UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 11, 2025
BITMINE IMMERSION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 001-42675 | 84-3986354 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
10845 Griffith Peak Dr. #2
Las Vegas, NV 89135
(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)
(404) 816-8240
(Registrants’ telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| ☐ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| ☐ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
| Common Stock, par value $0.0001 | BMNR | NYSE American LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter)
Emerging Growth Company ☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
Director Resignations
On November 11, 2025, Seth Bayles, John Kelly, and Erik Nelson resigned from the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”), effective immediately (the “Director Resignations”). The Director Resignations were not related to a disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies, or practices. Mr. Bayles also resigned as Corporate Secretary of the Company. Mr. Nelson will continue his role as President and was appointed by the Board as Corporate Secretary of the Company. The Board thanks Mr. Bayles, Mr. Kelly, and Mr. Nelson for their service on the Board and valuable contributions to the Company.
Director Appointments
On November 11, 2025, the Board appointed Mr. Jason Edgeworth, Ms. Olivia Howe, and Mr. Robert Sechan to serve as independent directors on the Board (each a “Director”).
Appointment of Mr. Jason Edgeworth
On November 12, 2025, Mr. Edgeworth accepted the appointment to serve on the Board and executed an offer letter with the Company pursuant to which he will serve as a Director (the “Edgeworth Offer Letter”). Mr. Edgeworth will serve as an independent Director until the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.
Mr. Edgeworth, age 40, serves as an Investment and Asset Manager at JPD Family Holdings, a Texas-based family office. In this capacity, he directs due diligence, transaction execution, and asset management for investments spanning the energy value chain. Since joining in 2020, he has been responsible for originating and evaluating strategic principal investments and managing portfolio operating companies, while concurrently serving as a director on multiple company boards. Mr. Edgeworth currently holds positions on the boards of HighPeak Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: HPK), where he is the independent chairman of the board of directors and a member of both the compensation committee and the nominating and governance committee. Additionally, he serves on the boards of Glacier Oil & Gas Corp., Borealis Alaska Oil, Inc., and the Alaska Oil & Gas Association, where he is a member of the legal steering committee. His professional expertise includes upstream and midstream energy, infrastructure development, real estate, and strategic alternatives processes within these industry verticals. Prior to his tenure at JPD Family Holdings, Mr. Edgeworth was with U.S. Capital Advisors LLC from June 2013 to February 2020, where he ultimately served as Executive Director of Investment & Merchant Banking. At U.S. Capital Advisors, he led due diligence and execution for various public equity and private capital transactions, including initial public offerings, follow-on offerings, at-the-market programs, preferred financings, and mergers and acquisitions, with a primary focus on the exploration and production, midstream, and real estate sectors. He holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of St. Andrews and is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst.
In connection with his appointment, Mr. Edgeworth will be entitled to receive the Company’s standard compensation for independent Directors (the “Independent Director Compensation”). The Independent Director Compensation will commence in November 2025, with November service prorated. Until December 31, 2025, Directors will receive compensation in the form of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”). Beginning January 1, 2026, Directors may elect to receive compensation in the form of either (i) Common Stock or (ii) stock options with an exercise price equal to $1.00 above the closing price of the Common Stock as of January 1 of each calendar year (the “Options”). The Independent Director Compensation consists of 833 shares of Common Stock per month for service on the Board (or 2,500 Options starting January 1, 2026); 250 shares of Common Stock per month for service on each committee of the Board (or 750 Options starting January 1, 2026); an additional 125 shares of Common Stock per month for service as chair of each committee of the Board, other than the Audit Committee (or 375 Options starting January 1, 2026); and an additional 250 shares of Common Stock per month for service as chair of the Audit Committee (or 750 Options starting January 1, 2026), in each case payable with respect to each applicable committee on which the Director serves. For avoidance of doubt, the Board has not yet voted on Director compensation for the Company’s fiscal year ending August 31, 2026.
There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Edgeworth and any other persons pursuant to which he was elected as a Director of the Company. There are no family relationships between Mr. Edgeworth and any other Director or executive officer of the Company and he has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Appointment of Ms. Olivia Howe
On November 12, 2025, Ms. Howe accepted the appointment to serve on the Board and executed an offer letter with the Company pursuant to which she will serve as a Director (the “Howe Offer Letter”). Ms. Howe will serve as an independent Director until the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders and until her successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until her earlier death, resignation or removal.
Ms. Howe, age 40, currently serves as the Chief Legal Officer of RigUp, Inc., a source-to-pay software and services company focused on empowering energy professionals and streamlining field operations. Over the past seven years in this role, she has advised the company and its board of directors on legal and business issues and is a member of the company’s management committee. Prior to joining RigUp, Ms. Howe spent seven years in private practice at Vinson & Elkins as a securities litigator, representing public and private companies, partnerships, and officers and directors in M&A litigation, securities litigation, corporate governance, and general commercial disputes. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, her J.D. from Southern Methodist University and Harvard Law School, and her LL.M. in Securities and Financial Regulation from Georgetown University Law Center.
In connection with her appointment, Ms. Howe will be entitled to receive the Company’s standard Independent Director Compensation. The foregoing description of the Howe Offer Letter does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Howe Offer Letter, a copy of which is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.2 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
There are no arrangements or understandings between Ms. Howe and any other persons pursuant to which she was elected as a Director of the Company. There are no family relationships between Ms. Howe and any other Director or executive officer of the Company and she has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Appointment of Mr. Robert Sechan
On November 12, 2025, Mr. Sechan accepted the appointment to serve on the Board and executed an offer letter with the Company pursuant to which he will serve as a Director (the “Sechan Offer Letter”). Mr. Sechan will serve as an independent Director until the Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.
Mr. Sechan, age 56, is currently the CEO, Managing Partner, and Co-Founder of NewEdge Wealth, and Co-Managing Partner of NewEdge Capital Group. He began his career as a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley, specializing in portfolio management and asset allocation. Mr. Sechan subsequently served as a Managing Director at Lehman Brothers, where he managed a prominent family office business. He later joined UBS Financial Services as a Managing Director and Head of the Intellectual Capital Subcommittee, where he guided the firm’s tactical investment process for wealthy families and institutional clients. In 2020, Mr. Sechan co-founded NewEdge Wealth with three partners. He is a frequent commentator on financial and economic issues, with insights featured on CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg TV. Mr. Sechan has been recognized by both Barron’s and Forbes as a Top 100 Financial Advisor. He earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Economics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management and Economics from The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University.
In connection with his appointment, Mr. Sechan will be entitled to receive the Company’s standard Independent Director Compensation. The foregoing description of the Sechan Offer Letter does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Sechan Offer Letter, a copy of which is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.3 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Sechan and any other persons pursuant to which he was elected as a Director of the Company. There are no family relationships between Mr. Sechan and any other Director or executive officer of the Company and he has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Resignation of Former Chief Executive Officer and Director – Jonathan Bates
On November 12, 2025, Jonathan Bates notified the Board of his resignation from his positions as Chief Executive Officer and Director, effective immediately. Mr. Bates’ decision to resign is not related to a disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies, or practices. The Board thanks Mr. Bates for his distinguished service and valuable contributions to the Company and the Board.
