Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 22, 2025.

 

Registration No. 333-         

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM S-1

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER THE

SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   7370   41-2349750
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

745 5th Ave, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151

Tel. No. (347) 212-5075

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

 

Wolfgang Schubert

745 5th Ave, Suite 500

New York, NY 10151

Tel. No. (347) 212-5075

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

 

With copies to:

 

Mitchell Nussbaum, Esq.

Alexandria Kane, Esq.

Loeb & Loeb LLP
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10154
Tel: (212) 407-4000

 

Chad R. Ensz, Esq.

Gregory Carney, Esq.
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100

San Diego, CA 92130-4092

(858)-720-8900

  Robert Charron, Esq.
Charles Phillips, Esq.
Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
(212) 370-1300

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule l2b-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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☒

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED DECEMBER 22, 2025

 

125,000,000

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

75,657,895 Shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock

 

We are offering 75,657,895 shares of our Class A ordinary common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class A Ordinary Common Stock”). In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, defined below, which occurred on December 17, 2025, Roth CH Holding Inc. changed its name to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) and its Class A Ordinary Common Stock and the Public Warrants trade on the OTC Markets Group, Inc. - Pink Open Market under the symbols “SHAZ,” and “SHAZW,” respectively. We have reserved the symbol “SHAZ.” to list our Class A Ordinary Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market. On December 19, 2025, the last reported sale price of our common stock on OTC Market was $1.90 per share.

 

We currently estimate the public offering price to be between $[●] and $[●] per share.

 

This offering is being conducted in connection with the closing of the business combination (“Business Combination”) by and among the Company, Roth CH Acquisition Co., Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc. and SharonAI Inc. (“SharonAI”). The registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part is expected to become effective simultaneously with, or shortly following the consummation of the Business Combination.

 

All of the shares offered by this prospectus are being sold by us. We will receive all of the net proceeds from the sale of the shares offered hereby, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

Lucid Capital Markets, LLC (“Lucid”) is acting as the representative of the underwriters. The underwriters have a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 9,868,422 shares from us solely to cover over-allotments, if any.

 

This prospectus relates solely to the primary offering of shares of our common stock by us. The resale of certain of our outstanding securities by selling stockholders is being registered under a separate registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC.

 

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 and, as such, may elect to comply with certain reduced reporting requirements after this offering. See “Prospectus Summary—Emerging Growth Company Status.”

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risk factors beginning on page [14] of this prospectus before purchasing shares of our common stock.

 

   Per Share of
Common Stock
   Total 
Public Offering Price  $       
Underwriting Discount(1)          
Proceeds, before expenses, to us  $       

 

 
(1)  We have agreed to pay the underwriter a cash fee equal to 7.0% of the gross proceeds of this offering, provided however, no fee will be paid on proceeds in this offering from (i) existing investors/stockholders of the Company who beneficially own in excess of 5.0% of the equity capital of the Company, and (ii) potential investors located in Australia. This does not include the reimbursement of certain expenses of the underwriter we have agreed to pay. See the section titled “Underwriting” for additional information regarding compensation payable to the underwriter.

 

We have granted the underwriters the right to purchase an additional 9,868,422 shares of our common stock to cover over-allotments.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares of common stock to purchasers on                   , 2025.

 

Lucid Capital Markets

 

The date of this prospectus is               , 2025

 

 

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

 

Roth CH Holdings, Inc. was a party to a business combination transaction by and among Roth CH Holdings, Inc., Roth CH Acquisition Co., Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc. and SharonAI Inc. (“Business Combination”). The Business Combination closed on December 17, 2025. In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, Roth CH Holdings, Inc. (i) changed its name to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and (ii) became the ultimate parent company of the combined company. The securities of SharonAI Holdings, Inc. are traded on OTC Markets. This public offering of securities of SharonAI Holdings, Inc. is to raise $125,000,000 and to uplist the securities of SharonAI Holdings, Inc. to the NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS   1
INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA   3
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY   4
ABOUT THIS OFFERING   11
SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA   13
RISK FACTORS   14
USE OF PROCEEDS   52
DIVIDEND POLICY   53
CAPITALIZATION   54
DILUTION   56
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION   58
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF ROTH CH   69
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF SHARON AI.   74
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF DSS   90
BUSINESS OF SHARONAI   97
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY   112
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION   118
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES   130
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS   131
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES   136
DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITY   140
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE   141
UNDERWRITING   143
LEGAL MATTERS   146
EXPERTS   146
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION   146
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS   F-1

 

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and in any free writing prospectus. We and the underwriters have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus. We and the underwriters are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of shares of our common stock.

 

Neither we nor any of the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of common stock and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus, and any amendment contain various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements relating to expectations for future financial performance, business strategies or expectations for our business. These statements constitute projections, forecasts and forward-looking statements, and are not guarantees of performance. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this prospectus, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “can”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “intend”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “seek”, “should”, “strive”, “target”, “will”, “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.

 

Forward-looking statements in this prospectus and in any document incorporated by reference in this prospectus may include, for example, statements about:

 

  the benefits of the Business Combination;

 

  the future financial performance of the Company following the Business Combination;

 

  changes in the market for the Company’s products and services; and

 

  expansion plans and opportunities.

 

These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this prospectus the Company management’s current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of the Company and their directors, officers and affiliates. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any subsequent date. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update, add or to otherwise correct any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events, inaccuracies that become apparent after the date hereof or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

 

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements in deciding how your vote should be cast or in voting your shares on the proposals set out in this prospectus. Should one or more of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to:

 

  risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to the Company;

 

  the Company’s public securities’ liquidity and trading;

 

  the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations;

 

  the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient additional financing, on acceptable terms or at all, and ability to continue as a going concern;

 

  the impact of the Company’s remaining indebtedness outstanding following the Business Combination;

 

  changes in the market in which the Company competes, including with respect to its competitive landscape, technology evolution or changes in applicable laws or regulations;

 

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  the impact of macroeconomic events, such as inflation, recessions or depressions, and war or fears of war;

 

  changes in the vertical markets that the Company targets;

 

  the impact of current or future government regulation and oversight, including the U.S. federal, state and local authorities;

 

  the Company’s ability to launch new services and products or to profitably expand into new markets;

 

  the ability to execute the Company’s growth strategies, including identifying and executing acquisitions;

 

  the ability to develop and maintain effective internal controls and procedures, correct or remediate the previously identified material weakness, or correct or remediate any future identified material weaknesses;

 

  the exposure to any liability, protracted and costly litigation or reputational damage relating to the Company’s data security;

 

  the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and

 

  other risks and uncertainties indicated in this prospectus, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” of this prospectus.

 

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INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

 

Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in this prospectus concerning our industry and the market in which we operate, including our market position, market opportunity and market size, is based on information from various sources, on assumptions that we have made based on such data and other similar sources and on our knowledge of the markets for our products. These data sources involve a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such estimates.

 

We have not independently verified any third-party information. While we believe the market position, market opportunity and market size information included in this prospectus is generally reliable, such information is inherently imprecise. In addition, projections, assumptions and estimates of our future performance and the future performance of the industry in which we operate is necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in the section titled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus and the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by the independent parties and by us.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights certain information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. Because it is only a summary, it does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock and it is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. Before you decide to invest in the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock, you should read the entire prospectus carefully, including “Risk Factors” and our financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

Overview

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to “we,” “us,” or the “Company” refers to SharonAI Holdings, Inc.

 

Roth CH Holdings, Inc.

 

Roth CH Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware on December 30, 2024 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roth CH Acquisition Co. for the purpose of merging with Roth CH Acquisition Co., a Cayman Islands exempt company, to redomicile as a Delaware corporation prior to the transactions contemplated in the Business Combination Agreement, and became the ultimate parent company upon consummation of the Business Combination. Concurrent with the consummation of the Business Combination, Roth CH Holdings, Inc. changed its name to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”).

 

Roth CH Acquisition Co.

 

Roth CH Acquisition Co.(“Roth CH”) is a blank check company incorporated on April 20, 2021 under the name “TKB Critical Technologies 1” as a Cayman Islands exempted company for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Effective September 7, 2023, shareholders approved a change in the company’s name to Roth CH Acquisition Co.

 

The Business Combination and the Business Combination Agreement

 

Business Combination Agreement

 

On January 28, 2025, Roth CH entered into that certain Business Combination Agreement (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among Roth CH, Roth CH Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation and previously a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Roth CH (the “Domestication Sub” or “PubCo”)), Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and previously a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Roth CH (“Merger Sub”), and SharonAI Inc., a Delaware corporation (“SharonAI”).

 

 

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In connection with the business combination contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, on December 16, 2025 Roth CH merged with and into PubCo with PubCo as the surviving corporation (the “Domestication Merger”) and Merger Sub merged with and into SharonAI with the SharonAI as the surviving corporation (the “Acquisition Merger” and collectively with the Domestication Merger the “Business Combination”). Upon consummation of the Business Combination on December 17, 2025 described herein, PubCo was renamed SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and is also referred to in this prospectus as the “Company.”

 

The financial statements and pro forma data reflect the combined entity.

 

SharonAI

 

SharonAI, Inc. (“SharonAI”) is a corporation formed in Delaware on February 15, 2024, with the intent to act as a holding company which was formed to acquire various assets focused on or in the High Performance Computing (“HPC”) industry and the Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) field of technology. HPC is a computing technology that uses clusters of processors or processor cores working in parallel to solve advanced computational problems across a wide range of scientific, engineering, finance, business and other fields. SharonAI is specifically focused on infrastructure and technology associated with the development and delivery of these HPC/AI services to users and applications which require both large amounts of Graphic Processing Units (“GPU”) and Central Processing Units (“CPU”), combined with data storage. CPUs are general purpose processors while GPUs are optimized for parallel processing and were originally used for computer graphics. Data storage is used to store the large data sets common in HPC/AI and to back up information. SharonAI’s two main business lines are an AI/HPC cloud platform, which is based in Australia, and the development of data center assets, which is based in the U.S., each as described further below.

 

In March of 2024, SharonAI formed two new wholly owned subsidiaries in Delaware, SharonAI Operations LLC, which is intended to be used for U.S. based operational activities as its operations expand to the U.S., and SharonAI Hosting LLC, which is intended to be used to hold assets that are acquired in the future and based in the U.S.

 

In April of 2024, SharonAI acquired 100% of the issued capital of Alternative Asset Management Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194, an Australian company that was renamed SharonAI Pty Ltd (“SAIPL”) and which has a business operating distributed data storage a type of cloud storage that utilizes Web 3 technology to provide decentralized networks of independent nodes to securely store and retrieve data, ensuring redundancy, fault tolerance, and resistance to censorship while incentivizing storage providers with blockchain-based rewards. This acquisition was part of a transaction in which SAIPL also obtained certain assets from Digital Income Fund Pty Ltd ACN 643 155 328 as trustee for the Digital Income Fund ABN 12 771 427 247 (“DIF”), an Australian company which had storage servers and ancillary equipment for the operation of the distributed storage operations. In addition to these assets, SAIPL had acquired a Tier 3 designed modular data center, although it had not fully paid for the equipment at the time of acquisition.

 

In June of 2024, SharonAI acquired over 96% of the issued capital of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited ACN 646 979 222 (“DSS”) via direct agreement with individual shareholders. DSS is an Australian company that operates distributed data storage and HPC/AI equipment. In the period from June 2024 to December 2024, SharonAI continued with further acquisitions of the issued capital of DSS ending 2024 with over 99% of outstanding stock in DSS. The acquisitions of SAIPL and DSS provided SharonAI with a substantial amount of storage capacity, GPUs and CPUs, a core operational team including its current chief operating officer and strategic relationships with suppliers including Lenovo and NEXTDC. Both SAIPL and DSS continue as SharonAI’s main operating subsidiaries in Australia.

 

 

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SharonAI acquired a fleet of GPU / CPU and storage servers and currently operates out of three third-party co-location data centers in Australia. As of September 30, 2025:

 

    Existing
Operations
Online
 
Total GPU’s operating   432  
Total CPU’s operating   195  
Total Storage Capacity (PB)   Over 51  

 

In January of 2025, SharonAI formed a 50:50 joint venture with New Era Energy and Digital, Inc., named Texas Critical Data Centers LLC (“TCDC”), to fund, develop, and construct a planned 250 Mega Watt (“MW”) sustainable data center site project behind the meter with a natural gas-fired power plant within the Permian Basin in Western Texas. See additional information about TCDC below.

 

SharonAI continues to conduct research and development into its systems, and is actively testing several configurations and locations to determine the best configuration and architecture for including both GPU systems and traditional CPU based computing systems.

 

Recent Developments

 

Convertible Notes

 

On December 17, 2025 Pubco entered into 10% convertible promissory notes (the “December 2025 Convertible Notes”) with three accredited investors pursuant to which Pubco issued convertible promissory notes the amount of $2,250,000 to the investor in consideration of $2,250,000. The notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum and have a maturity date of December 17, 2026. The unpaid and outstanding principal amount and accrued interest automatically convert into shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock at a conversion price of $0.12. As soon as practicable (and in any event within 30-calendar days of the closing of the Business Combination Agreement, Pubco agreed to file a registration statement on Form S-1 providing for the resale of the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the December 2025 Convertible Notes. The proceeds from the issuance of the December 2025 Convertible Notes were used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

TCDC Property Purchase

 

On December 19, 2025, TCDC completed its acquisition of approximately 203 acres of real property located in Block 41, T-2-S, T&P RR Co. Survey, Ector County, Texas (the “Additional 203 Acres”) pursuant to a Contract to Purchase dated November 21, 2025 (the “203 Acre Agreement”), between TCDC and Odessa Industrial Development Corporation d/b/a Grow Odessa (“Grow Odessa”), from whom TCDC previously purchased a contiguous 235 acres of land from on July 25, 2025. The total price for the Additional 203 Acres was $5,100,000. The intent is for a third-party to build gas-fired power generation on-site.

 

The description of the 203 Acre Agreement is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such document, which is filed as an exhibit to this Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

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Sale of the Company’s interest in TCDC

 

On December 19, 2025, SharonAI, a subsidiary of Pubco, entered into a Binding Term Sheet for Acquisition of Interest in Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC (the “Term Sheet”), setting forth the terms and conditions for SharonAI’s sale of 100% of its 50% interest in Texas Critical Data Centers LLC (“TCDC”) to New Era Energy & Digital Inc. (“NUAI”). TCDC is a joint venture between SharonAI and NUAI formed to fund, develop, and construct a planned 250 Mega Watt sustainable data center site project behind the meter with a natural gas-fired power plant in Ector County, Texas.

 

The Term Sheet obligates SharonAI and NUAI to negotiate and execute customary definitive agreements in good faith that incorporate the terms of the Term Sheet and contain other customary terms and conditions, as expeditiously as possible, and no later than January 15, 2026.

 

The consideration NUAI will pay SharonAI for the interests of TCDC will be an aggregate of $70,000,000, of which, (a) $10,000,000 will be payable in cash, with (i) $150,000 payable as a non-refundable deposit within 14 days of December 19, 2025, and (ii) $9,850,000 payable upon the occurrence of certain events, but no later than March 31, 2026; (b) $10,000,000 will be payable in common stock or other units of NUAI upon the occurrence of certain events, but no later than March 31, 2026; and (c) $50,000,000 will be payable by issuance of a senior secured convertible promissory with a right of SharonAI to convert 20% of the amount owed into common stock of NUAI and which matures and is due June 30, 2026.

 

The sale of the interests of TCDC are subject to the condition that SharonAI reimburse NUAI for SharonAI’s portion of the amount required to be contributed to TCDC for TCDC to purchase the Additional 203 Acres (as defined below) on or before January 9, 2026, which amount is approximately $2,550,000.

 

Both parties are prohibited from, and must ensure that their directors, shareholders, employees, professional advisers and related entities do not solicit, consider, accept or otherwise pursue and contemplate other proposals in respect of the specific transaction set forth in the Term Sheet for a period of 30 days commencing on the date of execution of the Term Sheet.

 

The description of the Term Sheet is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such document, which is filed as an exhibit to this Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

New Convertible Note Financing

 

On December 19, 2025 the Company, entered into a Convertible Note Agreement (the “New Financing Agreement”) with certain investors (the “Noteholders”), pursuant to which the Noteholders agreed to provide financing in the aggregate principal amount of approximately US$ 100,000,000 of unsecured, redeemable, convertible notes (the “Notes”). Canaccord Genuity Australia served as the sole lead manager for the transaction.

 

Promptly after entering into the Agreement, SharonAI Inc. assigned, and SharonAI assumed, the obligations and responsibilities of SharonAI Inc. in connection with and arising out of the Agreement and the Notes.

 

Pursuant to the Agreement, SharonAI and its subsidiaries (“we,” “us,” or the “Company”) may accept additional over-subscriptions up to a maximum aggregate total of US$200 million until January 15, 2026. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 12% per annum from April 19, 2026, through December 18, 2026, and 15% per annum on and from the December 19, 2026 until the Notes are redeemed, cancelled or converted. The Notes mature on December 19, 2027 (the “Maturity Date”), unless earlier converted or redeemed.

 

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Notes may be converted into shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock of the Company in certain circumstances, including by the Company prior to a Corporate Event (as defined in the Agreement), upon completion of an initial public offering on the Australian Securities Exchange or other securities exchange (subject to additional terms) or at maturity. Upon conversion, the number of shares issuable is calculated based on the sum of principal and accrued interest divided by the lower of a discounted transaction price or a predetermined valuation cap or maturity conversion price. Conversion and issuance of securities pursuant to the Notes are subject to compliance with the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC or prior stockholder approval.

 

 

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Redemption rights are available to the Noteholders on the Maturity Date or upon the occurrence of an event of default (if not converted), in which case the redemption price includes both principal and accrued but unpaid interest.

 

The proceeds from the offering are expected to be used primarily to accelerate the deployment of high density computing power in the form of NVIDIA GPUs, including B200’s, B300’s and GB300’s.

 

The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and are being offered and sold in reliance on applicable exemptions from registration pursuant to Regulation S or Rule 506(b) of Regulation D, or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act because, among other things, the transaction did not involve a public offering, the investors are accredited investors, the investors are taking the securities for investment and not resale, the Company took appropriate measures to restrict the transfer of the securities and certain of the Noteholders are not US persons in the United States. The securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. This Current Report on Form 8-K shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these Notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. 

 

The Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants of the Company and the Noteholder that are customary for a transaction of this nature. The Agreement also contains indemnification obligations of the parties thereto.

 

The foregoing description of the New Financing Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by the full text of the New Financing Agreement, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

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Summary Risk Factors

 

The Company believes it is important to communicate its expectations to its securityholders. However, there may be events in the future that the Company is able to predict accurately or over which they have control. The section in this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” and the other cautionary language discussed in this prospectus provide examples of certain risks, uncertainties and events that may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations described by the Company in such forward-looking statements. Set forth below is only a summary of certain principal risks associated with an investment in the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock. You should carefully consider the following discussion of risks, as well as the discussion of risks included elsewhere in this prospectus, including those described under “Risk Factors.”

 

We have a limited operating history and have incurred operating losses since our inception and anticipate that we will continue to incur losses in the foreseeable future, which could adversely impact our operations, strategy and financial performance.

 

We may be unable to raise additional capital needed to grow our business.

 

The cost of obtaining new and replacement compute and storage servers and ancillary equipment, parts and other data center related equipment has historically been capital-intensive and is likely to continue being capital-intensive, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Our business has and is expected to continue to have significant customer concentration.

 

Our industry has significant competition and technological change.

 

We may not adequately respond to price fluctuations and rapidly changing technology, which may negatively affect our business.

 

The Company or our suppliers may not be able to procure or repair hardware that is required in our operations.

 

Supply chain and logistics issues for us, our contractors or our suppliers may delay our expansion plans or increase the cost of constructing our infrastructure.

 

Any long-term outage or limitation of the internet and network connections at our sites could materially impact our operations and financial performance.

 

Access to reliable electricity sources at reasonable prices, developed land and co-location arrangements are critical to our growth and profitability.

 

Serial defects in our GPUs and other equipment may result in failure or underperformance relative to expectations and impact our operations and financial performance.

 

Cyber-security threats pose a challenge to our business and a risk of reputational damage.

 

Cyberattacks and security breaches of cloud services, or those impacting our third parties, could adversely impact our brand and reputation and our business, operating results, and financial condition.

 

Global climate change and related environmental regulations may have an adverse effect on our business operations and financial position.

 

 

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Our operations could be negatively impacted by import tariffs and/or other government mandates.

 

We maintain cash deposits in excess of federally insured limits. Adverse developments affecting financial institutions, including bank failures, could adversely affect our liquidity and financial performance.

 

Our results of operations may suffer if the Company is not able to successfully manage our exposure to foreign exchange rate risks. 

 

Our international operations subjects us to international operational, financial, legal, political and public health risks which could harm our operating results. 

 

We use certain open source technology in our business. We may face claims from open source licensors claiming ownership of, or demanding the release of, the technology and any other intellectual property that the Company developed using or derived from such open-source technology.

 

Impact of advancements in artificial intelligence on demand for AI and HPC data centers may reduce the need for HPC and AI-specific data center infrastructure, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. 

 

Security breaches, computer malware and computer hacking attacks have been a prevalent concern in the digital asset exchange markets. 

 

We cannot assure the completion of GPUs or joint venture’s data center site project, and even after such completions, we may not be able to generate adequate revenue to operate profitably and/or to continue as a going concern.

 

Our business depends upon the demand for data centers. 

 

Our business is expected to have significant customer concentration. 

 

If we incorrectly estimate our hosting capacity requirements and related capital expenditures, our results of operations could be adversely affected. 

 

HPC/AI and data center activities are energy-intensive, which may restrict the geographic locations of our activities to locations with renewable sources of power. Government regulators may potentially restrict the ability of electricity suppliers to provide electricity to HPC and data center operators, including us.

 

Regulatory restrictions that target AI, including, but not limited to, export restrictions may have a material adverse impact on our intended operations.

 

The holders of shares of Class B Super Common Stock will own a significant voting percentage of our stock and will be able to exert significant control over matters subject to stockholder approval.

 

It is not possible to predict the actual number of shares we will sell under the Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (“SEPA”) to YA, or the actual gross proceeds resulting from those sales. Further, we may not have access to the full amount available under the SEPA with YA.

 

The sale and issuance of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock to YA will cause dilution to our existing stockholders, and the sale of the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock acquired by YA, or the perception that such sales may occur, could cause the price of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock to fall.

 

A large number of shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock may be sold in the market following this offering, which may significantly depress the market price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock.

 

 

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ABOUT THIS OFFERING

 

The following summary contains basic information about this offering. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information included in this prospectus. Before making your investment decision with respect to our securities, you should carefully read this entire prospectus, including the information under “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

Issuer   Sharon AI Holdings, Inc.
     

Common Stock being offered by us

  75,657,895 Shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock
     
Offering Price   $1.9 per share
     
Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to this offering   598,418,249 Shares of Common Stock consisting of 591,602,301 of Class A Ordinary Common Stock and 6,816,948 shares of Class B Super Common Stock
     
Common Stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering   670,571,481 Shares of Common Stock consisting of 663,754,533 of Class A Ordinary Common Stock and 6,816,948 shares of Class B Super Common Stock (collectively, “Common Stock”)
     

Over-allotment option

  9,868,422 Shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock
     
Underwriter’s Warrants   We will issue to the Representatives, or its designees, at the closing of this offering common stock purchase warrants (“Underwriter Warrants”) to purchase the number of shares of common stock equal to 5% of the aggregate number of shares of common stock sold in this offering, including shares sold upon exercise of the over allotment option. The Underwriter Warrants will be exercisable immediately upon issuance, and from time to time, in whole or in part, and will expire five years from the commencement of sales at an exercise price of $___ (125% of the initial public offering price of the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock). The registration statement of which this prospectus is a part also registers the Underwriter Warrants and the underlying shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock. Please see “Underwriting - Underwriter Warrants” for a more complete description of these warrants.
     
Use of proceeds   We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of Class A Ordinary Common Stock that we are selling in the this offering will be approximately $116,250,000 (or approximately $133,687,500 if the underwriter’s over-allotment is exercised in full) after deducting underwriter’s discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to [________________] and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” for more information on the use of proceeds.
     
Lock-up   Pursuant to lock-up agreements, we, our directors, officers, and certain holders of our securities, have agreed that, subject to limited exceptions, we will not offer, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any shares of our common stock for a period of ninety (90) days following the closing of the Offering without the prior written consent of the managing underwriters.
     

Proposed Nasdaq trading symbol

  We intend to apply to list our Class A Ordinary Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “SHAZ”
     
Risk factors   The securities offered by this prospectus are speculative and involve a high degree of risk and investors purchasing securities should not purchase the securities unless they can afford the loss of their entire investment. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 14.

 

 

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The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 598,418,249 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of December 22, 2025 and excludes:

 

26,784,178 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $11.47 per share; and

 

60,00,000 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock reserved for issuance under our equity incentive plan.

 

The information above assumes no conversion of the $2.5 million of convertible notes issued to YA II PN, Ltd. (“YA”).

 

Unless otherwise stated, all information in this prospectus assumes no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option to purchase additional shares.

 

 

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SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

 

The following table presents the summary historical financial data of SharonAI for the periods presented and should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of SharonAI,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information” and the financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. The statements of operations data for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and the year ended December 31, 2024 are derived from our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and from the information set forth in “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information”.

 

    SharonAI Inc
Nine months ended
September 30,
2025
    Roth Acquisition Co
Nine months ended
September 30,
2025
    Proforma Roth Holdings Inc
Nine months ended
September 30,
2025
    SharonAI Inc
Year ended
December 31,
2024
    Roth Acquisition Co
Year ended
December 31,
2024
    Proforma Roth
Holdings Inc(1)
Year ended
December 31,
2024
 
Statements of Operations Data:                                                
Revenues     1,208,824       -       1,208,824       1,170,923       -       1,170,923  
Operating expenses     7,520,519       945,973       8,466,492       10,363,984       650,122       11,208,023  
Loss from operations     (5,349,982 )     (945,973 )     (6,295,955 )     (9,193,061 )     (650,122 )     (10,037,100 )
Total other income (expense)     (647,873 )     (1,112,500 )     (464,627 )     1,651,818       769,187       1,985,568  
Net income (loss)     (5,663,822 )     (2,058,473 )     (7,722,295 )     (7,541,243 )     119,065       (8,051,532 )

 

 
(1) Assumes the proforma adjustments for the close of the Business Combination Agreement, more detailed information is available in the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information

 

    SharonAI Inc
As of
September 30,
2025
    Roth Acquisition Co
As of
September 30,
2025
    Pro forma
Roth Holdings Inc
As of
September 30,
2025(1)
 
    (unaudited)     (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
Balance Sheet Data:                        
Cash     1,364,550       16,083       903,181  
Total assets     33,989,629       21,291       33,533,468  
Total current liabilities     4,621,392       3,142,950       7,272,857  
Total liabilities     8,729,720       3,142,950       11,381,185  
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)     25,259,909       (3,121,659 )     22,152,283  

 

 
(1) Assumes the completion of the related party debt conversion and close of the business combination agreement. More information is available in the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Any investment in the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to purchase the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock, investors should carefully consider the risks described below. Our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects are subject to the following material risks. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently foreseeable to us may also impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or operating results could be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock could decline, and our stockholders may lose all or part of their investment in the shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flow could be adversely effected. This could cause the trading price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock to decline, resulting in a loss of all or part of your investment. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently see as immaterial, may also harm our business. Please also read carefully the section above entitled “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” References to “we,” “us,” or “our” in this section refer to the Company.

 

Risks Related to SharonAI’s Business in General

 

We have a limited operating history and have incurred operating losses since our inception and anticipate that the Company will continue to incur losses in the foreseeable future, which could adversely impact our operations, strategy and financial performance.

 

During the short time the we have operated it has incurred net losses. We expect to continue to incur losses for the near future, and these losses may increase as we pursue our growth strategy. With the expansion of our two main businesses, our HPC/AI cloud platform and the development of data center assets, no certainty exists that we will become profitable and, even if we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability on a quarterly or annual basis. The future expansion of our business likely requires substantial capital costs and expenses and there can be no assurance that subsequent operational objectives will be achieved. If we do not achieve our operational objectives, and if we do not generate cash flow and income, our financial performance and long-term viability may be materially and adversely affected. Our inability to achieve and then maintain profitability would negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

We have an evolving business model and strategy.

 

We expect our business model and strategy to continue to evolve in the future. As artificial intelligence and high-performance computing become more widely available, and as the needs of data centers increase, we expect related services and products to evolve. In order to stay current with our industry, our business model will also need to evolve. Our ability to retain, increase, and engage our user base and to increase our revenue depends heavily on our ability to continue to evolve our existing services and to create successful new services, both independently and in conjunction with developers or other third parties. As a result, from time to time, we may modify aspects of our business model relating to our strategy. Our growth strategy includes exploring the expansion and diversification of our revenue sources into new markets. We cannot offer any assurance that these or any other modifications to our business model and strategy will be successful or will not result in harm to our business. Such modifications may increase the complexity of our business and place significant strain on our management, personnel, operations, systems, technical performance, financial resources and internal financial control and reporting functions. Moreover, we may not be able to manage growth effectively, which could damage our reputation, limit our growth and adversely affect our operating results. Further, we cannot provide any assurance that we will successfully identify all emerging trends and growth opportunities within our industry or other markets we seek to expand into, and we may lose out on such opportunities. These efforts, including the introduction of new services or changes to existing services, may also result in new or enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, ethical concerns, or other complications that could adversely affect our business, reputation, or financial results. If our new or changed services fail to engage users or developers, or if our business plans are unsuccessful, we may fail to attract or retain users or to generate sufficient revenue, operating margin, or other value to justify our investments, and our business may be adversely affected.

 

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Our results of operations may fluctuate significantly and may not fully reflect the underlying performance of our business.

 

Our results of operations, including the levels of our net revenues, expenses, net loss and other key metrics, may vary significantly in the future due to a variety of factors, some of which are outside of our control, and period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful, especially given our limited operating history.

 

The results for any one quarter are not necessarily an indication of future performance. Fluctuations in quarterly results may adversely affect the market price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock. Factors that may cause fluctuations in our annual financial results include:

 

the amount and timing of operating expenses related to our new business operations and infrastructure; and

 

general economic, industry and market conditions.

 

We may be unable to raise additional capital needed to grow our business.

 

At least until our business strategy is implemented there may be a need to raise additional capital to expand our operations and pursue our growth strategies, including potential acquisitions of complementary businesses, and to respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated working capital requirements. We may not be able to obtain additional debt or equity financing on favorable terms, if at all, which could impair our growth and adversely affect our existing operations. If we raise additional funds through one or more equity financings, our stockholders may experience significant dilution of their ownership interests, and the per share value of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock could decline. Furthermore, if we engage in additional debt financing, the holders of debt likely would have priority over the holders of common stock on order of payment preference. We may be required to accept terms that restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness or take other actions including terms that require us to maintain specified liquidity or other ratios that could otherwise not be in the interests of our stockholders.

 

The cost of obtaining new and replacement compute and storage servers and ancillary equipment, parts and other data center related equipment has historically been capital-intensive and is likely to continue being capital-intensive, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Our operations require significant capital investment to purchase and maintain the property and equipment required to provide our services. Our operations can only be profitable if the costs, inclusive of hardware and electricity costs, associated with high-performance computing and data center operations are lower than the reward or fee for service received. Our business, financial condition, and results of operations are dependent on our ability to operate with greater revenue than costs. As the cost of obtaining new equipment increases, the cost of operating also increases. This requires a corresponding increase in the price of services for us to maintain profitability. We experience ordinary wear and tear from operation and may also face more significant malfunctions caused by factors which may be beyond our control. Additionally, as technology evolves, we may acquire newer models of equipment to remain competitive in the market. Consequently, we will rely on capital markets, as sources of liquidity for capital requirements for growth. If we are unable to access capital at competitive rates, the ability to implement business plans, make capital expenditures or pursue acquisitions we would otherwise rely on for future growth may be adversely affected. Market disruptions may increase the cost of borrowing or adversely affect our ability to access one or more financial markets. Such market disruptions could include:

 

A significant economic downturn;

 

The financial distress of unrelated industry leaders in the same line of business;

 

Deterioration in capital market conditions;

 

Turmoil in the financial services industry;

 

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Volatility in GPU prices;

 

Terrorist attacks;

 

Trade tariff or restrictions

 

War; and/or

 

Cyberattacks.

 

Our business has and is expected to continue to have significant customer concentration.

 

We generate a large portion of our revenue (around 99% in 2024) from a small number of customers (3 customers in 2024). There are inherent risks whenever a large percentage of total revenue is concentrated with a limited number of customers. If we were to lose one or more of our customers, our operating results could be materially adversely affected.

 

We expect that the limited number of customers will continue to account for a high percentage of our revenue for the foreseeable future. In addition, demand for our services generated by these customers may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. The concentration of our customer base increases risks related to the financial condition of our customers, and the deterioration in the financial condition of a single customer or the failure of a single customer to perform its obligations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flow. In the event that any of our customers experience a decline in their equipment usage for any reason, or decide to discontinue the use of our services, we may be compelled to lower our prices or risk losing a significant customer. Such developments could adversely affect our profit margins and financial position, leading to a negative impact on our revenue and operational results.

 

We are highly dependent on our key personnel, and if we are not successful in attracting and retaining highly qualified personnel, we may not be able to successfully implement our business strategy.

 

Our ability to compete in the highly competitive digital infrastructure industry, including HPC/AI cloud services and data center development, depends upon our ability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. The responsibility of the direction and operation of our business relies heavily on a small number of key people, including CEO Wolf Schubert and COO Andrew Leece. If any of our key employees or service providers cease their involvement in our business or, in the unfortunate situation one or more of them are seriously injured or dies, this loss would have a significant and likely adverse impact on us.

 

To induce valuable employees to remain at our company, in addition to salary and cash incentives, we have provided equity awards that vest over time. The value to employees of equity awards that vest over time may be significantly affected by movements in our stock price that are beyond our control and may at any time be insufficient to counteract more lucrative offers from other companies. Despite our efforts to retain valuable employees, members of our management team may terminate their employment with us on short notice. Although we have employment agreements with some of our key employees, these employment agreements provide for at-will employment, which means that any of our employees could leave our employment at any time, with or without notice. We do not maintain “key man” insurance policies on the lives of these individuals or the lives of any of our other employees.

 

We may not have, or be able to obtain or maintain, relevant business insurance.

 

Due to the industry in which we operate, we may not be able to obtain or maintain some types of insurance that operators of similar businesses would usually obtain, on commercially viable premiums, or at all. Currently, we do not have any business liability or disruption insurance to cover our operations, other than director’s and officer’s liability insurance. We have determined that the costs of insuring for these risks and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical for us to have such insurance. Any uninsured business disruptions may result in our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of resources, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Failure to effectively manage our growth could place strains on our managerial, operational, and financial resources and could adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

As our infrastructure operations grow, the administrative demands upon us will grow, and our success will depend upon our ability to meet those demands. We are organized as a holding company, with numerous subsidiaries. Both the parent company and each of our subsidiaries require certain financial, managerial, and other resources, which could create challenges to our ability to successfully manage our subsidiaries and operations and impact our ability to assure compliance with our policies, practices, and procedures. These demands include, but are not limited to, increased executive, accounting, management, legal services, staff support, and general office services. We may need to hire additional qualified personnel to meet these demands, the cost and quality of which is dependent in part upon market factors outside of our control. Further, we will need to effectively manage the training and growth of our staff to maintain an efficient and effective workforce, and our failure to do so could adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

We have potential risks in connection with growth and acquisitions.

 

Our future growth may depend in part on our ability to acquire patented technologies or potential target companies that have synergies with our business activities. Such acquisitions are subject to numerous risks, including, but not limited to the following:

 

our inability to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to any potential acquisition, or if we are able to enter into such agreement, our inability to consummate the potential acquisition;

 

difficulty integrating the operations, technology, and personnel of the acquired entity including achieving anticipated synergies;

 

our inability to achieve the anticipated financial and other benefits of the specific acquisition;

 

difficulty in maintaining controls, procedures, and policies during the transition and monetization process;

 

diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns; and

 

failure of our due diligence process to identify significant issues, including issues with respect to patented technologies and other legal, tax, and financial contingencies.

 

If we are unable to manage these risks effectively as part of any acquisition, our business could be adversely affected.

 

We may acquire other businesses, form joint ventures or acquire other companies or businesses that could negatively affect our operating results, dilute our stockholders’ ownership, increase our debt or cause us to incur significant expense; notwithstanding the foregoing, our growth may depend on our success in uncovering and completing such transactions.

 

We cannot offer any assurance that acquisitions of businesses, assets, and/or entering into strategic alliances or joint ventures will be successful. We may not be able to find suitable partners or acquisition candidates and may not be able to complete such transactions on favorable terms, if at all. If we make any acquisitions, we may not be able to integrate these acquisitions successfully into our existing infrastructure. In addition, in the event we acquire any existing businesses we could assume unknown or contingent liabilities.

 

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Any future acquisitions also could result in the issuance of shares, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, or future write-offs of intangible assets or goodwill, any of which could have a negative impact on our cash flows, financial condition, and results of operations. Integration of an acquired company may also disrupt ongoing operations and require management resources that otherwise would be focused on developing and expanding our existing business. We may experience losses related to potential investments in other companies, which could harm our financial condition and results of operations. Further, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisition, strategic alliance, or joint venture if such investments do not materialize.

 

To finance any acquisitions or joint ventures, we may choose to issue common shares, preferred shares, or a combination of debt and equity as consideration, which could significantly dilute the ownership of our existing stockholders or provide rights to such preferred stockholders in priority over our common shareholders. Additional funds may not be available on terms that are favorable to us, or at all. If the price of our stock is low or volatile, we may not be able to acquire other companies or fund a joint venture project using shares as consideration.

 

Our future results will suffer if we do not effectively manage our expanded operations.

 

The size of our business is forecast to increase significantly beyond the size of our historical businesses on a stand-alone basis. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to manage this expanded business, which may pose substantial challenges for management, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new operations and associated increased costs and complexity. There can be no assurance that we will be successful or that we will realize the expected operating efficiencies, cost savings, revenue enhancements, and other benefits anticipated from the growth.

 

Our industry has significant competition and technological change.

 

We operate in the rapidly evolving high-performance computing and artificial intelligence industry, which is characterized by technological disruption and intense competition.

 

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive, we expect that competition will continue to be intense due to rapid technological changes, frequent product introductions and improvements used by our competitors, or new competitors of our services that may provide. Our competition through these changes may offer better performance that may include additional features that render our products comparatively less competitive. We may also face aggressive pricing by competitors, especially during challenging economic times. In addition, our competitors may have significant marketing and sales resources which could increase the competitive environment in a declining market or during challenging economic times, leading to lower prices and margins. Some competitors may have greater access or rights to complementary technologies or supplies for improved equipment.

 

The market for high-performance computing and cloud services is driven in large part by demand for server clusters, specialized or high-performance applications, and hosted software solutions which require fast and efficient data processing and is characterized by rapid advances in technologies. It is difficult to predict the development of demand for high-performance computing and cloud services, the size and growth rate for this market, the entry of competitive products, or the success of any existing or future products that may compete with any high-performance computing and cloud services we may develop. There has been an increasing number of competitors providing high-performance computing and cloud services, which has resulted in increasing competition and pricing pressure that may cause us to reduce our pricing in order to remain competitive. Meanwhile, if there is a reduction in demand for any high-performance computing and cloud services, whether caused by a lack of customer acceptance, a slowdown in demand for computational power, an overabundance of unused computational power, advancements in technology, technological challenges, competing technologies, and solutions, decreases in corporate and customer spending, weakening economic conditions or otherwise, it could result in reduced customer orders, early order cancellations, the loss of customers, or decreased sales, any of which would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The market for large-scale data center developments such as TCDC is driven by large enterprise customers. Access to sufficient and reliable power is a key factor for the success of such a development project. For TCDC, we are planning on constructing natural gas-fired power generation on-site with power solution partners but there can be no guarantee that we will be successful in this regard, and we are competing with developments that are connecting to existing power generation. In addition, developing data center projects is a complex process with many stakeholders and considerations, including permitting and fiber connectivity, and we are competing with more established competitors.

 

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Our existing and potential competitors may have various competitive advantages over us, such as:

 

greater name recognition, longer operating histories, and larger market shares;

 

more established marketing, banking, and compliance relationships;

 

more efficient hardware;

 

greater data center capabilities (for example, through adoption of proprietary technology);

 

more developed sales and customer management capabilities;

 

more developed technical capabilities;

 

more timely introduction of new technologies;

 

preferred relationships with suppliers, including of compute servers and other equipment;

 

better access to more competitively priced power;

 

greater reliability in electricity supply, whether as a result of a greater number of backup sources of power or otherwise;

 

greater financial resources and access to capital to acquire new hardware, businesses, and capabilities to enable growth;

 

more reliable network connections as a result of the location of their data centers to key interconnect points and internet connections;

 

lower labor, compliance, risk mitigation, and research and development costs;

 

larger and more mature intellectual property portfolios;

 

greater number of applicable licenses or similar authorizations;

 

fewer regulatory restrictions, including with respect to energy supply;

 

established core business models outside of high-performance computing, allowing them to operate on lesser margins or at a loss;

 

operations in certain jurisdictions with lower compliance costs and greater flexibility to explore new product offerings; and

 

substantially greater financial, technical, and other resources.

 

Our ability to compete depends on our capacity to develop, commercialize, and scale computing infrastructure and AI solutions that address customer needs faster and more efficiently than our competitors. Advances in alternative architectures and technologies by larger and better-capitalized companies could render our current or planned offerings less competitive or obsolete.

 

If we are unable to compete successfully, or if competing successfully requires us to take costly actions in response to the actions of our competitors, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.

 

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We may not adequately respond to price fluctuations and rapidly changing technology, which may negatively affect our business.

 

Competitive conditions within our industry require that we use sophisticated technology in the operation of our business. The digital infrastructure industry, including HPC/AI computing and the development of data center assets, is characterized by rapid technological changes, new product introductions, enhancements, and evolving industry standards. New technologies, techniques, or products could emerge that might offer better performance than the software and other technologies we currently utilize, and we may have to manage transitions to these new technologies to remain competitive. We may not be successful, generally or relative to our competitors, in timely implementing new technology into our systems, or doing so in a cost-effective manner. During the implementation of any such new technology into our operations, we may experience system interruptions and failures during such implementation. Furthermore, there can be no assurances that we will recognize, in a timely manner or at all, the benefits that we may expect as a result of implementing new technology into our operations. As a result, our business and operations may suffer, and there may be adverse effects on the value of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock.

 

We or our suppliers may not be able to procure or repair hardware that is required in our operations.

 

Geo-political events in recent times have caused multiple supply chain disruptions for companies globally. Our business relies on certain hardware such as the compute and storage and ancillary equipment, equipment related to data center and power infrastructure, and other digital infrastructure technologies. If we are unable to procure such equipment, or replacement parts (at commercial prices or at all), or they are delayed, our operations may be adversely affected which would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. If the manufacturers of such hardware are unable to obtain materials or components themselves, they may experience manufacturing delays or have to cease manufacturing altogether. Supply chain disruptions may also occur from time to time due to a range of factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to, increased costs of labor, freight costs and raw material prices along with a shortage of qualified workers.

 

There are a small number of major suppliers of GPUs and the equipment we require globally, and manufacturing related to our business is concentrated in a limited number of countries. If we were unable to source compute, storage, and ancillary equipment from those suppliers (for example due to overwhelming global demand for servers with appropriate GPUs) at a commercial price, or at all, this would have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Even if the suppliers have agreed to supply us with equipment, they may fail to supply the equipment due to their inability to manufacture a sufficient amount of the required equipment due to a shortage of components or resources such as semiconductors, a default, insolvency, a change in control, or change of laws (including export/import restrictions, quotas or tariffs).

 

The trade policies of the U.S., on one hand, and foreign countries on the other hand, are dynamic at the moment, and trade policies such as export/import restrictions, quotas, or tariffs, changing with either of these countries, or others, may reduce the ability of our suppliers to supply us with the equipment we need, or create a shortage or lack of components necessary for their manufacture.

 

Uncertainties due to evolving laws and regulations could also impede the ability of a foreign-based company, to obtain or maintain permits or licenses required to conduct business in various markets. Changes in any of these policies, laws and regulations, or the interpretations thereof, as they relate to the digital infrastructure hardware suppliers, could have a negative impact on our business.

 

Additionally, if our electricity suppliers are negatively affected by the international supply chain issues they may not be able to maintain or grow their facilities, and may breach their commitments to supply us or our colocation data center providers with the contracted power, or we may be unable to source extra power in the future to enable our growth. This would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

Such supply chain disruptions have the potential to cause material impacts to our operating performance and financial position if the delivery of equipment for our facilities is delayed.

 

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Supply chain and logistics issues for us, our contractors or our suppliers may delay our expansion plans or increase the cost of constructing our infrastructure.

 

The equipment used in our operations is generally manufactured by third parties using a large amount of commodity inputs (for example, steel, copper, aluminum). Many manufacturing businesses globally are currently experiencing supply chain issues and increased costs with respect to such commodities and other materials and labor used in their production processes, which is due to a complex array of factors including increased demand which can occur from time to time. Procurement from suppliers which manufacture equipment outside of North America is also exposed to additional risks such as regulatory changes (for example, a tariff or ban on equipment imported or exported from certain jurisdictions) and global freight disruptions. Additionally, shortages in global semiconductor chip supply may impact procurement timelines for equipment. Such issues may cause delays in the delivery of, or increases in the cost of, the equipment used in our operations, which could materially impact our operating results and may delay our expansion plans.

 

In addition, public health crises, including an outbreak of an infectious disease (such as COVID-19), terrorist acts, and political or military conflict, such as the conflict in Ukraine, have increased the risks and costs of doing business abroad. Many of the manufacturers of our equipment are located outside of the jurisdictions in which we have facilities and sites, necessitating international shipping to enable us to incorporate the equipment into our facilities. Political and economic instability have caused many businesses to experience logistics issues in the past resulting in delayed deliveries of equipment, which could occur again in the future. Supply chain disruptions may also occur from time to time due to a range of factors beyond our control, including, but not limited to, climate change, seasonal and unseasonal weather events, shipping constraints (for example, blocked shipping canals or closure of shipyards), increased costs of labor, inflationary pressure, freight costs, industrial disputes, political or military blockades and raw material prices along with a shortage of qualified workers. Such supply chain disruptions can potentially cause material impacts to our operating performance and financial position if delivery of equipment for our facilities is delayed.

 

Any long-term outage or limitation of the internet and network connections at our sites could materially impact our operations and financial performance.

 

A secure, reliable and fast internet connection is required for our customers to effectively interact with our compute and storage servers. Any extended downtime, bandwidth limitations or other constraints may reduce our ability to generate income, including reputational risk for our business. We may not have backup network connections at our operations, and any backup connections may not be sufficient to support all of our, or our customers, needs in an affected location for the duration of the outage, limitations or constraints to the primary network connection. The effects of any such events could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

 

Moreover, network outages or disruptions can lead to loss of connectivity to critical network services and applications necessary for our operations. This includes potential impacts on remote monitoring and management tools, which are essential for maintaining optimal performance and responding to issues in real-time. Any delay in identifying and resolving problems can lead to prolonged downtime and further financial losses.

 

Furthermore, the reliability of our network connections is crucial for maintaining the security of our operations. Interruptions or limitations in connectivity can expose us to increased risk of cyberattacks or unauthorized access, as certain security measures may be compromised during periods of reduced connectivity. In the event of a network outage or limitations in connectivity, our ability to maintain regular business operations could be severely impacted, potentially leading to decreased revenue, increased operational costs, and damage to our reputation. The reliability of our internet connections could also negatively affect our customers who rely on our high performance computing and cloud services and the reliability of such solutions, leading to potential loss of business and long-term financial repercussions. Moreover, network outages, or the perception that our cloud platform may be exposed to the risk of network outages where we have limited or no backup connections at all, could adversely impact our ability to compete in the market for high performance computing and cloud services.

 

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Access to reliable electricity sources at reasonable prices, developed land and co-location arrangements are critical to our growth and profitability.

 

Data centers consume electricity primarily to power compute and storage servers and cooling equipment, therefore electricity costs are an important factor affecting our profitability and viability. If we are unable to source and enter into agreements for the supply and purchase of electricity, or if we are unable to continue to receive the electricity supplies we have already secured (for example we are unable to re-contract an expiring arrangement), this will reduce our capacity to conduct and grow the number of compute and storage servers we can operate, and therefore the amount of revenue we can generate.

 

Certain economic, environmental, and regulatory events or changes beyond our control, including acts of God such as natural disasters, climate change, wars, sabotage, epidemics, riots, loss or malfunctions of utilities, labor disputes, which may be transitory or chronic, could occur to restrict our access to electricity, or drive up the costs of electricity to a point that some or all of our planned, future or existing operations are uncommercial, which may lead to us being unable to grow our operations, or reducing, suspending or ceasing our data processing operations. The price of electricity available in the market more generally is dependent on numerous factors such as the types of generation, regulatory environment, electricity market structure, and supply/demand balances.

 

Our data centers development business requires land suitable to the construction of power generation, or close to reasonably priced electricity sources. If we are unable to acquire rights to use such land, or lose the rights to land we currently occupy, this would likely mean that we would lose access to the relevant supply of electricity. A lack of access to the electricity or ability to generate electricity would significantly impact the profitability and viability of this business.

 

Our co-located operations, including our AI/HPC cloud platform business, require sophisticated infrastructure, land and reasonably priced electricity. If we are unable to obtain additional contracts on acceptable terms or renew current agreements for these services on acceptable rates, this would significantly impact the profitability of our business.

 

We face risks related to system interruption and lack of redundancy.

 

We experience occasional system interruptions and delays that make our services unavailable or slow to respond and prevent us from efficiently accepting or fulfilling orders or providing services to customers and third parties, which may reduce our net sales and the attractiveness of our products and services. Steps we take to add software and hardware, upgrade our systems and network infrastructure, and improve the stability and efficiency of our systems may not be sufficient to avoid system interruptions or delays that could adversely affect our operating results.

 

Our computer and communications systems and operations in the past have been, or in the future could be, damaged or interrupted due to events such as natural or human-caused disasters (including public health crises) or extreme weather (including as a result of climate change), geopolitical events and security issues (including terrorist attacks and armed hostilities), computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, operational failures (including from energy shortages), and similar events or disruptions. Any of these events could cause system interruption, delays, and loss of critical data, and could prevent us from accepting and fulfilling customer orders and providing services, which could make our product and service offerings less attractive and subject us to liability. Our systems are not fully redundant and our disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient. In addition, our insurance may not provide sufficient coverage to compensate for related losses. Any of these events could damage our reputation and be expensive to remedy.

 

Any critical failure of key electrical or data center equipment may result in material impacts to our operations and financial performance.

 

Certain key pieces of electrical or data center equipment may represent single points of failure for some or all of the power capacity at our operating sites. Any failure or imminent risk of failure of such equipment may result in our inability to utilize some or all of our equipment in an affected location for the duration of time it takes to repair or remediate equipment, or procure and install replacement parts.

 

Due to the long-lead times required to acquire some of the equipment used in our operations, the failure of certain parts could result in lengthy outages at an affected location, and could materially impact our operations, financial results and financial condition.

 

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Serial defects in our GPUs and other equipment may result in failure or underperformance relative to expectations and impact our operations and financial performance.

 

Our operations contain certain items of equipment that have a high concentration from one manufacturer (for example, our high performance computing hardware). Additionally, the equipment we rely on may experience defects in workmanship or performance on arrival or throughout its operational life. If such defects are widespread across equipment we use, we could suffer material outages or underperformance compared to expectations. Such circumstances could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results and could result in a substantial decrease in our customers choosing to use another provider and may adversely impact the competitiveness of our services. Such circumstances could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

 

A loss of confidence in our security system, or a breach of our security system, may adversely affect our business.

 

We will take measures to protect our self and our digital and physical assets from unauthorized access, damage or theft; however, it is possible that the security system may not prevent the improper access to, or damage or theft of our assets. A security breach could harm our reputation or result in the loss of some or all of our assets. A resulting perception that our measures do not adequately protect our assets could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

Cyber-security threats pose a challenge to our business and a risk of reputational damage.

 

Any breach of our digital infrastructure, or potentially the digital infrastructure of trusted third parties, could result in damage to our reputation which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

The security system and operational infrastructure may be breached due to the actions of outside parties, error or malfeasance of an employee, or otherwise, and, as a result, an unauthorized party may obtain access to our private keys and/or data. Additionally, outside parties may attempt to fraudulently induce employees of ours to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to our infrastructure. As the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently, or may be designed to remain dormant until a predetermined event and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventative measures. If an actual or perceived breach of our security system occurs, the market perception of the effectiveness of our security system could be harmed, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In the event of a security breach, we may also be forced to cease operations, or suffer a reduction in assets, the occurrence of each of which could adversely affect us.

 

Cyberattacks and security breaches of cloud services, or those impacting our third parties, could adversely impact our brand and reputation and our business, operating results, and financial condition.

 

Our cloud services involve the collection, storage, processing, and transmission of confidential information, employee, service provider, and other personal data. We have built our cloud services on the premise that we maintain a secure way to secure, store, and transact in cloud services. As a result, any actual or perceived security breach of us or our third-party partners may:

 

harm our reputation and brand;

 

result in our cloud services being unavailable and interrupt our operations;

 

result in improper disclosure of data and violations of applicable privacy and other laws;

 

result in significant regulatory scrutiny, investigations, fines, penalties, and other legal, regulatory, and financial exposure;

 

cause us to incur significant remediation costs;

 

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divert the attention of management from the operation of our business; and

 

adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

Further, any actual or perceived breach or cybersecurity attack, whether or not we are directly impacted, could lead to a general loss of customer confidence in the digital infrastructure industry or in the use of technology used in our industry, which could negatively impact us, including the market perception of the effectiveness of our security measures and technology infrastructure.

 

An increasing number of organizations, including large merchants, businesses, technology companies, and financial institutions, as well as government institutions, have disclosed breaches of their information security systems, some of which have involved sophisticated and highly targeted attacks, including on their websites, mobile applications, and infrastructure.

 

Attacks upon systems across a variety of industries, including cloud services, are increasing in their frequency, persistence, and sophistication, and, in many cases, are being conducted by sophisticated, well-funded, and organized groups and individuals, including state actors. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized, improper, or illegal access to systems and information (including customers and partners’ personal data, AI algorithms, disable or degrade services, or sabotage systems are constantly evolving, may be difficult to detect quickly, and often are not recognized or detected until after they have been launched against a target. These attacks may occur on our cloud services or those of our third-party service providers or partners. Certain types of cyberattacks could harm us even if our systems are left undisturbed. For example, attacks may be designed to deceive employees and service providers into releasing control of our systems to a hacker, while others may aim to introduce computer viruses or malware into our cloud services with a view to stealing confidential or proprietary data. Additionally, certain threats are designed to remain dormant or undetectable until launched against a target and we may not be able to implement adequate preventative measures.

 

Although we have developed systems and processes designed to protect the data we manage, prevent data loss and other security breaches, effectively respond to known and potential risks, and expect to continue to expend significant resources to bolster these protections, there can be no assurance that these security measures will provide absolute security or prevent breaches or attacks. We have experienced from time to time, and may experience in the future, breaches of our security measures due to human error, malfeasance, insider threats, system errors or vulnerabilities, or other irregularities. Unauthorized parties have attempted, and we expect that they will continue to attempt, to gain access to our systems and facilities, as well as those of our customers, partners, and third-party service providers, through various means, including hacking, social engineering, phishing, and attempting to fraudulently induce individuals (including employees, service providers, and our customers) into disclosing usernames, passwords, payment card information, or other sensitive information, which may, in turn, be used to access our cloud services. Threats can come from a variety of sources, including criminal hackers, hacktivists, state-sponsored intrusions, industrial espionage, and insiders. Certain threat actors may be supported by significant financial and technological resources, making them even more sophisticated and difficult to detect. As a result, our costs and the resources we devote to protecting against these advanced threats and their consequences may continue to increase over time.

 

We may be subject to material litigation, investigations or enforcement actions by regulators and governmental authorities.

 

We may become subject to certain claims, legal proceedings (including individual and class actions) and government investigations or enforcement actions, including in the ordinary course of business. Agreements we enter sometimes include indemnification provisions which can subject us to costs and damages in the event of a claim against an indemnified third party. Regardless of the merit of particular claims, defending against litigation or responding to government investigations can be expensive, time-consuming, disruptive to operations and distracting to management. If we are unable to successfully defend against such claims then we may become liable to make substantial payments to satisfy judgments, fines or penalties, or alter, delay, limit or cease some or all its business practices. We also may suffer damage to our brand and reputation

 

Global climate change and related environmental regulations may have an adverse effect on our business operations and financial position.

 

Changes in climate and its effect on the environment such as changes in rainfall, weather patterns, water supplies and shortages, sea level and changing temperatures could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial performance. We operate in a variety of environments, and the potential physical effects of climate change on our operations, if any, are highly uncertain.

 

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Extreme weather events may:

 

cause damage to one or more of our co-location facilities and therefore reduce our ability to maximize the performance of the compute and storage servers;

 

affect the delivery times of equipment ordered from our manufacturers and therefore impact our financial forecasts; and/or

 

cause power disruptions or cuts to our facilities, reducing operating times and the performance of the compute and storage servers.

 

Changes in tax law may negatively affect our business.

 

Changes to federal, state, local and foreign tax laws have the ability to benefit or adversely affect our earnings and our customer costs. Significant changes to corporate tax rates could result in the impairment of deferred tax assets that are established based on existing law at the time of deferral. A number of factors may increase our future effective income tax rate, including:

 

Governmental authorities increasing taxes or eliminating deductions;

 

The jurisdictions in which earnings are taxed;

 

The resolution of issues arising from tax audits with various tax authorities;

 

Changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;

 

Adjustments to estimated taxes upon finalization of various tax returns;

 

Changes in available tax credits;

 

Changes in stock-based compensation;

 

Other changes in tax laws; and/or

 

The interpretation of tax laws and/or administrative practices.

 

Our operations could be negatively impacted by import tariffs and/or other government mandates.

 

We operate in or provide services to capital-intensive industries in which federal trade policies could significantly impact the availability and cost of materials. Imposed and proposed tariffs by the Trump administration could significantly increase the prices and delivery lead times on equipment that is critical to us and our customers. We face competition from source providers both in the U.S. and around the world. Prolonged lead times on the delivery of equipment and further tariff increases could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We maintain cash deposits in excess of federally insured limits. Adverse developments affecting financial institutions, including bank failures, could adversely affect our liquidity and financial performance.

 

We regularly maintain domestic cash deposits in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured banks that exceed the FDIC insurance limits. Bank failures, events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance, or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, or concerns or rumors about such events, may lead to liquidity constraints. For example, on March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank failed and was taken into receivership by the FDIC. The failure of a bank, or other adverse conditions in the financial or credit markets impacting financial institutions at which we maintain balances, could adversely impact our liquidity and financial performance. There can be no assurance that our deposits in excess of the FDIC or other comparable insurance limits will be backstopped by the U.S., or that any bank or financial institution with which we do business will be able to obtain needed liquidity from other banks, government institutions or by acquisition in the event of a failure or liquidity crisis.

 

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Our cash balances are held at a number of financial institutions that expose us to their credit risk

 

We maintain our cash and cash equivalents at financial or other intermediary institutions. The combined account balances at each institution located in the United States typically exceed FDIC insurance coverage of $250,000 per depositor. The combined account balances at each institution located in Australia typically exceed the deposit guarantee schemes of the equivalent of 250,000AUD per depositor. As a result, there is a concentration of credit risk related to amounts on deposit in excess of the deposit insurance coverage amounts. At September 30, 2025, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalent balances held at financial institutions exceeded deposit insured limits. While we did not have any direct exposure to Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, or First Republic, which suffered severe liquidity losses during 2023, if other banks and financial institutions enter receivership or become insolvent in the future in response to financial conditions affecting the banking system and financial markets, our ability, and the ability of our customers, clients and vendors, to access existing cash, cash equivalents and investments, or to access existing or enter into new banking arrangements or facilities, may be threatened and could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

 

Our results of operations may suffer if we are not able to successfully manage our exposure to foreign exchange rate risks.

 

A substantial majority of our sales and cost of components are denominated in U.S. dollars. As our business grows, more of our sales and production costs may be denominated in other currencies. Where such sales or production costs are denominated in other currencies, they are converted to U.S. dollars for the purpose of calculating any sales or costs to us. Our sales may decrease as a result of any appreciation of the U.S. dollar against these other currencies.

 

Most of our current expenditures are incurred in U.S. dollars and many of our components come from countries that currently base their currency against the U.S. dollar. If the exchange rates change adversely or are allowed to increase, then additional U.S. dollars will be required to fund our purchases of these components.

 

Although we do not currently enter into currency option contracts or engage in other hedging activities, we may do so in the future. There is no assurance that we will undertake any such hedging activities or that, if we do so, they will be successful in reducing the risks associated with our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.

 

Our international operations subjects us to international operational, financial, legal, political and public health risks which could harm our operating results.

 

A substantial part of our operations, including all of our colocation sites, are outside of the United States and many of our customers and suppliers have some or all of their operations in countries other than the United States. Risks associated with conducting business outside of the United States include:

 

compliance burdens and costs associated with a wide variety of foreign laws and regulations, particularly labor and environmental, that govern our operations in those countries;

 

legal uncertainties regarding foreign taxes, tariffs, border taxes, quotas, and export controls,

 

export licenses, import controls and other trade barriers;

 

economic instability and high levels of inflation in certain countries where our suppliers are located and

 

customers, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, causing delays or reductions in orders for their products and therefore our sales;

 

political or public health instability, including global pandemics, in the countries in which our suppliers operate;

 

changes or volatility in currency exchange rates;

 

difficulties in collecting accounts receivable and longer accounts receivable payment cycles; and

 

Any of these factors could harm our own, our suppliers’ and our customers’ international operations and businesses and impair our and/or their ability to continue expanding into international markets.

 

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Risks Related to SharonAI’s AI/HPC Cloud Platform Business

 

If we fail to succeed in the high performance computing and cloud services market, our revenues, growth prospects, and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

 

The future revenue growth of our digital infrastructure business, including HPC/AI cloud services, will depend largely on our ability to successfully expand our business to more customers who are requiring HPC/AI cloud services. We cannot predict how or to what extent the demand for our products in the digital infrastructure market will develop going forward. If we fail to obtain the necessary equipment or fail to effectively utilize this equipment, or if the digital infrastructure market does not develop as we currently anticipate based on the expected growth of HPC/AI, our revenues, growth prospects, and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our high performance computing and cloud services technology and infrastructure may not operate properly or as we expect them to, which could cause us to incur fines and monetary penalties, adversely affecting our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

The continuous development, maintenance, and operation of our high performance computing and cloud services technology and infrastructure is expensive and complex and may involve unforeseen difficulties, including material performance problems, undetected defects, or errors, particularly with new capabilities and system integrations. We may encounter technical obstacles, and it is possible that we may discover additional problems that prevent our technology and systems from operating properly. If our high performance computing and cloud services do not function reliably, we may incur fines and monetary penalties, as well as regulatory orders requiring remedial, injunctive, or other corrective actions.

 

Regulators may limit our ability to develop or implement our high performance computing and cloud services technology and infrastructure and/or may eliminate or restrict the confidentiality of our technology, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our future success depends on our ability to continue to develop and implement our high performance computing and cloud services technology and to maintain the confidentiality of this technology. Changes to existing regulations, their interpretation or implementation, or new regulations could impede our use of this technology or require that we disclose our technology to our competitors, which could impair our competitive position and result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

We use certain open source technology in our business. We may face claims from open source licensors claiming ownership of, or demanding the release of, the technology and any other intellectual property that we developed using or derived from such open-source technology.

 

We utilize a combination of open-source and licensed third-party technologies in the development and operation of our high performance computing and cloud services. While open-source technologies enable rapid development and cost efficiencies, they also pose potential risks, such as security vulnerabilities, lack of long-term support, and legal risks related to licensing terms. Similarly, reliance on licensed third-party technologies may expose us to risks associated with changes in licensing terms, costs, or discontinuation of the licensed products.

 

We will continue to use open-source technology in the future. There is a risk that open-source technology licenses could be construed in a manner that imposes unanticipated conditions or restrictions on our ability to offer our products. Open source licensors may also decide to change the conditions on which they make their open-source technology available for our use. Additionally, we may face claims from open-source licensors claiming ownership of, or demanding the public release or free license of, the technology and any other intellectual property that it developed using or derived from such open source technology. The terms of many open source licenses have not been interpreted by United States courts. There is a risk that these licenses could be construed in a way that could impose unanticipated conditions or restrictions on our ability to commercialize our services. These claims could result in litigation and could require that we make our technology freely available, purchase a costly license or cease offering the implicated products or services unless and until we can re-engineer them to avoid infringement. This re-engineering process could require significant technology and product development resources, and we may not be able to complete the process successfully. Failure to adequately manage these risks could result in operational disruptions, legal liabilities, and adverse impacts on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

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Impact of advancements in artificial intelligence on demand for AI and HPC data centers may reduce the need for HPC and AI-specific data center infrastructure, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

The AI industry is rapidly evolving, with continuous improvements in algorithms, software efficiencies, and hardware capabilities. Emerging AI technologies, such as demonstrated by DeepSeek, may allow for complex AI operations to be executed with significantly less computing power than is currently required. This reduction in computational intensity could decrease the demand for specialized compute and HPC data center services. If AI developers are able to achieve the same or better performance outcomes with more energy-efficient, cost-effective, or less resource-intensive technologies, they may adjust their need for large-scale, high capacity data center solutions. This shift could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. We continuously monitor industry trends and invest in innovation to mitigate these risks. However, there is no assurance that we will be able to anticipate or respond effectively to such changes, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

AI technologies are constantly evolving, and any flaws in or misuse of AI, even if committed by other third parties, could have a negative impact on our business, reputation, brands, and the general acceptance of Artificial Intelligence solutions by society.

 

AI technologies are still in a preliminary stage of development and are constantly evolving. As with many disruptive innovations, AI presents risks and challenges that could affect user perception and its adoption. Any flaws in or insufficiencies of AI, and any inappropriate or premature usage thereof, whether actual or perceived, and whether by us or by other third parties, may dissuade prospective customers from adopting AI solutions, and may impair the general acceptance of AI by broader society. Moreover, AI is covered extensively, and in many instances critically, by various news media across the world. There is no assurance that any of the products or services we may develop for use with AI will not be misused or applied in a way that is inconsistent with public expectations. Any misuse of our products or services, whether actual or perceived, and whether by us or by other third parties, could negatively impact our brands and reputation, and in turn our business, financial condition, and results of operation.

 

Our cloud services business is subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations regarding AI, machine learning, and automated decision making.

 

In recent years the use of machine learning, AI and automated decision making, has come under increased regulatory scrutiny, and governments and regulators in the United States, European Union, and other places have announced the need for greater regulation regarding the use of machine learning and AI generally. New laws, guidance, and decisions in this area may limit our high performance computing and cloud services business, or require us to make changes to our high performance computing and cloud services technology and infrastructure and our operations that may decrease our operational efficiency, result in an increase to operating costs and/or hinder our ability to improve our cloud services.

