. These broad market fluctuations may also adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, stockholders have often instituted class action securities litigation against those companies. Such litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management attention and resources, which could significantly harm our profitability and reputation.

 

Because of the limited trading market for our common stock, and because of the possible price volatility, you may not be able to sell your shares of common stock when you desire to do so. The inability to sell your shares in a rapidly declining market may substantially increase your risk of loss because of such illiquidity and because the price for our common stock may suffer greater declines because of its price volatility

 

The ownership of our common stock is significantly concentrated in a small number of investors, some of whom are affiliated with our Board of Directors and management, which could prevent stockholders from having input on the course of our operations or otherwise lead to actual or potential conflicts of interest.

 

As of March 21, 2022, Jason Katz, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and President, beneficially owned approximately 7.1% of our outstanding common stock, including shares of common stock held directly by Mr. Katz’s spouse, and The J. Crew Delaware Trust A, a trust formed by Mr. Katz for the benefit of certain of his family members, also beneficially owned approximately 24.0% of our outstanding common stock as of March 21, 2022. Mr. Katz is not a beneficiary of the trust and does not hold voting or dispositive power over the shares held by the trust.

 

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Mr. Katz, The J. Crew Delaware Trust A and others that have significant beneficial ownership of our common shares have substantial influence regarding matters submitted for stockholder approval, including proposals regarding:

 

any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

the election of members of our Board of Directors; and

 

any amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Certificate of Incorporation”).

 

The current or increased ownership position of any of these stockholders and/or their respective affiliates could delay, deter or prevent a change of control or adversely affect the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for our common shares. In addition, the interests of these stockholders and/or their respective affiliates may significantly differ from the interests of our other stockholders and they may vote the common shares they beneficially own in ways with which our other stockholders disagree.

 

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud and our business may be harmed and our stock price may be adversely impacted.

 

Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and to effectively prevent fraud. Any inability to provide reliable financial reports or to prevent fraud could harm our business. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) requires management to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. In order to continue to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we are required to continuously evaluate and, where appropriate, enhance our policies, procedures and internal controls. We have in the past failed, and may in the future fail, to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting. Such failure could subject us to litigation or regulatory scrutiny and investors could lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports. We cannot provide any assurance that in the future we will be able to fully comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or that management will conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective. If we fail to fully comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, our business may be harmed and our stock price may decline.

 

Our results of operations are volatile and difficult to predict, and our stock price may decline if we fail to meet the expectations of stockholders.

 

Our revenue and results of operations could vary significantly from period-to-period and year-to-year and may fail to match our past performance because of a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control. Any of these events could cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate. Factors that may contribute to the variability of our results of operations include:

 

changes in expectations as to our future financial performance;

 

announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships or capital commitments;

 

market acceptance of our new applications and enhancements to our existing applications;

 

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the amount of advertising and marketing that is available and spent on user acquisition campaigns;

 

disruptions in the availability of our applications on third party platforms;

 

actual or perceived violations of privacy obligations and compromises of subscriber data;

 

the entrance of new competitors in our market whether by established companies or the entrance of new companies;

 

additions or departures of key personnel and the cost of attracting and retaining application developers and other software engineers; and

 

general market conditions, including market volatility and the impact of inflation.

 

Given the rapidly evolving industry in which we operate, our historical results of operations may not be useful in predicting our future results of operations. In addition, metrics available from third parties regarding our industry and the performance of our applications may not be indicative of our future financial performance.

 

The issuance of shares upon the exercise of stock options and unvested shares of restricted common stock may cause immediate and substantial dilution to our existing stockholders.

 

As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately 394,075 shares of common stock that were issuable upon the exercise of vested outstanding stock options. The issuance of shares upon the exercise of these options may result in substantial dilution to the equity interest and voting power of holders of our common stock.

 

In the future, we may also issue additional shares of common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock. Our Certificate of Incorporation currently authorizes us to issue up to 25,000,000 shares of common stock, of which 9,832,157 were outstanding as of December 31, 2021, which includes 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with such designations, preferences and rights as determined by our Board of Directors, of which none were outstanding as of December 31, 2021. The issuance of additional shares of our common stock may substantially dilute the ownership interests of our existing stockholders. Furthermore, sales of a substantial amount of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could reduce the market price of our common stock. This could also impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our securities.

 

Because we have no current plans to pay cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future, a stockholder might not receive any return on investment unless the stockholder sold its shares of common stock for a price greater than that for which the shares were purchased.

 

We do not anticipate that we will declare or pay any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Consequently, stockholders will only realize an economic gain on their investment in our common stock if the price appreciates. Stockholders should not purchase our common stock expecting to receive cash dividends. Because we currently do not pay dividends, and there may be limited trading in our common stock, stockholders may not have any manner to liquidate or receive any payment on their common stock. Therefore, our failure to pay dividends may cause stockholders to not see any return on their common stock even if we are successful in our business operations. In addition, because we do not pay dividends we may have trouble raising additional funds which could affect our ability to expand our business operations.

 

Our Certificate of Incorporation designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees, or stockholders.

 

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that, subject to limited exceptions, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for any (i) derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of our Company, (ii) action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee, agent, or stockholder of our Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (iii) action asserting a claim against the Company or any director, officer, employee, agent, or stockholder of the Company arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law or our Certificate of Incorporation or our Amended and Restated By-Laws, as amended, or (iv) action asserting a claim against the Company or any director, officer, employee, agent, or stockholder of the Company governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation described above.

 

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This exclusive forum provision applies to state and federal law claims, although our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. In addition, this exclusive forum selection provision will not apply to claims under the Exchange Act. Moreover, Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. Accordingly, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce our forum selection provision as written in connection with claims arising under the Securities Act. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees.

 

Investor relations activities, nominal “float” and supply and demand factors may affect the price of our common stock.

 

We have engaged an investor relations firm to create investor awareness for our Company. These campaigns may include non-deal road shows and personal, video and telephone conferences with investors and prospective investors in which our business and business practices are described. We provide compensation to our investor relations firm, and may in the future provide compensation to additional investor relations firms or financial advisory firms, for these services, and pay for newsletters, websites, mailings and email campaigns that are produced by third parties based upon publicly available information concerning us. We do not intend to review or approve of the content of such analyst reports or other writings and communications that are based upon analysts’ own research or methods. Investor relations firms are generally required to disclose when they are compensated for their efforts and the source of such compensation, but whether such disclosure is made or in compliance with applicable laws is not under our control. In addition, our investors may, from time to time, take steps to encourage investor awareness through similar activities that may be undertaken at the expense of such investors. Investor awareness activities may also be suspended or discontinued, which may impact the trading market of our common stock.

 

The SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority enforce various statutes and regulations intended to prevent manipulative or deceptive devices in connection with the purchase or sale of any security and carefully scrutinize trading patterns and company news and other communications for false or misleading information, particularly in cases where the hallmarks of “pump and dump” activities may exist, such as rapid share price increases or decreases. We and our stockholders may be subjected to enhanced regulatory scrutiny due to the fact that our affiliates hold a majority of our outstanding common stock and we have a limited number of shares of common stock that are publicly available for resale.

 

The Supreme Court of the United States has stated that manipulative action is a term of art connoting intentional or willful conduct designed to deceive or defraud investors by controlling or artificially affecting the price of securities. Often times, manipulation is associated by regulators with forces that upset the supply and demand factors that would normally determine trading prices. Securities regulators have often cited thinly-traded markets, small numbers of holders and awareness campaigns as components of their claims of price manipulation and other violations of law when combined with manipulative trading, such as wash sales, matched orders or other manipulative trading timed to coincide with false or touting press releases. There can be no assurance that our activities or the activities of third parties, or the small number of potential sellers or small percentage of stock in our public float, or determinations by purchasers or holders as to when or under what circumstances or at what prices they may be willing to buy or sell stock, will not artificially impact (or would be claimed by regulators to have affected) the normal supply and demand factors that determine the price of our common stock.

 

If we are not able to comply with the applicable continued listing requirements or standards of Nasdaq, Nasdaq could delist our securities.

 

Our common stock was approved for listing on Nasdaq under the symbol “PALT” and began trading on Nasdaq on August 3, 2021. We cannot assure you that our securities will continue to be listed on Nasdaq in the future. In order to maintain that listing, we must satisfy minimum financial and other continued listing requirements and standards, including those regarding director independence and independent committee requirements, minimum stockholders’ equity, minimum share price, and certain corporate governance requirements. We may not be able to comply with the applicable listing standards and Nasdaq could delist our securities as a result.

 

We cannot assure you that our common stock, if delisted from Nasdaq, will be listed on another national securities exchange. If our common stock is delisted by Nasdaq, our common stock would likely trade on the OTCQB where an investor may find it more difficult to sell our shares or obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock.

 

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

Our principal executive office is located at 30 Jericho Executive Plaza in Jericho, New York 11753. The lease for the 30 Jericho Executive Plaza office space expires on November 30, 2024. We currently do not own any real property.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On July 23, 2021, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, Paltalk Holdings, Inc., filed a patent infringement lawsuit against WebEx Communications, Inc., Cisco WebEx LLC, and Cisco Systems, Inc. (collectively, “Cisco”), in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. The Company alleges that Cisco’s Webex products have infringed U.S. Patent No. 6,683,858, and that the Company is entitled to damages. A Markman hearing took place on February 24, 2022 and a trial is scheduled for early 2023. 

 

To our knowledge, other than as described above, there are no material pending legal proceedings to which we are a party or of which any of our property is the subject.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock is quoted on The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “PALT.” Our common stock was quoted on the OTCQB under the symbol “PALT” during the 2020 fiscal year, the first two fiscal quarters of 2021 and for a portion of the third quarter of 2021. We completed an uplist to Nasdaq on August 3, 2021.

 

The following table sets forth the range of the quarterly high and low bid price information for the fiscal quarters indicated below as reported by Nasdaq or the OTCQB, as applicable. Except for trading on Nasdaq, there is no established public trading market for our common stock.

 

   High Bid*   Low Bid* 
   ($)   ($) 
2021        
Fourth Quarter  $13.57   $2.82 
Third Quarter   $15.20   $2.78 
Second Quarter  3.63   $2.35 
First Quarter  $4.37   $1.48 
2020          
Fourth Quarter   $1.72   $0.67 
Third Quarter   $2.70   $0.85 
Second Quarter   $6.00   $0.60 
First Quarter   $1.43   $0.76 

 

 

*The over-the-counter market quotations of the bid prices reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

The market price of our common stock is subject to significant fluctuations in response to variations in our quarterly operating results, general trends in the market, and other factors, over many of which we have little or no control. In addition, broad market fluctuations, as well as general economic, business and political conditions, may adversely affect the market for our common stock, regardless of our actual or projected performance.

 

Holders

 

As of March 21, 2022, there were approximately 53 holders of record of our common stock. This does not reflect the number of persons or entities who held stock in nominee or street name through various brokerage firms.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

There were no sales of unregistered securities during the year ended December 31, 2021 that were not previously reported on a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or a Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

We did not repurchase any of our equity securities during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

 

ITEM 6. Reserved

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and certain other factors that may affect our future results. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

In addition to historical financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. See “Forward-Looking Statements.” Our results and the timing of selected events may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Overview

 

We are a leading communications software innovator that powers multimedia social applications. Our product portfolio includes Paltalk, Camfrog and Tinychat, which together host one of the world’s largest collections of video-based communities. Our other product is Vumber, which is a telecommunications services provider that enables users to communicate privately by having multiple phone numbers with any area code through which calls can be forwarded to a user’s existing telephone number. We have an over 20-year history of technology innovation and hold 14 patents.

 

We believe that the scale of our user base presents a competitive advantage in the video social networking industry and provides growth opportunities to advance our existing products with up-sell opportunities and build future brands with cross-sell offers. We also believe that our proprietary consumer app technology platform can scalably support large communities of users in activities such as video, voice and text chat, online card and board games and provide robust user monetization tools.

 

Our continued growth depends on attracting new consumer application users through the introduction of new applications, features and partnerships and further penetration of our existing markets. Our principal growth strategy is to invest in the development of proprietary software, expand our sales and marketing efforts with respect to such software, and increase our consumer application user base through potential platform partnerships and new and existing advertising campaigns that we run through internet and mobile advertising networks, all while balancing the capital needs of the business. Our strategy also includes the acquisition of, or investment in, technologies, solutions or businesses that complement our business.

 

Our strategy is to approach these opportunities in a measured way, being mindful of our resources and evaluating factors such as potential revenue, time to market and amount of capital needed to invest in the opportunity.

 

Background of Presentation and Recent Developments

 

Update on COVID-19

 

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the various attempts to contain it have created significant volatility, uncertainty and economic disruption. COVID-19 continues to have an unpredictable and unprecedented impact on the U.S. economy as federal, state and local governments react to this public health crisis with travel restrictions and potential quarantines. Although our core multimedia social applications have been able to support the increased demand we have experienced, the extent of the future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business is highly uncertain and difficult to predict. Adverse economic and market conditions as a result of COVID-19 could also affect the demand for our applications and the ability of our users to satisfy their obligations to us. If the pandemic continues to cause significant negative impacts to economic conditions, our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity could be materially and adversely impacted.

 

On April 13, 2020, to help ensure adequate liquidity in light of the uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we applied for a loan under the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), and on May 3, 2020, we entered into a promissory note with an aggregate principal amount of $506,500 (the “Note”) in favor of Citibank, N.A., as lender (the “Lender”). On January 13, 2021, the Note was fully forgiven by the SBA and the Lender in compliance with the provisions of the CARES Act. We do not expect to incur additional indebtedness under the CARES Act.

 

We continue to serve as a form of safe and entertaining communication during this global pandemic, and in order to help those affected in hardest hit countries, will continue to offer some of its group video conferencing services free of charge to select countries.

 

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August 2021 Underwritten Public Offering

 

On August 5, 2021, we announced the pricing and closing of a firm commitment underwritten public offering of an aggregate of 1,333,310 shares of our common stock (which includes 173,910 shares sold to the underwriter pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option) at a public offering price of $3.00 per share (the “August 2021 Offering”). The August 2021 Offering was made pursuant to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-257036), initially filed with the SEC on June 11, 2021, as subsequently amended, and declared effective on August 2, 2021. The August 2021 Offering was made only by means of a prospectus forming a part of the effective registration statement. The net proceeds to us from the August 2021 Offering were approximately $3.2 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other estimated offering expenses.

 

In connection with the August 2021 Offering, our common stock was approved for listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “PALT” and began trading on Nasdaq on August 3, 2021.

 

October 2021 Underwritten Public Offering

 

On October 19, 2021, we announced the pricing and closing of an underwritten public offering of an aggregate of 1,552,500 shares of our common stock (which includes 202,500 shares sold to the underwriter pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option) at a public offering price of $7.50 per share (the “October 2021 Offering”). The October 2021 Offering was made pursuant to an effective shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-260063), previously filed with the SEC on October 5, 2021 and declared effective on October 14, 2021. The October 2021 Offering was offered by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, forming part of the registration statement. The net proceeds to us from the October 2021 Offering were approximately $10.7 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other estimated offering expenses.

 

Launch of Paltalk Rewards Points

 

As previously disclosed, we served as a launch partner with YouNow to integrate YouNow’s props infrastructure into our Camfrog and Paltalk applications, which allowed users to earn Props tokens while using the Paltalk and Camfrog applications. On October 15, 2021, we launched our new rewards loyalty program, Paltalk Rewards Points, and simultaneously ended the distribution of Props tokens, our prior rewards program. Paltalk and Camfrog users kept their existing rewards earned from the former Props program as Paltalk Rewards Points and now have the opportunity to earn new Paltalk Rewards Points. In connection with the Paltalk Rewards Points, we added 25 new reward tiers such as specialty coins, subscriptions, stickers, flair, and other popular buttons.

 

Operational Highlights and Objectives

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, we executed key components of our objectives:

 

 

completed an uplist of our shares of common stock to Nasdaq, which began trading on Nasdaq on August 3, 2021, under the Company’s current ticker symbol “PALT”;

     
  raised gross proceeds of approximately $15.6 million in connection with the August 2021 Offering and October 2021 Offering of an aggregate of 2,885,810 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $3.00 and $7.50 per share, respectively;
     
 

sold approximately 36.9 million Props tokens for proceeds of $0.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2021;

     
reported net income of $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 which included a non-cash $0.8 million impairment of digital token assets, compared to net income of $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020; and

 

achieved positive net cash flow of $16.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, an improvement of $13.9 million when compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

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For the near term, our business objectives include:

 

  invest in robust marketing initiatives through marketing agencies in order to drive new user acquisition intended to result in an increase in revenue;

 

  implementing several enhancements to our live video chat applications as well as the integration of games and other features focused on retention and monetization, which collectively are intended to increase user engagement and revenue opportunities;

 

continuing to explore strategic opportunities, including, but not limited to, potential mergers or acquisitions of other entities that are synergistic to our businesses;

 

focusing on our core business to continue to leverage efficiencies gained during 2021 and expand our core business in a cost-efficient way;

 

continuing to develop our consumer application platform strategy by seeking potential partnerships with large third-party communities to whom we could promote a co-branded version of our video chat products and potentially share in the incremental revenues generated by these partner communities; and

 

continuing to defend our intellectual property.

 

Sources of Revenue

 

Our main sources of revenue are subscription, advertising and other fees generated from users of our core video chat products. We expect that the majority of our revenue in future periods will continue to be generated from our core video chat products. We also generate technology service revenue under licensing and service agreements that we negotiate with third parties which includes development, integration, engineering, licensing or other services that we provide.

 

Subscription Revenue

 

Our video chat platforms generate revenue primarily through subscription fees. Our tiers of subscriptions provide users with unlimited video windows and levels of status within the community. Multiple subscription tiers are offered in different durations depending on the product from one-, six- and twelve-month terms, which continue to vary as we continue to test and optimize length and pricing. Longer-term plans (those with durations longer than one month) are generally available at discounted monthly rates. Levels of membership benefits are offered in tiers, with the least membership benefits in the lowest paid tier and the most membership benefits in the highest paid tier. Our membership tiers are “Plus,” “Extreme,” “VIP” and “Prime” for Paltalk and “Pro,” “Extreme” and “Gold” for Camfrog. We also hold occasional promotions that offer discounted subscriptions and virtual gifts.

 

We recognize revenue from monthly premium subscription services beginning in the month in which the subscriptions are originated. Revenues from multi-month subscriptions are recognized on a gross and straight-line basis over the length of the subscription period. The unearned portion of subscription revenue is presented as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

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We also offer virtual gifts to our users. Users may purchase credits that can be redeemed for a host of virtual gifts such as a rose, a beer, or a car, among other items. Virtual gift revenue is recognized upon the users’ utilization of the virtual gift and included in subscription revenue. The unearned portion of virtual gifts revenue is presented as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Advertising Revenue

 

We generate a portion of our revenue through advertisements on our video platforms. Advertising revenue is dependent upon the volume of advertising impressions viewed by active users as well as the advertising inventory we place on our products. We recognize advertising revenue as earned on a click-through, impression, registration or subscription basis. Measurements of impressions include when a user clicks on an advertisement (CPC basis), views an advertisement impression (CPM basis), or registers for an external website via an advertisement by clicking on or through our application (CPA basis).

 

Technology Service Revenue

 

Technology service revenue is generated under service and partnership agreements that we negotiate with third parties, which includes development, integration, engineering, licensing or other services that we provide.

 

On May 29, 2020, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement, which was subsequently amended and restated (the “Amended and Restated Agreement”) with SecureCo, LLC (“SecureCo”), pursuant to which we agreed to sell substantially all of the assets related to our secure communications business (the “Secured Communications Assets”) to SecureCo. The Amended and Restated Agreement also provides for a revenue sharing arrangement, pursuant to which we are entitled to receive quarterly royalty payments ranging from 5% to 10% of certain revenues received by SecureCo, with the aggregate amount of such royalty payments not to exceed $500,000. The royalty payments, if received, will be recorded as technology service revenue. We do not expect to continue to pursue secure communications products or technology implementation services as part of our overall business strategy.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we also recorded technology service revenue in connection with our agreement to serve as a launch partner with Open Props, Inc. (formerly YouNow, Inc., and referred to herein as “YouNow”) and to integrate YouNow’s props infrastructure (the “Props platform”) into our Camfrog and Paltalk applications (as amended, the “YouNow Agreement”).

 

Pursuant to the terms of the YouNow Agreement, YouNow agreed to pay us, in exchange for our services, an aggregate of 10.5 million cryptographic props tokens (“Props tokens”) upon the achievement of certain milestones. The upfront fee is recognized as revenue under the output method based on the direct measurements of the value of services transferred to date to the customer, relative to the remaining services under the YouNow Agreement. The milestones fees were recognized as revenue on the completion dates of integration services performed during the second and third quarters of 2020. Once the integration of Props tokens into our Paltalk and Camfrog applications was completed, we began receiving Props tokens for providing a validator service and for allowing users to participate in the loyalty platform. The loyalty platform was intended to drive engagement and incentivize users financially by providing users with the ability to earn Props tokens while using the Paltalk and Camfrog applications. The net revenue earned was recorded under “technology service revenue” in the consolidated statements of operations. The total net revenue value is recognized as earned.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, we determined the fair value of the Props tokens by converting them into U.S. dollars using an independent third-party valuation. Digital tokens earned, receivable or payable before September 30, 2020, were recorded based on a $0.02 fair value estimated at the end of the reporting period. Digital tokens earned, receivable or payable from July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 were recorded based on an estimated fair value of $0.039.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, we determined the fair value of the Props tokens using observable daily quoted market prices on multiple international exchanges, as recorded on CoinmarketCap.

 

In August 2021, we received notice from YouNow that it was terminating the YouNow Agreement, and that it would no longer support the Props platform past the end of calendar year 2021. In connection with the notice of termination and in accordance with the YouNow Agreement, we received an additional 2,625,000 Props tokens. The value of these tokens was recorded as revenue under “technology service revenue” in the consolidated statements of income. The YouNow Agreement was terminated effective on November 23, 2021. We now expect that most of our technology service revenue generated in the future will result from opportunistic partnerships between us and third parties.

 

During year the ended December 31, 2021, we sold approximately 36.9 million Props tokens for total proceeds of $0.9 million.

 

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Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of revenue

 

Cost of revenue consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in data center and customer care functions, credit card processing fees, hosting fees, and data center rent and bandwidth costs. Cost of revenue also includes compensation and other employee-related costs for technical personnel, consultants and subcontracting costs relating to technology service revenue.

 

Sales and marketing expense

 

Sales and marketing expense consist primarily of advertising expenditures and compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel and consultants engaged in sales and sales support functions. Advertising and promotional spend includes online marketing, including fees paid to search engines, and offline marketing, which primarily consists of partner-related payments to those who direct traffic to our brands.

 

Product development expense

 

Product development expense, which relates to the development of technology of our applications, consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related and consultants-related costs that are not capitalized for personnel engaged in the design, testing and enhancement of service offerings as well as amortization of capitalized website development costs.

 

General and administrative expense

 

General and administrative expense consists primarily of compensation (including non-cash stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in executive management, finance, legal, tax and human resources and facilities costs and fees for other professional services and cost of insurance. General and administrative expense also includes depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets.

 

Impairment loss on digital tokens

 

Impairment loss on digital tokens results from the daily assessment of the Props tokens’ quoted market prices, as reflected on CoinmarketCap, and adjusting the recorded carrying amount to the amount equal to the lowest quoted market price during the period in which the Props tokens are held. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge in the amount of $765,232, which is reported in our accompanying consolidated statements of income as a result of recent decline in the quoted market prices below the market price of their acquisition.

 

Key Metrics

 

Our management relies on certain non-GAAP and/or unaudited performance indicators to manage and evaluate our business. The key performance indicators set forth below help us evaluate growth trends, establish budgets, measure the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing efforts and assess operational efficiencies. We also discuss net cash provided by operating activities under the ‟Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections below. Subscription bookings and Adjusted EBITDA are discussed below.

 

    Year Ended
December 31,
 
    2021     2020  
Subscription bookings   $ 12,224,780     $ 12,195,725  
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 1,265,464     $ 1,435,300  
Net income   $ 1,324,106     $ 1,371,262  
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 1,281,361     $ 1,955,854  
Adjusted EBITDA as percentage of total revenue     9.7 %     15.2

 

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Subscription Bookings

 

Subscription bookings is a financial measure representing the aggregate dollar value of subscription fees and virtual gifts purchases received during the period. We calculate subscription bookings as subscription revenue recognized during the period plus the change in deferred subscription revenue recognized during the period. We record subscription revenue from subscription fees as deferred subscription revenue and then recognize that revenue ratably over the length of the subscription term or ratably over usage for virtual gifts. Our management uses subscription bookings internally in analyzing our financial results to assess operational performance and to assess the effectiveness of, and plan future, user acquisition campaigns. We believe that this financial measure is useful in evaluating the performance of our consumer applications because we believe, as compared to subscription revenue, it is a better indicator of the subscription activity in a given period. We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to subscription bookings in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods.