On November 12, 2025, the Company and Mr. Bates entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release (the “Separation Agreement”). In exchange for a general release, the Company will pay Mr. Bates a lump-sum cash severance of $1,912,500, subject to applicable withholding, within thirty (30) days after the expiration of the agreement’s seven-day revocation period. The foregoing description of the Separation Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Separation Agreement, which the Company is filing as Exhibit 10.4 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer and Director – Chi Tsang
On November 12, 2025, the Board appointed Chi Tsang as Chief Executive Officer and Director, effective immediately. Mr. Tsang also executed an offer letter with the Company pursuant to which he will serve as a Director (the “Tsang Offer Letter”).
Mr. Tsang, age 56, currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer and a Director of FutureCrest Acquisition Corp. He is also the Managing Partner and founder of m1720, a US venture capital firm investing in early-stage US AI startups. Mr. Tsang founded m1720 in 2023. He is also an adjunct professor at Fordham Gabelli School of Business, teaching venture capital investing to graduate students. Since August 2025, he has been the Chief Financial officer of Kin Euphorics, a private non-alcoholic beverage company. Prior to m1720, Mr. Tsang spent 10 years at HSBC (LSE: HSBA) based in Hong Kong. From 2012 to 2018, he was the head of China Internet research and then global head of e-commerce research. Mr. Tsang focused his research on e-commerce, including Alibaba (NYSE: BABA) and Tencent (HKEX: 0700) and Trip.com (NASDAQ: TCOM). From 2018 to 2022, Mr. Tsang was the head of Telecom, Media and Technology investment banking for Asia-Pac at HSBC. Before relocating to Hong Kong, Mr. Tsang spent a decade on the buyside in New York City. Mr. Tsang was the global head of technology research at Neuberger Berman from 2000 to 2008. From 2009 to 2011, he was the senior China analyst for 1798 Global Partners, where he was responsible for long-only and long-short investments for greater China region. Mr. Tsang received his Bachelor of Science from Cornell University in Policy Analysis and his Master of Business Administration from the Fordham Gabelli School of Business. He is a CFA charterholder.
The foregoing description of the Tsang Offer Letter does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Tsang Offer Letter, a copy of which is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K as Exhibit 10.5 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company intends to enter into an employment agreement with Mr. Tsang in connection with his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. The material terms of the agreement will be disclosed in a subsequent filing once the agreement is finalized.
There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Tsang and any other persons pursuant to which he was elected as Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company. There are no family relationships between Mr. Tsang and any other Director or executive officer of the Company and he has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Board Committee Composition
Effective November 13, 2025, the Board reconstituted its committees as follows (the “Reconstitution”):
| ● | Audit Committee: Lori Love, David Sharbutt, and Mike Maloney. | |
| ● | Compensation Committee: Olivia Howe (Chair), Jason Edgeworth, and Robert Sechan. | |
| ● | Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee: David Sharbutt (Chair), Olivia Howe, and Robert Sechan. | |
| ● | Investment Committee: Jason Edgeworth (Chair), Mike Maloney, and Robert Sechan. |
The Board may adjust committee membership from time to time in accordance with the Company’s needs and corporate governance best practices. Directors who served on the Board committees prior to the Reconstitution will be compensated for their committee and Board service effective September 1, 2025, prorated through November 13, 2025.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On November 14, 2025, the Company issued a press release (the “Press Release”) announcing the resignations and appointments described herein. A copy of the Press Release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
The information under this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into the filings of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits.
| Exhibit No. | Description | |
| 10.1 | Edgeworth Offer Letter, dated November 12, 2025. | |
| 10.2 | Howe Offer Letter, dated November 12, 2025. | |
| 10.3 | Sechan Offer Letter, dated November 12, 2025. | |
| 10.4 | Bates Separation Agreement, dated November 12, 2025. | |
| 10.5 | Tsang Offer Letter, dated November 12, 2025. | |
| 99.1 | Press Release, dated November 14, 2025. | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. | ||
| Dated: November 14, 2025 | By: | /s/ Raymond Mow |
| Name: | Raymond Mow | |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
Exhibit 10.1
BITMINE IMMERSION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
November 12, 2025
Jason Edgeworth
13 S. West Oak Drive
Houston, TX 77056
Re: Board of Directors
Dear Jason,
BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) is pleased to invite you to serve as a member of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). If you accept this invitation, your membership on the Board will commence upon your formal appointment to the Board. The following is some information on the terms of your Board membership.
You are invited to join the Board because of your reputation and experience in areas that relate to the Company’s business and strategy. The Company hopes that, as a member of the Board, you will contribute to the success of the Company by participating in meetings with the Board and providing the Company with advice and guidance consistent with your role as a member of the Board.
I. Committees of the Board
The Board has four committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and an Investment Committee. Each committee is comprised of directors who satisfy the independence and qualification standards established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange, as applicable. The Company may invite you to serve on one or more of these committees, provided that you satisfy the applicable independence and eligibility requirements.
II. Meetings
We expect to hold Board and Audit Committee meetings generally four times per year, with additional interim teleconference Board and Audit Committee “updates” held on an “as needed” basis. The other committees will meet as often as necessary to discharge their responsibilities under their respective charters. Actions of the Board, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Investment Committee may also be approved by written consent where permitted by applicable law and governing documents.
III. Fiduciary Duties
As a member of the Board, you agree to hold in confidence and trust and to act in a fiduciary manner with respect to all confidential information provided to you by the Company or other members of the Board. You acknowledge that the Company and the Board reserve the right to withhold any information and to exclude you from any portion of a Board meeting if such information or attendance could reasonably be expected to result in a conflict of interest with your duties to a third party or adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
IV. Confidentiality
As of the date of your election to the Board and for all times thereafter, you will (i) treat and hold as confidential any information related to the business and affairs of the Company and each of its affiliates and subsidiaries (the “Group”) (including all memoranda, notes, analyses, compilations, studies or other documents that were developed or based upon or that include, contain or reflect any such information (whether in written form, electronically stored or otherwise)) that is not already generally available to the public or that does not become generally available after the date of this letter agreement without any violation by you or your obligations hereunder (the “Confidential Information”), (ii) refrain from using any of the Confidential Information except in the ordinary course of operation (consistent with past custom and practice) of the Group and (iii) upon termination of your relationship with the Company, return or delete all copies of Confidential Information in your possession or control, if requested by the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, this confidentiality obligation does not prevent you from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to government authorities, including under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or other applicable whistleblower protections. You may do so without notification to or prior approval by the Company.