 

For example, certain global privacy laws regulate the use of automated decision making and may require that the existence of automated decision making be disclosed to the data subject with a meaningful explanation of the logic used in such decision making in certain circumstances, and that safeguards must be implemented to safeguard individual rights, including the right to obtain human intervention and to contest any decision. Other global privacy laws allow individuals the right to opt out of certain automated processing of personal data and create other requirements that impact automated decision-making. At the federal level, the President of the United States recently issued an Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, which charges multiple agencies, including The National Institute of Standards and Technology, with producing guidelines in connection with the development and use of AI. In the European Union, there was political agreement on the EU AI Act, which establishes a comprehensive, risk-based governance framework for AI in the EU market. The EU AI Act entered in force on August 1, 2024, and the majority of the substantive requirements will apply two years later (beginning 2026). The EU AI Act will apply to companies that develop, use and/or provide AI in the European Union and includes requirements around transparency, conformity assessments and monitoring, risk assessments, human oversight, security, accuracy, general purpose AI and foundation models, and proposes fines for breach of up to 7% of worldwide annual turnover (revenue). Additionally, in September of 2022, the European Commission proposed two Directives seeking to establish a harmonized civil liability regime for AI in the European Union, in order to facilitate civil claims in respect of harm caused by AI and to include AI-enabled products within the scope of the European Union’s existing strict liability regime. Once fully applicable, the EU AI Act will have a material impact on the way AI is regulated in the European Union, and together with developing guidance and/or decisions in this area, may affect our use of AI and our ability to provide, improve, or commercialize our cloud services, and could require additional compliance measures and changes to our operations and processes.

 

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Moreover, the intellectual property ownership and license rights, including copyright, surrounding AI technologies has not been fully addressed by courts or laws or regulations, and the use or adoption of AI technologies into our offerings may result in exposure to claims of copyright infringement or other intellectual property misappropriation. As the legal and regulatory framework for AI and automated decision making evolves, we may not always be able to anticipate how to respond to these laws or regulations, and compliance may adversely impact our operations and involve significant expenditure and resources. Any failure by us to comply may result in significant liability, potential increases in civil claims against us, negative publicity, an erosion of trust, and/or increased regulation and could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

Regulatory restrictions that target AI, including, but not limited to, export restrictions may have a material adverse impact on our intended operations.

 

The increasing focus on the strategic importance of AI technologies has already resulted in regulatory restrictions that target products and services capable of enabling or facilitating AI, and may in the future result in additional restrictions impacting some or all of our service offerings. Such restrictions could include additional unilateral or multilateral export controls on certain products or technology, including, but not limited to, cloud service technologies. As geopolitical tensions have increased, semiconductors associated with AI, including GPUs and associated products, are increasingly the focus of export control restrictions proposed by stakeholders in the U.S. and its allies, and it is likely that additional unilateral or multilateral controls will be adopted. Such controls may be very broad in scope and application, prohibit us from exporting our services to any or all customers in one or more markets or could impose other conditions that limit our ability to serve demand abroad and could negatively and materially impact our business, revenue, and financial results. Export controls targeting GPUs and semiconductors associated with AI, which are increasingly likely, would restrict our ability to export our technology, services even though competitors may not be subject to similar restrictions, creating a competitive disadvantage for us and negatively impacting our business and financial results. Increasing use of economic sanctions may also impact demand for our services, negatively impacting our business and financial results. Additional unilateral or multilateral controls are also likely to include deemed export control limitations that negatively impact the ability of our research and development teams to execute our roadmap or other objectives in a timely manner. Additional export restrictions may not only impact our ability to serve overseas markets, but also provoke responses from foreign governments, including China, that negatively impact our ability to provide our services to customers in all markets worldwide, which could also substantially reduce our revenue.

 

Management of the requirements of the supply chain is complicated and time consuming. Our results and competitive position may be harmed if we are restricted in offering our services, if customers purchase services from competitors, if customers develop their own cloud services, if we are unable to provide contractual warranty or other extended service obligations.

 

Issues in the development and use of AI may result in reputational or competitive harm or liability.

 

We continue to incorporate AI into our cloud services and infrastructure, and we are also providing computing power for our customers to use in solutions that they build. We are providing supporting/computing power to clients, including our strategic partners who develop AI systems. We expect this integration of AI into our offerings and our business in general to grow. AI presents risks and challenges that could affect its adoption, and therefore our business. AI algorithms or training methodologies may be flawed. Datasets may be overbroad, insufficient, or contain biased information. Content generated by AI systems may be offensive, illegal, or otherwise harmful. Ineffective or inadequate AI development or deployment practices by others could result in incidents that impair the acceptance of AI solutions or cause harm to individuals, customers, or society, or result in our services not working as intended. Human review of certain outputs may be required. As a result of these and other challenges associated with innovative technologies, our implementation of cloud services could subject us to competitive harm, regulatory action, legal liability, including under new proposed legislation regulating AI in jurisdictions, new applications of existing data protection, privacy, intellectual property, and other laws, and brand or reputational harm. Some AI scenarios present ethical issues or may have broad impacts on society. If we provide supporting/cloud services that have unintended consequences, unintended usage or customization by our customers and partners, or are controversial because of their impact on human rights, privacy, employment, or other social, economic, or political issues, we may experience brand or reputational harm, adversely affecting our business and consolidated financial statements.

 

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Risks Related to SharonAI’s Development of Data Center Assets

 

We cannot assure the completion of our joint venture’s 250MW sustainable data center site project, and even after such completions, we may not be able to generate adequate revenue to operate profitably and/or to continue as a going concern.

 

Our TCDC joint venture is in the very early stages of developing our proposed 250MW sustainable data center site project, and the joint venture has not yet purchased all the land for this project. There is no guarantee that construction of this project will be completed or that we can successfully commence operations. In the future, our capital expenses and operational expenses may increase due to expected increased sales, operational costs, and general and administrative costs and, therefore, our operating losses may continue or even increase after completion of these projects. Furthermore, to the extent that we are successful in increasing our customer base, we will also incur increased expenses because costs associated with generating and supporting agreements with customers are generally incurred up front, while revenue is generally recognized ratably over the term of the relationship. We may not reach profitability in the near future or at any specific time in the future. If and when our operations do become profitable, we may not sustain it.

 

We are at an early stage of development of our business, currently have limited sources of revenue, and may not become profitable in the future.

 

We are subject to the risks and uncertainties of a new business and have not generated any revenues from this business segment to date, Our first data center site development project, TCDC, is expected to be located on over 400 acres near Odessa, Texas, in the Permian Basin. TCDC purchased 235 acres on July 25, 2025, from the owner of the land, GROW Odessa, a non-profit organization dedicated to Odessa’s economic development growth, and signed a non-binding letter of intent on July 1, 2025, with GROW Odessa obtaining a 90-day period to complete due diligence and negotiate final documents to acquire an additional 203 acres. On September 22, 2025, the parties entered into the First Amendment to the Letter of Intent, amending the exclusivity period to 150 days, through November 30, 2025. On November [  ], 2025, the parties executed a purchase agreement, but have not yet closed the transaction. The intent is for a third-party to build gas-fired power generation on-site.

 

As we grow and develop as a business, we will attempt to reduce the impact of variability on our revenue and colocation costs by entering into long-term contracts at each site. Given that we have only a limited history of developing data center assets, the long-term profitability of these contracts cannot be presently determined. If we are unable to successfully implement our development plan or to increase our generation of revenue, we will not remain profitable in the future.

 

We intend to continue scaling our company to increase our customer base and implement initiatives, including new business lines and global expansion. These efforts may prove more expensive than we currently anticipate and may not result in increased revenue or profitability in the short term or at all. We will also incur increased compliance costs associated with growth, expanding our customer base, and being a public company. Our efforts to grow our business may be costlier than we expect, or the revenue growth rate may be slower than we expect. There can be no assurance that we will operate profitably in the future.

 

We may be unable to access sufficient additional capital needed to grow our business.

 

We expect to need to raise substantial additional capital to expand our data center operations, pursue our growth strategies and to respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated working capital requirements. However, market conditions may limit our ability to raise funds in a timely manner, in sufficient quantities, or on terms acceptable to us, if at all, which could impair our growth and adversely affect our existing operations. If we raise additional equity financing, our shareholders may experience significant dilution of their ownership interests, and the per share value of our ordinary shares could decline. Furthermore, if we engage in debt financing, the holders of debt would have priority over the holders of our ordinary shares on order of payment preference. We may be required to accept terms that restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends to our shareholders, or take other actions. We may also be required to maintain specified liquidity or other ratios that could otherwise not be in the interests of our stockholders. If we are unable to raise the additional capital needed to execute our future strategic growth initiatives, we may be less competitive in our industry and the results of these provisions could make investing in the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock less attractive to investors and could limit our ability to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis or on acceptable terms in the future, which could have significant harmful effects on our financial condition and business and could include substantial limitations on our ability to continue to conduct operations.

 

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We are subject to a highly evolving regulatory landscape and any adverse changes to or our failure to comply with any laws or regulations could adversely affect our business, prospects or operations.

 

Our customers’ businesses are subject to extensive laws, rules, regulations, policies and legal and regulatory guidance, including those governing securities, commodities, exchange and transfer, data governance, data protection, cybersecurity and tax. Many of these legal and regulatory regimes were adopted prior to the advent of the Internet, mobile technologies, AI and related technologies, cloud services and data center operations. As a result, they do not contemplate or address unique issues associated with AI, are subject to significant uncertainty, and vary widely across the U.S. and Australia. These legal and regulatory regimes, including the laws, rules and regulations thereunder, evolve frequently and may be modified, interpreted and applied in an inconsistent manner from one jurisdiction to another, and may conflict with one another.

 

Moreover, the complexity and evolving nature of our business and the significant uncertainty surrounding the regulation of AI, requires us to exercise our judgment as to whether certain laws, rules and regulations apply to us or our customers, and it is possible that governmental bodies and regulators may disagree with our or our customers’ conclusions. To the extent we or our customers have not complied with such laws, rules and regulations, we could be subject to significant fines and other regulatory consequences, which could adversely affect our business, prospects or financial condition.

 

Ongoing and future regulatory actions could effectively prevent our customers’ and our ongoing or planned co-hosting operations, limiting or preventing future revenue generation by us or rendering our operations obsolete. Such actions could severely impact our ability to continue to operate and our ability to continue as a going concern or to pursue our strategy at all, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects or financial condition.

 

Our business depends upon the demand for data centers.

 

We intend to be in the business of owning, acquiring, developing and operating data centers and assets used in data centers. A reduction in the demand for data center assets, power or connectivity would have a greater adverse effect on our business and financial condition than if our assets were devoted to a less specialized use. Our substantial development activities make us particularly susceptible to general economic slowdowns, as well as adverse developments in the data center, Internet, AI and data communications and broader technology industries. It is not possible for us to predict the future level of demand for our services that will be generated by these customers or the future demand for the products and services of these customers. Any such slowdown or adverse development could lead to reduced corporate IT spending or reduced demand for data center assets. Changes in industry practice or in technology could reduce demand for the physical data center assets we provide. In addition, our customers may choose to develop new data centers or expand their own existing data centers or consolidate into data centers that we do not own or operate, which could reduce demand for our newly developed data centers or result in the loss of one or more key customers. If any of our potential key customers were to do so, it could result in a loss of business to us or put pressure on our pricing. Mergers or consolidations of technology companies could reduce further the number of our potential customers and make us more dependent on a more limited number of potential customers. If our customers merge with or are acquired by other entities that are not our customers, they may discontinue or reduce the use of our data centers in the future. Our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, cash available for distribution and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations could be materially adversely affected as a result of any or all of these factors.

 

Our business is expected to have significant customer concentration.

 

We expect to generate a large portion of our revenue from a small number of customers. There are inherent risks whenever a large percentage of total revenue is concentrated with a limited number of customers. If we were to lose one or more of our potential customers, our operating results could be materially adversely affected.

 

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We expect that the limited number of our potential customers will account for a high percentage of our revenue for the foreseeable future. In addition, demand for our services generated by these customers may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. The expected concentration of our customer base could increase risks related to the financial condition of our customers, and the deterioration in financial condition of a single customer or the failure of a single customer to perform its obligations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flow. In the event that any of our potential customers experience a decline in their equipment usage for any reason, or decide to discontinue the use of our facilities, we may be compelled to lower our prices or risk losing a significant customer. Such developments could adversely affect our profit margins and financial position, leading to a negative impact on our revenue and operational results.

 

Failure to attract, grow and retain a diverse and balanced customer base, could adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

Our ability to attract, grow and retain a diverse and balanced customer base, consisting of enterprises, cloud service providers, network service providers, and digital economy customers, may affect our ability to grow our business. Initially, our data center site operations are intended to be established in connection with TCDC in Texas, U.S. Our ability to attract customers to our data centers will depend on a variety of factors, including our product offerings, the presence of carriers, the overall mix of customers, the presence of key customers attracting business through ecosystems, the data center’s operating reliability and security and our ability to effectively market our product offerings. Our inability to develop, provide or effectively execute any of these factors may adversely affect the development, growth and retention of a diverse and balanced customer base and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our new services and changes to existing services could fail to attract or retain users or generate revenue and profits, or otherwise adversely affect our business.

 

Our ability to retain, increase, and engage our customer base and to increase our revenue depends heavily on our ability to continue to evolve our existing services and to create successful new services, both independently and in conjunction with developers or other third parties. We may introduce significant changes to our existing services or acquire or introduce new and unproven services, including using technologies with which we have little or no prior development or operating experience. These efforts, including the introduction of new services or changes to existing services, may result in new or enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, ethical concerns, or other complications that could adversely affect our business, reputation, or financial results. If our new services fail to engage users or developers, or if our business plans are unsuccessful, we may fail to attract or retain users or to generate sufficient revenue, operating margin, or other value to justify our investments, and our business may be adversely affected.

 

We intend to depend upon third-party suppliers for power, and we are vulnerable to service failures and price increases by such suppliers and to volatility in the supply and price of power in the open market.

 

We intend to rely on third parties to provide power to our data centers, and we cannot ensure that these third parties will deliver such power in adequate quantities or on a consistent basis. We may also be reliant on third parties to deliver additional power capacity to support the growth of our business. If the amount of power available to us is inadequate to support customer requirements, we may be unable to satisfy our obligations to our customers or grow our business. In addition, our data centers may be susceptible to power shortages and planned or unplanned power outages caused by these shortages. Power outages may last beyond our backup and alternative power arrangements, which would harm our customers and our business. Any loss of services or equipment damage could adversely affect both our ability to generate revenues and our operating results, harm our reputation and potentially lead to customer disputes or litigation.

 

In addition, we may be subject to risks and unanticipated costs associated with obtaining power from various utility companies. Utilities that serve our data centers may be dependent on, and sensitive to price increases for, a particular type of fuel, including hydroelectric. In addition, the total cost of delivered electricity could increase as a result of: regulations intended to regulate carbon emissions and other pollutants, ratepayer surcharges related to recovering the cost of extreme weather events and natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, military conflicts, grid modernization charges, as well as other charges borne by ratepayers. Increases in the cost of power at any of our data centers could put those locations at a competitive disadvantage relative to data centers that are supplied power at a lower price.

 

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We will depend on third parties to provide network connectivity to the customers in our data centers and any delays or disruptions in connectivity may materially adversely affect our operating results and cash flow.

 

We are not a telecommunications carrier. We believe that the availability of carrier capacity will directly affect our ability to achieve our projected results. Any carrier may elect not to offer its services within our data centers. Any carrier that has decided to provide network connectivity to our data centers may not continue to do so for any period of time. Further, some carriers are experiencing business difficulties or have announced consolidations. As a result, some carriers may be forced to downsize or terminate connectivity within our data centers, which could have an adverse effect on the business of our customers and, in turn, our own operating results.

 

Our data centers may require construction and operation of a sophisticated redundant fiber network. The construction required to connect multiple carrier facilities to data centers is complex and involves factors outside of our control, including regulatory requirements and the availability of construction resources. We intend to obtain the right to use network resources owned by other companies, in order to attract telecommunications carriers and customers to our portfolio. If the establishment of highly diverse network connectivity to our data centers does not occur, is materially delayed or is discontinued, or is subject to failure, our operating results and cash flow may be materially adversely affected. Additionally, any hardware or fiber failures on this network may result in significant loss of connectivity to our data centers. This could negatively affect our ability to attract new customers or retain existing customers, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Any delays or unexpected costs in the development of any new properties acquired for development may delay and harm our growth prospects, future operating results and financial condition.

 

In addition to TCDC, we intend to build out additional data centers in the future based on signed letters of intent at significant cost. Our successful development of this and future projects is subject to many risks, including those associated with:

 

delays in construction, or changes to the plans or specifications;

 

budget overruns, increased prices for raw materials or building supplies, or lack of availability and/or increased costs for specialized data center components, including long lead time items such as generators;

 

construction site accidents and other casualties;

 

financing availability, including our ability to obtain construction financing and permanent financing, or increases in interest rates or credit spreads;

 

labor availability, costs, disputes and work stoppages with contractors, subcontractors or others that are constructing the project;

 

failure of contractors to perform on a timely basis or at all, or other misconduct on the part of contractors

 

access to sufficient power and related costs of providing such power to our customers;

 

environmental issues;

 

supply chain constraints;

 

fire, flooding, earthquakes and other natural disasters;

 

pandemics;

 

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geological, construction, excavation and equipment problems; and

 

delays or denials of entitlements or permits, including zoning and related permits, or other delays resulting from requirements of public agencies and utility companies.

 

In addition, development activities, regardless of whether they are ultimately successful, also typically require a substantial portion of our management’s time and attention. This may distract our management from focusing on other operational activities of our business. If we are unable to complete development projects successfully and on a timely basis, our business may be adversely affected.

 

If we incorrectly estimate our hosting capacity requirements and related capital expenditures, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

We will be continuously evaluating our capacity requirements in order to effectively manage our capital expenditures and operating results. However, we may be unable to accurately project our future capacity needs or sufficiently allocate resources to address such needs. If we underestimate these requirements, we may not be able to provide sufficient service to existing customers or may be required to limit new customer acquisition, both of which may materially and adversely impair our results of operations.

 

Certain natural disasters or other external events, including climate change or mechanical failures, could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and prospects.

 

We may also experience disruptions due to mechanical failure, human error, physical or electronic security breaches, war, terrorism, fire, earthquake, pandemics, hurricane, flood and other natural disasters, sabotage and vandalism. Our systems may be susceptible to damage, interference, or interruption from modifications or upgrades, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, ransomware attacks, computer denial of service attacks, phishing schemes, or other attempts to harm or access our systems. Such disruptions could materially and adversely affect our business and our financial condition, operating results, cash flows, and prospects.

 

In addition, there continues to be a lack of consistent climate legislation, which creates economic and regulatory uncertainty for our business. With the energy demand of our business, we may become a target for future environmental and energy regulation. New legislation and increased regulation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on us and our suppliers, including costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting, and other costs to comply with such regulations. Further, any future climate change regulations could also negatively impact our ability to compete with companies situated in areas not subject to such limitations.

 

Given the political significance and uncertainty around the impact of climate change and how it should be addressed, and energy disclosure and use regulations, we cannot predict how legislation and regulation will affect our financial condition and results of operations in the future in the U.S. and Australia. Further, even without such regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about potential impacts on climate change or energy use by us or other companies in our industry could harm our reputation. Any of the foregoing could result in a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

 

Should we have additional space available for lease at any one of our data centers, our ability to lease this space to existing or new customers could be constrained by our ability to provide sufficient electrical power.

 

As our future customers increase their power footprint in our data centers over time, the corresponding reduction in available power could limit our ability to increase occupancy rates or network density within our existing or future data centers. Furthermore, our aggregate maximum contractual obligation to provide power and cooling to our customers may exceed the physical capacity at such data centers if customers were to quickly increase their demand for power and cooling. Should his occur and we are not able to increase the available power and/or cooling or move the customer to another location within our data centers with sufficient power and cooling to meet such demand, we could lose the customer as well as be exposed to liability under our customer agreements. In addition, our power and cooling systems will be difficult and expensive to upgrade. Accordingly, we may not be able to efficiently upgrade or change these systems to meet new demands without incurring significant costs that we may not be able to pass on to our customers. Any such material loss of customers, liability or additional costs could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Increased scrutiny and changing expectations from stakeholders with respect to our environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) practices and the impacts of climate change may result in additional costs or risks.

 

Companies across many industries are facing increasing scrutiny related to their ESG practices. Investor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, investment funds and other influential investors are also increasingly focused on ESG practices and in recent years have placed increasing importance on the non-financial impacts of their investments. Furthermore, increased public awareness and concern regarding environmental risks, including global climate change, has resulted and may continue to result in increased public scrutiny of our business and our industry, and our management team may divert significant time and energy away from our operations and towards responding to such scrutiny and reassuring our employees.

 

We intend to embrace the sustainability of our data centers and will look to have our data centers running on carbon-free renewable energy wherever possible. The SEC has proposed rule changes that would require companies to include certain climate-related disclosures such as climate-related risks that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on business, results of operations, or financial conditions. Should such proposed rules be adopted, increased public scrutiny of our business may affect our operations, competitive position, and financial condition.

 

In addition, the physical risks of climate change may impact the availability and cost of materials and natural resources, sources and supply of energy, could increase our insurance and other operating costs, including, potentially, to repair damage incurred as a result of extreme weather events or to renovate or retrofit facilities to better withstand extreme weather events. If environmental laws or regulations or industry standards in the U.S. or Australia are either changed or adopted and impose significant operational restrictions and compliance requirements on our operations, or if our operations are disrupted due to the physical impacts of climate change, our business, capital expenditures, results of operations, financial condition and competitive position could be negatively impacted.

 

Cancellation or withdrawal of required operating and other permits and license.

 

We must obtain various permits, approvals and/or licenses in order to construct and operate our planned data center facilities. If such permits, approvals and/or licenses are not granted, or if they are lost, suspended, terminated or revoked, it may result in delays in construction of our facilities, require us to halt all or part of our operations, or cause us to be exposed to financial or other penalties at the affected locations. Such circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

Our operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations that may increase costs of operations, impact or limit business plans, or expose us to environmental liabilities.

 

As we develop data center assets, we may become subject to environmental laws and regulations affecting many aspects of our operations, including those affecting the development of data center assets. These laws and regulations can increase capital, operating and other costs; cause delays as a result of litigation and administrative proceedings; and create environmental compliance, remediation, containment, monitoring and reporting obligations for construction materials facilities. Environmental laws and regulations can also require us to install pollution control equipment at facilities we may someday operate, and correct environmental hazards, including payment of all or part of the cost to remediate sites where activities of other parties, caused environmental contamination. These laws and regulations generally require us to obtain and comply with a variety of environmental licenses, permits, inspections and other approvals. Although we intend to strive to comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, public and private entities and private individuals may interpret our legal or regulatory requirements differently and seek injunctive relief or other remedies against us. We cannot predict the outcome, financial or operational, of any such litigation or administrative proceedings.

 

Existing environmental laws and regulations may be revised and new laws and regulations seeking to protect the environment may be adopted or become applicable to us. These laws and regulations could require us to limit the use or output of certain facilities; prohibit or restrict new or existing services; retire and replace certain facilities; install pollution controls; remediate environmental impacts; remove or reduce environmental hazards; or forego or limit the development of resources and certain facilities where it operates. Revised or new laws and regulations that increase compliance and disclosure costs and/or restrict operations could adversely affect our results of operations, financial conditions and cash flows.

 

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Risks Relating to Laws, Regulatory Frameworks, and Legal Action affecting SharonAI

 

Our business and financial condition may be materially adversely affected by changes to and/or increased regulation of energy sources.

 

Governmental authorities have and may continue to pursue and implement legislation and regulation that seeks to limit the amount of carbon dioxide produced from electricity generation, which, in the event any of our services are powered by non-renewable energy sources, would affect our ability to source electricity from fossil fuel-fired electric generation in a potentially material adverse manner. Potential increases in costs arising from compliance and environmental monitoring may adversely affect our operations and financial performance.

 

HPC/AI and data center activities are energy-intensive, which may restrict the geographic locations of our activities to locations with renewable sources of power. Government regulators may potentially restrict the ability of electricity suppliers to provide electricity to HPC and data center operators, including us.

 

HPC/AI cloud services and data centers require significant amounts of electrical power, and electricity costs are expected to continue to account for a material portion of our operating costs. There has been a substantial increase in the demand for and cost of electricity for computing purposes, and this has had varying levels of impact on local electricity supply. The availability and cost of electricity will impact the geographic locations in which we choose to locate our compute and storage servers and our data center development projects, and the availability and cost of electricity in the geographic locations in which our equipment facilities are located will impact our business, cash flows, results of operations and financial condition.

 

Should our operations require more electricity than can be supplied or generated in the areas where our compute and storage servers and our data center development project are located or should the electrical transmission grid and distribution or generation systems be unable to provide the regular supply of electricity required, we may have to limit or suspend activities or reduce the speed of our proposed expansion, either voluntarily or as a result of either quotas or restrictions imposed by energy companies or governments, or increased prices for certain users (such as us). If we are unable to procure or generate electricity at a suitable price, as applicable, we may have to shut down our operations in that particular jurisdiction either temporarily or permanently. Additionally, our HPC/AI cloud services equipment and systems and our data center development projects would be materially adversely affected by power outages including outages affecting power generation at our data center development sites, as applicable. Given the power requirement, it may not be feasible to run HPC/AI cloud services on back-up power generators in the event of a government restriction on electricity or a power outage, which may be caused by climate change, weather, acts of God, wild fires, pandemics, falling trees, falling distribution poles and transmission towers, transmission and distribution cable cuts, failure of power generation at our planned data center development site, including failures in fuel supply, other natural and man-made disasters, other force majeure events in the electricity market and/or the negligence or malfeasance of others. If we are unable to receive adequate power supply and we are forced to reduce our operations due to the lack of availability or cost of electrical power, our business could experience materially adverse impacts.

 

We are subject to governmental regulation and other legal obligations related to data privacy, data protection and information security. If we are unable to comply with these, we may be subject to governmental enforcement actions, litigation, fines and penalties or adverse publicity.

 

We collect and process data, including personal, financial and confidential information about individuals, including our employees and business partners; however, not of any customers or other third parties. The collection, use and processing of such data about individuals are governed by data privacy laws and regulations enacted in the U.S. (federal and state), and other jurisdictions around the world. These data privacy laws and regulations are complex, continue to evolve, and on occasion may be inconsistent between jurisdictions leading to uncertainty in interpreting such laws and it is possible that these laws, regulations and requirements may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our existing information processing practices, and many of these laws are significantly litigated and/or subject to regulatory enforcement. The implication of this includes that various federal, state and foreign legislative or regulatory bodies may enact or adopt new or additional laws and regulations concerning data privacy, data retention, data transfer, and data protection. Such laws may continue to restrict or dictate how we collect, maintain, combine and disseminate information and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

 

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In the United States, there are numerous federal and state laws and regulations that could apply to our operations or the operations of our partners, including data breach notification laws, financial information and other data privacy laws, and consumer protection laws and regulations (e.g., Section 5 of the FTC Act), that govern the collection, use, disclosure, and protection of personal information.

 

Failure to comply with anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and similar laws associated with our activities outside of the United States, could subject us to penalties and other adverse consequences.

 

We operate an international business and may have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state-owned or affiliated entities. We are subject to the FCPA, and other applicable anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws in certain countries in which we conduct activities. The FCPA prohibits providing, offering, promising, or authorizing, directly or indirectly, anything of value to government officials, political parties, or political candidates for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper business advantage.

 

In many foreign countries, including countries in which we may conduct business, it may be a local custom that businesses engage in practices that are prohibited by the FCPA, or other applicable laws and regulations. We face significant risks if we or any of our directors, officers, employees, contractors, agents or other partners or representatives fail to comply with these laws and governmental authorities in the United States and elsewhere could seek to impose substantial civil and/or criminal fines and penalties which could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, operating results, prospects and financial condition.

 

Any violation of applicable anti-corruption laws, anti-money laundering laws or the FCPA could result in whistleblower complaints, adverse media coverage, investigations, loss of export privileges, severe criminal or civil sanctions and, in the case of the FCPA, suspension or debarment from U.S. government contracts, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our reputation, business, operating results, prospects and financial condition. In addition, responding to any enforcement action or internal investigation related to alleged misconduct may result in a significant diversion of management’s attention and resources and significant defense costs and other professional fees.

 

Regulatory restrictions that target AI, including, but not limited to, export restrictions may have a material adverse impact on our intended operations.

 

The increasing focus on the strategic importance of AI technologies has already resulted in regulatory restrictions that target products and services capable of enabling or facilitating AI, and may in the future result in additional restrictions impacting some or all of our service offerings. Such restrictions could include additional unilateral or multilateral export controls on certain products or technology, including, but not limited to, AI technologies. As geopolitical tensions have increased, semiconductors associated with AI, including GPUs and associated products, are increasingly the focus of export control restrictions proposed by stakeholders in the U.S. and its allies, and it is likely that additional unilateral or multilateral controls will be adopted. Such controls may be very broad in scope and application, prohibit us from exporting our services to any or all customers in one or more markets or could impose other conditions that limit our ability to serve demand abroad and could negatively and materially impact our business, revenue, and financial results. Export controls targeting GPUs and semiconductors associated with AI, which are increasingly likely, would restrict our ability to export our technology, services even though competitors may not be subject to similar restrictions, creating a competitive disadvantage for us and negatively impacting our business and financial results. Increasing use of economic sanctions may also impact demand for our services, negatively impacting our business and financial results. Additional unilateral or multilateral controls are also likely to include deemed export control limitations that negatively impact the ability of our research and development teams to execute our roadmap or other objectives in a timely manner. Additional export restrictions may not only impact our ability to serve overseas markets, but also provoke responses from foreign governments, including China, that negatively impact our ability to provide our services to customers in all markets worldwide, which could also substantially reduce our revenue.

 

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During the third quarter of fiscal year 2023, the U.S. government announced new export restrictions and export licensing requirements targeting China’s semiconductor and supercomputing industries. These restrictions impact exports of certain chips, as well as software, hardware, equipment, and technology used to develop, produce, and manufacture certain chips, to China (including Hong Kong and Macau) and Russia. The new license requirements also apply to any future NVIDIA integrated circuit achieving certain peak performance and chip-to-chip I/O performance thresholds, as well as any system or board that includes those circuits. There are also now licensing requirements to export a wide array of products, including networking products, destined for certain end users and for certain end uses in China.

 

Management of these new license and other requirements is complicated and time consuming. Our results and competitive position may be harmed if we are restricted in offering our services, if customers purchase services from competitors, if customers develop their own internal solution, if we are unable to provide contractual warranty or other extended service obligations, if the U.S. government does not grant licenses in a timely manner or denies licenses to significant customers, or if we incur significant transition costs. Even if the U.S. government grants any requested licenses, the licenses may be temporary or impose burdensome conditions that we cannot or choose not to fulfill. The new requirements may benefit certain of our competitors, as the licensing process will make our pre-sale and post-sale technical support efforts more cumbersome and less certain, and encourage customers to pursue alternatives to our services.

 

Issues in the development and use of AI may result in reputational or competitive harm or liability.

 

We are beginning to build AI into our infrastructure services, and we are also providing computing power for AI available for our customers to use in solutions that they build. We are providing supporting/computing power to clients, including our strategic partners who develop AI systems. We expect this integration of AI into our offerings and our business in general to grow. AI presents risks and challenges that could affect its adoption, and therefore our business. AI algorithms or training methodologies may be flawed. Datasets may be overbroad, insufficient, or contain biased information. Content generated by AI systems may be offensive, illegal, or otherwise harmful. Ineffective or inadequate AI development or deployment practices by us or others could result in incidents that impair the acceptance of AI solutions or cause harm to individuals, customers, or society, or result in our products and services not working as intended. Human review of certain outputs may be required. As a result of these and other challenges associated with innovative technologies, our implementation of AI systems could subject us to competitive harm, regulatory action, legal liability, including under new proposed legislation regulating AI in jurisdictions, new applications of existing data protection, privacy, intellectual property, and other laws, and brand or reputational harm. Some AI scenarios present ethical issues or may have broad impacts on society. If we provide supporting/computing AI services that have unintended consequences, unintended usage or customization by our customers and partners, or are controversial because of their impact on human rights, privacy, employment, or other social, economic, or political issues, we may experience brand or reputational harm, adversely affecting our business and consolidated financial statements.

 

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Risks Related to Ownership of the Company’s Securities and this Offering

 

The price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock may be volatile.

 

If a public trading market does develop for the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock, its market price is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

 

the concentration of the ownership of our shares by a limited number of affiliated stockholders may limit interest in our securities;

 

limited “public float” with a small number of persons whose sales or lack of sales could result in positive or negative pricing pressure on the market price for the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock;

 

additions or departures of key personnel;

 

loss of a strategic relationship;

 

variations in operating results from the expectations of securities analysts or investors;

 

announcements of new products or services by us or our competitors;

 

reductions in the market share of our products;

 

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

 

investor perception of our industry or prospects;

 

insider selling or buying;

 

investors entering into short sale contracts;

 

regulatory developments affecting our industry;

 

changes in our industry;

 

competitive pricing pressures;

 

our ability to obtain working capital financing;

 

sales of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock;

 

our ability to execute our business plan;

 

operating results that fall below expectations;

 

revisions in securities analysts’ estimates or reductions in security analysts’ coverage; and

 

economic and other external factors.

 

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Many of these factors are beyond our control and may decrease the market price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock, regardless of our operating performance. We cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock will be at any time, including as to whether the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock will sustain current market prices, or as to what effect that the sale of shares or the availability of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock for sale at any time will have on the prevailing market price.

 

In addition, the securities markets have from time-to-time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock.

 

There is no assurance that an investment in our securities will earn any positive return.

 

There is no assurance that an investment in our securities will earn any positive return. An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk and should be undertaken only by investors whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume such risks and who have no need for immediate liquidity in their investment. An investment in our securities is appropriate only for investors who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their investment.

 

Even if we meet the initial listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the Nasdaq continued listing standards, a failure of which could result in a de-listing of our securities.

 

Our Class A Ordinary Common Stock are quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol “SHAZ.” We intend to apply to list our Class A Ordinary Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market. There is no assurance that our Class A Ordinary Common Stock will ever be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market or that we will be able to comply with such applicable listing standards. Should our Class A Ordinary Common Stock become listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, in order to maintain that listing, Nasdaq requires that we satisfy minimum financial and other continued listing requirements and standards, including those regarding director independence and independent committee requirements, minimum stockholders’ equity, and certain corporate governance requirements. If we are unable to satisfy these requirements or standards, we could be subject to delisting, which would have a negative effect on the price of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock and would impair your ability to sell or purchase our Class A Ordinary Common Stock when you wish to do so. In the event of a delisting, we would expect to take actions to restore our compliance with the listing requirements, but we can provide no assurance that any such action taken by us would allow our Class A Ordinary Common Stock to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock or prevent future non-compliance with the listing requirements.

 

If, for any reason, we should fail to maintain compliance with these listing standards and Nasdaq should delist our securities from trading on its exchange and we are unable to obtain listing on another national securities exchange, a reduction in some or all of the following may occur, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our shareholders:

 

  the liquidity of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock;
     
  the market price of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock;
     
  our ability to obtain financing for the continuation of our operations;
     
  the number of investors that will consider investing in our Class A Ordinary Common Stock;
     
  the number of market makers in our Class A Ordinary Common Stock;
     
  the availability of information concerning the trading prices and volume of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock; and
     
  the number of broker-dealers willing to execute trades in shares of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock.

 

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The Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock s thinly traded, and investors may be unable to sell some or all of their shares at the price they would like, or at all, and sales of large blocks of shares may depress the price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock.

 

The Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock has historically been sporadically or “thinly-traded,” meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock at prevailing prices at any given time may be relatively small or nonexistent. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock 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 share price. This could lead to wide fluctuations in our share price. Investors may be unable to sell their common stock at or above their purchase price, which may result in substantial losses. Also, as a consequence of this lack of liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our stockholders may disproportionately influence the price of shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock in either direction. The price of shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock could, for example, decline precipitously in the event a large number of share of our common shares are sold on the market without commensurate demand, as compared to a seasoned issuer that could better absorb those sales without adverse impact on its share price.

 

The Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock is considered to be a “penny stock” and, as such, the market for the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock may be further limited by certain SEC rules applicable to penny stocks.

 

As long as the price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock remains below $5 per share or we have net tangible assets of $2,000,000 or less, our shares of common stock are likely to be subject to certain “penny stock” rules promulgated by the SEC. Those rules impose certain sales practice requirements on brokers who sell penny stock to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with net worth in excess of $1,000,000). For transactions covered by the penny stock rules, the broker must make a special suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to the sale. Furthermore, the penny stock rules generally require, among other things, that brokers engaged in secondary trading of penny stocks provide customers with written disclosure documents, monthly statements of the market value of penny stocks, disclosure of the bid and asked prices and disclosure of the compensation to the brokerage firm and disclosure of the sales person working for the brokerage firm. These rules and regulations make it more difficult for brokers to sell our shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock and limit the liquidity of our securities.

 

The Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock may never be listed on a major stock exchange.

 

We currently do not satisfy the initial listing standards of a national or other securities exchange and cannot ensure that we will ever satisfy such listing standards or that the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock will be accepted for listing on any such exchange. Should we fail to satisfy the initial listing standards of such exchanges, or the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock is otherwise rejected for listing, the trading price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock could suffer, the trading market for the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock may continue to be less liquid and the price may be subject to increased volatility.

 

There are limitations in connection with the availability of quotes and order information on the OTC Markets.

 

Trades and quotations on the OTC Markets involve a manual process and the market information for such securities cannot be guaranteed. In addition, quote information, or even firm quotes, may not be available. The manual execution process may delay order processing and intervening price fluctuations may result in the failure of a limit order to execute or the execution of a market order at a significantly different price. Execution of trades, execution reporting and the delivery of legal trade confirmation may be delayed significantly. Consequently, one may not be able to sell shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock at the optimum trading prices.

 

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There are delays in order communication on the OTC Markets.

 

Electronic processing of orders is not available for securities traded on the OTC Marketplace and high order volume and communication risks may prevent or delay the execution of one’s OTC Marketplace trading orders. This lack of automated order processing may affect the timeliness of order execution reporting and the availability of firm quotes for shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock. Heavy market volume may lead to a delay in the processing of OTC Marketplace security orders for shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock, due to the manual nature of the market. Consequently, one may not able to sell shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock at the optimum trading prices.

 

There is a risk of market fraud on the OTC Marketplace

 

OTC Marketplace securities are frequent targets of fraud or market manipulation. Not only because of their generally low price, but also because the OTC Market reporting requirements for these securities are less stringent than for listed or NASDAQ traded securities, and no exchange requirements are imposed. Dealers may dominate the market and set prices that are not based on competitive forces. Individuals or groups may create fraudulent markets and control the sudden, sharp increase of price and trading volume and the equally sudden collapse of the market price for shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock.

 

There is a limitation in connection with the editing and canceling of orders on the OTC Markets.

 

Orders for OTC Markets securities may be canceled or edited like orders for other securities. All requests to change or cancel an order must be submitted to, received and processed by the OTC Markets. Due to the manual order processing involved in handling OTC Markets trades, order processing and reporting may be delayed, and one may not be able to cancel or edit one’s order. Consequently, one may not be able to sell its shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock at the optimum trading prices.

 

Increased dealer compensation could adversely affect our stock price.

 

The dealer’s spread (the difference between the bid and ask prices) may be large and may result in substantial losses to the seller of shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock on the OTC Markets if the stock must be sold immediately. Further, purchasers of shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock may incur an immediate “paper” loss due to the price spread. Moreover, dealers trading on the OTC Markets may not have a bid price for shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock on the OTC Markets. Due to the foregoing, demand for shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock on the OTC Markets may be decreased or eliminated.

 

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

 

Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds to us from this offering and could spend the proceeds in ways that do not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our securities. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could result in financial losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, cause the price of our securities to decline.

 

There is currently a limited U.S. public market for our Class A Ordinary Common Stock, the stock price of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock may be volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance and you may not be able to resell your Class A Ordinary Common Stock at or above the price you acquired such Class A Ordinary Common Stock.

 

Since there is a limited U.S. public market for our Class A Ordinary Common Stock, the stock price of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock may be volatile or may decline regardless of our operating performance. Due to the limited U.S. public market for our Class A Ordinary Common Stock you may not be able to resell your Class A Ordinary Common Stock at or above the price you acquired such Class A Ordinary Common Stock.

 

Further, having a limited trading market in the United States may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling our Class A Ordinary Common Stock and may impair our ability to enter into strategic collaborations or acquire companies or products by using our Class A Ordinary Common Stock as consideration.

 

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There is no assurance that an investment in our securities will earn any positive return.

 

There is no assurance that an investment in our securities will earn any positive return. An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk and should be undertaken only by investors whose financial resources are sufficient to enable them to assume such risks and who have no need for immediate liquidity in their investment. An investment in our securities is appropriate only for investors who have the capacity to absorb a loss of some or all of their investment.

 

Sales of a substantial number of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock following this offering may adversely affect the market price of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock and the issuance of additional shares will dilute all other shareholders.

 

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock in the public market or otherwise following this offering, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Class A Ordinary Common Stock. After completion of this offering and the issuance of the Common Shares in this offering there will be 663,754,533 shares of Class A Ordinary Stock outstanding (without giving effect to the exercise by the underwriters of the over-allotment option), of which [_________] shares of Class A Ordinary Stock have registration rights and a resale registration statement is expected to be filed in close proximity to this Offering. In addition, our Certificate of Incorporation permits the issuance of 900,000,000 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock. Thus, we could issue substantial amounts of Class A Ordinary Common Stock in the future, which would dilute the percentage ownership held by the investors who purchase Class A Ordinary Common Stock in this offering.

 

If you purchase our Class A Ordinary Common Stock in this offering, you may in the future incur dilution in the book value of your shares.

 

Although you will not incur immediate dilution as a result of this offering, to the extent outstanding options or warrants are exercised, you may experience future dilution of your equity interests in the Company. As a result of possible future dilution, investors purchasing Common Units in this offering may receive significantly less than the purchase price paid in this offering, if anything, in the event of our liquidation.

 

The holders of shares of Class B Super Common Stock will own a significant voting percentage of our stock and will be able to exert significant control over matters subject to stockholder approval.

 

All 6,816,948 shares of our Class B Super Common Stock are held by three stockholders. Each share of Class B Super Common Stock has one hundred and sixty (160) votes on any matter brought before the stockholders for a vote, which means that the three stockholders who own all of the Class B Super Common Stock will have, collectively, 1,090,711,680 votes on any matter subject to stockholder approval. As of December 22, 2025, there were 591,601,301 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock outstanding, and each such share only has one (1) vote on any matter brought before the stockholders for a vote. Thus, the three holders of shares of Class B Super Common Stock may together be able to determine all matters requiring stockholder approval. For example, these three stockholders may be able to control elections of directors, amendments of our organizational documents, or approval of any merger, sale of assets, or other major corporate transaction. This may prevent or discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or offers for The Company’s stock that you may feel are in your best interest as one of our stockholders. The Company’s Proposed Certificate of Incorporation only authorizes 900,000,000 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, which means that even if every authorized share of authorized Class A Ordinary Common Stock was issued and outstanding, the three holders of shares of Class B Super Common Stock would have more votes than all of the holders of Class A Ordinary Common Stock together. Further information is available in the Security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management section on page 130.

 

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The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and distract management and we will incur substantial costs as a result of being a public company.

 

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), These rules, regulations and requirements are extensive. Our securities may be subject to additional regulatory scrutiny because we became public through a SPAC transaction. We will incur significant costs associated with our public company corporate governance and reporting requirements. The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and operating results. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to maintain and, if required, improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting to meet this standard, significant resources and management oversight may be required. As a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could adversely affect our business and operating results. We may need to hire more corporate employees to comply with these requirements or engage outside consultants, which would increase our costs and expenses. This may divert management’s attention from other business concerns, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. These applicable rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and it may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our Board or as executive officers.

 

In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some activities more time-consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management’s time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to their application and practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business may be adversely affected.

 

As a result of disclosure of information in this prospectus and in the filings that we are required to make as a public company, our business, operating results and financial condition have become more visible, which may result in threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors and other third parties. If any such claims are successful, our business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected, and even if the claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the resources of our management and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

A decline in the price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock could affect the company’s ability to raise working capital and adversely impact the company’s ability to continue operations.

 

A prolonged decline in the price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock could result in a reduction in the liquidity of the common stock and a reduction in our ability to raise capital. A decline in the price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock could be especially detrimental to our liquidity, operations and strategic plans. Such reductions may force us to reallocate funds from other planned uses and may have a significant negative effect on our business plan and operations, including our ability to develop new products and services and continue current operations. If the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock’s price declines, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to raise additional capital or generate funds from operations sufficient to meet our obligations. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital in the future, we may not be able to have the resources to continue our normal operations.

 

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We do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and, therefore, any return on your investment in the company’s capital stock must come from increases in the fair market value and trading price of the capital stock.

 

We have not paid any cash dividends on the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock and do not intend to pay cash dividends on the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, for reinvestment in the development and expansion of our business. Any credit agreements, which we may enter into with institutional lenders, may restrict our ability to pay dividends. Whether we pay cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and any other factors that our Board decides is relevant. Therefore, any return on your investment in our capital stock must come from increases in the fair market value and trading price of the capital stock.

 

Future sales and issuances of our securities could result in additional dilution of the percentage ownership of our stockholders and could cause our share price to fall.

 

We expect that significant additional capital will be needed in the future to continue our planned operations, including research and development, increased marketing, hiring new personnel, commercializing our products, and continuing activities as an operating public company. To the extent we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, our stockholders may experience substantial dilution. We may sell Class A Ordinary Common Stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in one or more transactions at prices and in a manner we determine from time to time. If we sell Class A Ordinary Common Stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in more than one transaction, investors may be materially diluted by subsequent sales. Such sales may also result in material dilution to our existing stockholders, and new investors could gain rights superior to our existing stockholders.

 

Changes in international trade policies, tariffs and treaties affecting imports and exports may have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

There have recently been significant changes to international trade policies and tariffs affecting imports and exports. Any significant increases in tariffs on goods or materials or other changes in trade policy could negatively affect our business operations. Recently, the U.S. has implemented a range of new tariffs and increases to existing tariffs. In response to the tariffs announced by the U.S., other countries have imposed, are considering imposing, and may in the future impose new or increased tariffs on certain exports from the United States. There is currently significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States and other countries with respect to trade policies, taxes, government regulations and tariffs. and we cannot predict whether, and to what extent, current tariffs will continue or trade policies will change in the future. Tariffs, or the threat of tariffs or increased tariffs, could have a significant negative impact on our businesses (either due to our reliance on imported goods or dependence on access to foreign markets).

 

Among other things, historical financial performance of companies affected by trade policies and/or tariffs may not provide useful guidance as to the future performance of such companies, because future financial performance of those companies may be materially affected by new U.S. tariffs or foreign retaliatory tariffs, or other changes to trade policies. We may not be able to adequately address the risks presented by these tariffs or other potential trade policy changes. As a result, our business may be negatively impacted.

 

Inflationary pressures and persistently high prices and uncertain availability of inputs used by us and our suppliers, or instability in logistics and related costs, could negatively impact our profitability. Pending tariffs proposed by the Trump Administration, may also negatively impact the cost structure of our supply chain, and ECD may not be able to pass these price increases on to its customers.

 

Increases in prices, including because of inflation and rising interest rates, for inputs that we and our suppliers use in manufacturing products, systems, components and parts, or increases in logistics and related costs, have led in the past and may lead in the future to higher production costs for parts, components and vehicles. Geopolitical risks, fluctuations in supply and demand, fluctuations in interest rates, any weakening of the U.S. dollar in comparison with other currencies, and other economic and political factors have created and may continue to create pricing pressure for our inputs. These inflationary pressures could, in turn, negatively impact our profitability because we may not be able to pass all of those costs on to our customers or require our suppliers to absorb such costs.

 

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Changes to United States tariff and import/export regulations may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The United States has recently enacted and proposed to enact significant new tariffs. Additionally, President Trump has directed various federal agencies to further evaluate key aspects of U.S. trade policy and there has been ongoing discussion and commentary regarding potential significant changes to U.S. trade policies, treaties and tariffs. There continues to exist significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and other countries with respect to such trade policies, treaties and tariffs. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between the impacted nations and the U.S. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our access to suppliers or customers and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

If the price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock fluctuates after the closing of this offering, you could lose a significant part of your investment.

 

The market price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to, among other things, the risk factors described in this prospectus, and other factors beyond our control, such as fluctuations in the valuation of companies perceived by investors to be comparable to us. Furthermore, the stock markets have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations, as well as general economic, political, and market conditions, the occurrence of natural disasters, pandemics, geopolitical tensions (particularly those relating to the People’s Republic of China), military conflicts, recessions, inflation, interest rate changes or international currency fluctuations, may negatively affect the market price of our common stock. In the past, many companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Securities litigation against us could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention from other business concerns, which could seriously harm our business.

 

The warrants will become exercisable for the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock, which would increase the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market and result in dilution to our shareholders.

 

As of December 22, 2025, we had 22,250,000 outstanding warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of up to 22,250,000 shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock, including 11,500,000 Public Warrants and 10,750,000 Private Warrants, will become exercisable in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Agreement governing those securities. These warrants will become exercisable at any time commencing 30 days after the completion of the Business Combination. The exercise price of these warrants will be $11.50 per share. However, there is no guarantee that our Warrants will ever be “in the money” prior to their expiration, and, as such, our Warrants may expire worthless. See “- Even if the Business Combination is consummated, the Warrants may never be in the money, and they may expire worthless and the terms of the warrants may be amended in a manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding Private Warrants and Public Warrants, respectively, approve of such amendment for their respective warrants.”

 

To the extent our Warrants are exercised, additional shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock will be issued, which will result in dilution to the holders of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock and increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market. The dilution, as a percentage of outstanding shares, caused by the exercise of our Warrants will increase if a large number of Roth CH shareholders elect to redeem their shares in connection with the Business Combination. We cannot predict the ultimate value of the Public Warrants following consummation of the Business Combination. Sales of substantial numbers of shares issued upon the exercise of our Warrants in the public market or the potential that such warrants may be exercised could also adversely affect the market price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock.

 

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The Warrants may never be in the money, and they may expire worthless and the terms of the warrants may be amended in a manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding Private Warrants and Public Warrants, respectively approve of such amendment to their respective warrants.

 

The exercise price for the outstanding Warrants is $11.50 per share. There can be no assurance that the Warrants will be in the money following the time they become exercisable and prior to their expiration and as such, the Warrants may expire worthless.

 

The Public Warrants were issued in registered form under a Warrant Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and Roth CH. The Warrant Agreement provides that the terms of the warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision, but requires the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding Public Warrants to make any change that increases the exercise price or shortens the exercise period of the Public Warrants.

 

Accordingly, we may amend the terms of the Public Warrants in a manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding Public Warrants approve of such amendment. Although our ability to amend the terms of the Public Warrants with the consent of at least 50% of the then outstanding Public Warrants is unlimited, examples of such amendments could be amendments to, among other things, increase the exercise price of the warrants, shorten the exercise period or decrease the number of shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of a warrant.

 

We may redeem your unexpired Public Warrants prior to their exercise, which may result in warrant holders receiving little or no value for their warrants, thereby making the your Public Warrants worthless.

 

We have the ability to redeem outstanding Public Warrants at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.01 per warrant, provided that the closing price of the shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any twenty (20) trading days within a thirty (30) trading-day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which we give proper notice of such redemption to the warrants holders and provided certain other conditions are met. We will not redeem the Public Warrants unless an effective registration statement under the Securities Act covering the shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants is effective and a current prospectus relating to those shares is available throughout the thirty (30)-day redemption period, except if we elect to require the warrants to be exercised on a cashless basis and such cashless exercise is exempt from registration under the Securities Act. If and when the Public Warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws. If we elect to redeem the outstanding Public Warrants, holders would be forced to either exercise their warrants and pay the exercise price at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so, sell the warrants at the then-current market price, or accept the nominal redemptional price. Any such redemption could occur at a time when the warrants are worthless. None of the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by us so long as they are held by the Sponsor or any of its permitted transferees. As of the date of this prospectus, Roth CH’s Class A Ordinary Shares have never traded above $17.00 per share, therefore neither current nor recent share prices meet or exceed the threshold that would allow us to redeem Public Warrants.

 

In addition, we have the ability to redeem the outstanding Public Warrants at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.01 per warrant upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption if the closing price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any twenty (20) trading days within a thirty (30) day trading-day period ending on the third day prior to proper notice of such redemption and provided that certain other conditions are met, including that holders will be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis prior to redemption for a number of shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock determined based on the redemption date and fair market value of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock. The value received upon exercise of the warrants may be less than the value the holders would have received if they had been able to exercise their warrants at a later time at which the underlying share price is higher and (2) may not compensate the holders for the value of the warrants, including because the number of ordinary shares received is capped at 0.361 shares per warrant (subject to adjustment) irrespective of the remaining life of the warrants. In addition, such redemptions may occur at a time when our Warrants are “out-of-the-money,” in which case holders thereof would lose any potential embedded value from a subsequent increase in the value of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock had such Public Warrants remained outstanding. If the price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock is less than $18.00 and we seek redemption of the Public Warrants, we must call the Private Placement Warrants for redemption on the same terms.

 

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In the event that we determine to redeem the Public Warrants when the closing price of the shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share, pursuant to Section 6.2 of the Warrant Agreement, respectively, we will fix a date for the redemption. Notice of redemption will be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, by us not less than thirty (30) days prior to the redemption date to the registered holders of the Public Warrants to be redeemed at their last addresses as they appear on the registration books. Any notice mailed in the manner herein provided will be conclusively presumed to have been duly given whether or not the registered holder received such notice.

 

Public Warrant holders will only be able to exercise their Public Warrants on a “cashless basis” under certain circumstances, and if they do so, they will receive fewer shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock from such exercise than if such warrants were exercised for cash.

 

The Public Warrants generally may not be exercised on a “cashless basis”, except as described below. The Warrant Agreement provides that in the following circumstances holders of Public Warrants who seek to exercise their Public Warrants will not be permitted to do for cash and will, instead, be required to do so on a cashless basis in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act: (i) if the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants are not registered under the Securities Act in accordance with the terms of the warrant agreement; (ii) if we have so elected and the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock are at the time of any exercise of a warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that they satisfy the definition of “covered securities” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act; and (iii) if we have so elected and we call the Public Warrants for redemption. A holder of Public Warrants would receive fewer shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock from such exercise than if such warrants were exercised for cash.

 

Because a cashless exercise does not result in the payment of cash to us, we will not receive the proceeds that we would otherwise obtain from a cash exercise of the warrants. Accordingly, our ability to raise additional capital through the exercise of outstanding warrants may be limited, and existing stockholders will experience dilution from the issuance of additional shares upon any such cashless exercises In addition, the requirement or election to exercise on a cashless basis could limit the potential market for the warrants and adversely affect their value.

 

We are a “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” under the U.S. federal securities laws, and the reduced reporting requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies and emerging growth companies could make the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock less attractive to investors.

 

We are a “smaller reporting company” and an “emerging growth company” under U.S. federal securities laws. For as long as we continue to be a smaller reporting company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not smaller reporting companies, including reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. Furthermore, as an emerging growth company, we intend to take advantage of exemptions from certain reporting requirements including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non- binding advisory vote on executive compensation. Investors may not find the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock attractive because we may rely on these exemptions and reduced disclosures. If some investors find the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

 

We will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (1) the market value of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $250 million as of the prior June 30, or (2) our annual revenues exceeded $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the market value of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

 

We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of: (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the closing of the Business Combination, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.23 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common equity that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the end of the prior fiscal year’s second fiscal quarter; and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.00 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.

 

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This offering will result in substantial dilution to our existing stockholders, and investors in this offering will experience immediate dilution.

 

Because the offering price per share is expected to be substantially higher than the book value per share of our outstanding common stock, investors purchasing shares in this offering will incur immediate substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of their investment. In addition, the issuance of additional shares in connection with the exercise of outstanding warrants could further dilute the ownership interests of investors.

 

We have only recently become a public company, and our common stock has a limited trading history and liquidity.

 

The Company became a public company upon the closing of our business combination. Our Class A Ordinary Common Stock has had limited trading volume to date. An active, liquid and orderly market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained, and investors may be unable to sell their shares at or above the offering price -or at all. The market price of our shares could be volatile due to changes in our operating performance, general market conditions, or factors beyond our control.

 

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Risks Related to the SharonAI’s Standby Equity Purchase Agreement

 

It is not possible to predict the actual number of shares we will sell under the Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (SEPA) to YA, or the actual gross proceeds resulting from those sales. Further, We may not have access to the full amount available under the SEPA with YA.

 

Following consummation of the Business Combination, the Company is expected to enter into the SEPA with YA, pursuant to which, among other things: (1) the Company will assume $2.5 million of debt evidenced by Convertible Notes issued by our wholly owned subsidiary, SharonAI, Inc.; (2) YA will advance up to an additional $5 million of debt evidenced by Convertible Notes; and (3) YA has committed to purchase up to $50,000,000 of shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock, subject to certain limitations and conditions set forth in the SEPA. The shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock that may be issued under the SEPA may be sold by us to YA at our discretion from time to time for a period of up to 24 months, unless the SEPA is earlier terminated.

 

We generally have the right to control the timing and amount of any sales of its shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock to YA under the SEPA. Sales of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock, if any, to YA will depend upon market conditions and other factors to be determined by us. We may ultimately decide to sell to YA all, some or none of the shares of its Class A Ordinary Common Stock that may be available for us to sell to YA pursuant to the SEPA.

 

Because the per share purchase price that YA will pay for the shares we may elect to sell pursuant to the SEPA, if any, will fluctuate based on the market prices of its Class A Ordinary Common Stock prior to each Advance made pursuant to the SEPA, as of the date of this prospectus, it is not possible for us to predict the number of shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock that we will sell to YA under the SEPA, the purchase price per share that YA will pay for shares purchased from us under the SEPA, or the aggregate gross proceeds that we will receive from those purchases by YA under the SEPA, if any.

 

We need to obtain stockholder approval to issue shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock in excess of the cap set forth in the SEPA in accordance with applicable Nasdaq rules, unless the sales prices of all applicable sales of shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock under the SEPA equals or exceeds the lower of (i) the Nasdaq official closing price (as reflected on Nasdaq.com) immediately prior to the date the SEPA is executed or (ii) the average Nasdaq official closing price for the five (5) trading days immediately prior to the date the SEPA is executed).

 

We are not required or permitted to issue any shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock under the SEPA if such issuance would breach its obligations under the rules or regulations of Nasdaq. In addition, YA will not be required to, and may not, purchase any shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock if such sale would result in its beneficial ownership exceeding 4.99% of the then issued and outstanding Class A Ordinary Common Stock. Finally, the SEPA provides that in no event shall an Advance exceed the number of shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock registered in respect of the transactions contemplated by the SEPA under the Registration Statement covering shares issuable under the SEPA then in effect. Our inability to access a part or all of the amount available under the SEPA, in the absence of any other financing sources, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, on December 15, 2025, SharonAI, Inc. and YA II PN Ltd entered into an Amendment to Convertible Promissory Notes and Note Purchase Agreement (the “YA Amendment Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company’s obligation to enter into the SEPA shall be suspended until January 20, 2026 and provided further, if the Company makes all required payments under the YA Amendment Agreement, then the Company will have no obligation to enter into the SEPA and the risks set forth above will no longer apply.

 

Investors who buy shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock at different times will likely pay different prices.

 

Pursuant to the SEPA, we control the timing and amount of any sales of Class A Ordinary Common Stock to YA. If and when we do elect to sell shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock to YA pursuant to the SEPA, YA may resell all, some, or none of such shares in its discretion and at different prices, subject to the terms of the SEPA. As a result, investors who purchase shares from YA in this offering at different times may experience different outcomes in their investment results. Investors may experience a decline in the value of the shares they purchase from YA as a result of future sales made by us to YA at prices lower than the prices such investors paid for their purchase of shares from YA.

 

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The sale and issuance of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock to YA will cause dilution to our existing stockholders, and the sale of the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock acquired by YA, or the perception that such sales may occur, could cause the price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock to fall.

 

The purchase price for the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock that we may sell to YA under the SEPA will fluctuate based on the market price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock. Depending on a number of factors, including market liquidity, sales of such shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock may cause the trading price of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock to fall.

 

If and when we do sell shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock to YA, it may resell all, some, or none of those shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock at its discretion, subject to the terms of the SEPA. Therefore, sales of Class A Ordinary Common Stock to YA by us could result in substantial dilution to the interests of other holders of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock. Additionally, the sale of a substantial number of shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock to YA, or the anticipation of such sales, could make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a desirable time and price.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, on December 15, 2025, SharonAI, Inc. and YA II PN Ltd entered into the YA Amendment Agreement pursuant to which the Company’s obligation to enter into the SEPA shall be suspended until January 20, 2026 and provided further, if the Company makes all required payments under the YA Amendment Agreement, then the Company will have no obligation to enter into the SEPA and the risks set forth above will no longer apply.

 

Our management team will have broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds from its sale of shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock to YA, if any, and you may not agree with how we use the proceeds and the proceeds may not be invested successfully.

 

Our management team will have broad discretion as to the use of the net proceeds from its sale of shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock to YA, if any, and we could use such proceeds for purposes other than those contemplated at the time of commencement of this offering. Accordingly, any purchaser of shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock from YA will be relying on the judgment of our management team with regard to the use of those net proceeds, and such purchasers will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately. It is possible that, pending their use, we may invest those net proceeds in a way that does not yield a favorable, or any, return for us. The failure of we management team to use such funds effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, on December 15, 2025, SharonAI, Inc. and YA II PN Ltd entered into the YA Amendment Agreement pursuant to which the Company’s obligation to enter into the SEPA shall be suspended until January 20, 2026 and provided further, if the Company makes all required payments under the YA Amendment Agreement, then the Company will have no obligation to enter into the SEPA and the risks set forth above will no longer apply.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

After deducting the estimated underwriters’ commissions and offering expenses payable by us, we estimate that we will receive net proceeds of approximately $ [●] million from this offering (or approximately $ [●] million if the underwriters exercise the over-allotment option in full)sale of the securities offered by us in this offering, based on an assumed public offering price of $ [●] per share of Class A Ordinary Common Stock (which is the midpoint of the estimated offering range set forth on the cover page this prospectus.

 

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial offering price of $1.90 per share of Class A Ordinary Common Stock would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $61.2 million, assuming the number of units offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, an increase (decrease) of 10 million shares of Class A Ordinary Stock offered by us would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us by approximately $17.6 million, assuming the assumed initial public offering price of $1.90 per Class A Ordinary Common Stock remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for [working capital, capital expenditures, product development, to repay loans from the sponsor and other general corporate purposes, including investments in sales and marketing in the United States and internationally]. See “Risk Factors” for a discussion of certain risks that may affect our intended use of the net proceeds from this offering.

 

Our expected use of net proceeds from this offering represents our current intentions based upon our present plans and business condition. As of the date of this prospectus, we cannot currently allocate specific percentages of the net proceeds that we may use for the purposes specified above, and we cannot predict with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to be received upon the completion of this offering, or the amounts that we will actually spend on the uses set forth above. The amounts and timing of our actual use of the net proceeds will vary depending on numerous factors, including our ability to obtain additional financing, the progress, cost and results of our preclinical and clinical development programs, and whether we are able to enter into future licensing or collaboration arrangements.

 

We will bear all other costs, fees and expenses incurred in effecting the registration of the shares of Common Stock covered by this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. These may include, without limitation, all registration and filing fees, SEC filing fees and expenses of compliance with state securities or “blue sky” laws.

 

See “Underwriting” elsewhere in this prospectus for more information.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We have never declared or paid any dividends on the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for the operation and expansion of our business and, therefore, we do not anticipate declaring or paying dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends will be at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our results of operations, capital requirements, financial condition, prospects, contractual arrangements, any limitations on payment of dividends present in our future debt agreements, and other factors that our Board may deem relevant.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of September 30, 2025:

 

On an actual basis;

 

  On an as adjusted basis, to give effect to (i) issuance of 477,418,251 shares of Common Stock upon the consummation of the Business Combination and all related transactions; (ii) issuance of 2,249,999 shares of Class A Common Stock on December 17, 2025 in consideration of the cancellation of approximately $270,000 of outstanding indebtedness and (iii) 18,749,999 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issued on December 18, 2025 upon conversion of 2,250,000 convertible notes (and extinguishment of $2,250,000 in indebtedness) and (iv) cancellation of 45,278,220 shares of Roth CH Ordinary Shares in connection with the closing of the Business Combination Agreement; and

 

  On an as adjusted basis, to give effect to the sale of 75,657,895 shares of common stock by us in this offering at the initial public offering price of $1.90 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

You should read this table in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

   As of
September 30,
2025
 
   Actual   Pro Forma   Pro Forma
As Adjusted
 
Notes payable (inclusive of current portion)  $516,405    516,405    516,405 
Stockholders’ deficit:               
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 900,000,000 shares authorized; 45,278,220 shares issued and outstanding on September 30, 2025; 598,418,249 shares issued and outstanding pro forma and 674,076,144 shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted (1)   112    57,617    123,407 
Additional paid-in capital   34,750,473    35,006,884    159,348,989 
Accumulated deficit   (9,541,918)   (12,963,460)   (21,708,854)
Other comprehensive income   (5,571)   (5,571)   (5,571)
Noncontrolling interest   56,813    56,813    56,8113 
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)   25,259,909    22,152,283    138,406,889 
                
Total capitalization   51,036,223    44,820,972    277,330,182 

 

Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price of $1.90 per Class A Ordinary Common Stock, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the as adjusted amount of each of cash and cash equivalents, working capital, total assets and total stockholders’ equity (deficit) by approximately $61.2 million, assuming that the number of shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Similarly, each increase (decrease) of 10 million shares in the number of Class A Ordinary Common Sock offered by us at the assumed public offering price of $1.90 per share of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted amount of each of cash and cash equivalents, working capital, total assets and total stockholders’ equity (deficit) by approximately $17.6 million.

 

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The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 598,428,249 shares of common stock outstanding as of December 22, 2025 and includes (on a pro forma and pro forma as adjusted basis) as of such date:

 

  567,096,640 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issued on December 17, 2025 upon closing of the Business Combination Agreement;
     
 

6,816,948 shares of Class B Super Common Stock issued on December 17, 2025 upon closing of the Business Combination Agreement;

     
  18,749,999 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issued on December 18, 2025 upon conversion of 2,250,000 convertible notes; and
     
  2,249,999 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issued on December 17. 2025 upon cancellation of approximately $270,000 of outstanding indebtedness; and

 

and excludes:

 

  26,784,178 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $11.47 per share; and

 

60,000,000 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock reserved for issuance under our equity incentive plan.

 

The information above assumes no conversion of the $2.5 million of convertible notes issued to YA.

 

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DILUTION

 

“Net tangible book value” is total assets minus the sum of liabilities and intangible assets. “Net tangible book value per share” is net tangible book value divided by the total number of shares outstanding on September 30, 2025. As of September 30, 2025, our net tangible book value was approximately $4 million, or approximately $0.01 per share.

 

After giving effect to the (i) issuance of 573,915,588 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock upon consummation of the Business Combination on December 17, 2025 and all related transactions; (ii) issuance of 2,249,999 shares of Class A Common Stock on December 17, 2025 in consideration of the cancellation of approximately $270,000 of outstanding indebtedness and (iii) the issuance of 18,749,999 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock on December 18, 0225 upon conversion of convertible notes on December 18, 2025, our pro forma net tangible book value as of September 30, 2025 would have been $0.01 per share.

 

After giving effect to our issuance and sale of shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $1.90 per share, the mid-point of the estimated price range shown on the cover of this prospectus, after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and offering expenses payable by us, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of September 30, 2025 would have been $120.34 million, or $0.19 per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $1.71 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $1.89 per share to investors purchasing shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock in this offering at the assumed public offering price.