 

While the factors that affect subscription bookings and subscription revenue are generally the same, certain factors may affect subscription bookings more or less than such factors affect subscription revenue in any period. While we believe that subscription bookings is useful in evaluating our business, it should be considered as supplemental in nature and it is not meant to be a substitute for subscription revenue recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”).

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income adjusted to exclude net loss from interest income, net, provision for income taxes, gain on office lease termination, impairment loss on goodwill, gain from sale of Secured Communication Assets, gain on the extinguishment of term debt, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, loss on disposal of property and equipment, other expense, impairment loss on digital tokens, gain on extinguishment of digital tokens payable, realized loss (gain) from the sale of digital tokens and stock-based compensation expense.

 

We present Adjusted EBITDA because it is a key measure used by our management and Board of Directors to understand and evaluate our core operating performance and trends, to develop short- and long-term operational plans and to allocate resources to expand our business. In particular, the exclusion of certain expenses in calculating Adjusted EBITDA can provide a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of the cash operating income generated by our business. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors and others to understand and evaluate our operating results, and it allows for a more meaningful comparison between our performance and that of competitors.

 

Limitations of Adjusted EBITDA

 

Our use of Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider this performance measure in isolation from or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are that Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect: cash capital expenditures for assets underlying depreciation and amortization expense that may need to be replaced or for new capital expenditures; net loss from discontinued operations; interest income, net; other expense, net; gain on sale of the Dating Services Business; income tax expense from continuing operations; gain on office lease termination; impairment loss on goodwill; gain from sale of Secured Communication Assets; loss on disposal of property and equipment; our working capital requirements; the impairment loss on digital tokens; realized gain (loss) from the sale of digital tokens; the potentially dilutive impact of stock-based compensation; gain on the extinguishment of term debt; gain on extinguishment of digital tokens payable; and the provision for income taxes. Other companies, including companies in our industry, may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently, which reduces its usefulness as a comparative measure.

 

Because of these limitations, you should consider Adjusted EBITDA alongside other financial performance measures, including various cash flow metrics, net income and our other GAAP results. The following table presents a reconciliation of net income, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDA for each of the periods indicated:

 

   Year Ended 
   December 31, 
   2021   2020 
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA:        
Net income  $1,324,106   $1,371,262 
Stock-based compensation expense   (35,653)   243,197 
Depreciation and amortization expense   370,845    571,725 
Gain on office lease termination   -    (141,001)
Impairment loss on digital tokens   765,232    - 
Interest income, net   (133)   (7,119)
Gain from sale of Secured Communications Assets   -    (250,000)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment   -    39,238 
Gain on extinguishment of term debt   (506,500)   - 
Realized loss (gain) from sale of digital tokens   (307,934)   72,123 
Gain on termination of digital tokens payable   (338,553)   - 
Other expense   -    56,042 
Provision for income taxes   9,951    387 
Adjusted EBITDA  $1,281,361   $1,955,854 

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth consolidated statements of income data for each of the periods indicated as a percentage of total revenue:

 

   Years Ended
December 31,
 
   2021   2020 
Total revenue   100.0%   100.0%
Costs and expenses:          
Cost of revenue   20.5%   20.1%
Sales and marketing expense   8.8%   6.4%
Product development expense   40.6%   39.2%
General and administrative expense   20.4%   24.7%
Impairment loss on digital tokens   5.8%   -% 
Total costs and expenses   96.1%   90.4%
Income from operations   3.9%   9.6%
Interest income, net   0.0%   0.1%
Gain from sale of Secured Communications Assets   -%    1.9%
Gain on extinguishment of term debt   3.8%   -% 
Realized gain (loss) from sale of digital tokens   2.3%   (0.6)%
Other expense   -%   (0.4)%
Income from operations before provision for income taxes   10.0%   10.6%
Provision for income taxes   (0.1)%   (0.0)%
Net income   9.9%   10.6%

 

Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

Revenue

 

Total revenue increased to $13,273,849 for the year ended December 31, 2021 from $12,832,672 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in subscription revenue from the Paltalk application, as we experienced a change in the proportion of revenue generated from revenue from subscriptions to revenue from virtual gifts.

 

The following table sets forth our subscription revenue, advertising revenue, technology service revenue and total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, the increase or decrease between those periods, the percentage increase or decrease between those periods, and the percentage of total revenue that each represented for those periods:

 

    Years Ended     $     %     % of Revenue Years Ended  
    December 31,     Increase     Increase     December 31,  
    2021     2020     (Decrease)     (Decrease)     2021     2020  
Subscription revenue   $ 12,368,008     $ 11,966,497     $ 401,511       3.4 %     93.2 %     93.3 %
Advertising revenue     451,337       325,475       125,862       38.7 %     3.4 %     2.5 %
Technology service revenue     454,504       540,700       (86,196 )     (15.9 )%     3.4 %     4.2 %
Total revenues   $ 13,273,849     $ 12,832,672     $ 441,177       3.4 %     100.0 %     100.0 %

 

31

 

 

Subscription Revenue

 

Our subscription revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $401,511, or 3.4%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in subscription revenue was primarily driven by increased activity in the Paltalk application from our existing users, as well as a strategic alignment of pricing promotions and a change in the blend of revenue generated from revenue from subscriptions to revenue from virtual gifts. In addition, we had an increase in the Vumber application’s subscription revenue resulting from an increase in the work-from-home trend as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Advertising Revenue

 

Our advertising revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $125,862, or 38.7%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in advertising revenue was primarily due to an increase in the volume of advertising impressions related to changes in and the optimization of third-party advertising partners.

 

Technology Service Revenue

 

Our technology service revenue decreased by $86,196, or 15.9%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in technology service revenue was driven by the termination of the YouNow Agreement, effective November 23, 2021.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Total costs and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $1,164,382, or 10.0%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The following table presents our costs and expenses for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the increase or decrease between those periods and the percentage increase or decrease between those periods and the percentage of total revenue that each represented for those periods:

 

    Years Ended
December 31,
    $     %     % of Revenue Years Ended
December 31,
 
Increase Increase
    2021     2020     (Decrease)     (Decrease)     2021     2020  
Cost of revenue   $ 2,720,189     $ 2,573,083     $ 147,106       5.7 %     20.5 %     20.1 %
Sales and marketing expense     1,170,386       825,069       345,317       41.9 %     8.8 %     6.4 %
Product development expense     5,391,819       5,025,482       366,337       7.3 %     40.6 %     39.2 %
General and administrative expense     2,706,733       3,166,343       (459,610 )     (14.5 )%     20.4 %     24.7 %
Impairment loss on digital tokens     765,232       -       765,232       100.0 %     5.8 %     - %
Total costs and expenses   $ 12,754,359     $ 11,589,977     $ 1,164,382       10.0 %     96.1 %     90.4 %

 

Cost of revenue

 

Our cost of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $147,106, or 5.7%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily driven by an increase in non-cash stock compensation expense of $67,000 and an increase of approximately $62,800 in consulting services to support fraud prevention.

 

Sales and marketing expense

 

Our sales and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $345,317, or 41.9%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in sales and marketing expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily due to an increase of approximately $259,000 in marketing user acquisition expenses and an increase of approximately $87,000 in salary and related expenses driven by an increased headcount as we grow our focus on social media.

 

32

 

 

Product development expense

 

Our product development expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $366,337, or 7.3%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase of approximately $382,600 related to consulting services and software expenses in support of enhanced user retention and improved monetization in the Paltalk application. This increase was offset by a decrease of approximately $55,800 in compensation expense as the sale of the secure communications assets resulted in a decrease in headcount.

 

General and administrative expense

 

Our general and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 decreased by $459,610, or 14.5%, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in general and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 was mainly due to reduced rent expense of $115,100 resulting from an office lease termination, a decrease in compensation and related expenses of approximately $151,000, a reduction of approximately $336,500 in non-cash stock compensation expense primarily from an unvested executive performance award that was forfeited, and $338,553 non-cash gain on extinguishment of digital tokens payable. These reductions were offset by an increase in professional and legal fees in connection with the uplisting to The Nasdaq Capital Market of approximately $146,000 in August of 2021 and a gain of $141,000 resulting from an office lease termination during the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

Impairment loss on digital tokens

 

We recorded a non-cash impairment loss on digital tokens of $765,232 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as a result of recent declines in the quoted market prices of certain digital tokens below the market price of their acquisition.

 

Non-Operating Income

 

The following table presents the components of non-operating income for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, the increase or decrease between those periods and the percentage increase or decrease between those periods and the percentage of total revenue that each represented for those periods:

 

    Years Ended
December 31,
    $
Increase
    %
Increase
    % of Revenue Years Ended
December 31,
 
    2021     2020     (Decrease)     (Decrease)     2021     2020  
Interest income, net   $ 133     $ 7,119     $ (6,986 )     (98.1 )%     0.0 %     0.1 %
Gain from the sale of Secured Communications Assets     -       250,000       (250,000     (100.0 )%     - %     1.9 %
Gain on extinguishment of term debt     506,500       -       506,500       100.0 %     3.8 %     - %
Realized gain (loss) from sale of digital tokens     307,934       (72,123     380,057       527.0 %     2.3 %     (0.6 )%
Other expense     -       (56,042     56,042       100.0 %     - %     (0.4 )%
Total non-operating income   $ 814,567     $ 128,954     $ 685,613       531.7 %     6.1 %     1.0 %

 

Non-operating income for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $814,567, an increase of $685,613, or 531.7%, as compared to non-operating income of $128,954 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase resulted from the gain on extinguishment of term debt of the $506,500 of proceeds from the Note received in order to help ensure adequate liquidity in light of the uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and a gain from sale of digital tokens of $307,934.

 

33

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

 

   Years Ended 
   December 31, 
   2021   2020 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data:        
Net cash provided by operating activities  $1,265,464   $1,435,300 
Net cash provided by investing activities   858,848    225,406 
Net cash provided by financing activities   13,927,128    497,656 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  $16,051,440   $2,158,362 

 

Currently, our primary source of liquidity is cash on hand and cash flows from continuing operations, and we believe that our cash and cash equivalents balance and our expected cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet all of our financial obligations for the twelve months from the date these financial statements are issued. As of December 31, 2021, we had $21,636,860 of cash and cash equivalents.

 

Our primary use of working capital is related to product development resources and an investment in marketing activities in order to maintain and create new services and features in applications for our clients and users. In particular, a significant portion of our working capital has been allocated to the improvement of our products. In the future, we may also seek to grow our business by expending our capital resources to fund strategic investments and partnership opportunities.

 

As discussed above, on May 29, 2020, we completed the sale of the Secured Communications Assets for a cash purchase price of $250,000, $150,000 of which was paid at closing and $100,000 of which was paid in four equal installments over the fifteen-month period following the closing. The Amended and Restated Agreement also provides for a revenue sharing arrangement, pursuant to which we are entitled to receive quarterly royalty payments ranging from 5% to 10% of certain revenues received by SecureCo, with the aggregate amount of such royalty payments not to exceed $500,000. The royalty payments, if received, will be recorded as technology service revenue.

 

On August 5, 2021, we announced the closing of the August 2021 Offering in which we offered and sold 1,159,400 shares of our common stock. We also granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 173,910 shares of common stock at the public offering price less discounts and commissions to cover over-allotments, which was exercised in full on August 5, 2021. The net proceeds to us from the August 2021 Offering were approximately $3.2 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other estimated offering expenses.

 

In addition, on October 19, 2021, we announced the pricing and closing of the October 2021 Offering in which we offered and sold 1,552,500 shares of our common stock. We also granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 202,500 shares of common stock at the public offering price less discounts and commissions to cover over-allotments, which was exercised in full on October 14, 2021. The net proceeds to us from the October 2021 Offering were approximately $10.7 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and other estimated offering expenses.

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,265,464 for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $1,435,300 for the year ended December 31, 2020. Changes in accounts receivable and deferred revenue contributed to a lower cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2021 of $134,064 and $372,456, respectively, compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in cash flow resulted from a change in third-party advertising partners as well as a change in the proportion of revenue generated between revenue from subscriptions and revenue from virtual gifts due to strategic alignment of the frequency of promotions therefore, accumulating less deferred revenue. These decreases were offset by an increase in accounts payables and accrued expenses of $1,059,132 for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, mainly as result of higher provisions of annual performance incentives.

 

34

 

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash provided by investing activities was $858,848 for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $225,406 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in net cash provided by investing activities is due to an increase in proceeds from the sale of digital tokens.

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $13,927,128 for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $497,656 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities is a result of the August 2021 and October 2021 Offerings, in which the Company sold an aggregate of 2,885,810 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $3.00 and $7.50 per share, respectively. Net proceeds received by the Company from the August 2021 and October 2021 Offerings were approximately $13.9 million, after underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses.

 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

 

As discussed above, on May 3, 2020, to help ensure adequate liquidity in light of the uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we entered into the Note in favor of the Lender in the aggregate principal amount of $506,500. The Note had a two-year term and borne interest at a stated rate of 1.0% per annum. We did not provide any collateral or guarantees for the Note, nor did we pay any facility charge to obtain the Note. The Note provided for customary events of default, including, among others, those relating to failure to make payment, bankruptcy, breaches of representations and material adverse effects. On January 13, 2021, the Note was fully forgiven by the SBA and the Lender in compliance with the provisions of the CARES Act. We do not expect to incur additional indebtedness under the CARES Act.

 

On June 7, 2016, we entered into a lease agreement with Jericho Executive Center LLC for office space at 30 Jericho Executive Plaza in Jericho, New York, which commenced on September 1, 2016 and runs through November 30, 2021. Our monthly office rent payments under the lease are currently approximately $7,081 per month. On April 9, 2021, we entered into a lease extension agreement with Jericho Executive Center LLC for the office space at 30 Jericho Executive Plaza in Jericho, New York, which commenced on December 1, 2021 and runs through November 30, 2024.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of December 31, 2021, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. In doing so, we have to make estimates and assumptions. Our critical accounting estimates are those estimates that involve a significant level of uncertainty at the time the estimate was made, and changes in them have had or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. Accordingly, actual results could differ materially from our estimates. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We have reviewed our critical accounting estimates with the audit committee of our Board of Directors.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a summary of significant accounting policies, which includes our critical accounting policies, and the effect on our financial statements.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable.

 

35

 

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

  Page
  Number
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB No. 688) F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 F-2
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6

 

36

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

Paltalk, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Paltalk, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Critical Audit Matters

 

Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.

 

/s/ Marcum LLP

 

Marcum LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.

 

Melville, NY

March 23, 2022

 

F-1

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   December 31, 
   2021   2020 
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents  $21,636,860   $5,585,420 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $3,648 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively   153,448    71,410 
Prepaid expense and other current assets   239,258    236,704 
Total current assets   22,029,566    5,893,534 
Operating lease right-of-use asset   239,491    68,967 
Property and equipment, net   69,599    255,777 
Goodwill   6,326,250    6,326,250 
Intangible assets, net   196,543    381,210 
Digital tokens   7,262    439,145 
Digital tokens receivable   
-
    210,000 
Other assets   13,937    13,937 
Total assets  $28,882,648   $13,588,820 
           
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable  $1,332,632   $742,141 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   344,441    254,084 
Operating lease liabilities, current portion   80,309    68,967 
Digital tokens payable   
-
    123,397 
Term debt, current portion   
-
    338,792 
Deferred subscription revenue   1,915,493    2,058,721 
Total current liabilities   3,672,875    3,586,102 
Operating lease liabilities, non-current portion   159,182    
-
 
Term debt, non-current portion   
-
    167,708 
Total liabilities   3,832,057    3,753,810 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)   
 
    
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:          
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, 9,864,120 and 6,916,404 shares issued and 9,832,157 and 6,906,454 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively   9,864    6,917 
Treasury stock, 31,963 and 9,950 shares as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively   (194,200)   (10,859)
Additional paid-in capital   35,639,910    21,568,041 
Accumulated deficit   (10,404,983)   (11,729,089)
Total stockholders’ equity   25,050,591    9,835,010 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $28,882,648   $13,588,820 

  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-2

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

   Years Ended
December 31,
 
   2021   2020 
Revenues        
Subscription revenue  $12,368,008   $11,966,497 
Advertising revenue   451,337    325,475 
Technology service revenue   454,504    540,700 
Total revenue   13,273,849    12,832,672 
Costs and expenses          
Costs of revenue   2,720,189    2,573,083 
Sales and marketing expense   1,170,386    825,069 
Product development expense   5,391,819    5,025,482 
General and administrative expense   2,706,733    3,166,343 
Impairment loss on digital tokens   765,232    
-
 
Total costs and expenses   12,754,359    11,589,977 
Income from operations   519,490    1,242,695 
Interest income, net   133    7,119 
Gain from sale of Secured Communications Assets   
-
    250,000 
Gain on extinguishment of term debt   506,500    
-
 
Realized gain (loss) from the sale of digital tokens   307,934    (72,123)
Other expense   
-
    (56,042)
Income from operations before provision for income taxes   1,334,057    1,371,649 

Income tax expense

   (9,951)   (387)
Net income  $1,324,106    1,371,262 
           
Net income per share of common stock:          
Basic  $0.17   $0.20 
Diluted  $0.17   $0.20 
Weighted average number of shares of common stock used in calculating net income per share of common stock:          
Basic   7,766,111    6,884,690 
Diluted   7,809,132    6,887,808 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

                                  Retained        
                            Additional     Earnings     Total  
    Common     Stock     Treasury     Stock     Paid-in     (Accumulated     Stockholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit)     Equity  
Balance at December 31, 2019     6,878,904     $ 6,879       (1,900 )   $ (2,015 )   $ 21,281,382     $ (13,100,351 )   $ 8,185,895  
Stock-based compensation expense     -      
-
      -      
-
      243,197      
-
      243,197  
Issuance of common stock for consulting services     37,500       38       -      
-
      43,462      
-
      43,500  
Repurchases of common stock     -      
-
      (8,050 )     (8,844 )    
-
     
-
      (8,844 )
Net income     -      
-
      -      
-
     
-
      1,371,262       1,371,262  
Balance at December 31, 2020     6,916,404     $ 6,917       (9,950 )   $ (10,859 )   $ 21,568,041     $ (11,729,089 )   $ 9,835,010  
Stock-based compensation expense     -      
-
      -      
-
      (35,653 )    
-
      (35,653 )
Issuance of common stock     2,885,810       2,886       -      
-
      13,916,240      
-
      13,919,126  
Issuance of common stock pursuant to cashless option exercises     38,464       38                       (38 )    
-
      -  
Treasury stock received from cashless option exercises     22,013       22       (22,013 )     (183,341 )     183,319      
-
      -  
Issuance of common stock pursuant to option exercise     1,429       1       -      
-
      8,001      
-
      8,002  
Net income     -      
-
      -      
-
     
-
      1,324,106       1,324,106  
Balance at December 31, 2021     9,864,120     $ 9,864       (31,963 )   $ (194,200 )   $ 35,639,910     $ (10,404,983 )   $ 25,050,591  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    Years Ended
December 31,
    2021   2020
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net income   $ 1,324,106     $ 1,371,262  
Adjustments to reconcile net income from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:                
Depreciation of property and equipment     186,178       325,044  
Amortization of intangible assets     184,667       246,681  
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets     74,416       104,083  
Gain on cancellation of office lease    
-
      (141,001 )
Loss on disposal of property and equipment    
-
      39,238  
Gain on extinguishment of digital token liability     (338,553 )    
-
 
Impairment loss on digital tokens     765,232      
-
 
Realized (gain) loss from the sale of digital tokens     (307,934 )     72,823  
Write-off of note receivable    
-
      56,042  
Gain on extinguishment of term debt     (506,500 )    
-
 
Stock-based compensation     (35,653 )     243,197  
Bad debt expense     (3,235 )     4,015  
Common stock issued for consulting services    
-
      43,500  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Digital tokens     (884,263 )     (439,145 )
Accounts receivable     (78,803 )     55,261  
Digital tokens receivable     210,000       (210,000 )
Operating lease liability     (74,416 )     (107,674 )
Digital tokens payable     215,156       123,397  
Prepaid expense and other current assets     (2,554 )     (219,263 )
Other assets    
-
      16,897  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities     680,848       (378,285 )
Deferred subscription revenue     (143,228 )     229,228  
Net cash provided by operating activities     1,265,464       1,435,300  
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Proceeds from Secured Communications Assets    
-
      150,000  
Proceeds from the sale of digital tokens     858,848       75,406  
Net cash provided by investing activities     858,848       225,406  
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Borrowings of term debt    
-
      506,500  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs     13,919,126      
-
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock pursuant to option exercise     8,002      
-
 
Purchase of treasury stock    
-
      (8,844 )
Net cash provided by financing activities     13,927,128       497,656  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents     16,051,440       2,158,362  
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     5,585,420       3,427,058  
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 21,636,860     $ 5,585,420  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:                
Non-cash investing and financing activities:                
Modification of operating lease right-of-use asset and liability   $ 244,940     $
-
 
Issuance of common stock pursuant to cashless option exercises   $ 38     $
-
 
Treasury stock received from cashless option exercises   $ 183,341     $
-
 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.Organization and Description of Business

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include Paltalk, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, A.V.M. Software, Inc., Paltalk Software Inc., Paltalk Holdings, Inc., Tiny Acquisition Inc., Camshare, Inc., Fire Talk LLC and Vumber LLC (collectively, the “Company”).

 

The Company’s product portfolio includes Paltalk, Camfrog and Tinychat, which together host one of the world’s largest collections of video-based communities. The Company’s other product is Vumber, which is a telecommunications services provider that enables users to communicate privately by having multiple phone numbers with any area code through which calls can be forwarded to a user’s existing telephone number. The Company has an over 20-year history of technology innovation and hold 14 patents.

 

Update on COVID-19

 

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the various attempts to contain it have created significant volatility, uncertainty and economic disruption. COVID-19 continues to have an unpredictable and unprecedented impact on the U.S. economy as federal, state and local governments react to this public health crisis with travel restrictions and potential quarantines. Although the Company’s core multimedia social applications have been able to support the increased demand we have experienced, the extent of the future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business is highly uncertain and difficult to predict. Adverse economic and market conditions as a result of COVID-19 could also affect the demand for the Company’s applications and the ability of the Company’s users to satisfy their obligations to the Company. If the pandemic continues to cause significant negative impacts to economic conditions, the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity could be materially and adversely impacted.

 

On April 13, 2020, to help ensure adequate liquidity in light of the uncertainties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company applied for a loan under the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), and on May 3, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note with an aggregate principal amount of $506,500 (the “Note”) in favor of Citibank, N.A., as lender (the “Lender”). On January 13, 2021, the Note was fully forgiven by the SBA and the Lender in compliance with the provisions of the CARES Act. The Company does not expect to incur additional indebtedness under the CARES Act.

 

2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries and were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and with the requirements of the Security and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

 

Significant Estimates and Assumptions

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.

 

Significant estimates relied upon in preparing these financial statements include the estimates used to determine the fair value of the stock options issued in share-based payment arrangements, subscription revenues net of refunds, credits, and known and estimated credit card chargebacks and the fair value of digital tokens. Management evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known. The Company bases estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from the Company’s estimates.

 

F-6

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

The fair value framework under the guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB’”) requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions used to measure the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, whereas Level 3, if applicable, would generally require significant management judgment. The three levels for categorizing assets and liabilities under the fair value measurement requirements are as follows:

 

Level 1: Fair value measurement of the asset or liability using observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

Level 2: Fair value measurement of the asset or liability using inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the applicable asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar (as opposed to identical) assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and

 

Level 3: Fair value measurement of the asset or liability using unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions regarding the applicable asset or liability.

 

The Company reviews the appropriateness of fair value measurements including validation processes, and the reconciliation of period-over-period fluctuations based on changes in key market inputs. All fair value measurements are subject to the Company’s analysis. Review and approval by management is required as part of the validation process.

 

The carrying amounts of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to the customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services. Sales tax is excluded from reported revenue. The Company has elected the practical expedient allowable by the guidance to not disclose information about remaining performance obligations pertaining to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less.

 

Subscription Revenue

 

The Company generates subscription revenue primarily from monthly premium subscription services. Subscription revenues are presented net of refunds, credits, and known and estimated credit card chargebacks. During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, subscriptions were offered in durations of one-, three-, six- and twelve- month terms. All subscription fees, however, are paid by credit card at the origination of the subscription regardless of the term of the subscription. Revenues from multi-month subscriptions are recognized on a straight-line basis over the period where the service is offered to the customer, indicated by length of the subscription term purchased. The unearned portion of subscription revenue is presented as deferred revenue in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenue at December 31, 2020 was $2,058,721, which was subsequently recognized as subscription revenue during the year ended December 31, 2021. The ending balance of deferred revenue at December 31, 2021 was $1,915,493.