V. Compliance with Policies and Law
You agree to comply with the Company’s applicable policies as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to, the Code of Ethics, and Board and committee charters and policies. Additionally, as a director of a public company, you will be subject to certain reporting and compliance obligations under U.S. securities laws, including Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
VII. Equity Grant
The Company will compensate you for your duties as a member of the Board. You will be eligible to receive a monthly equity award under the Company’s 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”). For service on the Board or a committee during the remainder of 2025, you will receive awards of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), with partial-month awards prorated as appropriate. Beginning January 1, 2026, you may elect to receive each monthly award in one of the following forms: (i) Common Stock, or (ii) stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to $1 per share more than the fair market value of the Common Stock as of January 1 of that calendar year. The exercise price for all stock option awards in a given year will be based on the fair market value of the Common Stock as of January 1. Directors must make their election between Common Stock and stock options before the start of the calendar year, and that election will apply to all monthly awards granted during that year. If you elect to receive your compensation in the form of stock options, each monthly award is expected to vest in equal monthly installments over the period beginning on the grant date and ending on the fifth anniversary of the grant date, such that the award is fully vested at the end of such period. Vesting is subject to your continued service on the Board through the vesting date. Any equity awards will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Equity Plan and the applicable award agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, any director joining the Board in November or December 2025 will receive stock awards for service in those months, prorated as appropriate.
VIII. Expenses
The Company will reimburse reasonable, documented travel and other business expenses incurred in connection with your duties as a Board member in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies.
IX. Indemnification Agreement and D&O Insurance
In addition to the indemnification provisions contained in the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, the Company also enters into customary Indemnification Agreements with its Directors and maintains a D&O insurance policy with customary coverage through its selected insurance broker.
X. At-Will Service
Nothing in this letter should be construed to interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Company and the Company’s stockholders to remove any individual from the Board at any time in accordance with the provisions of applicable law and the Company’s governing documents. Service on the Board is at will.
We believe this is a very exciting time to be joining the Board of the Company. We hope that you find the foregoing terms acceptable. You may indicate your agreement with these terms and accept this invitation by signing and dating the enclosed counterpart of this letter and returning it to me. We look forward to your input and guidance as we move forward!
| Very truly yours, | ||
| Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Lee | |
| Name: | Thomas Lee | |
| Title: | Chairman of the Board of Directors | |
| I have read and accept this invitation: | |
| /s/ Jason Edgeworth | |
| Signature of Jason Edgeworth |
Exhibit 10.2
BITMINE IMMERSION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
November 12, 2025
Olivia Howe
3908 Hanover Street
Dallas, TX 75225
Re: Board of Directors
Dear Olivia,
BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) is pleased to invite you to serve as a member of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). If you accept this invitation, your membership on the Board will commence upon your formal election to the Board. The following is some information on the terms of your Board membership.
You are invited to join the Board because of your reputation and experience in areas that relate to the Company’s business and strategy. The Company hopes that, as a member of the Board, you will contribute to the success of the Company by participating in meetings with the Board and providing the Company with advice and guidance consistent with your role as a member of the Board.
I. Committees of the Board
The Board has four committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and an Investment Committee. Each committee is comprised of directors who satisfy the independence and qualification standards established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange, as applicable. The Company may invite you to serve on one or more of these committees, provided that you satisfy the applicable independence and eligibility requirements.
II. Meetings
We expect to hold Board and Audit Committee meetings generally four times per year, with additional interim teleconference Board and Audit Committee “updates” held on an “as needed” basis. The other committees will meet as often as necessary to discharge their responsibilities under their respective charters. Actions of the Board, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Investment Committee may also be approved by written consent where permitted by applicable law and governing documents.
III. Fiduciary Duties
As a member of the Board, you agree to hold in confidence and trust and to act in a fiduciary manner with respect to all confidential information provided to you by the Company or other members of the Board. You acknowledge that the Company and the Board reserve the right to withhold any information and to exclude you from any portion of a Board meeting if such information or attendance could reasonably be expected to result in a conflict of interest with your duties to a third party or adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
IV. Confidentiality
As of the date of your election to the Board and for all times thereafter, you will (i) treat and hold as confidential any information related to the business and affairs of the Company and each of its affiliates and subsidiaries (the “Group”) (including all memoranda, notes, analyses, compilations, studies or other documents that were developed or based upon or that include, contain or reflect any such information (whether in written form, electronically stored or otherwise)) that is not already generally available to the public or that does not become generally available after the date of this letter agreement without any violation by you or your obligations hereunder (the “Confidential Information”), (ii) refrain from using any of the Confidential Information except in the ordinary course of operation (consistent with past custom and practice) of the Group and (iii) upon termination of your relationship with the Company, return or delete all copies of Confidential Information in your possession or control, if requested by the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, this confidentiality obligation does not prevent you from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to government authorities, including under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or other applicable whistleblower protections. You may do so without notification to or prior approval by the Company.
V. Compliance with Policies and Law
You agree to comply with the Company’s applicable policies as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to, the Code of Ethics, and Board and committee charters and policies. Additionally, as a director of a public company, you will be subject to certain reporting and compliance obligations under U.S. securities laws, including Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
VII. Equity Grant
The Company will compensate you for your duties as a member of the Board. You will be eligible to receive a monthly equity award under the Company’s 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”). For service on the Board or a committee during the remainder of 2025, you will receive awards of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), with partial-month awards prorated as appropriate. Beginning January 1, 2026, you may elect to receive each monthly award in one of the following forms: (i) Common Stock, or (ii) stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to $1 per share more than the fair market value of the Common Stock as of January 1 of that calendar year. The exercise price for all stock option awards in a given year will be based on the fair market value of the Common Stock as of January 1. Directors must make their election between Common Stock and stock options before the start of the calendar year, and that election will apply to all monthly awards granted during that year. If you elect to receive your compensation in the form of stock options, each monthly award is expected to vest in equal monthly installments over the period beginning on the grant date and ending on the fifth anniversary of the grant date, such that the award is fully vested at the end of such period. Vesting is subject to your continued service on the Board through the vesting date. Any equity awards will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Equity Plan and the applicable award agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, any director joining the Board in November or December 2025 will receive stock awards for service in those months, prorated as appropriate.
VIII. Expenses
The Company will reimburse reasonable, documented travel and other business expenses incurred in connection with your duties as a Board member in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies.
IX. Indemnification Agreement and D&O Insurance
In addition to the indemnification provisions contained in the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, the Company also enters into customary Indemnification Agreements with its Directors and maintains a D&O insurance policy with customary coverage through its selected insurance broker.
X. At-Will Service
Nothing in this letter should be construed to interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Company and the Company’s stockholders to remove any individual from the Board at any time in accordance with the provisions of applicable law and the Company’s governing documents. Service on the Board is at will.
We believe this is a very exciting time to be joining the Board of the Company. We hope that you find the foregoing terms acceptable. You may indicate your agreement with these terms and accept this invitation by signing and dating the enclosed counterpart of this letter and returning it to me. We look forward to your input and guidance as we move forward!
| Very truly yours, | ||
| Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Lee | |
| Name: | Thomas Lee | |
| Title: | Chairman of the Board of Directors | |
| I have read and accept this invitation: | |
| /s/ Olivia Howe | |
| Signature of Olivia Howe |
Exhibit 10.3
BITMINE IMMERSION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
November 12, 2025
Robert Sechan
3081 NE 40th Court
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308
Re: Board of Directors
Dear Robert,
BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) is pleased to invite you to serve as a member of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). If you accept this invitation, your membership on the Board will commence upon your formal appointment to the Board. The following is some information on the terms of your Board membership.