 

The following table illustrates this dilution:

 

Assumed public offering price per share  $1.90 
Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2025   0.01 
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to the offering   0.18 
Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2025 after the offering   0.19 
Dilution per share to new investors in the offering  $1.71 

 

A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $1.90 per share would increase (decrease) the net tangible book value by 116.25 million, the net tangible book value per share after this offering by $0.10 per share and the dilution in net tangible book value per share to investors in this offering by $1.62 per share, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discount and offering expenses payable by us. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, the as adjusted net tangible book value will increase to $0.22 per share, representing an immediate increase to existing stockholders of $0.21 per share and an immediate dilution of $1.68 per share to new investors. If any shares are issued in connection with outstanding options, you will experience further dilution.

 

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding is based on shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2025, 2025, and includes the following (on a pro forma and pro forma as adjusted basis) as of such date:

 

  573,915,588 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issued on December 17, 2025 upon closing of the Business Combination Agreement;
     
  18,749,999 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issued on December 18, 2025 upon conversion of 2,250,000 convertible notes; and
     
  2,249,999 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issued on December 17. 2025 upon cancellation of approximately $270,000 of outstanding indebtedness; and

 

And excludes:

 

26,784,178 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $11.47 per share; and

 

60,000,000 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock reserved for issuance under our equity incentive plan.

 

The information above assumes no conversion of the $2.5 million of convertible notes issued to YA.

 

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The following table presents, as of September 30, 2025, the differences between the existing stockholders and the new investors purchasing our common stock in this offering with respect to the number of shares purchased from us, the total consideration paid or to be paid to us, which includes net proceeds received from the issuance of common stock, cash received from the exercise of stock options and the average price per share paid or to be paid to us at the public offering price of $1.90 per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses:

 

   Shares Purchased   Total Consideration   Average Price 
   Number   Percent   Amount   Percent   Per Share 
Existing stockholders   598,418,250    90%  $35,064,851    22%  $0.06 
New investors   65,789,474    10%  $125,000,000    78%  $1.90 
Total   664,207,724    100%  $160,064,851    100%   1.96 

 

Assuming the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, sales in this offering will reduce the percentage of shares held by existing stockholders to 89% and will increase the number of shares held by our new investors to 11,348,685 shares, or 1%, assuming no purchases of our common stock by existing stockholders in this offering.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

(in US dollars (US$))

 

    Historical     Pro Forma  
    SharonAI
As Reported
    Roth
As Reclassified
(Note 5)
    Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
    Note     Pro Forma
Combined
 
ASSETS                                      
Current assets:                                      
Cash and cash equivalents     1,364,550       16,083       (193,917 )   2(a)       903,181  
                      (48,686 )   2(b)          
                      (234,849 )   2(c)          
Trade and other receivables     305,542       -       -             305,542  
Assets held for sale     1,124,083       -       -             1,124,083  
Other current assets     140,598       5,208       -             145,806  
Total current assets     2,934,773       21,291       (477,452 )           2,478,612  
Property and equipment, net     3,777,613       -       -             3,777,613  
Right of use asset, net     7,476,827       -       -             7,476,827  
Goodwill     18,044,215       -       -             18,044,215  
Certificates of deposits     906,201       -       -             906,201  
Other long-term assets     850,000       -       -             850,000  
Total assets     33,989,629       21,291       (477,452 )           33,533,468  
                                       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)                                      
Current liabilities:                                      
Trade and other payables     562,156       1,551,314       (234,849 )   2(c)       1,878,621  
Advances from related party     -       256,636       (256,636 )   2(g)       -  
Warrant liabilities     -       1,335,000       -             1,335,000  
Finance lease liabilities, current portion     3,542,831       -       -             3,542,831  
Borrowings     516,405       -       -             516,405  
Total current liabilities     4,621,392       3,142,950       (491,485 )           7,272,857  
Finance lease liabilities, net of current portion     4,108,328       -       -             4,108,328  
Total liabilities     8,729,720       3,142,950       (491,485 )           11,381,185  
                                       
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):                                      
Series A Preferred Stock     2       -       (2 )   2(d)       -  
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock     3       -       (3 )   2(d)       -  
Common stock (Note 1)     107       -       52,075     2(d)       56,935  
                      4,528     2(e)          
                      225     2(g)          
Super Common Stock     -       -       682     2(d)       682  
Class A ordinary shares     -       4,521       (4,521 )   2(e)       -  
Class B ordinary shares     -       7       (7 )   2(e)       -  
Additional paid-in capital     34,750,473       7,769,174       (7,769,174 )   2(f)       35,006,884  
                      256,411     2(g)          
Accumulated deficit     (9,541,918 )     (10,895,361 )     (193,917 )   2(a)       (12,963,460 )
                      (48,686 )   2(b)          
                      (52,752 )   2(d)          
                      7,769,174     2(f)          
Noncontrolling interest     56,813       -       -             56,813  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCI)     (5,571 )     -       -             (5,571 )
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)     25,259,909       (3,121,659 )     14,033             22,152,283  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)     33,989,629       21,291       (477,452 )           33,533,468  

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025

(in US dollars (US$))

 

    Historical     Pro Forma  
    SharonAI
As Reported
    Roth
As Reclassified
(Note 5)
    Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
    Note     Pro Forma
Combined
 
Revenue     1,208,824       -       -             1,208,824  
Cost of revenue     (1,083,426 )     -       -             (1,083,426 )
Gross profit     125,398       -       -             125,398  
                                       
Shared based compensation     (1,446,312 )     -       -             (1,446,312 )
Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (2,970,874 )     (945,973 )     -             (3,916,847 )
Other expenses     (2,019,907 )     -       -             (2,019,907 )
Other income     961,713       -       -             961,713  
Loss from operations     (5,349,982 )     (945,973 )     -             (6,295,955 )
Change in fair value of digital assets     (406,345 )     -       -             (406,345 )
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities     -       (1,112,500 )     -             (1,112,500 )
Interest expense, net     (127,430 )     -       -             (127,430 )
Profit/(Loss) before income taxes     (5,883,757 )     (2,058,473 )     -             (7,942,230 )
Income tax benefit     219,935       -       -             219,935  
Net loss     (5,663,822 )     (2,058,473 )     -             (7,722,295 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest     (27,185 )     -       -             (27,185 )
Net loss Attributable to owners of the Company     (5,636,637 )     (2,058,473 )     -             (7,695,110 )
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A common stock – basic and diluted     1,067,213       41,817,414                     576,240,587  
Basic and diluted net (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders     (5.282 )     (0.049 )                   (0.013 )

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2024

(in US dollars (US$))

 

    Historical     Pro Forma  
    SharonAI
As Adjusted
(Note 6)
    Roth
As Reclassified
(Note 5)
    Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
    Note     Pro Forma
Combined
 
Revenue     1,170,923       -       -             1,170,923  
Cost of revenue     (1,474,395 )     -       -             (1,474,395 )
Gross loss     (303,472 )     -       -             (303,472 )
                                       
Shared based compensation     (3,266,895 )     -       -             (3,266,895 )
Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (3,420,966 )     (650,122 )     (193,917 )   3(a)       (4,265,005 )
Other expenses     (2,201,728 )     -       -             (2,201,728 )
Loss from operations     (9,193,061 )     (650,122 )     (193,917 )           (10,037,100 )
Change in fair value of digital assets     600,423       -       -             600,423  
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities     -       333,750       -             333,750  
Other income     1,272,955       -       -             1,272,955  
Interest expense, net     (147,483 )     435,437       (435,437 )   3(b)       (147,483 )
Profit/(Loss) before income taxes     (7,467,166 )     119,065       (629,354 )           (7,977,455 )
Income tax expense     (74,077 )     -       -             (74,077 )
Net income/(loss)     (7,541,243 )     119,065       (629,354 )           (8,051,532 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest     (18,717 )     -       -             (18,717 )
Net loss Attributable to owners of the Company     (7,522,526 )     119,065       (629,354 )           (8,032,815 )
Weighted average shares outstanding of Class A common stock – basic and diluted     556,356       5,851,522                     576,240,587  
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders     (13.521 )     0.020                     (0.014 )

 

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Note 1 - Basis of Pro Forma Presentation

 

The unaudited pro forma combined financial information presents the financial information of Pubco (SharonAI Holdings Inc) adjusted to give effect to the Business Combination and related transactions with Sharon AI and Roth, as well as the acquisition of DSS completed by SharonAI, to the extent not yet reflected in SharonAI’s historical financial information (as more fully described in Note 7), and certain other reclassifications adjustments completed by Roth, to the extent not yet reflected in Roth’s historical financial information (as more fully described in Note 5). The following unaudited pro forma combined financial information has been prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X as amended by the final rule, SEC Release No. 33-10786 “Amendments to Financial Disclosures About Acquired and Disposed Businesses”. SharonAI has not had any historical relationship with SharonAI Holdings Inc or Roth prior to the Business Combination. Accordingly, no pro forma adjustments were required to eliminate activities between the companies.

 

The DSS Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”).

 

The Business Combination will be accounted for as a reverse recapitalization, in accordance with US GAAP. Under this method of accounting, SharonAI Holdings Inc and Roth will be treated as the “acquired” companies for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the Business Combination will be treated as the equivalent of SharonAI issuing shares at the closing for the net assets or liabilities, as relevant, of Pubco and Roth as of the closing date, accompanied by a recapitalization. The net assets or liabilities, as relevant, of Pubco and Roth will be stated at historical costs, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded.

 

SharonAI has been determined to be the accounting acquirer based on the following:

 

  SharonAI’s current majority shareholder will have the largest voting interest;
     
  Original shareholders of SharonAI have the ability to nominate the majority of the members of the board of directors;
     
  The existing senior management of SharonAI will continue to be the senior management following the Business Combination;
     
  The business of SharonAI will comprise the ongoing operations following the Business Combination; and
     
  SharonAI is the larger entity, both in terms of substantive operations and number of employees.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2025 combines:

 

  the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of SharonAI as of September 30, 2025; and
     
  the historical unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of Roth as of September 30, 2025.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet has been prepared to give effect to the Business Combination if it had been consummated on September 30, 2025.

 

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The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 combines:

 

  the historical unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations of SharonAI for the nine months ended September 30, 2025; and
     
  the historical unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations of Roth for the nine months ended September 30, 2025.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 combines:

 

  the historical audited consolidated statement of operations of SharonAI for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024;
     
  the historical audited statement of operations of Roth for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024; and
     
  the historical audited statement of operations of DSS for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations has been prepared to give effect to the Business Combination and related transactions and the DSS Acquisition summarized below as if they had been consummated on January 1, 2024, the beginning of the earliest period presented. These periods are presented on the basis that SharonAI is the accounting acquirer.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2025 has been prepared using, and should be read in conjunction with:

 

  Pubco’s unaudited condensed balance sheet as of September 30, 2025 and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this registration statement;
     
  SharonAI’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2025 and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this registration statement;
     
  Roth’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2025 and the related notes thereto included in Roth’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 15, 2025 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 has been prepared using, and should be read in conjunction with:

 

  Pubco’s unaudited condensed statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this registration statement;
     
  SharonAI’s unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this registration statement;
     
  Roth’s unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and the related notes thereto included in Roth’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 15, 2025 and incorporated herein by reference;

 

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The unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 has been prepared using, and should be read in conjunction with:

 

  Pubco’s audited statement of operations for the period from December 30, 2024 (Inception) to December 31, 2024 and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this registration statement;
     
  SharonAI’s audited consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this registration statement;
     
  Roth’s audited consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the related notes thereto included in Roth’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2025 and incorporated herein by reference;
     
  DSS’s audited consolidated statement of operations for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024 and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this registration statement;

 

This information should be read together with the sections titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of SharonAI” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of DSS” included elsewhere in this registration statement.

 

The historical financial statements of Pubco, SharonAI, Roth and DSS were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP).

 

The adjustments presented in the unaudited pro forma combined financial information have been identified and presented to provide relevant information necessary for an understanding of SharonAI upon consummation of the Business Combination. The pro forma adjustments reflecting the consummation of the Business Combination are based on certain currently available information and certain assumptions and methodologies that SharonAI believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The pro forma adjustments, which are described in the accompanying notes, may be revised as additional information becomes available and is evaluated. Therefore, it is likely that the actual adjustments will differ from the pro forma adjustments, and it is possible that the difference may be material. SharonAI management believes that its assumptions and methodologies provide a reasonable basis for presenting all of the significant effects of the Business Combination based on information available to management at this time and that the pro forma adjustments give appropriate effect to those assumptions and are properly applied in the unaudited pro forma combined financial information.

 

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Note 2 - Adjustments to unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2025.

 

The adjustments included in the unaudited proforma combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2025 are as follows:

 

  2(a) Reflects remaining estimated transaction costs expected to be incurred by SharonAI of approximately $193,917, for legal, accounting and advisory services in connection with the Business Combination and related transactions. None of these fees have been accrued as of the pro forma balance sheet date. The amount of $193,917 is reflected as an adjustment to accumulated losses.
     
  2(b) Reflects remaining estimated transaction costs expected to be incurred by Roth of approximately $48,686, for legal, accounting and advisory services in connection with the Business Combination and related transactions. None of these fees have been accrued as of the pro forma balance sheet date. The amount of $48,686 is reflected as an adjustment to accumulated losses. The Roth estimated transaction costs excludes the deferred legal fees included in note 2(c).
     
  2(c) Reflects the payment of deferred legal fees incurred by Roth that will become due following the Closing.
     
  2(d) Reflects the recapitalization of SharonAI through the contribution of all outstanding SharonAI Common Stock, SharonAI Series A Preferred Stock and SharonAI Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of SharonAI to Roth and the issuance of 521.8 million and 6.8 million of Pubco Class A Ordinary Common Stock and Pubco Class B Super Common Stock, respectively. As a result of the recapitalization, the carrying value of (i) SharonAI Series A Preferred Stock of US$2, (ii) SharonAI Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of US$3, and (iii) SharonAI Common Stock of US$107 were derecognized.
     
  2(e) Reflects the conversion of 45,203,220 Roth Class A ordinary shares and 75,000 Roth Class B ordinary shares into 45,278,220 Pubco Class A Ordinary Common stock.
     
  2(f) Reflects the elimination of Roth’s historical additional paid-in capital balance.
     
  2(g) Reflects the conversion of $269,999.70 of related party debt converted in 2,249,999 Roth Class A ordinary shares and subsequently into 2,249,999 Pubco Class A Ordinary Common stock

 

Note 3 - Adjustments to unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

The adjustments to the unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 in relation to the Business Combination are as follows:

 

  3(a) Reflects remaining estimated transaction costs expected to be incurred by SharonAI of approximately $288,917, for legal, accounting and advisory services in connection with the Business Combination and related transactions. None of these fees have been accrued as of the pro forma balance sheet date. The amount of $288,917 is reflected as an adjustment to accumulated losses.
     
  3(b) Reflects the elimination of interest earned on the investments held in the Trust Account.

 

Note 4 - Loss per Share

 

Represents the loss per share calculated using the historical weighted average shares outstanding, and the issuance of additional shares in connection with the Business Combination, assuming the shares were outstanding since January 1, 2025. As the Business Combination is being reflected as if it had occurred at the beginning of the period presented, the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share assumes that the shares issued in connection with the Business Combination have been outstanding for the entire period presented.

 

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Note 5 - Roth Reclassifications Adjustments

 

During the preparation of the unaudited pro forma combined financial information, SharonAI performed a preliminary analysis to identify differences in SharonAI’s and the historical financial statement presentation and significant accounting policies of Roth. Based on its initial analysis, SharonAI did not identify any differences in accounting policies that would have a material impact on the unaudited pro forma combined financial information. However, certain reclassification adjustments have been made to conform Roth’s historical financial statement captions to SharonAI’s financial statement captions in the unaudited pro forma combined financial information. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported total assets, total liabilities, stockholders’ equity/deficit, total revenues, total expenses, or net income of Roth.

 

Following the completion of the merger, or as more information becomes available, SharonAI will finalize its comprehensive review of financial statement presentation and accounting policies. Therefore, the pro forma financial information may not reflect all reclassifications necessary to conform Roth’s presentation to that of SharonAI due to limitations on the availability of information as of the date of this information statement and proxy statement/prospectus. Accounting policy differences and additional reclassification adjustments may be identified as more information becomes available.

 

The following sets forth the reclassification adjustments made to conform Roth’s presentation to SharonAI’s presentation in the unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2025:

 

        As of September 30, 2025  
Roth caption   SharonAI caption   Roth
As Reported
    Reclassification
Adjustments
    Note     Roth
As Reclassified
 
ASSETS   ASSETS                              
Current Assets:   Current assets:                              
Cash   Cash and cash equivalents     16,083       -             16,083  
Prepaid expenses         1,875       (1,875 )   5(a)       -  
Short-term prepaid insurance         3,333       (3,333 )   5(a)          
    Other current assets             5,208     5(a)       5,208  
    Total current assets     21,291       -             21,291  
    Total assets     21,291       -             21,291  
                                   
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT   LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)                              
Current Liabilities:   Current liabilities:                              
Accounts payable and accrued expenses         1,551,314       (1,551,314 )   5(b)       -  
    Trade and other payables             1,551,314     5(b)       1,551,314  
Advances from related party         256,636       -             256,636  
    Trade and other payables             -             -  
Warrant liabilities   Warrant liabilities     1,335,000       -             1,335,000  
                                -  
    Total liabilities     3,142,950       -             3,142,950  
                                   
Shareholders’ Deficit:   Shareholders’ equity (deficit)                              
Class A ordinary shares   Class A ordinary shares     4,521       -             4,521  
Class B ordinary shares   Class B ordinary shares     7       -             7  
Additional paid-in capital   Additional paid-in capital     7,769,174       -             7,769,174  
Accumulated deficit   Accumulated deficit     (10,895,361 )     -             (10,895,361 )
    Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)     (3,121,659 )     -             (3,121,659 )
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)     21,291       -             21,291  

 

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  5(a) Represents the reclassification of “Prepaid” on Roth’s balance sheet into “Other current assets” to conform to SharonAI’s balance sheet presentation.
     
  5(b) Represents the reclassification of “Accounts payable and accrued expenses” on Roth’s balance sheet into “Trade and other payables” to conform to SharonAI’s balance sheet presentation.

 

The following sets forth the reclassification adjustments made to conform Roth’s presentation to SharonAI’s presentation in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2025:

 

        For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2025
 
Roth caption   SharonAI caption   Roth
As Reported
    Reclassification
Adjustments
    Note   Roth
As Reclassified
 
Formation and operating costs         (945,973 )     945,973     5(d)     -  
    Selling, general, and administrative expenses             (945,973 )   5(d)     (945,973 )
Loss from operations   Loss from operations     (945,973 )     -           (945,973 )
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities   Change in fair value of warrant liabilities     (1,112,500 )     -           (1,112,500 )
Net income/(loss)   Net loss     (2,058,473 )     -           (2,058,473 )

 

  5(d) Represents the reclassification of “Formation and operating costs” on Roth’s statement of profit or loss into “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” to conform to SharonAI’s statement of operations presentation.

 

The following sets forth the reclassification adjustments made to conform Roth’s presentation to SharonAI’s presentation in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of profit for the year ended December 31, 2024:

 

        Year ended December 31, 2024  
Roth caption   SharonAI caption   Roth
As Reported
    Reclassification
Adjustments
    Note   Roth
As Reclassified
 
General and administrative expenses         (650,122 )     650,122     5(e)     -  
    Selling, general, and administrative expenses             (650,122 )   5(e)     (650,122 )
Loss from operations   Loss from operations     (650,122 )     -           (650,122 )
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities   Change in fair value of warrant liabilities     333,750       -           333,750  
Interest income on cash and marketable securities held in Trust Account         435,437       (435,437 )   5(f)     -  
    Interest expense, net             435,437     5(f)     435,437  
Net income/(loss)   Net income/(loss)     119,065       -           119,065  

 

  5(e) Represents the reclassification of “Formation and operating costs” on Roth’s statement of profit or loss into “Selling, general, and administrative expenses” to conform to SharonAI’s statement of operations presentation.
     
  5(f) Represents the reclassification of “Interest income on cash and marketable securities held in Trust Account” on Roth’s statement of profit or loss into “Interest income, net” to conform to SharonAI’s statement of operations presentation.

 

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Note 6 - Pro Forma Adjustments for DSS Acquisition

 

Certain transaction accounting adjustments have been made in the historical presentation of SharonAI’s statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 to present the effects of the DSS Acquisition. SharonAI (as adjusted) presented in the combined statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 reflects the effects of the DSS Acquisition as if the acquisition had been consummated on January 1, 2024, the beginning of the earliest period presented.

 

The results of DSS are included in the historical financial information of SharonAI from July 1, 2024. Accordingly, no adjustments have been made to the historical financial information for SharonAI as presented in the unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2025 for the DSS Acquisition. Adjustments have been made to the historical financial information for SharonAI as presented in the unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 to include the results of DSS from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.

 

The adjustments to reflect the effects of the DSS Acquisition on SharonAI’s historical audited consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 are summarized as follows.

 

    Historical     DSS     DSS
Acquisition
Transaction
           
    SharonAI
As Reported
   

As Reclassified
(Note 7)

    Accounting
Adjustments
    Note  

SharonAI

As Adjusted

 
Revenue     438,292       732,631                   1,170,923  
Cost of revenue     (719,993 )     (754,402 )                 (1,474,395 )
Gross loss     (281,701 )     (21,771 )     -           (303,472 )
                                     
Shared based compensation     (253,728 )     (3,013,167 )                 (3,266,895 )
Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (2,368,745 )     (502,221 )     (550,000 )   6(a)     (3,420,966 )
Other expenses     (2,047,133 )     (154,595 )                 (2,201,728 )
Loss from operations     (4,951,307 )     (3,691,754 )     (550,000 )         (9,193,061 )
Change in fair value of digital assets     157,923       442,500                   600,423  
Other income     921,322       351,633                   1,272,955  
Interest expense, net     (19,028 )     (128,455 )                 (147,483 )
Loss before income taxes     (3,891,090 )     (3,026,076 )     (550,000 )         (7,467,166 )
Income tax expense     (32,908 )     (41,169 )     -     6(b)     (74,077 )
Net income/(loss)     (3,923,998 )     (3,067,245 )     (550,000 )         (7,541,243 )
                                     
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest     (18,717 )     -                   (18,717 )
Net loss attributable to SharonAI Inc.     (3,905,281 )     (3,067,245 )     (550,000 )         (7,522,526 )

 

  6(a) Reflects the incremental amortization expense related to the intangible assets acquired by SharonAI for the period from January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024. Amortization is calculated assuming a straight-line method of amortization based on the estimated fair value and useful lives of each intangible asset as of the closing of the DSS Acquisition. The intangible asset acquired by SharonAI include the technology and was determined to have weighted average useful lives of approximately 2 years. The following summarizes the pro forma adjustment to record the incremental amortization expense resulting from SharonAI’s acquisition of DSS.

 

      Period from
January 1,
2024 to
June 30,
2024
 
  Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (550,000 )

 

  6(b) Reflects the estimated income tax impact of the pro forma transaction accounting adjustments for the DSS Acquisition as described herein, using the statutory tax rate in the United States of 21%, net of valuation allowances.

 

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Note 7 - DSS Reclassifications Adjustments

 

For purposes of preparing SharonAI (as adjusted), presented in the pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024, certain reclassifications have been made to confirm the historical presentation of DSS’s statement of profit or loss to conform to the historical presentation of SharonAI’s statement of operations used in the unaudited pro forma combined statement of operations.

 

The following sets forth the pre-acquisition adjustments and reclassifications made to conform DSS’s statement of profit or presentation to SharonAI’s statement of operations presentation for the year ended December 31, 2024:

 

        Period from
January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024
 
DSS caption   SharonAI caption   DSS
As Reported
    Reclassification
Adjustments
    Note   DSS
As Reclassified
 
Revenue   Revenue     732,631       -           732,631  
Cost of revenue   Cost of revenue     (754,402 )     -           (754,402 )
Gross profit/(loss)   Gross loss     (21,771 )     -           (21,771 )
                                 
Shared based compensation   Shared based compensation     (3,013,167 )     -           (3,013,167 )
Selling, general, and administrative expenses   Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (502,221 )     -           (502,221 )
Other expenses   Other expenses     (154,595 )     -           (154,595 )
Profit/(Loss) from operations   Loss from operations     (3,691,754 )     -           (3,691,754 )
Gain on sale of intangible assets         73,425       (73,425 )   7(a)     -  
    Other income             73,425     7(a)     73,425  
Fair value gain on revaluation of digital assets         442,500       (442,500 )   7(b)     -  
    Change in fair value of digital assets             442,500     7(b)     442,500  
Other income   Other income     278,208       -           278,208  
Interest expense, net   Interest expense, net     (128,455 )     -           (128,455 )
Profit/(Loss) before income taxes   Loss before income taxes     (3,026,076 )     -           (3,026,076 )
Income tax expense   Income tax expense     (41,169 )     -           (41,169 )
Net income/(loss)   Net loss     (3,067,245 )     -           (3,067,245 )

 

  7(a) Represents the reclassification of “Gain on sale of intangible assets” on DSS’s statement of profit or loss into “Other income” to conform to SharonAI’s statement of operations presentation.
     
  7(b) Represents the reclassification of “Fair value gain on revaluation of digital assets” on DSS’s statement of profit or loss into “Change in fair value of digital assets” to conform to SharonAI’s statement of operations presentation.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF ROTH CH ACQUISITION CO.

 

References to “Roth,” “our,” “us” or “we” refer to Roth CH Acquisition Co. The following discussion and analysis of Roth’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements and the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

Overview

 

We are a blank check company incorporated on April 20, 2021 under the name “TKB Critical Technologies 1”, as a Cayman Islands exempted company for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses, which we refer to throughout this Annual Report as our initial business combination. Effective September 7, 2023, shareholders approved a change in the Company’s name to Roth CH Acquisition Co.

 

Recent Developments – Business Combination Agreement

 

On January 28, 2025, the Company entered into a Business Combination Agreement (as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among the Company, Roth CH Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Domestication Sub”), Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), and SharonAI Inc., a Delaware corporation (“SharonAI Inc.”). On May 23, 2025, the parties to the Business Combination Agreement entered into an Amendment to the Business Combination Agreement, pursuant to which the Outside Date was extended to October 31, 2025, and then on October 14, 2025, the parties entered into a Second Amendment to the Business Combination Agreement, pursuant to which the Outside Date was extended to December 31, 2025. The Business Combination Agreement and the Amendment are attached to this prospectus as Exhibits 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3.

 

SharonAI Inc. is a holding company formed to acquire various assets focused on or in the high performance computing (“HPC”) industry, specifically the artificial intelligence field of technology, and on the acquisition of the infrastructure and technology associated with the development and delivery of HPC services to users and applications which require both large amounts of graphic processing units and central processing units combined with expertise in data storage.

 

The Business Combination Agreement provides that, among other things and upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, the following transactions will occur (together with the other agreements and transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”):

 

(1) At least one Business Day prior to the Closing Date and on the terms and subject to the conditions of the Business Combination Agreement, the Company shall continue out of the Cayman Islands and into the State of Delaware so as to re-domicile as and become a Delaware corporation by means of a merger (the “Domestication Merger”) of the Company with and into Domestication Sub, with the Domestication Sub as the surviving company (the “Domesticated Parent”) pursuant to the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended. Upon the Domestication Merger, Domesticated Parent shall change its name to “SharonAI Holdings, Inc.”, and, thereafter (2) (a) the Merger Sub shall be merged with and into SharonAI, (b) the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall thereupon cease, and SharonAI shall be the Surviving Corporation, and (c) the Surviving Corporation shall become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Domesticated Parent (the “Acquisition Merger”).

 

The Aggregate Merger Consideration is 560,835,633 shares of Common Stock of the Domesticated Parent to be issued at the closing of the Business Combination. Completion of the Business Combination is subject to the satisfaction or waiver, where permissible, of various conditions to closing.

 

The Business Combination was consummated on December 17, 2025.

 

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Issuance of Class A Ordinary Common Stock

 

On December 17, 2025, we issued 2,249,999 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock in consideration of cancellation of approximately $270,000 of outstanding indebtedness.

 

Corporate History

 

Formation and Initial Public Offering. On October 29, 2021, we consummated our initial public offering of 23,000,000 units (the “Units”), including 3,000,000 Units that were issued pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of their over-allotment option in full, at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $230,000,000. Each Unit consists of one Class A Ordinary Share, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Roth Class A Shares”) and one-half of one warrant to purchase a Roth Class A Share (the “Public Warrants”). Simultaneously with the closing of our initial public offering, we consummated the sale of 10,750,000 private placement warrants (the “Private Warrants”) at a price of $1.00 per Private Warrant in a private placement to our former sponsor, TKB Sponsor I, LLC, (the “Former Sponsor”) generating proceeds of $10,750,000.

 

A total of $234,600,000 of the proceeds from the initial public offering and the sale of the Private Warrants was placed in a U.S.-based trust account at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, acting as trustee (the “Trust Account”).

 

Our Units commenced public trading on October 27, 2021 on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, and our Roth Class A Shares and Public Warrants commenced separate public trading on December 17, 2021. On April 25, 2024, the Company voluntarily delisted its securities from Nasdaq and they began being quoted on the OTC Markets. Our Roth Class A Shares and Public Warrants are each quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbols “USCTF,” “and “USTWF,” respectively.

 

Securities Transfer Agreement and Name Change. On June 25, 2023, the Company, the Former Sponsor, each independent director of the Company, and affiliates of Roth Capital Partners and Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC (the “New Sponsor”) entered into a Securities Transfer Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which the Former Sponsor and the former directors of the Company sold to the Buyers, an aggregate of 4,312,500 Ordinary Shares consisting of 4,237,500 Roth Class A Shares and 75,000 Roth Class B Shares and 8,062,500 private placement warrants (together, the “Transferred Securities”) for an aggregate purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) of $1.00 (the “Transaction”). Following the closing of the Transaction, the Former Sponsor has certain continuing rights, including a right of first refusal to repurchase the Transferred Securities in certain circumstances as set forth in the Agreement and the right to invest up to 25% of certain financings. The Transaction was consummated on June 28, 2023.

 

Termination of Status as a SPAC.

 

The Company originally extended the time that it had to complete an initial business combination by depositing an aggregate of $540,000 into the trust account for a total of nine Monthly Deposits, On April 29, 2024, the Company held an extraordinary general meeting at which shareholders approved a proposal to amend and restate the Company’s Articles of to remove the provisions applicable to special purpose acquisition companies including the requirement to redeem and cancel 100% of the Roth Class A Ordinary Shares sold in the Company’s initial public offering following distribution of the funds held in the Company’s Trust Account (the “Amendment Proposal”). The purpose of the Amendment Proposal was to remove the provisions contained in the Articles that are applicable to special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”), including the requirement to redeem and cancel 100% of the Company’s public shares following distribution of the funds held in the Company’s Trust Account established in connection with the IPO and revise the provisions to allow shareholders of the Company to obtain their pro rata distribution of funds remaining in the Trust Account and also retain ten (10%) percent of their shares upon liquidation of the Trust Account. Shareholders approved the Amendment Proposal on April 29, 2024. As a result, the Trust Account was liquidated.

 

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Results of Operations

 

We have neither engaged in any operations nor generated any revenues to date. Our only activities to date were organizational activities, those necessary to prepare for the Initial Public Offering described below, and subsequent to the Initial Public Offering, identifying a target company for an initial business combination. We will not generate any operating revenues until after completion of our initial business combination. We generate non-operating income in the form of interest income on cash and cash equivalents. Our expenses have increased substantially after the closing of our initial public offering as a result of being a public company (for legal, financial reporting, accounting and auditing compliance), as well as for due diligence expenses.

 

For the nine-months ended September 30, 2025

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2025, we had net loss of $707,953 which consists of the change in fair value of warrant liabilities of $467,250 and operational costs of $240,703.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, we had net loss of $2,058,473 which consists of the change in fair value of warrant liabilities of $1,112,500 and operational costs of $945,973.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, we had net loss of $59,858 which consists of operational costs.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we had net income of $450,355 which consists of interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $435,437 and the change in fair value of warrant liabilities of $529,550, offset by operational costs of $514,632.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2024

 

For the year ended December 31, 2024, we had net income of $119,065 which consists of interest earned on marketable securities held in the Trust Account of $435,437 and the change in fair value of warrant liabilities of $333,750, partially offset by operational costs of $650,122.

 

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Going Concern

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, net cash used in operating activities was $318,879. Net loss of $2,058,473 was adjusted by a $1,112,500 change in fair value of warrant liabilities. Changes in operating assets and liabilities provided $627,094 of cash for operating activities.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash used in operating activities was $353,921. Net income of $119,065 was adjusted by $435,437 of interest income on marketable securities held in trust and a $333,750 change in fair value of warrant liabilities. Changes in operating assets and liabilities provided $296,201 of cash for operating activities.

 

As of September 30, 2025, we had cash of $16,083. We intend to use the funds primarily to identify and evaluate target businesses, perform business due diligence on prospective target businesses, travel to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses or their representatives or owners, review corporate documents and material agreements of prospective target businesses, and structure, negotiate and complete a business combination.

 

As of December 31, 2024, we had cash of $6,738. We intend to use the funds primarily to identify and evaluate target businesses, perform business due diligence on prospective target businesses, travel to and from the offices, plants or similar locations of prospective target businesses or their representatives or owners, review corporate documents and material agreements of prospective target businesses, and structure, negotiate and complete a business combination. 

 

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On July 1, 2023 the Company entered into a promissory note with the Buyers for up to an aggregate of $1,000,000 (the “2023 Promissory Note”). The 2023 Promissory Note is non-interest bearing and payable upon the earlier of the date on which the Company consummates an initial business combination, the liquidation of the Company, or October 29, 2024. The Note does not bear any interest. On August 8, 2024, the Company amended the terms of the 2023 Promissory Note to increase the aggregate principal amount that may be borrowed to $2,000,000 and to extend the maturity to June 30, 2025.

 

On January 24, 2025, the Company amended and restated its 2023 promissory note (the “Convertible Note”) in favor of certain shareholders of the Company to permit its conversion into Class A ordinary shares of Company, at any time, at the option of the representative of the noteholders based upon the current trading price. Subsequent to the execution of the Convertible Note, on January 24, 2025, the representative provided notice that it intended to convert the existing principal balance of the Convertible Note in the amount of $1,181,000 into 39,366,667 Class A ordinary shares of the Company.

 

We expect that we will need to raise additional funds in order to meet the expenditures required for operating our business prior to our initial business combination. We expect to incur significant costs related to identifying a target business, undertaking in-depth due diligence and negotiating an initial business combination. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of time within one year from the date that the condensed financial statements are issued. In order to fund working capital deficiencies or finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor or certain of our officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. If we complete our initial business combination, we will repay such loaned amounts. Prior to the completion of our initial business combination, we do not expect to seek loans from parties other than our sponsor or an affiliate of our sponsor as we do not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds.

 

The Company assessed going concern considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 205-40, “Basis of Presentation – Going Concern”. Management has determined that the liquidity condition raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. No adjustments have been made to the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements

 

We have no obligations, assets or liabilities, which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements as of June 30, 2025. We do not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. We have not entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements, established any special purpose entities, guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities, or purchased any non-financial assets.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

We do not have any long-term debt obligations, capital lease obligations, operating lease obligations, purchase obligations or other long-term liabilities, other than described below.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of condensed financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed financial statements, and income and expenses during the periods reported. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the fair value of warrant liabilities, which requires a Black-Scholes model to fair value the warrants. We have identified the following critical accounting policies:

 

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Warrant Liabilities

 

The Company accounts for the warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815. The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements from equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own ordinary shares, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the warrants are outstanding.

 

For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations. See Note 7 to the Notes to Financial Statements for the valuation methodology of warrants.

 

Recent Accounting Standards

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting-Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280) (“ASU 2023-07”), which requires an enhanced disclosure of segments on an annual and interim basis, including the title of the chief operating decision maker, significant segment expenses, and the composition of other segment items for each segment’s reported profit or loss. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The adoption of ASU 2023-07 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation, as well as information related to income taxes paid to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. This ASU will be effective for the annual period ending December 31, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the impacts of adoption of this ASU.

 

The Company’s management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards if currently adopted would have a material effect on the accompanying condensed financial statements.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF SHARONAI INC

 

The following discussion and analysis provides information which SharonAI’s management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of SharonAI’s results of operations and financial condition. This discussion and analysis should be read together with SharonAI’s audited financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and the related notes and the unaudited financial statements as of and for the periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 included elsewhere in this registration statement. This discussion and analysis should also be read together with the unaudited pro forma combined financial information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024 in the section titled “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information”. This discussion and analysis may contain forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. SharonAI’s actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth in the section titled “Risk Factors” or in other parts of this registration statement. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of SharonAI” to “we”, “us”, “our”, and “the Company” are intended to mean the business and operations of SharonAI.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

SharonAI is a corporation formed in Delaware on February 15, 2024, with the intent to act as a holding company to acquire various assets focused on or in the High Performance Computing (“HPC”) industry and the Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) field of technology. HPC is a computing technology that uses clusters of processors or processor cores working in parallel to solve advanced computational problems across a wide range of scientific, engineering, finance, business and other fields. We are specifically focused on infrastructure and technology associated with the development and delivery of these HPC/AI services to users and applications which require both large amounts of Graphic Processing Units (“GPU”) and Central Processing Units (“CPU”), combined with data storage. CPUs are general purpose processors while GPUs are optimized for parallel processing and were originally used for computer graphics. Data storage is used to store the large data sets common in HPC/AI and to back up information. Our two main business lines are an AI/HPC cloud platform, which is based in Australia, and the development of power and data center assets, which is based in the U.S.

 

In March of 2024, we formed two new wholly owned subsidiaries in Delaware, SharonAI Operations LLC, which we intend to use for U.S. based operational activities as our operations expand to the U.S., and SharonAI Hosting LLC, which we intend to use to hold assets that are acquired in the future and based in the U.S.

 

In April of 2024, we acquired 100% of the issued capital of Alternative Asset Management Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194 (AAM), an Australian company that we renamed SharonAI Pty Ltd (“SAIPL”) and which has a business operating distributed data storage a type of cloud storage that utilizes Web 3 technology to provide decentralized networks of independent nodes to securely store and retrieve data, ensuring redundancy, fault tolerance, and resistance to censorship while incentivizing storage providers with blockchain-based rewards. This acquisition was part of a transaction in which SAIPL also obtained certain assets from Digital Income Fund Pty Ltd ACN 643 155 328 as trustee for the Digital Income Fund ABN 12 771 427 247 (“DIF”), an Australian company which it acquired storage servers and ancillary equipment for the operation of the distributed storage operations. In addition to these assets AAM had acquired a Tier 3 designed modular data center.

 

In June of 2024, we acquired over 95% of the issued capital of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited ACN 646 979 222 (“DSS”) via direct agreement with individual shareholders, an Australian company that operates distributed data storage and HPC/AI equipment. In the period from June 2024 to December 2024, we continued with further acquisitions of the issued capital ending 2024 with over 99% of outstanding stock in DSS. The acquisitions of SAIPL and DSS provided us with a substantial amount of storage capacity, GPUs and CPUs, a core operational team including our current chief operating officer and strategic relationships with suppliers including Lenovo and NEXTDC. Both SAIPL and DSS continue as our main operating subsidiaries in Australia.

 

In January of 2025, we formed a 50:50 joint venture with New Era Energy and Digital, Inc., named Texas Critical Data Centers LLC (“TCDC”), to fund, develop, and construct a planned 250MW sustainable data center site project behind the meter with a natural gas-fired power plant within the Permian Basin in Western Texas.

 

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On January 30, 2025, the Company entered into a Business Combination Agreement (the “BCA”) with Roth CH Acquisition Co. (“Roth CH”) and subsequently on May 14 2025, filed an S-4 registration statement in participation with Roth with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 

On June 9, 2025, the Company made a strategic decision to cease its participation in the operations associated with the Filecoin ecosystem in order to focus its resources and efforts on the continued growth of its high-performance GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) business. This decision aligns with the Company’s long-term strategy to concentrate on providing scalable, on-demand computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence, research, and other data-intensive applications.

 

On June 30, 2025, all activities related to the Company’s prior Filecoin-related operations had been fully wound down. This transition reflects a broader shift toward infrastructure services with more predictable and scalable revenue opportunities and supports the Company’s goal of building a focused, capital-efficient technology services platform.

 

Key Factors Affecting Operating Results

 

The Company’s operating results for the quarter were primarily influenced by continued strategic activity following corporate transactions completed in 2024. A significant portion of the quarter was dedicated to advancing the planned merger, both from a corporate governance and regulatory standpoint, and through operational integration efforts. Concurrently, the Company invested heavily in the development and deployment of new proprietary operating software and cloud computing platforms. While these initiatives did not materially improve financial performance in Q1, they represent foundational work aimed at enabling future scalability, improved product offerings, and enhanced customer engagement. These investments are expected to support the acquisition of higher quality customers, deliver operational efficiencies, and position the business for long-term revenue growth and profitability. The Company views these developments as critical to its forward strategy, despite their limited impact on short-term results.

 

The third quarter of 2025 showed a loss of $1,636 thousand and the first nine months of 2025 showed a loss of $5,664 thousand.

 

Industry Trends

 

During the period, the Company has strategically continued to shift its focus from providing storage services to developing and delivering GPU Cloud services, aligning with the growing demand for high-performance computing (HPC) and AI-driven workloads. This transition reflects a response to changing market dynamics and the increasing need for scalable, on-demand GPU infrastructure to support machine learning, AI training, and other compute-intensive applications.

 

The market for GPU Cloud services has shown strong theoretical demand, with significant interest from AI developers, research institutions, and enterprises seeking cost-effective, scalable compute resources. The Company anticipates that once its GPU deployments are fully operational and its orchestration layers are in place to facilitate seamless customer interaction and resource management, it will be well-positioned to capture an increase in revenue from this expanding industry.

 

However, the Company operates in a highly dynamic and competitive landscape, with several key challenges that could impact its ability to scale efficiently. Access to essential GPU hardware remains constrained, with supply chain limitations, geopolitical restrictions, and high demand from hyperscalers and AI-focused enterprises driving longer lead times and increased acquisition costs. The evolving nature of AI and high-performance computing technologies also presents a risk of obsolescence, requiring continuous adaptation and investment in next-generation infrastructure.

 

Additionally, rising operational costs, particularly for power, colocation services, and network infrastructure, are increasing the cost base for GPU Cloud services. These inputs are critical to the Company’s ability to deliver competitive pricing and maintain sustainable margins in a market where efficiency and performance optimization are key differentiators.

 

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The Company is actively working to optimize its deployment strategies, secure long-term supplier agreements, and refine its orchestration technology to enhance scalability, utilization, and cost efficiency. As the GPU Cloud platform reaches full-scale deployment, the Company expects to capitalize on the strong demand for AI and HPC compute resources while mitigating the impact of rising costs and supply chain constraints.

 

Critical Accounting Polices and Estimates

 

SharonAI believes that the following critical policies affect it’s more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price of acquisitions over the acquisition date fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested at least annually for impairment. We perform our annual analysis during the beginning of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and in any other period in which indicators of impairment warrant additional analysis. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment by comparing our estimate of the fair value of the reporting unit, or operating segment, with the reporting unit’s carrying value, including goodwill. Given the Company’s reporting and operating structure as a single operating segment — the provision of high-performance computing services — and the integration of the acquired entity into group-wide operations, goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level, defined as the consolidated Group.

 

During 2024 management first assessed goodwill for impairment by evaluating qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount including goodwill. Management evaluated macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, and various entity specific events to determine that an impairment indicator was not present and an additional quantitative impairment test was not required. The use of alternate judgments and/or assumptions could result in a different conclusion which would require a quantitative impairment test and the recognition of different levels of impairment charges in the consolidated financial statements.

 

We did not record a goodwill impairment charge for the year ended December 31, 2024. In addition, we are implementing strategic plans as discussed in Recent Business Developments to help prevent impairment charges in the future.

 

As of June 30, 2025, the Company performed an interim impairment test for goodwill in accordance with ASC 350-20, due to a triggering event. In June 2025, the Board approved the closure of the Company’s distributed storage operations, which were part of a business acquired in June 2024. The shutdown represented a significant change in strategic direction and constituted a triggering event requiring impairment testing.

 

Goodwill arising from the acquisition amounted to $18.0 million and is allocated to the Group’s sole reporting unit, which is also the Group’s single operating segment- provision of high-performance computing services. The acquired operations were fully integrated into the Group and do not represent a standalone reporting unit.

 

A quantitative impairment test was performed using a discounted cash flow (DCF) model, with the following key assumptions:

 

Projection period: FY2025 to FY2028

 

Discount rate (WACC): 19.8%

 

Terminal growth rate: 2%

 

Tax rate: 23%

 

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The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated at $28 million, compared to the carrying amount of $26.3 million, resulting in headroom of $1.7 million. Accordingly, no goodwill impairment was recognized.

 

A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to assess the impact of adverse changes in key assumptions. Under scenarios with higher discount rates or lower terminal growth, the fair value declined significantly, with certain cases indicating potential impairment. For example, increasing the discount rate to 21% and reducing the terminal growth rate to 1.5% resulted in a fair value below the carrying amount.

 

While no impairment is currently required, the narrow headroom indicates that goodwill may be susceptible to future impairment should there be any unfavorable changes in market conditions, adverse changes in key valuation assumptions, or business performance. Although we do not anticipate a future impairment charge, certain events could occur that might adversely affect the reported value of goodwill. Such events could include, but are not limited to, economic or competitive conditions, a significant change in technology, the economic condition of the industries we serve, and failure to successfully implement our strategic plan. If our judgments and assumptions change as a result of the occurrence of any of these events or other events that we do not currently anticipate, our expectations as to future results and our estimate of the implied fair value also may change. Management will continue to monitor relevant indicators and reassess as necessary.

 

Recent Developments

 

BCA Closing

 

On December 17, 2025, the BCA closed and SharonAI became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SharonAI Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Roth CH Holdings, Inc.).

 

TCDC Property Purchase

 

On December 19, 2025, TCDC completed its acquisition of approximately 203 acres of real property located in Block 41, T-2-S, T&P RR Co. Survey, Ector County, Texas (the “Additional 203 Acres”) pursuant to a Contract to Purchase dated November 21, 2025 (the “203 Acre Agreement”), between TCDC and Odessa Industrial Development Corporation d/b/a Grow Odessa (“Grow Odessa”), from whom TCDC previously purchased a contiguous 235 acres of land from on July 25, 2025. The total price for the Additional 203 Acres was $5,100,000. The intent is for a third-party to build gas-fired power generation on-site.

 

Binding Term Sheet for Sale of 50% Interest in TCDC

 

On December 19, 2025, SharonAI Inc., a subsidiary of SharonAI Inc. Holdings Inc. (“we,” “us,” the “Company” or “SharonAI”), entered into a Binding Term Sheet for Acquisition of Interest in Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC (the “Term Sheet”), setting forth the terms and conditions for SharonAI’s sale of 100% of its 50% interest in Texas Critical Data Centers LLC (“TCDC”) to New Era Energy & Digital Inc. (“NUAI”). TCDC is a joint venture between SharonAI and NUAI formed to fund, develop, and construct a data center site project with behind the meter natural gas-fired power in Ector County, Texas.

 

The Term Sheet obligates SharonAI And NUAI to negotiate and execute customary definitive agreements in good faith that incorporate the terms of the Term Sheet and contain other customary terms and conditions, as expeditiously as possible, and no later than January 15, 2026.

 

The consideration NUAI will pay SharonAI for the interests of TCDC will be an aggregate of $70,000,000, of which, (a) $10,000,000 will be payable in cash, with (i) $150,000 payable as a non-refundable deposit within 14 days of December 19, 2025, and (ii) $9,850,000 payable upon the occurrence of certain events, but no later than March 31, 2026; (b) $10,000,000 will be payable in common stock or other units of NUAI upon the occurrence of certain events, but no later than March 31, 2026; and (c) $50,000,000 will be payable by issuance of a senior secured convertible promissory with a right of SharonAI to convert 20% of the amount owed into common stock of NUAI and which matures and is due June 30, 2026.

 

The sale of the interests of TCDC are subject to the condition that SharonAI reimburse NUAI for SharonAI’s portion of the amount required to be contributed to TCDC for TCDC to purchase the Additional 203 Acres (as defined below) on or before January 9, 2026, which amount is approximately $2,550,000.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Comparative Results for the three months ended September 30, 2025, and 2024:

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2025     2024  
Revenue   $ 506,747     $ 159,000  
Cost of Revenue     371,778       329,005  
Gross profit     134,969       (170,005 )
Share based compensation     489,345       -  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     880,351       806,712  
Other expenses     343,775       163,652  
Other income     -       (140,938 )
Loss from operations     (1,578,502 )     (999,431 )
Non-operating income (expense):                
Change in fair value of digital assets     (15,255 )     (95,809 )
Interest expense, net     (71,528 )     (22,331 )
Loss before income taxes     (1,665,285 )     (1,117,571 )
Income tax benefit (expense)     29,774       (20,516 )
Net Loss   $ (1,635,511 )   $ (1,138,087 )
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest     (7,850 )     (5,463 )
Net Loss Attributable to SharonAI Inc.   $ (1,627,661 )   $ (1,132,624 )
Net Loss per share, basic and diluted   $ (1.53 )   $ (1.16 )
Weighted average number of shares outstanding     1,067,213       975,475  

 

Revenue

 

Q3 2025: $507 thousand | Q3 2024: $159 thousand

 

Total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, was $506 thousand and $159 thousand, respectively. The increase was primarily driven by the growth of the Company’s GPU cloud services segment, reflecting higher deployment of compute resources and expanding customer adoption across AI and high-performance computing use cases.

 

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Cost of Revenue

 

Q3 2025: $372 thousand | Q3 2024: $329 thousand

 

Cost of revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, was $372 thousand and $329 thousand, respectively, an increase of approximately $43 thousand. The increase was primarily driven by costs incurred in delivering GPU cloud computing operations. Key components included data center costs- comprising colocation facility fees, internet connectivity, and power consumption necessary to support high-performance infrastructure. The Company also incurred service fees under managed service agreements with third-party suppliers who provide and maintain the computer data storage equipment used in its operations. These fees include the use, upkeep, and performance monitoring of the hardware infrastructure.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

Q3 2025: $489 thousand | Q3 2024: $0

 

This figure represents stock-based compensation expenses issued to employees, executives, or advisors as part of recruitment and retention. Given the company’s new formation, share-based compensation is a tool to attract key talent and align leadership with long-term growth objectives. The value of share based payments represents the amount of share based payments that has reached the performance criteria of the issuances (if any) pro rata expensed over the time based vesting term.

 

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)

 

Q3 2025: $880 thousand | Q3 2024: $807 thousand

 

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the period primarily reflect foundational investments to establish and scale the Company’s operations. The increase was mainly driven by employee-related costs and professional fees incurred including legal, consulting, and audit services. SG&A expenses are expected to normalize as the Company transitions from its initial setup and transactional activities to a more stable operating phase.

 

Other Expenses

 

Q3 2025: $344 thousand | Q3 2024: $164 thousand

 

This category includes depreciation and amortization expenses recognized during the period related to both new and existing property, plant, and equipment, as well as intangible assets acquired through recent business combinations. These non-cash charges reflect the systematic allocation of the cost of long-lived assets over their estimated useful lives and are primarily associated with infrastructure used in the Company’s Filecoin and GPU cloud service operations. In addition, this category captures the impact of material unrealized gains and losses arising from the remeasurement of cross-currency balances under applicable foreign exchange accounting standards. These foreign currency translation adjustments, while non-operational in nature, can introduce volatility into reported results depending on exchange rate movements during the period. Together, these items contribute to the reported net loss but do not impact cash flows from operations and are expected to fluctuate based on the Company’s investment activity and foreign currency exposure.

 

Change in Fair Value of Digital Assets

 

Q3 2025: $15 thousand | Q3 2024: $96 thousand

 

The decrease in fair value of digital assets during the period reflects a decline in the market value of cryptocurrency held in connection with the Company’s Filecoin data storage operations. This loss is non-operational in nature and does not directly impact the core business activities or underlying operating performance. However, it does reduce reported earnings for the period and may affect short-term financial flexibility depending on market conditions. The Company continues to monitor its digital asset holdings and associated risks as part of its broader treasury and operational strategy.

 

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Other Income

 

Q3 2025: $0 | Q3 2024: $141 thousand

 

Other income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, primarily consisted of grant income recognized under a research and development (R&D) support program. Research and development grants are received from the Australian Taxation Office. The grants are recognized as other income once the Group has complied with all the attached conditions, at the estimated amount that will be received for the period.

 

Interest Expense, Net

 

Q3 2025: $72 thousand | Q3 2024: $22 thousand

 

Net interest expense for the period primarily relates to interest incurred on lease liabilities recognized under right-of-use (ROU) asset arrangements and loans. These expenses reflect the financing component of current loans and long-term lease agreements associated with the Company’s operational infrastructure. The overall interest burden was slightly offset by interest income earned on term deposits held as part of the Company’s short-term obligations associated with managed service agreements.

 

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

 

Q3 2025: $30 thousand | Q3 2024: ($21) thousand

 

The Company recorded income tax benefit of $30 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2025 due to the Company’s operating losses. The losses generated are consistent with the early-stage growth of the business and reflect significant investment in product development, infrastructure buildout, and strategic corporate activities. As a result, the Company has accumulated net operating loss (NOL) carry forwards, which may be used to offset future taxable income once profitability is achieved.

 

Comparative Results for the Nine Months ended September 30, 2025, and 2024:

 

    For the
Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2025     2024  
Revenue   $ 1,208,824     $ 171,800  
Cost of Revenue     1,083,426       336,405  
Gross profit     125,398       (164,605 )
Share based compensation     1,446,312       -  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     2,970,874       1,065,931  
Other expenses     2,019,907       169,327  
Other income     (961,713 )     (140,938 )
Loss from operations     (5,349,982 )     (1,258,925 )
Non-operating income (expense):                
Change in fair value of digital assets     (406,345 )     (87,222 )
Interest expense, net     (127,430 )     (13,803 )
Loss before income taxes     (5,883,757 )     (1,359,950 )
Income tax benefit (expense)     219,935       (20,516 )
Net Loss   $ (5,663,822 )   $ (1,380,466 )
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest     (27,185 )     (5,463 )
Net Loss Attributable to SharonAI Inc.   $ (5,636,637 )   $ (1,375,003 )
Net Loss per share, basic and diluted   $ (5.28 )   $ (1.41 )
Weighted average number of shares outstanding     1,067,213       975,475  

 

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Revenue

 

YTD Q3 2025: $1,209 thousand | YTD Q3 2024: $172 thousand

 

Total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, was $1,209 thousand and $172 thousand, respectively. The increase was primarily driven by revenues from Filecoin storage services and GPU cloud computing operations during the first half of 2025. Following the Company’s decision to discontinue its Filecoin activities in the second quarter of 2025, no Filecoin-related revenue was recognized in the current quarter. Accordingly, total revenue for the third quarter of 2025 was entirely attributable to GPU cloud computing operations, supported by the continued deployment of compute resources and increasing demand from artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing workloads.

 

Cost of Revenue

 

YTD Q3 2025: $1,083 thousand | YTD Q3 2024: $336 thousand

 

Cost of revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, was $1,083 thousand and $336 thousand, respectively. The increase was primarily driven by expenses related to the delivery of Filecoin storage services and GPU cloud computing operations during the first half of 2025. Following the Company’s decision to discontinue its Filecoin activities in the second quarter of 2025, no Filecoin-related costs were incurred in the current quarter. Accordingly, cost of revenue for the third quarter of 2025 was primarily attributable to GPU cloud computing operations.

 

Share-Based Compensation

 

YTD Q3 2025: $1,446 thousand | YTD Q3 2024: $0

 

This amount represents stock-based compensation expenses related to equity awards granted to employees, executives, and advisors as part of the Company’s recruitment and retention strategy. As a newly established organization, the Company utilizes share-based compensation to attract key talent and align leadership incentives with its long-term growth objectives. The recognized expense reflects the portion of share-based awards that have met any applicable performance conditions, amortized on a pro rata basis over the respective time-based vesting period.

 

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)

 

YTD Q3 2025: $2,971 thousand | YTD Q3 2024: $1,066 thousand

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company recognized selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses of $2,971 thousand and $1,066 thousand, respectively. The increase was primarily driven by higher employee-related costs and professional fees, including legal, consulting, and audit services, incurred to support regulatory compliance and strategic initiatives. The Company also recognized bad debt expense related to the sale of a fixed asset in the first quarter.

 

Other Expenses

 

YTD Q3 2025: $2,020 thousand | YTD Q3 2024: $169 thousand

 

This category includes depreciation and amortization expenses recognized during the period related to both new and existing property, plant, and equipment, as well as intangible assets acquired through recent business combinations. These non-cash charges reflect the systematic allocation of the cost of long-lived assets over their estimated useful lives and are primarily associated with infrastructure used in the Company’s Filecoin and GPU cloud service operations. In addition, this category captures the impact of material unrealized gains and losses arising from the remeasurement of cross-currency balances under applicable foreign exchange accounting standards. These foreign currency translation adjustments, while non-operational in nature, can introduce volatility into reported results depending on exchange rate movements during the period. Together, these items contribute to the reported net loss but do not impact cash flows from operations and are expected to fluctuate based on the Company’s investment activity and foreign currency exposure.

 

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Change in Fair Value of Digital Assets

 

YTD Q3 2025: $406 thousand | YTD Q3 2024: $87 thousand

 

The decrease in the fair value of digital assets during the period primarily reflects a decline in the market price of cryptocurrency held in connection with the Company’s Filecoin-related activities. In accordance with ASC 2023-08, digital assets that meet the scope criteria are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income in the period in which they occur. As such, decreases in market value are reflected as losses in current period earnings, while subsequent increases in fair value are similarly recognized in earnings when they occur. While fair value volatility does not affect the Company’s core operating performance, it directly impacts reported net income for the period and may influence short-term financial flexibility depending on market conditions. The Company continues to monitor its digital asset exposures and related risks as part of its broader treasury and risk management strategy.

 

Other Income

 

YTD Q3 2025: $962 thousand | YTD Q3 2024: $141

 

Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, primarily includes gains from the sale of two fixed assets. These transactions reflect the Company’s ongoing efforts to optimize its asset base and reallocate resources toward higher-value strategic initiatives.

 

The first asset sale occurred during the first quarter and involved equipment that was no longer essential to the Company’s operations or future direction. The assets were sold at amounts exceeding their carrying values, resulting in a gain recognized in the period. The second asset sale was completed on June 30, 2025, and involved the disposal of storage server assets. These assets were previously classified as property, plant, and equipment and were fully depreciated and no longer in active operational use at the time of sale. As such, the entire sale proceeds were recognized as a gain in the Company’s results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

 

These gains are not reflective of the Company’s core business operations or recurring revenue streams and are not presented as discontinued operations under ASC 205-20, as the disposals do not represent a strategic shift in the Company’s activities.

 

Interest Expense, Net

 

YTD Q3 2025: $127 thousand | YTD Q3 2024: $14 thousand

 

Net interest expense for the period primarily reflects interest incurred on lease liabilities recognized under right-of-use (ROU) asset arrangements and on outstanding loans. These expenses represent the financing component of the Company’s current loan facilities and long-term lease agreements supporting its operational infrastructure. The overall interest burden was partially offset by interest income earned on term deposits maintained in connection with the Company’s managed service arrangements. Although not material to overall results, the net interest expense reflects the Company’s existing capital structure and lease financing commitments.

 

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)

 

YTD Q3 2025: $220 thousand | YTD Q3 2024: ($21) thousand

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $220 thousand, primarily attributable to operating losses incurred during the period. These losses are consistent with the Company’s early-stage growth trajectory and reflect continued investment in product development, infrastructure buildout, and strategic corporate initiatives

 

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Comparison for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

The results of operations presented below should be reviewed in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this registration statement. The following table sets forth our results of operations for the period shown:

 

Statement of Operations

 

   

2024

($)

   

2023

($)

   

Movement

($)

   

Movement

(%)

 
Revenue     438,292       -       438,292       -  
Cost of revenue     (719,993 )     -       (719,993 )     -  
Gross loss     (281,701 )     -       (281,701 )     -  
Share based compensation     (253,728 )     -       (253,728 )     -  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (2,368,745 )     -       (2,368,745 )     -  
Other expenses     (2,047,133 )     -       (2,047,133 )     -  
Loss from operations     (4,951,307 )     -       (4,951,307 )     -  
Change in fair value of digital assets     157,923       -       157,923       -  
Other income     921,322       -       921,322       -  
Interest income, net     (19,028 )     -       (19,028 )     -  
Loss before income taxes     (3,891,090 )     -       (3,891,090 )     -  
Income tax expense     (32,908 )     -       (32,908 )     -  
Net loss     (3,923,998 )     -       (3,923,998 )     -  

 

Revenue

 

2024: $438 thousand | 2023: $0

 

We derive the majority of our revenue from the provision of digital data storage and GPU services to our customer via direct interaction and or via GPU online marketplaces, Clients utilize our services to store online data in a Web 3 environment via the Filecoin Network architecture and utilize our fleet of GPU’s to run HPC needs such as model training, research projects and inference needs. The Group recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers which recognises the revenue when we have supplied the relevant services. The revenue generated in 2024 signifies the commencement of business operations. The company started monetizing its acquisitions and integrating acquired subsidiaries into its revenue-generating framework. However, the revenue remains relatively low, due to operations still being in the early stages, with limited contribution from newly acquired assets during the period. Future growth is expected as these businesses become fully operational.

 

Cost of Revenue

 

2024: $720 thousand | 2023: $0

 

The cost of revenues reflects the direct costs associated with the operations of the business. The major items categorized as cost or revenues are data centre expenses, Filecoin licensing fees, equipment cost provided on a managed service arrangement and costs from intermediaries in the sale of services. The high cost of revenue relative to the revenue figure is a consequence of the company being in the process of optimizing its cost. This is to be attributed to initial inefficiencies and integration costs from acquisitions, and expenses incurred to establish operational capacity. As synergies between acquired businesses develop, the cost of revenue is expected to stabilize and align with revenue growth.

 

Gross Loss

 

2024: $282 thousand | 2023: $0

 

A negative gross profit is due to the company’s early-stage business operations that are not yet covering direct costs. This was particularly due to multiple acquisitions in the period and growth phase of asset expansions. The expectation is that as the business matures and efficiencies improve, gross margins will turn positive.

 

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Share-Based Compensation

 

2024: $254 thousand | 2023: $0

 

This figure represents stock-based compensation expenses issued to employees, executives, or advisors as part of recruitment and retention. Given the company’s new formation, share-based compensation is a tool to attract key talent and align leadership with long-term growth objectives. The value of share based payments represents the amount of share based payments that has reached the performance criteria of the issuances (if any) pro rata expensed over the time based vesting term. In 2024 SharonAI issued a total of 52,677 RSU’s and 4,616 Options to employees and contractors. These have a range of performance metrics for attainments followed by an additional 12 months vesting from attainment. The share-based expense for the period is a reflection of the pro rata expense incurred by the company for awards that have met the performance attainment metric and are in the time based vesting stage of the award. Additionally this figure include warrants issued during the period based on the fair value of the warrants at the time of issuance as determined using the Black Scholes model.

 

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)

 

2024: $2,369 thousand | 2023: $0

 

The significant SG&A expenses reflect costs associated with setting up business operations, integrating acquired subsidiaries, and establishing corporate functions. These expenses include salaries, office costs, legal fees, consulting fees, audit fees and acquisition-related administrative costs. While high in the initial phase, these expenditures are expected to normalize as the business transitions to operational regularity.

 

Other Expenses

 

2024: $2,047 thousand | 2023: $0

 

This category includes depreciation and amortisation expenses in the period from new and existing plant, property and equipment, acquisition related assets and material unrealised gains/loss from cross currency accounting.

 

Loss from Operations

 

2024: $4,951 thousand | 2023: $0

 

An operating loss was due to having undertaken multiple acquisitions and the business being in a growth preparation phase. The losses indicate that while the company has started generating revenue, operational expenses and integration costs far exceed current income. Over time, operational efficiency improvements and revenue growth will be key to reducing this loss.

 

Change in Fair Value of Digital Assets

 

2024: $158 thousand | 2023: $0

 

The positive change in fair value of digital assets is due to the company holding cryptocurrency associated with its Filecoin data storage operations which appreciated during the period. This is a non-operational gain and does not impact the core business but contributes to financial flexibility.

 

Other Income

 

2024: $921 thousand | 2023: $0

 

Other income includes non-operational revenues such as government research and development incentives, one-time gains, and gifts of equipment. This figure offsets a portion of the losses from operations, providing temporary financial relief.

 

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Interest Income, Net

 

2024: $19 thousand | 2023: $0

 

The small amount of interest income is due to the company holding cash reserves or short-term investments generating limited returns. This reflects prudent cash management but is not a significant contributor to overall performance. This is then offset by the interest expense associated with the Right of use assets accounting.

 

Income Tax Expense

 

2024: $33 thousand | 2023: $0

 

Given the operating losses, no income tax expense has been incurred, however other state and local taxes cause the associated expense. Loss carry forwards may be utilized in the future to offset taxable income once the company reaches profitability.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity is the ability of a company to generate funds to support its current and future operations, satisfy its obligations, and otherwise operate on an ongoing basis. Significant factors in the management of liquidity are funds generated by operations, levels of accounts receivable and accounts payable and capital expenditure.

 

The Company currently operates without any external debt on its balance sheet, providing a degree of financial flexibility and eliminating the need for interest servicing during this early stage of growth. This structure allows available capital to be directed toward operational expansion, product development, and ongoing corporate initiatives. While the absence of debt reduces near-term financial obligations, the Company continues to evaluate its capital structure and may consider future financing options as strategic needs evolve. Maintaining a debt-free position at this time supports stability while preserving the ability to access external capital in the future, if required.

 

As of the end of the period ended September 30, 2025, the Company held cash of $1,365 thousand. The Company also has outstanding convertible notes as disclosed in Note 11 Note Payable to the financial statements. These instruments contain terms that may require settlement in cash, conversion into equity, or repayment upon maturity, depending on future events. No material principal repayments are contractually required within the next twelve months; however, the Company continues to monitor its obligations closely in light of operational funding needs and market conditions.

 

At the end of the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company held a cash balance of $4,425 thousand, which is expected to support ongoing operations and near-term growth initiatives. This reserve provides flexibility to meet working capital requirements and selectively pursue opportunities aligned with the Company’s strategic goals. While the current liquidity position appears adequate for the Company’s immediate needs, management remains mindful of funding requirements and continues to monitor available resources closely. The Company has previously been successful in raising capital and, if needed, believes it would be able to access additional funding to support future initiatives and maintain operational continuity.

 

Management continuously evaluates its capital structure and may seek additional financing, including equity issuances, debt facilities, or hybrid instruments, to support the expansion of its GPU infrastructure and related platform capabilities. The Company has historically accessed external capital to fund its growth and believes it will be able to continue doing so as needed.

 

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The Company has incurred operating losses to date and expects to continue investing in scaling its infrastructure and operations. These factors indicate that additional capital will be required to support ongoing activities and meet obligations as they become due.