 

In addition, the Company offers virtual gifts to its users. Users may purchase credits in $5, $10 or $20 increments that can be redeemed for a host of virtual gifts such as a rose, a beer or a car, among other items. These gifts are given among users to enhance communication and are typically redeemed within 30 days of purchase. Upon purchase, the virtual gifts are credited to the users’ account and are under the users’ control. Virtual gift revenue is recognized upon the users’ redemption of virtual gifts at the fixed transaction price and included in subscription revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Virtual gift revenue is presented as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets until virtual gifts are redeemed. Virtual gift revenue was $5,586,710 and $5,188,858 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The ending balance of deferred revenue from virtual gifts at December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $293,737 and $348,677, respectively.

 

Advertising Revenue

 

The Company generates advertising revenue from the display of advertisements on its products through contractual agreements with third parties that are based on the number of advertising impressions delivered. Measurements of impressions include when a customer clicks an advertisement (CPC basis), views an advertisement impression (CPM basis), or registers for an external website via an advertisement by clicking on or through the application (CPA basis). Advertising revenue is dependent upon traffic as well as the advertising inventory placed on the Company’s products.

 

F-7

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Technology Service Revenue

 

Technology service revenue is generated under service and partnership agreements that the Company negotiates with third parties which includes development, integration, engineering, licensing or other services that the Company provides.

 

On May 29, 2020, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement, which was subsequently amended and restated (the “Amended and Restated Agreement”), with SecureCo, LLC (“SecureCo”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell substantially all of the assets related to its secure communications business to SecureCo. The Amended and Restated Agreement also provides for a revenue sharing arrangement, pursuant to which the Company is entitled to receive quarterly royalty payments ranging from 5% to 10% of certain revenues received by SecureCo, with the aggregate amount of such royalty payments not to exceed $500,000. The royalty payments, if received, will be recorded as technology service revenue. The Company does not expect to continue to pursue secure communications products or technology implementation services as part of its overall business strategy.

 

The Company also recorded technology service revenue in connection with its agreement to serve as a launch partner with Open Props, Inc. (formerly YouNow, Inc., and referred to herein as “YouNow”) and to integrate YouNow’s props infrastructure (the “Props platform”) into its Camfrog and Paltalk applications (as amended, the “YouNow Agreement”).

 

Pursuant to the terms of the YouNow Agreement, YouNow agreed to pay the Company, in exchange for the Company’s services, an aggregate of 10.5 million cryptographic props tokens (“Props tokens”) upon the achievement of certain milestones as follows: (i) 3.0 million Props tokens upon execution of the YouNow Agreement, (ii) 4.0 million Props tokens upon the integration of the Props platform in the Company’s Camfrog application and (iii) 3.5 million Props tokens due upon the integration of the Props platform in the Company’s Paltalk application. In determining the value of the contract, the Company converted the Props tokens into U.S. dollars using an independent third-party valuation. The Props tokens were estimated to have a price equal to $0.02 per token (see Note 7 for additional information on the fair value of the Props tokens) at the contract inception date. The total contract value to be recognized was estimated to be $210,000, which was recognized on the completion dates of the integration services performed during the second and third quarters of 2020.

 

The upfront fee was recognized as revenue under the output method based on the direct measurements of the value of services transferred to date to the customer, relative to the remaining services under the contract. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized $60,000 of the upfront fee and $150,000 from the completion of the first and second integration milestones under technology service revenue in the consolidated statements of income and digital tokens receivable in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Once the integration of Props tokens into the Company’s Paltalk and Camfrog applications was completed, the Company began receiving Props tokens for providing a validator service and for allowing users to participate in the loyalty platform. The loyalty platform is intended to drive engagement and incentivize users financially by providing users with the ability to earn Props tokens while using the Paltalk and Camfrog applications. During the third and fourth quarters of 2020, the Company received an aggregate of 1.1 million Props tokens for the validator service and 13.5 million Props tokens under the loyalty platform. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company received 1.5 million Props tokens for the validator service and 24.3 million Props tokens under the loyalty platform. The net revenue earned was recorded under “technology service revenue” in the consolidated statements of income.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company retained an independent third-party to estimate the dollar value of the revenue for the validator service and digital tokens earned through the loyalty platform. Given the recent trading availability of Props tokens in various active markets, during the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company calculated the fair value of digital tokens based on the observable daily quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs) on multiple international exchanges, as recorded on CoinmarketCap (see Note 7 for additional information on the fair value of the Props tokens). The total net revenue value recognized as earned was estimated to be $454,504 and $525,748 for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

In August 2021, the Company received notice from YouNow that it was terminating the YouNow Agreement, and that it would no longer support the Props platform past the end of calendar year 2021. In connection with the notice of termination and in accordance with the YouNow Agreement, the Company received an additional 2,625,000 Props tokens. The value of these tokens was recorded as revenue under “technology service revenue” in the consolidated statements of income. As a result of the termination of the YouNow Agreement, the Company notified its users that it would no longer be issuing Props starting October 15, 2021 and would be replacing any user’s outstanding Props with a new internal rewards program. The new rewards loyalty program for Paltalk and Camfrog, allowed users to keep their existing rewards earned from the former Props program as internal rewards and also have the opportunity to earn new internal rewards points. In connection with the internal rewards points, the Company added 25 new reward tiers such as specialty coins, subscriptions, stickers, flair, and other popular buttons.

 

As of the termination of the YouNow Agreement, the Company held 8,575,638 Props, or $338,553, under “digital tokens payable” in our consolidated balance sheets. In accordance with ASC 405-20-40, the Company recorded a $338,553 gain on extinguishment of digital tokens payable under the Company’s operation expenses in the statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

F-8

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Revisions to the Company’s estimates may result in increases or decreases to revenues and income and are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the periods in which they are first identified. If the Company’s estimates indicate that a contract loss will be incurred, a loss provision is recorded in the period in which the loss first becomes probable and can be reasonably estimated. Contract losses are the amount by which the estimated costs of the contract exceed the estimated total revenue that will be generated by the contract and are included in cost of revenues in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. There were no contract losses for the periods presented.

 

Digital Tokens

 

At December 31, 2020, digital tokens and digital tokens receivable consist of Props tokens received in connection with the YouNow Agreement. Given that there is limited precedent regarding the classification and measurement of cryptocurrencies and other digital tokens under current GAAP, management has exercised significant judgment in determining the appropriate accounting treatment and in the event that authoritative guidance is enacted by the FASB, the Company may be required to change its policies, which could have an effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results from operations.

 

The Company determined to account for digital tokens as indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but assessed for impairment annually, or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived asset is impaired. Impairment exists when the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, which is measured using the quoted price of the digital token at the time its fair value is being measured. In testing for impairment, the Company has the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an impairment exists. If it is determined that it is not more likely than not that an impairment exists, a quantitative impairment test is not necessary. Otherwise, it is required to perform a quantitative impairment test. If, at the time of an impairment test, the carrying amount of an intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess is recognized. Subsequent reversal of impairment losses is not permitted.

 

Gains (if any) are not recorded until realized upon sale, at which point they would be presented net of any impairment losses in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. In determining the gain to be recognized upon sale, the Company calculates the difference between the sales price and carrying value of the specific digital token sold immediately prior to sale.

 

During year the ended December 31, 2021, the Company sold approximately 36.9 million Props tokens for total proceeds of $0.9 million. The realized gain of the sale of digital tokens was approximately $307,934 for the year ended December 31, 2021 and is included in the consolidated statements of income.

 

The Company determines the fair value of its digital tokens on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. See Note 7, Digital Tokens, to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Company’s digital tokens.

 

Cost of Revenue

 

Cost of revenue consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in data center and customer care functions, credit card processing fees, hosting fees, and data center rent and bandwidth costs. Cost of revenue also includes compensation and other employee-related costs for technical personnel and subcontracting costs relating to technology service revenue.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

Sales and marketing expense consists primarily of advertising expenditures and compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in sales and sales support functions. Advertising and promotional spend includes online marketing, including fees paid to search engines, and offline marketing, which primarily consists of partner-related payments to those who direct traffic to the Company’s brands. Total advertising expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 was approximately $1.2 million and $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

F-9

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Product Development

 

Product development expense, which relates to the development of technology of the Company’s applications, consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs that are not capitalized for personnel engaged in the design, testing and enhancement of service offerings as well as amortization of capitalized website development costs.

 

General and Administrative

 

General and administrative expense consists primarily of compensation (including stock-based compensation) and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in executive management, finance, legal, tax, human resources and facilities costs and fees for other professional services. General and administrative expense also includes depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets.

 

Reportable Segment

 

The Company operates in one reportable segment, and management assesses the Company’s financial performance and makes operating decisions based on a single operating segment.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, the Company determines deferred tax assets and liabilities on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

 

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets to the extent that the Company believes that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If the Company determines that it would be able to realize deferred taxes in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

 

The Company records uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC No. 740, Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

 

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits on the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. Accrued interest and penalties would be included on the related tax liability line in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

In accordance with ASC No. 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, the Company measures the compensation costs of stock-based compensation arrangements based on the grant date fair value of granted instruments and recognizes the costs in the financial statements over the period during which employees are required to provide services. Stock-based compensation arrangements include stock options and restricted stock awards.

 

F-10

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Equity instruments issued to non-employees are recorded on the basis of the fair value of the instruments, as required by Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-07, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718) (“ASU 2018-07”). ASU 2018-07 expands the scope of Topic 718, which currently only includes share-based payments to employees, to include share-based payments to non-employees for goods or services. Consequently, the accounting for share-based payments to non-employees and employees will be substantially aligned.

 

The fair value of each option granted under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) and 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (see Note 10 for further details). Using this model, fair value is calculated based on assumptions with respect to the (i) expected volatility of the Company’s common stock price, (ii) expected life of the award, which for options is the period of time over which employees and non- employees are expected to hold their options prior to exercise, (iii) expected dividend yield on the Company’s common stock, and (iv) a risk-free interest rate, which is based on quoted U.S. Treasury rates for securities with maturities approximating the expected term. Expected volatility is estimated based on the Company’s historical volatilities. The expected life of options has been determined using the “simplified” method, which uses the midpoint between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term. The expected dividend yield is zero as the Company has never paid dividends and does not currently anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

Net Income Per Share

 

Basic earnings and net income per share are computed by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period as defined by ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options (using the treasury stock method). To the extent stock options are antidilutive, they are excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit with banks and money market funds. The Company maintains cash in bank accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. As part of its cash management process, the Company periodically reviews the relative credit standing of these banks. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and periodically evaluates the credit worthiness of the financial institutions and has determined the credit exposure to be negligible.

 

Receivables

 

Accounts receivable are composed of amounts due from our advertising partners and from credit card processing companies following the initiation of subscription arrangements originated by the Company’s subscribers, which pay by credit card. These receivables are unsecured and are typically settled by the payment processing company within several days of transaction processing accordingly, an allowance for doubtful accounts is considered. Accounts receivable from advertising partners and payment processing companies amounted to $153,448 and $71,410 on December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2021, three advertising partners accounted for 48% of accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2021, the three advertising partners made up 22%, 15%, and 11% of accounts receivable, respectively.

 

F-11

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of those assets, as follows:

 

Computers and equipment  5 years
Website development  3 years
Furniture and fixtures  7 years
Leasehold improvements  Shorter of estimated useful life or remaining lease term
Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred 
 

 

Property and equipment is evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets might not be recoverable. In evaluating an asset for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flow expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the expected future undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss, equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset, is recognized. No impairment losses were recorded on property and equipment for the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

 

Website Development Costs

 

In accordance with ASC 350-50, Website Development Costs, the Company accounts for website development costs by capitalizing qualifying costs which are incurred during the development and infrastructure stage. Expenses incurred in the planning stage are expensed as incurred. Capitalized website development cost is included in property and equipment and are amortized straight-line over the expected period of benefit, which is three years, when the software is ready for its intended use. Amortization expense related to capitalize website development costs is included in product development expense.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (as amended by ASU 2017-04), by assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company performs the quantitative goodwill impairment test, if, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances such as those described in paragraph ASC 350-20-35-3C(a) through (g), the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill related to the reporting unit.

 

The Company tests the recorded amount of goodwill for impairment on an annual basis on December 31 of each fiscal year or more frequently if there are indicators that the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds its carried value. The Company has one reporting unit. The Company performed a qualitative assessment and concluded that no impairment existed as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

 

Intangible Assets

 

The Company’s intangible assets represent definite lived intangible assets, which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

Patents 20 years
Trade names, trademarks, product names, URLs 5-10 years
Internally developed software 5-6 years
Non-compete agreements 3 years
Subscriber/customer relationships 3-12 years

 

F-12

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Company reviews intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Factors that the Company considers in deciding when to perform an impairment review include significant underperformance of the business in relation to expectations, significant negative industry or economic trends, and significant changes or planned changes in the use of the assets. If an impairment review is performed to evaluate a long-lived asset for recoverability, the Company compares forecasts of undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the long-lived asset to its carrying value. An impairment loss would be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset are less than its carrying amount. The impairment loss would be based on the excess of the carrying value of the impaired asset over its fair value, determined based on discounted cash flows. No impairments were recorded on intangible assets as no impairment indicators were noted for the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

 

Leases

 

The Company accounts for its leases under ASC 842, Leases (“ASC 842”). Under this guidance, arrangements meeting the definition of a lease are classified as operating or financing leases and are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as both a right of use asset and lease liability, calculated by discounting fixed lease payments over the lease term at the rate implicit in the lease or the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. Lease liabilities are increased by interest and reduced by payments each period, and the right of use asset is amortized over the lease term. For operating leases, interest on the lease liability and the amortization of the right of use asset result in straight-line rent expense over the lease term.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. On December 1, 2021, the Company adopted ASU 2019-12 and its adoption did not have any significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the current presentation. These reclassifications have no impact on the previously reported net income.

 

4.Property and Equipment, Net

 

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following for the periods presented:

 

    December 31,
    2021   2020
Computer equipment   $ 866,459     $ 866,459  
Website development     3,076,323       3,076,323  
Furniture and fixtures     47,463       47,463  
Total property and equipment     3,990,245       3,990,245  
Less: Accumulated depreciation     (3,920,646 )     (3,734,468 )
Total property and equipment, net   $ 69,599     $ 255,777  

 

Depreciation expense, which includes amortization of website development costs, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $186,178 and $325,044, respectively.

 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $0 and $39,238, respectively, as a result from the termination of one of our office leases.

 

5.Goodwill

 

The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually and whenever events or circumstances arise that indicate an impairment may exist. The Company determined there were no indicators that would lead to a test for impairment during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Goodwill was $6,326,250 as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

 

F-13

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

6.Intangible Assets, Net

 

Intangible assets, net consisted of the following for the periods presented:

 

    December 31,  
    2021     2020  
    Gross
Carrying
Amount
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Carrying
Amount
    Gross
Carrying
Amount
    Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Carrying
Amount
 
Patents   $ 50,000     $ (31,251 )   $ 18,749     $ 50,000     $ (28,750 )   $ 21,250  
Trade names, trademarks, product names, URLs     555,000       (509,148 )     45,852       555,000       (493,648 )     61,352  
Internally developed software     1,990,000       (1,990,000 )    
-
      1,990,000       (1,990,000 )    
-
 
Subscriber/customer relationships     2,279,000       (2,147,058 )     131,942       2,279,000       (1,980,392 )     298,608  
Total intangible assets   $ 4,874,000     $ (4,677,457 )   $ 196,543     $ 4,874,000     $ (4,492,790 )   $ 381,210  

 

Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $184,667 and $246,681, respectively. The aggregate amortization expense for each of the next three years and thereafter is estimated to be $149,944 in 2022, $18,000 in 2023, $17,349 in 2024 and $11,250 thereafter.

 

7.Digital Tokens

 

Digital tokens, digital tokens receivable and digital tokens payable for the periods presented consist of Props tokens received in connection with the YouNow Agreement. Given that there is limited precedent regarding the classification and measurement of cryptocurrencies and other digital tokens under current GAAP, the Company has determined to account for these tokens as indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other until further guidance is issued by the FASB.

 

The Props tokens received, receivable and payable from YouNow are intangible assets that are accounted for at cost, less impairment charges. According to the FASB guidance noted above, a holder of utility tokens cannot only compare the carrying value to fair value at the reporting period, but instead must assess impairment daily. As a result, the Company uses the amount equal to the lowest price during the period in which the Props tokens are held as the carrying amount for purposes of testing for impairment.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, to calculate the fair value of the Props tokens received, receivable and payable pursuant to the YouNow Agreement, the Company, through a third-party valuation, used the Backsolve method, which utilizes the option pricing method to calculate the implied value of the Props tokens based on the most recent transaction price publicly available (Level 3 inputs). For purposes of the Backsolve method, the Company used a precedent transaction in which Props tokens were purchased at a price of $0.07 per Props token. The precedent transaction also included the issuance of warrants to purchase additional Props tokens at a strike price of $0.07 per Props token. Using the Backsolve method, the Company took into account the strike price of the warrants issued in the precedent transaction and then determined the allocated value of the Props tokens as though it were a basket purchase.

 

The implied fair value of the Props tokens represents a marketable basis of value. As the Props tokens do not currently have access to a liquid marketplace, a discount for lack of marketability was applied to the implied fair value using a protective put calculation. A summary of the key inputs used in the Backsolve model at December 31, 2020 are summarized as follows:

 

Maturity (time until an exit or liquidity)  1 year 
Volatility   197.0%
Risk free rate of return   0.16%

 

The basic logic of the protective put approach is supported by the notion that the holder of a non-marketable security can effectively purchase liquidity by purchasing a put option on the security. Therefore, the non-marketable value of a security is its value on a marketable basis, less the value of the hypothetical put option. The put option calculation relies on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which utilizes volatility from comparable utility tokens, an estimated time to maturity (or liquidity), and the risk-free rate commensurate with that maturity.

 

F-14

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Digital tokens earned, receivable or payable before June 30, 2020, were recorded based on an estimated fair value of $0.02. Digital tokens earned, receivable or payable from July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 were recorded based on an estimated fair value of $0.039. At December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $439,145 under digital tokens, $123,397 under digital tokens payable and $210,000 under digital tokens receivable.

 

Given the recent trading availability of Props tokens in various active markets, during the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company calculated the fair value of digital tokens based on the observable daily quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs) on multiple international exchanges, as recorded on CoinmarketCap. At December 31, 2021, the Company recorded $7,262 under digital tokens.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge in the amount of $765,232, which is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of income as a result of recent declines in the quoted market prices of certain digital tokens below the market price of their acquisition.

 

In August 2021, the Company received notice from YouNow that it was terminating the YouNow Agreement, and that it would not support the Props platform past the end of calendar year 2021. In connection with the notice of termination and in accordance with the YouNow Agreement, the Company received an additional 2,625,000 Props tokens. As a result of the termination of the YouNow Agreement, the Company notified its users that it would no longer be issuing Props starting October 15, 2021 and would be replacing any user’s outstanding Props with a new internal rewards program.

 

During year the ended December 31, 2021, the Company sold approximately 36.9 million Props tokens for proceeds $0.9 million. The realized gain of the sale of digital tokens was approximately $307,934 for the year ended December 31, 2021 and is included in the consolidated statements of income.

 

8.Income Taxes

 

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Under ASC 740, the effects of changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period which the new legislation is enacted. The CARES Act made various tax law changes including among other things (i) increased the limitation under IRC Section 163(j) for 2019 and 2020 to permit additional expensing of interest (ii) enacted a technical correction so that qualified improvement property can be immediately expensed under IRC Section 168(k), (iii) made modifications to the federal net operating loss rules including permitting federal net operating losses incurred in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be carried back to the five preceding taxable years in order to generate a refund of previously paid income taxes and (iv) enhanced recoverability of AMT tax credits. Given the Company’s full valuation allowance position, the CARES Act did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

The Company’s provision for income taxes is comprised of the following: 

 

   December 31, 
   2021   2020 
Current        
Federal  $
-
   $
-
 
State and local   9,951    387 
Total Current   9,951    387 
Deferred          
Federal   
-
    
-
 
State and local   
-
    
-
 
Change in Valuation Allowance   
-
    
-
 
Total Deferred   
-
    
-
 
Total Provision (Benefit)  $9,951   $387 

 

F-15

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:  

 

   December 31, 
   2021   2020 
Deferred Tax Assets:        
Net operating losses  $3,907,758   $4,098,329 
Share-based compensation   767,318    859,100 
Amortization of Intangible Assets   716,598    769,742 
Rent   56,251    15,272 
Tax Credits   62,969    62,969 
Other   266,986    160,762 
Subtotal   5,777,880    5,966,174 
Less Valuation Allowance:   (5,713,490)   (5,903,825)
Total Deferred Tax Assets   64,390    62,349 
Deferred Tax Liabilities:          
Property and equipment   (64,390)   (62,349)
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities   (64,390)   (62,349)
Net Deferred Tax Assets  $
-
   $
-
 

 

In assessing the Company’s ability to recover its deferred tax assets, the Company evaluated whether it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income in those periods in which temporary differences become deductible and/or net operating losses can be utilized. The Company considered all positive and negative evidence when determining the amount of the net deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. This evidence includes, but is not limited to, historical earnings, scheduled reversal of taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income. Based on these factors including cumulative losses in recent years, the Company determined that its deferred tax assets are not realizable on a more-likely-than-not basis and has recorded a valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. The Company’s valuation allowance decreased by $190,335 during 2021. The Company will continue to evaluate its deferred tax assets to determine whether any changes in circumstances could affect the realization of their future benefit. If it is determined in future periods that portions of the Company’s deferred income tax assets satisfy the realization standards, the valuation allowance will be reduced accordingly.

 

As of December 31, 2021, the Company has U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $17.4 million, of which $13.1 million may be subject to an annual limitation under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Of the $17.4 million, approximately, $16.2 million are available to offset 100% of future taxable income but expire in varying amounts between 2030 to 2037, if not utilized. The remaining $1.2 million is available to offset 80% of future taxable income but may be carried forward indefinitely.

 

The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for 2021 and 2020 as follows:

 

   2021   2020 
Income tax (expense) benefit at federal statutory rate   21.0%   21.0%
Permanent Differences   0.2%   0.2%
State and local taxes   (4.5)%   1.9%
Valuation allowance   (14.3)%   (37.0)%
Deferred tax adjustment   2.6%   0.0%
Share based compensation   3.9%   14.6%
PPP Loan Forgiveness   (8.0)%   - 
Other   (0.2)%   (0.6)%
Effective tax rate   0.7%   0.1%

 

The Company applies the applicable authoritative guidance which prescribes a comprehensive model for the manner in which a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements all material uncertain tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has no uncertain tax positions. As such, there are no uncertain tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months from December 31, 2021.

 

The Company files a federal income tax return and income tax returns in various state tax jurisdictions. The open tax years for the federal income tax return are 2018 through 2021. The state income tax returns have varying statutes of limitations. The open tax years relating to any of the Company’s federal and state net operating losses begin in 2011.

 

F-16

 

  

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

9.Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following for the periods presented:

 

    December 31,  
    2021     2020  
Compensation, benefits and payroll taxes   $ 318,150     $ 226,500  
Other accrued expenses     26,291       27,584  
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities   $ 344,441     $ 254,084  

 

10.Stockholders’ Equity

 

The Paltalk, Inc. Amended and Restated 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) was terminated as to future awards on May 16, 2016. A total of 121,930 shares of the Company’s common stock may be issued pursuant to outstanding options awarded under the 2011 Plan; however, no additional awards may be granted under such plan. The Paltalk, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“the 2016 Plan”) was adopted by the Company’s stockholders on May 16, 2016 and permits the Company to award stock options (both incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards, dividend equivalent rights, and other stock-based awards and cash-based incentive awards to its employees (including an employee who is also a director or officer under certain circumstances), non-employee directors and consultants. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards under the 2016 Plan is 1,300,000 shares, 100% of which may be issued pursuant to incentive stock options. In addition, the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2016 Plan may be increased by an indeterminate number of shares of common stock underlying outstanding awards issued under the 2011 Plan that are forfeited, expired, cancelled or settled in cash. As of December 31, 2021, there were 978,359 shares available for future issuance under the 2016 Plan.

 

August 2021 Underwritten Public Offering

 

On August 5, 2021, the Company announced the pricing and closing of an underwritten public offering (the “August 2021 Offering”), in which the Company sold an aggregate of 1,333,310 shares of the Company’s common stock (which includes 173,910 shares sold to the underwriter pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option) at a public offering price of $3.00 per share. The August 2021 Offering was made pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-257036), initially filed with the SEC on June 11, 2021, and was subsequently amended and declared effective on August 2, 2021.

 

Gross proceeds received by the Company from the August 2021 Offering were approximately $4.0 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses of approximately $769,200. These costs were recorded in stockholders’ equity as a reduction of additional paid-in capital in connection with Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5A.

 

In connection with the August 2021 Offering, the Company’s common stock was approved for listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “PALT” and began trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market on August 3, 2021.