You are invited to join the Board because of your reputation and experience in areas that relate to the Company’s business and strategy. The Company hopes that, as a member of the Board, you will contribute to the success of the Company by participating in meetings with the Board and providing the Company with advice and guidance consistent with your role as a member of the Board.
I. Committees of the Board
The Board has four committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and an Investment Committee. Each committee is comprised of directors who satisfy the independence and qualification standards established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange, as applicable. The Company may invite you to serve on one or more of these committees, provided that you satisfy the applicable independence and eligibility requirements.
II. Meetings
We expect to hold Board and Audit Committee meetings generally four times per year, with additional interim teleconference Board and Audit Committee “updates” held on an “as needed” basis. The other committees will meet as often as necessary to discharge their responsibilities under their respective charters. Actions of the Board, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Investment Committee may also be approved by written consent where permitted by applicable law and governing documents.
III. Fiduciary Duties
As a member of the Board, you agree to hold in confidence and trust and to act in a fiduciary manner with respect to all confidential information provided to you by the Company or other members of the Board. You acknowledge that the Company and the Board reserve the right to withhold any information and to exclude you from any portion of a Board meeting if such information or attendance could reasonably be expected to result in a conflict of interest with your duties to a third party or adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
IV. Confidentiality
As of the date of your election to the Board and for all times thereafter, you will (i) treat and hold as confidential any information related to the business and affairs of the Company and each of its affiliates and subsidiaries (the “Group”) (including all memoranda, notes, analyses, compilations, studies or other documents that were developed or based upon or that include, contain or reflect any such information (whether in written form, electronically stored or otherwise)) that is not already generally available to the public or that does not become generally available after the date of this letter agreement without any violation by you or your obligations hereunder (the “Confidential Information”), (ii) refrain from using any of the Confidential Information except in the ordinary course of operation (consistent with past custom and practice) of the Group and (iii) upon termination of your relationship with the Company, return or delete all copies of Confidential Information in your possession or control, if requested by the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, this confidentiality obligation does not prevent you from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to government authorities, including under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or other applicable whistleblower protections. You may do so without notification to or prior approval by the Company.
V. Compliance with Policies and Law
You agree to comply with the Company’s applicable policies as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to, the Code of Ethics, and Board and committee charters and policies. Additionally, as a director of a public company, you will be subject to certain reporting and compliance obligations under U.S. securities laws, including Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
VII. Equity Grant
The Company will compensate you for your duties as a member of the Board. You will be eligible to receive a monthly equity award under the Company’s 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”). For service on the Board or a committee during the remainder of 2025, you will receive awards of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), with partial-month awards prorated as appropriate. Beginning January 1, 2026, you may elect to receive each monthly award in one of the following forms: (i) Common Stock, or (ii) stock options to purchase shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to $1 per share more than the fair market value of the Common Stock as of January 1 of that calendar year. The exercise price for all stock option awards in a given year will be based on the fair market value of the Common Stock as of January 1. Directors must make their election between Common Stock and stock options before the start of the calendar year, and that election will apply to all monthly awards granted during that year. If you elect to receive your compensation in the form of stock options, each monthly award is expected to vest in equal monthly installments over the period beginning on the grant date and ending on the fifth anniversary of the grant date, such that the award is fully vested at the end of such period. Vesting is subject to your continued service on the Board through the vesting date. Any equity awards will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Equity Plan and the applicable award agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, any director joining the Board in November or December 2025 will receive stock awards for service in those months, prorated as appropriate.
VIII. Expenses
The Company will reimburse reasonable, documented travel and other business expenses incurred in connection with your duties as a Board member in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies.
IX. Indemnification Agreement and D&O Insurance
In addition to the indemnification provisions contained in the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, the Company also enters into customary Indemnification Agreements with its Directors and maintains a D&O insurance policy with customary coverage through its selected insurance broker.
X. At-Will Service
Nothing in this letter should be construed to interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Company and the Company’s stockholders to remove any individual from the Board at any time in accordance with the provisions of applicable law and the Company’s governing documents. Service on the Board is at will.
We believe this is a very exciting time to be joining the Board of the Company. We hope that you find the foregoing terms acceptable. You may indicate your agreement with these terms and accept this invitation by signing and dating the enclosed counterpart of this letter and returning it to me. We look forward to your input and guidance as we move forward!
| Very truly yours, | ||
| Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Lee | |
| Name: | Thomas Lee | |
| Title: | Chairman of the Board of Directors | |
| I have read and accept this invitation: | |
| /s/ Robert Sechan | |
| Signature of Robert Sechan |
Exhibit 10.4
SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE
This SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE (this “Agreement”),dated as of November 12, 2025, is by and between BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) and Jonathan Bates (“Executive”).
WHEREAS, the Company employs Executive pursuant to the Employment Agreement, made and entered into as of September 1, 2025, by and between the Company and Executive (the “Employment Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate effective November 12, 2025 (the “Separation Date”);
WHEREAS, Executive has voluntarily resigned his employment with the Company effective as of the Separation Date, and such resignation is without “Good Reason” (as defined in the Employment Agreement);
WHEREAS, Executive is eligible for certain separation payments and benefits set forth in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to resolve all outstanding claims and disputes between them relating to such employment.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. Separation. Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate effective as of the Separation Date. As of that same date, Executive hereby resigns from all positions and offices held with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including (without limitation) as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and from service as a member of the Board of Directors and all committees thereof. Such resignations shall be effective as of the Separation Date without further action. Executive shall, upon the Company’s request, execute any documents reasonably necessary to effectuate such resignations. Regardless of whether Executive executes this Agreement, the Company shall pay Executive (a) all accrued but unpaid base salary through the Separation Date, and (b) a cash payment for any accrued but unused paid time off, in each case less applicable withholdings. Such payments shall be made on the Separation Date. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all properly documented, reasonable business expenses incurred through the Separation Date and submitted in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies within thirty (30) days after receipt.
2. Continuation of Benefits. Regardless of whether Executive enters into this Agreement, following the Separation Date, Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents shall be eligible to elect continued group health coverage under the Company’s health plans pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), subject to its terms and conditions. If Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage, Executive acknowledges that Executive is solely and fully responsible for the full cost of Executive’s COBRA continuation coverage and any corresponding administrative fees in accordance with COBRA.