 

The Company is currently engaged in active capital raising discussions with existing and prospective investors. Management believes these ongoing capital raising efforts, together with the Company’s operational plans, will provide sufficient liquidity to support the Company’s continued operations

 

Cash flow analysis

 

The following table provides a summary of the cash flow statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:

 

    For the
Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,  
    2025     2024  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   $ (2,356,333 )   $ (1,021,223 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   $ (481,909 )   $ (3,570,991 )
Net cash used in financing activities   $ 102,813     $ 5,057,320  

 

Operating activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $2,356 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. Operating cash flows during the period were primarily driven by the Company’s Filecoin storage operations and revenue from GPU cloud services. These inflows were offset by operating expenditures, including product development costs, increased equipment-related expenses to support infrastructure expansion, and professional fees associated with strategic corporate activities. The Filecoin operations ceased during the second quarter of 2025. As the GPU cloud business continues to expand, the Company expects higher operating cash flow contributions, supporting improved financial performance and long-term operational sustainability.

 

Investing activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $482 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, primarily reflecting the Company’s investment in the Texas Critical Data Centres joint venture, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of digital assets and fixed assets.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net cash used in investing activities was $3,571 thousand, mainly related to equipment purchases to support the Company’s infrastructure expansion and operational growth.

 

Financing activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $103 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, primarily reflecting loan proceeds and payments of lease liabilities under existing lease agreements. This compares to net cash provided by financing activities of $5,057 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which primarily resulted from proceeds from a capital raise completed in June 2024.

 

The following table provides a summary of the cash flow statement for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023:

 

    2024
($)
    2023
($)
 
Net cash flows used in operating activities     (2,205,993 )     -  
Net cash flows used in investing activities     (3,036,503 )     -  
Net cash flows from financing activities     10,023,764       204  
Net cash inflow     4,424,601       204  

 

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Operating activities

 

Net cash flows used in operating activities was $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. This was primarily due to operational activities including loss from operations, change in fair values of digital assets, unrealized currency movements, depreciation and amortization and share-based payments.

 

Investing activities

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities was $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. This was primarily due to acquisitions of additional equipment for operations during the period.

 

Financing activities

 

Net cash flows from financing activities was $10.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $10.0 million compared to the year ended December 2023. This was primarily due to formation capital, 3 capital raises in the period and a conversion of debt to equity with related parties.

 

Future cash requirements

 

The company is in a position of stable cash balance to continue its intrinsic operations and expansion of products, however, has committed to acquire via 5-year lease further compute related equipment in 2025. The Company also expects to raise further funds to acquire additional equipment and participation in joint venture requirements for further increase in business expansion.

 

US Taxes

 

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”) was enacted in the United States. The legislation permanently extends certain expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, introduces changes to the international tax framework, and reinstates favorable tax treatment for select business-related provisions. The OBBBA includes multiple effective dates, with some measures applicable beginning in 2025 and others taking effect in subsequent periods. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the OBBBA on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Research and development, patents, and licenses

 

Our research and development, or R&D, program is focused on researching and exploring opportunities to develop proprietary data storage software and system architecture to accelerate storage and retrieval of data across distributed networks and management of complex compute resource demands to enable idle compute to serve multiple purposes. We procure all the necessary hardware and conduct research and development on service management, focusing on enhancing user interfaces, optimizing load management, and improving orchestration for seamless and efficient operations.

 

We have also commenced research into the software elements of computing and are in the initial stages of researching a range of programs to improve efficiency and accessibility of our products. We are currently only conducting research in Australia under the R&D Tax incentive scheme. We do not operate a separate division or forecast budget for R&D activities instead evaluating expenses occurred through the year on an arrears basis.

 

The R&D Tax Incentive in Australia is a government program that provides tax offsets to businesses investing in eligible research and development activities. Companies with an annual turnover below AUD$20 million receive a refundable tax offset of their corporate tax rate plus an 18.5% premium, while larger businesses receive a non-refundable offset based on their R&D intensity. To qualify, activities must involve systematic experimentation to generate new knowledge, adhering to scientific principles. Businesses must register their R&D activities with AusIndustry and then claim the offset through the Australian Taxation Office. The incentive is designed to support innovation, technology development, and business growth, but companies must ensure reporting and compliance to be eligible.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of the reporting date, SharonAI has entered into certain contractual obligations that are not recognized on the balance sheet but may have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. These off-balance sheet arrangements primarily consist of data center colocation facility commitments and managed service agreements.

 

Colocation Facility Commitments

 

The Company has entered into colocation agreements for data center facilities under non-cancellable operating lease arrangements. These agreements are generally structured with five-year terms, with costs that fluctuate based on the quantity of deployed equipment and power usage. The Company’s future obligations under these agreements are contingent upon business expansion, changes in IT infrastructure needs, and energy consumption levels.

 

Although these commitments do not appear as liabilities on the balance sheet under applicable accounting standards, they represent a significant financial obligation that impacts future cash flows. If the Company’s colocation needs increase or energy prices rise, the total financial exposure under these agreements could materially increase. Conversely, the Company’s ability to reduce these commitments may be limited due to contract terms and renewal obligations.

 

Managed Service Agreements

 

The Company has multiple agreements for managed service equipment and associated services with third-party vendors. These agreements involve commitments totaling approximately $34,000 per month, with remaining contract durations ranging from 2 to 5 years. The Company’s obligations under these contracts include ongoing infrastructure support, equipment maintenance, and service-level agreements (SLAs) that are essential for business continuity.

 

Although these obligations do not meet the criteria for balance sheet recognition, they represent recurring financial commitments that impact operating expenses and liquidity. If the Company seeks to renegotiate, terminate, or scale these agreements, penalties or additional costs may be incurred.

 

Potential Effects on Liquidity and Financial Condition

 

The Company continuously evaluates its off-balance sheet arrangements to assess their impact on liquidity, financial position, and operational flexibility. Factors that could materially affect these commitments include:

 

Changes in power costs: Volatility in energy pricing could increase the total cost of colocation facility commitments.

 

Scalability of IT infrastructure: Higher-than-expected deployment of new equipment may lead to increased costs under colocation agreements.

 

Service provider risks: Changes in vendor pricing, contract renewals, or service disruptions could impact the cost-effectiveness of managed service agreements.

 

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At this time, the Company does not believe that these off-balance sheet arrangements create material risks beyond those disclosed in its financial statements and risk factors. However, the Company will continue to monitor and manage these obligations in alignment with its operational and financial strategies.

 

SharonAI’s significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 2 to its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 included elsewhere in this registration statement.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF DSS

 

The following discussion and analysis provides information which DSS’s management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of DSS’s consolidated results of operations and financial condition. This discussion and analysis should be read together with DSS’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 and audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, and the related notes included elsewhere in this registration statement. This discussion and analysis should also be read together with the unaudited pro forma combined financial information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2024 in the section titled “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information.” This discussion and analysis may contain forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. DSS’s actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth in the section titled “Risk Factors” or in other parts of this registration statement. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of DSS” to “we”, “us”, “our”, and “the Company” are intended to mean the business and operations of DSS.

 

Company Overview

 

DSS is an Australian company that operates HPC/AI and distributed storage operations. DSS operates a high-capacity distributed storage business with 51 petabytes (PB) of active storage largely on the Filecoin network, providing scalable, secure, and decentralized data storage solutions. In addition to storage operations, DSS has a small GPU bare-metal service business. DSS was established in 2021 and has been growing its storage operations and capacity whilst researching ways to improve the distributed storage environment.

 

Results of Operations

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023

 

The results of operations presented below should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this registration statement. The following table sets forth our results of operations for the period shown:

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

   

For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2023

(in $ unless otherwise indicated)

 
Revenue     1,291,446  
Cost of revenue     (471,040 )
Gross profit     820,406  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (1,890,797 )
Depreciation Expense     (651,957 )
Loss from operations     (1,722,348 )
Impairment loss on digital assets     (150,299 )
Other income     1,267,470  
Interest expense, net     (202,794 )
Loss before income taxes     (807,971 )
Income tax expense     (109,507 )
Net loss     (917,478 )

 

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Revenue

 

Revenue was $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to operating revenue from providing storage capacity to the Filecoin Network.

 

Cost of revenue

 

Cost of revenue was $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to costs associated with data center colocation for the company compute equipment and fees associated with operating on the Filecoin Network.

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses was $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to managed services on compute equipment, wages, Filecoin license fees and consulting charges for financial preparation and audit in multiple forms (IFRS and GAAP).

 

Depreciation Expense

 

Depreciation expense was $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to depreciation on computer storage equipment.

 

Impairment loss on digital assets

 

Impairment loss on digital assets was $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to impairment of revenue invoices receivable from a third party that entered liquidation.

 

Other income

 

Other income was $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to Research and Development tax incentives in the period that are paid in cash.

 

Interest expense, net

 

Interest expense, net was $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to payment of interest on Capital notes in period.

 

Income tax expense

 

Income tax expense was $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to income tax payable for the periods operations after tax adjustments.

 

Net loss

 

Net loss was $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to significant depreciation, Filecoin license fees and increased corporate expenditure comparative to reduced revenue driven by a low Filecoin price.

 

For the six-month period ended June 30, 2024

 

The results of operations presented below should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this registration statement. The following table sets forth our results of operations for the period shown:

 

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Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

   

For the
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024

(in $ unless otherwise indicated)

 
Revenue     732,631  
Cost of revenue     (754,402 )
Gross loss     (21,771 )
Shared Based Compensation     (3,013,167 )
Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (502,221 )
Other expenses     (154,595 )
Loss from operations     (3,691,754 )
Gain on sale of intangible assets     73,425  
Fair value gain on revaluation of digital assets     442,500  
Other income     278,208  
Interest expense, net     (128,455 )
Loss before income taxes     (3,026,076 )
Income tax expense     (41,169 )
Net loss     (3,067,245 )

 

Revenue

 

Revenue was $0.7 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to the provision of services to Filecoin Network distributed storage operations and GPU bare metal rental.

 

Cost of revenue

 

Cost of revenue was $0.8 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to data center colocation expenses, Filecoin license fees and equipment managed services.

 

Shared Based Compensation

 

Shared based compensation was $3.0 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to the modification of exercise price from AUD$11.60 to $0.01 and subsequent cashless exercise of outstanding option associated with the acquisition of DSS by SharonAI Inc.

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses was $0.5 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to wages and accounting and audit consultation.

 

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Other expenses

 

Other expenses was $0.2 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to depreciation and amortization during the period.

 

Gain on sale of intangible assets

 

Gain on sale of intangible assets was $73.4 thousand for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to gains made on the sale of Filecoin.

 

Fair value gain on revaluation of digital assets

 

Fair value gain on revaluation of digital assets was $0.4 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to revaluation of Filecoin held on balance sheet in the period.

 

Other income

 

Other income was $0.3 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to accrual of Research and Development tax incentive grants that are paid in cash.

 

Interest expense, net

 

Interest expense, net was $0.1 million for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to interest expenses in the period on Capital Notes outstanding.

 

Income tax expense

 

Income tax expense was $41.2 thousand for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to income tax payable after tax adjustments for the period.

 

Net loss

 

Net loss was $3.1 million for the six-month ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to significant share based payment expenses and increased cost of goods expenses associated with additional deployments of equipment in the period.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Sources of liquidity

 

DSS has primarily funded its operations with equity, debt and equity derivatives (SAFE notes). As of June 30, 2024, DSS had cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents of $55.8 thousand and negative working capital of $5.5 million. As of December 31, 2023, DSS had cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents of $0.4 million and negative working capital of $5.2 million. However, the majority of this deficit is associated with now related company SharonAI Inc for the conversion of SAFE securities.

 

In June 2024, DSS entered a facility agreement with SharonAI Pty Ltd for up to AUD$25 million. The debt incurs an interest rate of 6% per annum with payments available for capitalization or payment in cash with a term of 5 years. With this agreement in place and associated structure changes regarding the acquisition by SharonAI, in its opinion, the working capital is sufficient for the company’s present requirements

 

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Cash flow analysis

 

The following table provides a summary of the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2023:

 

   

For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2023

(in $ unless otherwise indicated)

 
Net cash flows used in operating activities     (683,435 )
Net cash flows from investing activities     236,084  
Net cash flows from financing activities     628,640  
Net cash inflow     181,289  

 

Operating activities

 

Net cash flows used in operating activities was $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to depreciation and digital asset revaluation in the period.

 

Investing activities

 

Net cash flows from investing activities was $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to proceeds from the sale of digital assets.

 

Financing activities

 

Net cash flows from financing activities was $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to changes in third party loan balances.

 

The following table provides a summary of the consolidated statement of cash flows for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024:

 

   

For the
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024

(in $ unless otherwise indicated)

 
Net cash flows from operating activities     93,348  
Net cash flows used in investing activities     (442,223 )
Net cash outflow     (348,875 )

 

Operating activities

 

Net cash flows from operating activities was $0.1 million for the six-month ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to losses for the period, share based payments and fair value gain and loss of intangible assets.

 

Investing activities

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities was $0.4 million for the six-month ended June 30, 2024. This was primarily due to additional acquisitions of plant and equipment in the period.

 

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Future cash requirements

 

The Company forecasts that it will require further injection of cash via loan form related entities in order to operate as intended in the group.

 

Research and Development, patents, and licenses

 

Our research and development, or R&D, program is focused on researching and exploring opportunities to develop proprietary data storage software and system architecture to accelerate storage and retrieval of data across distributed networks and management of complex compute resource demands to enable idle compute to serve multiple purposes

 

The R&D Tax Incentive in Australia is a government program that provides tax offsets to businesses investing in eligible research and development activities. Companies with an annual turnover below AUD$20 million receive a refundable tax offset of their corporate tax rate plus an 18.5% premium, while larger businesses receive a non-refundable offset based on their R&D intensity. To qualify, activities must involve systematic experimentation to generate new knowledge, adhering to scientific principles. Businesses must register their R&D activities with AusIndustry and then claim the offset through the Australian Taxation Office. The incentive is designed to support innovation, technology development, and business growth, but companies must ensure reporting and compliance to be eligible.

 

Trend information

 

The Company has experienced a decline in profitability in its storage services operating on the Filecoin network, driven by multiple adverse trends affecting both revenue and costs. Filecoin network rewards have been decreasing, leading to lower earnings for storage providers. Additionally, the market price of the Filecoin (FIL) asset has declined, reducing the value of token-based rewards earned by the Company. These revenue pressures have been further compounded by rising costs associated with underlying cost of goods sold (COGS) inputs, including increased expenditures on hardware, power, and network infrastructure required to sustain storage operations.

 

These trends have placed downward pressure on gross margins, and if current conditions persist, the Company may face continued profitability challenges in its Filecoin-related storage services. The Company is actively evaluating operational efficiencies, pricing strategies, and alternative business models to mitigate the impact of these unfavorable trends. However, future performance will remain dependent on market dynamics, changes in Filecoin network economics, and the Company’s ability to optimize costs in response to industry conditions.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of the reporting date, DSS has entered into certain contractual obligations that are not recognized on the balance sheet but may have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. These off-balance sheet arrangements primarily consist of data center colocation facility commitments and managed service agreements.

 

Colocation Facility Commitments

 

The Company has entered into colocation agreements for data center facilities under non-cancellable operating lease arrangements. These agreements are generally structured with five-year terms, with costs that fluctuate based on the quantity of deployed equipment and power usage. The Company’s future obligations under these agreements are contingent upon business expansion, changes in IT infrastructure needs, and energy consumption levels.

 

Although these commitments do not appear as liabilities on the balance sheet under applicable accounting standards, they represent a significant financial obligation that impacts future cash flows. If the Company’s colocation needs increase or energy prices rise, the total financial exposure under these agreements could materially increase. Conversely, the Company’s ability to reduce these commitments may be limited due to contract terms and renewal obligations.

 

Managed Service Agreements

 

The Company has multiple agreements for managed service equipment and associated services with third-party vendors. These agreements involve commitments totaling approximately $90,000 per month, with remaining contract durations ranging from 2 to 5 years. The Company’s obligations under these contracts include ongoing infrastructure support, equipment maintenance, and service-level agreements (SLAs) that are essential for business continuity.

 

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Although these obligations do not meet the criteria for balance sheet recognition, they represent recurring financial commitments that impact operating expenses and liquidity. If the Company seeks to renegotiate, terminate, or scale these agreements, penalties or additional costs may be incurred.

 

Potential Effects on Liquidity and Financial Condition

 

The Company continuously evaluates its off-balance sheet arrangements to assess their impact on liquidity, financial position, and operational flexibility. Factors that could materially affect these commitments include:

 

Changes in power costs: Volatility in energy pricing could increase the total cost of colocation facility commitments.

 

Scalability of IT infrastructure: Higher-than-expected deployment of new equipment may lead to increased costs under colocation agreements.

 

Service provider risks: Changes in vendor pricing, contract renewals, or service disruptions could impact the cost-effectiveness of managed service agreements.

 

At this time, the Company does not believe that these off-balance sheet arrangements create material risks beyond those disclosed in its financial statements and risk factors. However, the Company will continue to monitor and manage these obligations in alignment with its operational and financial strategies.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Management’s discussion and analysis of DSS’s financial conditions and results of operations is based on its consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires DSS to make estimates and assumptions for the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and related disclosures. DSS’s estimates are based on its historical experience and on various other factors that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions and any such differences may be material.

 

While DSS’s significant accounting policies are described in more detail in Note 2 to its consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this registration statement, it believes the following accounting policies and estimates to be most critical to the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

 

We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if: (1) it involves a significant level of estimation uncertainty, and (2) impact of the estimates and assumptions on financial condition or operating performance is material.

 

Deferred tax assets

 

Deferred tax assets relating to tax losses and deductible temporary differences may be recognized where it is probable that there may be future taxable profits against which available tax losses and deductible temporary differences can be utilized in the reasonably foreseeable future given the circumstances of DSS.

 

Determining the recoverability of deferred tax assets involves significant judgement on the tax treatment of certain transactions and of uncertain future events and circumstances.

 

Management makes judgments as to the probability of future taxable profits being generated based on budgets, and current and future expected economic conditions and determines whether it is probable that DSS will be able to realize a benefit from its available tax losses and deductible temporary differences within the reasonably foreseeable future.

 

Please refer to Note 2(f) and Note 5 Income tax expense of DSS’s consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2024, for further information on the accounting of DSS’s income tax.

 

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BUSINESS OF SHARONAI

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this “Business of SharonAI” to “we”, “us”, “our”, and “the Company” are intended to mean the business and operations of SharonAI

 

Overview

 

We are a corporation formed in Delaware on February 15, 2024, with the intent to act as a holding company to acquire various assets focused on or in the High Performance Computing (“HPC”) industry and the Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) field of technology. HPC is a computing technology that uses clusters of processors or processor cores working in parallel to solve advanced computational problems across a wide range of scientific, engineering, finance, business and other fields. We are specifically focused on infrastructure and technology associated with the development and delivery of these HPC/AI services to users and applications which require both large amounts of Graphic Processing Units (“GPU”) and Central Processing Units (“CPU”), combined with data storage. CPUs are general purpose processors while GPUs are optimized for parallel processing and were originally used for computer graphics. Data storage is used to store the large data sets common in HPC/AI and to back up information. Our two main business lines are an AI/HPC cloud platform, which is based in Australia, and the development of data center assets, which is based in the U.S., each as described further below.

 

In March of 2024, we formed two new wholly owned subsidiaries in Delaware, SharonAI Operations LLC, which we intend to use for U.S. based operational activities as our operations expand to the U.S., and SharonAI Hosting LLC, which we intend to use to hold assets that are acquired in the future and based in the U.S.

 

In April of 2024, we acquired 100% of the issued capital of Alternative Asset Management Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194, an Australian company that we renamed SharonAI Pty Ltd (“SAIPL”) and which has a business operating distributed data storage a type of cloud storage that utilizes Web 3 technology to provide decentralized networks of independent nodes to securely store and retrieve data, ensuring redundancy, fault tolerance, and resistance to censorship while incentivizing storage providers with blockchain-based rewards. This acquisition was part of a transaction in which SAIPL also obtained certain assets from Digital Income Fund Pty Ltd ACN 643 155 328 as trustee for the Digital Income Fund ABN 12 771 427 247 (“DIF”), an Australian company which had storage servers and ancillary equipment for the operation of the distributed storage operations. In addition to these assets AAM had acquired a Tier 3 designed modular data center, although it had not fully paid for the equipment at the time of acquisition.

 

In June of 2024, we acquired over 95% of the issued capital of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited ACN 646 979 222 (“DSS”) via direct agreement with individual shareholders, an Australian company that operates distributed data storage and HPC/AI equipment. In the period from June 2024 to December 2024, we continued with further acquisitions of the issued capital ending 2024 with over 99% of outstanding stock in DSS. The acquisitions of SAIPL and DSS provided us with a substantial amount of storage capacity, GPUs and CPUs, a core operational team including our current chief operating officer and strategic relationships with suppliers including Lenovo and NEXTDC. Both SAIPL and DSS continue as our main operating subsidiaries in Australia.

 

We have acquired a fleet of GPU / CPU and storage servers and currently operate out of three third-party co-location data centers in Australia. As of September 30, 2025:

 

    Existing
Operations
Online
 
Total GPU’s operating   432  
Total CPU’s operating   195  
Total Storage Capacity (PB)   Over 51  

 

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In January of 2025, we formed a 50:50 joint venture with New Era Energy and Digital, Inc., named Texas Critical Data Centers LLC (“TCDC”), to fund, develop, and construct a planned 250 Mega Watt (“MW”) sustainable data center site project behind the meter with a natural gas-fired power plant within the Permian Basin in Western Texas. See additional information about TCDC below.

 

We continue to conduct research and development into our systems, and we are actively testing several configurations and locations to determine the best configuration and architecture for including both GPU systems and traditional CPU based computing systems.

 

Our Products and Services

 

High Performance Computing (HPC/AI) and Cloud Services

 

Our HPC and AI cloud platform requires GPU, CPU and storage server hardware specific to the requirements of our customers, along with a data center environment to host that hardware under conditions suitable for its operation, including network connectivity, cooling and access to electricity at wholesale pricing. We obtain our hardware from original equipment manufacturer suppliers, including servers, networking and ancillary equipment, and we install and currently operate the hardware in third-party enterprise-grade colocation data centers in Australia. We make our servers available to customers across a full suite of bare metal, virtual servers and containers, including a collection of software tools and applications. Bare metal provides direct access to hardware for the best performance while virtual servers run on top of the hardware and containers are used to package and directly deploy applications, providing customers with a range of options depending on their objectives. We manage the complex operations of this infrastructure, allowing our customers to focus on their software applications. Our cloud platform is designed to support a variety of workloads across generative AI, traditional high performance compute, machine learning, visual effects, and other use cases, by offering a range of GPU models in different configurations. We offer our cloud storage service both as part of the HPC/AI platform for customers to store their application-related data sets, as well as on a stand-alone basis for data backup and archive use cases.

 

Customers pay us fees for using our HPC/AI cloud platform hardware and software. The fee structure is based on the type and quantity of hardware resources allocated and whether the customer is using the platform on-demand or is reserving capacity for a time period. Each GPU and CPU is generally assigned a different hourly fee which varies over time based on demand and other factors such as variable costs. Storage is assigned a fee per amount and time unit, for example Terabyte/month or Gigabyte/hour, and based on the type of storage. Storage fees vary similar to compute fees. On-demand fees are based on actual usage by customers while fees for reserved capacity are payable for the entire reserved time period on a take-or-pay basis. Our cloud services include supporting public and private cloud compute, high-performance SSD and S3 compatible high-capacity cloud storage solutions.

 

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for services, net of discounts and sales taxes. Revenue is recognized as the related services are provided to customers. We apply the five step ASC 606 model in determining the appropriate treatment of our various sources of revenue. Our principal sources of revenue and recognition of these revenues are as follows:

 

Monthly recurring revenue (“MRR”) from our cloud platform services is recognized as service revenue on a ratable basis over the enforceable term of each contract, which typically aligns with the stated contract duration. We fulfill our performance obligations by providing these services continuously over time. This recognition method best represents the transfer of services, as it aligns with industry standards that measure satisfaction based on the passage of time.

 

Transaction price is determined as the list price of services (net of discounts) that we deliver to our customers, taking into account the term of each individual contract, and the ability to enforce and collect the consideration.

 

Usage revenue (overage and consumption-based services) is recorded as service revenue in the month the usage is incurred/service is consumed by the customer, based on a fixed agreed upon amount per unit consumed.

 

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Invoices are typically issued at the end of each month for MRR services and for usage revenue.

 

Storage revenues can also be generated in U.S. dollars by storing customer data on Storj on a price per GB per month basis or through bilateral customer contracts.

 

Storj data storage revenues represent monthly recurring revenues under a commercial node operator agreement.

 

We became a NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP) in December 2024. NCPs are part of the NVIDIA Partner Network offering hosted hardware and software in a cloud or managed services model to end-user customers leveraging NVIDIA products. Working with NVIDIA and NEXTDC Limited, one of our co-location data center providers, we have started the process of building a cluster of data center GPUs connected through InfiniBand and adhering to the NVIDIA Reference Architecture, which is expected to meet more demanding HPC/AI workloads from our customers. InfiniBand is a high throughput and low latency network communication standard for complex workload requirements. We are planning to include NVIDIA H100 or H200 GPUs, purpose-built for AI and HPC, with a library of large language models (LLMs), tools and resources available in the NVIDIA AI Enterprise (NVAIE) software and our proprietary orchestration platform. NVAIE is a cloud native software platform that streamlines development and deployment of generative AI applications. Our orchestration platform further automates the management of compute workloads and storage across our infrastructure.

 

As we increase our HPC/AI capacity, we expect our revenue to increase subject to customer demand for our services. Our sales and business development team is based out of Australia and the U.S. and consists of a full time head of sales based in Australia as well as a part time business development person in the U.S. We sell our capacity through our website cloud front-end, direct sales contracts and several active marketplaces for GPU capacity suppliers and customers.

 

Data Center Development

 

Our data center development business is focused on developing powered-shell data centers for leasing to enterprise customers who operate their own hardware inside the data center. Powered-shell data centers are facilities with completed exterior construction, available power and fiber connectivity, but with the interior space to be utilized by the customer. We are focused on acquiring sites that either have access to power or are suitable for the construction and operation of power generation equipment to supply electricity to the data center. Our plan is to custom develop sites for specific customers once we have acquired the land and the applicable entitlements and permits. We may also sell the electricity to other large power consumers or sell a site or development at any stage in the process.

 

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Our first data center site development project, TCDC, is expected to be located on over 400 acres near Odessa, Texas, in the Permian Basin. TCDC purchased 235 acres on July 25, 2025, from the owner of the land, GROW Odessa, a non-profit organization dedicated to Odessa’s economic development growth, and signed a non-binding letter of intent with GROW Odessa on July 1, 2025, to acquire an additional 203 acres, obtaining a 90-day period to complete due diligence and negotiate final documents to acquire the land. On September 22, 2025, the parties entered into the First Amendment to the Letter of Intent, amending the exclusivity period to 150 days, through November 30, 2025. On November 21, 2025, the parties executed a purchase agreement, but have not yet closed the transaction. The intent is for a third-party to build gas-fired power generation on-site.

 

Recent Development

 

On December 19, 2025, TCDC completed its acquisition of approximately 203 acres of real property located in Block 41, T-2-S, T&P RR Co. Survey, Ector County, Texas (the “Additional 203 Acres”) pursuant to a Contract to Purchase dated November 21, 2025 (the “203 Acre Agreement”), between TCDC and Odessa Industrial Development Corporation d/b/a Grow Odessa (“Grow Odessa”), from whom TCDC previously purchased a contiguous 235 acres of land from on July 25, 2025. The total price for the Additional 203 Acres was $5,100,000. The intent is for a third-party to build gas-fired power generation on-site.

 

The description of the 203 Acre Agreement is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such document, which is filed as an exhibit to this Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Sale of the Company’s interest in TCDC

 

On December 19, 2025, SharonAI, a subsidiary of Pubco, entered into a Binding Term Sheet for Acquisition of Interest in Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC (the “Term Sheet”), setting forth the terms and conditions for SharonAI’s sale of 100% of its 50% interest in Texas Critical Data Centers LLC (“TCDC”) to New Era Energy & Digital Inc. (“NUAI”). TCDC is a joint venture between SharonAI and NUAI formed to fund, develop, and construct a planned 250 Mega Watt sustainable data center site project behind the meter with a natural gas-fired power plant in Ector County, Texas.

 

The Term Sheet obligates SharonAI and NUAI to negotiate and execute customary definitive agreements in good faith that incorporate the terms of the Term Sheet and contain other customary terms and conditions, as expeditiously as possible, and no later than January 15, 2026.

 

The consideration NUAI will pay SharonAI for the interests of TCDC will be an aggregate of $70,000,000, of which, (a) $10,000,000 will be payable in cash, with (i) $150,000 payable as a non-refundable deposit within 14 days of December 19, 2025, and (ii) $9,850,000 payable upon the occurrence of certain events, but no later than March 31, 2026; (b) $10,000,000 will be payable in common stock or other units of NUAI upon the occurrence of certain events, but no later than March 31, 2026; and (c) $50,000,000 will be payable by issuance of a senior secured convertible promissory with a right of SharonAI to convert 20% of the amount owed into common stock of NUAI and which matures and is due June 30, 2026.

 

The sale of the interests of TCDC are subject to the condition that SharonAI reimburse NUAI for SharonAI’s portion of the amount required to be contributed to TCDC for TCDC to purchase the Additional 203 Acres (as defined below) on or before January 9, 2026, which amount is approximately $2,550,000.

 

Both parties are prohibited from, and must ensure that their directors, shareholders, employees, professional advisers and related entities do not solicit, consider, accept or otherwise pursue and contemplate other proposals in respect of the specific transaction set forth in the Term Sheet for a period of 30 days commencing on the date of execution of the Term Sheet.

 

The description of the Term Sheet is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such document, which is filed as an exhibit to this Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Factors Affecting Profitability

 

The main factors affecting our profitability are (in no particular order):

 

The market pricing and demand for HPC/AI cloud platform services and data storage;

 

Changes in the cost of computer hardware required to provide our cloud platform services and data storage;

 

The cost of data center colocation services;

 

The availability/supply of GPU/CPU/storage and other associated hardware items and equipment;

 

The cost and availability of power;

 

The market pricing and demand for our data center development projects;

 

The cost of constructing the infrastructure for data center developments including power generation, data center facilities, fiber connectivity and substations, as applicable;

 

The availability/supply of the components required for the infrastructure for the data center developments including gas turbines, reciprocating engines, transformers, backup generators and fiber;

 

While we take steps to mitigate these risks, they cannot be avoided altogether. In particular:

 

The market demand and price for HPC/AI services has not been established for a long period of time. Accordingly, there can be no reliability that future market rates for HPC/AI services will reflect the current prices being offered to us in the market.

 

Strong demand for accelerator chips and monopolistic characteristics of the market may push chip prices up over time and affect timelines for deployments.

 

Strong demand for data center capacity and low-cost power sites creates a competitive market that may increase the price of hosting our HPC/AI hardware in colocation data centers.

 

We currently have a single project as part of our data center development business that is at an early stage.

 

Energy markets are exposed to supply and demand conditions that may result in increased power costs or supply limitations.

 

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Research and Development

 

Our research and development, or R&D, program is focused on researching and exploring opportunities to develop proprietary data storage software and system architecture to accelerate storage and retrieval of data across distributed networks and management of complex compute resource demands to enable idle compute to serve multiple purposes. We procure all the necessary hardware and conduct research and development on service management, focusing on enhancing user interfaces, optimizing load management, and improving orchestration for seamless and efficient operations.

 

We have also commenced research into the software elements of computing and are in the initial stages of researching a range of programs to improve efficiency and accessibility of our products. We are currently only conducting research in Australia under the R&D Tax incentive scheme. We do not operate a separate division or forecast budget for R&D activities instead evaluating expenses occurred through the year on an arrears basis.

 

The R&D Tax Incentive in Australia is a government program that provides tax offsets to businesses investing in eligible research and development activities. Companies with an annual turnover below AUD$20 million receive a refundable tax offset of their corporate tax rate plus an 18.5% premium, while larger businesses receive a non-refundable offset based on their R&D intensity. To qualify, activities must involve systematic experimentation to generate new knowledge, adhering to scientific principles. Businesses must register their R&D activities with AusIndustry and then claim the offset through the Australian Taxation Office. The incentive is designed to support innovation, technology development, and business growth, but companies must ensure reporting and compliance to be eligible.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We rely on trademark and trade secret laws, as well as employee and third-party non-disclosure, confidentiality and other types of contractual arrangements to establish, maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights, including with respect to our proprietary rights related to our products.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, we have the following trademark:

 

Trademark   Country   Date of registration   Registration No.  
SharonAI   United States of America   September 16, 2025     7,943,687  
SharonAI   Australia   April 3, 2025     2481068  

 

We believe that the trademarks that we use in our business are important for building our brand image and brand recognition. Therefore, we will develop marketing strategies, including advertising and branding campaigns, accordingly.

 

Customers

 

Our prospective customers for the HPC/AI cloud platform include start-ups, small-to-medium size enterprises, and larger enterprises, including universities, research institutes, financial services companies, insurance companies and governmental authorities that are or desire to leverage AI and HPC. Our cloud platform allows these customers to pay for compute and storage capacity over time, with flexibility to pay based on consumption. It also allows the customers to outsource the requisition, deployment and operation of the hardware.

 

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Our top 3 customers constituted 99% of our 2024 revenue and were in no particular order:

 

Filecoin Network(1) – The Filecoin network is a decentralized storage system that allows users to rent out or purchase storage space on a distributed network of nodes. Built on blockchain technology, Filecoin incentivizes storage providers with FIL tokens for securely storing and retrieving data. Unlike traditional cloud storage, it ensures redundancy, security, and censorship resistance by distributing files across multiple independent nodes. Users can verify the integrity of stored data through cryptographic proofs, making Filecoin a trustless and efficient solution for decentralized storage.

 

Vast.ai – A GPU aggregator website which connects users needing high-performance computing power with providers offering GPU resources. These platforms aggregate GPUs from various sources, including data centers and individual owners, and offer them on-demand for AI training, rendering, and other compute-intensive tasks. Users can browse available GPUs, compare pricing and performance, and rent them for specific durations. The platform manages resource allocation, load balancing, and payments and we do not have any direct contact with the underlying customer of the aggregator.

 

Runpod.io – A GPU aggregator website which connects users needing high-performance computing power with providers offering GPU resources. These platforms aggregate GPUs from various sources, including data centers and individual owners, and offer them on-demand for AI training, rendering, and other compute-intensive tasks. Users can browse available GPUs, compare pricing and performance, and rent them for specific durations. The platform manages resource allocation, load balancing, and payments and we do not have any direct contact with the underlying customer of the aggregator.

 

We rely on a limited number of existing GPU aggregator customers which poses significant risks, particularly in terms of revenue stability and business scalability. A concentrated customer base means the loss of even a few key clients could severely impact cash flow and profitability. Additionally, aggregator platforms operate in a competitive and evolving market, where customers may switch providers based on pricing, performance, or service reliability. This dependency also limits negotiation power, making it harder to adjust pricing or service terms. To mitigate this risk, diversifying the customer base and expanding into new markets or industries is crucial for long-term sustainability.

 

Suppliers

 

We engage a range of suppliers for access to hardware and software required to provide our digital services. This includes the manufacturers of the compute and storage equipment and data center colocation providers. We have obtained our compute and storage equipment primarily from Lenovo. We have agreements for the provision of colocation services with Equinix in Sydney, and NEXTDC in Melbourne, who host our cloud platform equipment. As an NVIDIA Cloud Partner (NCP) we have a strategic partnership engagement with NVIDIA across multiple products, engineering and sales.

 

Our data center development business project, TCDC, is working with a group of potential suppliers and contractors around the power generation, data center facility, fiber connectivity and permitting/entitlements.

 

Our top 3 operational suppliers in no particular order were:

 

NextDC Limited – NextDC provide data center colocation services to the Company

 

ASE Pty Ltd and – ASE is an intermediary that provides Equinix data centre colocation services as well as network and internet services to the Company.

 

Lenovo Global Technology (Australia and New Zealand) Pty Limited – Lenovo provide hardware managed services to the Company.

 

 

 
(1) As of June 30, 2025, the Company no longer provides services to this customer, and no revenues have been recognized from this customer subsequent to that date.

 

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Industry Overview

 

Cloud computing is at its core the delivery of compute and storage servers and software applications over the internet. It has gained popularity in part due to the flexibility around paying only for what customers need and outsourcing the acquisition and management of the infrastructure. Traditional cloud computing is based on CPUs but more recently, cloud GPU computing, or GPU-as-a-Service, has increased, propelled by demand for high-performance computing across a range of data-intensive and computationally complex applications. Enterprises and researchers increasingly rely on advanced GPUs to power AI, machine learning, data analytics, computer vision, scientific simulations, and other tasks that require large-scale parallel processing. This has led to growth in both the demand and supply of on-demand GPU resources. This combination of increasing workloads that demand parallel processing and evolving consumption models that make GPUs more accessible has caused industry growth, creating specialized GPU-as-a-Service and GPU cloud platforms including the competitors listed below. The AI industry also faces challenges, with concerns including bias and misuse as well as around the environmental impact of the growing data center industry.

 

Cloud storage is an integral part of cloud computing which increasingly deals with large data sets. One of the first modern cloud services offered was Amazon Web Services’ Simple Storage Service (S3). There are different use cases for storage, including high-performance storage optimized for rapid data access and backup storage for data that is accessed less frequently.

 

Data centers are used to host the compute and storage servers, providing security, electricity, cooling and network connectivity. According to a research report by CBRE, the rise of AI compute is driving demand for power-intensive infrastructure, including a premium on energy-efficiency capabilities such as liquid cooling over air cooling. In addition, tertiary and rural markets have seen increased deal activity for powered land. The recently announced Project Stargate highlights the strategic importance of data center infrastructure and President Trump announced plans by the government and private industry to invest up to $500 billion over the next four years in the U.S. as part of the project. The demand for data center infrastructure has also created challenges around the supply chain and the procurement of critical components, including on the power generation side.

 

Competition

 

The HPC/AI cloud industry is dynamic and global. Many of the industry participants are larger operators of facilities, with access to both large energy infrastructure and supply of the appropriate compute and storage equipment required to operate cloud platforms at scale. Some of the larger operators of cloud platforms are also developers or owners of data centers besides specialized data center operators.

 

We will compete with them directly for the acquisition of new compute and storage equipment, access to energy infrastructure and raising capital. Digital infrastructure providers, including us, also compete with more traditional industries, for example, when obtaining the lowest cost of electricity, or access to sites with reliable sources of power. Many digital infrastructure operators are not publicly operated, and therefore data is not readily available.

 

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Public reporting companies operating cloud platforms and/or data centers used by cloud platforms include:

 

  Bit Digital, Inc.
     
  Hive Digital Technologies Ltd.
     
  IREN Limited
     
  Applied Digital Corporation
     
  Core Scientific Inc
     
  Hut 8 Corp.
     
  BitDeer Technologies Group
     
  DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc.
     
  Nebius Group N.V.
     
  Amazon.com Inc.
     
  Alphabet Inc.
     
  Microsoft Corp.
     
  Coreweave, Inc.

 

Strategy

 

Our strategy is to build an HPC/AI infrastructure business that operates cloud services and develops data center infrastructure. Our strategic focus includes:

 

Cloud Services for HPC/AI

 

Operate our cloud services in co-location data centers serving small and medium sized businesses, research, enterprises and other customers.

 

Offer a range of deployment models, including on-demand and reserved, as well as providing bare-metal, virtual machine and containers, to meet diverse workload requirements.

 

Provide high-speed networking, low-latency performance, and integration with AI and HPC workflows.

 

  While our services can be accessed from other countries, we are focused on Australia because of the more limited availability, compared to the U.S., of cloud infrastructure supporting complex AI compute requirements in Australia at this time.

 

We are designing our services for demanding AI requirements, including dedicated resources for non-contending performance.

 

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Storage for Secure and Scalable Data Solutions

 

Provide a storage service to support AI datasets, research archives, and enterprise cloud needs.

 

We offer both high-performance storage solutions as well as high-capacity backup storage.

 

Development and Partnerships

 

Collaborate with hardware manufacturers and develop software to optimize GPU utilization and overall computing performance.

 

Develop land and powered-shell data centers for enterprise customers. Our first project, TCDC, intends to combine a data center with on-site power generation and includes a partner who can supply natural gas, providing an innovative alternative to grid power. We may alternatively sell land with access to power sell part or all of the project.

 

Government Regulations and Environment

 

Our business is subject to regulation by various federal, state, local, and foreign governmental agencies, including agencies responsible for monitoring and enforcing employment and labor laws, workplace safety and environmental laws, including those related to energy usage and energy efficiency requirements, privacy and data protection laws, AI, financial services laws, anti-bribery laws, sanctions, national security, import and export controls, anti-boycott, federal securities laws, and tax laws and regulations.

 

For example, governmental authorities have in the past sought to restrict data center development based on environmental considerations and have imposed moratoria on data center development, citing concerns about energy usage, requiring new data centers to meet energy efficiency requirements. We may face higher costs from any laws requiring enhanced energy efficiency measures, changes to cooling systems, caps on energy usage, land use restrictions, limitations on back-up power sources, or other environmental requirements.

 

In certain foreign jurisdictions, these regulatory requirements may be more stringent than those in the United States. These laws and regulations are subject to change over time and thus we must continue to monitor and dedicate resources to ensure continued compliance. In particular, the global AI regulatory environment continues to evolve as regulators and lawmakers have started proposing and adopting, or are currently considering, regulations and guidance specifically on the use of AI. Non-compliance with applicable regulations or requirements could subject us to investigations, sanctions, mandatory product recalls, enforcement actions, disgorgement of profits, fines, damages, civil and criminal penalties, or injunctions and jail time for responsible employees and managers. If any governmental sanctions are imposed, or if we do not prevail in any possible civil or criminal litigation, our business, operating results, financial condition, and future prospects could be materially adversely affected. In addition, responding to any action will likely result in a significant diversion of management’s attention and resources and an increase in professional fees. Enforcement actions and sanctions could harm our business, operating results, financial condition, and future prospects.

 

Our sustainability initiatives, goals, or commitments could be difficult to achieve or costly to implement. Moreover, compliance with recently adopted and potential upcoming ESG requirements, including California legislation that requires various climate-related disclosures, the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and the United Kingdom’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting framework will require the dedication of significant time and resources. In addition, we may also be required to comply with the SEC’s comprehensive climate change disclosure rules, which have been stayed pending judicial review. Additionally, if our competitors’ corporate social responsibility performance is perceived to be better than ours, potential, or current investors may elect to invest with our competitors instead. Our business may face increased scrutiny related to these activities and our related disclosures, including from the investment community, and our failure to achieve progress or manage the dynamic public sentiment and legal landscape in these areas on a timely basis, or at all, could adversely affect our reputation, business, and financial performance.

 

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Human Capital

 

Our employees are critical to our success. As of October 31, 2025, we had 14 employees, board members, advisors and contractors based in Australia and the United States. We further rely on the extensive expertise of our external advisers, including legal, audit, financial and compliance consultants, who may be engaged on an hourly basis, or on a project basis.

 

The table below breaks down our full-time personnel by function as of October 31, 2025:

 

Function   Number of
Employees
    % of
Total
 
Executive   4       50 %
General Operations   4       50 %
Total   8       100 %

 

Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we may be party to or otherwise involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We recognize provisions for legal proceedings in our financial statements, in accordance with accounting rules, when we are advised by independent outside counsel that (i) it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and (ii) a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The assessment of the likelihood of loss includes analysis by outside counsel of available evidence, the hierarchy of laws, available case law, recent court rulings and their relevance in the legal system. Our provisions for probable losses arising from these matters are estimated and periodically adjusted by management. In making these adjustments our management relies on the opinions of our external legal advisors. Management does not believe that there is any pending or threatened proceeding against us, which, if determined adversely, would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Facilities and Properties

 

We lease a shared workspace at 745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500 New York, NY 10151. The office serves as the location for our CEO and our principal place of business. The facility is contracted on a short-term rolling commitment with ad hoc charges for the use of working areas.

 

We lease a shared workspace at L5 24 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW Australia. The offices are contracted on a short-term rolling commitment and serves as the office for our Australian staff members. We currently have a designated area of approximately 16m2 with 4 desks and associated equipment, the Company currently pays AUD$4,004 per month for these services with the price re-evaluated in line with the rolling commitment every 6 months.

 

Our operating computer hardware and servers, including GPU’s and CPU’s, are currently co-located in three locations in Australia (two data centers located in Sydney, New South Wales, in Equinix Inc’s SY3 and SY5 facility and the third is located in Melbourne, Victoria in NextDC Limited’s M3 facility). The space and cost at the colocation facilities are based on the physical rack space required at any point in time and the power usage capacity required for our infrastructure.

 

Corporate Information

 

We were incorporated in the state of Delaware on February 15, 2024 under the name SharonAI, and now includes the businesses of DSS, which is 99% owned and AAM which is 100% owned, which date back to 2021. On [●], 2025, we completed our business combination with Roth CH Acquisition Co, in accordance with the terms of the Business Combination Agreement dated January 28, 2025, as amended, by and among us, Roth CH Acquisition Co., and Roth CH Holdings, Inc., Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc. pursuant to which Roth CH Acquisition Co. merged with and into The Company with the Company as the surviving corporation (the Domestication Merger”) and Merger Sub has merged with and into SharonAI with the SharonAI as the surviving corporation (the Acquisition Merger” and collectively with the Domestication Merger the “Business Combination”).

 

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Our principal executive offices are located at 745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500 New York, NY 10151. Our contact email is info@sharonai.com, and our website is www.sharonai.com. The information contained on our website is not included in, nor incorporated by reference into, this prospectus. You should not rely on any such information in making your decision whether to purchase our securities.

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited (DSS) Transaction

 

On or around June 3, 2024, we sent offer letters to certain shareholders of DSS offering to purchase their ordinary shares of DSS in exchange for shares of SharonAI common stock, at a ratio of 0.16 shares of SharonAI common stock for each ordinary share of DSS (the “Offer”). In connection with the Offer, our board of directors authorized and approved the purchase of up to 2,423,375 ordinary shares of DSS and the issuance of up to 500,000 shares of SharonAI common stock in connection with this Offer. Our board of directors also authorized and approved the issuance of up to an additional 110,174 shares of SharonAI common stock to holders of Simple Agreements for Future Equity with DSS (“SAFE”s) upon the conversion and termination of such SAFEs into shares of SharonAI common stock at a ratio of one (1) share of SharonAI common stock per $50 of Purchase Amount of the SAFE, and also the issuance of warrants to purchase of up to an additional 8,195 shares of SharonAI common stock to holders of Warrant Deeds to purchase DSS shares at a ratio of one (1) share of SharonAI common stock per zero point one six one (0.161) DSS share. As of December 31, 2024, we have purchased ordinary shares of DSS representing 99% of the issued capital of DSS. DSS has one (1) shareholder who did not accept the offer and owns approximately 1% of DSS.

 

DSS is an Australian company that operates HPC/AI and distributed storage operations. DSS operates a high-capacity distributed storage business with 51 petabytes (PB) of active storage, providing scalable, secure, and decentralized data storage solutions. In addition to storage operations, DSS had a small GPU bare-metal service business. DSS was established in 2021 and has been growing its storage operations and capacity whilst researching ways to improve the distributed storage environment.

 

Alternative Asset Management Pty Ltd/SharonAI Pty Ltd (SAIPL) and Digital Income Fund Pty Ltd (DIF) Transaction

 

On or around April of 2024, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of SAIPL from the owners thereof in consideration for issuing an aggregate of 210,000 shares of SharonAI common stock. In connection with the acquisition of SAIPL, we and SAIPL entered into a Business Sale Agreement pursuant to which SAIPL acquired certain assets of DIF, and we issued DIF 55,000 shares of SharonAI common stock in consideration for such assets.

 

SAIPL is an Australian company that held a Tier 3 designed Modular Data Centre equipment and data storage business (previously utilizing the Filecoin network) utilizing the acquired equipment from DIF. Formed in 2021, the business was non-operational until 2024 when it acquired the aforementioned assets.

 

2024 Private Offerings

 

In 2024, SharonAI conducted 3 private offerings of its common stock in order to raise capital. In June, 2024, Sharon sold 74,906 shares of our common stock in an offering that raised $2,921,334. In August, 2024 SharonAI sold 69,192 shares of its common stock in an offering that raised $2,584,387. In the period between October and December, 2024, SharonAI sold 82,696 shares of its common stock in an offering that raised $5,116,998. The Company engaged DigitalAI Holding Pty Ltd (DigitalAI) in Australia to facilitate the raises. DigitalAI is an authorized representative of an Australian Financial Services License holder, and was paid $568,223 across the 3 raises.

 

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Recent Developments

 

Amendment to Yorkville Agreements

 

On December 15, 2025, SharonAI entered into an Amendment (the “YA Amendment”) to Convertible Promissory Notes and Note Purchase Agreement with YA II PN, Ltd (“YA”) Under the terms of the YA Amendment, during the period starting on December 15, 2025 and ended on January 20, 2026, (the “Suspension Period”), (A) the following obligations of the Company shall be suspended: (a) the obligation to assign the notes issued by SharonAI to YA (collectively, the “Notes”) to SharonAI Holding, Inc. (“Holdings”), (b) the obligation to cause Holdings to assume the Note or enter the Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (“SEPA”), and (c) the obligation to make any payments to the YA under the Notes, and (B) YA shall not: (a) convert either Note into shares of Pubco’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock, or (b) have any obligations to make any further Pre-Paid Advances; in each such case provided that SharonAI strictly complies with the covenants set forth in Section 4 of this Amendment. SharonAI agrees that upon the expiration or termination of the Suspension Period (unless the Notes are repaid in full as provided in Section 4 of this Amendment), the suspension of the obligations and payments due to be performed under any of the Agreements that may have arose during the Suspension Period shall be in full force and effect upon the termination of the Suspension Period.

 

In connection with the Amendment, SharonAI agreed to pay YA (i) an initial payment within 4 business days of the date of this Amendment of $350,000, which is comprised of (a) $263,636 of principal of the promissory note dated October 21, 2025; (b) a Redemption Premium (as defined in the Notes) in respect of such principal in the amount of $26,364; and (c) $60,000 of accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes (representing all accrued and unpaid interest as of December 11, 2025); and (ii) a final payment on or before the expiration of the Suspension Period in an amount equal to the aggregate of the following as of the date of such payment: (a) the outstanding principal of each Note; (b) a Redemption Premium (as defined in the Notes) in respect of such Principal amount; (c) the accrued and unpaid Interest of each Note; and (d) a $250,000 fee, which aggregate payment shall be in complete payment and satisfaction of all amounts owed and other obligations under all of the Agreements and the Agreements shall terminate and be of no further effect upon SharonAI making such payment and none of the parties, nor any of their respective successors in interest or permitted assigns, shall have any further rights or obligations or any continuing liability under the Agreements after such payment is made by SharonAI.

 

Convertible Notes

 

On December 17, 2025 Pubco entered into 10% convertible promissory notes (the “December 2025 Convertible Notes”) with three accredited investors pursuant to which Pubco issued convertible promissory notes the amount of $2,250,000 to the investor in consideration of $2,250,000. The notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum and have a maturity date of December 17, 2026. The unpaid and outstanding principal amount and accrued interest automatically convert into shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock at a conversion price of $0.12. As soon as practicable (and in any event within 30-calendar days of the closing of the Business Combination Agreement, Pubco agreed to file a registration statement on Form S-1 providing for the resale of the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the December 2025 Convertible Notes. The proceeds from the issuance of the December 2025 Convertible Notes were used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

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TCDC Property Purchase

 

On December 19, 2025, TCDC completed its acquisition of approximately 203 acres of real property located in Block 41, T-2-S, T&P RR Co. Survey, Ector County, Texas (the “Additional 203 Acres”) pursuant to a Contract to Purchase dated November 21, 2025 (the “203 Acre Agreement”), between TCDC and Odessa Industrial Development Corporation d/b/a Grow Odessa (“Grow Odessa”), from whom TCDC previously purchased a contiguous 235 acres of land from on July 25, 2025. The total price for the Additional 203 Acres was $5,100,000. The intent is for a third-party to build gas-fired power generation on-site.

 

The description of the 203 Acre Agreement is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such document, which is filed as an exhibit to this Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Sale of the Company’s interest in TCDC

 

On December 19, 2025, SharonAI, a subsidiary of Pubco, entered into a Binding Term Sheet for Acquisition of Interest in Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC (the “Term Sheet”), setting forth the terms and conditions for SharonAI’s sale of 100% of its 50% interest in Texas Critical Data Centers LLC (“TCDC”) to New Era Energy & Digital Inc. (“NUAI”). TCDC is a joint venture between SharonAI and NUAI formed to fund, develop, and construct a planned 250 Mega Watt sustainable data center site project behind the meter with a natural gas-fired power plant in Ector County, Texas.

 

The Term Sheet obligates SharonAI and NUAI to negotiate and execute customary definitive agreements in good faith that incorporate the terms of the Term Sheet and contain other customary terms and conditions, as expeditiously as possible, and no later than January 15, 2026.

 

The consideration NUAI will pay SharonAI for the interests of TCDC will be an aggregate of $70,000,000, of which, (a) $10,000,000 will be payable in cash, with (i) $150,000 payable as a non-refundable deposit within 14 days of December 19, 2025, and (ii) $9,850,000 payable upon the occurrence of certain events, but no later than March 31, 2026; (b) $10,000,000 will be payable in common stock or other units of NUAI upon the occurrence of certain events, but no later than March 31, 2026; and (c) $50,000,000 will be payable by issuance of a senior secured convertible promissory with a right of SharonAI to convert 20% of the amount owed into common stock of NUAI and which matures and is due June 30, 2026.

 

The sale of the interests of TCDC are subject to the condition that SharonAI reimburse NUAI for SharonAI’s portion of the amount required to be contributed to TCDC for TCDC to purchase the Additional 203 Acres (as defined below) on or before January 9, 2026, which amount is approximately $2,550,000.

 

Both parties are prohibited from, and must ensure that their directors, shareholders, employees, professional advisers and related entities do not solicit, consider, accept or otherwise pursue and contemplate other proposals in respect of the specific transaction set forth in the Term Sheet for a period of 30 days commencing on the date of execution of the Term Sheet.

 

The description of the Term Sheet is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such document, which is filed as an exhibit to this Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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New Convertible Note Financing

 

On December 19, 2025 the Company, entered into a Convertible Note Agreement (the “New Financing Agreement”) with certain investors (the “Noteholders”), pursuant to which the Noteholders agreed to provide financing in the aggregate principal amount of approximately US$ 100,000,000 of unsecured, redeemable, convertible notes (the “Notes”). Canaccord Genuity Australia served as the sole lead manager for the transaction.

 

Promptly after entering into the Agreement, SharonAI Inc. assigned, and SharonAI assumed, the obligations and responsibilities of SharonAI Inc. in connection with and arising out of the Agreement and the Notes.

 

Pursuant to the Agreement, SharonAI and its subsidiaries (“we,” “us,” or the “Company”) may accept additional over-subscriptions up to a maximum aggregate total of US$200 million until January 15, 2026. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 12% per annum from April 19, 2026, through December 18, 2026, and 15% per annum on and from the December 19, 2026 until the Notes are redeemed, cancelled or converted. The Notes mature on December 19, 2027 (the “Maturity Date”), unless earlier converted or redeemed.

 

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Notes may be converted into shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock of the Company in certain circumstances, including by the Company prior to a Corporate Event (as defined in the Agreement), upon completion of an initial public offering on the Australian Securities Exchange or other securities exchange (subject to additional terms) or at maturity. Upon conversion, the number of shares issuable is calculated based on the sum of principal and accrued interest divided by the lower of a discounted transaction price or a predetermined valuation cap or maturity conversion price. Conversion and issuance of securities pursuant to the Notes are subject to compliance with the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC or prior stockholder approval.

 

Redemption rights are available to the Noteholders on the Maturity Date or upon the occurrence of an event of default (if not converted), in which case the redemption price includes both principal and accrued but unpaid interest.

 

The proceeds from the offering are expected to be used primarily to accelerate the deployment of high density computing power in the form of NVIDIA GPUs, including B200’s, B300’s and GB300’s.

 

The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and are being offered and sold in reliance on applicable exemptions from registration pursuant to Regulation S or Rule 506(b) of Regulation D, or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act because, among other things, the transaction did not involve a public offering, the investors are accredited investors, the investors are taking the securities for investment and not resale, the Company took appropriate measures to restrict the transfer of the securities and certain of the Noteholders are not US persons in the United States. The securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. This Current Report on Form 8-K shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these Notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. 

 

The Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants of the Company and the Noteholder that are customary for a transaction of this nature. The Agreement also contains indemnification obligations of the parties thereto.

 

The foregoing description of the New Financing Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by the full text of the New Financing Agreement, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company will be managed by or under the direction of the board of directors of the Company. The following persons are serving as executive officers and directors of the Company as of the date hereof.

 

Name   Age   Position
Wolfgang Schubert   55   Chief Executive Officer, President, Director
Tim Broadfoot   34   Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Corporate Secretary
Andrew Leece   40   Chief Operating Officer
Daniel Mons   45   Chief Technology Officer
James Manning   40   Non-Executive Chairman, Director
Alastair Cairns   52   Director
Brent Lanier   47   Director
Peter Woodward   52   Director

 

Executive Officers

 

Wolfgang Schubert

 

Wolf Schubert has served as the Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company since consummation of the Business Combination and of SharonAI since June of 2024, shortly after its inception. He has over 28 years’ experience across capital markets, risk, asset management and technology with both public and private companies. Before joining Sharon AI, he served as a vice president at BlockFi, a digital asset lender, from 2021 until 2022 where he ran part of BlockFi’s institutional business. Before that, he served as a director of operations and portfolio finance at Vista Equity Partners, a private equity firm that invests in software, data, and technology-enabled businesses, from 2019 to 2021, and at Strategic Value Partners, an investment firm focused on non-performing credit and private equity, from 2008 to 2015, ultimately serving as Chief Risk Officer. Mr. Schubert began his career at Oliver Wyman before spending several years as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Merrill Lynch. Mr. Schubert was born and raised in Germany and has Bachelors degrees in Mechanical Engineering and in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a Masters degree from Princeton University in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

 

Tim Broadfoot

 

Tim Broadfoot has served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since consummation of the Business Combination and of SharonAI since July 1 2024. After its acquisition by SharonAI, Mr. Broadfoot has also continued to serve as the Chief Financial Officer of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited ACN 646 979 222, an Australian company that operates HPC/AI and distributed storage operations, a position he started May 1 2024, before its acquisition by SharonAI. He has over a decade of experience across corporate finance, accounting, business, asset management and operations in both public and private companies. Mr. Broadfoot currently serves as a Responsible Manager for Defender Asset Management Pty Ltd, a diversified asset manager, from 2022. Mr. Broadfoot also previously served as Chief Corporate Officer for Mawson Infrastructure Group Inc. (NASDAQ:MIGI), a digital infrastructure platform developer and operator, from 2020 until 2024, where he was responsible for building and managing over 120MW of data center infrastructure across the USA and Australia. Mr. Broadfoot has a Bachelors of Commerce (Finance) from the University of Western Australia.

 

Andrew Leece

 

Andrew Leece has served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company since consummation of the Business Combination and of SharonAI since February 15, 2024. After its acquisition by SharonAI, Mr. Leece has also continued to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited ACN 646 979 222, an Australian company that operates HPC/AI and distributed storage operations, a position he started in 2021, before its acquisition by SharonAI. He also served as Chief Executive Officer at AirOne Media, Inc., a digital aircraft sales and finance platform, from 2017 until 2021. He began his career with Macquarie Bank (ASX:MQG), with a tenure spanning 2007 to 2015, where he gained significant experience in Corporate and Asset Finance. He then embarked on various entrepreneurial endeavors including technologies developed for the Aviation industry. Andrew has been a director of ISI Australia, a leading provider of mainframe computing managed services since 2018.

 

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Daniel Mons

 

Daniel Mons has served as the Chief Technology Officer of the Company since consummation of the Business Combination SharonAI since May 17, 2025. He has over 20 years experience in high performance computing encompassing infrastructure design, systems architecture, information security and cluster administration. Prior to joining SharonAI, he worked at Queensland State Government’s Department of Environment, Science, Energy and Innovation’s “ASDI,” Cutting Edge, Eyecon and Sunsuper building and managing HPC environments. He is proficient across Linux and open source technologies, security, encryption, networking and virtualization, and has a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) from the University of Queensland.

 

Directors

 

Wolfgang Schubert -see biography above under ”Executive Officers”

 

James Manning

 

James Manning has been a Director and the Chairman of the Company since consummation of the Business Combination and of SharonAI since February 15, 2024. After its acquisition by SharonAI, Mr. Manning has also continued to serve as the Chairman of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited ACN 646 979 222, until September 2024, an Australian company that operates HPC/AI and distributed storage operations, a position he started January 2021, before its acquisition by SharonAI. Mr. Manning has over 20 years’ experience across corporate finance, accounting, business, asset management and operations in both public and private companies. He has spent the last 5 years focused on digital asset infrastructure, with a keen focus on the energy requirements for data center development. Mr. Manning currently serves as Managing Director at Vertua Limited, a listed investment company, a position he has held since June 2014. He was the founder and CEO of Mawson Infrastructure Group Inc. (NASDAQ:MIGI), a digital infrastructure platform developer and operator, until May of 2023. He is also the Chairman of Defender Asset Management Pty Ltd, a diversified asset manager, a position he has held since September 2015.

 

Mr. Manning has a Master of Business (Finance) and a Masters in Property Development from the University of Technology Sydney, as well a Bachelor of Accounting from Australian Catholic University. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors (FAICD), and a member of Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).

 

Alastair Cairns

 

Alastair Cairns has been a Director of the Company since consummation of the Business Combination and of SharonAI since September of 2024. Previously, Mr. Cairns served as the Head of Asset Management, North America, at Linedata, a European listed financial software company, a position he held from July 2024 to November 2025. Previously, he was head of insights and marketplace at Addepar, a provider of reporting and analytics software to wealth managers, from 2017 until 2022. Prior to Addepar, he held executive positions at Credit Suisse from 2007 until 2016 in strategy, product and sales, in asset management and private banking. Alastair began his career at McKinsey & Company, where he rose to partner in the financial services practice. He holds degrees in Physics and Economics from Queen’s University in Canada and a Masters in Economics from the University of Chicago.

 

Brent Lanier

 

Brent Lanier has been a Director of the Company since consummation of the Business Combination and of SharonAI since October of 2024. Most recently, he was the Global Chief Information Officer at Vista Equity Partners, a technology-focused global private equity firm, with $100BN in funds under management and over 600+ private equity transactions, from 2017 until 2024. Prior to Vista Equity Partners, he held positions at Boston Consulting Group, Bain Capital and Cambridge Associates. Mr. Lanier began his career at Andersen Consulting and holds an undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Georgia Tech and a graduate degree in Technology Management from Harvard University.

 

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Peter Woodward

 

Peter Woodward has been a Director of the Company since consummation of the Business Combination Mr. Woodward is the founder of MHW Capital Management, LLC, a position he has held since September 2005. From 1996 to 2005, Mr. Woodward was the Managing Director for Regan Fund Management, LLC. He served as the President and Chief Executive Officer and Director of Cartesian, Inc. from June 2015 to July 2018, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee for TSS, Inc., as Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee for Precision Optics Corporation, and as the CEO of Innovative Power, LLC. Prior to founding MHW Capital Management, Mr. Woodward served as an economist for the Council of Economic Advisors at the White House. Mr. Woodward holds a BA in economics from Colgate University and a Masters of International Affairs with a concentration in international economics and finance from Columbia University. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst.

 

Board Composition

 

The Company’s business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). There are currently five members on the Board in Class I, Class II and Class III directors consisting of James Manning, Peter Woodward, Alastair Cairns, Wolfgang Schubert and Brent Lanier, with James Manning to serve as a Class III director until the 2028 annual meeting and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation, removal or death, with each of Peter Woodward and Alastair Cairns to serve as a Class II director until the 2027 annual meeting and until his respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation, removal or death, and with each of Wolfgang Schubert and Brent Lanier to serve as a Class I director until the 2026 annual meeting and until his respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation, removal or death.

 

Role of the Board in Risk Oversight

 

Our Board will have extensive involvement in the oversight of risk management related to the Company and its business and will accomplish this oversight through the regular reporting to the Board by the audit committee. The audit committee will represent the Board by periodically reviewing its accounting, reporting and financial practices, including the integrity of its financial statements, the surveillance of administrative and financial controls and its compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Through its regular meetings with management, including the finance, legal, internal audit and information technology functions, the audit committee will review and discuss all significant areas of our business and summarize for our Board all areas of risk and the appropriate mitigating factors. In addition, our Board will receive periodic detailed operating performance reviews from management.

 

Director Independence

 

The Company’s securities are not listed on a national securities exchange or in an inter-dealer quotation system which has requirements that directors be independent. However, the Company has adopted the independence standards of the NASDAQ Capital Market to determine the independence of our directors and those directors serving on any committee. These standards provide that a person will be considered an independent director if he or she is not an officer of the company and is, in the view of the company’s board of directors, free of any relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment.

 

Alastair Cairns, Brent Lanier and Peter Woodward will be our independent directors, as defined under the rules promulgated by the NASDAQ. Our independent directors will have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present. Any affiliated transactions will be on terms that our Board of Directors will believe are no less favorable to us than could be obtained from independent parties. None of the independent directors has any relationship with us besides serving on our Board of Directors.

 

The Company has determined that each of the directors is qualified to serve as one of our directors based on a review of the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of each director. In reaching this determination, we have considered a variety of criteria, including, among other things: character and integrity; ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided, to exercise effective business judgment and to interact effectively with the other directors; and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a director.

 

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Board Committees

 

The standing committees of the our Board will consist of an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. Our Board may from time to time establish other committees.

 

Our chief executive officer and other executive officers will regularly report to the non-executive directors and the audit, the compensation and the nominating and corporate governance committees to ensure effective and efficient oversight of our activities and to assist in proper risk management and the ongoing evaluation of management controls. We believe that the leadership structure of our Board will provide appropriate risk oversight of our activities.

 

Audit Committee

 

We have established an audit committee of the Board of Directors consisting of Peter Woodward, Alastair Cairns and Brent Lanier, who are independent directors under Nasdaq’s listing standards.

 

Peter Woodward is the chairperson of the audit committee. The audit committee’s duties, which are specified in our Audit Committee Charter, include, but are not limited to:

 

  assisting board oversight of (1) the integrity of our financial statements, (2) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, (3) our independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence, and (4) the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm; the appointment, compensation, retention, replacement and oversight of the work of the independent auditors and any other independent registered public accounting firm engaged by us;

 

  pre-approving all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditors or any other registered public accounting firm engaged by us, and establishing pre-approval policies and procedures; reviewing and discussing with the independent registered public accounting firm all relationships the auditors have with us in order to evaluate their continued independence;

 

  setting clear policies for audit partner rotation in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; obtaining and reviewing a report, at least annually, from the independent registered public accounting firm describing (1) the independent registered public accounting firm’s internal quality-control procedures and (2) any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the audit firm, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm and any steps taken to deal with such issues;

 

  meeting to review and discuss our annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements with management and the independent auditor, including reviewing our specific disclosures under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”; reviewing and approving any related party transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC prior to us entering into such transaction; and

 

  reviewing with management, the independent and our legal advisors, as appropriate, any legal, regulatory or compliance matters, including any correspondence with regulators or government agencies and any employee complaints or published reports that raise material issues regarding our financial statements or accounting policies and any significant changes in accounting standards or rules promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC or other regulatory authorities.

 

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Financial Experts on Audit Committee

 

Pursuant to Nasdaq rules, the audit committee will at all times be composed exclusively of independent directors who are able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including a company’s balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement.

 

In addition, we have at least one member who has past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or other comparable experience or background results in the individual’s financial sophistication. The Board of Directors of the Company believes that Peter Woodward qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under the rules and regulations of Nasdaq and the SEC.