 

October 2021 Underwritten Public Offering

 

On October 19, 2021, we announced the pricing and closing of an underwritten public offering of an aggregate of 1,552,500 shares of our common stock (which includes 202,500 shares sold to the underwriter pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option) at a public offering price of $7.50 per share (the “October 2021 Offering”). The October 2021 Offering was made pursuant to an effective shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-260063), previously filed with the SEC on October 5, 2021 and declared effective on October 14, 2021. The October 2021 Offering was offered by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, forming part of the registration statement.

 

Gross proceeds received by the Company from the October 2021 Offering were approximately $11.6 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses of approximately $955,400. These costs were recorded in stockholders’ equity as a reduction of additional paid-in capital in connection with Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5A.

 

Stock Options

 

The following table summarizes the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes pricing model to estimate the fair value of the options granted during the years ended:

 

    December 31,  
    2021     2020  
Expected volatility     178.0 – 197.0 %     188.0 %
Expected life of option     5.0 – 5.5       5.3  
Risk free interest rate     0.81 – 0.88 %     0.6 %
Expected dividend yield     0.0 %     0.0 %

 

F-17

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The expected life of the options is the period of time over which employees and non-employees are expected to hold their options prior to exercise. The expected life of options has been determined using the “simplified” method as prescribed by Staff Accounting Bulletin 110, which uses the midpoint between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term. The volatility of the Company’s common stock is calculated using the Company’s historical volatilities beginning at the grant date and going back for a period of time equal to the expected life of the award. The Company estimates potential forfeitures of stock awards and adjusts recorded stock-based compensation expense accordingly. The Company estimates pre-vesting forfeitures primarily based on the Company’s historical experience and is adjusted to reflect actual forfeitures as the stock-based awards vest.

 

The following tables summarize stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2021:

 

       Weighted 
       Average 
   Number of   Exercise 
   Options   Price 
Outstanding at January 1, 2021   622,036   $5.53 
Granted   37,932    3.77 
Exercised during period   (61,906)   3.09 
Forfeited or canceled, during the period   (128,569)   4.06 
Expired, during the period   (33,723)   16.50 
Outstanding at December 31, 2021   435,770   $5.31 
Exercisable at December 31, 2021   394,075   $5.65 

 

At December 31, 2021, there was $71,222 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.96 years.

 

On December 31, 2021, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options that were outstanding and exercisable was $149,394 and $109,644, respectively. On December 31, 2020, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options that were outstanding and exercisable was $15,840 and $15,840, respectively. The intrinsic value for stock options is calculated based on the exercise price of the underlying awards and the fair value of such awards as of the period-end date.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company granted stock options to members of the Board of Directors to purchase an aggregate of 24,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.20 per share. The stock options vest in four equal quarterly installments on the last day of each calendar quarter in 2021 and have a term of ten years. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company also granted options to employees to purchase an aggregate of 13,932 shares of common stock. These options have a vesting date ranging between the grant date and up to four years, have a term of ten years and have an exercise price of $3.20 to $4.90.

 

The aggregate fair value for the options granted during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $145,522 and $18,664, respectively.

 

Stock-based compensation expense for the Company’s stock options included in the consolidated statements of income was as follows:

 

    Years Ended  
    December 31,  
    2021     2020  
Cost of revenue   $ 67,182     $ 1,527  
Sales and marketing expense     294       90  
Product development expense     11,302       19,491  
General and administrative expense     (114,431 )     222,089  
Total stock-based compensation expense   $ (35,653 )   $ 243,197  

 

Treasury Shares

 

On April 29, 2019, the Company implemented a stock repurchase plan to repurchase up to $500,000 of its common stock for cash. The repurchase plan expired on April 29, 2020. The Company had purchased 9,950 shares of its common stock under the repurchase plan as of April 29, 2020 and has classified them as treasury shares on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the Company retained 22,013 in treasury shares as part of a net share exercise of stock options by former employees. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had 31,963 shares of its common stock classified as treasury shares on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

F-18

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

11.Net Income Per Share

 

Basic earnings and net income per share are computed by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period as defined by ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options (using the treasury stock method). To the extent stock options are antidilutive, they are excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 392,749 of shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share from operations because their inclusion would be antidilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 43,021 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options were included in the computation of diluted net income per share from operations because their inclusion would be dilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2020, 618,918 of shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options were not included in the computation of diluted net income per share for operations because their inclusion would be antidilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2020, 3,118 of shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options were included in the computation of diluted net income per share for operations because their inclusion would be dilutive.

 

The following table summarizes the net income per share calculation for the periods presented:

 

   Years Ended 
   December 31, 
   2021   2020 
Net income from operations – basic and diluted  $1,324,106   $1,371,262 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic   7,766,111    6,884,690 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted   7,809,132    6,887,808 
Per share data:          
           
Basic from operations  $
0. 17
   $
0. 20
 
Diluted from operations  $
0. 17
   $
0. 20
 

 

12.Leases

 

Operating Leases

 

On June 7, 2016, the Company entered into a lease agreement with Jericho Executive Center LLC for office space at 30 Jericho Executive Plaza in Jericho, New York, which commenced on September 1, 2016 and runs through November 30, 2021. The Company’s monthly office rent payments under the lease are currently approximately $7,081 per month. On April 9, 2021, the Company entered into a lease extension agreement with Jericho Executive Center LLC for the office space at 30 Jericho Executive Plaza in Jericho, New York, which commenced on December 1, 2021 and runs through November 30, 2024. The modification resulted in an increase its ROU assets and lease liabilities of $0.2 million, using a discount rate of 2.30%.

 

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had no long-term leases that were classified as financing leases. As of December 31, 2021, the Company did not have additional operating and financing leases that had not yet commenced.

 

At December 31, 2021, the Company had operating lease liabilities of approximately $239,000 and right-of-use assets of approximately $239,000, which are included in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Total rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $84,525, of which $4,500 was sublease income. Total rent expense for year ended December 31, 2020 was $206,347, of which $36,095 was sublease income. Rent expense is recorded under general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income.

 

F-19

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s operating leases for the periods presented:

 

   Years Ended 
   December 31, 
   2021   2020 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities:  $74,416   $107,674 
Weighted average assumptions:          
Remaining lease term   2.9    0.9 
Discount rate   2.3%   3.5%

 

As of December 31, 2021, future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases were as follows:

 

For the years ending December 31,   Amount  
2022   $ 84,975  
2023     84,975  
2024     77,894  
Total   $ 247,844  
Less: present value adjustment     (8,353 )
Present value of minimum lease payments   $ 239,491  

 

13.Term Debt

 

On April 13, 2020, to help ensure adequate liquidity in light of the uncertainties posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the Company applied for a loan under the SBA PPP under the CARES Act. On May 3, 2020, the Company entered into the Note in favor of the Lender.

 

The Note had an aggregate principal amount of $506,500, a two-year term, a maturity date of May 3, 2022 and borne interest at a stated rate of 1.0% per annum. The Company did not provide any collateral or guarantees for the Note, nor did the Company pay any facility charge to obtain the Note. The Note provided for customary events of default, including, among others, those relating to failure to make payment, bankruptcy, breaches of representations and material adverse effects.

 

On January 13, 2021, the Note was fully forgiven by the SBA and the Lender in compliance with the provisions of the CARES Act.

 

14.Commitments and Contingencies

 

Patent Litigations

 

On July 23, 2021, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, Paltalk Holdings, Inc., filed a patent infringement lawsuit against WebEx Communications, Inc., Cisco WebEx LLC, and Cisco Systems, Inc. (collectively, “Cisco”), in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. The Company alleges that Cisco’s Webex products have infringed U.S. Patent No. 6,683,858, and that the Company is entitled to damages. A Markman hearing took place on February 24, 2022 and a trial is scheduled for early 2023. 

 

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company may be included in legal proceedings, claims and assessments arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company evaluates the need for a reserve for specific legal matters based on the probability of an unfavorable outcome and the reasonability of an estimable loss. No reserve was deemed necessary as of December 31, 2021.

 

16.Subsequent Events

 

On January 28, 2022, the Board of Directors approved the issuance of 145,000 stock options to employees of the Company.

  

Management has evaluated subsequent events or transactions occurring through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued and determined that no other events or transactions are required to be disclosed herein.

 

F-20

 

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure controls are procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Annual Report on Form 10-K, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls are also designed with the objective of ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Internal controls are procedures which are designed with the objective of providing reasonable assurance that (1) our transactions are properly authorized, recorded and reported; and (2) our assets are safeguarded against unauthorized or improper use, to permit the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP.

 

Our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

 

Based on the evaluation as of December 31, 2021, for the reasons set forth below, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control system was designed to, in general, provide reasonable assurance to our management and the Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements, but because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.

 

Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, and based on that evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective. Therefore, our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

The framework used by management in making that assessment was the criteria set forth in the document entitled “Internal Control – Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

 

Remediation of Previously Disclosed Material Weakness

 

As previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting determined that a material weakness in our internal controls existed as of December 31, 2020, due to the lack of controls related to change management within the technology that supported the Company’s financial reporting function. Measures were taken to remediate the material weakness, and we made significant improvements to our key process related to change management around technology support. We concluded this reported material weakness was remediated as of December 31, 2021.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have implemented changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the year ended December 31, 2021, related to general information technology controls in the area of change management in order to remediate the material weakness identified in the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2021 (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

37

 

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Officer Employment Agreements

 

On March 23, 2022, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Jason Katz, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (the “Katz Employment Agreement”), which amends and restates Mr. Katz’s existing employment agreement with the Company dated as of October 7, 2016. In addition, on March 23, 2022, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Kara Jenny, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (the “Jenny Employment Agreement”), which amends and restates Ms. Jenny’s existing employment with the Company dated as of December 9, 2019. Except as provided herein, all other terms and conditions of the prior employment agreements between the Company and each of Ms. Jenny and Mr. Katz will remain in full force and effect.

 

Pursuant to the Katz Employment Agreement, and as previously disclosed in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on April 9, 2021, effective February 1, 2021, Mr. Katz shall receive an annualized base salary of two hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($225,000). The foregoing description of the Katz Employment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Katz Employment Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.15 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Pursuant to the Jenny Employment Agreement, for fiscal year 2022, Ms. Jenny is entitled to receive an annualized base salary of two hundred sixty-five thousand dollars ($265,000), effective retroactively as of January 28, 2022. For fiscal year 2023, provided that Ms. Jenny is still employed and in good standing with the Company, she will be entitled to receive an annualized base salary of two hundred eighty-five thousand dollars ($285,000).

 

In addition, the Jenny Employment Agreement provides that in the event of a Change in Control, if Ms. Jenny is terminated by the Company other than for Cause, or if Ms. Jenny terminates her employment with the Company for Good Reason, then the Company shall pay Ms. Jenny severance equal to twelve (12) months of Ms. Jenny’s then-current annualized base salary (each such capitalized term as defined in the Jenny Employment Agreement). The foregoing description of the Jenny Employment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Jenny Employment Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.21 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Stock Repurchase Plan

 

On March 21, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stock repurchase plan for up to $1,750,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “Stock Repurchase Plan”). The Stock Repurchase Plan is effective as of March 29, 2022 and expires on the one-year anniversary of such date. Shares may be repurchased from time-to-time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws, including Rule 10b5-1 programs, and the Stock Repurchase Plan may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The actual timing, number and value of shares repurchased will be determined by a committee of the Board of Directors at its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including the market price of the Company’s common stock, general market and economic conditions, alternative investment opportunities and other corporate considerations.

 

 

ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.

 

Not applicable.

 

38

 

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The information required in response to this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information required in response to this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 

The information required in response to this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The information required in response to this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information required in response to this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

39

 

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

The following are filed as part of this Annual Report:

 

1.Financial Statements

 

The financial statements filed as part of this Annual Report are included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

 

2.Financial Statement Schedules

 

All schedules have been omitted since the required information is not present, or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.

 

3.Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

 

  (a)  Documents filed as part of this Annual Report.  

 

1. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-1
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 F-2
  Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 F-5
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-6
2. Financial Statement Schedules  

 

40

 

 

3. Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K
   
  The following exhibits are included herein or incorporated herein by reference:

 

2.1#   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 13, 2016, by and among Paltalk, Inc., SAVM Acquisition Corporation, A.V.M. Software, Inc. and Jason Katz (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on September 14, 2016 by the Company with the SEC).
     
2.2#   Asset Purchase Agreement, by and between Paltalk, Inc. and The Dating Company, LLC, dated as of January 31, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on February 4, 2018 by the Company with the SEC).
     
2.3#   Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 29, 2020, by and between Paltalk, Inc. and SecureCo, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company filed on August 6, 2020 by the Company with the SEC).
     
3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of Paltalk, Inc. (as amended through May 15, 2020) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company filed November 9, 2021 by the Company with the SEC).
     
3.2   Amended and Restated By-Laws of Paltalk, Inc. (as amended through May 15, 2020) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company filed November 9, 2021 by the Company with the SEC).
     
4.1*   Specimen Stock Certificate of Paltalk, Inc.
     
4.2*   Description of Securities.
     
10.1   Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, by and between Paltalk, Inc. and Facebook Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-52176) filed March 31, 2011 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.2   Registered Apple Developer Agreement, by and between Paltalk, Inc. and Apple Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-52176) filed March 31, 2011 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.3   iOS Developer Program License Agreement, by and between Paltalk, Inc. and Apple Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-52176) filed March 31, 2011 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.4†   Amended and Restated Paltalk, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-52176) of the Company filed on November 14, 2011 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.5†   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-174456) of the Company filed on May 24, 2011 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.6†   Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-174456) of the Company filed on May 24, 2011 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.7†   Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-174456) of the Company filed on May 24, 2011 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.8†   Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-52176) of the Company filed on November 14, 2011 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.9†   Paltalk, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on May 16, 2016 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.10†   First Amendment to Paltalk, Inc. 2016 Long Term Incentive Plan, dated as of April 10, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on May 30, 2017 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.11†   Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company filed on August 11, 2016 by the Company with the SEC).

 

41

 

 

10.12†   Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company filed on August 11, 2016 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.13†*   Form of Director and Officer Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement.
     
10.14†   Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company filed on August 11, 2016 by the Company with the SEC).
   
10.15†*   Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 23, 2022, by and between Paltalk, Inc. and Jason Katz.

 

10.16   Registration Rights Agreement, dated October 7, 2016, by and between Paltalk, Inc. and Clifford Lerner (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on October 11, 2016 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.17†   Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on February 15, 2017 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.18   First Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 15, 2018, by and between the Company and Clifford Lerner (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company filed on June 19, 2018 by the Company with the SEC).
     
10.19†*   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 23, 2022, by and between Paltalk, Inc. and Kara Jenny.
     
21.1*   Subsidiaries of the Company.
     
23.1*   Consent of Marcum LLP.
     
31.1*   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2*   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1**   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
101.INS   Inline XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
     
101.CAL   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
     
101.DEF   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
     
101.LAB   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
     
101.PRE   Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
     
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

 

# Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Paltalk, Inc. hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally copies of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits upon request by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Management contract or compensatory plan arrangement.

 

* Filed herewith.

 

** The certification attached as Exhibit 32.1 is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Paltalk, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of the Annual Report on Form 10-K, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

 

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

 

Not applicable.

 

42

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: March 23, 2022 PALTALK, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Jason Katz
    Jason Katz
    Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ Jason Katz   Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board   March 23, 2022
Jason Katz   (Principal Executive Officer)    
         
/s/ Kara Jenny   Chief Financial Officer and Director   March 23, 2022
Kara Jenny   (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)    
         
/s/ Yoram “Rami” Abada   Director   March 23, 2022
Yoram “Rami” Abada        
         
/s/ Lance Laifer   Director   March 23, 2022
Lance Laifer        
         
/s/ John Silberstein   Director   March 23, 2022
John Silberstein        

 

 

43

 

 

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Exhibit 4.1

 

 

 

 

PALTALK, INC.

AMERICAN STOCK TRANSFER & TRUST COMPANY, LLC

TRANSFER FEE: AS REQUIRED

 

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM - as tenants in common UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -                        Custodian                        
TEN ENT - as tenants by the entireties   (Cust)                                                (Minor)
JT TEN - as joint tenants with right   under Uniform Gifts to Minors
    of survivorship and not as  
    tenants in common    
        Act___________________________
        (State)

 

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

 

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER

IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED,______________________________________ hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________Shares of the Common Stock represented by the within Certificate and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint

 

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________Attorney to transfer the said stock on the books of the within-named Corporation, with full power of substitution in the premises.

 

Dated:___________________20________,

 

  Signature: X  
Signature(s) Guaranteed: Signature: X  

 

THE SIGNATURE(S) TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME(S) AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER. THE SIGNATURE(S) SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (Banks, Stockbrokers, Savings and Loan Associations and Credit Unions) WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM, PURSUANT TO S.E.C. RULE 17Ad-15.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.2

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

 

The following description of the securities of Paltalk, Inc. (“Paltalk,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”) is a summary of the material terms of, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our Certificate of Incorporation and our By-Laws, copies of which are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Our purpose is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”). Our authorized capital stock consists of 25,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. No shares of preferred stock are issued or outstanding as of the date hereof.

 

Common Stock

 

As of March 25, 2022, we had issued and outstanding 9,837,157 shares of common stock, including 31,963 shares of common stock held by us as treasury stock.

 

Dividend Rights

 

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor. We never have declared or paid cash dividends on any of our common stock and currently do not anticipate paying any cash dividends after the offering or in the foreseeable future.

 

Voting Rights

 

Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, including the election of directors. Our stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. Accordingly, holders of a plurality of the voting shares are able to elect all of the directors standing for election. Any other matters submitted to the vote of the stockholders must be authorized by a majority of the votes cast, except where the DGCL prescribes a different percentage of votes or a different exercise of voting power.

 

Liquidation

 

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably in the assets legally available for distribution to stockholders after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities.

 

Rights and Preferences

 

Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, conversion, subscription or other rights, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock that we may designate in the future.

 

Holders

 

As of March 21, 2022, there were approximately 53 holders of record of our common stock. This does not reflect the number of persons or entities who held stock in nominee or street name through various brokerage firms.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Our Board of Directors has the authority, within the limitations and restrictions of our Certificate of Incorporation, to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the powers, preferences and rights thereof without further action by our stockholders. These rights, preferences and privileges could include dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of such series, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of common stock. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of us or other corporate action. In addition, the issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of common stock and the likelihood that such holders will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation. In some circumstances, the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of decreasing the market price of our common stock. No shares of preferred stock are outstanding, and we do not currently intend to issue any shares of preferred stock.

 

 

 

 

Registration Rights

 

On October 7, 2016, we entered into a registration rights agreement with Clifford Lerner (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), a former officer, director and employee of the Company. The Registration Rights Agreement provides that, subject to certain limitations, Mr. Lerner may demand that we register for resale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, all or a portion of his shares of our common stock. In addition, the Registration Rights Agreement provides Mr. Lerner with certain incidental “piggy-back” registration rights, which generally allow him to participate in registered offerings of our common stock that are initiated by the Company or on behalf of other holders of the Company’s securities.

 

On June 15, 2018, in connection with Mr. Lerner’s resignation from the Company, we entered into an amendment to the Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Amendment”). The Registration Rights Amendment provides that Mr. Lerner may only exercise his demand registration rights to effect a firm commitment underwritten offering.

 

Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws and Certain Provisions of Delaware Law

 

Our Certificate of Incorporation, By-Laws and the DGCL, which are summarized in the following paragraphs, contain provisions that are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our Board of Directors. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, reduce our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our Board of Directors to maximize stockholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these provisions may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, deter or prevent a merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or other takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider is in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the prevailing market price for the shares of common stock held by stockholders.

 

Authorized but Unissued Capital Stock

 

The authorized but unissued shares of our common stock and our preferred stock will be available for future issuance without any further vote or action by our stockholders. These additional shares may be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of our common stock and our preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control over us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

 

Business Combinations

 

We are subject to the “business combination” provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in various “business combination” transactions with an interested stockholder for a period of three (3) years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

  the transaction is approved by the corporation’s Board of Directors prior to the date the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder;

 

2

 

 

  upon the consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or

 

  on or subsequent to such date the business combination is approved by the corporation’s Board of Directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of the corporation’s stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

In general, a “business combination” is defined to include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder and an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns or, within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, previously owned 15% or more of a corporation’s outstanding voting stock. This statute may encourage companies interested in acquiring our company to negotiate in advance with our Board of Directors because the stockholder approval requirement would be avoided if our Board of Directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. This statute also may have the effect of preventing changes in our Board of Directors and may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions which stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

 

Removal of Directors; Vacancies

 

Our By-Laws provide that directors may be removed with or without cause upon the affirmative vote of a majority in voting power of all outstanding shares of common stock present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote. Our By-Laws also provide that any vacancies or newly created directorships on our Board of Directors will be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.

 

No Cumulative Voting

 

Under Delaware law, the right to vote cumulatively does not exist unless the certificate of incorporation specifically authorizes cumulative voting. Our Certificate of Incorporation does not authorize cumulative voting.

 

Special Stockholder Meetings

 

Our By-Laws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by our President whenever he deems advisable. A special meeting of the stockholders will be called by the President whenever so directed in writing by a majority of the entire Board of Directors or whenever the holders of one-third (1/3) of the number of shares of our capital stock entitled to vote at such meeting request in writing that a special meeting be held. These provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging hostile takeovers, or changes in control or management of our company.

 

Requirements for Advance Notification of Director Nominations and Stockholder Proposals

 

Our By-Laws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors. In order for any matter to be “properly brought” before a meeting, a stockholder has to comply with advance notice requirements and provide us with certain information. Generally, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders. Our By-Laws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice. These provisions may defer, delay or discourage a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to influence or obtain control of our company.

 

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Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal and Payment

 

Under the DGCL, with certain exceptions, our stockholders will have appraisal rights in connection with a merger or consolidation of us. Pursuant to the DGCL, stockholders who properly request and perfect appraisal rights in connection with such merger or consolidation will have the right to receive payment of the fair value of their shares as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery.

 

Stockholders’ Derivative Actions

 

Under the DGCL, any of our stockholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the stockholder bringing the action is a holder of our shares at the time of the transaction to which the action relates or such stockholder’s stock thereafter devolved by operation of law.

 

Exclusive Forum

 

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides, subject to limited exceptions, that unless we consent to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of our company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, or other employee or stockholder of our company to the Company or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our Certificate of Incorporation or our By-Laws, or (iv) any other action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of our company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation. However, the enforceability of similar forum provisions in other companies’ certificates of incorporation has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that a court could find these types of provisions to be unenforceable.

 

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

 

Our Certificate of Incorporation contains a provision permitted under the DGCL relating to the liability of directors. This provision eliminates a director’s personal liability to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL for monetary damages resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty; provided that such provision will not eliminate or limit a director’s liability for:

 

  any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty;

 

  acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law;

 

  Section 174 of the DGCL (unlawful dividends); or

 

  any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit.

 

The principal effect of the limitation on liability provision is that a stockholder is unable to prosecute an action for monetary damages against a director unless the stockholder can demonstrate a basis for liability for which indemnification is not available under the DGCL. This provision, however, should not limit or eliminate our rights or any stockholder’s rights to seek non-monetary relief, such as an injunction or rescission, in the event of a breach of a director’s fiduciary duty. This provision does not alter a director’s liability under federal securities laws. The inclusion of this provision in our Certificate of Incorporation may discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors for a breach of their fiduciary duties, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise have benefited us and our stockholders.

 

Our Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws provide that we are required to indemnify our directors and officers, to the fullest extent permitted by law, for all judgments, fines, settlements, legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with pending or threatened legal proceedings because of the director’s or officer’s positions with us or another entity that the director or officer serves at our request, subject to various conditions and exceptions, and to advance funds to our directors and officers to enable them to defend against such proceedings.

 

We have entered into indemnification agreements and employment agreements with our directors and certain of our executive officers, respectively, pursuant to which we have agreed to indemnify such persons against any liability, damage, cost or expense incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding to which such persons are a party to the extent permitted by applicable law, subject to certain exceptions.

 

Trading Market

 

Our common stock is currently quoted on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “PALT.”

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, LLC.

 

 

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Exhibit 10.13

 

FORM OF NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

PALTALK, INC.

 

2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1. Grant of Option. Pursuant to the Paltalk, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for Employees, Contractors, and Outside Directors of Paltalk, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Company grants to

 

________ ___________

(the “Participant”)

 

an option (the “Option” or “Stock Option”) to purchase a total of ________(____________) full shares of Common Stock of the Company (the “Optioned Shares”) at an “Option Price” equal to $________ per share (which is equal to the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the Date of Grant).

 

The “Date of Grant” of this Stock Option is __________ __, 20__. The “Option Period” shall commence on the Date of Grant and shall expire on the date immediately preceding the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Date of Grant, unless terminated earlier in accordance with Section 4 below. The Stock Option is a Nonqualified Stock Option. This Stock Option is intended to comply with the provisions governing nonqualified stock options under the final Treasury Regulations issued on April 17, 2007, in order to exempt this Stock Option from application of Section 409A of the Code.