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3. Severance Pay. Subject to, and in consideration of, Executive’s execution, delivery, and non-revocation of this Agreement, and Executive’s continued compliance with the duties and obligations set forth in this Agreement, the Company will pay Executive a lump sum amount equal to $1,912,500.00 (the “Severance Payment”). This payment will be made within thirty (30) days following the expiration of the revocation period referenced in Section 20, and shall be subject to applicable tax withholdings and authorized deductions. Executive acknowledges and agrees that this payment shall be forfeited, and any unpaid portion shall cease, in the event of Executive’s breach of this Agreement. Notwithstanding such forfeiture, all obligations of Executive under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
4. Treatment of Equity; Acknowledgements.
(a) Each of the Company and Executive acknowledges and agrees that, as of the date immediately preceding the date hereof, Executive held 973,289 shares in the Company (the “Shares”), which the parties agree shall remain subject to the terms and conditions of (i) the Company’s governing corporate documents, (ii) applicable equity plans, (iii) any other agreements or instruments under which such Shares were issued, and (iv) any applicable clawback or recoupment policy maintained by the Company from time to time.
(b) Executive acknowledges and agrees that, aside from the Shares, as of the date hereof, Executive holds no other shares, equity or other ownership interest in the Company, and by executing this Agreement, Executive hereby waives and relinquishes any and all rights to receive any additional shares, equity interests, phantom equity, distributions, or payments under any plan, agreement, or Company document.
(c) The Company will cooperate in good faith with all requests from Executive for the removal of the restrictive legend from any certificates for the Shares pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933 and will use commercially reasonable efforts to process any request for removal of the restrictive legend within five (5) business days following receipt of a legal opinion supporting such removal.
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5. Release of all Claims. In consideration for the payments set forth in Section 3, which Executive would not have otherwise been entitled to receive, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, Executive, on behalf of Executive and Executive’s heirs, executors, administrators, trustees, legal representatives, successors and assigns, release and forever discharge the Releasees (as defined below) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, fees, liabilities and obligations of any kind whatsoever, both known and unknown, which Executive ever had, now has, or may have against any of the Releasees by reason of any act, omission, transaction, practice, plan, policy, procedure, conduct, occurrence, or other matter, up to and including the Effective Date (as defined below), including but not limited to all claims related to or under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, as amended, including by the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (“WARN”) Act of 1988, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the California Labor Code (including but not limited to provisions concerning wages, hours, overtime, commissions, expense reimbursement, meal and rest breaks, wage statements, and retaliation), the California Family Rights Act, the California WARN Act, the Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”), and the California Business and Professions Code § 17200 et seq; any and all claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in connection with Executive’s employment, the terms and conditions of such employment and Executive’s separation from such employment under any federal, state, city, and/or local fair employment, non-discrimination or civil rights law, ordinance or regulation; all claims sounding in tort or breach of contract (express or implied), wrongful discharge, whistleblowing, detrimental reliance, defamation, slander, libel, intentional and negligent emotional distress or compensatory and/or punitive damages; any and all common law claims, including but not limited to wrongful or retaliatory discharge in violation of public policy, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, interference with contractual relations or prospective business advantage, invasion of privacy, false imprisonment, and/or fraud; and all claims for attorneys’ fees, costs, disbursements and/or the like. All of the above laws are referenced and included as amended.
Executive expressly waives the provisions of Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which provides:
“A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.”
Executive understands that this waiver means that even if Executive later discovers facts different from or in addition to those known at the time of signing this Agreement, this release will remain in full force and effect.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive does not release: (i) any right to enforce this Agreement;
(ii) any vested retirement benefits or 401(k) savings plan benefits, or any medical plan benefits for which Executive is eligible under the terms of the applicable benefit plans, or any payments to which Executive is entitled under any qualified or non-qualified benefit plan or program sponsored by the Company; (iii) any claim to unemployment insurance or workers’ compensation benefits, where applicable; (iv) any claim that cannot lawfully be released by private agreement, including claims arising after the Effective Date, claims for indemnification under applicable law or the Company’s bylaws or insurance, and Executive’s right to file a charge or participate in an investigation with a government agency (provided that this Agreement does not limit Executive’s right to receive an award for information provided to any government agency, and provided further that Executive waives the right to recover individual monetary relief from the Company in any proceeding in which the agency does not award such a bounty or monetary award); and (v) any rights under the California Labor Code §§ 2699.3(b)(4) and 206.5(a). Executive understands and acknowledges that this Agreement waives only those claims that arise on or before Executive’s execution of this Agreement and does not waive future claims, if any. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement purports to waive any non-individual PAGA claims to the extent such a waiver is prohibited by applicable law.
Executive represents that Executive has been paid all wages, salary, bonuses, and other compensation due through the Separation Date, other than the amounts expressly provided in Section 1 and Section 3.
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Executive represents and warrants that Executive has not filed or caused to be filed, and is not presently a party to, any claim against the Company. Executive further represents that Executive does not have, and has not asserted in the past, any claims against the Company the factual foundation of which involves unlawful discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation. Executive represents and warrants that Executive has not assigned or transferred any claim being released.
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as an admission of liability by the Company or any other Releasee, and the Company specifically disclaims liability to or wrongful treatment of Executive on the part of itself and all other Releasees.
“Releasees” means the Company and its present and former direct and indirect parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, predecessors, successors and assigns, and their present and former officers, directors, employees, representatives, shareholders, attorneys, and agents, whether acting as agents or in individual capacities, and the pension and welfare benefit plans (and their respective administrators, fiduciaries, trustees and insurers, whether acting as agents or in individual capacities) of the Company and its affiliates.
6. Sole and Exclusive Benefits. This Agreement provides for the sole and exclusive benefits for which Executive is eligible as a result of the Executive’s separation from employment, except as otherwise required by law and any rights Executive may have for accrued vested benefits under any employee benefit plan, and Executive shall not be eligible for any contractual benefits under any other agreement or arrangement providing for payments or benefits upon a separation from service or otherwise. Further, Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive will not receive, and is not and will not be eligible for, any other bonuses, incentives, fees or any other payments or benefits other than what is expressly set forth in this Agreement.
7. Return of Property. Executive agrees that, following the Separation Date, Executive will promptly return all, and will not retain copies of, Company property, including, without limitation, records, files, customer/client lists, documents, models, equipment, laptops, computers, software and intellectual property relating to the Company’s business in whatever form (including electronic), including those that relate to or contain confidential or proprietary information of the Company; provided, however, that Executive shall be permitted to retain personal items (so long as such items do not contain confidential information) and office furniture and equipment previously purchased by Executive. If, at any time after the Separation Date, Executive discovers that Executive has in Executive’s possession any additional Company property, Executive agrees to immediately return it to the Company. Executive agrees to cooperate with the Company to return such Company property to the Company’s offices by mail, messenger service or other reasonably appropriate means.
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8. Restrictive Covenants. In order to preserve and protect the goodwill and value of the Company’s business, operations and relationships to which Executive has had access during Executive’s employment, Executive hereby agrees as follows:
(a) Confidentiality. Executive acknowledges that due to the position Executive has occupied and the responsibilities Executive has had at Company, Executive has received confidential information concerning the Company and its affiliates’ procedures, technologies, strategies, employees, investors, clients, customers, vendors, contractors, subcontractors, portfolio companies, contracts and other proprietary information. Executive acknowledges and agrees that all such information, together with any other information learned by Executive during Executive’s tenure (whether as an employee, consultant or otherwise) at the Company (whether oral or written, and including any information learned at any of the Company’s predecessor or acquired companies), shall remain confidential, and Executive may not disclose that information to any other person without the Company’s express prior written consent other than (i) as required by law or (ii) as otherwise set forth in this Section 8(a).