 

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

 

We have established a corporate governance and nominating committee of the Board of Directors, consisting of Peter Woodward, Alastair Cairns and Brent Lanier. Alastair Cairns is the chairperson of the corporate governance and nominating committee. The corporate governance and nominating committee is responsible for overseeing the selection of persons to be nominated to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors. The corporate governance and nominating committee considers persons identified by its members, management, stockholders, investment bankers and others.

 

Guidelines for Selecting Director Nominees

 

The guidelines for selecting nominees, which are specified in the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter, generally provide that persons to be nominated:

 

  should have demonstrated notable or significant achievements in business, education or public service;

 

  should possess the requisite intelligence, education and experience to make a significant contribution to the Board of Directors and bring a range of skills, diverse perspectives and backgrounds to its deliberations; and

 

  should have the highest ethical standards, a strong sense of professionalism and intense dedication to serving the interests of the stockholders.

 

The corporate governance and nominating committee will consider a number of qualifications relating to management and leadership experience, background and integrity and professionalism in evaluating a person’s candidacy for membership on the Board of Directors. The corporate governance and nominating committee may require certain skills or attributes, such as financial or accounting experience, to meet specific board needs that arise from time to time and will also consider the overall experience and makeup of its members to obtain a broad and diverse mix of board members. The corporate governance and nominating committee does not distinguish among nominees recommended by stockholders and other persons.

 

Compensation Committee

 

We have established a compensation committee of its Board of Directors, consisting of Peter Woodward, Alastair Cairns and Brent Lanier. Brent Lanier is the chairperson of the compensation committee. The compensation committee’s duties, which are specified in our Compensation Committee Charter, include, but are not limited to:

 

  reviewing and approving on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our Chief Executive Officer’s compensation evaluating our Chief Executive Officer’s performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration (if any) of our Chief Executive Officer based on such evaluation;

 

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  reviewing and making recommendations to our board of directors with respect to compensation and any incentive compensation and equity-based plans that are subject to board approval of all of our other officers;

 

  reviewing our executive compensation policies and plans;

 

  implementing and administering our incentive compensation equity-based remuneration plans;

 

  assisting management in complying with our proxy statement and annual report disclosure requirements;

 

  all special perquisites, special cash payments and other special compensation and benefit arrangements for our officers and employees;

 

  producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement; and

 

  reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors.​

 

The charter also provides that the compensation committee may, in its sole discretion, retain or obtain the advice of a compensation consultant, independent legal counsel or other adviser and will be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of any such adviser. However, before engaging or receiving advice from a compensation consultant, external legal counsel or any other adviser, the compensation committee will consider the independence of each such adviser, including the factors required by Nasdaq and the SEC.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

None of the Company’s officers will serve, at the time of the Business Combination, or in the year prior to the time of the Business Combination, as a member of the compensation committee of any entity that has one or more officers serving on our Board of Directors.

 

Code of Business Conduct

 

The Company has adopted a code of business conduct that applies to all of its directors, officers and employees, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, which is available on our website. Our code of business conduct is a “code of ethics,” as defined in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K. Please note that our Internet website address is provided as an inactive textual reference only. We will make any legally required disclosures regarding amendments to, or waivers of, provisions of its code of ethics on its Internet website.

 

Director and Officer Indemnification Agreements

 

The Company has entered into agreements with each of its executive officers and Directors, whereby we will agree to indemnify each of them to the fullest extent permitted by law, for all amounts (including, without limitation, judgments, fines, settlement payments, expenses and reasonable out of pocket attorneys’ fees) incurred or paid by any of them in connection with any action, suit, investigation or proceeding, or threatened action, suit, investigation or proceeding, arising out of or relating to their performance of services for us or any of our subsidiaries. Any fees or other necessary expenses incurred by any of them in defending any such action, suit, investigation or proceeding shall be paid by us in advance, subject to our right to seek repayment from them directors shall serve until the next 2025 annual meeting of stockholders.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The following table provides certain information regarding compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to persons serving as the SharonAI’s named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

Introduction

 

As an emerging growth company, SharonAI has opted to comply with the executive compensation disclosure rules applicable to “smaller reporting companies,” as such term is defined in the rules promulgated under the Securities Act. The discussion below sets forth the material components of the executive compensation program for SharonAI’s executive officers who were SharonAI Inc.’s “named executive officers” and are “named executive officers” of the Company following the consummation of the Business Combination.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth compensation that SharonAI’s named executive officers earned during the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

Name and Principal Position   Year     Salary(3)(4)(5)      Bonus     Stock
Awards(1)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation
    Nonqualified
deferred
compensation
earnings
    All Other
Compensation
    Total  
          ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)  
Wolf Schubert
Chief Executive Officer
  2024       129,133       -       313,053       -       -       7,503 (7)      449,689  
Tim Broadfoot
Chief Financial Officer
  2024       105,000       -       419,250       -       -       48,969 (2)(6)      573,219  
Andrew Leece
Chief Operation Officer
  2024       170,100       -       419,250       -       -       33,127 (2)(8)      622,477  
Nicholas Hughes-Jones
SVP Business Development(9)
  2024       94,500       -       419,250       -       -       53,914 (2)(6)(8)      567,664  

 

 
(1) Stock awards are granted and represented at fair value based on the grant date but have not satisfied vesting conditions at the date of this report. Each RSU has a key business performance target that must be met and subsequent to achievement of this metric, vests after 12 months.
(2) Includes Superannuation, a compulsory Australian defined benefit retirement scheme for employees
(3) AUD amounts are displayed in USD at an exchange rate of USD 0.63: AUD 1
(4) Salaries of executives that were employed by DSS prior to the acquisition of DSS are included in this FY24 table.
(5) Please see the section entitled “Executive Employment Agreements below
(6) Amounts that are included in the engagement of the executive but paid under a contracting agreement
(7) Includes amounts reimbursed or paid to US employees towards health fund fees.
(8) Includes additional fees paid to named executive officers and director fees of DSS in the period
(9) Mr. Hughes-Jones resigned from SharonAI June 9, 2025.

 

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Narrative to Summary Compensation Table

 

Executive Employment Agreements

 

Wolfgang Schubert

 

Since the consummation of the Business Combination, Mr. Schubert is our Chief Executive Officer SharonAI Operations LLC, a subsidiary of SharonAI, has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Schubert, which agreement is expected to be amended upon the closing of the Merger. Pursuant to the amended employment agreement with Mr. Schubert (the “Schubert Employment Agreement”), Mr. Schubert will receive an annual base salary of USD$200,000 with ratcheting mechanisms in place pending future corporate events, the first of which has already been achieved and caused his annual base salary to be increased to USD$220,000. Mr. Schubert also received or was promised four grants of equity awards under SharonAI’s Equity Incentive Award Plan which will be granted or will vest upon the satisfaction of certain performance criteria and events and if all such criteria and events are satisfied, will be for a total of five percent (5.00%) of the equity post-money valuation of all classes of equity of the Company. Mr. Schubert is also entitled to participate in prospective bonus plans, benefit programs or other incentive plans if they are approved by the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the Schubert Employment Agreement, if Mr. Schubert is terminated without cause during the term of the agreement, he will be entitled to receive his accrued benefits and a continuation of his salary for nine (9) months. If the Schubert Employment Agreement is not renewed for the second year, then Mr. Schubert will be entitled to receive his accrued benefits and a continuation of his salary for six (6) months. The Schubert Employment Agreement is filed collectively as Exhibits 10.17 and 10.18 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

Andrew Leece

 

Since the consummation of the Business Combination, Mr. Leece is our Chief Operating Officer. SharonAI Pty Ltd (“Sharon Australia”), an Australian subsidiary of SharonAI, has entered into an employment agreement which appointed him as Chief Operating Officer of ShaornAI (“Leece Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the Leece Employment Agreement, Mr. Leece is entitled to receive an annual base salary of AUD$300,000 (approximately US$189,000 based on a conversion rate of $1.00AUD to $0.63USD), and the other standard employment benefits given to employees in Australia (such as superannuation, long service leave, personal or carer’s leave, compassionate leave and relocation benefits), and annual leave of up to 4 weeks. Mr. Leece is also entitled to participate in SharonAI’s prospective bonus plans, share plans or other incentive plans if they are approved by the Board of Directors. Short term incentives will be forfeited if Mr. Leece terminates his employment before the end of the vesting period. If his role changes or a Change of Control event occurs, the short term incentives will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors, or in accordance with their terms.

 

Daniel Mons

 

Since the consummation off the Business Combination, Mr. Mons is our Chief Technology Officer. Sharon Australia and Mr. Mons entered into an employment agreement which appointed him as CTO of the Company (“CTO Agreement”) with an effective date of November 4, 2024, until terminated in accordance with the termination provisions in the CTO Agreement. Pursuant to the CTO Agreement, Mr. Mons is entitled to receive an annual base remuneration of AUD$180,000 (approximately US$119,000 based on a conversion rate of $1.00AUD to $0.63USD), and the other standard employment benefits given to employees in Australia (such as superannuation, long service leave, personal or carer’s leave, compassionate leave and relocation benefits), and annual leave of up to 4 weeks. Mr. Mons is also entitled to participate in SharonAI’s prospective bonus plans, share plans or other incentive plans if they are approved by the Board of Directors. Short term incentives will be forfeited if Mr. Mons terminates his employment before the end of the vesting period. If his role changes or a Change of Control event occurs, the short term incentives will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors, or in accordance with their terms.

 

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Timothy Broadfoot

 

It is anticipated that Mr. Broadfoot will be the Chief Financial Officer of the Company after the Merger. Sharon Australia has entered into an employment agreement and consulting agreement with Mr. Broadfoot and Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd which appointed Mr. Broadfoot as Chief Financial Officer of SharonAI (“Broadfoot Employment Agreement”)(“Broadfoot Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the Broadfoot Employment Agreement and Broadfoot Consulting agreement, Mr. Broadfoot is entitled to receive an annual base remuneration of AUD$300,000 (approximately US$189,000 based on a conversion rate of $1.00AUD to $0.63USD), and the other standard employment benefits given to employees in Australia (such as superannuation, long service leave, personal or carer’s leave, compassionate leave and relocation benefits), and annual leave of up to 4 weeks. Mr. Broadfoot is also entitled to participate in SharonAI’s prospective bonus plans, share plans or other incentive plans if they are approved by the Board of Directors. Short term incentives will be forfeited if Mr. Broadfoot terminates his employment before the end of the vesting period. If his role changes or a Change of Control event occurs, the short term incentives will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors, or in accordance with their terms.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table sets forth information concerning unexercised options; stock that has not vested; and equity incentive plan awards for each named executive officer of Sharon AI outstanding as of December 31, 2024.

 

    Option Awards     Stock Awards  
Name  

Number of securities underlying unexercised
options

(#)
exercisable

   

Number of securities

underlying

unexercised

options

(#)
unexercisable

    Number of
securities underlying unexercised
options
    Option
exercise
price
($)
    Option
expiration
date
    Number of Shares, units of stock that
have not
Vested
(#)
    Market value of Shares, units of stock that
have not
Vested
($)
    Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other
Rights that have
Vested
(#)
    Market value of Shares, units of stock that have
Vested
($)
 
Wolfgang Schubert     -       -       -       -       -       8,027     $ 313,053       -       -  
Nicholas Hughes-Jones     -       -       -       -       -       10,750     $ 419,250       -       -  
Andrew Leece     -       -       -       -       -       10,750     $ 419,250       -       -  
Timothy Broadfoot     -       -       -       -       -       10,750     $ 419,250       -       -  

 

Retirement Benefits

 

SharonAI employees that are located in Australia participate in a Superannuation defined benefit scheme. Superannuation is Australia’s mandatory retirement savings system, requiring employers to contribute 12% into a regulated fund. Contributions receive concessional tax treatment, with employer payments taxed at 15% within the fund. Superannuation is typically preserved until retirement age (55–60), with limited early access exceptions. Funds are regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and the Australian Taxation Office, and offer various investment options, often including insurance coverage. Withdrawals can be taken as a lump sum or income stream, subject to tax rules. Legislative changes may affect contribution limits, taxation, and access conditions.

 

SharonAI employees located in the USA currently do not have a retirement scheme, however it is intended that the Company implement such a scheme in 2025.

 

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Separation Payments

 

Please see the section entitled “Executive Compensation - Executive Employment Agreements” for a description of the material terms of each contract, agreement, plan or arrangement, whether written or unwritten, that provides for payment(s) to a named executive officer of SharonAI at, following, or in connection with the resignation, retirement or other termination of such named executive officer, or a change in control of SharonAI or a change in the named executive officer’s responsibilities following a change in control, with respect to each named executive officer.

 

Pursuant to the Schubert Employment Agreement, if Mr. Schubert is terminated without cause during the term of the agreement, he will be entitled to receive his accrued benefits and a continuation of his salary for nine (9) months. If the Company does not renew the Schubert Employment Agreement for the second year, then Mr. Schubert will be entitled to receive his accrued benefits and a continuation of his salary for six (6) months. The Schubert Employment Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

Director Compensation

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of the directors of SharonAI for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

 

Name and Principal Position   Fees earned or
paid in cash
    Stock awards     Option awards     Non-equity
incentive plan
compensation
    Nonqualified
deferred
compensation
earnings
    All Other
Compensation
    Total  
    ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)  
James Manning                                                        
Non-Executive Chairman     105,368       419,250       -       -       -       15,750 (1)      540,368  
Alastair Cairns                                                        
Director     7,014       -       124,332       -       -       -       131,346  
Brent Lanier                                                        
Director     4,839       -       124,332       -       -       -       129,170  
Shawn Uldridge                                                        
Director (resigned)     3,000       -       12,000       -       -       -       15,000  

 

 
(1) Includes additional fees paid to named executive officers and director fees of DSS in the period

 

Please see the section entitled “--Director and Officer Indemnification Agreements” for a description of material factors necessary to an understanding of the director compensation disclosed in the table above.

 

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Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2024, about the securities issued, or authorized for future issuance, under our equity compensation plans, consisting of our 2024 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

Plan Category   Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options
and restricted
stock units
    Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options
and restricted
stock units
    Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders     57,293     $ 4.91       242,707  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders     -       -       -  
Total     57,293     $ 4.91       242,707  

 

Upon consummation of the Business Combination, all outstanding options to purchase stock of SharonAI under our 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, all outstanding warrants issued by SharonAI, and all other awards issued under our 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, vested or unvested, or any other security convertible into or exchangeable for any such security (each a “SharonAI Stock Right”), will be cancelled, extinguished and converted into a right to acquire (each, a “Converted Stock Right”), subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such SharonAI Stock Right (including expiration date, vesting conditions, and exercise provisions), the number of Class A Ordinary Common Stock shares (rounded up to the nearest whole share), determined by multiplying the number of shares of capital stock of SharonAI subject to such SharonAI Stock Right as of immediately prior to the consummation of the Business Combination by the Conversion Ratio (set forth in the Business Combination Agreement), with an exercise price per Class A Ordinary Common Stock shares (rounded down to the nearest whole cent), if applicable, equal to the exercise price per share of capital stock of SharonAI of such SharonAI Stock Right divided by the Conversion Ratio, in accordance with, and subject to, the contingencies set forth in the Business Combination Agreement. Upon consummation of the Business Combination, the Company will assume all obligations of SharonAI with respect to each Converted Stock Rights.

 

SharonAI Inc. 2025 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan

 

The Company has adopted the SharonAI Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2025 Plan”).

 

Description of 2025 Plan

 

The following is a summary of the material features of the 2025 Plan. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2025 Plan, a copy of which is included as Exhibit 10.10 hereto.

 

Shares reserved for issuance. The number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the 2025 Plan is 60,000,000 shares.

 

Types of Awards. The 2025 Plan provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and other stock-based awards. Items described above in the Section called “Shares Available” are incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Administration. The 2025 Plan will be administered by the Board, or if the Board does not administer the 2025 Plan, a committee or subcommittee of our Board that complies with the applicable requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and any other applicable legal or stock exchange listing requirements (each of the Board or such committee or subcommittee, the “plan administrator”). The plan administrator may interpret the 2025 Plan and may prescribe, amend and rescind rules and make all other determinations necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2025 Plan.

 

The 2025 Plan permits the plan administrator to select the eligible recipients who will receive awards, to determine the terms and conditions of those awards, including but not limited to the exercise price or other purchase price of an award, the number of shares of common stock or cash or other property subject to an award, the term of an award and the vesting schedule applicable to an award, and to amend the terms and conditions of outstanding awards.

 

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock and RSUs may be granted under the 2025 Plan. RSUs may be settled in shares of common stock or as a payment of cash equal, with respect to any or all shares of common stock underlying such award, to the fair market value of such share of common stock, in each case, at the end of a specified restricted period (or periods) of time and/or upon attainment of specified performance objectives. The plan administrator will determine the purchase price, vesting schedule and performance goals, if any, and any other conditions that apply to a grant of restricted stock and RSUs. If the restrictions, performance goals or other conditions determined by the plan administrator are not satisfied, the restricted stock and RSUs will be forfeited. Subject to the provisions of the 2025 Plan and the applicable award agreement, the plan administrator has the sole discretion to provide for the lapse of restrictions in installments.

 

Unless the applicable award agreement provides otherwise, participants with restricted stock will generally have all of the rights of a stockholder; provided that dividends will only be paid if and when (and to the extent) the underlying restricted stock vests. RSUs will not be entitled to dividends prior to vesting, but may be entitled to receive dividend equivalents if the award agreement provides for them. The rights of participants granted restricted stock or RSUs upon the termination of employment or service to us will be set forth in the award agreement.

 

Options. Incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options may be granted under the 2025 Plan. An “incentive stock option” means an option intended to qualify for tax treatment applicable to incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. A “non-statutory stock option” is an option that is not subject to statutory requirements and limitations required for certain tax advantages that are allowed under specific provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. A non-statutory stock option under the 2025 Plan is referred to for federal income tax purposes as a “non-qualified” stock option. Each option granted under the Plan will be designated as a non-qualified stock option or an incentive stock option. At the discretion of the plan administrator, incentive stock options may be granted only to our employees, employees of our “parent corporation” (as such term is defined in Section 424(e) of the Code) or employees of our subsidiaries.

 

The exercise period of an option may not exceed ten years from the date of grant and the exercise price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date the option is granted (110% of fair market value in the case of incentive stock options granted to ten percent stockholders). The exercise price for shares of common stock subject to an option may be paid in cash, or as determined by the plan administrator in its sole discretion, (i) through any cashless exercise procedure approved by the plan administrator (including the withholding of shares of common stock otherwise issuable upon exercise), (ii) by tendering unrestricted shares of common stock owned by the participant, (iii) with any other form of consideration approved by the plan administrator and permitted by applicable law or (iv) by any combination of these methods. The option holder will have no rights to dividends or distributions or other rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares of common stock subject to an option until the option holder has given written notice of exercise and paid the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes.

 

In the event of a participant’s termination of employment or service, the participant may exercise his or her option (to the extent vested as of such date of termination) for such period of time as specified in his or her option agreement.

 

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Stock Appreciation Rights. SARs may be granted either alone (a “Free-Standing Right”) or in conjunction with all or part of any option granted under the 2025 Plan (a “Related Right”). A Free-Standing Right will entitle its holder to receive, at the time of exercise, an amount per share up to the excess of the fair market value (at the date of exercise) of a share of common stock over the base price of the Free-Standing Right (which shall be no less than 100% of the fair market value of the related shares of common stock on the date of grant) multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which the SAR is being exercised. A Related Right will entitle its holder to receive, at the time of exercise of the SAR and surrender of the applicable portion of the related option, an amount per share up to the excess of the fair market value (at the date of exercise) of a share of common stock over the exercise price of the related option multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which the SAR is being exercised. The exercise period of a Free-Standing Right may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. The exercise period of a Related Right will also expire upon the expiration of its related option.

 

The holder of a SAR will have no rights to dividends or any other rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares of common stock subject to the SAR until the holder has given written notice of exercise and paid the exercise price and applicable withholding taxes.

 

In the event of an participant’s termination of employment or service, the holder of a SAR may exercise his or her SAR (to the extent vested as of such date of termination) for such period of time as specified in his or her SAR agreement.

 

Other Stock-Based Awards. The plan administrator may grant other stock-based awards under the 2025 Plan, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, shares of common stock. The plan administrator will determine the terms and conditions of these awards, including the number of shares of common stock to be granted pursuant to each award, the manner in which the award will be settled, and the conditions to the vesting and payment of the award (including the achievement of performance goals). The rights of participants granted other stock-based awards upon the termination of employment or service to us will be set forth in the applicable award agreement. In the event that a bonus is granted in the form of shares of common stock, the shares of common stock constituting such bonus shall, as determined by the plan administrator, be evidenced in uncertificated form or by a book entry record or a certificate issued in the name of the participant to whom such grant was made and delivered to such participant as soon as practicable after the date on which such bonus is payable. Any dividend or dividend equivalent award issued hereunder shall be subject to the same restrictions, conditions and risks of forfeiture as apply to the underlying award.

 

Equitable Adjustment and Treatment of Outstanding Awards Upon a Change in Control

 

Equitable Adjustments. In the event of a merger, consolidation, reclassification, recapitalization, spin-off, spin-out, repurchase, reorganization, special or extraordinary dividend or other extraordinary distribution (whether in the form of common stock, cash or other property), combination, exchange of shares, or other change in corporate structure affecting our common stock, an equitable substitution or proportionate adjustment shall be made in (i) the aggregate number and kind of securities reserved for issuance under the 2025 Plan; (ii) the kind and number of securities subject to, and the exercise price of, any outstanding options and SARs granted under the 2025 Plan; (iii) the kind, number and purchase price of shares of common stock, or the amount of cash or amount or type of property, subject to outstanding restricted stock, RSUs and other stock-based awards granted under the 2025 Plan; and (iv) the terms and conditions of any outstanding awards (including any applicable performance targets). Equitable substitutions or adjustments other than those listed above may also be made as determined by the plan administrator. In addition, the plan administrator may, subject in all events to the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, may terminate all outstanding awards for the payment of cash or in-kind consideration having an aggregate fair market value equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock, cash or other property covered by such awards over the aggregate exercise price, if any, of such awards, but if the exercise price of any outstanding award is equal to or greater than the fair market value of the shares of common stock, cash or other property covered by such award, the plan administrator may cancel the award without the payment of any consideration to the participant. With respect to awards subject to foreign laws, adjustments will be made in compliance with applicable requirements. Except to the extent determined by the plan administrator, adjustments to ISOs will be made only to the extent not constituting a “modification” within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code.

 

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Change in Control. The 2025 Plan provides that, unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator and evidenced in an award agreement, if a “change in control” (as defined below) occurs and a participant is employed by us or any of our affiliates immediately prior to the consummation of the change in control, then the plan administrator, in its sole and absolute discretion, may (i) provide that any unvested or unexercised portion of an award carrying a right to exercise will become fully vested and exercisable; and (ii) cause the restrictions, deferral limitations, payment conditions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any award granted under the 2025 Plan to lapse, and the awards will be deemed fully vested and any performance conditions imposed with respect to such awards will be deemed to be fully achieved at target performance levels. The plan administrator shall have discretion in connection with such change in control to provide that all outstanding and unexercised options and SARs shall expire upon the consummation of such change in control.

 

For purposes of the 2025 Plan, a “change in control” means, in summary, the occurrence of any of the following events: (i) a person or entity becomes the beneficial owner of more than 50% of our voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; (ii) the date on which individuals who constitute the Board as of the Effective Date and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including, but not limited to, a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of The Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors serving on the Board; (iii) a merger or consolidation of us or any of our subsidiaries with any other corporation or entity, other than (A) a merger or consolidation that results in our voting securities continuing to represent 50% or more of the combined voting power of the surviving entity or its parent and our Board immediately prior to the merger or consolidation continuing to represent at least a majority of the board of directors of the surviving entity or its parent or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization in which no person is or becomes the beneficial owner of our voting securities representing more than 50% of our combined voting power; or (iv) stockholder approval of a plan of our complete liquidation or dissolution or the consummation of an agreement for the sale or disposition of substantially all of our assets, other than (A) a sale or disposition to an entity, more than 50% of the combined voting power of which is owned by our stockholders in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of us immediately prior to such sale; or (B) a sale or disposition to an entity controlled by the Board. However, a change in control will not be deemed to have occurred as a result of any transaction or series of integrated transactions if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company’s incorporation or to create a holding company following which our stockholders, immediately prior thereto, hold immediately afterward the same proportionate equity interests in the entity that owns all or substantially all of our assets.

 

Tax Withholding

 

Each participant will be required to make arrangements satisfactory to the plan administrator regarding payment of up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the participant’s applicable jurisdiction with respect to any award granted under the 2025 Plan, as determined by us. We have the right, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the participant. With the approval of the plan administrator, the participant may satisfy the foregoing requirement by either electing to have us withhold from delivery of shares of common stock, cash or other property, as applicable, or by delivering already owned unrestricted shares of common stock, in each case, having a value not exceeding the applicable taxes to be withheld and applied to the tax obligations. We may also use any other method of obtaining the necessary payment or proceeds, as permitted by applicable law, to satisfy our withholding obligation with respect to any award.

 

Amendment and Termination of the 2025 Plan

 

The 2025 Plan provides the Board with authority to amend, alter or terminate the 2025 Plan, but no such action may impair the rights of any participant with respect to outstanding awards without the participant’s consent. The plan administrator may amend an award, prospectively or retroactively, but no such amendment may materially impair the rights of any participant without the participant’s consent. Stockholder approval of any such action will be obtained if required to comply with applicable law. The 2025 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date (although awards granted before that time will remain outstanding in accordance with their terms).

 

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Clawback

 

If we are required to prepare an accounting restatement of our financial statements due to our material noncompliance (whether one occurrence or a series of occurrences of noncompliance) with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, then the plan administrator may require any Section 10D-1(d) of the Exchange Act “executive officer” to repay or forfeit to us that part of the cash or equity incentive compensation received by that Section 10D-1(d) executive officer during the preceding three (3) completed fiscal years that the plan administrator determines was in excess of the amount that such Section 10D-1(d) executive officer would have received had such cash or equity incentive compensation been calculated based on the restated amounts reported in the restated financial statement. The plan administrator may take into account any factors it deems reasonable in determining whether to seek recoupment of previously paid cash or equity incentive compensation and how much of such compensation to recoup from each Section 10D-1(d) executive officer (which shall be made irrespective of any fault, misconduct or responsibility of each Section 10D-1(d) executive officer). The amount and form of the incentive compensation to be recouped shall be determined by the plan administrator in its sole and absolute discretion, and calculated on a pre-tax basis. In addition, any award which is subject to recovery under any applicable laws, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such applicable law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement) will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such applicable law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such applicable law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement).

 

Indemnification

 

To the extent allowable pursuant to applicable law, each member of our board of directors and the plan administrator and any officer or other employee to whom authority to administer any component of the 2025 Plan is designated shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such member in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action or failure to act pursuant to the 2025 Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in satisfaction of judgment in such action, suit, or proceeding against him or her; provided, however, that he or she gives the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such individuals may be entitled pursuant to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.

 

US Federal Income Tax Consequences

 

The following is a summary of certain United States federal income tax consequences of awards under the 2025 Plan. It does not purport to be a complete description of all applicable rules, and those rules (including those summarized here) are subject to change.

 

Non-Qualified Stock Options

 

A participant who has been granted a non-qualified stock option will not recognize taxable income upon the grant of a non-qualified stock option. Rather, at the time of exercise of such non-qualified stock option, the participant will recognize ordinary income for income tax purposes in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock purchased over the exercise price. We generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at such time and in the same amount that the participant recognizes ordinary income. If shares of common stock acquired upon exercise of a non-qualified stock option are later sold or exchanged, then the difference between the amount received upon such sale or exchange and the fair market value of such shares on the date of such exercise will generally be taxable as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss (if the shares are a capital asset of the participant) depending upon the length of time such shares were held by the participant.

 

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Incentive Stock Options

 

In general, no taxable income is realized by a participant upon the grant of an ISO. If shares of common stock are purchased by a participant, or option shares, pursuant to the exercise of an ISO granted under the 2025 Plan and the participant does not dispose of the option shares within the two-year period after the date of grant or within one year after the receipt of such option shares by the participant, such disposition a disqualifying disposition, then, generally (1) the participant will not realize ordinary income upon exercise and (2) upon sale of such option shares, any amount realized in excess of the exercise price paid for the option shares will be taxed to such participant as capital gain (or loss). The amount by which the fair market value of the common stock on the exercise date of an ISO exceeds the purchase price generally will constitute an item which increases the participant’s “alternative minimum taxable income.” If option shares acquired upon the exercise of an ISO are disposed of in a disqualifying disposition, the participant generally would include in ordinary income in the year of disposition an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the option shares at the time of exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on the disposition of the option shares), over the exercise price paid for the option shares. Subject to certain exceptions, an option generally will not be treated as an ISO if it is exercised more than three months following termination of employment. If an ISO is exercised at a time when it no longer qualifies as an ISO, such option will be treated as a nonqualified stock option as discussed above. In general, we will receive an income tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount as the participant recognizes ordinary income.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

A participant who is granted a SAR generally will not recognize ordinary income upon receipt of the SAR. Rather, at the time of exercise of such SAR, the participant will recognize ordinary income for income tax purposes in an amount equal to the value of any cash received and the fair market value on the date of exercise of any shares of common stock received. We generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at such time and in the same amount, if any, that the participant recognizes as ordinary income. The participant’s tax basis in any shares of common stock received upon exercise of a SAR will be the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date of exercise, and if the shares are later sold or exchanged, then the difference between the amount received upon such sale or exchange and the fair market value of such shares on the date of exercise will generally be taxable as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss (if the shares are a capital asset of the participant) depending upon the length of time such shares were held by the participant.

 

Restricted Stock

 

A participant generally will not be taxed upon the grant of restricted stock, but rather will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of common stock at the earlier of the time the shares become transferable or are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (within the meaning of the Code). We generally will be entitled to a deduction at the time when, and in the amount that, the participant recognizes ordinary income on account of the lapse of the restrictions. A participant’s tax basis in the shares of common stock will equal their fair market value at the time the restrictions lapse, and the participant’s holding period for capital gains purposes will begin at that time. Any cash dividends paid on the shares of common stock before the restrictions lapse will be taxable to the participant as additional compensation and not as dividend income, unless the individual has made an election under Section 83(b) of the Code. Under Section 83(b) of the Code, a participant may elect to recognize ordinary income at the time the restricted shares are awarded in an amount equal to their fair market value at that time, notwithstanding the fact that such stock is subject to restrictions or transfer and a substantial risk of forfeiture. If such an election is made, no additional taxable income will be recognized by such participant at the time the restrictions lapse, the participant will have a tax basis in the shares of common stock equal to their fair market value on the date of their award, and the participant’s holding period for capital gains purposes will begin at that time. We generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the time when, and to the extent that, ordinary income is recognized by such participant.

 

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Restricted Stock Units

 

In general, the grant of RSUs will not result in income for the participant or in a tax deduction for us. Upon the settlement of such an award in cash or shares of common stock, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the aggregate value of the payment received, and we generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount.

 

Other Awards

 

With respect to other stock-based awards, generally when the participant receives payment in respect of the award, the amount of cash and/or the fair market value of any shares of common stock or other property received will be ordinary income to the participant, and we generally will be entitled to a tax deduction at the same time and in the same amount.

 

New Plan Benefits

 

Future grants under the 2025 Plan will be made at the discretion of the plan administrator and, accordingly, are not yet determinable. Pursuant to that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated January 28, 2025 and as amended on May 23, 2025, by and between the Company, Roth CH Acquisition Co. and SharonAI, the Company shall assume obligations with respect to outstanding equity awards under the 2024 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan of SharonAI (“Prior Plan”) and such obligations will not be covered under the 2025 Plan. Such outstanding equity awards under the Prior Plan are summarized in the table below.

 

2024 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan of SharonAI  
Name and Position   Dollar Value
($)
    Number of
Units
 
Wolfgang Schubert, Chief Executive Officer*   $ 486,596.74       8,027  
Tim Broadfoot, Chief Financial Officer   $ 651,665.00       10,750  
Andrew Leece, Chief Operation Officer   $ 651,665.00       10,750  
Nicholas Hughes-Jones, SVP Business Development   $ 651,665.00       10,750  
Daniel Mons, Chief Technology Officer   $ 30,310.00       500  
Executive Group   $ 2,471,901.74       40,777  
Non-Executive Director Group   $ 900,362.44       14,853  
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group   $ 69,713.00       1,150  
Advisors and contractors   $ 324,984       5,875  

 

 
* SharonAI has a contractual obligation to issue an additional 8,724 units to Mr. Schubert with a Dollar Value of $528,848.88, which have not been issued yet and will not be issued until the Business Combination has been completed.

 

Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m)

 

Section 162(m) of the Code places a limit of $1 million on the amount of compensation that we may deduct in any one fiscal year with respect to certain of our service providers, as provided for in Section 162(m). Therefore, we may not be able to fully deduct certain compensation derived from 2025 Plan awards by such service providers from our taxable income.

 

The Company Income Tax Effects

 

Except as described above, we will generally be entitled to an income tax deduction in connection with an award under the 2025 Plan in an amount equal to the ordinary income realized by a participant at the time the participant recognizes such income.

 

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Accounting Treatment

 

As required by Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification, “Share-Based Payment,” upon the grant of options, SARs, restricted shares, RSUs and other stock-based awards pursuant to the 2025 Plan, for financial reporting purposes, we will incur compensation expense that will be recognized over the vesting period of the options, SARs, restricted shares, RSUs or other stock-based award. We are not able at this time to predict whether such compensation expense will be material, on an on-going basis, as that will depend on, among other things, the number of shares for which options, SARs, restricted shares, RSUs or other stock-based awards are granted and the prices of our common stock in the future.

 

Director and Officer Indemnification Agreements

 

Upon the consummation of the Merger, the Company will enter into agreements with each of its executive officers and Directors, whereby the Company will agree to indemnify each of them to the fullest extent permitted by law, for all amounts (including, without limitation, judgments, fines, settlement payments, expenses and reasonable out of pocket attorneys’ fees) incurred or paid by any of them in connection with any action, suit, investigation or proceeding, or threatened action, suit, investigation or proceeding, arising out of or relating to their performance of services for the Company or any subsidiary of the Company. Any fees or other necessary expenses incurred by any of them in defending any such action, suit, investigation or proceeding shall be paid by the Company in advance, subject to the Company’s right to seek repayment from them a determination is made that the applicable officer or Director was not entitled to indemnification.

 

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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock as of December 22, 2025, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of common stock being offered in this offering by:

 

  each person who is known to be the beneficial owner with more than 5% of voting control of the Company’s Common Stock; and

 

  all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group.

 

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options and warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person or entity and the percentage ownership of that person or entity in the table below, all shares subject to options, SARs or warrants held by such person or entity were deemed outstanding prior to the Business Combination if such securities are currently exercisable, or exercisable within 60 days of December 22, 2025 and were deemed outstanding post-Business Combination if such securities are exercisable within 60 days of the closing of the Business Combination. These shares were not deemed outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person or entity.

 

The beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock is based on 598,418,249 shares of common stock consisting of 591,601,301 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock and 6,816,948 shares of Class B Super Common Stock as of December 22, 2025.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, the Company believes that all persons named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to the voting securities beneficially owned by them.

 

Name  Shares
beneficially
owned
   Percent of
Common Stock
   Percent of
Voting Control(7)
   Percent of Common
Stock After
Offering(7)
   Percent of Voting
Control After
Offering(7)
 
Directors, New Director Nominee and Other Named Executive Officers                         
Alastair Cairns(5)   618,310    *    *           
Andrew Leece(1)   72,240,092    12.07%   25.77%   11.19    25.07%(8) 
James Manning(2)   72,505,019    12.05%   25.73%   11.17    25.03%(8) 
Brent Lanier(6)   618,310    *    *    *    * 
Timothy Broadfoot(3)   4,468,737    *    *    *    * 
Wolfgang Schubert   1,145,247    *    *    *    * 
Peter Woodward   618,310    *    *    *    * 
                   *    * 
All officers and directors as a group (7 persons)   152,214,025    24.12%   51.50%   22.36%   50.10%
                          
5% Stockholders other than Directors and Officers                         
Nicholas Hughes Jones(4)   60,295,892    10.08%   25.06%   9.34    24.38%(8) 

 

 
* Less than 1%
   
(1) Holdings include related parties of Andrew Leece being, Strat Cap No.1 Pty Ltd, Strat Capital Pty Ltd ATF AJ Digital Trust and Strat Capital Pty Ltd ATF Alpha Juliett Trust. Holdings include 2,272,316 shares of Class B Super Common Stock and the remainder of shares held are shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock.
(2) Holdings include related parties of James Manning being, Bare Media Holdings Pty Ltd, Defender Capital Pty Ltd, MCH Equities Pty Ltd ATF MCH Equities Australian Opportunities Fund, DSS AI Pty Ltd, Manning Capital Holdings Pty Ltd ATF The Manning Capital Holdings Unit Trust, Manning Group Pty Ltd ATF MG Office Trust and MG No.1 Pty Ltd. Holdings include 2,272,316 shares of Class B Super Common Stock and the remainder of shares held are shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock. Also includes 3,439,806 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issuable pursuant to restricted stock units vesting within 60 days of December 22, 2025.
(3) Holdings include related parties of Timothy Broadfoot being DSS AI Pty Ltd, Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd ATF for Broadfoot Family Trust.
(4) Holdings include related parties of Nicholas Hughes Jones being, Inbocalupo No.1 Pty Ltd and Inbocalupo Pty Ltd ATF Inbocalupo Trust. Holdings include 2,272,316 shares of Class B Super Common Stock and the remainder of shares held are shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock.
(5) Includes 618,310 options that are exercisable within 60 days of December 22, 2025
(6) Includes 618,310 options that are exercisable within 60 days of December 22, 2025
(7) Although shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock and Class B Common Stock have identical economic rights, each holder of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each share of Class A Ordinary Common Stock held and one hundred and sixty (160) votes for each share of Class B Super Common Stock held, which is why a difference between the percentage of Common Stock and percentage of voting control is shown separately.
(8) Shares hold after the offering includes 2,272,316 shares of Class B Super Common Stock and for Mr. Manning also includes of Common Stock issuable pursuant to restricted stock units vesting within 60 days of November 11, 2025.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions Roth CH Acquisition Co.

 

Founder Shares

 

On April 29, 2021, our TKB Sponsor 1 LLC (“Former Sponsor”) paid $25,000 to purchase 5,750,000 founder shares, or approximately $0.004 per share. On May 11, 2021, our Former Sponsor transferred 25,000 founder shares to each of our independent directors. In connection with the IPO, each of the Former Sponsor and our independent directors agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign, or sell any of their founder shares until the earlier to occur of: (i) one year after the completion of our initial business combination and (ii) the date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange or other similar transaction after our initial business combination that results in all of our shareholders having the right to exchange their public shares for cash, securities or other property; except to certain permitted transferees and under certain circumstances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the closing price of Class A Ordinary Shares exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after our initial business combination, the founder shares would be released from the lock-up. Our Former Sponsor and independent directors did not receive additional consideration for this lock-up.

 

Effective as of January 18, 2023, pursuant to the terms of the Articles, the Former Sponsor elected to convert each outstanding Class B ordinary share held by it on a one-for-one basis into Class A Ordinary Shares, with immediate effect.

 

Private Placement Warrants

 

The Former Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 10,750,000 Private Warrants at a price of $1.00 per warrant, or $10,750,000, in a private placement that closed simultaneously with the closing of the initial public offering. Each Private Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Class A Share at $11.50 per share. The Private Warrants (including the Class A Ordinary Shares issuable upon exercise of the Private Warrants) may not, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold until 30 days after the completion of our initial business combination.

 

In connection with the Transaction, the Former Sponsor sold 8,062,500 Private Warrants to the New Sponsor. The New Sponsor entered into a joinder agreement to the Letter Agreement in which they agreed to be subject to the restrictions therein.

 

Agreements with Anchor Investors

 

On October 8, 2021, the Former Sponsor entered into agreements with certain funds managed by Apollo Capital Management, L.P. (collectively, “Apollo”), certain funds managed by Atalaya Capital Management, LP (“Atalaya”) and Meteora Capital Partners, L.P. and funds affiliated with Meteora Capital Partners, L.P. (collectively “Meteora”) (individually and collectively, the “anchor investors”). Each of the anchor investors purchased 9.9% of the Units in the IPO (excluding Units issued in connection with the exercise of the over-allotment option). Each of Apollo and Atalaya agreed to purchase interests in the Former Sponsor representing approximately 7% of the Founder Shares and Private Warrants at approximately the cost of such securities to the Former Sponsor, with the Former Sponsor’s obligation to sell some or all of such interests conditioned upon such anchor investor’s purchase of the Units.

 

Meteora entered into a separate agreement with the Former Sponsor pursuant to which it agreed to purchase interests in the Former Sponsor representing approximately 6.4% of the number of Founder Shares that are approximately equal to 3.7% of the cost of the Founder Shares and Private Warrants to the Former Sponsor.

 

The anchor investors acquired from the Former Sponsor an indirect economic interest in an aggregate of 1,173,000 Founder Shares at the original purchase price that the Former Sponsor paid for the Founder Shares. The Former Sponsor has agreed to distribute the Founder Shares to the anchor investors after the completion of a Business Combination. The anchor investors hold an indirect economic interest in an aggregate of 1,505,000 warrants, reflecting 14% of total Private Warrants.

 

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We entered into separate forward purchase agreements (the “Forward Purchase Agreements”) with Apollo and Atalaya (the “Forward Purchasers”) on August 13, 2021 and August 4, 2021, respectively. The Forward Purchase Agreements provide, at our option, for the aggregate purchase of up to 9,600,000 Class A Ordinary Shares and 4,800,000 Public Warrants for an aggregate price of $96.0 million ($10.00 for one Class A Share and one-half of one Public Warrant), in private placements that will close concurrently with the closing of our initial business combination. The forward purchase shares and forward purchase warrants will be identical to the Class A Ordinary Shares and Public Warrants included in the Units sold in the IPO. Each Forward Purchaser’s commitment under its Forward Purchase Agreement is subject to certain conditions including investment committee approval.

 

No compensation of any kind, including finder’s and consulting fees, will be paid by Roth CH Acquisition Co. to our sponsor, executive officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates, for services rendered prior to or in connection with the completion of an initial business combination. However, these individuals will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on our behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Our audit committee will review on a quarterly basis all payments that were made to our sponsor, officers, directors or our or their affiliates.

 

Related Party Notes and Advances

 

The Former Sponsor entered into an agreement with us to loan funds up to $300,000 under an unsecured promissory note to be used for a portion of the expenses of the public offering. These loans were non-interest bearing, unsecured and were paid in full at the closing of the public offering.

 

On January 24, 2025, Roth CH Acquisition Co. amended and restated its existing promissory note (the “Amended Note”) in favor of certain shareholders of Roth CH Acquisition Co. to permit its conversion into Class A ordinary shares of Company, at any time, at the option of the representative of the noteholders based upon the current trading price. Subsequent to the execution of the Amended Note, on January 24, 2025, the representative provided notice that it intended to convert the existing principal balance of the Amended Note in the amount of $1,181,000 into Class A ordinary shares of Roth CH Acquisition Co..

 

Registration Rights

 

We entered into a registration rights agreement with respect to the founder shares, private placement warrants, warrants that may be issued upon conversion of working capital loans and forward purchase securities that may be issued pursuant to the forward purchase agreements (and any Class A Ordinary Shares issuable upon the exercise of the private placement warrants, forward purchase warrants and warrants that may be issued upon conversion of the working capital loans and upon conversion of the Class B Shares), which was amended and restated in connection with the closing of the Business Combination.

 

Policy for Approval of Related Party Transactions

 

The audit committee of our board adopted a policy setting forth the policies and procedures for its review and approval or ratification of “related party transactions.” A “related party transaction” is any consummated or proposed transaction or series of transactions: (i) in which we were or is to be a participant; (ii) the amount of which exceeds (or is reasonably expected to exceed) the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of Roth CH Acquisition Co.’s total assets at year-end for the prior two completed fiscal years in the aggregate over the duration of the transaction (without regard to profit or loss); and (iii) in which a “related party” had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. “Related parties” under this policy include: (i) our directors or executive officers; (ii) any record or beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities; (iii) any immediate family member of any of the foregoing if the foregoing person is a natural person; and (iv) any other person who maybe a “related person” pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act. Pursuant to the policy, the audit committee of the board will consider (i) the relevant facts and circumstances of each related party transaction, including if the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s-length dealings with an unrelated third party, (ii) the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction, (iii) whether the transaction contravenes our code of ethics or other policies, (iv) whether the audit committee believes the relationship underlying the transaction to be in the best interests of Roth CH Acquisition Co. and its shareholders, and (v) the effect that the transaction may have on a director’s status as an independent member of the board and on his or her eligibility to serve on the board’s committees. Our management will present to the audit committee of the board each proposed related party transaction, including all relevant facts and circumstances relating thereto. Under the policy, we may consummate related party transactions only if the audit committee of the Board approves or ratifies the transaction in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the policy. The policy does not permit any director or executive officer to participate in the discussion of, or decision concerning, a related person transaction in which he or she is the related party.

 

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Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions — SharonAI

 

SharonAI and Sharon Australia have entered into an independent contractor agreement-corporate with James Manning and Manning Group Pty Ltd ATF MG Office Trust (“Manning Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the Manning Consultant Agreement, Mr. Manning, SharonAI’s Non-Executive Chairman, director and greater than 10% stockholder, as the key person, provides certain services to SharonAI and Sharon Australia relating to commercial opportunity development, discovery of future data center sites, future data center acquisition and construction advisory, transaction advisory services and key relationship introduction and development. In consideration for these services, Manning Group Pty Ltd ATF MG Office Trust is entitled to receive an annual remuneration of AUD$334,500 (approximately $211,000 based on a conversion rate of $1.00AUD to $0.63USD), exclusive of Australian goods and services taxes. The Manning Consulting Agreement has an ongoing term that can be terminated by either side upon three (3) months’ notice.

 

Sharon Australia has entered into an independent contractor agreement with Nicholas Hughes Jones related entity Inbocalupo Consulting Pty Ltd (“Inbocalupo Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the Inbocalupo Consultant Agreement and combined with Mr. Hughes-Jones employment agreement, Mr. Hughes-Jones (who until July 2025 was SharonAI’s Senior Vice President Business Development and is a current greater than 10% stockholder), as the key person, who provides certain services to SharonAI and Sharon Australia relating to business development services. In consideration for these services, Inbocalupo Consulting Pty Ltd is entitled to receive an annual remuneration of AUD$133,800 (approximately $84,294 based on a conversion rate of $1.00AUD to $0.63USD), exclusive of Australian goods and services taxes. The Inbocalupo Consulting Agreement has an ongoing term that can be terminated by either side upon three (3) months’ notice.

 

Sharon Australia has entered into an independent contractor agreement with Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd (“Broadfoot Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the Broadfoot Consultant Agreement, Mr. Broadfoot, SharonAI’s Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Corporate Secretary, and Mrs. Broadfoot, as the key persons, provides certain services to SharonAI and Sharon Australia relating to Chief Financial Officer support and executive assistant services to the CFO. In consideration for these services, Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd is entitled to receive an annual remuneration of AUD$111,500 (approximately $70,245 based on a conversion rate of $1.00AUD to $0.63USD), exclusive of Australian goods and services taxes. The Broadfoot Consulting Agreement has an ongoing term that can be terminated by either side upon three (3) months’ notice.

 

James Manning, Nicholas Hughes-Jones and Andrew Leece were the sole three shareholders of Alternative Asset Management Pty Ltd/SharonAI Pty Ltd (“SAIPL”) prior to SharonAI’s acquisition of all of the shares of SAIPL on April 29, 2024. In consideration for their shares of SAIPL, each of Messrs. Manning, Hughes-Jones and Leece were issued 70,000 shares of SharonAI common stock at a fair value of $70,000.

 

James Manning was a unitholder of Digital Income Fund Pty Ltd (“DIF”) prior to SAIPL acquiring the assets of DIF on April 29, 2024. In consideration for the assets of DIF, DIF was issued 55,000 shares of SharonAI common stock, 17,600 shares of which were transferred to Mr. Manning upon DIF’s liquidation. The 17,600 shares were issued at a fair value of $390,016.

 

James Manning, Nicholas Hughes-Jones and Andrew Leece were shareholders of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited ACN 646 979 222 (“DSS”) prior to SharonAI’s acquisition of DSS in June of 2024. In consideration for their shares of DSS, Mr. Manning was issued 49,215 shares of SharonAI common stock at a fair value of $1,919,366, Mr. Hughes-Jones was issued 27,478 shares of SharonAI common stock at a fair value of $1,071,623, and Mr. Leece was issued 43,401 shares of SharonAI common stock at a fair value of $1,692,639.

 

During 2024, the Group paid storage services expense to Flynt ICS Pty Ltd (“Flynt”). Flynt is a subsidiary of Vertua Limited and affiliated to the Group through common ownership by James Manning. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Group paid Flynt $167,638 in services expenses.

 

Between January, 2024, and May, 2024, the SharonAI received approximately $419,590 in outstanding loans from various entities affiliated with members of SharonAI’s management and board of directors, including: (a) Woodville Super Pty Ltd, an affiliate of James Manning, Director; (b) Manning Capital Holdings Pty Ltd, an affiliate of James Manning, Director; (c) Strat Capital Pty Ltd (Alpha Juliett), an affiliate of Andrew Leece, Chief Operating Officer; and (d) Inbocalupo Pty Ltd), an affiliate of Nick Hughes-Jones, the former Senior Vice President Business Development. These debts were converted into equity of SharonAI as part of a private placement conducted by SharonAI at the same price that stock was sold to other investors in the offering. The following chart shows the amount of debt from each lender and the shares into which the debt was converted.

 

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    USD Amount
outstanding
    Subscription
price per share
    Shares received
upon conversion
 
Woodville Super Pty Ltd   $ 66,370.00       39.00       1,702  
Manning Capital Holdings Pty Ltd   $ 84,555.00       39.00       2,168  
Strat Capital Pty Ltd (Alpha Juliett)   $ 117,740.00       39.00       3,019  
Inbocalupo Pty Ltd   $ 150,925.00       39.00       3,870  
Total:   $ 419,590.00               10,759  

 

The Company’s Relationships and Related Party Transactions

 

Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement

 

On December 17, 2025, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with certain existing stockholders of the Company (the “Holders”) with respect to their shares of the Company before or pursuant to the Business Combination, and including the shares issuable on conversion of the warrants issued to the Sponsor in connection with the Roth CH Acquisition Co.’s initial public offering and any shares issuable on conversion of preferred stock or loans. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, within thirty (30) days of the closing of the Business Combination, the Company shall file with the SEC a registration statement for a shelf registration on Form S-1 or a Registration Statement for a Shelf Registration on Form S-3 (the “Shelf”), if the Company is then eligible to use a Form S-3 Shelf, in each case, covering the resale of all the Registrable Securities on a delayed or continuous basis as permitted by Rule 415 under the Securities Act and shall use its reasonable best efforts to have such Shelf declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the seventy-fifth (75th) calendar day following the Filing Date; provided that the Company shall have the Shelf declared effective within ten (10) business days after the date the Company is notified by the staff of the SEC that the Shelf will not be reviewed or will not be subject to further review by the SEC. In the event that any Holder holds Registrable Securities that are not registered for resale on a delayed or continuous basis, the Company, upon written request of such Holder, shall promptly use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the resale of such Registrable Securities to be covered by filing a subsequent shelf registration statement and cause the same to become effective as soon as practicable after such filing and such subsequent shelf registration statement shall be subject to the terms hereof; providedhowever, that the Company shall only be required to cause such Registrable Securities to be so covered twice per calendar year for each of the Holders. In addition, the Holders will have certain “piggyback” registration rights that require the Company to include such securities in registration statements that the Roth CH Acquisition Co. otherwise files. The Registration Rights Agreement does not contain liquidating damages or other cash settlement provisions resulting from delays in registering the Company’s securities. the Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

Indemnification Agreements

 

The Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”) contains provisions limiting the liability of the members of the Company’s board of directors, and the Company’s amended and restated bylaws provide that the Company will indemnify each of the members of the Company’s board of directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. The Company’s bylaws also provide the board of directors with discretion to indemnify employees and agents of the Company.

 

The Company entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers and certain other key employees. The indemnification agreements will provide that the Company will indemnify each of its directors and executive officers and such other key employees against any and all expenses incurred by such director, executive officer or other key employee because of his or her status as one of the Company’s directors, executive officers or other key employees, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, the Charter and the Company’s amended and restated bylaws. In addition, the indemnification agreements will provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, the Company will advance all expenses incurred by its directors, executive officers and other key employees in connection with a legal proceeding involving his or her status as a director, executive officer or key employee.

 

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Related Party Transactions Policy

 

The Company’s board of directors has adopted a written policy on transactions with related parties that is in conformity with the requirements for issuers having publicly held common stock that is listed on Nasdaq. Related party transactions are defined as transactions in which (i) the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $120,000 in any calendar year, (ii) we or any of our subsidiaries is a participant, and (iii) any (x) executive officer, director or nominee for election as a director, (y) greater than 5% beneficial owner of the Company’s common stock, or (z) immediate family member of the persons referred to in clauses (x) and (y) has or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than solely as a result of being a director or a less than 10% beneficial owner of another entity). Under the policy, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, as the initial Chief Compliance Officer under the policy, will be primarily responsible for developing and implementing processes and procedures to obtain information regarding related parties with respect to potential related party transactions and then determining, based on the facts and circumstances, whether such potential related party transactions do, in fact, constitute related party transactions requiring compliance with the policy. If the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer determines that a transaction or relationship is a related party transaction requiring compliance with the policy, the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer will be required to present to the Company’s audit committee all relevant facts and circumstances relating to the related party transaction. The Company’s audit committee will be required to review the relevant facts and circumstances of each related party transaction, including if the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s-length dealings with an unrelated third party and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction, take into account the conflicts of interest and corporate opportunity provisions of the Company’s code of ethics, and either approve or disapprove the related party transaction. If the Company’s audit committee’s approval of a related party transaction requiring the Company’s audit committee’s approval is not feasible in advance of such related party transaction, then the transaction may be preliminarily entered into upon prior approval of the transaction by the chair of the Company’s audit committee, subject to ratification of the transaction by the Company’s audit committee at the Company’s audit committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting; providedhowever, that, if the ratification is not forthcoming, the Company’s management will make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul the related party transaction. If a transaction was not initially recognized as a related party transaction, then, upon such recognition, the related party transaction will be presented to the Company’s audit committee for ratification at the Company’s audit committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting; providedhowever, that, if the ratification is not forthcoming, the Company’s management will make all reasonable efforts to cancel or annul the related party transaction. The Company’s management will update the Company’s audit committee as to any material changes to any approved or ratified related party transaction and will provide a status report at least annually of all then current related party transactions. No member of the Company’s board of directors will be permitted to participate in approval of a related party transaction for which he or she is a related party.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

 

The following summary sets forth the material terms of the Company’s securities following the consummation of the Business Combination. The following summary is not intended to be a complete summary of the rights and preferences of such securities, and is qualified by reference to the Charter, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and the Company’s amended and restated bylaws, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We urge you to read the Charter and the Company’s amended and restated bylaws (“Bylaws”) in their entirety for a complete description of the rights and preferences of our securities following the consummation of the Business Combination.

 

General

 

The Charter authorizes the issuance of up 906,816,948 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Preferred Stock”). 900,000,000 shares of the Common Stock have been designated as Class A Ordinary Common Stock and 6,816,948 shares of the Common Stock have been designated as Class B Super Common Stock. Upon the consummation of the Business Combination and cancellation of approximately $270,000 of outstanding indebtedness, the Company will have 569,348,639 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issued and outstanding, 6,816,948 shares of Class B Super Common Stock issued and outstanding, and no shares of the Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. The following description summarizes all of the material terms of our securities. Because it is only a summary, it may not contain all the information that is important to you. For a complete description you should refer to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation in the form attached to hereto as Exhibit 3.1 to this prospectus.

 

Common Stock

 

The voting, dividend and liquidation rights of the holders of the Common Stock are subject to and qualified by the rights of the holders of the Preferred Stock of any series as may be designated by the Company Board of Directors upon any issuance of the Preferred Stock of any series. Each holder of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Class A Ordinary Common Stock held and one hundred and sixty votes for each share of Class B Super Common Stock held. Holders of the Company’s Common Stock have no cumulative voting rights. Further, holders of the Company’s Common Stock have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, holders of the Company’s Common Stock are entitled to share in all assets remaining after payment of all liabilities and the liquidation preferences of any of our outstanding shares of Preferred Stock. Subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock, holders of shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividends and distributions and other distributions in cash, stock or property of the corporation when, as and if declared thereon by the Board of Directors from time to time out of assets or funds of the corporation legally available therefor.

 

At all meetings of stockholders, unless otherwise required by law, the Charter, or the Bylaws, a majority in voting power of the shares of the corporation entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum.

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Preferred Stock may be issued without stockholder approval, from time to time in one or more series, each series to be appropriately designated by a distinguishing letter or title prior to the issuance of any shares thereof, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company’s Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock with voting or conversion rights that could harm the voting power or other rights of the holders of the Common Stock. The issuance of Preferred Stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us and might harm the market price of the Company’s Common Stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of the Company’s Common Stock.

 

Preferred stock may be issued from time to time, in one or more series, as authorized by the Board of Directors, without stockholder approval. As of the date of this prospectus, we have no Preferred Stock designated or issued.

 

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Underwriter Warrants1

 

The following summary of certain terms and provisions of the Underwriter Warrants that are being issued to the Representatives hereby is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the Underwriter Warrants, the form of which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions of the form of Underwriter Warrant for a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Underwriter Warrant.

 

Duration and Exercise Price

 

Each Underwriter Warrant offered hereby will have an initial exercise price equal to $____ per share of common stock (125% of the public offering price per share of Class A Ordinary Common Stock). The Underwriter Warrants will be immediately exercisable and will expire five years from the commencement of sales in this offering. The exercise price and number of shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issuable upon exercise is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, reorganizations or similar events affecting our common stock and the exercise price.

 

Exercisability

 

The Underwriter Warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part, by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of our common stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). A holder (together with its affiliates) may not exercise any portion of the Underwriter to the extent that the holder would own more than 4.99% of the outstanding common stock immediately after exercise, except that upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us, the holder may increase the amount of beneficial ownership of outstanding stock after exercising the holder’s Underwriter Warrant up to 9.99% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Underwriter Warrants and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

Cashless Exercise

 

In lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise in payment of the aggregate exercise price, the holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of shares of common stock determined according to a formula set forth in the Underwriter Warrants.

 

Fractional Shares

 

No fractional shares of common stock will be issued upon the exercise of the Underwriter Warrants. Rather, the number of shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock to be issued will be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

 

Transferability

 

Subject to applicable laws and certain exceptions, the Underwriter Warrants may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the securities by any person for a period of 180 days immediately following the date of commencement of sales of this offering.

 

Trading Market

 

There is no trading market available for the Underwriter Warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system, and we do not expect a trading market to develop. We do not intend to list the Underwriter Warrants on any securities exchange or other trading market. Without a trading market, the liquidity of the Underwriter Warrants will be extremely limited. The Class A Ordinary Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Underwriter Warrants will be listed on the [OTC Market] in connection with this offering.

 

 

 
1 NTD: to be updated once the form of Underwriter Warrant is finalized.

 

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Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions of Delaware Law, our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

The provisions of Delaware law, the Charter and the Bylaws of the Company could discourage or make it more difficult to accomplish a proxy contest or other change in our management or the acquisition of control by a holder of a substantial amount of our voting stock. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish, or could deter, transactions that stockholders may otherwise consider to be in their best interests or in our best interests. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our Board of Directors and in the policies formulated by our Board of Directors and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of our control. These provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited acquisition proposal and to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. Such provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our management.

 

The Charter provides that subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors, the Board of Directors is divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III, with each class being nearly as possible to one third of the total number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors. Terms for directors are generally three years.

 

The Company is expected to be subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL regulating corporate takeovers. This statute prevents certain Delaware corporations, under certain circumstances, from engaging in a “business combination” with:

 

  a stockholder who owns 10% or more of our outstanding voting stock (otherwise known as an “interested stockholder”);

 

  an affiliate of an interested stockholder; or

 

  an associate of an interested stockholder, for three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder.

 

​A “business combination” includes a merger or sale of more than 10% of our assets. However, the above provisions of Section 203 do not apply if:

 

  our Board of Directors approves the transaction that made the stockholder an “interested stockholder,” prior to the date of the transaction;

 

  after the completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, that stockholder owned at least 85% of our voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, other than statutorily excluded shares of common stock; or

 

  on or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by our Board of Directors and authorized at a meeting of our stockholders, and not by written consent, by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

Exclusive Forum for Certain Lawsuits

 

The Proposed Certificate of Incorporation provides that unless the corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the corporation, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the corporation to the corporation or the corporation’s stockholders, (3) any action arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws, or (4) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Unless the corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

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Special meeting of stockholders

 

Special meetings of the stockholders of the corporation may be called, for any purpose or purposes, by (i) the Chair of the Board of Directors, (ii) the Chief Executive Officer, (iii) the Board of Directors or (iv) by the Secretary following receipt of written demand from stockholders holding, at least 25% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the corporation.

 

Stockholder Action by Written Consent

 

The Proposed Bylaws permit our stockholders to act by written consent.

 

Advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director nominations

 

The Proposed Bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to bring business before our annual meeting of stockholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at our annual meeting of stockholders must provide timely notice of their intent in writing, as well as additional information.

 

These provisions may preclude our stockholders from bringing matters before our annual meeting of stockholders or from making nominations for directors at our annual meeting of stockholders.

 

Authorized but unissued shares

 

Our authorized but unissued Common Stock and Preferred Stock is available for future issuances without stockholder approval, and could be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future offerings to raise additional capital, acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued and unreserved Common Stock and Preferred Stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

Our transfer agent and registrar is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, whose address is 1 State Street Plaza, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

 

Listing

 

Our common stock will be quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol “SHAZ.” In addition, we intend to apply to have our shares of common stock approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “SHAZ.” 

 

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DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITY

 

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

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

 

Prior to this offering, our securities traded on the OTC Markets. Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock from time to time and could impair our future ability to raise equity capital in the future. Furthermore, because only a limited number of shares of our common stock will be available for sale shortly after this offering due to certain contractual and legal restrictions on resale described below, sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market after such restrictions lapse, or the anticipation of such sales, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock and our ability to raise equity capital in the future.

 

Based upon the number of shares outstanding as of December 22, 2025, upon the closing of this offering, we will have outstanding an aggregate of 670,571,481 shares of common stock, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option and no exercise of outstanding options and warrants, after giving effect to the conversion of all outstanding shares of our preferred stock into 6,816,948 shares of common stock immediately prior to the closing of this offering. All of the shares sold in this offering by us will be freely tradable without restrictions or further registration under the Securities Act, unless held by our affiliates, as that term is defined under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or subject to lock-up agreements. The remaining shares of common stock outstanding upon the closing of this offering are restricted securities as defined in Rule 144. Restricted securities may be sold in the U.S. public market only if registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration, including by reason of Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities Act, which rules are summarized below. These remaining shares will generally become available for sale in the public market as follows:

 

  386,526,643 shares will be eligible for sale in the public market on the date of this prospectus; and

 

  approximately 211,891,607 shares will be eligible for sale in the public market upon expiration of lock-up agreements 181 days after the date of this prospectus, subject in certain circumstances to the volume, manner of sale and other limitations of Rule 144 and Rule 701.

 

As of December 22, 2025, of the 26,784,178 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and warrants, approximately 26,784,178 shares will be vested and eligible for sale 181 days after the date of this prospectus.

 

We may issue shares of common stock from time to time as consideration for future acquisitions, investments or other corporate purposes. In the event that any such acquisition, investment or other transaction is significant, the number of shares of common stock that we may issue may in turn be significant. We may also grant registration rights covering those shares of common stock issued in connection with any such acquisition and investment.

 

In addition, the shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2025 Plan will become eligible for sale in the public market to the extent permitted by the provisions of various vesting schedules, the lock-up agreements, a registration statement under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration, including Rule 144 and Rule 701.

 

Rule 144

 

In general, persons who have beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock for at least six months, and any affiliate of the company who owns either restricted or unrestricted shares of our common stock, are entitled to sell their securities without registration with the SEC under an exemption from registration provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

 

In general, a person who has beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock for at least six months would be entitled to sell their securities provided that (1) such person is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the 90 days preceding, a sale, (2) we have been subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least 90 days before the sale and (3) we are current in our Exchange Act reporting at the time of sale.

 

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Persons who have beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock for at least six months, but who are our affiliates at the time of, or any time during the 90 days preceding, a sale, would be subject to additional restrictions, by which such person would be entitled to sell within any three-month period only a number of securities that does not exceed the greater of either of the following:

 

  1% of the number of shares of our common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately 6,705,714 shares immediately after the closing of this offering based on the number of common shares outstanding as of December 22, 2025.

 

the average weekly trading volume of our common stock on [______] during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale.

 

Such sales by affiliates must also comply with the manner of sale, current public information and notice provisions of Rule 144.

 

Rule 701

 

In general, under Rule 701, a person who purchased shares of our common stock pursuant to a written compensatory plan or contract and who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates during the immediately preceding 90 days may sell these shares in reliance upon Rule 144, but without being required to comply with the notice, manner of sale, public information requirements or volume limitation provisions of Rule 144. Rule 701 also permits affiliates to sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with the holding period requirements of Rule 144. All holders of Rule 701 shares, however, are required to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling such shares pursuant to Rule 701. As of [________], 2025, [_____] shares of our outstanding common stock had been issued in reliance on Rule 701 as a result of exercises of stock options and issuance of restricted stock. However, substantially all Rule 701 shares are subject to lock-up agreements as described below and will become eligible for sale upon the expiration of the restrictions set forth in those agreements.]

 

Form S-8 Registration Statements

 

Following this offering, we intend to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register the offer and sale of shares of our common stock that are issuable pursuant to our equity incentive plan. Shares covered by this registration statement will then be eligible for sale in the public markets, subject to vesting restrictions, any applicable lock-up agreements described below and Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates.]

 

Lock-Up Arrangements

 

We, all of our directors and executive officers and holders of substantially all of our common stock and securities exercisable for or convertible into our common stock outstanding immediately upon the closing of this offering, have agreed with the underwriters that, for a period of 180 days following the date of this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions, we and they will not, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale, or otherwise dispose of or hedge any of our shares of common stock, any options, or any securities convertible into, or exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive shares of our common stock. These agreements are described in the section of this prospectus titled “Underwriting.”

 

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UNDERWRITING

 

Lucid Capital Markets, LLC (the “Representative”) is acting as the Representative of the underwriters and the book-running managers of this offering. We have entered into an underwriting agreement dated               , 2025 with the Representative. Under the terms of the underwriting agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each of the underwriters named below has severally agreed to purchase from us the respective number of shares of common stock shown opposite its name below:

 

Underwriter   Number of
Shares
 
Lucid Capital Markets, LLC     [●]  
Total     [●]  

 

The underwriters are committed to purchase all shares of common stock offered by us other than those covered by the over-allotment option described below, if any are purchased. The obligations of the underwriters may be terminated upon the occurrence of certain events specified in the underwriting agreement. Furthermore, pursuant to the underwriting agreement, the underwriters’ obligations are subject to customary conditions, representations and warranties contained in the underwriting agreement, such as receipt by the underwriters of officers’ certificates and legal opinions.

 

Delivery of the shares is expected on or about [●], 2025, against payment in immediately available funds and subject to customary closing conditions.

 

Option to Purchase Additional Shares.