 

2. Subject to Plan. The Stock Option and its exercise are subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, and the terms of the Plan shall control to the extent not otherwise inconsistent with the provisions of this Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (this “Agreement”). The capitalized terms used herein that are defined in the Plan shall have the same meanings assigned to them in the Plan. The Stock Option is subject to any rules promulgated pursuant to the Plan by the Board or the Committee and communicated to the Participant in writing.

 

3. Vesting; Time of Exercise. Except as specifically provided in this Agreement and subject to certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Plan, the Optioned Shares shall be vested and the Stock Option shall be exercisable as follows:

 

a. _____________________ of the total Optioned Shares shall vest and that portion of the Stock Option shall become exercisable on _____________________, provided the Participant is employed by (or, if the Participant is a Contractor or an Outside Director, is providing services to) the Company or a Subsidiary on that date.

 

b. _____________________ of the total Optioned Shares shall vest and that portion of the Stock Option shall become exercisable on _____________________, provided the Participant is employed by (or, if the Participant is a Contractor or an Outside Director, is providing services to) the Company or a Subsidiary on that date.

 

c. _____________________ of the total Optioned Shares shall vest and that portion of the Stock Option shall become exercisable on _____________________, provided the Participant is employed by (or, if the Participant is a Contractor or an Outside Director, is providing services to) the Company or a Subsidiary on that date.

 

 

 

 

d. _____________________ of the total Optioned Shares shall vest and that portion of the Stock Option shall become exercisable on _____________________, provided the Participant is employed by (or, if the Participant is a Contractor or an Outside Director, is providing services to) the Company or a Subsidiary on that date.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change in Control, one hundred percent (100%) of the then-unvested Optioned Shares shall immediately vest and become fully exercisable, if not previously so exercisable, on the date of the Change in Control.

 

4. Term; Forfeiture.

 

a. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, to the extent the unexercised portion of the Stock Option relates to Optioned Shares that are not vested on the date of the Participant’s Termination of Service, the Stock Option will be terminated on that date. The unexercised portion of the Stock Option that relates to Optioned Shares which are vested on such date will terminate at the first of the following to occur:

 

i. 5 p.m. on the date the Option Period terminates;

 

ii. 5 p.m. on the date that is ninety (90) days following the date of the Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason not otherwise specified in this Section 4(a);

 

iii. immediately upon the Participant’s Termination of Service by the Company for Cause (as defined below);

 

iv. 5 p.m. on the date the Company causes any portion of the Stock Option to be forfeited pursuant to Section 7 hereof; or

 

v. immediately upon the Participant’s violation of any non-compete or non-solicitation agreement entered into between the Company and the Participant.

 

b. For purposes hereof, “Cause” shall have the meaning set forth in the employment agreement or other service agreement by and between the Company and the Participant; provided, that, if no such agreement is in effect or such agreement does not define such term, then “Cause” shall mean (i) acts of fraud or dishonesty in the course of employment or service, (ii) violations of law causing material harm to the Company, (iii) substance abuse causing harm to the Company or impairing performance, (iv) conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude, or (v) insubordination, dereliction of duties, habitual absenteeism, or material failure to follow reasonable Company instructions after (solely in the case of this clause (v)) notice to the Participant and the Participant’s failure to correct same within the time period specified in the notice, which time period shall be not less than ten (10) business days.

 

5. Who May Exercise. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Sections 3 and 4 above, during the lifetime of the Participant, the Stock Option may be exercised only by the Participant, or by the Participant’s guardian or personal or legal representative. If the Participant’s Termination of Service is due to his or her death prior to the dates specified in Section 4(a) hereof, and the Participant has not exercised the Stock Option as to the maximum number of vested Optioned Shares as set forth in Section 3 hereof as of the date of death, the following persons may exercise the exercisable portion of the Stock Option on behalf of the Participant at any time prior to the earliest of the dates specified in Section 4(a) hereof: the personal representative of his or her estate, or the person who acquired the right to exercise the Stock Option by bequest or inheritance or by reason of the death of the Participant; provided that the Stock Option shall remain subject to the other terms of this Agreement, the Plan, and Applicable Laws, rules, and regulations.

 

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6. No Fractional Shares. The Stock Option may be exercised only with respect to full shares, and no fractional share of stock shall be issued.

 

7. Manner of Exercise. Subject to such administrative regulations as the Committee may from time to time adopt, the Stock Option may be exercised by the delivery of written notice to the Committee setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Stock Option is to be exercised (the “Exercise Notice”) and the date of exercise thereof (the “Exercise Date”) which shall be the date that the Participant has delivered both the Exercise Notice and consideration to the Company with a value equal to the total Option Price of the shares to be purchased (plus any employment tax withholding or other tax payment due with respect to the exercise of the Stock Option). On the Exercise Date, the Participant shall deliver to the Company consideration with a value equal to the total Option Price of the shares to be purchased, payable as follows: (a) cash, check, bank draft, or money order payable to the order of the Company, (b) if the Company, in its sole discretion, so consents in writing, Common Stock (including Restricted Stock) owned by the Participant on the Exercise Date, valued at its Fair Market Value on the Exercise Date, and which the Participant has not acquired from the Company within six (6) months prior to the Exercise Date, (c) if the Company, in its sole discretion, so consents in writing, by delivery (including by FAX or electronic transmission) to the Company or its designated agent of an executed irrevocable option exercise form (or, to the extent permitted by the Company, exercise instructions, which may be communicated in writing, telephonically, or electronically) together with irrevocable instructions from the Participant to a broker or dealer, reasonably acceptable to the Company, to sell certain of the shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of the Stock Option or to pledge such shares as collateral for a loan and promptly deliver to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay such purchase price, and/or (d) in any other form of valid consideration that is acceptable to the Committee in its sole discretion. In the event that shares of Restricted Stock are tendered as consideration for the exercise of a Stock Option, a number of shares of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of the Stock Option equal to the number of shares of Restricted Stock used as consideration therefor shall be subject to the same restrictions and provisions as the Restricted Stock so tendered. If the Participant fails to deliver the consideration described above within three (3) business days of the date of the Exercise Notice, then the Exercise Notice shall be null and void and the Company will have no obligation to deliver any shares of Common Stock to the Participant in connection with such Exercise Notice.

 

Upon payment of all amounts due from the Participant, the Company shall cause certificates for the Common Stock then being purchased to be delivered as directed by the Participant (or the person exercising the Participant’s Stock Option in the event of his or her death) at its principal business office promptly after the Exercise Date. The obligation of the Company to deliver shares of Common Stock shall, however, be subject to the condition that, if at any time the Committee shall determine in its discretion that the listing, registration, or qualification of the Stock Option or the Common Stock upon any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system 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 Stock Option or the issuance or purchase of shares of Common Stock thereunder, then the Stock Option may not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not reasonably acceptable to the Committee.

 

If the Participant fails to pay for any of the Optioned Shares specified in such notice or fails to accept delivery thereof, that portion of the Participant’s Stock Option and the right to purchase such Optioned Shares may be forfeited by the Participant.

 

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8. Nonassignability. The Stock Option is not assignable or transferable by the Participant except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

 

9. Rights as Stockholder. The Participant will have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any of the Optioned Shares until the issuance of a certificate or certificates to the Participant for the shares of Common Stock. The Optioned Shares shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in Section 10 hereof, no adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to the issuance of such certificate or certificates. The Participant, by his or her execution of this Agreement, agrees to execute any documents requested by the Company in connection with the issuance of the shares of Common Stock.

 

10. Adjustment of Number of Optioned Shares and Related Matters. The number of shares of Common Stock covered by the Stock Option, and the Option Prices thereof, shall be subject to adjustment in accordance with Articles 11 - 13 of the Plan.

 

11. Nonqualified Stock Option. The Stock Option shall not be treated as an Incentive Stock Option.

 

12. Voting. The Participant, as record holder of some or all of the Optioned Shares following exercise of this Stock Option, has the exclusive right to vote, or consent with respect to, such Optioned Shares until such time as the Optioned Shares are transferred in accordance with this Agreement; provided, however, that this Section shall not create any voting right where the holders of such Optioned Shares otherwise have no such right.

 

13. Specific Performance. The parties acknowledge that remedies at law will be inadequate remedies for breach of this Agreement and consequently agree that this Agreement shall be enforceable by specific performance. The remedy of specific performance shall be cumulative of all of the rights and remedies at law or in equity of the parties under this Agreement.

 

14. Participant’s Representations. Notwithstanding any of the provisions hereof, the Participant hereby agrees that he or she will not exercise the Stock Option granted hereby, and that the Company will not be obligated to issue any shares to the Participant hereunder, if the exercise thereof or the issuance of such shares shall constitute a violation by the Participant or the Company of any provision of any law or regulation of any governmental authority. Any determination in this connection by the Company shall be final, binding, and conclusive. The obligations of the Company and the rights of the Participant are subject to all Applicable Laws, rules, and regulations.

 

15. Investment Representation. Unless the shares of Common Stock are issued to the Participant in a transaction registered under applicable federal and state securities laws, by his or her execution hereof, the Participant represents and warrants to the Company that all Common Stock which may be purchased hereunder will be acquired by the Participant for investment purposes for his or her own account and not with any intent for resale or distribution in violation of federal or state securities laws. Unless the Common Stock is issued to him or her in a transaction registered under the applicable federal and state securities laws, all certificates issued with respect to the Common Stock shall bear an appropriate restrictive investment legend and shall be held indefinitely, unless they are subsequently registered under the applicable federal and state securities laws or the Participant obtains an opinion of counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company and its counsel, that such registration is not required.

 

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16. Participant’s Acknowledgments. The Participant acknowledges that a copy of the Plan has been made available for his or her review by the Company, and represents that he or she is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and hereby accepts this Stock Option subject to all the terms and provisions thereof. The Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive, and final all decisions or interpretations of the Committee or the Board, as appropriate, upon any questions arising under the Plan or this Agreement.

 

17. Law Governing. This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (excluding any conflict of laws rule or principle of Delaware law that might refer the governance, construction, or interpretation of this Agreement to the laws of another state).

 

18. No Right to Continue Service or Employment. Nothing herein shall be construed to confer upon the Participant the right to continue in the employ or to provide services to the Company or any Subsidiary, whether as an Employee, Contractor, or Outside Director, or to interfere with or restrict in any way the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to discharge the Participant as an Employee, Contractor, or Outside Director at any time.

 

19. Legal Construction. In the event that any one or more of the terms, provisions, or agreements that are contained in this Agreement shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable term, provision, or agreement shall not affect any other term, provision, or agreement that is contained in this Agreement and this Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable term, provision, or agreement had never been contained herein.

 

20. Covenants and Agreements as Independent Agreements. Each of the covenants and agreements that is set forth in this Agreement shall be construed as a covenant and agreement independent of any other provision of this Agreement. The existence of any claim or cause of action of the Participant against the Company, whether predicated on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Company of the covenants and agreements that are set forth in this Agreement.

 

21. Entire Agreement. This Agreement together with the Plan supersede any and all other prior understandings and agreements, either oral or in writing, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and constitute the sole and only agreements between the parties with respect to the said subject matter. All prior negotiations and agreements between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof are merged into this Agreement. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises, or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any party or by anyone acting on behalf of any party, which are not embodied in this Agreement or the Plan and that any agreement, statement or promise that is not contained in this Agreement or the Plan shall not be valid or binding or of any force or effect.

 

22. Parties Bound. The terms, provisions, and agreements that are contained in this Agreement shall apply to, be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, and permitted successors and assigns, subject to the limitation on assignment expressly set forth herein.

 

23. Modification. No change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid or binding upon the parties unless the change or modification is in writing and signed by the parties; provided, however, that the Company may change or modify this Agreement without the Participant’s consent or signature if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that such change or modification is necessary for purposes of compliance with or exemption from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or any regulations or other guidance issued thereunder. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Company may amend the Plan to the extent permitted by the Plan.

 

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24. Headings. The headings that are used in this Agreement are used for reference and convenience purposes only and do not constitute substantive matters to be considered in construing the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

 

25. Gender and Number. Words of any gender used in this Agreement shall be held and construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular number shall be held to include the plural, and vice versa, unless the context requires otherwise.

 

26. Notice. Any notice required or permitted to be delivered hereunder shall be deemed to be delivered only when actually received by the Company or by the Participant, as the case may be, at the addresses set forth below, or at such other addresses as they have theretofore specified by written notice delivered in accordance herewith:

 

a.Notice to the Company shall be addressed and delivered as follows:

 

Paltalk, Inc.

30 Jericho Executive Plaza, Suite 400E

Jericho, NY 11753

Attn: ____________________

Facsimile: _______________________

 

b.Notice to the Participant shall be addressed and delivered as set forth on the signature page.

 

27. Tax Requirements. The Participant is hereby advised to consult immediately with his or her own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of this Agreement. The Company or, if applicable, any Subsidiary (for purposes of this Section 27, the term “Company” shall be deemed to include any applicable Subsidiary), shall have the right to deduct from all amounts paid in cash or other form in connection with the Plan and this Agreement, any federal, state, local, or other taxes required by law to be withheld in connection with this Award. The Company may, in its sole discretion, also require the Participant receiving shares of Common Stock issued under the Plan to pay the Company the amount of any taxes that the Company is required to withhold in connection with the Participant’s income arising with respect to this Award. Such payments shall be required to be made when requested by the Company and may be required to be made prior to the delivery of any certificate representing shares of Common Stock. Such payment may be made (i) by the delivery of cash to the Company in an amount that equals or exceeds (to avoid the issuance of fractional shares under (iii) below) the required tax withholding obligations of the Company; (ii) if the Company, in its sole discretion, so consents in writing, the actual delivery by the exercising Participant to the Company of shares of Common Stock that the Participant has not acquired from the Company within six (6) months prior to the date of exercise, which shares so delivered have an aggregate Fair Market Value that equals or exceeds (to avoid the issuance of fractional shares under (iii) below) the required tax withholding payment; (iii) if the Company, in its sole discretion, so consents in writing, the Company’s withholding of a number of shares to be delivered upon the exercise of the Stock Option, which shares so withheld have an aggregate Fair Market Value that equals (but does not exceed) the required tax withholding payment; (iv) if the Company, in its sole discretion, so consents in writing, arrange for the sale of a number of shares to be delivered upon the exercise of the Stock Option (on the Participant’s behalf and at his or her direction pursuant to a written authorization) with an aggregate Fair Market Value that equals (but does not exceed) the required tax withholding payment; or (v) by any combination of (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv). The Company may, in its sole discretion, withhold any such taxes from any other cash remuneration otherwise paid by the Company to the Participant.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank

Signature Page Follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Participant, to evidence his or her consent and approval of all the terms hereof, has duly executed this Agreement, as of the date specified in Section 1 hereof.

 

  COMPANY:
     
  Paltalk, Inc.
   
  By:               
  Name:  
  Title:  
     
  PARTICIPANT:
     
   
  Signature  
     
  Name:  
  Address:  
     

 

 

Signature Page to

Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.15

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into on March 23, 2022 (the “Execution Date”), by and between Paltalk, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Jason Katz (“Executive”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Executive previously entered into that certain Employment Agreement as of October 7, 2016, by and between Executive and the Company (the “Prior Agreement”), and this Agreement amends and restates the Prior Agreement in its entirety;

 

Whereas, prior to the Execution Date, Executive was employed as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors;

 

Whereas, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive in such roles, and Executive desires to be employed by the Company in such roles;

 

Whereas, the Board of Directors of the Company determined to increase Executive’s annual base salary from $180,000 to $225,000, effective February 1, 2021;

 

Whereas, the Company and Executive desire to set forth in writing the terms and conditions of their agreement and understandings with respect to the employment of Executive; and

 

Whereas, the Company hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company for the period and upon the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.

 

Now, Therefore, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Incorporation of Recitals; Agreement to Employ. The above recitals are hereby incorporated into this Agreement as if fully set forth herein. The Company desires to secure the services of Executive as its Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer, as well as the Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) (“President, CEO, COO & Chairman”). For purposes of this Agreement, all references to the Board shall not include Executive. The Company and Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of Executive’s employment with the Company. The Company and Executive acknowledge that this Agreement supersedes the Prior Agreement any other offer, agreement or promises made by anyone, specifically concerning any offer of employment by the Company, and this Agreement comprises the complete agreement between Executive and the Company concerning Executive’s employment by the Company.

  

2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and enforceable against the Company and Executive immediately when both parties execute the Agreement. The Agreement’s stated term and the employment relationship created hereunder will begin on the Execution Date and will remain in effect for one (1) year, unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 9 (the “Initial Employment Term”). This Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one (1) year terms after the Initial Employment Term (each a “Renewal Term”), unless terminated by either party upon written notice (“Non-Renewal Notice”) given at least ninety (90) days before the end of the Initial Employment Term or any Renewal Term, as applicable, or unless earlier terminated in accordance with. Section 9. The period during which Executive is employed under this Agreement (including any Renewal Term(s)) will be referred to as the “Employment Period.

  

3. Surviving Agreement Provisions. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the parties’ respective rights and obligations under Sections 6 through 12 shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement or the termination of Executive's employment for any reason whatsoever.

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 1 

 

  

4. Services to be Provided by Executive.

  

(a) Position and Responsibilities. Executive’s services hereunder will commence as of the Execution Date. Subject to the Agreement’s terms, Executive agrees to serve the Company as its President, CEO, COO & Chairman. Executive shall have the duties and privileges customarily associated with executives occupying the roles of President, CEO, COO & Chairman, and Executive shall perform all reasonable acts customarily associated with such roles, or necessary and/or desirable to protect and advance the best interests of the Company. Executive will report to the Board. Executive agrees to devote substantially all his business time to the business of the Company (except as provided below).

  

(b) Executive’s Employment Representations. Executive agrees that he (i) shall not serve as a member of any board of directors, or as a trustee of, or in any manner be affiliated with, any present or future agency or organization (except for civic, religious, and not for profit organizations) without the prior written consent of the Board (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld); (ii) will serve as an Executive of the Company; and (iii) shall not, directly or indirectly, have any interest in, or perform any services for, any business competing with or similar in nature to the Company’s business as set forth in Section 7. Executive further represents to the Company that (i) he is not violating and will not violate any contractual, legal, or fiduciary obligations or burdens to which Executive is subject by entering into this Agreement or providing services under the Agreement’s terms; (ii) Executive is under no contractual, legal, or fiduciary obligation or burden that he will allow to interfere with Executive’s ability to perform services under the Agreement’s terms; and (iii) he has no bankruptcies, convictions, disputes with regulatory agencies, or other disclosable or disqualifying events that would impact the Company or its ability to conduct securities offerings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing shall prevent or restrict Executive’s ownership of, serving as a board member or a trustee for, or providing services (in any capacity) to, any entity (or derivative thereof) for which he currently has an equity interest and provides such services, provided that such activities: (A) do not reasonably interfere with his provision of services to the Company and (B) such entities are not competing businesses with the Company as set forth in Section 7.

  

5. Compensation for Services. As compensation for the services Executive will perform under this Agreement during the Employment Period, the Company will pay Executive, and Executive shall accept as full compensation, the following:

 

(a) Base Salary. Executive shall receive an annualized base salary (“Base Salary”) of Two Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars (US $225,000), commencing as of the Execution Date (and retroactive to February 1, 2021), prorated for any partial years of employment. Additionally, the Company will review Executive’s Base Salary at least annually during the Employment Period, and, in the sole discretion of the Board, may increase (but not decrease) such Base Salary from time to time, but shall not be obligated to effectuate such an increase. Executive’s compensation shall be subject to all appropriate federal and state withholding taxes and shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll procedures.

 

(b) Bonus Compensation. Annual incentive bonuses awarded to Executive for any calendar year during the Employment Period shall be determined by the Board, based on criteria to be established jointly by the Board and Executive and communicated to Executive in writing. Each such annual incentive bonus shall be payable during the annual review period (generally January or February) in the calendar year following the calendar year to which the annual incentive bonus relates, provided Executive is employed by the Company on such payment date. 

 

(c) Reserved.

 

(d) Vacation. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to five (5) weeks paid vacation annually. Vacation shall be taken at such times and intervals as shall be determined by Executive, subject to the reasonable business needs of the Company. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment, for any reason, Executive will forfeit any accrued but unused vacation.

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 2 

 

 

(e) Reserved.

 

(f) Reserved.

 

(g) Other Benefits and Perquisites. Executive shall be entitled to participate in the benefit plans provided by the Company for all employees generally, and for the Company’s executive employees. The Company shall be entitled to change or terminate these plans in its sole discretion at any time. Any reimbursement of expenses made under this Agreement shall only be made for eligible expenses (including transportation and cellular service expenses as set forth above) incurred during the Employment Period, and no reimbursement of any expense shall be made by the Company after December 31st of the year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred. The amount eligible for reimbursement under this Agreement during a taxable year may not affect expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year, and the right to reimbursement under this Agreement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Executive will comply with the Company’s policies regarding these benefits, including all Internal Revenue Service rules and requirements.

 

(h) Withholdings and Deductions. The compensation described in this Section 5 is subject to all legally required and authorized withholdings and deductions.

 

6. Confidential Information.

 

(a) Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges and agrees that during Executive’s engagement with the Company, whether as an owner, employee, or otherwise, the Company has provided and shall continue to provide Executive with confidential information and trade secrets of the Company (hereinafter referred to as “Confidential Information”) and shall place Executive in a position to develop and have ongoing access to Confidential Information of the Company, shall entrust Executive with business opportunities of the Company, and shall place and has placed Executive in a position to develop business goodwill on behalf of the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, all references to “the Company” include any predecessor thereto and Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to:

 

i.Technologies developed by the Company and any research data or other documentation related to the development of such technologies, including all designs, ideas, concepts, improvements, product developments, discoveries and inventions, whether patentable or not, that are conceived, developed or acquired by Executive, individually or in conjunction with others during the period of Executive’s engagement with the Company, whether as an owner, employee, or otherwise;

 

ii.All documents, drawings, memoranda, notes, records, files, correspondence, manuals, models, specifications, computer programs, E-mail, voice mail, electronic databases, maps, logs, drawings, models and all other writings or materials of any type embodying any of such information, ideas, concepts, improvements, discoveries, inventions and other similar forms of expression that are conceived, developed or acquired by Executive individually or in conjunction with others while Executive is employed or otherwise engaged by, or owns an ownership interest in, the Company (whether during business hours or otherwise and whether on any Company premises or otherwise) that relate to the Company’s business, trade secrets, products or services;

 

iii.Customer lists and prospect lists developed by the Company;

 

iv.Information regarding the Company’s customers which Executive acquired as a result of Executive’s engagement with the Company, whether as an owner, employee, or otherwise, including but not limited to, customer contracts, work performed for customers, customer contacts, customer requirements and needs, data used by the Company to formulate customer bids, customer financial information, and other information regarding the customer’s business;

 

v.Information related to the Company’s business, including but not limited to marketing strategies and plans, sales procedures, operating policies and procedures, pricing and pricing strategies, business plans, sales, profits, and other business and financial information of the Company;

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 3 

 

 

vi.Training materials developed by and utilized by the Company; and

 

vii.Any other information that Executive acquired as a result of Executive’s engagement with the Company, whether as an owner, employee, or otherwise, and which Executive has a reasonable basis to believe the Company would not want disclosed to a business competitor or to the general public.

 

Executive understands and acknowledges that such Confidential Information gives the Company a competitive advantage over others who do not have the information, and that the Company would be harmed if the Confidential Information were disclosed.

 

The Company hereby notifies Executive in accordance with the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 that Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. The Company further notifies Executive that if Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation against the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the Company’s trade secrets to Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Executive: (a) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (b) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

 

(b) Disclosure of Confidential Information. Executive agrees that he shall hold all Confidential Information of the Company in trust for the Company and shall not during or after his employment terminates for any reason: (a) use the information for any purpose other than the benefit of the Company; or (b) disclose to any person or entity any Confidential Information of the Company except as necessary during Executive’s employment with the Company to perform services on behalf of the Company. Executive shall also take reasonable steps to safeguard such Confidential Information and to prevent its disclosure to unauthorized persons.

 

(c) Return of Information. Upon termination of employment, or at any earlier time as directed by the Company, Executive shall immediately deliver to the Company any and all Confidential Information in Executive’s possession, any other documents or information that Executive acquired as a result of his employment with the Company and any copies of any such documents/information. Executive shall not retain any originals or copies of any documents or materials related to the Company’s business, which Executive came into possession of or created as a result of his employment with the Company. Executive acknowledges that such information, documents and materials are the exclusive property of the Company. In addition, upon termination of employment, or at any time earlier as directed by the Company, Executive shall immediately deliver to the Company any property of the Company in Executive’s possession.