Executive further acknowledges and agrees that Executive’s obligations regarding inventions, discoveries, developments, designs, processes, writings, software, trade secrets, and other work product created during employment shall continue to be governed by Section 2(f) (“Work Product and Intellectual Property”) of the Employment Agreement, which remains in full force and effect.
In addition, Executive agrees that Executive will not use any Confidential Information to solicit or attempt to solicit any employee, consultant, customer, client, supplier, vendor, or other business partner of the Company with whom Executive had material contact during the twenty- four (24) months preceding the Separation Date. This restriction is intended solely to prevent the misuse of the Company’s Confidential Information and shall not be construed as a covenant not to compete or non-solicitation restriction prohibited under California law.
(b) Confidentiality of Agreement. Executive agrees to treat the existence and terms of this Agreement as confidential and will not discuss the Agreement or its terms with anyone other than: (i) Executive’s counsel or tax advisor as necessary to secure their professional advice, (ii) Executive’s spouse, (iii) as may be required by law, and (iv) as may be necessary to enforce the provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that with respect to any disclosure pursuant to this clause (iv), Executive shall seek to have the Agreement submitted or filed under seal. Further, Executive agrees that if Executive finds it necessary to disclose the existence or terms of this Agreement as permitted under this Section 8(b), Executive will advise such persons that they are under an obligation to maintain the confidentiality of such information, and Executive assumes full responsibility for any such person’s disclosure. Nothing in this Section 8(b) prohibits Executive from discussing or disclosing information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or discrimination or any other conduct that Executive has reason to believe is unlawful; provided that nothing herein authorizes disclosure of information protected by the attorney-client privilege, attorney work product doctrine, or trade secret law, except as permitted by applicable law.
(c) Mutual Non-Disparagement. Executive agrees not to make any defamatory or derogatory statements (written or verbal) intending to adversely affect or having a foreseeable result of adversely affecting the Company or its affiliates or the good name and reputation of any of their officers, directors, agents or employees. Executive represents and warrants to the Company that Executive has not, to date, made any such defamatory or derogatory statements (written or verbal) to any client or other business relation of the Company or in any public forum (including, without limitation, on social media or social networking sites) intending to adversely affect or having a foreseeable result of adversely affecting the Company or its affiliates or the good name and reputation of any of their officers, directors, agents or employees.
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The Company shall instruct its Board of Directors not to make, or cause to be made, any defamatory or derogatory statements (whether written or verbal) intending to adversely affect or having a foreseeable result of adversely affecting Executive or the good name and reputation of Executive. The Company represents and warrants that, to the best of its knowledge, its Board of Directors have not, to date, made any such statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may instruct its Board of Directors that they may make accurate statements: (a) to their and the Company’s financial and legal advisors; (b) to governmental authorities for tax purposes; (c) in response to a lawfully issued subpoena; or (d) as needed to carry out the terms of this Agreement or as reasonably necessary for the Company’s regular business operations.
(d) Release of Non-Competition Obligation. The Company hereby fully waives and releases the Executive from the non-competition covenant contained in Section 6(a) of the Employment Agreement such that Section 6(a) is hereby effectively terminated and of no force and effect.
(e) Protected Rights. Nothing in this Agreement, including the confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions in this Section 8, shall be construed to prohibit Executive from initiating or maintaining a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other federal, state, or local equal employment opportunity agency, or from otherwise fully cooperating with and/or participating in any investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board or other government agency with or without notice to or prior authorization from the Company. Executive is, however, waiving Executive’s rights to any monetary recovery should any such agency pursue any claims on Executive’s behalf. Nothing in this Agreement prohibits Executive from disclosing information about unlawful acts in the workplace, such as harassment or discrimination or any other conduct that Executive has reason to believe is unlawful. In addition, and consistent with the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, Executive shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is: (i) made in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, or to an attorney, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or proceeding, provided that such filing is made under seal. If Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by 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, provided that any document containing the trade secret is filed under seal and the trade secret is not disclosed except pursuant to court order.
(f) Remedies. The Company would suffer irreparable harm from a breach of any of the covenants or agreements contained in this Section 8. In the event of an alleged or threatened breach by Executive of any of the provisions of this Section 8, the Company or its successors or assigns may, in addition to all other rights and remedies existing in its favor, apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions hereof, in each case without the requirement of posting a bond or proving actual damages, and the restricted period, as applicable, described above will be extended until such alleged breach or violation is resolved. Executive agrees that the restrictions in this Section 8 are reasonable protections under the circumstances of the payment of the amounts set forth herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent any provision of this Section 8 is unenforceable under California law, such provision shall be deemed modified or severed to the minimum extent necessary to render it enforceable, and the remainder of this Section 8 shall remain in full force and effect.
9. Indemnification; D&O Insurance. The parties acknowledge and agree that Executive’s rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage shall continue to be governed by, and remain in full force and effect pursuant to, Section 8 (“Indemnification; D&O Insurance”) of the Employment Agreement.
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10. Cooperation. Executive agrees to be reasonably available to the Company to respond to reasonable requests for information pertaining to or relating to the Company or any of its agents, officers, directors or employees which may be within the knowledge of Executive. Executive will cooperate fully with the Company in connection with any and all existing or future depositions and/or litigations or investigations brought by or against the Company or any of its agents, officers, directors, or employees, whether administrative, civil or criminal in nature, in which and to the extent the Company deems Executive’s cooperation necessary. In the event that Executive is subpoenaed in connection with any litigation or investigation involving the Company, Executive will immediately notify the Company, and shall give the Company an opportunity to respond to such notice before taking any action or making any decision in connection with such subpoena. The Company will reimburse Executive for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of such cooperation, including reasonable legal fees and costs, and will pay Executive $400 per hour for time spent in providing such cooperation. Executive further agrees to reasonably cooperate with the Company in its preparation of and responses to any required public company filings or regulatory inquiries relating to the period of Executive’s service, with reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses as provided above.
11. Voluntary Agreement. Executive understands and agrees that Executive is under no obligation to consent to the general release of claims under Section 5 of this Agreement. Executive understands that they are entering into this Agreement in exchange for good and valuable consideration, beyond anything to which Executive is otherwise entitled, and that the payment set forth in Section 3 is sufficient consideration to require Executive to abide with Executive’s obligations under this Agreement.
12. Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remainder of the Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
13. Waiver. No waiver by either party of any breach by the other party of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of any other provision or condition at the time or at any prior or subsequent time. This Agreement and the provisions contained in it shall not be construed or interpreted for or against either party because that party drafted or caused that party’s legal representative to draft any of its provisions.
14. Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by the laws of California, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions. To the extent any dispute is not subject to arbitration under Section 15, each party irrevocably waives the right to a jury trial to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.
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15. Arbitration. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the parties hereto agree that any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be submitted for resolution to binding arbitration as provided herein. Any arbitration pursuant to this Agreement shall be administered by the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (“JAMS”); shall be conducted in accordance with JAMS’ Employment Arbitration Rules and Mediation Procedures, as modified herein; and shall be conducted by a single arbitrator, selected in accordance with JAMS rules. Such arbitration will be conducted in Los Angeles, California, and the arbitrator will apply California law, including federal statutory law as applied in California courts. The arbitrator may grant injunctions or other relief in such dispute or controversy. The arbitrator shall be neutral, shall permit adequate discovery, shall issue a written award with essential findings and conclusions, and shall be authorized to award all remedies available under applicable law. The decision of the arbitrator will be final, conclusive and binding on the parties to the arbitration. The Company shall bear all costs unique to arbitration, including the arbitrator’s fees and any JAMS administrative fees, except that each party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees and costs, and any award of attorneys’ fees and costs shall be made only as authorized by the applicable substantive law that would apply in court. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s decision in any court having jurisdiction. The parties agree to keep confidential the existence of any such arbitration proceeding and the subject matter of any such proceeding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of breach or threatened breach of any non-solicitation covenant or other restrictive covenant, Executive hereby consents and agrees that the Company and its affiliates shall be entitled to seek, in addition to other available remedies, a temporary or permanent injunction or other equitable relief against such breach or threatened breach from any court of competent jurisdiction, without the necessity of showing any actual damages or that money damages would not afford an adequate remedy, and without the necessity of posting any bond or other security.
16. Code Section 409A.
(a) This Agreement, and the Severance Payment paid in connection with it, are intended to be exempt from or otherwise comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code Section 409A”), including the exceptions for short-term deferrals, separation pay arrangements, reimbursements, and in-kind distributions, and shall be administered, construed and interpreted in accordance with such intent. Any Severance Payment that fails to qualify for the exemptions under Code Section 409A shall be paid or provided in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company cannot guarantee that the Severance Payment provided under this Agreement will satisfy all applicable provisions of Code Section 409A and the Executive shall be solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on or for the account of the Executive in connection with this Agreement (including any taxes and penalties under Code Section 409A), and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold the Executive (or any beneficiary) harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties.
(b) Each payment under this Agreement is intended to be treated as one of a series of separate payments for purposes of Code Section 409A. To the extent any reimbursements or in-kind benefit payments under the Agreement are subject to Code Section 409A, such reimbursements and in-kind benefit payments will be made in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(1)(iv) (or any similar or successor provisions).
(c) Notwithstanding anything in the Agreement to the contrary, to the extent the Executive is considered a “specified employee” (as defined in Code Section 409A) and would be entitled to a payment during the six-month period beginning on the Executive’s separation from service (as defined in Code Section 409A) that is not otherwise excluded under Code Section 409A under the exception for short-term deferrals, separation pay arrangements, reimbursements, in- kind distributions, or any otherwise applicable exemption, the payment will not be made to the Executive until the earlier of the six-month anniversary of the Executive’s separation from service or the Executive’s death and will be accumulated and paid on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s separation from service.
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(d) The parties may amend the Agreement to the minimum extent necessary to satisfy the applicable provisions of Code Section 409A.
17. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may not be changed orally, and no modification, amendment, or waiver of any of the provisions contained in this Agreement, nor any future representation, promise, or condition in connection with the subject matter hereof, shall be binding upon any party unless made in writing and signed by such party.
18. Headings. All descriptive headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall be disregarded in construing or applying any provision of this Agreement.
19. Counterparts; Electronic Signature. The parties may execute this Agreement in one or more counterparts, all of which together shall constitute but one Agreement. The facsimile, email or other electronically delivered signatures of the parties shall be deemed to constitute original signatures, and facsimile or electronic copies hereof shall be deemed to constitute duplicate original.
20. Consideration and Revocation Period. Because this Agreement includes a release of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, Executive acknowledges and agrees that: this waiver and release is knowing and voluntary and has been written in a manner that is clear and understandable; the release of claims applies only to claims arising on or before the date of Executive’s execution of this Agreement, and does not waive or release any rights or claims that may arise after that date; Executive has been advised in writing to consult with an attorney before signing this Agreement, and has had the opportunity to do so; Executive has been given at least twenty-one (21) days to consider the terms of this Agreement before signing it, and understands that if Executive chooses to sign it before the end of that period, such decision was made voluntarily and knowingly; any changes, whether material or immaterial, made to this Agreement after it was initially presented do not restart or extend the twenty-one (21) day consideration period; Executive has read and understands the entire Agreement and is signing it voluntarily and with the intent to be legally bound by all of its terms; and after signing, Executive shall have seven (7) calendar days to revoke this Agreement by delivering written notice of revocation to Thomas Lee, Chairman of the Board of Directors.
This Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the seven-day revocation period has expired without revocation, which shall be the eighth calendar day after Executive’s execution of this Agreement (the “Effective Date”).
[Signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
| BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Lee | |
| Name: | Thomas Lee | |
| Title: | Chairman | |
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| /s/ Jonathan Bates | ||
| Jonathan Bates | ||
Exhibit 10.5
BITMINE IMMERSION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
November 12, 2025
Chi Tsang
45 River Avenue
Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750
Re: Board of Directors
Dear Chi,
BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) is pleased to invite you to serve as a member of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). If you accept this invitation, your membership on the Board will commence upon your formal election to the Board. The following is some information on the terms of your Board membership.
You are invited to join the Board because of your reputation and experience in areas that relate to the Company’s business and strategy. The Company hopes that, as a member of the Board, you will contribute to the success of the Company by participating in meetings with the Board and providing the Company with advice and guidance consistent with your role as a member of the Board.
I. Committees of the Board
The Board has four committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and an Investment Committee. Each committee is comprised of directors who satisfy the independence and qualification standards established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the New York Stock Exchange, as applicable. The Company may invite you to serve on one or more of these committees, provided that you satisfy the applicable independence and eligibility requirements.
II. Meetings
We expect to hold Board and Audit Committee meetings generally four times per year, with additional interim teleconference Board and Audit Committee “updates” held on an “as needed” basis. The other committees will meet as often as necessary to discharge their responsibilities under their respective charters. Actions of the Board, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Investment Committee may also be approved by written consent where permitted by applicable law and governing documents.