 

We have granted to the underwriters an option to purchase up to [●] additional shares of our common stock, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. This option is exercisable for a period of 45 days from the date of closing of this offering. The underwriter may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering overallotments, if any, made in connection with the sale of common stock offered hereby.

 

Discounts, Commissions and Expenses

 

The following table shows the initial public offering price, underwriting discounts and commissions and proceeds, before expenses, to us. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriter’s option to purchase additional securities.

 

          Total  
    Per Share     Without Over-
Allotment Option
    With Over
Allotment Option
 
Public offering price   $ [●]     $ [●]     $ [●]  
Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)   $ [●]     $ [●]     $ [●]  
Proceeds to us, before expenses   $ [●]     $ [●]     $ [●]  

 

 
(1) Includes an underwriting discount of 7.0%

 

In connection with the sale of the securities to be purchased by the underwriter, the underwriter will be deemed to have received compensation in the form of underwriting commissions, discounts, and fees. We have agreed to an underwriters discount of 7.0%, provided, however, this discount shall specifically exclude (i) existing investors/stockholders of the Company who beneficially own in excess of 5.0% of the equity capital of the Company, and (ii) potential investors located in Australia. We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriter for legal and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the offering, up to a maximum of $120,000, payable at the closing of this offering. We estimate that our total expenses of this offering, excluding the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and out-of-pocket expenses, will be approximately $[●].

 

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Indemnification

 

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriter may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

We and each of our officers and directors have agreed to be subject to a lock-up period of ninety (90) days following the closing of the Offering (the “Lock Up Period”). This means that, during the applicable lock-up period, subject to certain exceptions, we may not issue, enter into an agreement to issue or announce the issuance or proposed issuance of the shares or any other securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, shares of Common Stock, and such persons may not offer for sale, contract to sell, sell, distribute, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of our shares of Common Stock or any securities convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, shares of Common Stock. The underwriters may, in their sole discretion and without notice, waive the terms of any of these lock-up agreements. We have also agreed to not issue any shares of Common Stock or Common Stock Equivalents in a Variable Rate Transaction (as defined in the underwriting agreement), subject to certain exceptions during the ninety (90) days following the closing of the Offering. The underwriters may, in their sole discretion and without notice, waive the terms of this prohibition.

 

Underwriter Warrants

 

The Company has agreed to issue to the Lucid Capital Markets, LLC, or their designees, warrants (“Underwriter Warrants”) to purchase up to a total of five percent (5%) of the shares of common stock sold in this offering (including the shares sold through the exercise of the over-allotment option) provided, however, this shall specifically exclude shares or common stock sold to (i) existing investors/stockholders of the Company who beneficially own in excess of 5.0% of the equity capital of the Company, and (ii) potential investors located in Australia. Such warrants and underlying shares of common stock are included in this prospectus. The Underwriter Warrants are immediately exercisable upon issuance at an exercise price of $[__] per share (125% of the public offering price) for a period of five (5) years from the commencement of sales of the offering in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110.

 

Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(e), the Underwriter Warrants and any shares of common stock issued upon exercise of the Underwriter Warrants shall not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the securities by any person for a period of 180 days immediately following the date of commencement of sales of this offering, except the transfer of any security: (i) by operation of law or by reason of reorganization of the issuer; (ii) to any FINRA member firm participating in the offering and the officers, partners, registered persons or affiliates thereof, if all securities so transferred remain subject to the lock-up restriction set forth above for the remainder of the time period; (iii) if the aggregate amount of our securities held by the Representatives or related persons does not exceed 1% of the securities being offered; (iv) that is beneficially owned on a pro-rata basis by all equity owners of an investment fund, provided that no participating member manages or otherwise directs investments by the fund and the participating members in the aggregate do not own more than 10% of the equity in the fund; (v) the exercise or conversion of any security, if all securities remain subject to the lock-up restriction set forth above for the remainder of the time period; (vi) if we meet the registration requirements of Forms S-3, F-3 or F-10; or (vii) back to us in a transaction exempt from registration with the SEC. The Underwriter Warrants and the shares of common stock underlying the Underwriter Warrants are registered on the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

Tail Fee

 

In the event that we sell securities to any investor or consummates an M&A Transaction with a party whom Lucid had first identified or contacted during the term of its engagement, within the 12 months following the expiration of the engagement of Lucid, subject to certain conditions and exceptions, we will pay Lucid the cash and warrant compensation provided above, calculated in the same manner.

 

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Other Relationships

 

In the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriter and its affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriter and its affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

 

Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Shares

 

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the websites maintained by the underwriters, if any, participating in this offering and the underwriters participating in this offering may distribute prospectuses electronically. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of shares for sale to its online brokerage account holders. Internet distributions will be allocated by the underwriters that will make internet distributions on the same basis as other allocations. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on these websites is not part of, nor incorporated by reference into, this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved or endorsed by us or the underwriters in their capacity as underwriters, and should not be relied upon by investors.

 

Stabilization

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate-covering transactions, penalty bids and purchases to cover positions created by short sales.

 

- Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase shares so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum and are engaged in for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the shares while the offering is in progress.

 

- Over-allotment transactions involve sales by the underwriters of shares in excess of the number of shares the underwriters are obligated to purchase. This creates a syndicate short position which may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares over-allotted by the underwriters is not greater than the number of shares that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of shares involved is greater than the number of shares in the over-allotment option. The underwriters may close out any short position by exercising their over-allotment option and/or purchasing shares in the open market.

 

- Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of shares in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared with the price at which they may purchase shares through exercise of the over-allotment option. If the underwriters sell more shares than could be covered by exercise of the over-allotment option and, therefore, have a naked short position, the position can be closed out only by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that after pricing there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.

 

- Penalty bids permits the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the shares originally sold by that syndicate member are purchased in stabilizing or syndicate covering transactions to cover syndicate short positions.

 

These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the Company’s common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of its common stock. As a result, the price of the Company’s common stock in the open market may be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of these transactions. Neither the Company nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the Company’s common stock.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

 

Loeb & Loeb LLP will pass upon the validity of the securities of offered hereby. Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP, New York, New York, is acting as counsel to the underwriters in connection with certain legal matters related to this offering.

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements of Roth CH Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2024 and for the period from December 30, 2024 (inception) through December 31, 2024 included in this Prospectus and in the Registration Statement have been so included in reliance on the reports of Marcum LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The report on the financial statements contains an explanatory paragraph regarding Roth CH Holdings, Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The financial statements of Roth CH Acquisition Co. as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024 included in this Prospectus and in the Registration Statement have been so included in reliance on the reports of Marcum LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The report on the financial statements contains an explanatory paragraph regarding Roth CH Acquisition Co.’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The consolidated financial statements of SharonAI Inc. as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, included in this prospectus, have been included in reliance on the report of HoganTaylor LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

The consolidated financial statements of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited ACN 646 979 222 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, included in this prospectus, have been included in reliance on the report of Wolf & Company P.C., an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. 

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

This prospectus constitutes a part of a registration statement on Form S-1 filed under the Securities Act. As permitted by the SEC’s rules, this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, which form a part of the registration statement, do not contain all the information that is included in the registration statement. You will find additional information about us in the registration statement and its exhibits. Any statements made in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement concerning legal documents are not necessarily complete and you should read the documents that are filed as exhibits to the registration statement or otherwise filed with the SEC for a more complete understanding of the document or matter.

 

You can read our electronic SEC filings, including such registration statement, on the internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. We are subject to the information reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and we file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These reports, proxy statements and other information will be available at the website of the SEC referred to above. If you would like additional copies of this prospectus, or if you have questions about the business combination, you should contact via phone or in writing:

 

SharonAI Holdings, Inc.

745 5th Ave, Suite 500

New York, NY 10151

Tel. No. (347) 212-5075

Attention: Wolfgang Schubert, Chief Executive Officer

E-mail: wolf@sharonai.com

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

SharonAI Holdings, Inc. Financial Statements   Page
Condensed Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2025 (unaudited) and December 31, 2024   F-3
Condensed Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 (unaudited)   F-4
Condensed Statement of Changes in Stockholder’s Deficit for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 (unaudited)   F-5
Condensed Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 (unaudited)   F-6
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements   F-7 – F-13

 

Roth CH Holdings, Inc. Audited Financial Statements    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-14 – F-15
Financial Statements:    
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2024   F-16
Statement of Operations for the period from December 30, 2024 (inception) to December 31, 2024   F-17
Statement of Changes in Stockholder’s Deficit for the period from December 30, 2024 (inception) to December 31, 2024   F-18
Statement of Cash Flows for the period from December 30, 2024 (inception) to December 31, 2024   F-19
Notes to Financial Statements   F-20 – F-21

 

Roth CH Acquisition Co. Financial Statements    
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2025 (unaudited) and December 31, 2024 (audited)   F-22
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 (unaudited)   F-23
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Deficit for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 (unaudited)   F-24
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 (unaudited)   F-25
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)   F-26 – F-40

 

Roth CH Acquisition Co. Audited Financial Statements    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 688)   F-41
Balance Sheets   F-42
Statements of Operations   F-43
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Deficit   F-44
Statements of Cash Flows   F-45
Notes to Financial Statements   F-46 – F-66

 

SharonAI Inc. Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements    
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (unaudited) as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024   F-67
Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024   F-68
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Loss (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024   F-69
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024   F-70 – F-71
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024   F-72
Notes To Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)   F-73 – F-89

 

SharonAI Inc. Audited Consolidated Financial Statements    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 483)   F-90
Consolidated Balance Sheets   F-91
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss   F-92
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity   F-93
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows   F-94
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-95 – F-117

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited ACN 646 979 222 Audited Financial Statements    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 392)   F-120 – F-121
Balance Sheets   F-122
Statements of Operations   F-123
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Deficit   F-124
Statements of Cash Flows   F-125
Notes to Financial Statements   F-126 – F-143

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited ACN 646 979 222 Unaudited Financial Statements    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 392)   F-146 – F-147
Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2024   F-148
Statements of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024   F-149
Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Six Month Period Ended June 30, 2024   F-150
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Deficit for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024   F-151
Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024   F-152
Notes to Financial Statements   F-153 – F-167

 

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SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC (F/K/A ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.)

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    September 30,
2025
    December 31,
2024
 
    (unaudited)        
ASSETS                
Total current assets   $ -     $ -  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ -     $ -  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY                
Accounts payable   $ 17,512     $ 517  
Accrued expenses     1,500       -  
Due to related party     54,395       -  
Total current liabilities     73,407       517  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   $ 73,407     $ 517  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 5)                
                 
STOCKHOLDER’S DEFICIT                
Common stock, 0.0001 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; 1,000 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024     -       -  
Additional paid-in capital     -       -  
Accumulated deficit     (73,407 )     (517 )
Total stockholder’s deficit     (73,407 )     (517 )
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S DEFICIT   $ -     $ -  

 

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

 

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SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC (F/K/A ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 (UNAUDITED)

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
September 30,
2025
    For the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2025
 
Operating expenses                
General and administrative   $ 18,495     $ 72,890  
Loss from operations     (18,495 )     (72,890 )
                 
Net loss   $ (18,495 )   $ (72,890 )
                 
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, basic and diluted     1,000       1,000  
Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock   $ (18.50 )   $ (72.89 )

 

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

 

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SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC (F/K/A ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER’S DEFICIT
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 (UNAUDITED)

 

    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-in
    Accumulated     Total
Stockholder’s
 
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Deficit  
Balance, December 31, 2024     1,000     $ -     $ -     $ (517 )   $ (517 )
Net loss     -       -       -       (5,000 )     (5,000 )
Balance, March 31, 2025     1,000       -       -       (5,517 )     (5,517 )
Net loss     -       -       -       (49,395 )     (49,395 )
Balance, June 30, 2025     1,000       -       -       (54,912 )     (54,912 )
Net loss     -       -       -       (18,495 )     (18,495 )
Balance, September 30, 2025     1,000     $ -     $ -     $ (73,407 )   $ (73,407 )

 

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

 

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SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC (F/K/A ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.)

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 (UNAUDITED)

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES        
Net loss   $ (72,890 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operations:        
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Accounts payable     16,995  
Accrued expenses     1,500  
Due to related party     54,395  
CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES     -  
         
NET CHANGE IN CASH     -  
Cash, beginning of period     -  
Cash, end of period   $ -  

 

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

 

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SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC (F/K/A ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

(UNAUDITED)

 

Note 1. Organization

 

Description of Business

 

SharonAI Holdings, Inc. f/k/a Roth CH Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”, “PubCo”) was incorporated in Delaware on December 30, 2024 for the purpose of merging with Roth CH Acquisition Co., a Cayman Islands exempt company (“Roth CH”) prior to the transactions contemplated in the Business Combination Agreement (see Note 5), to facilitate the consummation of a business combination. The Company will become the ultimate parent company following the transactions contemplated in the Business Combination Agreement.

 

On December 30, 2024, Roth CH purchased 1,000 shares of the Company for a consideration of $0.10, which represents 100% ownership of the Company.

 

Note 2. Liquidity and Going Concern

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company has not generated revenue and reported a net loss of $72,890. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had an aggregate cash of $Nil and a net working capital deficit of $73,407. These conditions cast substantial doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern even though events and conditions exist that when considered in aggregate raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as going concern. Management plans to complete the proposed Business Combination (see Note 5) by December 31, 2025 (the “Agreement End Date”). Ongoing operations are dependent upon the Company consummating the proposed Business Combination and if the Company is unsuccessful, operations would cease except for the purpose of liquidating.

 

As a result of the above, in connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, management has determined that the Company’s liquidity condition raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern through twelve months from the date these financial statements are available to be issued. These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars which is also the Company’s functional currency and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the accounting rules and regulations of the SEC. References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these accompanying notes to the unaudited financial statements are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”).

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements are presented in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information. In the opinion of management, the unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair statement of the balances and results for the periods presented. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected through December 31, 2025 or any future period.

 

The Company’s fiscal year end is December 31.

 

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SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC (F/K/A ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

(UNAUDITED)

 

Emerging Growth Company Status

 

The Company is expected to be an “emerging growth company”, as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”), as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Thus, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. The Company has elected to take advantage of the extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards and to adopt certain of the reduced disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies. As a result of the accounting standards election, the Company will not be subject to the same implementation timeline for new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies which may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements to those of other public companies more difficult.

 

Use of Estimates

 

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

 

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate is the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

There were no significant estimates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity date of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company did not have any cash or cash equivalents as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

 

Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by giving effect to all potential shares of common stock, including preferred stock and convertible notes, to the extent dilutive. There were no potential diluted common stock equivalents for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under FASB ASC 740, which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

FASB ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position. The Company is subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities since inception.

 

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SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC (F/K/A ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

(UNAUDITED)

 

Note 4. Stockholder’s Deficit

 

Common stock – The Company is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock with $0.0001 par value. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there were 1,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Each share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote.

 

Note 5. Commitments and Contingencies

 

On January 28, 2025, Roth CH, the Company, Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc. (the “Merger Sub”) and SharonAI Inc, a Delaware Corporation (“SharonAI”) entered into the business combination agreement, pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, (a) Roth CH shall continue out of the Cayman Islands and into the State of Delaware so as to re-domicile as and become a Delaware corporation by means of a merger (the “Domestication Merger”) of Roth CH with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving company (the “Domesticated Parent”), (b) upon the Domestication Merger, Domesticated Parent shall change its name to “SharonAI Holdings, Inc.” and, thereafter, (c) the Merger Sub shall be merged with and into SharonAI (together, the “Business Combination”), with SharonAI as the surviving company (the “Surviving Corporation”). The Surviving Corporation shall become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Domesticated Parent.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, upon the consummation of the Business Combination on the Closing Date:

 

  Each share of SharonAI Series A Preferred Stock shall be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to the Conversion Ratio.
     
  Each share of SharonAI Series B Preferred Stock shall, in accordance with SharonAI’s charter documents, be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Roth Class A Ordinary Common Stock equal to: (i) the Conversion Ratio multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of SharonAI Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such share of SharonAI Series B Preferred Stock as of immediately prior to the closing.
     
  Each SharonAI Stock Right shall be cancelled and converted into a right to acquire, subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such SharonAI Stock Right, the number of shares of Roth Class A Ordinary Common Stock, determined by multiplying the number of shares of SharonAI Common Stock subject to such SharonAI Stock Right as of immediately prior to the effective time by the Conversion Ratio, with an exercise price per share of Roth Class A Ordinary Common Stock, if applicable, equal to (A) the exercise price per share of SharonAI Common Stock of such SharonAI Stock Right divided by (B) the Conversion Ratio (a “Converted Stock Right”).
     
  The “Conversion Ratio” is the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the number of shares constituting the Aggregate Merger Consideration, which is approximately 560,835,633 shares of Roth Common Stock, by (b) the number of shares constituting the “Aggregate Fully Diluted SharonAI Capital Stock”, which means: the sum, without duplication, of (a) all shares of SharonAI Common Stock that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time; plus (b) the aggregate number of shares of SharonAI Series A Preferred Stock that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time; plus (c) the aggregate number of shares of SharonAI Common Stock issuable upon conversion of all shares of SharonAI Series B Preferred Stock that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time; plus (d) the aggregate number of shares of SharonAI Common Stock issuable upon full conversion, exercise, settlement or exchange of any SharonAI Stock Rights outstanding immediately prior to the effective time directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable or potentially settled for shares of SharonAI Common Stock.

 

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SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC (F/K/A ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

(UNAUDITED)

 

On May 23, 2025, the parties to the Business Combination Agreement entered into an Amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Business Combination Agreement, pursuant to which the Outside Date was extended to October 31, 2025.

 

On October 14, 2025, the parties to the Business Combination Agreement entered into an Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Business Combination Agreement, pursuant to which the Closing Date was extended to December 31, 2025.

 

Note 6. Subsequent events

 

The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date up to the date the financial statements are issued. The Company did not identify, other than the below, any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in these unaudited financial statements.

 

On October 14, 2025, the parties to the Business Combination Agreement entered into an Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Business Combination Agreement, pursuant to which the Closing Date was extended to December 31, 2025.

 

On December 2, 2025, Roth CH held an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”). Shareholders approved by way of an ordinary resolution and adopted the Business Combination Agreement, as described in Note 5, approved the proposed amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Proposed Charter”) and the proposed amended and restated bylaws (“Proposed Bylaws” and, together with the Proposed Charter, the “Proposed Organizational Documents”) of Domesticated Parent. Shareholders also approved on an advisory non-binding basis by way of an ordinary resolution the following five (5) separate proposals (collectively, the “Advisory Organizational Documents Proposals”):

 

A. Advisory Organizational Documents Proposal 4A (Authorized Shares) — the amendment and redesignation of the authorized share capital of Roth CH from (a) 200,000,000 Roth CH Class A Ordinary Shares, 20,000,000 Roth CH Class B Ordinary Shares and 1,000,000 preference shares, par value $0.0001 per share, of Roth CH, to (b) 900,000,000 Pubco shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, 6,816,948 Pubco shares of Class B Super Common Stock and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.

 

B. Advisory Organizational Documents Proposal 4B (Exclusive Forum Provision) — the adoption of Delaware as the exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation and adopting the federal district courts of the United States as the exclusive forum for resolving complaints asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

C. Advisory Organizational Documents Proposal 4C (Required Vote to Amend Charter) — the inclusion of provisions providing that the affirmative vote of at least 66 and 2/3% of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares of capital stock of Domesticated Parent entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, will be required to amend, alter, repeal or rescind any provision of Article FIFTH, Article SEVENTH, Article EIGHTH, Article TENTH, Article ELEVENTH, and this requirement in Article NINTH of the Proposed Charter.

 

D. Advisory Organizational Documents Proposal 4D (Removal of Directors) — the inclusion of provisions permitting the removal of a director, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 and 2/3% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

 

E. Advisory Organizational Documents Proposal 4E (Name Change) — the change of the name of the Domesticated Parent to “SharonAI Holdings, Inc.”

 

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SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC (F/K/A ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

(UNAUDITED)

 

Additionally shareholders approved the election, effective as of the effective time of the Business Combination, of James Manning, Peter Woodward, Alastair Cairns, Wolfgang Schubert and Brent Lanier as the directors of Domesticated Parent, with James Manning to serve until the 2028 annual meeting and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation, removal or death, with each of Peter Woodward and Alastair Cairns to serve until the 2027 annual meeting and until his respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation, removal or death, and with each of Wolfgang Schubert and Brent Lanier to serve until the 2026 annual meeting and until his respective successor has been duly elected and qualified or until his earlier resignation, removal or death. We refer to this proposal as the “Directors Proposal”. Shareholders approved, if each of the Business Combination, the Domestication Merger and the Proposed Charter is approved and takes effect, to combine Pubco outstanding shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock and Class B Super Common Stock following the Business Combination into a lesser number of outstanding shares (the “Reverse Stock Split”) and proportionately reduce the number of shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock and Class B Super Common Stock authorized (the “Capital Stock Reduction”), giving the board of directors of Pubco the sole discretion to effect the Reverse Stock Split and Capital Stock Reduction, if at all, within one (1) year of the date the proposal is approved by stockholders and to fix the specific ratio within a range of one-for-two (1-for-2) to a maximum of a one-for-one hundred and fifty (1-for-150) reverse split. Shareholders approved, if each of the Business Combination, the Domestication Merger and the Proposed Charter is approved and takes effect, the issuance of all shares of Pubco Class A Ordinary Common Stock which may be issuable to YA II PN, Ltd. (“YA”) pursuant to certain Convertible Notes and the Standby Equity Purchase Agreement with YA.

 

On December 17, 2025, the Company consummated the Business Combination and changed its name to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., as discussed in Note 5.

 

Amendment to Yorkville Agreements

 

On December 15, 2025, SharonAI entered into an Amendment (the “YA Amendment”) to Convertible Promissory Notes and Note Purchase Agreement with YA II PN, Ltd (“YA”) Under the terms of the YA Amendment, during the period starting on December 15, 2025 and ended on January 20, 2026, (the “Suspension Period”), (A) the following obligations of the Company shall be suspended: (a) the obligation to assign the notes issued by SharonAI to YA (collectively, the “Notes”) to SharonAI Holding, Inc. (“Holdings”), (b) the obligation to cause Holdings to assume the Note or enter the Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (“SEPA”), and (c) the obligation to make any payments to the YA under the Notes, and (B) YA shall not: (a) convert either Note into shares of Pubco’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock, or (b) have any obligations to make any further Pre-Paid Advances; in each such case provided that SharonAI strictly complies with the covenants set forth in Section 4 of this Amendment. SharonAI agrees that upon the expiration or termination of the Suspension Period (unless the Notes are repaid in full as provided in Section 4 of this Amendment), the suspension of the obligations and payments due to be performed under any of the Agreements that may have arose during the Suspension Period shall be in full force and effect upon the termination of the Suspension Period.

 

In connection with the Amendment, SharonAI agreed to pay YA (i) an initial payment within 4 business days of the date of this Amendment of $350,000, which is comprised of (a) $263,636 of principal of the promissory note dated October 21, 2025; (b) a Redemption Premium (as defined in the Notes) in respect of such principal in the amount of $26,364; and (c) $60,000 of accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes (representing all accrued and unpaid interest as of December 11, 2025); and (ii) a final payment on or before the expiration of the Suspension Period in an amount equal to the aggregate of the following as of the date of such payment: (a) the outstanding principal of each Note; (b) a Redemption Premium (as defined in the Notes) in respect of such Principal amount; (c) the accrued and unpaid Interest of each Note; and (d) a $250,000 fee, which aggregate payment shall be in complete payment and satisfaction of all amounts owed and other obligations under all of the Agreements and the Agreements shall terminate and be of no further effect upon SharonAI making such payment and none of the parties, nor any of their respective successors in interest or permitted assigns, shall have any further rights or obligations or any continuing liability under the Agreements after such payment is made by SharonAI.

 

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SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC (F/K/A ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

(UNAUDITED)

 

Convertible Notes

 

On December 17, 2025 Pubco entered into 10% convertible promissory notes (the “December 2025 Convertible Notes”) with three accredited investors pursuant to which Pubco issued convertible promissory notes the amount of $2,250,000 to the investor in consideration of $2,250,000. The notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum and have a maturity date of December 17, 2026. The unpaid and outstanding principal amount and accrued interest automatically convert into shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock at a conversion price of $0.12. As soon as practicable (and in any event within 30-calendar days of the closing of the Business Combination Agreement, Pubco agreed to file a registration statement on Form S-1 providing for the resale of the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the December 2025 Convertible Notes. The proceeds from the issuance of the December 2025 Convertible Notes were used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

Sale of the Company’s interest in TCDC

 

On December 19, 2025, SharonAI entered into a Binding Term Sheet for Acquisition of Interest in Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC (the “Term Sheet”), setting forth the terms and conditions for SharonAI’s sale of 100% of its 50% interest in Texas Critical Data Centers LLC (“TCDC”) to New Era Energy & Digital Inc. (“NUAI”). TCDC is a joint venture between SharonAI and NUAI formed to fund, develop, and construct a planned 250 Mega Watt sustainable data center site project behind the meter with a natural gas-fired power plant in Ector County, Texas.

 

The Term Sheet obligates SharonAI And NUAI to negotiate and execute customary definitive agreements in good faith that incorporate the terms of the Term Sheet and contain other customary terms and conditions, as expeditiously as possible, and no later than January 15, 2026.

 

The consideration NUAI will pay SharonAI for the interests of TCDC will be an aggregate of $70,000,000, of which, (a) $10,000,000 will be payable in cash, with (i) $150,000 payable as a non-refundable deposit within 14 days of December 19, 2025, and (ii) $9,850,000 payable upon the occurrence of certain events, but no later than March 31, 2026; (b) $10,000,000 will be payable in common stock or other units of NUAI upon the occurrence of certain events, but no later than March 31, 2026; and (c) $50,000,000 will be payable by issuance of a senior secured convertible promissory with a right of SharonAI to convert 20% of the amount owed into common stock of NUAI and which matures and is due June 30, 2026.

 

The sale of the interests of TCDC are subject to the condition that SharonAI reimburse NUAI for SharonAI’s portion of the amount required to be contributed to TCDC for TCDC to purchase the Additional 203 Acres (as defined below) on or before January 9, 2026, which amount is approximately $2,550,000.

 

Both parties are prohibited from, and must ensure that their directors, shareholders, employees, professional advisers and related entities do not solicit, consider, accept or otherwise pursue and contemplate other proposals in respect of the specific transaction set forth in the Term Sheet for a period of 30 days commencing on the date of execution of the Term Sheet.

 

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SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC (F/K/A ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

(UNAUDITED)

 

New Convertible Note Financing

 

On December 19, 2025 the Company, entered into a Convertible Note Agreement (the “New Financing Agreement”) with certain investors (the “Noteholders”), pursuant to which the Noteholders agreed to provide financing in the aggregate principal amount of approximately $100,000,000 of unsecured, redeemable, convertible notes (the “Notes”). Canaccord Genuity Australia served as the sole lead manager for the transaction.

 

Promptly after entering into the Agreement, SharonAI assigned, and the Company assumed, the obligations and responsibilities of SharonAI Inc. in connection with and arising out of the Agreement and the Notes.

 

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company may accept additional over-subscriptions up to a maximum aggregate total of $200,000,000 until January 15, 2026. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 12% per annum from April 19, 2026, through December 18, 2026, and 15% per annum on and from the December 19, 2026 until the Notes are redeemed, cancelled or converted. The Notes mature on December 19, 2027 (the “Maturity Date”), unless earlier converted or redeemed.

 

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Notes may be converted into shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock of the Company in certain circumstances, including by the Company prior to a Corporate Event (as defined in the Agreement), upon completion of an initial public offering on the Australian Securities Exchange or other securities exchange (subject to additional terms) or at maturity. Upon conversion, the number of shares issuable is calculated based on the sum of principal and accrued interest divided by the lower of a discounted transaction price or a predetermined valuation cap or maturity conversion price. Conversion and issuance of securities pursuant to the Notes are subject to compliance with the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC or prior stockholder approval.

 

Redemption rights are available to the Noteholders on the Maturity Date or upon the occurrence of an event of default (if not converted), in which case the redemption price includes both principal and accrued but unpaid interest.

 

The proceeds from the offering are expected to be used primarily to accelerate the deployment of high density computing power in the form of NVIDIA GPUs, including B200’s, B300’s and GB300’s.

 

The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and are being offered and sold in reliance on applicable exemptions from registration pursuant to Regulation S or Rule 506(b) of Regulation D, or Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act because, among other things, the transaction did not involve a public offering, the investors are accredited investors, the investors are taking the securities for investment and not resale, the Company took appropriate measures to restrict the transfer of the securities and certain of the Noteholders are not US persons in the United States. The securities have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. This Current Report on Form 8-K shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these Notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. 

 

The Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants of the Company and the Noteholder that are customary for a transaction of this nature. The Agreement also contains indemnification obligations of the parties thereto.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholder and Director of

Roth CH Holdings Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Roth CH Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 the related statements of operations, changes in stockholder’s deficit and cash flows for the period from December 30, 2024 (inception) through December 31, 2024 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from December 30, 2024 through December 31, 2024. in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Explanatory Paragraph – Going Concern

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in Note 1, the Company has a significant working capital deficiency, has incurred significant losses and needs to raise additional funds to meet its obligations and sustain its operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

Bases 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 audit. 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.

 

 

Marcum LLP   /   340 Mount Kemble Ave, Suite 210N   /   Morristown, NJ 07960   /   Phone 973.929.3500   /   marcumllp.com

 

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We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit 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 audit 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 audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Marcum LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2025.

 

 

Morristown, NJ

April 22, 2025

 

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ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.

BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2024

 

    December 31,
2024
 
ASSETS        
Total current assets   $ -  
         
TOTAL ASSETS   $ -  
         
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY        
Accounts payable   $ 517  
Accrued expenses     -  
Total current liabilities     517  
         
TOTAL LIABILITIES   $ 517  
         
STOCKHOLDER’S DEFICIT        
Common stock, no par value; 1,000 shares authorized; 1,000 issued and outstanding     -  
Additional paid-in capital     -  
Accumulated deficit     (517 )
Total stockholder’s deficit     (517 )
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S DEFICIT   $ -  

 

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

 

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ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 30, 2024 (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 2024

 

    For the
period from
December 30, 2024
(inception) to
December 31,
2024
 
Operating expenses        
General and administrative   $ 517  
Loss from operations   $ (517 )
         
Net loss   $ (517 )
         
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, basic and diluted     1,000  
         
Basic and diluted net loss per share of common stock   $ (0.52 )

 

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

 

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ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER’S DEFICIT

FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 30, 2024 (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 2024

 

    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-in
    Accumulated     Total
Stockholder’s
 
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Deficit  
Balance, December 30, 2024 (inception)     -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Shares issued at inception     1,000       -       -       -       -  
Net loss     -       -       -       (517 )     (517 )
Balance, December 31, 2024     1,000     $ -     $ -     $ (517 )   $ (517 )

 

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

 

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ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 30, 2024 (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 2024

 

    For the
period from
December 30, 2024
(inception) to
December 31,
2024
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES        
Net loss   $ (517 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operations:        
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Accounts payable     517  
CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES     -  
         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES        
Issuance of common stock     -  
CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES     -  
         
NET CHANGE IN CASH     -  
Cash, beginning of period     -  
Cash, end of period   $ -  

 

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

 

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ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 30, 2024 (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 2024

 

Note 1. Organization

 

Description of Business

 

Roth CH Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”, “The Company The Company”) was incorporated in Delaware on December 30, 2024 for the purpose of merging with Roth CH Acquisition Co., a Cayman Islands exempt company (“Roth CH”) prior to the transactions contemplated in the Business Combination Agreement (see Note 5), to facilitate the consummation of a business combination. The Company will become the ultimate parent company following the transactions contemplated in the Business Combination Agreement.

 

On December 30, 2024, Roth CH purchased 1,000 shares of the Company for a consideration of $0.10, which represents 100% ownership of the Company.

 

Note 2. Liquidity and Going Concern

 

For the period from December 30, 2024 (inception) to December 31, 2024, the Company has not generated revenue and reported a net loss of $517. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had an aggregate cash of $Nil and a net working capital deficit of $517. These conditions cast substantial doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern even though events and conditions exist that when considered in aggregate raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as going concern. Management plans to complete the proposed Business Combination (see Note 5) by June 30, 2025 (the “Agreement End Date”). Ongoing operations are dependent upon the Company consummating the proposes Business Combination and if the Company is unsuccessful, operations would cease except for the purpose of liquidating.

 

As a result of the above, in connection with the Company’s assessment of going concern considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, Disclosures of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, management has determined that the Company’s liquidity condition raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern through twelve months from the date these financial statements are available to be issued. These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recovery of the recorded assets or the classification of the liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars which is also the Company’s functional currency and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the accounting rules and regulations of the SEC. References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these accompanying notes to the financial statements are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”).

 

Emerging Growth Company Status

 

The Company is expected to be an “emerging growth company”, as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”), as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. Thus, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. The Company has elected to take advantage of the extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards and to adopt certain of the reduced disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies. As a result of the accounting standards election, the Company will not be subject to the same implementation timeline for new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies which may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements to those of other public companies more difficult.

 

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ROTH CH HOLDINGS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 30, 2024 (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 2024

 

Use of Estimates

 

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

 

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate is the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

There were no significant estimates for the period from December 30, 2024 (inception) to December 31, 2024.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity date of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company did not have any cash or cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024.

 

Net Loss Per Share

 

Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by giving effect to all potential shares of common stock, including preferred stock and convertible notes, to the extent dilutive. There were not potential diluted common stock equivalents for the period from December 30, 2024 (inception) to December 31, 2024.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under FASB ASC 740, which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

FASB ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position. The Company is subject to income tax examinations by major taxing authorities since inception.

 

Note 4. Stockholder’s Deficit

 

Common stock – The Company is authorized to issue 1,000 shares of common stock with $0.0001 par value. As of December 31, 2024, there was 1,000 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Each share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote.

 

Note 5. Subsequent events

 

The Company evaluated subsequent events and transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date up to the date the financial statements are issued. The Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in these unaudited financial statements.

 

On January 28, 2025, the Company, entered into that certain Business Combination Agreement (as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among the Company, Roth CH, Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Roth CH (“Merger Sub”), and SharonAI Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Target”).

 

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ROTH CH ACQUISITION CO.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    September 30,
2025
    December 31,
2024
 
    (Unaudited)     (Audited)  
ASSETS                
Cash   $ 16,083     $ 6,738  
Prepaid expenses     1,875       7,500  
Short-term prepaid insurance     3,333       -  
Total Current Assets     21,291       14,238  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 21,291     $ 14,238  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
Current liabilities                
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 1,551,314     $ 926,512  
Advances from related party     256,636       -  
Promissory note - related party     -       1,109,412  
Total Current Liabilities     1,807,950       2,035,924  
                 
Warrant liabilities     1,335,000       222,500  
Total Liabilities     3,142,950       2,258,424  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)                
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
Preference shares, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no issued or outstanding     -       -  
Class A ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 45,203,220 and 5,836,553 shares issued or outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively     4,521       584  
Class B ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 75,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024     7       7  
Additional paid-in capital     7,769,174       6,592,111  
Accumulated deficit     (10,895,361 )     (8,836,888 )
Total Shareholders’ Deficit     (3,121,659 )     (2,244,186 )
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT   $ 21,291     $ 14,238  

 

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

 

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ROTH CH ACQUISITION CO.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
September 30,
    For the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2025     2024     2025     2024  
Formation and operating costs   $ 240,703     $ 59,858     $ 945,973     $ 514,632  
Loss from operations     (240,703 )     (59,858 )     (945,973 )     (514,632 )
                                 
Other (expense) income:                                
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities     (467,250 )     -       (1,112,500 )     529,550  
Interest income on cash and marketable securities held in Trust Account     -       -       -       435,437  
Other (expense) income, net     (467,250 )     -       (1,112,500 )     964,987  
                                 
Net (loss) income   $ (707,953 )   $ (59,858 )   $ (2,058,473 )   $ 450,355  
                                 
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class A redeemable ordinary shares     -       -       -       1,051,884  
                                 
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share, Class A redeemable ordinary shares   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 0.07  
                                 
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class A and B non-redeemable ordinary shares     45,278,220       5,911,553       41,817,414       5,852,352  
                                 
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share, Class A and B non-redeemable ordinary shares   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.05 )   $ 0.07  

 

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

 

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ROTH CH ACQUISITION CO.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

(Unaudited)

 

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

 

    Ordinary Shares     Additional           Total  
    Class A     Class B     Paid-In     Accumulated     Shareholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Deficit  
Balance — December 31, 2024     5,836,553     $ 584       75,000     $ 7     $ 6,592,111     $ (8,836,888 )   $ (2,244,186 )
Conversion of Note payable (Note 3)     39,366,667       3,937       -       -       1,177,063       -       1,181,000  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       (1,276,511 )     (1,276,511 )
Balance — March 31, 2025     45,203,220       4,521       75,000       7       7,769,174       (10,113,399 )     (2,339,697 )
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       (74,009 )     (74,009 )
Balance — June 30, 2025     45,203,220       4,521       75,000       7       7,769,174       (10,187,408 )     (2,413,706 )
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       (707,953 )     (707,953 )
Balance — September 30, 2025     45,203,220     $ 4,521       75,000     $ 7     $ 7,769,174     $ (10,895,361 )   $ (3,121,659 )

 

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

    Ordinary Shares     Additional           Total  
    Class A     Class B     Paid-In     Accumulated     Shareholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Deficit  
Balance — December 31, 2023     5,675,000     $ 568       75,000     $ 7     $ 7,107,564     $ (8,955,953 )   $ (1,847,814 )
Remeasurement of Class A ordinary shares subject to redemption     -       -       -       -       (485,713 )     -       (485,713 )
Net income     -       -       -       -       -       279,184       279,184  
Balance — March 31, 2024 (unaudited)     5,675,000       568       75,000       7       6,621,851       (8,676,769 )     (2,054,343 )
Reclassification of Class A Redeemable Shares     161,553       16       -       -       (16 )     -       -  
Remeasurement of Class A ordinary shares subject to redemption     -       -       -       -       (29,724 )     -       (29,724 )
Net income     -       -       -       -       -       231,029       231,029  
Balance — June 30, 2024 (unaudited)     5,836,553       584       75,000       7       6,592,111       (8,445,740 )     (1,853,038 )
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       (59,858 )     (59,858 )
Balance — September 30, 2024 (unaudited)     5,836,553     $ 584       75,000     $ 7     $ 6,592,111     $ (8,505,598 )   $ (1,912,896 )

 

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

 

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ROTH CH ACQUISITION CO.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

    For the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2025     2024  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:                
Net (loss) income   $ (2,058,473 )   $ 450,355  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:                
Interest income on cash and marketable securities held in Trust Account     -       (435,437 )
Change in fair value of warrant liability     1,112,500       (529,550 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Prepaid expenses     5,625       31,766  
Prepaid insurance     (3,333 )     -  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses     624,802       165,792  
Net cash used in operating activities     (318,879 )     (317,074 )
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:                
Investment of cash into Trust Account     -       (327,410 )
Cash withdrawn from Trust Account for working capital     -       100,000  
Cash withdrawn from Trust Account in connection with redemption     -       23,994,878  
Trust receivable     -       147,410  
Net cash provided by Investing activities     -       23,914,878  
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:                
Proceeds from promissory note – related party     71,588       426,904  
Advances from related party     256,636       -  
Redemption of ordinary shares     -       (23,994,878 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     328,224       (23,567,974 )
                 
Net Change in Cash     9,345       29,830  
Cash – Beginning     6,738       13,755  
Cash – Ending   $ 16,083     $ 43,585  
                 
Non-cash investing and financing activities                
Re-measurement of Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption amount   $ -     $ 515,437  
Conversion of promissory note – related party   $ (1,181,000 )   $ -  

 

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

 

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ROTH CH ACQUISITION CO.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations

 

Roth CH Acquisition Co. (the “Company”) is a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company on April 20, 2021 with the name TKB Critical Technologies 1. The Company changed its name on September 7, 2023 to Roth CH Acquisition Co. The Company was formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (the “initial business combination”). The Company has two wholly-owned subsidiaries that were created on December 30, 2024, Roth CH Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Domestication Sub”) and Roth CH Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Merger Sub” and, together with Domestication Sub, the “Merger Subs”).

 

The Company is not limited to a particular industry or geographic location for purposes of consummating an initial business combination. The Company is an early stage and emerging growth company and, as such, the Company is subject to all of the risks associated with early stage and emerging growth companies.

 

As of September 30, 2025, the Company had not commenced any operations. All activity for the period from April 20, 2021 (inception) through September 30, 2025, relates to the Company’s formation and its initial public offering (the “IPO”), which is described below and, subsequent to the IPO, identifying a target company for an initial business combination. The Company will not generate any operating revenues until after the completion of the initial business combination, at the earliest. The Company generated non-operating income from the marketable securities held in the Trust Account up to the termination of the Trust Account (defined below).

 

Liquidity and Going Concern

 

As of September 30, 2025, the Company had $16,083 cash and a working capital deficit of $1,786,659. The Company has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of its financing and acquisition plans. The Company expects that it will need to raise additional capital through loans or additional investments from its Sponsor, shareholders, officers, directors or third parties. The Company’s officers, directors and Sponsor may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion, to meet the Company’s working capital needs. Accordingly, the Company may not be able to obtain additional financing. If the Company is unable to raise additional capital, it may be required to take additional measures to conserve liquidity, which could include, but not necessarily be limited to, curtailing operations, suspending the pursuit of a potential transaction, and reducing overhead expenses. The Company cannot provide any assurance that new financing will be available to it on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The condensed financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

The Company assessed going concern considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 205-40, “Basis of Presentation – Going Concern”. Management has determined that the liquidity condition raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. No adjustments have been made to the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities.

 

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Risks and Uncertainties

 

The United States and global markets are experiencing volatility and disruption following the geopolitical instability resulting from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the recent escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. In response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (“NATO”) deployed additional military forces to eastern Europe, and the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and other countries have announced various sanctions and restrictive actions against Russia, Belarus and related individuals and entities, including the removal of certain financial institutions from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication payment system. Certain countries, including the United States, have also provided and may continue to provide military aid or other assistance to Ukraine and to Israel, increasing geopolitical tensions among a number of nations. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the resulting measures that have been taken, and could be taken in the future, by NATO, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Israel and its neighboring states and other countries have created global security concerns that could have a lasting impact on regional and global economies. Although the length and impact of the ongoing conflicts are highly unpredictable, they could lead to market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions and increased cyber-attacks against U.S. companies. Additionally, any resulting sanctions could adversely affect the global economy and financial markets and lead to instability and lack of liquidity in capital markets.

 

Any of the above-mentioned factors, or any other negative impact on the global economy, capital markets or other geopolitical conditions resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and subsequent sanctions or related actions, could adversely affect the Company’s search for an initial business combination and any target business with which the Company may ultimately consummate an initial Business Combination.

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements as of September 30, 2025 have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP for interim financial information and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Certain information or footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of a normal recurring nature, which are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, operating results and cash flows for the periods presented.

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. The interim results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the period ending December 31, 2025 or for any future period.

 

Emerging Growth Company

 

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

 

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Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s condensed financial statements with another public company, which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company that has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the condensed financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

 

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the condensed financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. One of the more significant accounting estimates included in these condensed financial statements is the determination of the fair value of the warrant liabilities. Such estimates may be subject to change as more current information becomes available. Accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company had $16,083 and $6,738 of operating cash as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had no cash equivalents.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value on the grant date and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement or conversion of the instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

 

Warrant Liabilities

 

The Company accounts for the warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815. The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements from equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own ordinary shares, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgement, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the warrants are outstanding.

 

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For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations. See Note 7 for valuation methodology of warrants.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement” (“ASC 820”), approximates the carrying amounts represented in the balance sheets, primarily due to their short-term nature, except warrant liabilities.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for sale of an asset or paid for transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

 

 

Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments in active markets;

     
 

Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and

     
  Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

 

In some circumstances, the inputs used to measure fair value might be categorized within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In those instances, the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the condensed financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

FASB ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. There were no unrecognized tax benefits and no amounts accrued for interest and penalties as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position.

 

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There is currently no taxation imposed on income by the Government of the Cayman Islands. In accordance with federal income tax regulations, income taxes are not levied on the Company, but rather on the individual owners. United States (“U.S.”) taxation would occur on the individual owners if certain tax elections are made by U.S. owners and the Company were treated as a passive foreign investment company. Additionally, U.S. taxation could occur to the Company itself if the Company is engaged in a U.S. trade or business. The Company is not expected to be treated as engaged in a U.S. trade or business at this time.

 

Net (Loss) Income Per Ordinary Share

 

The Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share”. Net (loss) income per ordinary share is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the period. The Company has two classes of ordinary shares, which are referred to as Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Income and losses are shared pro rata between the two classes of ordinary shares. Accretion associated with the redeemable Class A ordinary shares is excluded from earnings per share as the redemption value approximates fair value. The calculation of diluted income per share does not consider the effect of the warrants issued in connection with the (i) IPO and (ii) the private placement since the exercise of the warrants is contingent upon the occurrence of future events. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 22,250,000 Class A ordinary shares in the aggregate. As of September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Company did not have any dilutive securities or other contracts that could, potentially, be exercised or converted into ordinary shares and then share in the earnings of the Company.

 

The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per ordinary share (in dollars, except per share amounts):

 

    For the Three Months Ended September 30,     For the Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2025     2024     2025     2024  
    Class A
redeemable
    Class A and B
non-redeemable
    Class A
redeemable
    Class A and B
non-redeemable
    Class A
redeemable
    Class A and B
non-redeemable
    Class A
redeemable
    Class A and B
non-redeemable
 
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share                                                                
Numerator:                                                                
Allocation of net (loss) income, as adjusted   $ -     $ (707,953 )   $ -     $ (59,858 )   $ -     $ (2,058,473 )   $ 68,613     $ 381,742  
                                                                 
Denominator:                                                                
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding     -       45,278,220       -       5,911,553       -       41,817,414       1,051,884       5,852,352  
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share   $ -     $ (0.02 )   $ -     $ (0.01 )   $ -     $ (0.05 )   $ 0.07     $ 0.07  

 

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Related Parties

 

Parties, which can be a corporation or an individual, are considered to be related if the Company has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operational decisions. Companies are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or common significant influence.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial institution, which, at times, may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage of $250,000. The Company has not experienced losses on this account.

 

Recent Accounting Standards

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation, as well as information related to income taxes paid to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. This ASU will be effective for the annual period ending December 31, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the impacts of adoption of this ASU.

 

The Company’s management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards if currently adopted would have a material effect on the accompanying condensed financial statements.

 

Note 3Related Party Transactions

 

Promissory Note – Related Party

 

On July 1, 2023 the Company entered into a promissory note with the Buyers for up to an aggregate of $1,000,000 (the “2023 Promissory Note). The 2023 Promissory Note is non-interest bearing and payable upon the earlier of the date on which the Company consummates an initial business combination, the liquidation of the Company, or October 29, 2024. The Note does not bear any interest. On August 8, 2024, the Company amended the terms of the 2023 Promissory Note to increase the aggregate principal amount that may be borrowed to $2,000,000 and to extend the maturity to June 30, 2025.

 

On January 24, 2025, the Company amended and restated its 2023 Promissory Note, (the “Convertible Promissory Note”) in favor of certain shareholders of the Company to permit its conversion into Class A ordinary shares of Company, at any time, at the option of the representative of the noteholders based upon the current trading price. Subsequent to the execution of the Convertible Promissory Note, on January 24, 2025, the representative provided notice that it intended to convert the existing principal balance of the Convertible Promissory Note in the amount of $1,181,000 into 39,366,667 Class A ordinary shares of the Company. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there was $0 and $1,109,412 amounts outstanding under the 2023 Promissory Note, respectively.

 

Advances from related party

 

As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Sponsor advanced the Company $256,636 and $0, respectively included in advances from related party in the accompanying condensed balance sheet.

 

Note 4 — Shareholders’ Deficit

 

Preference Shares — The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 preference shares with a par value of $0.0001 per share with such designation, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s board of directors. At September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there were no preference shares issued or outstanding.

 

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Class A Ordinary Shares — The Company is authorized to issue 200,000,000 Class A ordinary shares with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one vote for each share. At September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there were 45,203,220 and 5,836,553 Class A ordinary shares issued and outstanding, respectively.

 

Class B Ordinary Shares — The Company is authorized to issue 20,000,000 Class B ordinary shares with a par value of $0.0001 per share. At September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there were 75,000 Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding.

 

Ordinary shareholders of record are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by shareholders and holders of Class A ordinary shares and holders of Class B ordinary shares will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders except as required by law; provided that only holders of Class B ordinary shares will have the right to vote on the appointment of directors prior to or in connection with the completion of the initial business combination.

 

The Class B ordinary shares will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares at the time of an initial business combination on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment. In the case that additional Class A ordinary shares, or equity-linked securities, are issued or deemed issued in excess of the amounts offered in the IPO and related to the closing of an initial business combination, the ratio at which Class B ordinary shares shall convert into Class A ordinary shares will be adjusted (unless the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class B ordinary shares to waive such adjustment with respect to any such issuance or deemed issuance) so that the number of Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of all Class B ordinary shares will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the sum of the total number of all ordinary shares outstanding upon the completion of the IPO plus all Class A ordinary shares and equity-linked securities issued or deemed issued by the Company in connection with or in relation to the consummation of the initial business combination, excluding any forward purchase securities, any Class A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities exercisable for or convertible into Class A ordinary shares issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the initial business combination and any private placement warrants issued to the Sponsor upon conversion of Working Capital Loans. In no event will the Class B ordinary shares convert into Class A ordinary shares at a rate of less than one to one.

 

Note 5 — Warrant Liabilities

 

The Company accounts for the 22,250,000 warrants that were issued in the IPO (representing 11,500,000 Public Warrants and 10,750,000 Private Placement Warrants) in accordance with the guidance contained in ASC 815-40. Such guidance provides that because the warrants do not meet the criteria for equity treatment thereunder, each warrant must be recorded as a liability. The warrants do not meet the criteria to be considered indexed to the Company’s stock due to settlement provisions that result in holders of warrants receiving variable settlement amounts determined by the reference table. Additionally, an event that is not within the entity’s control could require net cash settlement, thus precluding equity classification. Accordingly, the Company will classify each warrant as a liability at its fair value. This liability is subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date. With each such re-measurement, the warrant liability will be adjusted to fair value, with the change in fair value recognized in the Company’s statement of operations.

 

Warrants — Public Warrants may only be exercised for a whole number of Class A ordinary shares. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the Units and only whole warrants will trade. Accordingly, unless holders purchase at least two Units, they will not be able to receive or trade a whole warrant. The Public Warrants will become exercisable 30 days after the completion of an initial business combination.

 

The Company will not be obligated to deliver any Class A ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of a Public Warrant and will have no obligation to settle such Public Warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to the Company satisfying its obligations with respect to registration, or a valid exemption from registration is available. No Public Warrant will be exercisable, and the Company will not be obligated to issue any Class A ordinary shares upon exercise of a Public Warrant unless the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon such Public Warrant exercise has been registered, qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the registered holder of the Public Warrants.

 

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The Company has agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 20 business days after the closing of an initial business combination, it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC a post-effective amendment to the registration statement filed in connection with its IPO or a new registration statement covering registration under the Securities Act, of the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants, and the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the same to become effective within 60 business days after the closing of an initial business combination, and to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement and a current prospectus relating to those Class A ordinary shares until the Public Warrants expire or are redeemed, as specified in the warrant agreement; provided that if the Class A ordinary shares is at the time of any exercise of a Public Warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that they satisfy the definition of a “covered security” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act, the Company may, at its option, require holders of Public Warrants who exercise their warrants to do so on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act and, in the event the Company so elects, the Company will not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement, but it will use its commercially reasonably efforts to register or qualify the shares under applicable blue sky laws to the extent an exemption is not available. If a registration statement covering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants is not effective by the 60th day after the closing of an initial business combination, Public Warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when the Company will have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise Public Warrants on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption, but the Company will use its commercially reasonably efforts to register or qualify the shares under applicable blue sky laws to the extent an exemption is not available.

 

Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $18.00. Once the Public Warrants become exercisable, the Company may redeem the Public Warrants:

 

  in whole and not in part;
     
  at a price of $0.01 per warrant;
     
  upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder; and
     
  if, and only if, the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending three trading days before the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

 

If and when the Public Warrants become redeemable by the Company, it may exercise its redemption right even if the Company is unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws.

 

Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $10.00. Once the Public Warrants become exercisable, the Company may redeem the Public Warrants:

 

  in whole and not in part;
     
  at a price of $0.10 per warrant;
     
  upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder; provided that holders will be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis prior to redemption and receive that number of shares based on the redemption date and the fair market value of the Class A ordinary share;
     
  if, and only if, the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $10.00 per share (as adjusted per share sub-divisions, share dividends, reorganizations, reclassifications, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within the 30-trading day period ending three trading days before the Company send the notice of redemption to the warrant holders; and

 

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  if the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders is less than $18.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like), the Private Placement Warrants must also be concurrently called for redemption on the same terms as the outstanding Public Warrants, as described above.

 

In addition, if (x) the Company issues additional Class A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities (excluding the forward purchase securities) for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of an initial business combination at an issue price or effective issue price of less than $9.20 per Class A ordinary share (with such issue price or effective issue price to be determined in good faith by the Company’s board of directors and, in the case of any such issuance to the Sponsor or its affiliates, without taking into account any Founder Shares held by the Sponsor or such affiliates, as applicable, prior to such issuance) (the “Newly Issued Price”), (y) the aggregate gross proceeds from such issuances represent more than 60% of the total equity proceeds, and interest thereon, available for the funding of an initial business combination on the date of the consummation of an initial business combination (net of redemptions), and (z) the volume weighted average trading price of the Class A ordinary shares during the 20 trading day period starting on the trading day prior to the day on which the Company consummates an initial business combination (such price, the “Market Value”) is below $9.20 per share, then the exercise price of the warrants will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 115% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, the $18.00 per share redemption trigger price described above under “Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $18.00” and “Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $10.00” will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 180% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, and the $10.00 per share redemption trigger price described above under “Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $10.00” will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price.

 

The Private Placement Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants underlying the Units sold in the IPO, except that the Private Placement Warrants and the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of the Private Placement Warrants are not transferable, assignable or saleable until 30 days after the completion of an initial business combination, subject to certain limited exceptions. Additionally, the Private Placement Warrants are exercisable for cash or on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option, and are non-redeemable so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees (except for a number of Class A ordinary shares as described above under “Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $10.00”). If the Private Placement Warrants are held by someone other than the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by the Company in all redemption scenarios and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants.

 

Note 6 — Commitments and Contingencies

 

Broker Dealer Agreements

 

The Company entered into seven broker dealer agreements through September 30, 2025, for the purposes of identifying a target company (“Target”) in connection with the Company’s initial business combination. While the terms of these agreements vary, each agreement reflects that the broker dealer (the “Finder”) will be entitled to a fee if they identify potential targets with which the Company completes a business combination. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had not accrued any amounts related to any broker dealer agreements. None of the Finders are entitled to any fee.

 

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Consulting Agreements

 

The Company entered into nineteen consulting agreements through September 30, 2025.

 

With respect to seventeen of the nineteen consulting agreements, during the term of each agreement, the consultant (“Consultant”) will advise the Company concerning matters related to qualifying business combinations, including services such as valuation, diligence and general advice with respect to the business, operations and financial conditions of any such counterparty to a qualifying business combination. Upon closing of an initial business combination, the Company will pay the Consultant a base fee of $350,000. In lieu of, and not in addition to the base fee, the Company will pay a bonus fee of $1,000,000 if the Company and the Consultant mutually determine and agree that the Consultant will provide advice or services that are of a different kind than those contemplated in the agreement. In lieu of and not in addition to the base fee and bonus fee, the Company will pay to the Consultant an additional fee equal to 0.5% of the pre-money equity value of the Target if the Company and the Consultant mutually determine and agree that the Consultant provided, or will provide, material support in connection with the evaluation, negotiation, execution or marketing of an initial business combination that is ultimately consummated by the Company. Payment to the Consultant is dependent upon the closing of an initial business combination.

 

On August 3, 2022, the Company entered into a consulting agreement. During the term of this agreement, the Consultant will advise the Company concerning matters related to qualifying business combinations, including services such as valuation, diligence and general advice with respect to the business, operations and financial conditions of any such counterparty to a qualifying business combination. As consideration for the services performed by the Consultant during the term of the agreement, upon the closing of an initial business combination, the Company shall pay to the Consultant a fee equal to one percent (1%) of the pre-money equity value of the Target, as stated in the Agreement and Plan of Merger executed between the Company and the Target (which such pre-money equity value shall be determined in a manner consistent with disclosures set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus filed in connection with such initial business combination). Payment to the Consultant is dependent upon the closing of an initial business combination.

 

On October 25, 2022, the Company entered into a consulting agreement. During the term of this agreement, the consultant (“Consultant”) will advise the Company concerning matters related to qualifying business combinations, including services such as valuation, diligence and general advice with respect to the business, operations and financial conditions of any such counterparty to a qualifying business combination. In consideration for the services performed by the Consultant during the term, upon the closing of an initial business combination, the Company shall pay to the Consultant, in shares at close, 100,000 shares of the surviving entity.

 

As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, no work has been performed related to any of the aforementioned consulting agreements and thus the Company did not accrue any amounts related to these agreements.

 

Business Combination Agreement

 

On January 28, 2025, the Company, Roth CH Holdings, Inc. (the “Domestication Sub”), Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc. (the “Merger Sub”) and SharonAI Inc, a Delaware Corporation (the “Target”) entered into the business combination agreement, pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, (a) Roth shall continue out of the Cayman Islands and into the State of Delaware so as to re-domicile as and become a Delaware corporation by means of a merger (the “Domestication Merger”) of Roth with and into Domestication Sub, with the Domestication Sub as the surviving company (the “Domesticated Parent”), (b) upon the Domestication Merger, Domesticated Parent shall change its name to “SharonAI Holdings, Inc.” and, thereafter, (c) the Merger Sub shall be merged with and into SharonAI (together, the “Business Combination”), with SharonAI as the surviving company (the “Surviving Corporation”). The Surviving Corporation shall become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Domesticated Parent.

 

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Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement, upon the consummation of the Business Combination on the Closing Date:

 

  Each share of SharonAI Series A Preferred Stock shall be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Class B Common Stock equal to the Conversion Ratio.

 

  Each share of SharonAI Series B Preferred Stock shall, in accordance with SharonAI’s charter documents, be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Roth Class A Ordinary Common Stock equal to: (i) the Conversion Ratio multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of SharonAI Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such share of SharonAI Series B Preferred Stock as of immediately prior to the closing.

 

  Each SharonAI Stock Right shall be cancelled and converted into a right to acquire, subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such SharonAI Stock Right, the number of shares of Roth Class A Ordinary Common Stock, determined by multiplying the number of shares of SharonAI Common Stock subject to such SharonAI Stock Right as of immediately prior to the effective time by the Conversion Ratio, with an exercise price per share of Roth Class A Ordinary Common Stock, if applicable, equal to (A) the exercise price per share of SharonAI Common Stock of such SharonAI Stock Right divided by (B) the Conversion Ratio (a “Converted Stock Right”).

 

  The “Conversion Ratio” is the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the number of shares constituting the Aggregate Merger Consideration, which is approximately 560,835,633 shares of Roth Common Stock, by (b) the number of shares constituting the “Aggregate Fully Diluted SharonAI Capital Stock”, which means: the sum, without duplication, of (a) all shares of SharonAI Common Stock that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time; plus (b) the aggregate number of shares of SharonAI Series A Preferred Stock that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time; plus (c) the aggregate number of shares of SharonAI Common Stock issuable upon conversion of all shares of SharonAI Series B Preferred Stock that are issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time; plus (d) the aggregate number of shares of SharonAI Common Stock issuable upon full conversion, exercise, settlement or exchange of any SharonAI Stock Rights outstanding immediately prior to the effective time directly or indirectly convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable or potentially settled for shares of SharonAI Common Stock.

 

On May 23, 2025, the parties to the Business Combination Agreement entered into an Amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Business Combination Agreement, pursuant to which the Closing Date was extended from July 31, 2025 to October 31, 2025.

 

On October 14, 2025, the parties to the Business Combination Agreement entered into an Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Business Combination Agreement, pursuant to which the Closing Date was extended to December 31, 2025.

 

Sponsor Support Agreement 

 

In connection with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, the Company and the officers and directors of the Company, the Target and the Sponsor entered into a support agreement (the “Sponsor Support Agreement”) pursuant to which the Sponsor and the officers and directors of the Company have agreed to vote all shares of the common stock beneficially owned by them, including any additional shares they acquire ownership of or the power to vote: (i) in favor of the Merger and related transactions, (ii) against any action reasonably be expected to impede, delay, or materially and adversely affect the Merger and related transactions, and (iii) in favor of an extension of the period of time the Company is afforded to consummate an initial business combination.

 

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Company Support Agreement 

 

In connection with the execution of the Business Combination Agreement, the Company, the Target and certain stockholders of the Target entered into a support agreement, pursuant to which such Target stockholders have agreed to vote all common and preferred stock of the Target beneficially owned by them, including any additional shares of the Target they acquire ownership of or the power to vote, in favor of the Merger and related transactions and against any action reasonably be expected to impede, delay, or materially and adversely affect the Merger and related transactions.

 

Form of Lock-Up Agreement

 

In connection with the Closing, certain key Target stockholders will each agree, subject to certain customary exceptions, not to (i) offer, sell contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Lockup Shares (as defined below), (ii) enter into a transaction that would have the same effect, (iii) enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Lock-Up Shares or otherwise or engage in any short sales or other arrangement with respect to the Lock-Up Shares or (iv) publicly announce any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii): (a) with respect to fifty (50%) percent of the Company Common Shares owned by Holder ninety (90) days after the Closing Date and (b) with respect to the remaining fifty (50%) percent of the Company Common Shares owned by Holder one hundred and eighty (180) days after the Closing Date. The term “Lockup Shares” mean the Company Common Shares owned by such Holder (or to be acquired by such Holder in connection with the Business Combination Agreement) as set forth on Schedule I to the Lock-Up Agreement.

 

Form Registration Rights Agreement

 

At the Closing, the Company will enter into a registration rights agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with certain existing stockholders of the Company and the Target (the “Holders”) with respect to their shares of the Company acquired before or pursuant to the Merger, and including the shares issuable on conversion of the warrants issued to the Sponsor in connection with the Company’s initial public offering and any shares issuable on conversion of preferred stock or loans. Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, within thirty (30) days of the Closing, the Company shall file with the SEC a registration statement for a shelf registration on Form S-1 or a Registration Statement for a Shelf Registration on Form S-3 (the “Form S-3 Shelf”), if the Company is then eligible to use a Form S-3 Shelf, in each case, covering the resale of all the Registrable Securities on a delayed or continuous basis as permitted by Rule 415 under the Securities Act and shall use its reasonable best efforts to have such Shelf declared effective as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, but no later than the seventy-fifth (75th) calendar day following the Filing Date; provided that the Company shall have the Shelf declared effective within ten (10) business days after the date the Company is notified by the staff of the SEC that the Shelf will not be reviewed or will not be subject to further review by the SEC. In the event that any Holder holds Registrable Securities that are not registered for resale on a delayed or continuous basis, the Company, upon written request of such Holder, shall promptly use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the resale of such Registrable Securities to be covered by filing a subsequent shelf registration statement and cause the same to become effective as soon as practicable after such filing and such subsequent shelf registration statement shall be subject to the terms hereof; provided, however, that the Company shall only be required to cause such Registrable Securities to be so covered twice per calendar year for each of the Holders. In addition, the Holders will have certain “piggyback” registration rights that require the Company to include such securities in registration statements that the Company otherwise files. The Registration Rights Agreement does not contain liquidating damages or other cash settlement provisions resulting from delays in registering the Company’s securities. the Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

Deferred Legal Fee

 

As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had $234,849, in deferred legal fees, which are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Company’s accompanying balance sheets.

 

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Note 7 — Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company follows the guidance in ASC 820 for its financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at each reporting period, and non-financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at least annually.

 

The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities reflects management’s estimate of amounts that the Company would have received in connection with the sale of the assets or paid in connection with the transfer of the liabilities in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In connection with measuring the fair value of its assets and liabilities, the Company seeks to maximize the use of observable inputs (market data obtained from independent sources) and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs (internal assumptions about how market participants would price assets and liabilities). The following fair value hierarchy is used to classify assets and liabilities based on the observable inputs and unobservable inputs used in order to value the assets and liabilities:

 

  Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for an asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
     
  Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs. Examples of Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities and quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
     
  Level 3: Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assessment of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation inputs the Company utilized to determine such fair value:

 

Description   Level     September 30,
2025
    December 31,
2024
 
Liabilities:                      
Warrant liability – Public Warrants   2     $ 690,000     $ 115,000  
Warrant liability – Private Placement Warrants   2     $ 645,000     $ 107,500  

 

The warrants were accounted for as liabilities in accordance with ASC 815-40 and are presented within warrant liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. The warrant liabilities are measured at fair value at inception and on a recurring basis, with changes in fair value presented within the statements of operations.

 

As of September 30, 2025, the aggregate values of the Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants were $690,000 and $645,000, respectively, based on a fair value of $0.06 per warrant. As of December 31, 2024, the aggregate values of the Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants were $115,000 and $107,500, respectively, based on a fair value of $0.01 per warrant.

 

The following table presents the changes in the fair value of warrant liabilities:

 

    Private
Placement
    Public     Warrant
Liabilities
 
Fair value as of January 1, 2025   $ 107,500     $ 115,000     $ 222,500  
Change in fair value     430,000       460,000       890,000  
Fair value as of March 31, 2025     537,500       575,000       1,112,500  
Change in fair value     (118,250 )     (126,500 )     (244,750 )
Fair value as of June 30, 2025     419,250       448,500       867,750  
Change in fair value     225,750       241,500       467,250  
Fair value as of September 30, 2025   $ 645,000     $ 690,000     $ 1,335,000  

 

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    Private
Placement
    Public     Warrant
Liabilities
 
Fair value as of January 1, 2024   $ 268,750     $ 287,500     $ 556,250  
Change in fair value     (117,175 )     (125,350 )     (242,525 )
Fair value as of March 31, 2024     151,575       162,150       313,725  
Change in fair value     (138,675 )     (148,350 )     (287,025 )
Fair value as of June 30, 2024     12,900       13,800       26,700  
Change in fair value     -       -       -  
Fair value as of September 30, 2024   $ 12,900     $ 13,800     $ 26,700  

 

The Company established the initial fair value for the warrants on October 29, 2021, the date of the consummation of the Company’s IPO. The Company used a Black-Scholes model to value the warrants. For periods subsequent to the detachment of the Public Warrants from the Units, the close price of the Public Warrant will be used as the fair value as of each reporting period. The subsequent measurements of the Private Placement Warrants are classified as Level 2 due to the use of an observable market quote for a similar asset in an active market under the ticker USCTW. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Public Warrants have detached from the Units, and the closing price is utilized as the fair value.

 

Transfers to/from Levels 1, 2 and 3 are recognized at the end of the reporting period in which a change in valuation technique or methodology occurs. There were no other transfers to/from Levels 1, 2, and 3 during the period ended September 30, 2025. There was a transfer of $13,800 from level 1 to level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2024 due to insufficient trading volume.

 

Note 8 — Segment Information

 

ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes standards for companies to report in their financial statement information about operating segments, products, services, geographic areas, and major customers. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which it may recognize revenues and incur expenses, and for which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the Company’s chief operating decision maker, or group, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance.

 

The Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) has been identified as the Chief Financial Officer who reviews the assets, operating results, and financial metrics for the Company as a whole to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing financial performance. Accordingly, management has determined that there is only one reportable segment.