 

7. Restrictive Covenants. In consideration for (i) the Company’s promise to provide Confidential Information to Executive, (ii) the substantial economic investment made by the Company in the Confidential Information and goodwill of the Company, and the business opportunities disclosed or entrusted to Executive, (iii) the compensation and other benefits provided by the Company to Executive, and (iv) the Company’s employment of Executive pursuant to this Agreement, and to protect the Company’s Confidential Information, Executive agrees to enter into the following restrictive covenants.

 

(a) Non-Competition. Executive agrees that, during the Employment Period and during the Non-Competition Period (defined below), other than in connection with his duties under this Agreement, he shall not, without the prior written consent of the Board, directly or indirectly, either individually or as a principal, partner, stockholder, manager, agent, consultant, contractor, employee, lender, investor, or as a director or officer of any corporation or association, or in any other manner or capacity whatsoever, become employed by, control, carry on, join, lend money for, operate, engage in, establish, perform services for, invest in, solicit investors for, consult for, do business with or otherwise engage in the Company’s Business (defined below) within the Restricted Area (defined below). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall be permitted during the Employment Period to own, directly or indirectly, solely as an investment, securities of any organization or entity, which are traded on any national securities exchange or NASDAQ if Executive is not the controlling shareholder, or a member of a group that controls such organization or entity, and directly or indirectly, does not own three percent (3%) or more of any class of securities of such organization or entity.

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 4 

 

 

For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

 

i.Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Section 11(a).

 

ii.Business means the business in which the Company is actually engaged or has taken material steps to engage in as of the date Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason.

 

iii.Company” means Paltalk, Inc. (f/k/a PeerStream, Inc. and Snap Interactive, Inc.) and any current or future Affiliates.

 

iv.Non-Competition Period means a period of twenty-four (24) months immediately following the date of Executive’s termination from employment for any reason.

 

v.Non-Solicitation Period” means a period of twenty-four (24) months immediately following the date of Executive’s termination from employment for any reason.

 

vi.Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 11(a).

 

vii.Restricted Area means, because the Company’s business is nationwide, Executive’s responsibilities are nationwide in scope, and Executive has access to the Company’s Confidential Information on a nationwide basis, all States comprising the United States, and any other geographic area in which the Company conducts business and for which Executive has responsibilities during Executive’s employment.

 

(b) Non-Solicitation. Executive agrees that, during the Employment Period and during the Non-Solicitation Period, other than in connection with his duties under this Agreement, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, either as a principal, manager, agent, employee, consultant, officer, director, stockholder, partner, investor or lender or in any other capacity, and whether personally or through other persons, (i) solicit business from, interfere with, attempt to solicit business with, or do business with any customer and/or business partner of the Company with whom the Company did business or who the Company solicited within the preceding two (2) years, and who or which: (1) Executive contacted, called on, serviced or did business with during Executive’s employment with the Company; (2) Executive learned of solely as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company; or (3) about whom Executive received Confidential Information. The parties acknowledge and agree that, for purposes of this Agreement, the term “customer” does not include actual or potential consumers or users of the Company’s applications. This restriction in this Section 7(b)(i) applies only to the Business (as defined above) of the Company or any Affiliate thereof; or (ii) solicit, induce or attempt to solicit or induce, engage or hire, on behalf of himself or any other person or entity, any person who is an employee or consultant of the Company or who was employed by the Company within the preceding twelve (12) months.

 

(c) Non-Disparagement. Executive agrees that the Company’s goodwill and reputation are assets of great value to the Company and its Affiliates which were obtained through great costs, time and effort. Therefore, Executive agrees that during his employment and at all times after the termination of his employment for any reason, Executive shall not in any way, directly or indirectly, publicly disparage, libel or defame the Company, its beneficial owners or its Affiliates, their respective business or business practices, products services, employees, or contractors.

 

(d) Tolling. If Executive violates any of the restrictions contained in this Section 7 (other than subsection (c) of this Section 7), the Non-Competition Period and/or Non-Solicitation Period, as applicable, shall be suspended and will not run in favor of Executive from the time of the commencement of any violation until the time when Executive cures the violation to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company.

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 5 

 

 

(e) Remedies. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Sections 6 and 7 of this Agreement, in view of the nature of the Company’s business and his position with the Company, are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and that any violation of Sections 6 and 7 of this Agreement would result in irreparable injury to the Company. In the event of a breach by Executive of Sections 6 or 7 of this Agreement, then the Company shall be entitled to (i) a temporary restraining order and injunctive relief restraining Executive from the commission of any breach, and/or (ii) recover attorneys’ fees, expenses and costs the Company incurs in such action. Further, if the Company prevails in any action brought by Executive (or anyone acting on his behalf) seeking to declare any term in this Section 7 void or unenforceable or subject to reduction or modification, then the Company shall be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees, expenses and costs the Company incurs in such action.

 

(f) Reformation. The courts shall be entitled to modify the duration and scope of any restriction contained herein to the extent such restriction would otherwise be unenforceable, and such restriction as modified shall be enforceable. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions imposed by this Agreement are legitimate, reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s investment in its businesses and the goodwill thereof Executive acknowledges that the scope and duration of the restrictions contained herein are necessary and reasonable in light of the time that Executive has been engaged in the business of the Company, Executive’s reputation in the markets for the Company’s business and Executive’s relationship with the suppliers, customers and clients of the Company.

 

8. Trading Restrictions. Executive will be subject to trading and sales volume limitations in accordance with (a) applicable law, including Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended; and (b) such written insider trading policies as the Board may adopt and promulgate for Company employees generally.

 

9. Termination of Agreement. The employment relationship between Executive and the Company created under this Agreement shall terminate before the expiration of the stated term of this Agreement upon the occurrence of any one of the following events:

 

(a) Death or Permanent Disability. This Agreement, and Executive’s employment hereunder, shall be terminated effective on the death or permanent disability of Executive. For this purpose, “permanent disability” shall mean that Executive, (i) in the opinion of a physician, is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than 3 months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company, (iii) is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration, or (iv) is determined to be disabled in accordance with a disability insurance program, provided that the definition of disability applied under such disability insurance program complies with the requirements of (i) or (ii) above.

  

(b) Termination for Cause. The Company shall have the option to terminate Executive’s employment during the Employment Period, effective upon written notice of such termination to Executive, for Cause as the Company determines. Under the Agreement, termination for “Cause means the Company’s termination of Executive’s employment upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

 

i.Any act of fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement by Executive regarding any aspect of the Company’s or any of its Affiliates’ businesses;

 

ii.The material breach by Executive of any Agreement provision and the failure of Executive to cure the same in all material respects within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from the Board;

 

iii.The conviction of Executive by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude;

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 6 

 

 

iv.The intentional and material breach by Executive of any non-disclosure or non-competition/non-solicitation provision of any agreement to which Executive and the Company or any of its current or future Affiliates are parties;

 

v.The substantial failure by Executive to perform in all material respects his duties and responsibilities (other than as a result of death or disability) and the failure of Executive to cure the same in all material respects within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from the Board;

 

vi.The failure or refusal of Executive to follow the lawful directives of the Board, which, if curable, Executive failed or refused to cure within thirty (30) days after written demand is delivered;

 

vii.Willful conduct by Executive that is materially injurious to the Company or any of its Affiliates;

 

viii.Acceptance of employment with any employer other than the Company except upon written permission of the Board; or

 

ix.The breach by Executive of his fiduciary duties to the Company.

 

Prior to any termination for Cause, the Company shall give Executive an opportunity to appear before the Board (with personal counsel, if Executive so chooses) in order to be heard on the matter. The Company shall provide Executive with a written notice of termination, which can be provided on the date of termination. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause under this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to the compensation provided in Section 10(a) below.

 

(c) Termination by the Company without Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement without Cause at any time upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to Executive, during which period Executive shall not be required to perform any services for the Company other than to assist the Company in training his successor and generally preparing for an orderly transition; provided, however, that Executive shall be entitled to compensation upon such termination as provided in Sections 10(a) and (b) below.

  

(d) Termination by Executive for Good Reason. Executive may terminate his employment at any time for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason shall mean any of the following without Executive’s prior written consent: (i) Executive’s being required to report to a regular place of employment outside New York, New York; (ii) the Company’s material breach of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement; or (iii) a detrimental and material change in Executive’s title, compensation, duties, or responsibilities; provided, however, that within ninety (90) days following Executive's learning of such Good Reason, (1) the Company shall be given written notice of Executive’s intent to terminate his employment under this paragraph, and (2) the Company shall have thirty (30) days from receipt of such written notice to cure any such breach or change to the reasonable satisfaction of Executive. Upon such termination for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to compensation as provided in Sections 10(a) and (b) below.

  

(e) Termination by Executive Other Than for Good Reason. Executive may terminate this Agreement other than for Good Reason at any time upon forty-five (45) days’ written notice to the Company. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Company shall have no obligation to Executive other than as set forth in Section 10(a).

  

(f) Separation from Service. For purposes of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Sections 10 and 11, any references to a termination of Executive’s employment shall mean a “separation from service” as defined by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the Treasury Regulations and other guidance issued thereunder.

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 7 

 

 

10. Compensation Upon Termination. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement before the expiration of the stated term in this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to the following:

 

(a) Compensation Upon Termination for Any Reason. Upon termination of Executive’s employment during the Employment Period before the expiration of the stated term hereof for any reason, Executive shall be entitled to the following within thirty (30) days of such termination:

 

i.Accrued Base Salary. The Base Salary earned by him before the effective date of termination as provided in Section 5(a) and unpaid (including salary payable during any applicable notice period), prorated on the basis of the number of full days of service rendered by Executive during the salary payment period to the effective date of termination; and

  

ii.Unreimbursed Business Expenses; Company Benefit Plans. Any unreimbursed reasonable business expenses and any amounts to which Executive is entitled to under the Company’s benefit plans in accordance with their terms.

 

(b) Additional Compensation and Benefits Upon Non-Renewal by the Company or Upon Termination by the Company Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason. If, at any time, (i) the Company elects not to renew this Agreement for any Renewal Term and Executive’s employment terminates as a result of such non-renewal, (ii) the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause (as defined in Section 9(b) above), or (iii) Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason (as defined in Section 9(d) above), then the Company shall, subject to Executive’s execution of a general release of claims in favor of the Company and subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 6 and Section 7, provide to Executive, in addition to the amounts set forth in Section 10(a) above, an amount equal to three (3) months of Executive’s then-current annualized Base Salary, payable in three (3) equal monthly installments commencing on the Company’s first regular payroll date after the release of claims provided by Executive has become effective and binding upon Executive, provided, that, if the maximum forty-five (45) day consideration period and revocation period described in Section 10(d) spans two tax years, then the payments shall commence in the second tax year. Additionally, if Executive is eligible and timely elects to continue his health insurance coverage pursuant to the COBRA statute, and subject to Executive’s execution of the release of claims referred to above, the Company will continue to pay its portion of Executive’s monthly health insurance premiums for the earlier of (A) the three (3) months following the effective date of termination of Executive’s employment or, (B) the date Executive’s coverage under such group health plans terminates for any reason; provided that the Company’s payment of such premiums shall be limited to the same proportion of the cost of coverage under the Company’s group health plans as the Company pays on behalf of its employees generally (the “COBRA Entitlement”).

 

Executive shall have no obligation to mitigate any severance obligation of the Company under this Agreement by seeking new employment. The Company shall not be entitled to set off or reduce any severance payments owed to Executive under this Agreement by the amount of earnings or benefits received by Executive in future employment.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any stock options, restricted stock, or other plans or programs in which Executive is participating at the time of termination of his employment, Executive’s rights and benefits under each of these plans shall be determined in accordance with the terms, conditions, and limitations of the plans and any separate agreement executed by Executive which may then be in effect.

 

(c) Penalty for Breach of Covenants. For any period of time that Executive is in breach of or threatens to breach Section 6 or Section 7, the Company shall not be obligated to pay any severance payments referenced in this Agreement, the Company’s severance obligations shall terminate and expire, and the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive from and after the date of such breach or threatened breach. Additionally, the Company may recover any severance pay previously paid to Executive for the period of time that Executive was in breach of Section 6 or Section 7. The Company shall have all other rights and remedies available under this Agreement or any other agreement at law or in equity.

 

(d) Release. Payment of any of the amounts described in this Section 10 is conditioned upon Executive’s execution of a Waiver and Release of Claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A relating to the period of Executive’s employment with the Company, within the forty-five (45) day period following the end of Executive's employment and not revoking such Waiver and Release of Claims during any applicable revocation period.

  

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 8 

 

 

11. Compensation Upon Change in Control.

 

(a) Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control of the Company occurs upon a change in the Company’s ownership or the ownership of a substantial portion of its assets, as follows:

 

i.Change in Ownership. A change in ownership of the Company occurs on the date that any Person, other than (1) the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (2) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Affiliates, (3) an underwriter temporarily holding stock pursuant to an offering of such stock, or (4) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company’s stock, acquires ownership of the Company’s stock that, together with stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the Company’s stock. However, if any Person is considered to own already more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the Company’s stock, the acquisition of additional stock by the same Person is not considered to be a Change of Control;

 

ii.Change in Ownership of Substantial Portion of Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets occurs on the date that a Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person) all or a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, by reason of any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer of the assets of the Company. For purposes hereof, a “substantial portion of the assets of the Company” shall mean any portion of the Company’s overall assets representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the fair market value of the Company’s overall assets. However, there is no Change in Control when there is such a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the Company immediately after the transfer, through a transfer to (1) a shareholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock; (2) an entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of the stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company; (3) a Person that owns directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of the Company’s outstanding stock; or (4) an entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of the stock of which is owned by a Person that owns, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of the Company’s outstanding stock.

 

For purposes of paragraphs (i) and (ii):

 

Person shall have the meaning given in Section 7701(a)(1) of the Code. Person shall include more than one Person acting as a group as defined by the Treasury Regulations issued under Section 409A of the Code.

 

Affiliate shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

The provisions of this Section 11(a) shall be interpreted in accordance with the requirements of the Treasury Regulations under Section 409A of the Code, it being the intent of the parties that this Section 11(a) shall be in compliance with the requirements of said Code Section and said Treasury Regulations.

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 9 

 

 

(b)Benefits Upon Termination Following Change in Control During the Employment Period.

 

i.Severance Benefits. If, during the sixty (60) day period immediately prior to a Change in Control or during the one-year period beginning on the date of a Change in Control (the “Change Period”), (A) Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company (or by the acquiring or successor business entity following a Change in Control) other than for Cause (as defined in Section 9(b) above), or (B) Executive terminates his employment with the Company (or with the acquiring or successor business entity following a Change in Control) for Good Reason (as defined in Section 9(d) above), then Executive shall receive, in lieu of the severance benefits described in Section 10(b) above and subject to Executive’s execution of a general release of claims as provided in Section 11(d) below, a severance benefit in an amount equal to three (3) months of Executive’s annualized Base Salary (specified in Section 5(a)) as in effect on the date of the Change in Control plus three (3) month of the COBRA Entitlement.

 

ii.No Payments Upon Breach. The Company shall have no obligation to provide Executive with any severance compensation under this Section 11 if Executive is in breach or violation of any of the covenants contained in Sections 6 or 7, which are applicable to Executive at the time of the severance payment.

 

iii.No Duplication of Payment. The payment of severance benefits under this Section 11 shall be in lieu of, and not in addition to, any payments under Section 10(b).

 

iv.Time and Form of Payment. Except as otherwise provided by Section 12, the Company shall pay the severance amount referenced in Section 11(b)(i) in a lump sum on the date that is sixty (60) days after the date of Executive’s termination.

 

v.Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any stock options, restricted stock, or other plans or programs in which Executive is participating at the time of termination of his employment, Executive’s rights and benefits under each such plan shall be determined in accordance with the terms, conditions, and limitations of the plan and any separate agreement executed by Executive which may then be in effect

 

(c) No Mitigation or Offset. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 11 by seeking other employment or otherwise. The Company shall not be entitled to set off or reduce any severance payments owed to Executive under this Section 11 by the amount of earnings or benefits received by Executive in future employment.

 

(d) Release. Payment of any of the amounts described in this Section 11 is conditioned upon Executive’s execution of a Waiver and Release of Claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A relating to the period of Executive’s employment with the Company, within the forty-five (45) day period following the end of Executive’s employment and not revoking such Waiver and Release of Claims during any applicable revocation period.

 

12. Other Provisions.

 

(a) Remedies; Legal Fees. Each of the parties to this Agreement shall be entitled to enforce his or its rights under this Agreement, specifically, to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in his or its favor. In any action resulting from a breach of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover his or its reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

(b) Limitations on Assignment. In entering into this Agreement, the Company is relying on the unique personal services of Executive; services from another person will not be an acceptable substitute. Except as provided in this Agreement, Executive may not assign this Agreement or any of the rights or obligations set forth in this Agreement without the explicit written consent of the Company. Any attempted assignment by Executive in violation of this Section 12(b) shall be void. Except as provided in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement entitles any person other than the parties to the Agreement to any claim, cause of action, remedy, or right of any kind, including, without limitation, the right of continued employment; provided, however, that the Company may freely assign this Agreement, and/or any rights hereunder, to any Affiliate or to any other entity. Further, to the extent applicable, each Affiliate of the Company will be deemed a third-party beneficiary and may enforce the applicable rights and obligations under this Agreement. The Company’s assignees or successors are expressly authorized to enforce the Company’s rights and privileges hereunder, including without limitation the restrictive covenants set forth in Section 6 and Section 7.

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 10 

 

 

(c) Severability and Reformation. The parties intend all provisions of this Agreement to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. If, however, any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under present or future law, such provision shall be fully severable, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision were never a part hereof, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or by its severance. In lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible, and the Company and Executive hereby request the court to whom disputes relating to this Agreement are submitted to reform the otherwise unenforceable covenant in accordance with this Section 12(c).

 

(d) Notices. Any notice or other communication required, permitted or desired to be given under this Agreement shall be deemed delivered when personally delivered; the business day, if delivered by overnight courier; the same day, if transmitted by facsimile on a business day before noon, Eastern Standard Time; the next business day, if otherwise transmitted by facsimile; and the third business day after mailing, if mailed by prepaid certified mail, return receipt requested, as addressed or transmitted as follows (or to such subsequent addresses as the parties may give one another notice of):

 

If to Executive, at the address last for him on record with the Company. If to the Company:

 

Paltalk, Inc.

30 Jericho Executive Plaza

Suite 400E

Jericho, NY 11753

 

(e) Further Acts. Whether or not specifically required under the terms of this Agreement, each party shall execute and deliver such documents and take such further actions as shall be necessary in order for such party to perform all of his or its obligations specified in the Agreement or reasonably implied from the Agreement’s terms.

 

(f) Publicity and Advertising. Executive agrees that the Company may use his name, picture, or likeness for any advertising, publicity or other business purpose at any time, during the term of this Agreement and may continue to use materials generated during the term of this Agreement for a period of six (6) months thereafter. The use of Executive’s name, picture, or likeness shall not be deemed to result in any invasion of Executive's privacy or in violation of any property right Executive may have; and Executive shall receive no additional consideration if his name, picture or likeness is so used. Executive further agrees that any negatives, prints or other material for printing or reproduction purposes prepared in connection with the use of his name, picture or likeness by the Company shall be and are the sole property of the Company.

 

(g) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS (RULES) OR CHOICE OF LAWS (RULES) THEREOF.

 

(h) Venue. The exclusive venue for all suits or proceedings arising from or related to this Agreement shall be in a court of competent jurisdiction in Nassau County, New York.

 

(i) Waiver. A party’s waiver of any breach or violation of any Agreement provisions shall not operate as, or be construed to be, a waiver of any later breach of the same or other Agreement provision.

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 11 

 

 

(j) Entire Agreement, Amendment, Binding Effect. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter in this Agreement. No oral statements or prior written material not specifically incorporated in this Agreement shall be of any force and effect, and no changes in or additions to this Agreement shall be recognized, unless incorporated in this Agreement by written amendment, such amendment to become effective on the date stipulated in it. Executive acknowledges and represents that in executing this Agreement, he did not rely, and has not relied, on any communications, promises, statements, inducements, or representation(s), oral or written, by the Company, except as expressly contained in this Agreement. Any amendment to this Agreement must be signed by all parties to this Agreement. This Agreement will be binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, heirs, legal representatives, and permitted assigns (if any). This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements between Executive and the Company concerning the subject matter of this Agreement, including the Prior Agreement.

 

(k) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, with the same effect as if both parties had signed the same document. All such counterparts shall be deemed an original, shall be construed together and shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(l) Directors and Officers Insurance/Indemnification. During the Employment Period, the Company shall maintain Executive as an insured party on directors’ and officers’ insurance maintained by the Company for the benefit of its directors and officers. Either through its directors and officers insurance policy and pursuant to the terms thereof or, if such insurance is not available, otherwise, the Company will indemnify and hold Executive harmless against any liability, damage, cost or expense incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding to which Executive is a party, or threat thereof, by reason of his being or having been an officer or director of the Company or any Affiliate, to the extent permitted by applicable law; provided, however, that this indemnity shall not apply if Executive is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have acted against the interests of the Company with gross negligence, gross misconduct, or gross malfeasance. Promptly after receipt by Executive of notice of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action) or threat thereof, Executive shall, if a claim covered by this Section 12(1) is to be made or is threatened against Executive, deliver to the Company a written notice of the commencement or threat thereof and the Company shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent, the Company so desires to assume the defense thereof with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Executive (whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that Executive (together with all other indemnified parties which may be represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain one separate counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the Company, if, and only if, representation of Executive by the counsel retained by the Company would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between Executive and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. Executive’s failure to deliver written notice to the Company within a reasonable time of the commencement or threat of any action for which Executive seeks indemnification under this Section 12(1), if prejudicial to the Company's ability to defend such action, shall relieve the Company of any liability to Executive under this Agreement.

 

13. Section 409A of the Code

 

(a) To the extent (i) any payments to which Executive becomes entitled under this Agreement, or any agreement or plan referenced herein, in connection with Executive’s termination of employment with the Company constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code; (ii) Executive is deemed at the time of his separation from service to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Code; and (iii) at the time of Executive’s separation from service the Company is publicly traded (as defined in Section 409A of Code), then such payments (other than any payments permitted by Section 409A of the Code to be paid within six (6) months of Executive’s separation from service) shall not be made until the earlier of (x) the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s separation from service or (y) the date of Executive’s death following such separation from service. During any period that payment or payments to Executive are deferred pursuant to the foregoing, Executive shall be entitled to interest on the deferred payment or payments at a per annum rate equal to the highest rate of interest applicable to six (6) month money market accounts offered by the following institutions: Citibank N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, NA., or Bank of America, on the date of such “separation from service.” Upon the expiration of the applicable deferral period, any payments which would have otherwise been made during that period (whether in a single sum or in installments) in the absence of this Section 13 (together with accrued interest thereon) shall be paid to Executive or Executive's beneficiary hi one lump sum.

 

(b) It is intended that this Agreement comply with or be exempt from the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and guidance of general applicability issued thereunder so as to not subject Executive to the payment of additional interest and taxes under Section 409A of the Code, and in furtherance of this intent, this Agreement shall be interpreted, operated and administered in a manner consistent with these intentions.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 12 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first indicated above.

 

THE COMPANY:  
   
/s/ John Silberstein  
PALTALK, INC.  
By: John Silberstein  
Title: Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
   
EXECUTIVE:  
   
/s/ Jason Katz  
Jason Katz  

 

Signature Page

to Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS

 

This Waiver and Release of Claims (“Release”), effective as of the ______________ (the “Effective Date”), is made and entered into by and between Jason Katz (“Employee”) and Paltalk, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Terms used in this Release with initial capital letters that are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Employment Agreement made and entered into as of __________, 2022 by and between the Company and Employee (the “Agreement”).

 

WHEREAS, Employee and the Company are parties to the Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, Section 10 and Section 11 of the Agreement provide that Employee is entitled to certain payments and benefits upon separation from employment if he signs a release agreement;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set forth herein, the receipt and adequacy of which are acknowledged, Employee and the Company agree as follows:

 

1. Global Release. In consideration of the mutual promises contained in the Agreement, including the Company’s promises to pay Employee consideration under Section 10 or Section 11 of the Agreement, which are in addition to anything of value to which Employee is already entitled, Employee, on behalf of himself, his heirs, executors, successors and assigns, irrevocably and unconditionally releases, waives, and forever discharges the Company and all of its predecessors and their respective parents, divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates, joint venture partners, partners, and related companies, and their present and former agents, employees, officers, directors, attorneys, stockholders, plan fiduciaries, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”), from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, costs, fees, and all liability whatsoever, whether known or unknown, fixed or contingent, which Employee has, had, or may have against the Released Parties relating to or arising out of his employment, or any terms of the Agreement or the Prior Agreement, from the Effective Date and up to and including the date of this Release. This Release includes, without limitation, claims at law or equity or sounding in contract (express or implied) or tort, claims arising under any federal, state, or local laws of any jurisdiction that prohibit age, sex, race, national origin, color, creed, disability, religion, military status, family status, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence, stalking and sex offense victim status, arrest and conviction record, predisposing genetic characteristic, alienage or citizenship status, sexual orientation, or any other form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation (including, without limitation, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 and/or 1871, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Rehabilitation Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act anti-retaliation provisions, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, the New York Labor Law, the New York State Civil Rights Law, the New York Workers’ Compensation Law, the New York City Human Rights Law, all as amended and including all of their respective implementing regulations, any federal, state, local or municipal whistleblower protection or anti-retaliation statute or ordinance, or any other federal, state, local, or municipal laws of any jurisdiction), claims arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (except any employee benefits or employee participation rights as contained in the Agreement), or any other statutory or common law claims related to or arising out of his employment or any terms of the Agreement, from the Effective Date and up to and including the date of this Release’s execution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Release shall affect or impair: (i) any rights Employee may have to indemnification, including without limitation indemnification for attorneys’ fees, costs and/or expenses, pursuant to applicable statute, certificates of incorporation and by-laws of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (ii) any of Employee’s rights arising under the Agreement; or (iii) any rights that Employee has as a former employee under the Company’s employee benefit plans (other than any severance plan).