III. Fiduciary Duties
As a member of the Board, you agree to hold in confidence and trust and to act in a fiduciary manner with respect to all confidential information provided to you by the Company or other members of the Board. You acknowledge that the Company and the Board reserve the right to withhold any information and to exclude you from any portion of a Board meeting if such information or attendance could reasonably be expected to result in a conflict of interest with your duties to a third party or adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
IV. Confidentiality
As of the date of your election to the Board and for all times thereafter, you will (i) treat and hold as confidential any information related to the business and affairs of the Company and each of its affiliates and subsidiaries (the “Group”) (including all memoranda, notes, analyses, compilations, studies or other documents that were developed or based upon or that include, contain or reflect any such information (whether in written form, electronically stored or otherwise)) that is not already generally available to the public or that does not become generally available after the date of this letter agreement without any violation by you or your obligations hereunder (the “Confidential Information”), (ii) refrain from using any of the Confidential Information except in the ordinary course of operation (consistent with past custom and practice) of the Group and (iii) upon termination of your relationship with the Company, return or delete all copies of Confidential Information in your possession or control, if requested by the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, this confidentiality obligation does not prevent you from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to government authorities, including under Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Section 806 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or other applicable whistleblower protections. You may do so without notification to or prior approval by the Company.
V. Compliance with Policies and Law
You agree to comply with the Company’s applicable policies as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to, the Code of Ethics, and Board and committee charters and policies. Additionally, as a director of a public company, you will be subject to certain reporting and compliance obligations under U.S. securities laws, including Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
VIII. Expenses
The Company will reimburse reasonable, documented travel and other business expenses incurred in connection with your duties as a Board member in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policies.
IX. Indemnification Agreement and D&O Insurance
In addition to the indemnification provisions contained in the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws, the Company also enters into customary Indemnification Agreements with its Directors and maintains a D&O insurance policy with customary coverage through its selected insurance broker.
X. At-Will Service
Nothing in this letter should be construed to interfere with or otherwise restrict in any way the rights of the Company and the Company’s stockholders to remove any individual from the Board at any time in accordance with the provisions of applicable law and the Company’s governing documents. Service on the Board is at will.
We believe this is a very exciting time to be joining the Board of the Company. We hope that you find the foregoing terms acceptable. You may indicate your agreement with these terms and accept this invitation by signing and dating the enclosed counterpart of this letter and returning it to me. We look forward to your input and guidance as we move forward!
| Very truly yours, | ||
| Bitmine Immersion Technologies, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Lee | |
| Name: | Thomas Lee | |
| Title: | Chairman of the Board of Directors | |
| I have read and accept this invitation: | |
| /s/ Chi Tsang | |
| Signature of Chi Tsang |
Exhibit 99.1
BitMine Appoints New CEO and Three Independent Board Appointments
Chi Tsang to succeed Jonathan Bates as Bitmine’s Chief Executive Officer and join BitMine’s Board of Directors
Robert Sechan, Founder of NewEdge Capital Group and CEO of NewEdge Wealth, joins as an Independent Director
Jason Edgeworth, Asset Manager for JPD Family Holdings, joins as an Independent Director
Olivia Howe, Chief Legal Officer at RigUp, joins as an Independent Director
BitMine is the world’s largest ETH Treasury company with more than 2.9% of the ethereum network
BitMine is supported by a premier group of institutional investors including ARK’s Cathie Wood, MOZAYYX, Founders Fund, Bill Miller III, Pantera, Kraken, DCG, and Galaxy Digital to support BitMine’s goal of acquiring 5% of ETH: The alchemy of 5%
LAS VEGAS, November 14th, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — (NYSE AMERICAN: BMNR) BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (“BitMine” or the “Company”) today announced that Chi Tsang has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and appointed as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Additionally, BitMine is pleased to announce the appointment of three independent Board members: Robert Sechan, Olivia Howe and Jason Edgeworth. These appointments are effective immediately.
“Our new CEO and Board members bring a unique blend of experience, insight, and leadership across technology, DeFi and financial services, enabling BitMine to further position itself as the bridge between traditional capital markets and the supercycle Ethereum ecosystem,” stated Thomas “Tom” Lee, Chairman of the Board.
“The transformation and innovation now facing Wall Street through blockchain and Ethereum mirror the explosion of opportunity that mobile phones and the internet unleashed on telecoms and technology in the 1990s,” said Chi Tsang, CEO of BitMine. “With its substantial Ethereum holdings and credibility with both Wall Street and the Ethereum ecosystem, BitMine is positioned to become a leading financial institution.”
“Building BitMine from the ground up to become an NYSE listed company, and then the world’s largest holder of Ethereum, has been a remarkable journey,” said former BitMine CEO, Jonathan Bates. “I’m proud of what our team has achieved, and I have complete confidence that Tom and BitMine’s new leadership will carry that momentum as it continues to grow.”
“Tom Lee has been at the forefront and capitalized on so many of the key secular stories in the two decades I have known him,” said Robert Sechan, independent board member and founder of NewEdge Capital Group and CEO of NewEdge Wealth. “From wireless in the early 90s; to creating the leading independent research firm in 2014, just in front of this massive retail stock flows; being the first person on Wall Street to advocate for Bitcoin in 2017; and even to identifying AI as a secular story in 2018. So to me, his view that Ethereum is a supercycle is something that resonates with me, and a key reason I am delighted to serve on the Board of BitMine.”
“I’ve followed BitMine’s growth journey from a virtually unknown company to the largest Ethereum DAT in the world,” said Olivia Howe, newly appointed independent board member of BitMine and Chief Legal Officer at RigUp, Inc. “I’m honored to join the Board at this pivotal moment, working alongside Chairman Tom Lee to help contribute to its continued success.”
“I’m honored to join the Board of BitMine and believe in Tom’s bold vision to establish BitMine as a critical infrastructure partner in the Ethereum ecosystem,” said Jason Edgeworth, newly appointed independent board member of BitMine. “I look forward to working alongside the leadership team and my fellow directors to help drive long-term value for shareholders and position BitMine for continued growth.”
The Company recently released a corporate presentation, which can be found here: https://bitminetech.io/investor-relations/
To stay informed, please sign up at: https://bitminetech.io/contact-us/
About BitMine
BitMine is a Bitcoin and Ethereum Network Company with a focus on the accumulation of Crypto for long term investment, whether acquired by our Bitcoin mining operations or from the proceeds of capital raising transactions. Company business lines include Bitcoin Mining, synthetic Bitcoin mining through involvement in Bitcoin mining, hashrate as a financial product, offering advisory and mining services to companies interested in earning Bitcoin denominated revenues, and general Bitcoin advisory to public companies. BitMine’s operations are located in low-cost energy regions in Trinidad; Pecos, Texas; and Silverton, Texas.
For additional details, follow on X:
https://x.com/bitmnr
https://x.com/fundstrat
https://x.com/bmnrintern
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” The statements in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. This document specifically contains forward-looking statements regarding progress and achievement of the Company’s goals regarding ETH acquisition and staking, the long-term value of Ethereum, continued growth and advancement of the Company’s Ethereum treasury strategy and the applicable benefits to the Company. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including BitMine’s ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; BitMine’s ability to finance its current business, Ethereum treasury operations and proposed future business; the competitive environment of BitMine’s business; and the future value of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Actual future performance outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond BitMine’s control, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of BitMine’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 3, 2025, as well as all other SEC filings, as amended or updated from time to time. Copies of BitMine’s filings with the SEC are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. BitMine undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.
SOURCE BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc.
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