 

The CODM assesses performance for the single segment and decides how to allocate resources based on net income or loss that also is reported on the statement of operations as net income or loss. The measure of segment assets is reported on the balance sheet as total assets. When evaluating the Company’s performance and making key decisions regarding resource allocation, the CODM reviews several key metrics included in net income or loss and total assets, which include the following:

 

    September 30,     December 31,  
    2025     2024  
Cash   $ 16,083     $ 6,738  

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
September 30,
2025
    For the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2025
 
General and administrative expenses   $ 240,703     $ 945,973  

 

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General and administrative expenses are reviewed and monitored by the CODM to manage and forecast cash to ensure enough capital is available to complete a business combination or similar transaction. The CODM also reviews general and administrative costs to manage, maintain and enforce all contractual agreements to ensure costs are aligned with all agreements and budget. General and administrative costs, as reported on the statement of operations, are the significant segment expenses provided to the CODM on a regular basis.

 

All other segment items included in net income or loss are reported on the statement of operations and described within their respective disclosures.

 

Note 9 — Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of subsequent events through the date that the condensed financial statements were issued. Based upon this review, other than the below, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the condensed financial statements.

 

On October 14, 2025, the parties to the Business Combination Agreement entered into an Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Business Combination Agreement, pursuant to which the Closing Date was extended to December 31, 2025.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of

Roth CH Acquisition Co.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Roth CH Acquisition Co. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ deficit and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Explanatory Paragraph – Going Concern

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company’s business plan is dependent on the completion of a business combination and the Company’s cash and working capital as of December 31, 2024 are not sufficient to complete its planned activities. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

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.

 

/s/ Marcum LLP

Marcum LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.

 

Morristown, NJ
March 27, 2025

 

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ROTH CH ACQUISITION CO.

BALANCE SHEETS

 

   

December 31,
2024

    December 31,
2023
 
ASSETS                
Cash   $ 6,738     $ 13,755  
Prepaid expenses     7,500       38,141  
Total Current Assets     14,238       51,896  
                 
Trust Account receivable     -       147,410  
Cash and marketable securities held in Trust Account     -       23,332,031  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 14,238     $ 23,531,337  
                 
LIABILITIES, CLASS A ORDINARY SHARES SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE REDEMPTION AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
Current liabilities                
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 926,512     $ 660,952  
Promissory note - related party     1,109,412       682,508  
Total Current Liabilities     2,035,924       1,343,460  
                 
Warrant liabilities     222,500       556,250  
Total Liabilities     2,258,424       1,899,710  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)                
Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption; $0.0001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 0 and 2,119,236 shares issued and outstanding at redemption value of $0 and $11.08 per share at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively     -       23,479,441  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT                
Preference shares, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; no issued or outstanding     -       -  
Class A ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 5,836,553 and 5,675,000 shares issued or outstanding (excluding 0 and 2,119,236 shares subject to possible redemption) at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively     584       568  
Class B ordinary shares, $0.0001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 75,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023     7       7  
Additional paid-in capital     6,592,111       7,107,564  
Accumulated deficit     (8,836,888 )     (8,955,953 )
Total Shareholders’ Deficit     (2,244,186 )     (1,847,814 )
                 
LIABILITIES, CLASS A ORDINARY SHARES SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE REDEMPTION AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT   $ 14,238     $ 23,531,337  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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ROTH CH ACQUISITION CO.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

    For the
Years Ended
December 31,
 
    2024     2023  
General and administrative expenses   $ 650,122     $ 4,416,661  
Loss from operations     (650,122 )     (4,416,661 )
                 
Other income (expense):                
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities     333,750       (73,425 )
Interest income on cash and marketable securities held in Trust Account     435,437       2,509,662  
Forgiveness of Debt     -       4,692,176  
Commitment fee     -       (125,000 )
Other income, net     769,187       7,003,413  
                 
Net income   $ 119,065     $ 2,586,752  
                 
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class A redeemable ordinary shares     787,476       5,323,369  
                 
Basic and diluted net income per share, Class A redeemable ordinary shares   $ 0.02     $ 0.23  
                 
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding, Class A and B non-redeemable ordinary shares     5,851,522       5,750,000  
                 
Basic and diluted net income per share, Class A and B non-redeemable ordinary shares   $ 0.02     $ 0.23  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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ROTH CH ACQUISITION CO.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2024 AND 2023

 

    Ordinary Shares     Additional           Total  
    Class A     Class B     Paid-In     Accumulated     Shareholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Deficit  
Balance — December 31, 2022     -     $ -       5,750,000     $ 575     $ -     $ (10,482,723 )   $ (10,482,148 )
Conversion of Class B ordinary shares to Class A ordinary shares     5,675,000       568       (5,675,000 )     (568 )     -       -       -  
Sale of founder shares and private warrants by sponsor (Note 5)     -       -       -       -       5,753       -       5,753  
Sale of founder shares and private warrants by sponsor (Note 5)     -       -       -       -       (5,753 )     -       (5,753 )
Capital contribution from forgiveness of related party expenses (Note 5)     -       -       -       -       60,556       -       60,556  
Capital contribution from Wejo Assignment and assumption agreement (Note 5)     -       -       -       -       250,000       -       250,000  
Capital contribution from Working Capital Advance (Note 5)     -       -       -       -       250,000       -       250,000  
Capital contribution from commitment fee (Note 5)     -       -       -       -       125,000               125,000  
Reduction of deferred underwriting fee     -       -       -       -       8,231,688       -       8,231,688  
Remeasurement of Class A ordinary shares subject to redemption     -       -       -       -       (1,809,680 )     (1,059,982 )     (2,869,662 )
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       2,586,752       2,586,752  
Balance — December 31, 2023     5,675,000     $ 568       75,000     $ 7     $ 7,107,564     $ (8,955,953 )   $ (1,847,814 )
Remeasurement of Class A ordinary shares subject to redemption     -       -       -       -       (515,437 )     -       (515,437 )
Issuance of Class A ordinary shares     161,553       16       -       -       (16 )     -       -  
Net income     -       -       -       -       -       119,065       119,065  
Balance — December 31, 2024     5,836,553     $ 584       75,000     $ 7     $ 6,592,111     $ (8,836,888 )   $ (2,244,186 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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ROTH CH ACQUISITION CO.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    For the
Years Ended
December 31,
 
   

2024

   

2023

 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:                
Net income   $ 119,065     $ 2,586,752  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:                
Interest income on cash and marketable securities held in Trust Account     (435,437 )     (2,509,662 )
Change in fair value of warrant liability     (333,750 )     73,425  
Forgiveness of debt     -       (4,692,176 )
Interest expense     -       125,000  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Prepaid expenses     30,641       297,934  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses     265,560       3,263,737  
Accrued offering costs     -       (8,000 )
Net cash used in operating activities     (353,921 )     (862,990 )
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:                
Investment of cash into Trust Account     (327,410 )     (360,000 )
Cash withdrawn from Trust Account for working capital     100,000       -  
Cash withdrawn from Trust Account in connection with redemption     23,994,878       217,525,458  
Trust receivable     147,410       -  
Net cash provided by Investing activities     23,914,878       217,165,458  
                 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:                
Proceeds from promissory note – related party     426,904       591,508  
Advances from related party     -       341,000  
Proceeds from Working Capital Advance     -       250,000  
Payment of offering costs     -       (70,000 )
Redemption of ordinary shares     (23,994,878 )     (217,525,458 )
Net cash used in financing activities     (23,567,974 )     (216,412,950 )
                 
Net Change in Cash     (7,017 )     (110,482 )
Cash – Beginning     13,755       124,237  
Cash – Ending   $ 6,738     $ 13,755  
                 
Non-cash investing and financing activities                
Conversion of advances and short-term promissory notes to long-term promissory notes   $ -     $ 91,000  
Re-measurement of Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption amount   $ 515,437     $ 2,869,662  
Deferred underwriting fee payable written-off   $ -     $ 8,231,688  
Forgiveness of debt from related parties   $ -     $ 560,556  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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ROTH CH ACQUISITION CO.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2024

 

Note 1 — Description of Organization and Business Operations

 

Roth CH Acquisition Co. (the “Company”) is a blank check company incorporated as a Cayman Islands exempted company on April 20, 2021 with the name TKB Critical Technologies 1. The Company changed its name on September 7, 2023 to Roth CH Acquisition Co. The Company was formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses (the “initial business combination”).

 

The Company is not limited to a particular industry or geographic location for purposes of consummating an initial business combination. The Company is an early stage and emerging growth company and, as such, the Company is subject to all of the risks associated with early stage and emerging growth companies.

 

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had not commenced any operations. All activity for the period from April 20, 2021 (inception) through December 31, 2024, relates to the Company’s formation and its initial public offering (the “IPO”), which is described below and, subsequent to the IPO, identifying a target company for an initial business combination. The Company will not generate any operating revenues until after the completion of the initial business combination, at the earliest. The Company generates non-operating income from the marketable securities held in the Trust Account up to the termination of the Trust Account (defined below).

 

The registration statement for the Company’s IPO was declared effective on October 26, 2021 (the “Effective Date”). On October 29, 2021, the Company consummated the IPO of 23,000,000 units (the “Units”), including 3,000,000 Units that were issued pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise of their over-allotment option in full, at $10.00 per Unit, generating gross proceeds of $230,000,000, which is discussed in Note 3. Simultaneously with the closing of the IPO, the Company consummated the sale of 10,750,000 Private Placement Warrants (the “Private Placement Warrants”) at a price of $1.00 per Private Warrant in a private placement to TKB Sponsor I, LLC (the “Sponsor”), generating proceeds of $10,750,000.

 

Transaction costs of the IPO amounted to $21,140,059, consisting of $3,850,000 of underwriting discount, $8,800,000 of deferred underwriting discount, $7,748,431 excess fair value of founder shares and $741,628 of offering costs. Of these amounts, $19,774,814 was recorded to additional paid-in capital and $1,365,245 costs related to the warrant liability was expensed immediately using the residual allocation method.

 

Following the closing of the IPO on October 29, 2021, $234,600,000 ($10.20 per Unit) from the net proceeds of the sale of the Units in the IPO and the sale of the Private Placement Warrants was placed in a trust account (the “Trust Account”), located in the United States, which were invested in U.S. government securities, within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, with a maturity of 185 days or less or in any open-ended investment company that holds itself out as a money market fund selected by the Company meeting the conditions of Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, as determined by the Company, until the earlier of: (i) the completion of an initial business combination; and (ii) the redemption of any Public Shares (as defined below) properly submitted in connection with a shareholder vote to amend the Company’s Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association (“Articles”); and (iii) the redemption of the Company’s Public Shares if the Company is unable to complete the initial business combination by October 29, 2024 (or any extended period of time that the Company may have to consummate an initial business combination as a result of an amendment to its Articles) (the “Combination Period”). On April 29, 2024, pursuant to the Third Amendment, as described below, the Trust Account was voluntarily liquidated and the provisions in the Articles requiring that an initial business combination be completed within the Combination Period and other SPAC-related provisions (collectively, the “SPAC Provisions”) were eliminated.

 

Prior to the effectiveness of the Third Amendment, the Company’s management has broad discretion with respect to the specific application of the net proceeds of the IPO and the sale of the Private Placement Warrants, although substantially all of the net proceeds are intended to be applied generally toward consummating an initial business combination. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to complete an initial business combination successfully. Prior to the effectiveness of the Third Amendment, the Company was required to complete an initial business combination with one or more operating businesses or assets that together have an aggregate fair market value equal to at least 80% of the net assets held in the Trust Account (excluding the deferred underwriting commissions and taxes payable on the income earned on the Trust Account) at the time of the Company’s signing a definitive agreement in connection with its initial business combination and could only complete an initial business combination if the post-transaction company owned or acquired 50% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the target or otherwise acquired an interest in the target business or assets sufficient for it not to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”).

 

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Prior to the effectiveness of the Third Amendment, the Company was required to provide its holders of the outstanding Public Shares (the “public shareholders”) with the opportunity to redeem all or a portion of their Public Shares upon the completion of an initial business combination either (i) in connection with a general meeting called to approve the initial business combination or (ii) by means of a tender offer. The decision as to whether the Company will seek shareholder approval of an initial business combination or conduct a tender offer will be made by the Company. The public shareholder will be entitled to redeem their Public Shares for a pro rata portion of the amount then in the Trust Account ($10.20 per Public Share initially, plus any pro rata interest earned on the funds held in the Trust Account and not previously released to the Company to pay its tax obligations and which interest shall be net of taxes payable), calculated as of two business days prior to the completion of the initial business combination. There will be no redemption rights upon the completion of an initial business combination with respect to the Company’s warrants. In connection with the approval of the Third Amendment to remove the SPAC Provisions, the Company amended the Articles to allow shareholders of the Company to obtain their pro rata distribution of funds held in the Trust Account and also retain ten (10%) percent of their shares upon liquidation of the Trust Account.

 

On January 10, 2023, the Company, entered into a business combination agreement with Wejo Group Limited, an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Bermuda (“Wejo”), and Green Merger Subsidiary Limited, an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Wejo (“Merger Sub 1”) and upon execution of a joinder to the business combination agreement, each of Wejo Holdings Limited, an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and a wholly owned subsidiary of Wejo (“Holdco”) and Wejo Acquisition Company Limited, an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdco (“Merger Sub 2” and together with Merger Sub 1) (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”). On June 25, 2023, the Company, Wejo, Holdco, Merger Sub 1 and Merger Sub 2 entered into that certain Mutual Termination Agreement (“Termination Agreement”) pursuant to which the parties mutually agreed to terminate the Business Combination Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(a) thereof. The Termination Agreement also includes mutual releases of the parties. No party will be required to pay a termination fee as a result of the mutual decision to enter into the Termination Agreement. The termination of the Business Combination Agreement also terminates the Voting Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2023 (“Wejo Voting Agreement”) between the Company and certain shareholders of Wejo and the Voting Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2023 (the “Sponsor Voting Agreement”) between the Company, Sponsor and Directors, pursuant to the terms of the Wejo Voting Agreement and Sponsor Voting Agreement, respectively.

 

On January 27, 2023, the Company held an extraordinary general meeting (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”). At the Extraordinary General Meeting, the shareholders approved a proposal (the “Extension Amendment Proposal”) to amend the Company’s Amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (the “Articles”) to extend the date that the Company has to consummate a business combination from January 29, 2023 to June 29, 2023 (the “Extension Amendment”). The shareholders also approved a proposal (the “Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal”) to amend the Company’s Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2021, by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company as trustee (the “Trust Agreement”), to make a corresponding extension to the date the Company must commence liquidation of the Trust Account from January 29, 2023, to June 29, 2023. In connection with the vote to approve the Extension Amendment Proposal, the holders of 17,533,296 Class A ordinary shares properly exercised their right to redeem their shares for cash at a redemption price of approximately $10.38 per share, for an aggregate redemption amount of approximately $181.9 million.

 

On June 25, 2023, the Company, the Sponsor, each independent director of the Company (the “Directors”), and affiliates of Roth Capital Partners and Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC (the “Buyers”) entered into a Securities Transfer Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which Sponsor and the Directors have agreed to sell to Buyers, and Buyers have agreed to purchase from Sponsor and the Directors, an aggregate of 4,312,500 ordinary shares consisting of 4,237,500 Class A ordinary shares and 75,000 Class B ordinary shares and 8,062,500 private placement warrants (together, the “Transferred Securities”) for an aggregate purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) of $1.00 (the “Transaction”). Following the closing of the Transaction, Sponsor will have certain continuing rights, including a right of first refusal to repurchase the Transferred Securities in certain circumstances as set forth in the Agreement and the right to invest up to 25% of certain financings. The closing of the Transaction is conditioned upon, among other things, (i) the termination of the Business Combination Agreement (as noted above) and the complete release of actual or potential claims or liabilities thereunder, (ii) continued listing of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares on Nasdaq, (iii) the waiver by the underwriters of the Company’s initial public offering of their rights to deferred underwriting compensation pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement dated as of October 26, 2021, between the Company and Jefferies LLC as representative of the underwriters named therein, and (iv) the occurrence of the Class B Conversion.

 

On June 26, 2023, the Company entered into a termination agreement (the “Termination Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company terminated the Administrative Services Agreement with Tartavull Klein Blatteis Capital, LLC dated October 26, 2021 and Tartavull Klein Blatteis Capital, LLC forgave and fully discharged all outstanding fees thereunder as of the date of the Closing.

 

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On June 28, 2023, the Company held an extraordinary general meeting (the “Second Extraordinary General Meeting”). At the Extraordinary General Meeting, the shareholders approved a proposal (the “Second Extension Amendment Proposal”) to amend the Company’s Amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (the “Articles”) to extend the date that the Company has to consummate a business combination from June 29, 2023 to October 29, 2024 (the “Extension Amendment”). The shareholders also approved a proposal (the “Second Trust Agreement Amendment Proposal”) to amend the Company’s Trust Agreement, to make a corresponding extension to the date by which the Trustee is obligated to liquidate the trust account to the later of (A) June 29, 2023 provided that the Company may extend such date, monthly, up to October 29, 2024 (i.e.: 36 months after the closing of the IPO provided that the Sponsor or its designee deposits the Monthly Deposit (as defined below) into the trust account), or (B) such later date as may be approved by the Company’s shareholders in accordance with the Company’s amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. The term “Monthly Deposit” is defined in the Amendment to mean an amount equal to the lesser of (x) $60,000 or (y) $0.03 per public share multiplied by the number of public shares outstanding. In connection with the vote to approve the Second Extension Amendment Proposal, the holders of 3,347,468 Class A ordinary shares properly exercised their right to redeem their shares for cash at a redemption price of approximately $10.64 per share, for an aggregate redemption amount of approximately $35,601,649. These shares were effectively canceled on July 7, 2023.

 

On each of January 5, 2024, February 6, 2024, and March 6, 2024, the Company deposited an additional $60,000, for an aggregate of $180,000, into the trust extending the date of which the Company has to complete a Business Combination to March 29, 2024.

 

On February 29, 2024, Gordon Roth resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Board appointed Joseph Tonnos as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective February 29, 2024. Mr. Roth’s decision to resign was not the result of any dispute or disagreement with the Company or any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices.

 

On April 3, 2024, the Overpayment Amount, as described in Note 8, was deposited back into Trust Account.

 

On April 15, 2024, Roth CH Acquisition Co. (the “Company”) announced that it had notified the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) of its decision to voluntarily delist its Class A Ordinary Shares, Units and Warrants exercisable for one Class A Ordinary Share at an exercise price of $11.50 from the Nasdaq Global Market. The Company filed a Form 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to remove its Class A Ordinary Shares, Units, and Warrants from listing on the Nasdaq Global Market on April 25, 2024 and as a result, the delisting became effective on April 25, 2024. The Company remains subject to such reporting obligations under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Following the delisting, the Company has its Class A Ordinary Shares, Units, and Warrants quoted on a market operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. (the “OTC”) so that a trading market may continue to exist for such securities.

 

On April 29, 2024, the shareholders approved the Third Amendment. The Third Amendment reflects the removal of the provisions contained in the Articles that are applicable to special purpose acquisition companies (“SPACs”), including the requirement to redeem and cancel 100% of the Company’s Public Shares following distribution of the funds held in the Company’s trust account established in connection with the IPO. In connection with the implementation of the Third Amendment, the Company redeemed 90% of the Public Shares and provided each holder their pro rata share of the balance in the Trust Account. The trust liquidation was effective May 15, 2024.

 

Liquidity and Going Concern

 

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $6,738 cash and a working capital deficit of $2,021,686. The Company has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant costs in pursuit of its financing and acquisition plans. The Company expects that it will need to raise additional capital through loans or additional investments from its Sponsor, shareholders, officers, directors or third parties. The Company’s officers, directors and Sponsor may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds, from time to time or at any time, in whatever amount they deem reasonable in their sole discretion, to meet the Company’s working capital needs. Accordingly, the Company may not be able to obtain additional financing. If the Company is unable to raise additional capital, it may be required to take additional measures to conserve liquidity, which could include, but not necessarily be limited to, curtailing operations, suspending the pursuit of a potential transaction, and reducing overhead expenses. The Company cannot provide any assurance that new financing will be available to it on commercially acceptable terms, if at all. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

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On April 29, 2024, the shareholders approved the Third Amendment. The Third Amendment reflects the removal of the provisions contained in the Articles that are applicable to SPACs, including the requirement to redeem and cancel 100% of the Company’s Public Shares following distribution of the funds held in the Company’s trust account established in connection with the IPO. In connection with the implementation of the Third Amendment, the Company redeemed 90% of the Public Shares and provided each holder their pro rata share of the balance in the Trust Account.

 

The Company assessed going concern considerations in accordance with Financial Accounting Standard Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 205-40, “Basis of Presentation – Going Concern”. Management has determined that the liquidity condition raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. No adjustments have been made to the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities.

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

The United States and global markets are experiencing volatility and disruption following the geopolitical instability resulting from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the recent escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. In response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (“NATO”) deployed additional military forces to eastern Europe, and the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and other countries have announced various sanctions and restrictive actions against Russia, Belarus and related individuals and entities, including the removal of certain financial institutions from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication payment system. Certain countries, including the United States, have also provided and may continue to provide military aid or other assistance to Ukraine and to Israel, increasing geopolitical tensions among a number of nations. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the resulting measures that have been taken, and could be taken in the future, by NATO, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Israel and its neighboring states and other countries have created global security concerns that could have a lasting impact on regional and global economies. Although the length and impact of the ongoing conflicts are highly unpredictable, they could lead to market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets, as well as supply chain interruptions and increased cyber-attacks against U.S. companies. Additionally, any resulting sanctions could adversely affect the global economy and financial markets and lead to instability and lack of liquidity in capital markets.

 

Any of the above-mentioned factors, or any other negative impact on the global economy, capital markets or other geopolitical conditions resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and subsequent sanctions or related actions, could adversely affect the Company’s search for an initial business combination and any target business with which the Company may ultimately consummate an initial Business Combination.

 

Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying financial statements are presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

Emerging Growth Company

 

The Company is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), as modified by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”), and it may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in its periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

 

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Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. The Company has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of the Company’s financial statements with another public company, which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company that has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

 

Making estimates requires management to exercise significant judgment. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events. One of the more significant accounting estimates included in these financial statements is the determination of the fair value of the warrant liabilities. Such estimates may be subject to change as more current information becomes available. Accordingly, the actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company had $6,738 and $13,755 of operating cash as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had no cash equivalents.

 

Cash and Marketable Securities Held in Trust Account

 

Following the closing of the IPO on October 29, 2021, an amount of $234,600,000 from the net proceeds of the sale of the Units in the IPO and the sale of the Private Placement Warrants was placed in the Trust Account and may be invested only in U.S. government securities with a maturity of 185 days or less or in money market funds meeting certain conditions under Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act which invest only in direct U.S. government treasury obligations. The Trust Account was intended as a holding place for funds pending the earliest to occur of: (i) the completion of the initial business combination; (ii) the redemption of any Public Shares properly submitted in connection with a shareholder vote to amend the Articles (A) to modify the substance or timing of the Company’s obligation to redeem 100% of the Public Shares if the Company does not complete the initial business combination within the Combination Period or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to shareholders’ rights or pre-initial business combination activity; or (iii) absent an initial business combination within the Combination Period, the return of the funds held in the Trust Account to the public shareholders as part of redemption of the Public Shares. As of December 31, 2024, the Trust account was fully liquidated. As of December 31, 2023, substantially all of the assets held in the money market funds were invested primarily in U.S. Treasury securities.

 

Offering Costs Associated with IPO

 

Offering costs consisted of legal, accounting and other expenses incurred through the IPO that were directly related to the IPO. Offering costs were allocated to the separable financial instruments issued in the IPO based on a relative fair value basis, compared to total proceeds received. Offering costs allocated to warrant liabilities were expensed as incurred in the statements of operations. Offering costs associated with the Class A ordinary shares issued were initially charged to temporary equity and then accreted to ordinary shares subject to redemption upon the completion of the IPO. Accordingly, on October 29, 2021, offering costs totaled $21,140,059 (consisting of $3,850,000 of underwriting fees, $8,800,000 of deferred underwriting fees, $7,748,431 excess fair value of Founder Shares and $741,628 of actual offering costs, with $1,365,245 included in the statement of operations for the period ending December 31, 2021 as an allocation for the Public Warrants and the Private Placement Warrants, and $19,774,814 included in additional paid-in capital).

 

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Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value on the grant date and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the statements of operations. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement or conversion of the instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

 

Warrant Liabilities

 

The Company accounts for the warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815. The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements from equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own ordinary shares, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgement, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the warrants are outstanding.

 

For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations. See Note 9 for valuation methodology of warrants.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which qualify as financial instruments under ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement” (“ASC 820”), approximates the carrying amounts represented in the balance sheets, primarily due to their short-term nature, except warrant liabilities.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for sale of an asset or paid for transfer of a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). These tiers include:

 

 

Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical instruments in active markets;

     
 

Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and

     
  Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions, such as valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

 

In some circumstances, the inputs used to measure fair value might be categorized within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In those instances, the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

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Class A Ordinary Shares Subject to Possible Redemption

 

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had 5,836,553 and 7,794,236 Class A ordinary shares outstanding, of which zero and 2,119,236 shares are Class A ordinary shares subject to redemption, respectively. The Company accounted for its Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption in accordance with the guidance in ASC 480. Class A ordinary shares subject to mandatory redemption are classified as a liability instrument and are measured at fair value. Conditionally redeemable ordinary shares (including ordinary shares that feature redemption rights that are either within the control of the holder or subject to redemption upon the occurrence of uncertain events not solely within the Company’s control) are classified as temporary equity. At all other times, ordinary shares are classified as shareholders’ equity. The Company’s Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption featured certain redemption rights that are considered to be outside of the Company’s control and subject to occurrence of uncertain future events. Accordingly, at December 31, 2024 and 2023, zero and 2,119,236 of Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption are presented at redemption value as temporary equity, outside of the shareholders’ deficit section of the Company’s balance sheets, respectively.

 

The Company recognized changes in redemption value immediately as they occur and adjusts the carrying value of redeemable ordinary shares to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period. Increases or decreases in the carrying amount of redeemable ordinary shares are affected by charges against additional paid in capital and accumulated deficit.

 

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption, classified as temporary equity in the balance sheets, are reconciled in the following table:

 

    Shares     Amount  
Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption, December 31, 2022     23,000,000     $ 237,987,827  
Less:                
Redemptions on January 31, 2023     (17,533,296 )     (181,923,809 )
Redemptions on June 28, 2023     (3,347,468 )     (35,601,649 )
Plus:                
Trust Account receivable (Note 8)     -       147,410  
Re-measurement of carrying value to redemption value     -       2,869,662  
Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption at December 31, 2023     2,119,236       23,479,441  
Less:                
Redemptions     (1,957,683 )     (23,994,878 )
Reclassification of Class A redeemable shares     (161,553 )     -  
Plus:                
Re-measurement of carrying value to redemption value     -       515,437  
Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption at December 31, 2024     -     $ -  

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes under ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that included the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

 

FASB ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. There were no unrecognized tax benefits and no amounts accrued for interest and penalties as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The Company is currently not aware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals or material deviation from its position.

 

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There is currently no taxation imposed on income by the Government of the Cayman Islands. In accordance with federal income tax regulations, income taxes are not levied on the Company, but rather on the individual owners. United States (“U.S.”) taxation would occur on the individual owners if certain tax elections are made by U.S. owners and the Company were treated as a passive foreign investment company. Additionally, U.S. taxation could occur to the Company itself if the Company is engaged in a U.S. trade or business. The Company is not expected to be treated as engaged in a U.S. trade or business at this time.

 

Net Income Per Ordinary Share

 

The Company complies with accounting and disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share”. Net (loss) income per ordinary share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the period. The Company has two classes of ordinary shares, which are referred to as Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Income and losses are shared pro rata between the two classes of ordinary shares. Accretion associated with the redeemable Class A ordinary shares is excluded from earnings per share as the redemption value approximates fair value. The calculation of diluted income per share does not consider the effect of the warrants issued in connection with the (i) IPO and (ii) the private placement since the exercise of the warrants is contingent upon the occurrence of future events. The warrants are exercisable to purchase 22,250,000 Class A ordinary shares in the aggregate. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not have any dilutive securities or other contracts that could, potentially, be exercised or converted into ordinary shares and then share in the earnings of the Company.

 

The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted net income per ordinary share (in dollars, except per share amounts):

 

    For the Years Ended December 31,  
   

2024

    2023  
    Class A
redeemable
    Class A and B
non-redeemable
    Class A
redeemable
    Class A and B
non-redeemable
 
Basic and diluted net income per ordinary share                                
Numerator:                                
Allocation of net income, as adjusted   $ 14,123     $ 104,942     $ 1,243,545     $ 1,343,207  
Denominator:                                
Basic and diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding     787,476       5,851,522       5,323,369       5,750,000  
Basic and diluted net income per ordinary share   $ 0.02     $ 0.02     $ 0.23     $ 0.23  

 

Related Parties

 

Parties, which can be a corporation or an individual, are considered to be related if the Company has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operational decisions. Companies are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or common significant influence.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of a cash account in a financial institution, which, at times, may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage of $250,000. The Company has not experienced losses on this account.

 

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Recent Accounting Standards

 

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, “Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity” (“ASU 2020-06”), which simplifies accounting for convertible instruments by removing major separation models required under current GAAP. ASU 2020-06 removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception and it also simplifies the diluted earnings per share calculation in certain areas. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments in this ASU require disclosures, on an annual and interim basis, of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating officer decision maker (“CODM”), as well as the aggregate amount of other segment items included in the reported measure of segment profit or loss. The ASU requires that a public entity disclose the title and position of the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. Public entities will be required to provide all annual disclosures currently required by Topic 280 in interim periods, and entities with a single reportable segment are required to provide all the disclosures required by the amendments in this ASU and existing segment disclosures in Topic 280. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 on January 1, 2024. Adoption of the ASU did not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation, as well as information related to income taxes paid to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. This ASU will be effective for the annual period ending December 31, 2025. The Company is currently evaluating the timing and impacts of adoption of this ASU.

 

Note 3Initial Public Offering

 

In connection with the Company’s IPO, on October 29, 2021, the Company sold 23,000,000 Units at a price of $10.00 per Unit. Each Unit consists of one Class A ordinary share (“Public Shares”) and one-half of one warrant (“Public Warrants”). Each whole Public Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Class A ordinary share at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment (see Note 7).

 

An aggregate of $10.20 per Unit sold in the IPO was held in the Trust Account and invested in U.S. government securities, within the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(16) of the Investment Company Act, with a maturity of 185 days or less or in any open-ended investment company that holds itself out as a money market fund meeting the conditions of Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, as determined by the Company. As of October 29, 2021, $234,600,000 of the IPO proceeds and proceeds from the sale of the Private Placement Warrants was held in the Trust Account, representing an overfunding of the Trust Account of 102.0% of the IPO size.

 

Transaction costs as of the IPO date amounted to $21,140,059, consisting of $3,850,000 of underwriting discount, $8,800,000 of deferred underwriting discount, $7,748,431 excess fair value of Founder Shares and $741,628 of offering costs.

 

Note 4Private Placement

 

Simultaneously with the closing of the IPO, the Sponsor purchased an aggregate of 10,750,000 Private Placement Warrants at a price of $1.00 per Private Placement Warrant ($10,750,000 in the aggregate). Each Private Placement Warrant is exercisable for one Class A ordinary share at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment (see Note 7). A portion of the proceeds from the Private Placement Warrants were added to the proceeds from the IPO to be held in the Trust Account.

 

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Note 5Related Party Transactions

 

Founder Shares

 

In April 2021, the Sponsor purchased 5,750,000 shares of the Company’s Class B ordinary shares (the “Founder Shares”) for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000. The Founder Shares included an aggregate of up to 750,000 shares subject to forfeiture by the Sponsor to the extent that the underwriters’ overallotment option was not exercised in full or in part, so that the number of Founder Shares collectively represents 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding ordinary shares after the IPO. Simultaneously with the closing of the IPO, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full. Accordingly, 750,000 Founder Shares are no longer subject to forfeiture.

 

The Sponsor agreed, subject to certain limited exceptions, not to transfer, assign or sell any of the Founder Shares until the earlier of (A) one year after the completion of an initial business combination or (B) subsequent to an initial business combination, (x) if the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary shares equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after an initial business combination, or (y) the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of the Company’s shareholders having the right to exchange their Class A ordinary shares for cash, securities or other property.

 

On October 8, 2021, the Sponsor entered into agreements with certain funds managed by Apollo Capital Management, L.P. (collectively, “Apollo”), certain funds managements by Atalaya Capital Management, LP (“Atalaya”) and Meteora Capital Partners, L.P. and funds affiliated with Meteora Capital Partners, L.P. (collectively “Meteora”) (individually and collectively, the “anchor investors”). Each of the anchor investors purchased 9.9% of the Units in the IPO (excluding Units issued in connection with the exercise of the over-allotment option). Each of Apollo and Atalaya agreed to purchase interests in the Sponsor representing approximately 7% of the Founder Shares and Private Placement Warrants at approximately the cost of such securities to the Sponsor, with the Sponsor’s obligation to sell some or all of such interests conditioned upon such anchor investor’s purchase of the Units.

 

Meteora entered into a separate agreement with the Sponsor pursuant to which it agreed to purchase interests in the Sponsor representing approximately 6.4% of the Founder Shares for approximately 3.7% of the cost of the Founder Shares and Private Placement Warrants to the Sponsor.

 

The anchor investors acquired from the Sponsor an indirect economic interest in an aggregate of 1,173,000 Founder Shares at the original purchase price that the Sponsor paid for the Founder Shares. The Sponsor has agreed to distribute the Founder Shares to the anchor investors after the completion of an initial business combination. The Company estimates the aggregate fair value of the Founder Shares attributable to the anchor investors to be approximately $7,753,530, or $6.61 per share.

 

The excess of the fair value of the Founder Shares was determined to be an offering cost in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5A. Accordingly, the offering cost was allocated to the separable financial instruments issued in the IPO based on a relative fair value basis, compared to total proceeds received. Offering costs allocated to derivative warrant liabilities were expensed as incurred in the statement of operations. Offering costs allocated to the Public Shares were charged to shareholder’s deficit upon the completion of the IPO.

 

On October 7, 2022, the Company entered into a vendor agreement, as described in Note 8, whereas the Sponsor assigned 23,883 Class B ordinary shares to the vendor, effective upon the completion of a successful initial business combination.

 

The assignment of the Founder Shares to the vendor is in the scope of FASB ASC Topic 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). Under ASC 718, stock-based compensation associated with equity-classified awards is measured at fair value upon the grant date. The Company has hired a valuation firm to assess, using the lattice model, the fair value associated with the Founder Shares granted. The fair value of the 23,883 shares granted to the Company’s vendor in October 2022 was $28,946 or $1.212 per share. The Founder Shares were granted subject to a performance condition (i.e., the occurrence of an initial business combination). Compensation expense related to the Founder Shares is recognized only when the performance condition is met under the applicable accounting literature in this circumstance. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company determined the performance conditions had not been met, and, therefore, no stock-based compensation expense has been recognized. Stock-based compensation would be recognized at the date the performance conditions are met (i.e., upon consummation of an initial business combination) in an amount equal to the number of Founder Shares vested times the grant date fair value per share (unless subsequently modified) less the amount initially received for the purchase of the Founder Shares.

 

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On June 25, 2023, the Company, the Sponsor, each independent director of the Company (the “Directors”), and affiliates of Roth Capital Partners and Craig-Hallum Capital Group llc (the “Buyers”) entered into a Securities Transfer Agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which the Buyers purchased from Sponsor and the Directors, an aggregate of 4,312,500 ordinary shares consisting of 4,237,500 Class A ordinary shares and 75,000 Class B ordinary shares and 8,062,500 private placement warrants (together, the “Transferred Securities”) for an aggregate purchase price (the “Purchase Price”) of $1.00 (the “Transaction”).

 

Forward Purchase Agreements

 

The Company entered into separate forward purchase agreements (the “Forward Purchase Agreements”) with Apollo and Atalaya (the “Forward Purchasers”) on August 13, 2021, and August 4, 2021, respectively. The Forward Purchase Agreements provide, at the Company’s option, for the aggregate purchase of up to 9,600,000 Class A ordinary shares and 4,800,000 warrants to purchase Class A ordinary shares for an aggregate price of $96.0 million ($10.00 for one Class A ordinary share and one half of one warrant), in private placements that will close concurrently with the closing of the initial business combination. The forward purchase shares and forward purchase warrants will be identical to the Class A ordinary shares and Public Warrants included in the Units sold in the IPO. Each Forward Purchaser’s commitment under its Forward Purchase Agreement is subject to certain conditions including investment committee approval. The forward purchase agreements were terminated effective October 24, 2023.

 

Promissory Note – Related Party

 

On July 1, 2023 the Company entered into a promissory note with the Buyers for up to an aggregate of $1,000,000 (the “2023 Promissory Note). The 2023 Promissory Note is non-interest bearing and payable upon the earlier of the date on which the Company consummates an initial business combination, the liquidation of the Company, or October 29, 2024. The Note does not bear any interest. On August 8, 2024, the Company amended the terms of the 2023 Promissory Note to increase the aggregate principal amount that may be borrowed to $2,000,000 and to extend the maturity to June 30, 2025. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there was $1,109,412 and $682,508 amounts outstanding under the 2023 Promissory Note, respectively.

 

Administrative Services Agreement

 

The Company has entered into an agreement commencing on November 28, 2021, with Tartavull Klein Blatteis Capital, LLC (“TKB Capital”), an affiliate of the Sponsor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay TKB Capital a total of $10,000 per month for office space, secretarial and administrative services provided to the Company. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company incurred $60,000 of fees for these services. On June 26, 2023, the Company entered into a termination agreement (the “Termination Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company terminated the Administrative Services Agreement with Tartavull Klein Blatteis Capital, LLC dated October 26, 2021 and Tartavull Klein Blatteis Capital, LLC forgave and fully discharged all outstanding fees thereunder as of the date of the Closing. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there no amounts included in accrued expenses in the accompanying balance sheets, respectively.

 

Related Party Loans

 

In order to finance transaction costs in connection with an initial business combination, the Sponsor, certain of the Company’s officers, directors or any of their affiliates may, but are not obligated to, loan the Company funds as may be required (“Working Capital Loans”). If the Company completes an initial business combination, the Company would repay the Working Capital Loans out of the proceeds of the Trust Account released to the Company. Otherwise, the Working Capital Loans would be repaid only out of funds held outside the Trust Account. In the event that an initial business combination does not close, the Company may use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Working Capital Loans but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. The Working Capital Loans would either be repaid upon consummation of an initial business combination, without interest, or, at the lender’s discretion, up to $1,500,000 of such Working Capital Loans may be convertible into warrants of the post-business combination entity at a price of $1.00 per warrant. The warrants would be identical to the Private Placement Warrants. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, no Working Capital Loans were outstanding.

 

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Working Capital Advance

 

On January 26, 2023, in connection with the proposed Business Combination with Wejo, Sponsor entered into a promissory note (the “Phelan Note”) with Daniel Phelan (the “Lender”), which provided for working capital for the Company in an aggregate principal amount of up to $750,000. The Phelan Note was amended and restated on March 9, 2023. As of January 30, 2023, Sponsor had drawn $250,000 under the Phelan Note and subsequently advanced these funds to the Company. The Phelan Note was non-interest bearing and non-convertible. All unpaid principal accrued under the Phelan Note was to be repaid at the closing of the Business Combination or the earlier termination of the Business Combination Agreement in certain circumstances specified in the Phelan Note. In consideration for the Phelan Note, Sponsor agreed to pay to the Lender at the closing of the Business Combination a commitment fee equal to 50% of the then-outstanding principal balance of the Phelan Note up to a maximum of $375,000. If the Business Combination did not close, the commitment fee would not be paid. During 2023, the Sponsor forgave the debt from the Company and the Company recorded a contribution from sponsor of $250,000. In addition, the Company recorded a $125,000 expense and a corresponding increase in additional paid in capital related to the commitment fee that will be paid by the Sponsor upon the closing of the Business Combination.

 

Wejo Assignment and Assumption Agreement

 

On January 5, 2023, the Sponsor entered into an assignment and assumption agreement with Wejo, which was subsequently amended and restated on March 2, 2023 (the “Wejo Assignment”), pursuant to which Wejo agreed to pay the Sponsor an aggregate of $295,000 to fund the Company’s working capital requirements and the Sponsor agreed to assign to Wejo, effective as of the Closing Date or the earlier termination of the Business Combination Agreement in accordance with its terms or otherwise, an aggregate of 83,250 Founder Shares and 250,000 Private Warrants. Wejo paid $250,000 to the Sponsor on January 11, 2023 and $45,000 to the Sponsor on March 2, 2023, for an aggregate payment of $295,000. The warrants and shares, the Company estimated the fair value of the 83,250 Founder Shares and 250,000 Private Warrants was $294,289 and $7,500, respectively, for an aggregate $301,789 on January 5, 2023. The fair value of the Founder Shares was determined using the value of the Class A Units, reduced by the probability of no acquisition and by a discount for a lack of marketability with a volatility of 107.88%, risk-free rate of 4.78% and a stock price of $10.33 as of the valuation date of January 5, 2023. The Private Placement Warrants were valued at $0.03 per warrant, which was the closing price of the Company’s public warrants on January 5, 2023. The Company utilized this value as Private Warrants are classified as Level 2 due to the use of an observable market quote for a similar asset in an active market under the ticker USCTW (See Note 9). As a result, there was a loss on the sale of the shares and warrants of $6,789.

 

The Sponsor subsequently advanced $250,000 in funds to the Company for working capital purposes. The advance was non-interest bearing, unsecured, and payable in cash upon the consummation of the Company’s initial business combination. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Sponsor forgave the debt and the Company recorded a contribution from sponsor of $250,000 and a contribution of capital by Sponsor of $5,753.

 

Forgiveness of related party accrued expenses

 

In connection with the Securities Transfer Agreement described above, affiliates of the of Sponsor forgave $60,556 of previously accrued expenses, of which $57,335 related to the Administrative Services Agreement described above and $3,221 relates to reimbursable expenses paid by the affiliate on behalf of the Company. As a result, a capital contribution of $60,556 was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

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Note 6 — Shareholders’ Deficit

 

Preference Shares — The Company is authorized to issue 1,000,000 preference shares with a par value of $0.0001 per share with such designation, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by the Company’s board of directors. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no preference shares issued or outstanding.

 

Class A Ordinary Shares — The Company is authorized to issue 200,000,000 Class A ordinary shares with a par value of $0.0001 per share. Holders of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one vote for each share. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were 5,836,553 and 5,675,000 Class A ordinary shares issued and outstanding, excluding zero and 2,119,236 Class A ordinary shares subject to possible redemption as presented in temporary equity, respectively.

 

Class B Ordinary Shares — The Company is authorized to issue 20,000,000 Class B ordinary shares with a par value of $0.0001 per share. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were 75,000 Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding.

 

Ordinary shareholders of record are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted on by shareholders and holders of Class A ordinary shares and holders of Class B ordinary shares will vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders except as required by law; provided that only holders of Class B ordinary shares will have the right to vote on the appointment of directors prior to or in connection with the completion of the initial business combination.

 

The Class B ordinary shares will automatically convert into Class A ordinary shares at the time of an initial business combination on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment. In the case that additional Class A ordinary shares, or equity-linked securities, are issued or deemed issued in excess of the amounts offered in the IPO and related to the closing of an initial business combination, the ratio at which Class B ordinary shares shall convert into Class A ordinary shares will be adjusted (unless the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class B ordinary shares to waive such adjustment with respect to any such issuance or deemed issuance) so that the number of Class A ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of all Class B ordinary shares will equal, in the aggregate, on an as-converted basis, 20% of the sum of the total number of all ordinary shares outstanding upon the completion of the IPO plus all Class A ordinary shares and equity-linked securities issued or deemed issued by the Company in connection with or in relation to the consummation of the initial business combination, excluding any forward purchase securities, any Class A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities exercisable for or convertible into Class A ordinary shares issued, or to be issued, to any seller in the initial business combination and any private placement warrants issued to the Sponsor upon conversion of Working Capital Loans. In no event will the Class B ordinary shares convert into Class A ordinary shares at a rate of less than one to one.

 

Conversion of Class B shares

 

On January 18, 2023, pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company, the Sponsor, the holder of an aggregate of 5,650,000 of the Company’s outstanding Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class B Shares”), elected to convert each outstanding Class B Share held by it on a one-for-one basis into Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class A Ordinary Shares”) of the Company, with immediate effect. Following such conversion, as of January 18, 2023, the Company had an aggregate of 28,650,000 Class A Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding and 100,000 Class B Shares issued and outstanding. On June 28, 2023, holders of an aggregate of 25,000 of the remaining outstanding Class B Shares elected to convert their Class B Shares into Class A Ordinary Shares. The Class A ordinary shares issued in connection with the Conversion are subject to the same restrictions as applied to the Class B ordinary shares before the Conversion, including, and among other things, certain transfer restrictions, waiver of redemption rights and the obligation to vote in favor of a Business Combination as described in the prospectus for the Company’s IPO. The Company modified its balance sheet and statements of shareholders equity to reflect the impact of these conversions.

 

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Note 7 — Warrant Liabilities

 

The Company accounts for the 22,250,000 warrants that were issued in the IPO (representing 11,500,000 Public Warrants and 10,750,000 Private Placement Warrants) in accordance with the guidance contained in ASC 815-40. Such guidance provides that because the warrants do not meet the criteria for equity treatment thereunder, each warrant must be recorded as a liability. The warrants do not meet the criteria to be considered indexed to the Company’s stock due to settlement provisions that result in holders of warrants receiving variable settlement amounts determined by the reference table. Additionally, an event that is not within the entity’s control could require net cash settlement, thus precluding equity classification. Accordingly, the Company will classify each warrant as a liability at its fair value. This liability is subject to re-measurement at each balance sheet date. With each such re-measurement, the warrant liability will be adjusted to fair value, with the change in fair value recognized in the Company’s statement of operations.

 

Warrants — Public Warrants may only be exercised for a whole number of Class A ordinary shares. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the Units and only whole warrants will trade. Accordingly, unless holders purchase at least two Units, they will not be able to receive or trade a whole warrant. The Public Warrants will become exercisable 30 days after the completion of an initial business combination.

 

The Company will not be obligated to deliver any Class A ordinary shares pursuant to the exercise of a Public Warrant and will have no obligation to settle such Public Warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to the Company satisfying its obligations with respect to registration, or a valid exemption from registration is available. No Public Warrant will be exercisable, and the Company will not be obligated to issue any Class A ordinary shares upon exercise of a Public Warrant unless the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon such Public Warrant exercise has been registered, qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the registered holder of the Public Warrants.

 

The Company has agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 20 business days after the closing of an initial business combination, it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC a post-effective amendment to the registration statement filed in connection with its IPO or a new registration statement covering registration under the Securities Act, of the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants, and the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the same to become effective within 60 business days after the closing of an initial business combination, and to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement and a current prospectus relating to those Class A ordinary shares until the Public Warrants expire or are redeemed, as specified in the warrant agreement; provided that if the Class A ordinary shares is at the time of any exercise of a Public Warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that they satisfy the definition of a “covered security” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act, the Company may, at its option, require holders of Public Warrants who exercise their warrants to do so on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act and, in the event the Company so elects, the Company will not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement, but it will use its commercially reasonably efforts to register or qualify the shares under applicable blue sky laws to the extent an exemption is not available. If a registration statement covering the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants is not effective by the 60th day after the closing of an initial business combination, Public Warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when the Company will have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise Public Warrants on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act or another exemption, but the Company will use its commercially reasonably efforts to register or qualify the shares under applicable blue sky laws to the extent an exemption is not available.

 

Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $18.00. Once the Public Warrants become exercisable, the Company may redeem the Public Warrants:

 

 

in whole and not in part;

 

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at a price of $0.01 per warrant;

     
 

upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder; and

     
  if, and only if, the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending three trading days before the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

 

If and when the Public Warrants become redeemable by the Company, it may exercise its redemption right even if the Company is unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws.

 

Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $10.00. Once the Public Warrants become exercisable, the Company may redeem the Public Warrants:

 

in whole and not in part;

 

at a price of $0.10 per warrant;

 

upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder; provided that holders will be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis prior to redemption and receive that number of shares based on the redemption date and the fair market value of the Class A ordinary share;

 

if, and only if, the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $10.00 per share (as adjusted per share sub-divisions, share dividends, reorganizations, reclassifications, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within the 30-trading day period ending three trading days before the Company send the notice of redemption to the warrant holders; and

 

if the last reported sale price of the Class A ordinary share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the Company sends the notice of redemption to the warrant holders is less than $18.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like), the Private Placement Warrants must also be concurrently called for redemption on the same terms as the outstanding Public Warrants, as described above.

 

In addition, if (x) the Company issues additional Class A ordinary shares or equity-linked securities (excluding the forward purchase securities) for capital raising purposes in connection with the closing of an initial business combination at an issue price or effective issue price of less than $9.20 per Class A ordinary share (with such issue price or effective issue price to be determined in good faith by the Company’s board of directors and, in the case of any such issuance to the Sponsor or its affiliates, without taking into account any Founder Shares held by the Sponsor or such affiliates, as applicable, prior to such issuance) (the “Newly Issued Price”), (y) the aggregate gross proceeds from such issuances represent more than 60% of the total equity proceeds, and interest thereon, available for the funding of an initial business combination on the date of the consummation of an initial business combination (net of redemptions), and (z) the volume weighted average trading price of the Class A ordinary shares during the 20 trading day period starting on the trading day prior to the day on which the Company consummates an initial business combination (such price, the “Market Value”) is below $9.20 per share, then the exercise price of the warrants will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 115% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, the $18.00 per share redemption trigger price described above under “Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $18.00” and “Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $10.00” will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to 180% of the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price, and the $10.00 per share redemption trigger price described above under “Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $10.00” will be adjusted (to the nearest cent) to be equal to the higher of the Market Value and the Newly Issued Price.

 

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The Private Placement Warrants are identical to the Public Warrants underlying the Units sold in the IPO, except that the Private Placement Warrants and the Class A ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of the Private Placement Warrants are not transferable, assignable or saleable until 30 days after the completion of an initial business combination, subject to certain limited exceptions. Additionally, the Private Placement Warrants are exercisable for cash or on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option, and are non-redeemable so long as they are held by the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees (except for a number of Class A ordinary shares as described above under “Redemption of warrants when the price per Class A ordinary share equals or exceeds $10.00”). If the Private Placement Warrants are held by someone other than the initial purchasers or their permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by the Company in all redemption scenarios and exercisable by such holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants.

 

Note 8 — Commitments and Contingencies

 

Registration Rights

 

The holders of the Founder Shares, Private Placement Warrants, warrants that may be issued upon conversion of Working Capital Loans and forward purchase securities that may be issued pursuant to the Forward Purchase Agreements (and any Class A ordinary shares issuable upon the exercise of the Private Placement Warrants, forward purchase warrants and warrants that may be issued upon conversion of the Working Capital Loans and upon conversion of the Founder Shares) are entitled to registration rights pursuant to a registration rights agreement that was signed on the effective date of the IPO, requiring the Company to register such securities for resale. The holders of these securities are entitled to make up to three demands, excluding short-form demands, that the Company register such securities. In addition, the holders have certain “piggy-back” registration rights with respect to registration statements filed subsequent to the completion of an initial business combination and rights to require the Company to register for resale such securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act. The Company will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statements.

 

Underwriting Agreement

 

The Company granted the underwriters a 45-day option from the date of the IPO to purchase up to 3,000,000 additional Units to cover over-allotments at the IPO price less the underwriting discount. On October 29, 2021, the underwriters exercised the over-allotment option in full, generating an additional $30,000,000 in gross proceeds. As a result of the over-allotment being exercised in full, the Sponsor did not forfeit any Founder Shares back to the Company. The underwriters were paid a cash-underwriting discount of $3,850,000 in the aggregate at the closing of the IPO. In addition, $0.35 per Unit, or $8,050,000, and $750,000 of deferred underwriting commissions ($8,800,000 in the aggregate) is payable to the underwriters for deferred underwriting commissions. The deferred fee is payable to the underwriters from the amounts held in the Trust Account solely in the event that the Company completes an initial business combination, subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement.

 

In June 2023, the underwriters agreed to waive its entitlement to the deferred underwriting commission of $8,800,000 to which it became entitled upon completion of the Company’s Initial Public Offering, subject to the consummation of the Transaction. As a result, the Company derecognized the deferred underwriting fee payable of $8,800,000.

 

Broker Dealer Agreements

 

The Company entered into seven broker dealer agreements through December 31, 2024, for the purposes of identifying a target company (“Target”) in connection with the Company’s initial business combination. While the terms of these agreements vary, each agreement reflects that the broker dealer (the “Finder”) will be entitled to a fee if they identify potential targets with which the Company completes a business combination. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had not accrued any amounts related to any broker dealer agreements. None of the Finders are entitled to any fee.

 

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Consulting Agreements

 

The Company entered into nineteen consulting agreements through December 31, 2024.

 

With respect to seventeen of the nineteen consulting agreements, during the term of each agreement, the consultant (“Consultant”) will advise the Company concerning matters related to qualifying business combinations, including services such as valuation, diligence and general advice with respect to the business, operations and financial conditions of any such counterparty to a qualifying business combination. Upon closing of an initial business combination, the Company will pay the Consultant a base fee of $350,000. In lieu of, and not in addition to the base fee, the Company will pay a bonus fee of $1,000,000 if the Company and the Consultant mutually determine and agree that the Consultant will provide advice or services that are of a different kind than those contemplated in the agreement. In lieu of and not in addition to the base fee and bonus fee, the Company will pay to the Consultant an additional fee equal to 0.5% of the pre-money equity value of the Target if the Company and the Consultant mutually determine and agree that the Consultant provided, or will provide, material support in connection with the evaluation, negotiation, execution or marketing of an initial business combination that is ultimately consummated by the Company. Payment to the Consultant is dependent upon the closing of an initial business combination.

 

On August 3, 2022, the Company entered into a consulting agreement. During the term of this agreement, the Consultant will advise the Company concerning matters related to qualifying business combinations, including services such as valuation, diligence and general advice with respect to the business, operations and financial conditions of any such counterparty to a qualifying business combination. As consideration for the services performed by the Consultant during the term of the agreement, upon the closing of an initial business combination, the Company shall pay to the Consultant a fee equal to one percent (1%) of the pre-money equity value of the Target, as stated in the Agreement and Plan of Merger executed between the Company and the Target (which such pre-money equity value shall be determined in a manner consistent with disclosures set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus filed in connection with such initial business combination). Payment to the Consultant is dependent upon the closing of an initial business combination.

 

On October 25, 2022, the Company entered into a consulting agreement. During the term of this agreement, the consultant (“Consultant”) will advise the Company concerning matters related to qualifying business combinations, including services such as valuation, diligence and general advice with respect to the business, operations and financial conditions of any such counterparty to a qualifying business combination. In consideration for the services performed by the Consultant during the term, upon the closing of an initial business combination, the Company shall pay to the Consultant, in shares at close, 100,000 shares of the surviving entity.

 

As of December 31, 2024, no work has been performed related to any of the aforementioned consulting agreements and thus the Company did not accrue any amounts related to these agreements.

 

Vendor Agreement

 

On August 26, 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with a vendor to provide services and support in connection with finding and completing a successful business combination. In connection with these services, the Company agreed to pay the vendor $250,000 per annum. It is also agreed that the vendor could earn up to 45,000 ordinary shares over the term of the agreement.

 

On August 16, 2022, the Company amended the agreement whereby it agreed to pay the vendor $125 per hour payable upon the completion of a successful business combination.

 

On October 7, 2022, the Company terminated the original agreement and entered into a new agreement with the vendor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay the vendor $125 per hour and the Sponsor agreed to assign 23,883 Class B ordinary shares to the vendor, effective upon the completion of a successful business combination.

 

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For the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company incurred $0 in fees for these services. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had a balance of $0 in accounts payable and accrued expenses related to these services. On July 24, 2023, the Company entered into a waiver agreement with the vendor which resulted in the forgiveness of $42,181 of the outstanding balance.

 

Advisory Agreement

 

On January 9, 2023, the Company entered into an advisory agreement letter with Jefferies LLC (“Jefferies”), where Jefferies will provide the Company with equity capital markets financial advice and assistance in connection with a possible business combination. In addition, the Jefferies will act as sole and exclusive manager, bookrunner, placement agent, arranger, underwriter and/or initial purchaser, as the case may be, in connection with the sale and/or placement of any debt or equity financing in connection with the Company’s pending Business Combination. As consideration for the services performed by Jefferies, the Company agrees to pay Jefferies customary fees and expense reimbursements for such services. Any payment of fees to Jefferies is contingent upon the closing of a debt or equity financing. On June 20, 2023, the advisory agreement letter was terminated, and Jefferies agreed to all fees subject to, and expressly conditioned upon, payment to Jefferies of a minimum of $16,000 contingent upon the closing of a business combination, representing partial reimbursement of expenses owed. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had not recorded an expense for the delivery of these services.

 

Business Combination Agreement

 

On January 10, 2023, the Company, entered into a business combination agreement with Wejo Group Limited, an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Bermuda (“Wejo”), and Green Merger Subsidiary Limited, an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Wejo (“Merger Sub 1”) and upon execution of a joinder to the business combination agreement, each of Wejo Holdings Limited, an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and a wholly owned subsidiary of Wejo (“Holdco”) and Wejo Acquisition Company Limited, an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdco (“Merger Sub 2” and together with Merger Sub 1, the “Merger Subs”) (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”).

 

On June 25, 2023, the Company, Wejo, Holdco, Merger Sub 1 and Merger Sub 2 entered into that certain Mutual Termination Agreement (“Termination Agreement”) pursuant to which the parties mutually agreed to terminate the Business Combination Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(a) thereof. The Termination Agreement also includes mutual releases of the parties. No party will be required to pay a termination fee as a result of the mutual decision to enter into the Termination Agreement.

 

The termination of the Business Combination Agreement also terminates the Voting Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2023 (“Wejo Voting Agreement”) between the Company and certain shareholders of Wejo and the Voting Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2023 (the “Sponsor Voting Agreement”) between the Company, Sponsor and Directors, pursuant to the terms of the Wejo Voting Agreement and Sponsor Voting Agreement, respectively.

 

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Deferred Legal Fee

 

The Company incurred $0 and $2,657,577 during the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, of deferred legal fees that will be payable upon the consummation of an initial business combination.

 

On June 20, 2023 and June 21, 2023, the Company entered into waiver agreements which resulted in the forgiveness of $3,730,114 of outstanding deferred legal fees.

 

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had $234,849, in deferred legal fees, which are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Company’s accompanying balance sheets.

 

Trust Account Receivable

 

In connection with the Extension Amendment, as described in Note 1, a clerical error resulted in the redeeming shareholders receiving an overpayment of approximately $0.04 per Class A ordinary share, for an aggregate total overpayment amount of $147,410 (the “Overpayment Amount”). As of December 31, 2024, there was $0 included in Trust Account receivable in the accompanying balance sheet. On April 3, 2024, the Overpayment Amount was deposited back into the Trust Account.

 

Note 9 — Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company follows the guidance in ASC 820 for its financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at each reporting period, and non-financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured and reported at fair value at least annually.

 

The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities reflects management’s estimate of amounts that the Company would have received in connection with the sale of the assets or paid in connection with the transfer of the liabilities in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In connection with measuring the fair value of its assets and liabilities, the Company seeks to maximize the use of observable inputs (market data obtained from independent sources) and to minimize the use of unobservable inputs (internal assumptions about how market participants would price assets and liabilities). The following fair value hierarchy is used to classify assets and liabilities based on the observable inputs and unobservable inputs used in order to value the assets and liabilities:

 

  Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for an asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
     
  Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs. Examples of Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities and quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
     
  Level 3: Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assessment of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

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The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation inputs the Company utilized to determine such fair value:

 

Description   Level     December 31,
2024
    December 31,
2023
 
Assets:                      
Cash and marketable securities held in trust account   1     $ -     $ 23,332,031  
                       
Liabilities:                      
Warrant liability – Public Warrants   2       115,000       287,500  
Warrant liability – Private Placement Warrants   2       107,500       268,750  

 

The warrants were accounted for as liabilities in accordance with ASC 815-40 and are presented within warrant liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. The warrant liabilities are measured at fair value at inception and on a recurring basis, with changes in fair value presented within the statements of operations.

 

As of December 31, 2024, the aggregate values of the Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants were $115,000 and $107,500, respectively, based on a fair value of $0.01 per warrant. As of December 31, 2023, the aggregate values of the Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants were $287,500 and $268,750, respectively, based on a fair value of $0.03 per warrant.

 

The following table presents the changes in the fair value of warrant liabilities:

 

    Private
Placement
    Public     Warrant
Liabilities
 
Fair value as of January 1, 2024   $ 268,750     $ 287,500     $ 556,250  
Change in fair value     (161,250 )     (172,500 )     (333,750 )
Fair value as of December 31, 2024   $ 107,500     $ 115,000     $ 222,500  

 

    Private
Placement
    Public     Warrant
Liabilities
 
Fair value as of January 1, 2023   $ 233,275     $ 249,550     $ 482,825  
Change in fair value     35,475       37,950       73,425  
Fair value as of December 31, 2023   $ 268,750     $ 287,500     $ 556,250  

 

The Company established the initial fair value for the warrants on October 29, 2021, the date of the consummation of the Company’s IPO. The Company used a Black-Scholes model to value the warrants. For periods subsequent to the detachment of the Public Warrants from the Units, the close price of the Public Warrant will be used as the fair value as of each reporting period. The subsequent measurements of the Private Placement Warrants are classified as Level 2 due to the use of an observable market quote for a similar asset in an active market under the ticker USCTW. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Public Warrants have detached from the Units, and the closing price is utilized as the fair value.

 

Transfers to/from Levels 1, 2 and 3 are recognized at the end of the reporting period in which a change in valuation technique or methodology occurs. There was a transfer of $13,800 from level 1 to level 2 during the year ended December 31, 2024 due to insufficient trading volume. There were no other transfers to/from Levels 1, 2, and 3 during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

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Note 10 — Segment Information

 

ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes standards for companies to report in their financial statement information about operating segments, products, services, geographic areas, and major customers. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which it may recognize revenues and incur expenses, and for which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the Company’s chief operating decision maker, or group, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance.

 

The Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) has been identified as the Chief Financial Officer who reviews the assets, operating results, and financial metrics for the Company as a whole to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing financial performance. Accordingly, management has determined that there is only one reportable segment.

 

The CODM assesses performance for the single segment and decides how to allocate resources based on net income or loss that also is reported on the statement of operations as net income or loss. The measure of segment assets is reported on the balance sheet as total assets. When evaluating the Company’s performance and making key decisions regarding resource allocation, the CODM reviews several key metrics included in net income or loss and total assets, which include the following:

 

    December 31,     December 31,  
    2024     2023  
Trust Account   $ -     $ 23,332,031  
Cash   $ 6,738     $ 13,755  

 

    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2024
    For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2023
 
General and administrative expenses   $ 650,122     $ 4,416,661  

 

General and administrative expenses are reviewed and monitored by the CODM to manage and forecast cash to ensure enough capital is available to complete a business combination or similar transaction. The CODM also reviews general and administrative costs to manage, maintain and enforce all contractual agreements to ensure costs are aligned with all agreements and budget. General and administrative costs, as reported on the statement of operations, are the significant segment expenses provided to the CODM on a regular basis.

 

All other segment items included in net income or loss are reported on the statement of operations and described within their respective disclosures.

 

Note 11 — Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of subsequent events through the date that the financial statements were issued. Based upon this review, other than the below, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

On January 24, 2025, the Company amended and restated its 2023 Promissory Note, as described in Note 5, (the “Amended 2023 Note”) in favor of certain shareholders of the Company to permit its conversion into Class A ordinary shares of Company, at any time, at the option of the representative of the noteholders based upon the current trading price. Subsequent to the execution of the Amended 2023 Note, on January 24, 2025, the representative provided notice that it intended to convert the existing principal balance of the Amended 2023 Note in the amount of $1,181,000 into 39,366,667 Class A ordinary shares of the Company.

 

On January 28, 2025, the Company, entered into that certain Business Combination Agreement (as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among the Company, Roth CH Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Domestication Sub”), Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub”), and SharonAI Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Target”).

 

Subsequent to December 31, 2024, an additional $138,618 was drawn on the Promissory Note, as described in Note 5.