  

2. No Admission of Liability. Employee understands and agrees that this Release shall not in any way be construed as an admission by the Released Parties of any unlawful or wrongful acts whatsoever against Employee or any other person. The Released Parties specifically disclaim any liability to or wrongful acts against Employee or any other person.

 

Exhibit A

to Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement

 

 

 

 

3. Time to Consider Release. Employee is hereby advised in writing by the Company that he should consult an attorney before executing this Release. Employee has a period of up to twenty-one (21) calendar days after receiving the Release within which to review and consider the provisions of this Release. Employee understands that if he does not sign this Release before the twenty-one (21) calendar day period expires, this Release offer will be withdrawn automatically.

 

4. Revocation Period. Employee understands and acknowledges that he has seven (7) calendar days following the execution of this Release to revoke his acceptance of this Release. This Release will not become effective or enforceable, and the payments and benefits described under Section 10 or Section 11 will not become payable, until after this revocation period has expired without his revocation. If Employee does not revoke the Release within the revocation period, the Company will commence the payments and benefits described under Section 10 or Section 11 of the Agreement within ten (10) days after the revocation period’s expiration date.

 

5. Confidentiality of Release and Company Information. Employee agrees to keep this Release, its terms, and the amount of payments and benefits related to this Release completely confidential. Employee agrees and understands that he is prohibited from disclosing any terms of this Release to anyone, except that he may disclose the terms of this Release and the amount of the payments and benefits related to this Release to his spouse, attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors or as otherwise required by law. Employee also agrees to continue to abide by the confidentiality provisions of the Agreement.

 

6. Non-Disparagement and Other Continuing Obligations. Employee agrees to continue to abide by Sections 6 (“Confidential Information” and Section 7 (“Restrictive Covenants”) and any other surviving obligations as set forth in the Agreement, including Section 3 therein.

 

7. Agreement to Return Company Property/Documents. Employee understands and agrees that his last day of active work in any Company office or on any Company owned or leased property will be __________________, 20__ (the “Separation Date”). Accordingly, Employee agrees that: (i) he will not take with him, copy, alter, destroy, or delete any files, documents, electronically stored information, or other materials, whether or not embodying or recording any Confidential Information, including copies, without obtaining in advance the written consent of an authorized Company representative; and (ii) he will promptly return to the Company all Confidential Information, documents, files, records and tapes, whether written in hardcopy form or electronically stored, that have been in his possession or control regarding the Company, and he will not use or disclose such materials in any way or in any format, including written information in any form, information stored by electronic means, and all copies of these materials. Employee further agrees that on or before the Separation Date, he will return to the Company immediately all Company property, including, without limitation, keys, equipment, computer(s) and computer equipment, devices, Company cellular phones, Company credit cards, data, electronically stored information, lists, correspondence, notes, memos, reports, or other writings prepared by the Company or himself on behalf of the Company.

 

8. Authorized Use of Trade Secrets/ Confidential Information. Employee acknowledges and agrees that he is bound by Section 6 and Section 7 of the Agreement regardless of the reason for his separation from the Company or any of its Affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Employee understands that Employee may disclose proprietary and/ or confidential information when required to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction, by any governmental agency having authority over Employee or the business of the Company or by any administrative body or legislative body (including a committee thereof) with jurisdiction to order that Employee divulge, disclose or make accessible such information. The Company hereby notifies Employee in accordance with the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 that Employee will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. The Company further notifies Employee that if Employee files a lawsuit for retaliation against the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Employee may disclose the Company’s trade secrets to Employee’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Employee: (a) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (b) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

 

Exhibit A

to Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement

 

 

 

 

9. Knowing and Voluntary Release. Employee understands that it is his choice whether to enter into this Release and that his decision to do so is voluntary and is made knowingly.

 

10. No Prior Representations or Inducements. Employee represents and acknowledges that in executing this Release, he did not rely, has not relied, and expressly disavows reliance on any communications, statements, promises, inducements, or representation(s), oral or written, by any of the Released Parties, except as expressly contained in this Release.

 

11. Choice of Law. This Release shall, in all respects, be interpreted, enforced, and governed under the laws of the State of New York. The parties agree that the language of this Release shall, in all cases, be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for, or against, any of the parties.

 

12. Severability. The Company and Employee agree that should a court declare or determine that any provision of this Release is illegal or invalid, the validity of the remaining parts, terms or provisions of this Release will not be affected and any illegal or invalid part, term, or provision, will not be deemed to be a part of this Release.

 

13. Counterparts. The Company and Employee agree that this Release may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed one and the same instrument.

 

Please read carefully as this document includes a release of claims, including a release of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).

 

{Signature Page Follows}

 

Exhibit A

to Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement

 

 

 

  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive hereto evidence their agreement by their signatures.

 

THE COMPANY:  
   
   
PALTALK, INC.  
By:  
Title:  
   
EXECUTIVE:  
   
   
Jason Katz  

  

Exhibit A

to Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.19

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into on March 23, 2022 (the “Execution Date”), by and between Paltalk, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Kara Jenny (“Executive”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, Executive previously entered into that certain Employment Agreement as of December 9, 2019 by and between Executive and the Company (the “Prior Agreement”), and this Agreement amends and restates the Prior Agreement in its entirety;

 

WHEREAS, prior to the Execution Date, Executive was employed as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) of the Company;

 

Whereas, the Company desires to continue to employ Executive as its CFO, and Executive desires to be employed by the Company in such roles;

 

Whereas, the Company and Executive desire to set forth in writing the terms and conditions of their agreement and understandings with respect to the employment of Executive; and

 

Whereas, the Company hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company for the period and upon the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.

 

Now, Therefore, in consideration of the mutual promises and agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Incorporation of Recitals; Agreement to Employ. The above recitals are hereby incorporated into this Agreement as if fully set forth herein. The Company desires to secure the services of Executive as its Chief Financial Officer. The Company and Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to, among other things, set forth the terms of Executive’s employment with the Company. The Company and Executive acknowledge that this Agreement supersedes any other offer, agreement or promises made by anyone, specifically concerning any offer of employment by the Company, and this Agreement comprises the complete agreement between Executive and the Company concerning Executive’s employment by the Company, subject to Section 12(j) of this Agreement.

 

2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon and enforceable against the Company and Executive immediately when both parties execute the Agreement. The Agreement’s stated term and the employment relationship created hereunder will begin on the Execution Date and will remain in effect for one (1) year, unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 9 (the “Initial Employment Term”). This Agreement shall be automatically renewed for successive one (1) year terms after the Initial Employment Term (each a “Renewal Term”), unless terminated by either party upon written notice (“Non-Renewal Notice”) given at least ten (10) [business] days before the end of the Initial Employment Term or any Renewal Term, as applicable, or unless earlier terminated in accordance with. Section 9. The period during which Executive is employed under this Agreement (including any Renewal Term(s)) will be referred to as the “Employment Period.

 

3. Surviving Agreement Provisions. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the parties’ respective rights and obligations under Sections 6 through 12 shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement or the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason whatsoever.

 

4. Services to be Provided by Executive.

 

(a) Position and Responsibilities. Executive’s services hereunder will commence as of the Execution Date. Subject to the Agreement’s terms, Executive agrees to serve the Company as its CFO. Executive shall have the duties and privileges customarily associated with executives occupying the role of CFO, and Executive shall perform all reasonable acts customarily associated with such roles, or necessary and/or desirable to protect and advance the best interests of the Company. Executive will report to the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Executive agrees to devote a substantial portion of her business time, as is customary for such position, to the business of the Company (except as provided below).

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 1

 

 

 

(b) Executive’s Employment Representations. Executive agrees that she (i) shall not serve as a member of any board of directors, or as a trustee of, or in any manner be affiliated with, any present or future agency or organization (except for Central Lathing, LLC and civic, religious, and not for profit organizations) without the prior written consent of the Board (which consent will not be unreasonably withheld); (ii) will serve as an Executive of the Company; and (iii) shall not, directly or indirectly, have any interest in, or perform any services for, any business competing with or similar in nature to the Company’s business as set forth in Section 7. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive’s relationship with Central Lathing, LLC does not violate this Section 4(b)(iii). Executive further represents to the Company that (i) Executive is not violating and will not violate any contractual, legal, or fiduciary obligations or burdens to which Executive is subject by entering into this Agreement or providing services under the Agreement’s terms; (ii) Executive is under no contractual, legal, or fiduciary obligation or burden that Executive will allow to interfere with Executive’s ability to perform services under the Agreement’s terms; and (iii) Executive has no bankruptcies, convictions, disputes with regulatory agencies, or other disclosable or disqualifying events that would impact the Company or its ability to conduct securities offerings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing shall prevent or restrict Executive’s ownership of, serving as a board member or a trustee for, or providing services (in any capacity) to, any entity (or derivative thereof) for which Executive currently has an equity interest and provides such services, provided that such activities: (A) do not reasonably interfere with Executive’s provision of services to the Company and (B) (except for Central Lathing, LLC), such entities are not competing businesses with the Company as set forth in Section 7.

 

5. Compensation for Services. As compensation for the services Executive will perform under this Agreement during the Employment Period, the Company will pay Executive, and Executive shall accept as full compensation, the following:

 

(a) Base Salary. For fiscal year 2022, Executive shall receive an annualized base salary (“Base Salary”) of Two Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand Dollars (US $265,000), commencing as of the Execution Date (and retroactive to January 28, 2022), prorated for any partial years of employment. For fiscal year 2023, provided that Executive is still employed in good standing with the Company, Executive shall receive an annualized Base Salary of Two Hundred Eighty-Five Thousand Dollars (US $285,000). Additionally, the Company will review Executive’s Base Salary at least annually during the Employment Period, and, in the sole discretion of the Board, may increase (but not decrease) such Base Salary from time to time, but shall not be obligated to effectuate such an increase. Executive’s compensation shall be subject to all appropriate federal and state withholding taxes and shall be payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll procedures.

 

(b) Bonus Compensation. Annual incentive bonuses awarded to Executive for any calendar year during the Employment Period shall be determined by the Board, based on criteria to be established jointly by the Board and Executive and communicated to Executive in writing. Each such annual incentive bonus shall be payable during the annual review period (generally January or February) in the calendar year following the calendar year to which the annual incentive bonus relates, provided Executive is employed by the Company on such payment date.

 

(c) Reserved.

 

(d) Vacation. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to four (4) weeks paid vacation annually. Vacation shall be taken at such times and intervals as shall be determined by Executive, subject to the reasonable business needs of the Company. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment, for any reason, Executive will forfeit any accrued but unused vacation.

 

(e) Reserved.

 

(f) Reserved.

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 2

 

 

 

(g) Other Benefits and Perquisites. Executive shall be entitled to participate in the benefit plans provided by the Company for all employees generally, and for the Company’s executive employees. The Company shall be entitled to change or terminate these plans in its sole discretion at any time. Any reimbursement of expenses made under this Agreement shall only be made for eligible expenses (including transportation and cellular service expenses as set forth above) incurred during the Employment Period, and no reimbursement of any expense shall be made by the Company after December 31st of the year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred. The amount eligible for reimbursement under this Agreement during a taxable year may not affect expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year, and the right to reimbursement under this Agreement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Executive will comply with the Company’s policies regarding these benefits, including all Internal Revenue Service rules and requirements.

 

(h) Withholdings and Deductions. The compensation described in this Section 5 is subject to all legally required and authorized withholdings and deductions.

 

6. Confidential Information.

 

(a) Confidential Information. Executive acknowledges and agrees that during Executive’s engagement with the Company, whether as an owner, employee, or otherwise, the Company has provided and shall continue to provide Executive with confidential information and trade secrets of the Company (hereinafter referred to as “Confidential Information”) and shall place Executive in a position to develop and have ongoing access to Confidential Information of the Company, shall entrust Executive with business opportunities of the Company, and shall place and has placed Executive in a position to develop business goodwill on behalf of the Company. For purposes of this Agreement, all references to “the Company” include any predecessor thereto and Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to:

 

i.Technologies developed by the Company and any research data or other documentation related to the development of such technologies, including all designs, ideas, concepts, improvements, product developments, discoveries and inventions, whether patentable or not, that are conceived, developed or acquired by Executive, individually or in conjunction with others during the period of Executive’s engagement with the Company, whether as an owner, employee, or otherwise;

 

ii.All documents, drawings, memoranda, notes, records, files, correspondence, manuals, models, specifications, computer programs, E-mail, voice mail, electronic databases, maps, logs, drawings, models and all other writings or materials of any type embodying any of such information, ideas, concepts, improvements, discoveries, inventions and other similar forms of expression that are conceived, developed or acquired by Executive individually or in conjunction with others while Executive is employed or otherwise engaged by, or owns an ownership interest in, the Company (whether during business hours or otherwise and whether on any Company premises or otherwise) that relate to the Company’s business, trade secrets, products or services;

 

iii.Customer lists and prospect lists developed by the Company;

 

iv.Information regarding the Company’s customers which Executive acquired as a result of Executive’s engagement with the Company, whether as an owner, employee, or otherwise, including but not limited to, customer contracts, work performed for customers, customer contacts, customer requirements and needs, data used by the Company to formulate customer bids, customer financial information, and other information regarding the customer’s business;

 

v.Information related to the Company’s business, including but not limited to marketing strategies and plans, sales procedures, operating policies and procedures, pricing and pricing strategies, business plans, sales, profits, and other business and financial information of the Company;

 

vi.Training materials developed by and utilized by the Company; and

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 3

 

 

 

vii.Any other information that Executive acquired as a result of Executive’s engagement with the Company, whether as an owner, employee, or otherwise, and which Executive has a reasonable basis to believe the Company would not want disclosed to a business competitor or to the general public.

 

Executive understands and acknowledges that such Confidential Information gives the Company a competitive advantage over others who do not have the information, and that the Company would be harmed if the Confidential Information were disclosed.

 

The Company hereby notifies Executive in accordance with the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 that Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. The Company further notifies Executive that if Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation against the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the Company’s trade secrets to Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Executive: (a) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (b) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

 

(b) Disclosure of Confidential Information. Executive agrees that Executive shall hold all Confidential Information of the Company in trust for the Company and shall not during or after Executive’s employment terminates for any reason: (a) use the information for any purpose other than the benefit of the Company; or (b) disclose to any person or entity any Confidential Information of the Company except as necessary during Executive’s employment with the Company to perform services on behalf of the Company. Executive shall also take reasonable steps to safeguard such Confidential Information and to prevent its disclosure to unauthorized persons.

 

(c) Return Of Information. Upon termination of employment, or at any earlier time as directed by the Company, Executive shall immediately deliver to the Company any and all Confidential Information in Executive’s possession, any other documents or information that Executive acquired as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company and any copies of any such documents/information. Executive shall not retain any originals or copies of any documents or materials related to the Company’s business, which Executive came into possession of or created as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company. Executive acknowledges that such information, documents and materials are the exclusive property of the Company. In addition, upon termination of employment, or at any time earlier as directed by the Company, Executive shall immediately deliver to the Company any property of the Company in Executive’s possession.

 

7. Restrictive Covenants. In consideration for (i) the Company’s promise to provide Confidential Information to Executive, (ii) the substantial economic investment made by the Company in the Confidential Information and goodwill of the Company, and the business opportunities disclosed or entrusted to Executive, (iii) the compensation and other benefits provided by the Company to Executive, and (iv) the Company’s employment of Executive pursuant to this Agreement, and to protect the Company’s Confidential Information, Executive agrees to enter into the following restrictive covenants.

 

(a) Non-Competition. Executive agrees that, during the Employment Period and during the Non-Competition Period (defined below), other than in connection with Executive’s duties under this Agreement, (and her obligations to Central Lathing, LLC), Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Company, directly or indirectly, either individually or as a principal, partner, stockholder, manager, agent, consultant, contractor, employee, lender, investor, or as a director or officer of any corporation or association, or in any other manner or capacity whatsoever, become employed by, control, carry on, join, lend money for, operate, engage in, establish, perform services for, invest in, solicit investors for, consult for, do business with or otherwise engage in the Company’s Business (defined below) within the Restricted Area (defined below). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall be permitted during the Employment Period to own, directly or indirectly, solely as an investment, securities of any organization or entity, which are traded on any national securities exchange or NASDAQ if Executive is not the controlling shareholder, or a member of a group that controls such organization or entity, and directly or indirectly, does not own three percent (3%) or more of any class of securities of such organization or entity.

 

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For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

 

i.Affiliate” has the meaning set forth in Section 11(a).

 

ii.Business means the business in which the Company is actually engaged or has taken material steps to engage in as of the date Executive’s employment with the Company terminates for any reason.

 

iii.Company” means each of Paltalk, Inc. (f/k/a PeerStream, Inc. and Snap Interactive, Inc.) and any predecessors thereto, and any current or future Affiliates.

 

iv.Non-Competition Period means a period of twenty-four (24) months immediately following the date of Executive’s termination from employment for any reason.

 

v.Non-Solicitation Period” means a period of twenty-four (24) months immediately following the date of Executive’s termination from employment for any reason.

 

vi.Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 11(a).

 

vii.Restricted Area means, because the Company’s business is nationwide, Executive’s responsibilities are nationwide in scope, and Executive has access to the Company’s Confidential Information on a nationwide basis, all States comprising the United States, and any other geographic area in which the Company conducts business and for which Executive has responsibilities during Executive’s employment.

 

(b) Non-Solicitation. Executive agrees that, during the Employment Period and during the Non-Solicitation Period, other than in connection with Executive’s duties under this Agreement, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, either as a principal, manager, agent, employee, consultant, officer, director, stockholder, partner, investor or lender or in any other capacity, and whether personally or through other persons, (i) solicit business from, interfere with, attempt to solicit business with, or do business with any customer and/or business partner of the Company with whom the Company did business or who the Company solicited within the preceding two (2) years, and who or which: (1) Executive contacted, called on, serviced or did business with during Executive’s employment with the Company; (2) Executive learned of solely as a result of Executive’s employment with the Company; or (3) about whom Executive received Confidential Information. The parties acknowledge and agree that, for purposes of this Agreement, the term “customer” does not include actual or potential consumers or users of the Company’s applications. This restriction in this Section 7(b)(i) applies only to the Business (as defined above) of the Company or any Affiliate thereof; or (ii) solicit, induce or attempt to solicit or induce, engage or hire, on behalf of himself or any other person or entity, any person who is an employee or consultant of the Company or who was employed by the Company within the preceding twelve (12) months.

 

(c) Non-Disparagement. Executive agrees that the Company’s goodwill and reputation are assets of great value to the Company and its Affiliates which were obtained through great costs, time and effort. Therefore, Executive agrees that during Executive’s employment and at all times after the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason, Executive shall not in any way, directly or indirectly, publicly disparage, libel or defame the Company, its beneficial owners or its Affiliates, their respective business or business practices, products, services, employees, contractors.

 

(d) Tolling. If Executive violates any of the restrictions contained in this Section 7 (other than subsection (c) of this Section 7), the Non-Competition Period and/or Non-Solicitation Period, as applicable, shall be suspended and will not run in favor of Executive from the time of the commencement of any violation until the time when Executive cures the violation to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company.

 

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(e) Remedies. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions contained in Sections 6 and 7 of this Agreement, in view of the nature of the Company’s business and Executive’s position with the Company, are reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests and that any violation of Sections 6 and 7 of this Agreement would result in irreparable injury to the Company. In the event of a breach by Executive of Sections 6 or 7 of this Agreement, then the Company shall be entitled to (i) a temporary restraining order and injunctive relief restraining Executive from the commission of any breach, and/or (ii) recover attorneys’ fees, expenses and costs the Company incurs in such action. Further, if the Company prevails in any action brought by Executive (or anyone acting on Executive’s behalf) seeking to declare any term in this Section 7 void or unenforceable or subject to reduction or modification, then the Company shall be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees, expenses and costs the Company incurs in such action.

 

(f) Reformation. The courts shall be entitled to modify the duration and scope of any restriction contained herein to the extent such restriction would otherwise be unenforceable, and such restriction as modified shall be enforceable. Executive acknowledges that the restrictions imposed by this Agreement are legitimate, reasonable and necessary to protect the Company’s investment in its businesses and the goodwill thereof Executive acknowledges that the scope and duration of the restrictions contained herein are necessary and reasonable in light of the time that Executive has been engaged in the business of the Company, Executive’s reputation in the markets for the Company’s business and Executive’s relationship with the suppliers, customers and clients of the Company.

 

8. Trading Restrictions. Executive will be subject to trading and sales volume limitations in accordance with (a) applicable law, including Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended; and (b) such written insider trading policies as the Board may adopt and promulgate for Company employees generally.

 

9. Termination of Agreement. The employment relationship between Executive and the Company created under this Agreement shall terminate before the expiration of the stated term of this Agreement upon the occurrence of any one of the following events:

 

(a) Death or Permanent Disability. This Agreement, and Executive’s employment hereunder, shall be terminated effective on the death or permanent disability of Executive. For this purpose, “permanent disability” shall mean that Executive, (i) in the opinion of a physician, is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, or (ii) is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than 3 months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company, (iii) is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration, or (iv) is determined to be disabled in accordance with a disability insurance program, provided that the definition of disability applied under such disability insurance program complies with the requirements of (i) or (ii) above.

 

(b) Termination for Cause. The Company shall have the option to terminate Executive’s employment during the Employment Period, effective upon written notice of such termination to Executive, for Cause as the Company determines. Under the Agreement, termination for “Cause” means the Company’s termination of Executive’s employment upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

i.Any act of fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement by Executive regarding any aspect of the Company’s or any of its Affiliates’ businesses;

 

ii.The material breach by Executive of any Agreement provision and the failure of Executive to cure the same in all material respects within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from the Board;

 

iii.The conviction of Executive by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude;

 

iv.The intentional and material breach by Executive of any non-disclosure or non-competition/non-solicitation provision of any agreement to which Executive and the Company or any of its current or future Affiliates are parties;

 

v.The substantial failure by Executive to perform in all material respects Executive’s duties and responsibilities (other than as a result of death or disability) and the failure of Executive to cure the same in all material respects within thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from the Board;

 

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vi.The failure or refusal of Executive to follow the lawful directives of the Company, which, if curable, Executive failed or refused to cure within thirty (30) days after written demand is delivered;

 

vii.Willful conduct by Executive that is materially injurious to the Company or any of its Affiliates;

 

viii.Acceptance of employment with any employer other than the Company except upon written permission of the Board; or

 

ix.The breach by Executive of Executive’s fiduciary duties to the Company.

 

Prior to any termination for Cause, the Company shall give Executive an opportunity to appear before the Board (with personal counsel, if Executive so chooses) in order to be heard on the matter. The Company shall provide Executive with a written notice of termination, which can be provided on the date of termination. In the event Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause under this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to the compensation provided in Section 10(a) below.

 

(c) Termination by the Company without Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement without Cause at any time upon ten (10) days’ written notice to Executive, during which period Executive shall not be required to perform any services for the Company other than to assist the Company in training Executive’s successor and generally preparing for an orderly transition; provided, however, that Executive shall be entitled to compensation upon such termination as provided in Sections 10(a) and (b) below.

 

(d) Termination by Executive for Good Reason. Executive may terminate Executive’s employment at any time for Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean any of the following without Executive’s prior written consent: (i) Executive’s being required to report to a regular place of employment outside New York, New York; (ii) the Company’s material breach of any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement; or (iii) a detrimental and material change in Executive’s title, compensation, duties, or responsibilities; provided, however, that within ninety (90) days following Executive’s learning of such Good Reason, (1) the Company shall be given written notice of Executive’s intent to terminate Executive’s employment under this paragraph, and (2) the Company shall have ten (10) business days from receipt of such written notice to cure any such breach or change to the reasonable satisfaction of Executive. Upon such termination for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to compensation as provided in Sections 10(a) and (b) below.

 

(e) Termination by Executive Other Than for Good Reason. Executive may terminate this Agreement other than for Good Reason at any time upon forty-five (45) days’ written notice to the Company. Upon termination of this Agreement, the Company shall have no obligation to Executive other than as set forth in Section 10(a).

 

(f) Separation from Service. For purposes of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Sections 10 and 11, any references to a termination of Executive’s employment shall mean a “separation from service” as defined by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and the Treasury Regulations and other guidance issued thereunder.

 

10. Compensation Upon Termination. Upon the termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement before the expiration of the stated term in this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to the following:

 

(a) Compensation Upon Termination for Any Reason. Upon termination of Executive’s employment during the Employment Period before the expiration of the stated term hereof for any reason, Executive shall be entitled to the following within ten (10) business days of such termination:

 

i.Accrued Base Salary. The Base Salary earned by Executive before the effective date of termination as provided in Section 5(a) and unpaid (including salary payable during any applicable notice period), prorated on the basis of the number of full days of service rendered by Executive during the salary payment period to the effective date of termination; and

 

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ii.Unreimbursed Business Expenses, Company Benefit Plans. Any unreimbursed reasonable business expenses and any amounts to which Executive is entitled to under the Company’s benefit plans in accordance with their terms.

 

(b) Additional Compensation and Benefits Upon Termination by the Company Without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason. If, at any time, (i) the Company terminates Executive’s employment without Cause (as defined in Section 9(b) above), or (ii) Executive terminates Executive’s employment for Good Reason (as defined in Section 9(d) above), then the Company shall, subject to Executive’s execution of a general release of claims in favor of the Company and subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 6 and Section 7, provide to Executive, in addition to the amounts set forth in Section 10(a) above, an amount equal to three (3) months of Executive’s then-current annualized Base Salary, payable in three (3) equal monthly installments commencing on the Company’s first regular payroll date after the release of claims provided by Executive has become effective and binding upon Executive, provided, that, if the maximum forty-five (45) day consideration period and revocation period described in Section 10(d) spans two tax years, then the payments shall commence in the second tax year. Additionally, if Executive is eligible and timely elects to continue Executive’s health insurance coverage pursuant to the COBRA statute, and subject to Executive’s execution of the release of claims referred to above, the Company will continue to pay its portion of Executive’s monthly health insurance premiums for the earlier of (A) the three (3) months following the effective date of termination of Executive’s employment or, (B) the date Executive’s coverage under such group health plans terminates for any reason; provided that the Company’s payment of such premiums shall be limited to the same proportion of the cost of coverage under the Company’s group health plans as the Company pays on behalf of its employees generally (the “COBRA Entitlement”).

 

Executive shall have no obligation to mitigate any severance obligation of the Company under this Agreement by seeking new employment. The Company shall not be entitled to set off or reduce any severance payments owed to Executive under this Agreement by the amount of earnings or benefits received by Executive in future employment.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any stock options, restricted stock, or other plans or programs in which Executive is participating at the time of termination of Executive’s employment, Executive’s rights and benefits under each of these plans shall be determined in accordance with the terms, conditions, and limitations of the plans and any separate agreement executed by Executive which may then be in effect.

 

(c) Penalty for Breach of Covenants. For any period of time that Executive is in breach of or threatens to breach Section 6 or Section 7, the Company shall not be obligated to pay any severance payments referenced in this Agreement, the Company’s severance obligations shall terminate and expire, and the Company shall have no further obligations to Executive from and after the date of such breach or threatened breach. Additionally, the Company may recover any severance pay previously paid to Executive for the period of time that Executive was in breach of Section 6 or Section 7. The Company shall have all other rights and remedies available under this Agreement or any other agreement at law or in equity.

 

(d) Release. Payment of any of the amounts described in this Section 10 is conditioned upon Executive’s execution of a Waiver and Release of Claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A relating to the period of Executive’s employment with the Company, within the forty- five (45) day period following the end of Executive’s employment and not revoking such Waiver and Release of Claims during any applicable revocation period.

 

11. Compensation Upon Change in Control.

 

(a) Change in Control. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change in Control” of the Company occurs upon a change in the Company’s ownership or the ownership of a substantial portion of its assets, as follows:

 

i.Change in Ownership. A change in ownership of the Company occurs on the date that any Person, other than (1) the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (2) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Affiliates, (3) an underwriter temporarily holding stock pursuant to an offering of such stock, or (4) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company’s stock, acquires ownership of the Company’s stock that, together with stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the Company’s stock However, if any Person is considered to own already more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the Company’s stock, the acquisition of additional stock by the same Person is not considered to be a Change of Control;

 

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ii.Change in Ownership of Substantial Portion of Assets. A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company’s assets occurs on the date that a Person acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person) all or a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, by reason of any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer of the assets of the Company. For purposes hereof, a “substantial portion of the assets of the Company” shall mean any portion of the Company’s overall assets representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the fair market value of the Company’s overall assets. However, there is no Change in Control when there is such a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the Company immediately after the transfer, through a transfer to (1) a shareholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company’s stock; (2) an entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of the stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company; (3) a Person that owns directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of the Company’s outstanding stock; or (4) an entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of the stock of which is owned by a Person that owns, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of the Company’s outstanding stock.

 

For purposes of paragraphs (i) and (ii):

 

Person” shall have the meaning given in Section 7701(a)(1) of the Code. Person shall include more than one Person acting as a group as defined by the Treasury Regulations issued under Section 409A of the Code.

 

Affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

The provisions of this Section 11(a) shall be interpreted in accordance with the requirements of the Treasury Regulations under Section 409A of the Code, it being the intent of the parties that this Section 11(a) shall be in compliance with the requirements of said Code Section and said Treasury Regulations.

 

(b) Benefits Upon Termination Following Change in Control During the Employment Period.

 

i.Severance Benefits. If, during the thirty (30) day period immediately prior to a Change in Control or during the one-year period beginning on the date of a Change in Control (the “Change Period”), (A) Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company (or by the acquiring or successor business entity following a Change in Control) other than for Cause (as defined in. Section 9(b) above), or (B) Executive terminates Executive’s employment with the Company (or with the acquiring or successor business entity following a Change in Control) for Good Reason (as defined in Section 9(d) above), then Executive shall receive, in lieu of the severance benefits described in Section 10(b) above and subject to Executive’s execution of a general release of claims as provided in Section 11(d) below, a severance benefit in an amount equal to twelve (12) months of Executive’s annualized Base Salary (specified in Section 5(a)) as in effect on the date of the Change in Control plus twelve (12) month of the COBRA Entitlement.

 

ii.No Payments Upon Breach. The Company shall have no obligation to provide Executive with any severance compensation under this Section 11 if Executive is in breach or violation of any of the covenants contained in Sections 6 or 7, which are applicable to Executive at the time of the severance payment.

 

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iii.No Duplication of Payment. The payment of severance benefits under this Section 11 shall be in lieu of, and not in addition to, any payments under Section 10(b).

 

iv.Time and Form of Payment. Except as otherwise provided by Section 12, the Company shall pay the severance amount referenced in Section 11(b)(i) in a lump sum on the date that is sixty (60) days after the date of Executive’s termination.

 

v.Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any stock options, restricted stock, or other plans or programs in which Executive is participating at the time of termination of Executive’s employment, Executive’s rights and benefits under each such plan shall be determined in accordance with the terms, conditions, and limitations of the plan and any separate agreement executed by Executive which may then be in effect

 

(c) No Mitigation or Offset. Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided for in this Section 11 by seeking other employment or otherwise. The Company shall not be entitled to set off or reduce any severance payments owed to Executive under this Section 11 by the amount of earnings or benefits received by Executive in future employment.

 

(d) Release. Payment of any of the amounts described in this Section 11 is conditioned upon Executive’s execution of a Waiver and Release of Claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A relating to the period of Executive’s employment with the Company, within the forty- five (45) day period following the end of Executive’s employment and not revoking such Waiver and Release of Claims during any applicable revocation period.

 

12. Other Provisions.

 

(a) Remedies; Legal Fees. Each of the parties to this Agreement shall be entitled to enforce Executive’s or its rights under this Agreement, specifically, to recover damages by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in Executive’s or its favor. In any action resulting from a breach of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

(b) Limitations on Assignment. In entering into this Agreement, the Company is relying on the unique personal services of Executive; services from another person will not be an acceptable substitute. Except as provided in this Agreement, Executive may not assign this Agreement or any of the rights or obligations set forth in this Agreement without the explicit written consent of the Company. Any attempted assignment by Executive in violation of this Section 12(b) shall be void. Except as provided in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement entitles any person other than the parties to the Agreement to any claim, cause of action, remedy, or right of any kind, including, without limitation, the right of continued employment; provided, however, that the Company may freely assign this Agreement, and/or any rights hereunder, to any Affiliate or to any other entity. Further, to the extent applicable, each Affiliate of the Company will be deemed a third-party beneficiary and may enforce the applicable rights and obligations under this Agreement. The Company’s assignees or successors are expressly authorized to enforce the Company’s rights and privileges hereunder, including without limitation the restrictive covenants set forth in Section 6 and Section 7.

 

(c) Severability and Reformation. The parties intend all provisions of this Agreement to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. If, however, any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable under present or future law, such provision shall be fully severable, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision were never a part hereof, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the illegal, invalid, or unenforceable provision or by its severance. In lieu of such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision, there shall be added automatically as a part of this Agreement a legal, valid and enforceable provision as similar in terms to such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision as may be possible, and the Company and Executive hereby request the court to whom disputes relating to this Agreement are submitted to reform the otherwise unenforceable covenant in accordance with this Section 12(c).

 

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(d) Notices. Any notice or other communication required, permitted or desired to be given under this Agreement shall be deemed delivered when personally delivered; the business day, if delivered by overnight courier; the same day, if transmitted by facsimile on a business day before noon, Eastern Standard Time; the next business day, if otherwise transmitted by facsimile; and the third business day after mailing, if mailed by prepaid certified mail, return receipt requested, as addressed or transmitted as follows (or to such subsequent addresses as the parties may give one another notice of):

 

If to Executive, at the address last for her on record with the Company. If to the Company:

 

Paltalk, Inc. 

30 Jericho Executive Plaza

Suite 400E

Jericho, NY 11753

 

(e) Further Acts. Whether or not specifically required under the terms of this Agreement, each party shall execute and deliver such documents and take such further actions as shall be necessary in order for such party to perform all of Executive’s or its obligations specified in the Agreement or reasonably implied from the Agreement’s terms.

 

(f) Publicity and Advertising. Executive agrees that the Company may use Executive’s name, picture, or likeness for any advertising, publicity or other business purpose at any time, during the term of this Agreement and may continue to use materials generated during the term of this Agreement for a period of six (6) months thereafter. The use of Executive’s name, picture, or likeness shall not be deemed to result in any invasion of Executive’s privacy or in violation of any property right Executive may have; and Executive shall receive no additional consideration if Executive’s name, picture or likeness is so used. Executive further agrees that any negatives, prints or other material for printing or reproduction purposes prepared in connection with the use of Executive’s name, picture or likeness by the Company shall be and are the sole property of the Company.

 

(g) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICT OF LAWS (RULES) OR CHOICE OF LAWS (RULES) THEREOF.

 

(h) Venue. The exclusive venue for all suits or proceedings arising from or related to this Agreement shall be in a court of competent jurisdiction in Nassau County, New York.

 

(i) Waiver. A party’s waiver of any breach or violation of any Agreement provisions shall not operate as, or be construed to be, a waiver of any later breach of the same or other Agreement provision.

 

(j) Entire Agreement, Amendment, Binding Effect. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject matter in this Agreement. No oral statements or prior written material not specifically incorporated in this Agreement shall be of any force and effect. This Agreement supersedes and replaces in all respects the terms of the Professional Services Agreement entered into between Executive and the Company on May 17, 2019, except that Sections 6, 7, 13 and 17 of the Professional Services Agreement continue in force and effect. No changes in or additions to this Agreement shall be recognized, unless incorporated in this Agreement by written amendment, such amendment to become effective on the date stipulated in it. Executive acknowledges and represents that in executing this Agreement, Executive did not rely, and has not relied, on any communications, promises, statements, inducements, or representation(s), oral or written, by the Company, except as expressly contained in this Agreement. Any amendment to this Agreement must be signed by all parties to this Agreement. This Agreement will be binding on and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, heirs, legal representatives, and permitted assigns (if any). This Agreement supersedes any prior agreements between Executive and the Company concerning the subject matter of this Agreement, including the Prior Agreement.

 

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(k) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, with the same effect as if both parties had signed the same document. All such counterparts shall be deemed an original, shall be construed together and shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

(l) Directors and Officers Insurance/Indemnification. During the Employment Period, the Company shall maintain Executive as an insured party on directors’ and officers’ insurance maintained by the Company for the benefit of its directors and officers. Either through its directors and officers insurance policy and pursuant to the terms thereof or, if such insurance is not available, otherwise, the Company will indemnify and hold Executive harmless against any liability, damage, cost or expense incurred in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding to which Executive is a party, or threat thereof, by reason of Executive’s being or having been an officer or director of the Company or any Affiliate, to the extent permitted by applicable law; provided, however, that this indemnity shall not apply if Executive is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have acted against the interests of the Company with gross negligence, gross misconduct, or gross malfeasance. Promptly after receipt by Executive of notice of the commencement of any action (including any governmental action) or threat thereof, Executive shall, if a claim covered by this Section 12(1) is to be made or is threatened against Executive, deliver to the Company a written notice of the commencement or threat thereof and the Company shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent ,the Company so desires to assume the defense thereof with counsel selected by the Company and approved by Executive (whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that Executive (together with all other indemnified parties which may be represented without conflict by one counsel) shall have the right to retain one separate counsel, with the fees and expenses to be paid by the Company, if, and only if, representation of Executive by the counsel retained by the Company would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between Executive and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. Executive’s failure to deliver written notice to the Company within a reasonable time of the commencement or threat of any action for which Executive seeks indemnification under this Section 12(1), if prejudicial to the Company’s ability to defend such action, shall relieve the Company of any liability to Executive under this Agreement.

 

13. Section 409A of the Code

 

(a) To the extent (i) any payments to which Executive becomes entitled under this Agreement, or any agreement or plan referenced herein, in connection with Executive’s termination of employment with the Company constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code; (ii) Executive is deemed at the time of Executive’s separation from service to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Code; and (iii) at the time of Executive’s separation from service the Company is publicly traded (as defined in Section 409A of Code), then such payments (other than any payments permitted by Section 409A of the Code to be paid within six (6) months of Executive’s separation from service) shall not be made until the earlier of (x) the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s separation from service or (y) the date of Executive’s death following such separation from service. During any period that payment or payments to Executive are deferred pursuant to the foregoing, Executive shall be entitled to interest on the deferred payment or payments at a per annum rate equal to the highest rate of interest applicable to six (6) month money market accounts offered by the following institutions: Citibank N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, NA., or Bank of America, on the date of such “separation from service.” Upon the expiration of the applicable deferral period, any payments which would have otherwise been made during that period (whether in a single sum or in installments) in the absence of this Section 13 (together with accrued interest thereon) shall be paid to Executive or Executive’s beneficiary hi one lump sum.

 

(b) It is intended that this Agreement comply with or be exempt from the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and guidance of general applicability issued thereunder so as to not subject Executive to the payment of additional interest and taxes under Section 409A of the Code, and in furtherance of this intent, this Agreement shall be interpreted, operated and administered in a manner consistent with these intentions.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

Amended and Restated Executive Employment AgreementPage 12

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first indicated above.

 

THE COMPANY:

 

/s/ John Silberstein  
PALTALK, INC.  
By: John Silberstein  
Title: Chairman of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors  
   
EXECUTIVE:  
   
/s/ Kara Jenny  
Kara Jenny  

 

Signature Page to

Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS

 

This Waiver and Release of Claims (“Release”), effective as of the      (the “Effective Date”), is made and entered into by and between Kara Jenny (“Executive”) and Paltalk, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). Terms used in this Release with initial capital letters that are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Employment Agreement made and entered into as of           , 2022 by and between the Company and Executive (the “Agreement”).

 

WHEREAS, Executive and the Company are parties to the Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, Section 10 and Section 11 of the Agreement provide that Executive is entitled to certain payments and benefits upon separation from employment if Executive signs a release agreement;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set forth herein, the receipt and adequacy of which are acknowledged, Executive and the Company agree as follows:

 

1. Global Release. In consideration of the mutual promises contained in the Agreement, including the Company’s promises to pay Executive consideration under Section 10 or Section 11 of the Agreement, which are in addition to anything of value to which Executive is already entitled, Executive, on behalf of himself, Executive’s heirs, executors, successors and assigns, irrevocably and unconditionally releases, waives, and forever discharges the Company and all of its predecessors and their respective parents, divisions, subsidiaries, affiliates, joint venture partners, partners, and related companies, and their present and former agents, employees, officers, directors, attorneys, stockholders, plan fiduciaries, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”), from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, costs, fees, and all liability whatsoever, whether known or unknown, fixed or contingent, which Executive has, had, or may have against the Released Parties relating to or arising out of Executive’s employment, or any terms of the Agreement or the Prior Agreement, from the Effective Date and up to and including the date of this Release. This Release includes, without limitation, claims at law or equity or sounding in contract (express or implied) or tort, claims arising under any federal, state, or local laws of any jurisdiction that prohibit age, sex, race, national origin, color, creed, disability, religion, military status, family status, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence, stalking and sex offense victim status, arrest and conviction record, predisposing genetic characteristic, alienage or citizenship status, sexual orientation, or any other form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation (including, without limitation, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Civil Rights Acts of 1866 and/or 1871, 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Rehabilitation Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act anti-retaliation provisions, the Sarbanes- Oxley Act, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, the New York Labor Law, the New York State Civil Rights Law, the New York Workers’ Compensation Law, the New York City Human Rights Law, all as amended and including all of their respective implementing regulations, any federal, state, local or municipal whistleblower protection or anti-retaliation statute or ordinance, or any other federal, state, local, or municipal laws of any jurisdiction), claims arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (except any employee benefits or employee participation rights as contained in the Agreement), or any other statutory or common law claims related to or arising out of Executive’s employment or any terms of the Agreement, from the Effective Date and up to and including the date of this Release’s execution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Release shall affect or impair: (i) any rights Executive may have to indemnification, including without limitation indemnification for attorneys’ fees, costs and/or expenses, pursuant to applicable statute, certificates of incorporation and by-laws of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (ii) any of Executive’s rights arising under the Agreement; or (iii) any rights that Executive has as a former employee under the Company’s employee benefit plans (other than any severance plan).

 

2. No Admission of Liability. Executive understands and agrees that this Release shall not in any way be construed as an admission by the Released Parties of any unlawful or wrongful acts whatsoever against Executive or any other person. The Released Parties specifically disclaim any liability to or wrongful acts against Executive or any other person.

 

Exhibit A to

Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement

 

 

 

 

3. Time to Consider Release. Executive is hereby advised in writing by the Company that Executive should consult an attorney before executing this Release. Executive has a period of up to twenty-one (21) calendar days after receiving the Release within which to review and consider the provisions of this Release. Executive understands that if Executive does not sign this Release before the twenty-one (21) calendar day period expires, this Release offer will be withdrawn automatically.

 

4. Revocation Period. Executive understands and acknowledges that she has seven (7) calendar days following the execution of this Release to revoke Executive’s acceptance of this Release. This Release will not become effective or enforceable, and the payments and benefits described under Section 10 or Section 11 will not become payable, until after this revocation period has expired without Executive’s revocation. If Executive does not revoke the Release within the revocation period, the Company will commence the payments and benefits described under Section 10 or Section 11 of the Agreement within ten (10) days after the revocation period’s expiration date.

 

5. Confidentiality of Release and Company Information. Executive agrees to keep this Release, its terms, and the amount of payments and benefits related to this Release completely confidential. Executive agrees and understands that Executive is prohibited from disclosing any terms of this Release to anyone, except that Executive may disclose the terms of this Release and the amount of the payments and benefits related to this Release to Executive’s spouse, attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors or as otherwise required by law. Executive also agrees to continue to abide by the confidentiality provisions of the Agreement.

 

6. Non-Disparagement and Other Continuing Obligations. Employee agrees to continue to abide by Sections 6 (“Confidential Information” and Section 7 (“Restrictive Covenants”) and any other surviving obligations as set forth in the Agreement, including Section 3 therein.

 

7. Agreement to Return Company Property/Documents. Executive understands and agrees that Executive’s last day of active work in any Company office or on any Company owned or leased property will be __________________, 20__ (the “Separation Date”). Accordingly, Executive agrees that: (i) Executive will not take with her, copy, alter, destroy, or delete any files, documents, electronically stored information, or other materials, whether or not embodying or recording any Confidential Information, including copies, without obtaining in advance the written consent of an authorized Company representative; and (ii) Executive will promptly return to the Company all Confidential Information, documents, files, records and tapes, whether written in hardcopy form or electronically stored, that have been in Executive’s possession or control regarding the Company, and Executive will not use or disclose such materials in any way or in any format, including written information in any form, information stored by electronic means, and all copies of these materials. Executive further agrees that on or before the Separation Date, Executive will return to the Company immediately all Company property, including, without limitation, keys, equipment, computer(s) and computer equipment, devices, Company cellular phones, Company credit cards, data, electronically stored information, lists, correspondence, notes, memos, reports, or other writings prepared by the Company or himself on behalf of the Company.

 

Exhibit A to

Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement

 

 

 

 

8. Authorized Use of Trade Secrets/ Confidential Information. Employee acknowledges and agrees that she is bound by Section 6 and Section 7 of the Agreement regardless of the reason for her separation from the Company or any of its Affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive understands that Executive may disclose proprietary and/ or confidential information when required to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction, by any governmental agency having authority over Executive or the business of the Company or by any administrative body or legislative body (including a committee thereof) with jurisdiction to order that Executive divulge, disclose or make accessible such information. The Company hereby notifies Executive in accordance with the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 that Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (a) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (b) is made in a complaint or other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. The Company further notifies Executive that if Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation against the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the Company’s trade secrets to Executive’s attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if Executive: (a) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (b) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.

 

9. Knowing and Voluntary Release. Executive understands that it is Executive’s choice whether to enter into this Release and that Executive’s decision to do so is voluntary and is made knowingly.

 

10. No Prior Representations or Inducements. Executive represents and acknowledges that in executing this Release, Executive did not rely, has not relied, and expressly disavows reliance on any communications, statements, promises, inducements, or representation(s), oral or written, by any of the Released Parties, except as expressly contained in this Release.

 

11. Choice of Law. This Release shall, in all respects, be interpreted, enforced, and governed under the laws of the State of New York. The parties agree that the language of this Release shall, in all cases, be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for, or against, any of the parties.

 

12. Severability. The Company and Executive agree that should a court declare or determine that any provision of this Release is illegal or invalid, the validity of the remaining parts, terms or provisions of this Release will not be affected and any illegal or invalid part, term, or provision, will not be deemed to be a part of this Release.

 

13. Counterparts. The Company and Executive agree that this Release may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed one and the same instrument.

 

Please read carefully as this document includes a release of claims, including a release of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).

 

{Signature Page Follows}

 

Exhibit A to

Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Executive hereto evidence their agreement by their signatures.

 

THE COMPANY:  
   
PALTALK, INC.  
By:  
Title:  
   
EXECUTIVE:  
   
Kara Jenny  

 

Exhibit A to

Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 21.1

Subsidiaries of Paltalk, Inc.

(As of March 2022)

 

Subsidiary   Jurisdiction of Incorporation
A.V.M. Software, Inc.   New York
Paltalk Software, Inc.   Delaware
Paltalk Holdings, Inc.   Delaware
Tiny Acquisition, Inc.   New York
Camshare, Inc.   Delaware
Fire Talk, LLC   Delaware
Vumber, LLC   Delaware

Exhibit 23.1

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent

 

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-211898, 333-174456 and 333-218792), Form S-3 (File No. 333-260063) and Form S-1 (File Nos. 333-172202 and 333-257036) of Paltalk, Inc. of our report dated March 23, 2022, with respect to our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Paltalk, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2021, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Paltalk, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

/s/ Marcum llp

 

Marcum llp

Melville, NY

March 23, 2022

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

 

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Jason Katz, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Paltalk, Inc.;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: March 23, 2022 By: /s/ Jason Katz
    Jason Katz
    Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

 

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Kara Jenny, certify that:

 

1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Paltalk, Inc.;

 

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Dated: March 23, 2022 By: /s/ Kara Jenny
    Kara Jenny
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

 

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

 

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code, each of the undersigned officers of Paltalk, Inc. (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:

 

The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the “Form 10-K”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in the Form 10-K.

 

Dated: March 23, 2022 By: /s/ Jason Katz
    Jason Katz
    Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)
     
Dated: March 23, 2022 By: /s/ Kara Jenny
    Kara Jenny
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

The foregoing certification is being furnished as an exhibit to the Form 10-K pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and, accordingly, is not being filed as part of the Form 10-K for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.