 

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SHARONAI INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

    September 30,
2025
    December 31,
2024
 
ASSETS                
Current assets                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,364,550     $ 4,424,805  
Certificates of deposits     -       770,799  
Trade and other receivables     305,542       984,547  
Assets held for sale     1,124,083       -  
Other current assets     140,598       30,018  
Total current assets     2,934,773       6,210,169  
Property and equipment, net     3,777,613       4,576,105  
Right of use assets, net     7,476,827       935,336  
Digital assets     -       721,664  
Intangible assets, net     -       1,658,963  
Goodwill     18,044,215       18,044,215  
Certificates of deposits     906,201       -  
Other long-term assets     850,000       -  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 33,989,629     $ 32,146,452  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
Current liabilities                
Trade and other payables   $ 562,156     $ 957,829  
Finance lease liabilities, current portion     3,542,831       186,620  
Note payable     516,405       5,435  
Total current liabilities     4,621,392       1,149,885  
Finance lease liabilities, net of current portion     4,108,328       760,087  
Deferred tax liabilities     -       327,535  
TOTAL LIABILITIES     8,729,720       2,237,506  
                 
Stockholders’ equity:                
Series A Preferred Stock (15,000 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024)     2       2  
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (27,000 shares issued and outstanding as September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024)     3       3  
Common Stock (1,067,213 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024)     107       107  
Additional paid-in capital     34,750,473       33,304,160  
Accumulated deficit     (9,541,918 )     (3,905,281 )
Noncontrolling interest     56,813       86,096  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI)     (5,571 )     423,858  
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     25,259,909       29,908,945  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 33,989,629     $ 32,146,452  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SHARONAI INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
September 30,
    For the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2025     2024     2025     2024  
Revenue   $ 506,747     $ 159,000     $ 1,208,824     $ 171,800  
Cost of Revenue     371,778       329,005       1,083,426       336,405  
Gross profit     134,969       (170,005 )     125,398       (164,605 )
                                 
Share based compensation     489,345       -       1,446,312       -  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     880,351       806,712       2,970,874       1,065,931  
Other expenses     343,775       163,652       2,019,907       169,327  
Other income     -       (140,938 )     (961,713 )     (140,938 )
Loss from operations     (1,578,502 )     (999,431 )     (5,349,982 )     (1,258,925 )
                                 
Non-operating income (expense):                                
Change in fair value of digital assets     (15,255 )     (95,809 )     (406,345 )     (87,222 )
Interest expense, net     (71,528 )     (22,331 )     (127,430 )     (13,803 )
Loss before income taxes     (1,665,285 )     (1,117,571 )     (5,883,757 )     (1,359,950 )
Income tax benefit (expense)     29,774       (20,516 )     219,935       (20,516 )
Net Loss   $ (1,635,511 )   $ (1,138,087 )   $ (5,663,822 )   $ (1,380,466 )
                                 
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest     (7,850 )     (5,463 )     (27,185 )     (5,463 )
Net Loss Attributable to SharonAI Inc.   $ (1,627,661 )   $ (1,132,624 )   $ (5,636,637 )   $ (1,375,003 )
Net Loss per share, basic and diluted   $ (1.53 )   $ (1.16 )   $ (5.28 )   $ (1.41 )
Weighted average number of shares outstanding     1,067,213       975,475       1,067,213       975,475  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SHARONAI INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(Unaudited)

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
September 30,
    For the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2025     2024     2025     2024  
Net Loss   $ (1,635,511 )   $ (1,138,087 )   $ (5,663,822 )   $ (1,380,466 )
Net Loss attributable to non-controlling interest     (7,850 )     (5,463 )     (27,185 )     (5,463 )
Net Loss attributable to SharonAI Inc.     (1,627,661 )     (1,132,624 )     (5,636,637 )     (1,375,003 )
                                 
Foreign currency translation adjustments     (82,048 )     (195,602 )     (431,527 )     (197,694 )
Other comprehensive loss     (82,048 )     (195,602 )     (431,527 )     (197,694 )
Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest     (403 )     (943 )     (2,098 )     (943 )
Other comprehensive loss attributable to SharonAI Inc.     (81,645 )     (194,659 )     (429,429 )     (196,751 )
Comprehensive loss attributable to SharonAI Inc.   $ (1,709,306 )   $ (1,327,283 )   $ (6,066,066 )   $ (1,571,754 )

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SHARONAI INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2025

 

    Series A
Preferred
    Series B
Preferred
    Common Stock     Options Reserve     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Accumulated
deficit
    Accumulated
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(AOCI)
    Total
SharonAI
Inc.’s Equity
    Non
Controlling
Interest
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
    #     $     #     $     #     $     #     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Balance at June 30, 2025     15,000       2       27,000       3       1,067,213       107       62,654       -       34,261,128       (7,914,257 )     76,074       26,423,057       65,066       26,488,123  
Share based compensation     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       489,345       -       -       489,345       -       489,345  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (1,627,661 )     -       (1,627,661 )     (7,850 )     (1,635,511 )
Equity adjustment from Foreign Currency Translation (CTA)     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (81,645 )     (81,645 )     (403 )     (82,048 )
Balance at September 30, 2025     15,000       2       27,000       3       1,067,213       107       62,654       -       34,750,473       (9,541,918 )     (5,571 )     25,203,096       56,813       25,259,909  

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2024

 

    Series A
Preferred
    Series B
Preferred
    Common Stock     Options Reserve     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Accumulated
deficit
    Accumulated
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(AOCI)
    Total
SharonAI
Inc.’s Equity
    Non
Controlling
Interest
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
    #     $     #     $     #     $     #     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Balance at June 30, 2024     15,000       2       27,000       3       370,206       90       -       -       24,147,911       (249,434 )     (2,086 )     23,896,486       -       23,896,486  
Issuance of common stock     -       -       -       -       601,828       7       -       -       2,434,167       -       -       2,434,174       -       2,434,174  
Equity reserve account     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (2,162,297 )     -       -       (2,162,297 )     -       (2,162,297 )
Capital raise costs     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (278,737 )     -       -       (278,737 )     -       (278,737 )
Acquisition of DSS     -       -       -       -       -       -       8,195       -       3,310,916       -       -       3,310,916       766,256       4,077,172  
Conversion of SAFE securities     -       -       -       -       3,441       -       -       -       176,999       -       -       176,999       -       176,999  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (1,125,570 )     -       (1,125,570 )     (5,463 )     (1,131,033 )
Equity adjustment from Foreign Currency Translation (CTA)     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (315,608 )     (315,608 )     (1,521 )     (317,129 )
Balance at September 30, 2024     15,000       2       27,000       3       975,475       97       8,195       -       27,628,959       (1,375,004 )     (317,694 )     25,936,363       759,272       26,695,635  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SHARONAI INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025

 

    Series A
Preferred
    Series B
Preferred
    Common Stock     Options Reserve     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Accumulated
deficit
    Accumulated
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(AOCI)
    Total
SharonAI
Inc.’s Equity
    Non
Controlling
Interest
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
    #     $     #     $     #     $     #     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Balance at December 31, 2024     15,000       2       27,000       3       1,067,213       107       65,489       -       33,304,160       (3,905,281 )     423,858       29,822,849       86,096       29,908,945  
Share based compensation expense     -       -       -       -       -       -       (2,835 )     -       1,446,313       -       -       1,446,313       -       1,446,313  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (5,636,637 )     -       (5,636,637 )     (27,185 )     (5,663,822 )
Equity adjustment from Foreign Currency Translation (CTA)     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (429,429 )     (429,429 )     (2,098 )     (431,527 )
Balance at September 30, 2025     15,000       2       27,000       3       1,067,213       107       62,654       -       34,750,473       (9,541,918 )     (5,571 )     25,203,096       56,813       25,259,909  

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024

 

    Series A
Preferred
    Series B
Preferred
    Common Stock     Options Reserve     Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Accumulated
deficit
    Accumulated
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
(AOCI)
    Total
SharonAI
Inc.’s Equity
    Non
Controlling
Interest
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
    #     $     #     $     #     $     #     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Balance at December 31, 2023     -       -       -       -       300       -       -       -       204       -       -       204       -       204  
Issuance of Series A preferred stock     15,000       2       -       -       -       -       -       -       14,998       -       -       15,000       -       15,000  
Issuance of Series B preferred stock     -       -       27,000       3       -       -       -       -       26,997       -       -       27,000       -       27,000  
Issuance of common stock     -       -       -       -       174,783       17       -       -       5,568,496       -       -       5,568,513       -       5,568,513  
Capital raising costs     -       -       -       -       -       -                       (280,068 )     -       -       (280,068 )     -       (280,068 )
AAM share exchange, net     -       -       -       -       209,700       21       -       -       (21 )     -       -       -       -       -  
Acquisition of DIF     -       -       -       -       55,000       6       -       -       1,256,240       -       -       1,256,246       -       1,256,246  
Acquisition of DSS     -       -       -       -       532,251       53       8,195       -       20,865,114       -       -       20,865,167       766,256       21,631,423  
Conversion of SAFE securities     -       -       -       -       3,441       -       -       -       176,999       -       -       176,999       -       176,999  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (1,375,004 )     -       (1,375,004 )     (5,462 )     (1,380,466 )
Equity adjustment from Foreign Currency Translation (CTA)     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (317,694 )     (317,694 )     (1,522 )     (319,216 )
Balance at September 30, 2024     15,000       2       27,000       3       975,475       97       8,195       -       27,628,959       (1,375,004 )     (317,694 )     25,936,363       759,272       26,695,635  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SHARONAI INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

    For the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2025     2024  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                
Net loss for the period, including noncontrolling interest   $ (5,663,822 )   $ (1,380,466 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                
Depreciation     1,310,377       177,524  
Share based payments     1,446,312       -  
Change in fair value of digital assets     406,345       91,754  
Intangible assets (FIL) revenue     (131,896 )     (124,129 )
Intangible assets (FIL) cost of revenue     139,918       69,615  
Amortization of Intangible assets     1,650,000       275,000  
Unrealized (gains) losses on foreign currency exchange     (896,080 )     (254,008 )
Gain on sale of fixed asset     (961,713 )     -  
Bad debt expense     76,748       -  
Deferred tax liability     90,242       -  
Changes in assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     697,424       (260,102 )
Other current assets     (103,336 )     10,937  
Other noncurrent assets     9,126       8,688  
Trade and other payables     (425,979 )     363,964  
Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities     (2,356,333 )     (1,021,223 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                
Payment for the purchase of property and equipment     (37,343 )     (2,890,714 )
Proceeds from sales of digital assets     336,002       -  
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets     155,388       -  
Purchase of certificates of deposit     (85,956 )     (680,277 )
Investment - Texas Critical Data Centers JV     (850,000 )     -  
Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities     (481,909 )     (3,570,991 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs     -       4,894,164  
Issuance costs related to capital raise     -       (298,445 )
Proceeds from issuance of preferred shares     -       42,000  
Proceeds from note payable     510,620       -  
Proceeds from debt issuance with related parties     -       419,601  
Payment for lease liabilities     (407,807 )     -  
Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities     102,813       5,057,320  
                 
Effect of exchange rates changes on cash and cash equivalents     (324,825 )     545,424  
Net cash increase/(decreases) in cash and cash equivalents     (3,060,255 )     1,010,530  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     4,424,805       205  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 1,364,550     $ 1,010,735  

 

Refer to Note 16 for the supplemental cash flows information.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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SHARONAI INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1. Description of Business

 

Unless otherwise stated in this Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company” or “our Company” are to SharonAI Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

The consolidated financial statements cover SharonAI Inc. (“the Company” or “SAI”) and its controlled entities (“the Group”). SAI is a digital infrastructure provider, incorporated in Delaware, United States on February 15, 2024.

 

On April 29, 2024, SAI and Alternative Asset Management Pty Ltd (“AAM”), who have identical ownership interest as SAI, completed a share exchange. AAM did not have business operations but owned certain mining assets. Pursuant to the transaction there was no change in relative voting interest amongst the existing shareholders of both entities. See Note 2(b) for additional reporting considerations for the share exchange.

 

On June 30, 2024, SAI acquired the majority equity interest of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited (“DSS”). DSS is a cloud storage provider providing robust data storage infrastructure in the Filecoin network with additional focus on high performance computers (HPC) and artificial intelligence, which was determined to be a business combination.

 

In January of 2025, SAI formed a 50:50 joint venture with New Era Helium, Inc., named Texas Critical Data Centers LLC (“TCDC”), to fund, develop, and construct a planned 250MW net-zero energy data center behind the meter with a natural gas-fired power plant within the Permian Basin in Western Texas. New Era Helium, Inc. is a Nasdaq listed company that is focused on digital infrastructure and integrated power assets.

 

On January 30, 2025, the Company entered into a Business Combination Agreement (“BCA”) with Roth CH Acquisition Co. (“Roth”) and subsequently on October 21, 2025 filed an S-4 registration statement in participation with Roth with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

 

On June 9, 2025, the Company made a strategic decision to cease its participation in the operations associated with the Filecoin ecosystem in order to focus its resources and efforts on the continued growth of its high-performance GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) business. This decision aligns with the Company’s long-term strategy to concentrate on providing scalable, on-demand computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence, research, and other data-intensive applications.

 

As of June 30, 2025, all activities related to the Company’s prior Filecoin-related operations had been fully wound down. This transition reflects a broader shift toward infrastructure services with more predictable and scalable revenue opportunities and supports the Company’s goal of building a focused, capital-efficient technology services platform.

 

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the balances and results of operations of the Company and have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchanges Commission (“SEC”) and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“US GAAP”).

 

In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments and reclassifications, which, except for the sale of fixed assets described in the other income section of this note and the accelerated amortization of intangible assets described in the intangible assets sections of this note, are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly its financial position as of September 30, 2025, and the results of its operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024.

 

These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and the notes thereto. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. 

 

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Principles of consolidation

 

Pursuant to the share exchange with the holders of AAM’s equity, which had the same ownership structure as SAI before and after the share exchange, the Group financial statements have been prepared on a consolidated basis by applying the predecessor value method as if the AAM share exchange had been completed at the beginning of the earliest reporting period.

 

The consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity and consolidated statements of cash flows of SAI and AAM for the relevant periods include the results and cash flows of SAI and AAM from the earliest date presented.

 

The consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 have been prepared to present the assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries using the existing book values from the common shareholders’ perspective. No adjustments are made to reflect fair values, or to recognize any new assets or liabilities as a result of the share exchange.

 

For all business combinations, the Group’s consolidated financial statements include the financial position and performance of controlled entities from the date on which control is obtained until the date that control is lost. For all periods presented, the consolidated financial statements include the Group.

 

All inter-company transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Foreign currency translation

 

The financial statements of the Group’s subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities, historical exchange rates for stockholders’ equity and weighted average exchange rates for operating results. Translation gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company recorded realized foreign currency transaction loss of $2 thousand and an unrealized foreign currency transaction loss of $80 thousand for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 and realized foreign currency transaction loss of $2 thousand and an unrealized foreign currency transaction loss of $430 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. These are included in other expenses, in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

Acquisitions

 

The Company evaluates acquisitions of assets and other similar transactions to assess whether or not the transaction should be accounted for as a business combination or asset acquisition by first applying a screen test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. If not, further determination is required as to whether or not the Company has acquired inputs and processes that have the ability to create outputs, which would meet the definition of a business. Significant judgment is required in the application of the test to determine whether an acquisition is a business combination or an acquisition of assets.

 

Acquisitions meeting the definition of business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that the purchase price be allocated to the net assets acquired at their respective fair values. In a business combination, any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

 

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The Company measures and recognizes asset acquisitions that are not deemed to be business combinations based on the cost to acquire the assets, which includes pre-acquisition direct costs recorded in accrued professional and consulting fees. Goodwill is not recognized in asset acquisitions.

 

Revenue recognition

 

The Group earns revenues from the provision of data storage to a blockchain network.

 

The Group recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a five-step model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers as follows:

 

i. identify the contract with a customer;

 

ii. identify the performance obligations in the contract;

 

iii. determine the transaction price;

 

iv. allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract

 

v. recognize revenue when the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

 

Below is a discussion of how the Group’s revenues are earned and the Group’s accounting policies pertaining to revenue recognition under ASC 606 and other required disclosures.

 

Digital asset - mining revenue

 

The Group provides data storage services in exchange for non-cash consideration in the form of a digital asset.

 

The Group’s performance obligations to provide the data storage services arises in the Filecoin (“FIL”) network when a customer in this network digitally requests the service from data storage providers such as the Group.

 

The Group satisfies this performance obligation when it proves delivery of data storage services on the FIL blockchain by undertaking daily computations that validate the successful delivery of the data storage services to the end FIL customer. Upon selection as the storage provider and successful validation, the Group receives its share of network block rewards, and therefore recognizes revenue at that point in time, for the satisfactory completion of this performance obligation.

 

The relative share of network block rewards in Filecoin is determined by the amount of “sealed” or proven storage that the Group has in the network. The more data the Group stores the higher the probability of winning block rewards.

 

Block rewards are deposited into the Group’s digital wallets immediately upon completing the validation (WinningPoSt) computations.

 

In the second quarter of 2025, the Company discontinued its Filecoin-related activities as part of a strategic shift in operations.

 

Revenue from provision of GPU Infrastructure

 

The Group earns revenues from the provision of GPU Infrastructure as a service to customers via a marketplace. Revenue from provision of GPU Infrastructure for the Group is recognized on a weekly basis as the performance obligation of the supplied GPU IaaS is met. The Group satisfies this performance obligation when it has the required equipment available to the customer for the period.

 

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Other income

 

Sale of Fixed Assets

 

The sale of fixed asset in first quarter is for the sale of the tier 3 by design modular data center and ancillary infrastructure equipment owned by SharonAI Pty Ltd. The assets were located in Australia and were sold to a private Australian company with proceeds due in May 2025. The assets were sold for a total of $1,257 thousand (AUD$2,000 thousand) including Goods and Service Tax (GST). A gain on sale of $809 thousand was recognized from the sale.

 

On June 20, 2025, the Company repossessed the Modular Data Centre (MDC) following the buyer default on the previously recognized sale transaction. In accordance with ASC 360, the MDC was re-recognized as an asset held for sale and measured at its fair value less costs to sell (FVLCTS). As of June 30, 2025, management determined the FVLCTS of the modular data centre to be $1,109 thousand (AUD$1,700 thousand), based on a cost approach adjusted for obsolescence, market corroboration from non-binding offers, and consideration of the asset’s specialized nature and limited liquidity. In the absence of a completed sale or definitive market valuation prior to year-end, management will perform an updated valuation analysis as of December 31, 2025 to reassess the asset’s carrying value.

 

On June 30, 2025, the Company completed the sale of a set of storage servers for total consideration of $153 thousand (AUD$235 thousand). The assets, which were previously classified as property, plant, and equipment, were fully depreciated and no longer in active use at the time of sale. As a result, the entire sale proceeds were recognized as a gain on disposal in the consolidated statement of operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2025.

 

Cost of revenue

 

Cost of revenue consists primarily of expenses that are directly related to providing the Group’s service to its paying customers. These primarily consist of material costs related to digital currency mining and provision of GPU infrastructure services.

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

The income tax benefit (expense) recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss comprises current income tax expense plus deferred tax expense.

 

Current tax is the amount of income taxes payable (recoverable) in respect of the taxable profit (loss) for the year and is measured at the amount expected to be paid to (recovered from) the taxation authorities, using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted by the end of the reporting period. Current tax liabilities (assets) are measured at the amounts expected to be paid to (recovered from) the relevant taxation authority.

 

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences which are determined by comparing the carrying amounts of tax bases of assets and liabilities to the carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and losses can be utilized.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Group’s tax returns are required to be evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet a more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the current year. There are no uncertain tax positions that require accrual or disclosure to the financial statements as of September 30, 2025, or December 31, 2024. The Group’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Group had no material accruals for interest or penalties related to income tax matters as of September 30, 2025, or December 31, 2024. Generally, the Group’s tax returns are subject to examinations by local Australian tax authorities for tax filings for all years since inception.

 

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Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in bank, demand deposits and short-term investments which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

 

Financial instruments

 

Financial instruments are recognized initially on the date that the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Group’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, other receivables and trade and other payables and borrowings and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

Goods and services tax (GST)

 

Revenue, expenses and assets are recognized net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

 

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of GST.

 

Cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows are included on a gross basis and the GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is classified as operating cash flows.

 

Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. When an item is sold or retired, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated, and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is credited or charged to income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Group provides for depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets.

 

A summary of estimated useful lives is as follows:

 

Fixed asset class   Useful life
Used Computer Equipment   1 year
Computer Equipment   2-5 years
Other Equipment   5 years

 

Other Equipment above includes modular data centres, electrical equipment, cooling infrastructure equipment, telecommunication modules and sundry building and storage. Major improvements are capitalized while replacement, maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets are expensed as incurred.

 

Intangible assets

 

Intangible assets are recognized at fair value when acquired, either separately or as part of a business combination, in accordance with ASC 805. Identifiable intangibles are those that are either separable or arise from contractual or legal rights. Internally generated intangible assets, such as brands or customer relationships, are generally expensed as incurred, with the exception of certain software development costs, which may be capitalized once technological feasibility is established, per ASC 350-40.

 

Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, typically on a straight-line basis, reflecting the consumption of economic benefits. Useful lives are based on legal, contractual, or economic factors and are generally between 1 to 20 years. Residual values are assumed to be zero unless a third-party commitment exists. Amortization begins when the asset is available for use and any changes in useful life or method are accounted for prospectively.

 

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Intangible assets with indefinite lives, such as trademarks or perpetual licenses, are not amortized but are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment arise, in accordance with ASC 350. Goodwill, which arises in business combinations, is also not amortized but tested for impairment annually at the reporting unit level or when triggering events occur. An optional qualitative assessment may be performed before a quantitative test. Intangible assets with indefinite lives and goodwill are evaluated at the beginning of the fourth quarter annually in line with company policy.

 

Finite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment under ASC 360-10 if events suggest their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized as equal to the excess of carrying value over fair value. For indefinite-lived intangibles and goodwill, impairment losses are recorded when the carrying amount exceeds fair value, with goodwill impairment limited to the carrying amount of goodwill.

 

During the second quarter of 2025, the Company discontinued its Filecoin operations. As a result of this strategic decision, the Company determined that the intangible assets associated with Filecoin-related technology no longer had any future economic benefit. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other, the carrying amount of these intangible assets was fully amortized.

 

Digital assets

 

The Group purchases or mines digital assets or receives digital assets as consideration for the delivery of its services. The Group accounts for all digital assets held as crypto assets, a subset of indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350-60, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other- Crypto Assets. The Group has ownership of and control over the digital assets and may use third-party custodial services to secure it.

 

The digital assets are initially recorded at cost if purchased or fair value if received in mining revenue operations and are subsequently remeasured on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. Cost is determined based on the cash consideration paid net of the transaction costs. The Group remeasures on a monthly basis the fair value of the digital assets determined by observable market rates.

 

The Group recognized a loss of $15 thousand from the sale of digital assets during the three months ended September 30, 2025. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Group recognized a total loss of $96 thousand from the sale and fair value remeasurement of its digital assets. Gains and losses from the remeasurement of crypto assets are included in net income and presented separately from other intangible assets.

 

At times, the Group may settle various payables and accrued liabilities in digital assets within the normal course of operations. Gains and losses arising from transactions settled with digital assets are included as a component of other income or selling, general, and administrative expenses within the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

The Group’s digital assets consist primarily of Filecoin crypto-currency.

 

Goodwill Assessment

 

As of June 30, 2025, the Group performed an interim impairment test for goodwill in accordance with ASC 350-20, due to a triggering event. In June 2025, the Board approved the closure of the Group’s distributed storage operations, which were part of a business acquired in June 2024. The shutdown represented a significant change in strategic direction and constituted a triggering event requiring impairment testing.

 

Goodwill arising from the acquisition amounted to $18.0 million and is allocated to the Group’s sole reporting unit, which is also the Group’s single operating segment- provision of high-performance computing services. The acquired operations were fully integrated into the Group and do not represent a standalone reporting unit.

 

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A quantitative impairment test was performed using a discounted cash flow (DCF) model, with the following key assumptions:

 

Projection period: FY2025 to FY2028

 

Discount rate (WACC): 19.8%

 

Terminal growth rate: 2%

 

Tax rate: 23%

 

The fair value of the reporting unit was estimated at $28 million, compared to the carrying amount of $26.3 million, resulting in headroom of $1.7 million. Accordingly, no goodwill impairment was recognized.

 

A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to assess the impact of adverse changes in key assumptions. Under scenarios with higher discount rates or lower terminal growth, the fair value declined significantly, with certain cases indicating potential impairment. For example, increasing the discount rate to 21% and reducing the terminal growth rate to 1.5% resulted in a fair value below the carrying amount.

 

While no impairment is currently required, the narrow headroom indicates that goodwill may be susceptible to future impairment should there be any unfavorable changes in market conditions, adverse changes in key valuation assumptions, or business performance. Management will continue to monitor relevant indicators and reassess as necessary.

 

Equity-settled compensation

 

The Group follows ASC 718-10, Compensation-Stock Compensation. The Group offers equity-settled stock-based compensation employee share and option plans. The fair value of the equity to which employees become entitled is measured at grant date and recognized as an expense over the vesting period, with a corresponding increase to equity.

 

Vesting conditions are taken into account when considering the number of options expected to vest. At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimate of the number of options which are expected to vest. Revisions to the prior period estimates are recognized in profit or loss and equity.

 

The Group has the following types of equity settled transactions:

 

Options

 

The Group issues options to board members. The options are measured at fair value based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the grant date and are expensed immediately where there are no conditions attached, or over the vesting period.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

The Group issues restricted stock units to employees. These units are measured at fair value based on observable market bid prices on the grant date and are expensed immediately where there are no conditions attached, or over the vesting period.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

The Company’s management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards if currently adopted would have a material effect on the accompanying condensed financial statements.

 

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Note 3. Revenue and Other Income

 

Revenue from continuing operations

 

Revenue is recognized at point in time.

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
    For the
Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2025     2024     2025     2024  
Revenue                                
Digital Asset Mining Revenue   $ -     $ 107,211     $ 128,842     $ 120,011  
Provision of GPU Infrastructure services     506,414       51,789       1,078,658       51,789  
Other revenue     333       -       1,324       -  
Total Revenue   $ 506,747     $ 159,000     $ 1,208,824     $ 171,800  

 

Other income

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
    For the
Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2025     2024     2025     2024  
Other income                                
Gain on Disposal of Fixed Assets   $ -     $ -     $ 961,713     $ -  
Research and development Grants     -       140,938       -       140,938  
Other Income   $ -     $ 140,938     $ 961,713     $ 140,938  

 

Note 4. Income Tax Expense

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
    For the
Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2025     2024     2025     2024  
Effective income tax rate     1.5 %     (1.1 )%     3.6 %     (0.9 )%

 

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 1.5% and (1.1)% for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and 3.6% and (0.9)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

 

The income tax expense (benefit) was ($29) thousand and $20 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and and the income tax expense (benefit) was ($219) thousand and $20 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

 

The effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 differed from the 21.0% federal statutory rate primarily due to the change in valuation allowance maintained against certain deferred tax assets, state income taxes, and the impact of research and development tax incentives.

 

Note 5. Certificates of deposits

 

At September 30, 2025, the Company held certificates of deposits (CDs) totaling $906 thousand which are restricted due to their use as collateral for bank guarantees issued for equipment managed service contracts. The CDs have either a 6-month or 12-month term and are maintained in a bank account in the Company’s name. Interest earned on the CDs is accrued to the Company. Under the terms of the service contracts, the supplier may claim the funds in the event of a material default by the Company in fulfilling its payment obligations. These arrangements do not transfer ownership or control of the CDs but restrict their use for the duration of the CD term. Additionally, in conjunction with the Company’s new service contracts in 2025, the supplier required the Company to maintain these CD’s throughout the duration of the contract period, or until the supplier agrees to release them. This resulted in a long-term restriction on the CDs.

 

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Note 6. Trade and other receivables

 

    September 30,
2025
    December 31,
2024
 
Trade receivables   $ 57,921     $ 15,799  
Research and development grant receivable     -       891,482  
GST receivable     247,621       57,237  
Total trade and other receivables   $ 305,542     $ 964,518  

 

Note 7. Property and Equipment

 

    September 30,
2025
    December 31,
2024
 
Computer equipment                
At cost   $ 5,075,952     $ 4,640,968  
Accumulated Depreciation     (1,298,339 )     (407,672 )
Total Computer Equipment     3,777,613       4,233,296  
                 
Other equipment                
At cost     -       380,900  
Accumulated Depreciation     -       (38,089 )
Total Office Equipment     -       342,811  
Total property and equipment, net   $ 3,777,613     $ 4,576,107  

 

Depreciation expense related to computer equipment amounted to $506 thousand and $1,310 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, respectively. Foreign currency translation adjustments of $164 thousand and $458 thousand were recognized for the same three and nine-month periods, respectively.

 

Note 8. Digital Assets

 

The following table provides details of the activities related to our digital assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

 

    September 30,
2025
    December 31,
2024
 
Balance at beginning of the period   $ 721,664     $ -  
Acquisitions     -       637,612  
Disposals     (351,755 )     (119,268 )
Earned FIL revenue     138,080       219,763  
FIL cost of revenue     (146,478 )     (118,497 )
Change in fair value of digital assets     (406,345 )     143,951  
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation     44,833       (41,897 )
Balance at the end of period   $ -     $ 721,664  

 

As of September 30, 2025, the Company no longer holds any digital assets. All previously held digital assets were disposed of or sold during the period.

 

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Note 9. Intangible Assets

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
    For the
Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2025     2024     2025     2024  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets                                
Balance at beginning of the period   $ -     $ -     $ 8,963     $ -  
Acquired Definite-Lived Intangible Assets     -       -       -       -  
Amortization of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets     -       -       (8,963 )     -  
Balance at the end of period   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                 
Technology                                
Balance at beginning of the period   $ -     $ -     $ 1,650,000     $ -  
Technology acquired     -       -       -       -  
Accumulated amortization     -       -       (1,650,000 )     -  
Balance at the end of period   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

 

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

Finite-lived intangible assets include digital asset deals contracts which are paid in Filecoin tokens and are amortized over the life of the contract. As part of the Company’s decision to discontinue its Filecoin operations in the second quarter of 2025, the related finite-lived intangible asset was fully amortized during the period.

 

Technology

 

The acquired technology relates to the DSS acquisition in June 2024. As part of the Company’s decision to discontinue its Filecoin operations in the second quarter of 2025, management evaluated the recoverability of intangible assets related to Filecoin-related technology. Based on this assessment and in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other, the Company concluded that this intangible asset no longer had any future economic benefit. Accordingly, their full carrying amount was fully amortized during the period.

 

Note 10. Trade and Other Payables

 

    September 30,
2025
    December 31,
2024
 
Trade payables   $ 437,363     $ 404,852  
Accrued expense     65,485       442,272  
Annual payment provision     59,308       50,157  
Income tax payable     -       40,714  
Other payables     -       19,834  
Total trade and other payables   $ 562,156     $ 957,829  

 

Trade and other payables are unsecured, non-interest bearing and are normally settled within 30 days. The carrying value of trade and other payables is considered a reasonable approximation of fair value due to the short-term nature of the balances.

 

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Note 11. Note Payable

 

On July 15, 2025, the Company entered into a Convertible Note Agreement with YA II PN, LTD for total proceeds of $500 thousand. The note bears interest at 10% per annum, increasing to 18% upon an event of default, and matures July 15, 2026.

 

The note includes a contingent conversion feature linked to the closing of the Business Combination Agreement (“BCA”). Prior to the BCA close (expected by December 31, 2025), the conversion price is fixed at $60.62 per share, resulting in a fixed and determinable number of shares. Accordingly, the conversion feature qualifies for the own-equity scope exception under ASC 815-40 and is not separated as a derivative. The instrument is accounted for as a single debt liability at amortized cost under ASU 2020-06.

 

If the BCA is not completed by December 31, 2025, the conversion terms transition to a volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”) - based price, at which point the Company will reassess the feature. If conversion remains possible, a derivative liability will be recognized and measured at fair value through earnings.

 

Monthly cash payments commence only upon certain triggering events- such as failure to close the BCA by the specified deadline or the occurrence of an amortization event- until the outstanding principal and accrued interest are fully repaid.

 

Note 12. Leases

 

The Company leases GPU and associated computer and networking equipment under non-cancelable finance lease agreements. Lease terms generally range from 3 to 5 years and may include options to extend or terminate the lease. Lease agreements may contain both lease and non-lease components, which the Company accounts for as a single lease component for all asset classes under a practical expedient election. The Company also elected the short-term lease exemption for all leases with original terms of 12 months or less, whereby such leases are not recognized on the balance sheet.

 

Lease cost

 

The components of lease cost were as follows:

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
September 30,
2025
    For the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2025
 
Description                
Finance lease – interest   $ 65,977     $ 136,913  
Finance lease – amortization     188,626       459,287  
Total Lease Cost   $ 254,602     $ 596,200  

 

Lease assets and liabilities

 

ROU assets and lease liabilities are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as follows:

 

    September 30,
2025
    December 31,
2024
 
Description                
Finance lease ROU asset   $ 7,476,827     $ 935,336  
Finance lease liability (current)   $ 3,542,831     $ 186,620  
Finance lease liability (non-current)   $ 4,108,328     $ 760,087  

 

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Maturity analysis of lease liabilities

 

Future minimum lease payments as of September 30, 2025 are as follows:

 

    September 30,
2025
    December 31,
2024
 
Description                
2025   $ 2,823,578     $ 230,044  
2026     1,311,473       230,044  
2027     1,311,473       230,044  
2028     1,311,473       230,044  
2029     1,189,073       115,023  
2030     375,282       -  
Total     8,322,352       1,035,199  
Less: Imputed interest     671,193       88,492  
Present value of lease liabilities   $ 7,651,159     $ 946,707  

 

Other information

 

    September 30,
2025
    December 31,
2024
 
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)     4.1       4.5  
Weighted-average discount rate:     5.72 %     5.19 %
ROU assets obtained in exchange for ROU Liability   $ 8,153,736     $ 1,061,831  
Operating cash impact of finance leases   $ 65,977     $ -  

 

Note 13. Share-based compensation

 

The Group grants Options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) under the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2024 Plan”) to Board Members, Advisory Board Members, Employees and Contractors. The grants have a combination of performance based and time-based hurdles and vesting periods. On January 16, 2025, the Group granted 5,361 options which have a contractual term of 10 years. The options have an exercise price of $61 per share and convert on a 1:1 basis. The Group ascertains the fair value of the Options and RSUs using a Black-Scholes pricing model. The fair value of equity to which employees become entitled is measured at grant date and recognized as an expense over the vesting period, along with a corresponding increase to equity. As of September 30, 2025, the Group has the following share-based compensation:

 

Stock Options

 

Share-based compensation expense of $34 thousand has been recognized in the period ending September 30, 2025, for options based on the pro rata expense of the service-based options over the vesting period. As of September 30, 2025, 1900 options had vested.

 

Stock Option Activity

 

Activity   Number of
Options
   

Weighted-Average

Exercise Price

    Weighted-Average
Remaining Contractual
Term (Years)
    Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2024     4,617       61       9.25       -  
Granted     5,361       61       9.50       -  
Exercised     -       -       -       -  
Forfeited     -       -       -       -  
Outstanding at September 30, 2025     9,977       61       9.38       -  
Exercisable at September 30, 2025     1,900       61       9.50       -  

 

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Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

 

Share-based compensation expense of $455 thousand has been recognized in the period ending September 30, 2025, for the performance-based RSUs based on the portion of hurdles being met and pro rata time-based vesting conditions being satisfied during the period.

 

Activity   Performance-Based
RSUs
    Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
Unvested at December 31, 2024     52,677       3,193,280  
Granted(1)     8,724       528,849  
Vested(2)     (22,142 )     (956,968 )
Vested in prior periods     (3,996 )     (242,210 )
Forfeited     -       -  
Unvested at September 30, 2025     35,263       2,522,951  

 

 
(1) The company is contractually obligated to issue these RSU’s as at 1 January 2025, however, the RSU’s have yet to be documented and granted.
(2) RSU’s listed as vested are not exercisable but representative of the pro-rata portion of the RSU grant vested in the period

 

At September 30, 2025, compensation costs related to these unvested stock-based compensation awards not yet recognized in the consolidated statements of operations was $3,012,296.

 

Note 14. Employee Benefit Plan

 

The Group’s employees that are located in Australia participate in a Superannuation defined benefit scheme. Superannuation is Australia’s mandatory retirement savings system, requiring employers to contribute 11.5% of an employee’s earnings into a regulated fund. Contributions receive concessional tax treatment, with employer payments taxed at 15% within the fund. Superannuation is typically preserved until retirement age (55–60), with limited early access exceptions. Funds are regulated by Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and the Australian Taxation Office, and offer various investment options, often including insurance coverage. Withdrawals can be taken as a lump sum or income stream, subject to tax rules. Legislative changes may affect contribution limits, taxation, and access conditions.

 

The Group’s employees located in the USA currently do not have a retirement scheme, however it is intended the Company implement such a scheme in 2025.

 

Note 15. Fair Value Measurement

 

The Group measures the following assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

Intangible assets – Indefinite-lived Digital Assets held at fair value.

 

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Fair value hierarchy

 

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures (“ASC Topic 820”) requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 established a fair value hierarchy based on the level of independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used to measure fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. ASC Topic 820 prioritizes the inputs into three levels that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as quote prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

 

Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

The table below shows the assigned level for each asset and liability held at fair value by the Group:

 

Fair value hierarchy   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
As of September 30, 2025                                
Recurring fair value measurements                                
Intangible assets - Indefinite-lived Digital Assets     -       -       -       -  
As of December 31, 2024                                
Recurring fair value measurements                                
Intangible assets - Indefinite-lived Digital Assets   $ 721,664       -       -     $ 721,664  

 

The Group’s assets held at fair value comprise of indefinite lived cryptocurrency (digital assets) classified at level 1. See Note 10 for support. The Group did not make any transfer between the levels of the fair value hierarchy during the first three quarters of 2025.

 

Note 16. Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

 

 
 
 
 
For the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
    2025     2024  
Supplemental information:                
Cash paid for interest   $ 136,913     $ -  
Non-cash transactions:                
DIF acquisition     -       1,256,046  
Equity consideration issued in acquisition of DSS     -       20,909,267  
Purchase of Alternate Asset Management (Sharon AI Pty Ltd)     -       210,000  
Gain on sale of modular data centre (MDC)     808,513       -  
Assets held for Sale- rerecognize MDC     1,105,000       -  
Bad debt expense related to MDC sale     (1,180,620 )     -  
ROU assets obtained in exchange for ROU Liability     8,153,736       1,061,831  
Debt issuance converted to stock   $ -     $ 419,601  

 

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Note 17. Contingent Liabilities

 

Unconditional Purchase Obligation

 

In connection with the termination of its data center services arrangement under the Digital Storage Solutions (DSS) agreement, the Company entered into a contractual commitment with Andrew Sjoquist Enterprises (ASE), a managed service provider. Under the termination arrangement, the Company is required to utilize services from ASE totaling approximately AUD$400 thousand over the next five years.

 

The commitment is noncancelable and qualifies as an Unconditional Purchase Obligation under ASC 440-10-50. As of September 30, 2025, no liability has been recognized, as the obligation represents future purchases of services expected to benefit the Company. The Company will disclose in future periods any material changes or if the commitment becomes onerous.

 

Other than the obligation described above, the Group did not have any significant commitments or contingencies as of September 30, 2025.

 

Note 18. Net Loss per Share

 

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity using the treasury method or the if-converted method, if applicable. The calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share gives effect to common share equivalents; however, potential common shares are excluded if their effect is anti-dilutive. Convertible Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, and share-based options are considered common share equivalents and are only included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share when net income is reported and their effect is dilutive.

 

The following securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive:

 

Stock options and RSU’s: 62,654 shares

 

Warrants: 8,195 shares

 

Convertible preferred stock: 27,000 shares

 

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators is as follows:

 

    For the
Three Months Ended
September 30,
    For the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
    2025     2024     2025     2024  
Numerator:                                
Net loss available to common shareholders   $ (1,635,511 )   $ (1,138,087 )   $ (5,663,822 )   $ (1,380,466 )
Less: Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest     (7,850 )     (5,463 )     (27,185 )     (5,463 )
Net loss attributable to common shareholders   $ (1,627,661 )   $ (1,132,624 )   $ (5,636,637 )   $ (1,375,003 )
                                 
Denominator:                                
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding     1,067,213       975,475       1,067,213       975,475  
Basic and diluted net loss per common share outstanding   $ (1.53 )   $ (1.16 )   $ (5.28 )   $ (1.41 )

 

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Note 19. Segment Information

 

The Company operates in one operating segment, and therefore one reportable segment, focused on the provision of High Performance Compute Services (HPC). The determination of a single business segment is consistent with the consolidated financial information regularly provided to the Group’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), who is the Chief Executive Officer.

 

The Group’s method for measuring profitability on a reportable segment basis is operating profit or loss, which the CODM uses to assess performance for the Group and in deciding how to allocate resources. The CODM does not review disaggregated assets by segment. The Group adopted ASU 2023-07 in December 2024. The most significant provision was for the Group to disclose significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM. The Group’s CODM periodically reviews cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding share-based compensation, by segment and treats them as significant segment expenses.

 

The following table presents segment expenses, other segment items, and segment operating loss for the period:

 

   
 
For the
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
 
For the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
    2025     2024     2025     2024  
Revenue   $ 506,747     $ 159,000     $ 1,208,824     $ 171,800  
Less: Segment Expenses                                
Costs of revenue     371,778       329,005       1,083,426       336,405  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     880,351       806,712       2,970,874       1,065,931  
Other segment items(1)     833,120       163,652       3,466,219       169,327  
Loss (gain) on sale/exchange of equipment     -       (140,938 )     (961,713 )     (140,938 )
Segment expenses     2,085,249       1,158,431       6,558,806       1,430,725  
Segment loss from operations   $ (1,578,502 )   $ (999,431 )   $ (5,349,982 )   $ (1,258,925 )

 

 
(1) Other segment items for the reportable segment include share-based compensation and other expenses.

 

Note 20. Transactions with related parties

 

Sharon Australia have entered into an independent contractor agreement-corporate with James Manning and Manning Group Pty Ltd ATF MG Office Trust (“Manning Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the Manning Consultant Agreement, Mr. Manning, as the key person, provides certain services to SharonAI and Sharon Australia relating to commercial opportunity development, discovery of future data center sites, future data center acquisition and construction advisory, transaction advisory services and key relationship introduction and development. In consideration for these services, Manning Group Pty Ltd ATF MG Office Trust is entitled to receive an annual remuneration of AUD$334,500 (approximately $211,000 based on a conversion rate of AUD$1.00 to USD$0.63), exclusive of Australian goods and services taxes. The Manning Consulting Agreement has an ongoing term that can be terminated by either side upon three (3) months’ notice.

 

Sharon Australia has entered into an independent contractor agreement with Nicholas Hughes Jones related entity Inbocalupo Consulting Pty Ltd (“Inbocalupo Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the Inbocalupo Consultant Agreement and combined with Mr Hughes-Jones employment agreement, Mr. Hughes-Jones, as the key person, provides certain services to SharonAI and Sharon Australia relating to business development services. In consideration for these services, Inbocalupo Consulting Pty Ltd is entitled to receive an annual remuneration of AUD$133.8 thousand (approximately $84,294 based on a conversion rate of AUD$1.00 to USD$0.63), exclusive of Australian goods and services taxes. The Inbocalupo Consulting Agreement was modified on June 9, 2025 for consulting work to be on an hourly as needed basis. 

 

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Sharon Australia has entered into an independent contractor agreement with Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd (“Broadfoot Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the Broadfoot Consultant Agreement, Mr. Broadfoot and Mrs Broadfoot, as the key persons, provides certain services to SharonAI and Sharon Australia relating to Chief Financial Officer support and executive assistant services to the CFO. In consideration for these services, Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd is entitled to receive an annual remuneration of AUD$111.5 thousand (approximately $70,245 based on a conversion rate of AUD$1.00 to USD$0.63), exclusive of Australian goods and services taxes. The Broadfoot Consulting Agreement has an ongoing term that can be terminated by either side upon three (3) months’ notice.

 

Note 21. Subsequent Events

 

Subsequent to the quarter ended September 30, 2025, the following events occurred:

 

On October 1, 2025, the Company drew down $2.0 million under its existing convertible note facility with YA II PN, Ltd. The proceeds are intended to be used for general corporate and working capital purposes in accordance with the terms of the facility agreement.

 

On October 10, 2025, the Company established a new wholly owned subsidiary, SharonAI NZ Limited, incorporated in New Zealand. SharonAI NZ Limited is 100% owned by SharonAI Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of the Company, and was formed to support the Company’s expansion of operations in the region.

 

On October 26, 2025, the Company entered into a mandate letter with Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited to act as lead manager for the Company’s planned pre-IPO equity raising. Under the engagement, Canaccord will manage and coordinate the offering of convertible notes with terms to be finalized. The offering is targeting approximately USD $40 million (net of fees).

 

On November 3, 2025, the Company signed a capacity expansion agreement with NextDC Limited to secure up to an additional 50 megawatts (MW) of data center space. The agreement provides the Company with access to additional capacity to support anticipated growth in its GPU infrastructure requirements.

 

On December 17, 2025, the BCA closed and SharonAI became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SharonAI Holdings, Inc. (f/k/a Roth CH Holdings, Inc.).

 

Except for the above, no other matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or could significantly affect the operations of the Company, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Company in future financial years.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of

SharonAI Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SharonAI Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, 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, 2024 and 2023, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, 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 audit. 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 U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

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

 

Our audit 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 audit 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 audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2025.

 

/s/ HoganTaylor LLP

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma

April 25, 2025

 

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Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

          December 31,
2024
   

December 31,

2023

 
    Note     $     $  
ASSETS                      
Current assets:                      
Cash and cash equivalents           4,424,805       204  
Certificates of deposit   7       770,799          
Trade and other receivables   8       984,547       -  
Other current assets   9       30,018       -  
Total current assets           6,210,169       204  
Property and equipment, net   10       4,576,105       -  
Right of use assets, net   14       935,336          
Digital assets   11       721,664       -  
Intangible assets, net   12       1,658,963       -  
Goodwill           18,044,215       -  
Total assets           32,146,452       204  
                       
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                      
Current liabilities:                      
Trade and other payables   13       957,829       -  
Finance lease liability – current portion   14       186,620       -  
Borrowings           5,435       -  
Total current liabilities           1,149,885       -  
Finance lease liability, net of current portion   14       760,087       -  
Deferred tax liabilities   6       327,535       -  
Total liabilities           2,237,506       204  
                       
Stockholders’ equity:                      
Series A Preferred Stock (15,000 and 0 par value shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively)   15       2       -  
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (27,000 and 0 par value shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively)           3       -  
Common Stock (1,067,213 and 300 par value shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively)           107       204  
Additional paid-in capital           33,304,160       -  
Accumulated deficit           (3,905,281 )     -  
Noncontrolling interest           86,096       -  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI)           423,858       -  
Total stockholders’ equity           29,908,945       204  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity           32,146,452       204  

 

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

 

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Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

    Note    

2024

$

   

2023

$

 
Revenue   5       438,292       -  
Cost of revenue           (719,993 )     -  
Gross loss           (281,701 )     -  
                       
Share based compensation   16       (253,728 )     -  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses           (2,368,745 )     -  
Other expenses           (2,047,133 )     -  
Loss from operations           (4,951,307 )     -  
Change in fair value of digital assets           157,923       -  
Other income   5       921,322       -  
Interest expense, net           (19,028 )     -  
Loss before income taxes           (3,891,090 )     -  
Income tax expense   6       (32,908 )     -  
Net loss           (3,923,998 )     -  
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest           (18,717 )     -  
Net loss attributable to SharonAI Inc.           (3,905,281 )     -  
                       
Other comprehensive income:                      
Foreign currency translation adjustments           423,858       -  
Other comprehensive income           423,858       -  
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest           1,025       -  
Other comprehensive income attributable to SharonAI Inc.           424,883       -  
Comprehensive loss attributable to SharonAI Inc.           (3,480,398 )     -  
                       
Loss per share of common stock                      
Basic and diluted           (7.02 )     -  
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding                      
Basic and diluted           556,356       300  

 

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

 

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

    Series A
Preferred Stock
    Series B
Convertible
Preferred Stock
    Common Stock     Options Reserve     Additional Paid-In Capital     Accumulated deficit     Accumulated Comprehensive Income (AOCI)     Total SharonAI Inc.’s Equity     Non-controlling Interest     Total Stockholders Equity  
    #     $     #     $     #     $     #     $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Balance at December 31, 2022     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Issuance of AAM common stock     -       -       -       -       300       -       -       -       204       -       -       204       -       204  
Balance at December 31, 2023     -       -       -       -       300       -       -       -       204       -       -       204       -       204  
Issuance of Series A preferred stock     15,000       2       -       -       -       -       -       -       14,998       -       -       15,000       -       15,000  
Issuance of Series B preferred stock     -       -       27,000       3       -       -       -       -       26,997       -       -       27,000       -       27,000  
Issuance of common stock     -       -       -       -       257,179       26       -       -       10,640,694       -       -       10,640,719       -       10,640,719  
Capital raising costs     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (593,059 )     -       -       (593,059 )     -       (593,059 )
AAM share exchange, net     -       -       -       -       209,700       21       -       -       (21 )     -       -       -       -       -  
Acquisition of DIF     -       -       -       -       55,000       6       -       -       1,256,040       -       -       1,256,046       -       1,256,046  
Acquisition of DSS     -       -       -       -       532,251       53       8,195       -       20,865,114       -       -       20,865,167       766,256       21,631,423  
Conversion of SAFE securities     -       -       -       -       3,441       -       -       -       176,999       -       -       176,999               176,999  
Purchase of noncontrolling interest     -       -       -       -       9,342       1       -       -       662,467       -       -       662,468       (662,468 )     -  
Share based compensation     -       -       -       -       -       -       57,294       -       253,728       -       -       253,728       -       253,728  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (3,905,281 )     -       (3,905,281 )     (18,717 )     (3,923,998 )
Equity Adjustment from Foreign Currency Translation (CTA)     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       423,858       423,858       1,025       424,883  
Balance at December 31, 2024     15,000       2       27,000       3       1,067,213       107       65,489       -       33,304,160       (3,905,281 )     423,858       29,822,849       86,096       29,908,945  

 

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

 

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

    December 31,
2024
    December 31,
2023
 
    $     $  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
Loss for the period, including noncontrolling interest     (3,923,998 )     -  
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                
Depreciation     566,110       -  
Share based payments     253,728       -  
Change in fair value of digital assets     (157,923 )     -  
Digital assets revenue     (219,763 )     -  
Digital assets cost of revenue     118,497       -  
Amortization of intangible assets     564,671       -  
Income tax expense     32,908       -  
Unrealized loss on foreign currency exchange     956,560       -  
Gain on the receipt of equipment     (273,273 )     -  
(Increase) in trade and other receivables     (759,340 )     -  
Decrease in other current assets     27,285       -  
Increase in trade and other payables     608,545       -  
Net cash flows used in operating activities     (2,205,993 )     -  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:             -  
Cash received from DSS acquisition     55,836       -  
Purchase of certificates of deposit     (264,363 )     -  
Payment for the purchase of property and equipment     (2,947,244 )     -  
Proceeds from sales of digital assets     119,268       -  
Net cash flows used in investing activities     (3,036,503 )     -  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs     10,184,394       204  
Issuance costs related to capital raise     (622,231 )     -  
Proceeds from debt issuance with related parties     419,601       -  
Proceeds from issuance of preferred shares     42,000       -  
Net cash flows from financing activities     10,023,764       204  
                 
Effect of exchange rates changes on cash and cash equivalents     (356,667 )     -  
Net cash increase in cash and cash equivalents     4,424,601       204  
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     204       -  
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period     4,424,805       204  

 

Refer to Note 21 for the supplemental cash flows information.

 

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

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

1 Description of Business

 

The consolidated financial statements cover SharonAI Inc. (“SAI”) and its controlled entities (“the Company” or the Group”). SAI is a digital infrastructure provider, incorporated in the state of Delaware in the United States of America on February 15, 2024. The Group’s principal activities are the provision of decentralized data storage solutions and infrastructure in the Filecoin network with revenue generating operations exclusively in Australia to date.

 

On April 29, 2024, SAI and Alternative Asset Management Pty Ltd (“AAM” or “Sharon Australia”), who have identical ownership as SAI, completed a share exchange. AAM did not have business operations but owned certain mining assets. Pursuant to the transaction there was no change in relative voting interest amongst the existing shareholders of both entities. See Note 2(b) for additional reporting considerations for the share exchange.

 

Also on April 29, 2024, SAI acquired certain assets from Digital Income Fund Pty Ltd as trustee for Distributed Income Fund (“DIF”), which the Company concluded was an asset acquisition under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805-50 in exchange for SAI equity. See Note 4 for additional information on the DIF asset acquisition.

 

On June 30, 2024, SAI acquired the majority equity interest of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited (“DSS”). DSS is a cloud storage provider providing robust data storage infrastructure in the Filecoin network with additional focus on high performance computers (HPC) and artificial intelligence, which was determined to be a business combination. See Note 4 for additional information on the DSS business combination.

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

(a) Basis of presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the balances and results of operations of the Company and have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchanges Commission (“SEC”) and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“US GAAP”).

 

(b) Principles of consolidation

 

Pursuant to the share exchange with the holders of AAM’s equity, which had the same ownership structure as SAI before and after the share exchange, the Group financial statements have been prepared on a consolidated basis by applying the predecessor value method as if the AAM share exchange had been completed at the beginning of the earliest reporting period.

 

The consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, consolidated statements of changes in equity and consolidated statements of cash flows of SAI and AAM for the relevant periods include the results and cash flows of SAI and AAM from the earliest date presented.

 

The consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 have been prepared to present the assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries using the existing book values from the common shareholders’ perspective. No adjustments are made to reflect fair values, or to recognize any new assets or liabilities as a result of the share exchange.

 

For all business combinations, the Group’s consolidated financial statements include the financial position and performance of controlled entities from the date on which control is obtained until the date that control is lost. For all periods presented, the consolidated financial statements include the Group.

 

All inter-company transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

(c) Use of estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(d) Foreign currency translation

 

The financial statements of the Group’s subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities, historical exchange rates for stockholders’ equity and weighted average exchange rates for operating results. Translation gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company recorded realized foreign currency transaction gain of $39,979 and an unrealized foreign currency transaction loss of $970,745 for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is included in other expenses, in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

(e) Acquisitions

 

The Company evaluates acquisitions of assets and other similar transactions to assess whether or not the transaction should be accounted for as a business combination or asset acquisition by first applying a screen test to determine whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. If so, the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. If not, further determination is required as to whether or not the Company has acquired inputs and processes that have the ability to create outputs, which would meet the definition of a business. Significant judgment is required in the application of the test to determine whether an acquisition is a business combination or an acquisition of assets.

 

Acquisitions meeting the definition of business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, which requires that the purchase price be allocated to the net assets acquired at their respective fair values. In a business combination, any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

 

The Company measures and recognizes asset acquisitions that are not deemed to be business combinations based on the cost to acquire the assets, which includes pre-acquisition direct costs recorded in accrued professional and consulting fees. Goodwill is not recognized in asset acquisitions. Refer to Note 4, Acquisitions for specific acquisitions.

 

(f) Revenue recognition

 

The Group earns revenues from the provision of data storage to a blockchain network.

 

The Group recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a five-step model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers as follows:

 

(i) identify the contract with a customer;

 

(ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract;

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

(iii) determine the transaction price;

 

(iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract

 

(v) recognize revenue when the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

 

Below is a discussion of how the Group’s revenues are earned and the Group’s accounting policies pertaining to revenue recognition under ASC 606 and other required disclosures.

 

Digital asset - mining revenue

 

The Group provides data storage services in exchange for non-cash consideration in the form of a digital asset.

 

The Group’s performance obligations to provide the data storage services arises in the Filecoin (“FIL”) network when a customer in this network digitally requests the service from data storage providers such as the Group.

 

The Group satisfies this performance obligation when it proves delivery of data storage services on the FIL blockchain by undertaking daily computations that validate the successful delivery of the data storage services to the end FIL customer. Upon selection as the storage provider and successful validation, the Group receives its share of network block rewards, and therefore recognizes revenue at that point in time, for the satisfactory completion of this performance obligation.

 

The relative share of network block rewards in Filecoin is determined by the amount of “sealed” or proven storage that the Group has in the network. The more data the Group stores the higher the probability of winning block rewards.

 

Block rewards are deposited into the Group’s digital wallets immediately upon completing the validation (WinningPoSt) computations.

 

Revenue from provision of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Infrastructure

 

The Group earns revenues from the provision of GPU Infrastructure as a service to customers via a marketplace. Revenue from provision of GPU Infrastructure for the Group is recognized on a weekly basis as the performance obligation of the supplied GPU IaaS is met. The Group satisfies this performance obligation when it makes the required equipment available to the customer for the period.

 

(g) Other income

 

Research and development grants

 

Research and development grants are received from the Australian Taxation Office. The grants are recognized as other income once the Group has complied with all the attached conditions, at the estimated amount that will be received for the period.

 

Fixed assets promotional gift

 

Fixed assets income relates to the receipt of a server from an infrastructure supplier as a promotional opportunity for the Company to promote the server technology and capabilities with its business. The contribution was recognized in income at its fair value upon receipt and are included in property and equipment in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

(h) Cost of revenue

 

Cost of revenue consists primarily of expenses that are directly related to providing the Group’s service to its paying customers. These primarily consist of material costs related to digital currency mining.

 

(i) Income tax

 

The tax expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss comprises current income tax expense plus deferred tax expense.

 

Current tax is the amount of income taxes payable (recoverable) in respect of the taxable profit (loss) for the year and is measured at the amount expected to be paid to (recovered from) the taxation authorities, using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted by the end of the reporting period. Current tax liabilities (assets) are measured at the amounts expected to be paid to (recovered from) the relevant taxation authority.

 

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences which are determined by comparing the carrying amounts of tax bases of assets and liabilities to the carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted by the end of the reporting period.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and losses can be utilized.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Group’s tax returns are required to be evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet a more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the current year. There are no uncertain tax positions that require accrual or disclosure to the financial statements as of December 31, 2024, or 2023. The Group’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Group had no material accruals for interest or penalties related to income tax matters as of December 31, 2024, or 2023. Generally, the Group’s tax returns are subject to examinations by local Australian tax authorities for tax filings for all years since inception.

 

(j) Comprehensive loss

 

A separate consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss is required under Account Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, Comprehensive Income. Net loss and foreign currency translation adjustments are the components of comprehensive loss for the Group and are included as a separate consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

(k) Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise of cash in bank, demand deposits and short-term investments which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

(l) Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments are recognized initially on the date that the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Group’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, other receivables and trade and other payables and borrowings and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

(m) Goods and services tax (GST)

 

Revenue, expenses and assets are recognized net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

 

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of GST.

 

Cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows are included on a gross basis and the GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is classified as operating cash flows.

 

(n) Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. When an item is sold or retired, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated, and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is credited or charged to income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Group provides for depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets.

 

The Company reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 360-10. If such indicators are present, the Company compares the expected undiscounted future cash flows of the asset group to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds its fair value.

 

A summary of estimated useful lives is as follows:

 

  Fixed asset class   Useful life  
  Computer Equipment   1 - 2 years  
  Other Equipment   5 years  

 

Other Equipment above includes modular data centers, electrical equipment, cooling infrastructure equipment, telecommunication modules and sundry building and storage. Major improvements are capitalized while replacement, maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets are expensed as incurred.

 

(o) Intangible assets

 

Intangible assets are recognized at fair value when acquired, either separately or as part of a business combination, in accordance with ASC 805. Identifiable intangibles are those that are either separable or arise from contractual or legal rights. Internally generated intangible assets, such as brands or customer relationships, are generally expensed as incurred, with the exception of certain software development costs, which may be capitalized once technological feasibility is established, per ASC 350-40.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, typically on a straight-line basis, reflecting the consumption of economic benefits. Useful lives are based on legal, contractual, or economic factors and are generally between 1 to 20 years. Residual values are assumed to be zero unless a third-party commitment exists. Amortization begins when the asset is available for use and any changes in useful life or method are accounted for prospectively.

 

Intangible assets with indefinite lives, such as trademarks or perpetual licenses, are not amortized but are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment arise, in accordance with ASC 350. Goodwill, which arises in business combinations, is also not amortized but tested for impairment annually at the reporting unit level or when triggering events occur. An optional qualitative assessment may be performed before a quantitative test. Intangible assets are evaluated at the beginning of the fourth quarter annually in line with company policy.

 

Finite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment under ASC 360-10 if events suggest their carrying amount may not be recoverable. If undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the excess of carrying value over fair value. For indefinite-lived intangibles and goodwill, impairment losses are recorded when the carrying amount exceeds fair value, with goodwill impairment limited to the carrying amount of goodwill.

 

(p) Digital Assets

 

The Group purchases or mines digital assets or receives digital assets as consideration for the delivery of its services. The Group accounts for all digital assets held as crypto assets, a subset of indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350-60, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Crypto Assets. The Group has ownership of and control over the digital assets and may use third-party custodial services to secure it.

 

The digital assets are initially recorded at cost if purchased or fair value if received in mining revenue operations and are subsequently remeasured on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. Cost is determined based on the cash consideration paid net of the transaction costs. The Group remeasures on a monthly basis the fair value of the digital assets determined by observable market rates.

 

Gains and losses from the remeasurement of crypto assets shall be included in net income and presented separately from changes in carrying amounts of other intangible assets. The Group recognized a gain of $157,923 for the fair value measurement of its digital assets during the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

 

At times, the Group may settle various payables and accrued liabilities in digital assets within the normal course of operations. Gains and losses arising from transactions settled with digital assets are included as a component of other income or selling, general, and administrative expenses within the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

 

The Group’s digital assets consists primarily of Filecoin crypto-currency.

 

(q) Equity-settled compensation

 

The Group follows ASC 718-10, Compensation-Stock Compensation. The Group offers equity-settled stock-based compensation employee share and option plans. The fair value of the equity to which employees become entitled is measured at grant date and recognized as an expense over the vesting period, with a corresponding increase to equity.

 

Vesting conditions are taken into account when considering the number of options expected to vest. At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimate of the number of options which are expected to vest. Revisions to the prior period estimates are recognized in profit or loss and equity.

 

The Group has the following types of equity settled transactions:

 

Options

 

The Group issues options to board members. The options are measured at fair value based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the grant date and are expensed immediately where there are no conditions attached, or over the vesting period.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

The Group issues restricted stock units to employees. These units are measured at fair based on observable market bid prices on the grant date and are expensed immediately where there are no conditions attached, or over the vesting period.

 

(r) Foreign currency transactions and balances

 

Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the spot rate on the date of the transaction. The Group has determined the functional currency is the U.S. Dollar for the Group. Transactions or assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars as follows: monetary assets and liabilities, at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date; non-monetary assets and liabilities, at the exchange rate prevailing at the time of the acquisition of the assets or assumption of the liabilities; and revenues and expenses (excluding amortization, which is translated at the same rate as the related asset), at the average rate of exchange for the year. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions are included in net loss.

 

(s) Legal and other contingencies

 

The Group accounts for its contingent liabilities in accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies. A provision is recorded when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. With respect to legal matters, provisions are reviewed and adjusted to reflect the impact of negotiations, estimated settlements, legal rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information and events pertaining to a particular matter. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

 

The Group may be subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, there was not a reasonable possibility that the Group may have a material loss, or a material loss in excess of a recorded accrual, with respect to loss contingencies. However, the outcome of any future legal proceedings is subject to significant uncertainty. Therefore, although management considers the likelihood of such an outcome to be remote, if one or more of these legal matters were resolved against the Group in a reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Group’s consolidated financial statements for that reporting period could be materially adversely affected.

 

(t) Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

 

In November 2023. the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures,” intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced annual disclosures about significant segment expenses. SAI opted to early adopt the ASU as of December 15, 2024. See Note 24 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60): Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets (“ASU 2023-08”). ASU 2023-08 requires fair value measurement of certain crypto assets each reporting period with the changes in fair value reflected in net income. The amendments also require disclosures of the name, fair value, units held, and cost bases for each significant crypto asset held and annual reconciliations of crypto asset holdings. The Group adopted this guidance early on January 1, 2024. See Note 2(p) in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

 

3 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements

 

The Group makes estimates and judgements during the preparation of these consolidated financial statements regarding assumptions about current and future events affecting transactions and balances.

 

These estimates and judgements are based on the best information available at the time of preparing the financial statements, however as additional information is known then the actual results may differ from the estimates.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

4 Acquisitions

 

DIF

On April 29, 2024, SAI acquired certain assets of DIF in exchange for 55,000 shares of common stock of SAI. The Company considered whether the DIF asset acquisition should be defined as a business under ASC 805. ASC 805-10-55-5A through 55-5C describe a screen test to determine whether an acquired set of assets and activities is not a business. The Company determined that substantially all (greater than 90%) of the fair value of the assets acquired were concentrated in a single asset, property and equipment. Accordingly, the Company treated the DIF asset acquisition as an asset acquisition for accounting purposes.

 

The Company determined the fair value of the consideration paid was $1,256,046. The assets acquired were assumed at cost and comprised of $1.1 million in property and equipment and $0.1 million in digital assets paid for in share-based consideration by the Company.

 

DSS

On June 30, 2024, SAI acquired 96.44% of the outstanding shares of DSS for 532,251 shares of common stock of SAI. The purpose of the acquisition was to expand the Company’s digital mining business and to gain exposure and knowledge of the GPU services business. The Company engaged a third-party valuation firm to assist with the valuation of the business acquired.

 

The fair value of the equity consideration was determined to be $20,865,167. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets acquired, and liabilities assumed of DSS were recorded as of the acquisition date, at their respective fair values, and consolidated with those of the Company. The excess of purchase price over the identifiable intangible and net tangible assets is allocated to goodwill. The portion of non-controlling interest was then derived from the pro-rata of the business acquired.

 

The acquisition-date values of the assets acquired, and liabilities assumed are as follows:

 

      $  
  Cash     55,836  
  Certificates of deposit     245,236  
  Trade and other receivables     412,176  
  Prepaid expenses & other current assets     59,082  
  Property & equipment, net     1,082,969  
  Digital assets     535,697  
  Intangible assets     2,224,369  
  Accounts payable, accrued expenses, & other current liabilities     (449,357 )
  Deferred tax liabilities     (391,984 )
  Other long-term liabilities     (186,816 )
  Total identifiable net assets (liabilities) assumed     3,587,208  
  Noncontrolling interest     (766,256 )
  Goodwill     18,044,215  
  Total purchase price     20,865,167  

 

The intangible assets acquired related to technology and had an estimated useful life of 1.5 – 2 years.

 

Goodwill reflects the synergistic nature of SAI’s identifiable assets that, when employed in combination, generate value in excess of their individual values. As a result, SAI has recorded goodwill in connection with the acquisition. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

 

The results of operations related to the acquisition of DSS have been included in the Group’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss from the acquisition date.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

Following the acquisition of DSS, on December 1, 2024, SAI acquired 3.08% of the noncontrolling interest of DSS through the exchange of 9,342 shares of common stock, bringing SAI’s ownership percentage to 99.52% and noncontrolling interests down to 0.48%, as detailed at the consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity.

 

Proforma financial information:

 

The unaudited financial information in the table below summarizes the combined results of operations of SharonAI Inc. and DSS for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, on a pro forma basis, as though the companies had been combined as of January 1, 2023. The pro forma earnings for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were adjusted to include intangible amortization expense of $550,000 and $1,100,000, respectively. The unaudited pro forma financial information does not purport to be indicative of the Company’s combined results of operations which would actually have been obtained had the acquisition taken place on January 1, 2023 nor should it be taken as indicative of future consolidated results of operations.

 

      Proforma
SharonAI As
Adjusted
2024
    Proforma
SharonAI As
Adjusted
2023
 
      $     $  
  Revenue     1,170,923       1,291,446  
  Loss from operations     (9,193,061 )     (279,594 )
  Net loss     (7,541,243 )     (2,017,478 )

 

5 Revenue and Other Income

 

Revenue from continuing operations

 

     

December 31,

2024

   

December 31,

2023

 
      $     $  
  Revenue                
  Digital asset mining revenue     232,510       -  
  Provision of GPU Infrastructure services     205,043          
  Other revenue     739       -  
  Total other income     438,292       -  

 

Revenue is recognized at point in time when services are provided.

 

Other income

 

     

December 31,

2024

   

December 31,

2023

 
      $     $  
  Other income                
  Research and development grants     648,049       -  
  Fixed assets promotional gift     273,273       -  
  Total other income     921,322       -  

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

6 Income Tax Expense

 

(a) Income (loss) before income taxes consists of the following:

 

     

December 31,

2024

   

December 31,

2023

 
      $     $  
  Domestic and foreign income before provision for income tax                
  Domestic     (1,761,741 )     -  
  Foreign     (2,236,727 )     -  
  Total income before income taxes     (3,998,468 )     -  

 

(b) The Group is subject to income taxes in U.S. federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. The provision for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements is comprised of the following:

 

     

December 31,

2024

   

December 31,

2023

 
      $     $  
  Current                
  Federal     -       -  
  State     40,714       -  
  Foreign     99,299          
  Total Current     140,013          
  Deferred                
  Federal     -       -  
  State     -       -  
  Foreign     (107,105 )     -  
  Total Deferred     (107,105 )     -  
  Total Provision     32,908       -  

 

(c) A reconciliation of the income tax expense computed using the United States federal statutory rate to the Group’s effective tax rate is as follows:

 

     

December 31,

2024

   

December 31,

2023

 
  Federal tax expense (benefit) at the statutory rate     21 %     - %
  State income taxes, net of federal benefit     5 %     - %
  Impact of non-U.S. earnings     1 %     - %
  Change in valuation allowance     (19 )%     - %
  Permanent differences     (3 )%     - %
  Research and development tax incentive     (5 )%     - %
  Tax on Income     (0 )%     - %

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

As of December 31, 2024, the Group had $845,627 of federal and $1,609,826 of state net operating loss carryforwards. The federal net operating losses have an indefinite life and can be utilized to offset 80% of future taxable income, while the state net operating losses will begin to expire in 2044. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had Australian net operating loss carryforwards of $93,194 that can be carried forward indefinitely.

 

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Group had no recorded liabilities for uncertain tax positions. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Group had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions. The Group’s accounting policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

 

The Group files income tax returns in the United States, various state jurisdictions, and Australia. The Group is not currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service or any other jurisdiction. All tax years remain open to tax examination. To the extent the Group has tax attribute carryforwards, the tax years in which the attribute was generated may be adjusted upon examination by the Internal Revenue Service or other tax authorities to the extent utilized in a future period.

 

The Group has not provided U.S. deferred income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries, as such amounts are considered to be indefinitely reinvested. Any accumulated earnings in foreign subsidiaries are primarily utilized to fund working capital requirements as the Group continues to expand operations. The amount of any unrecognized deferred tax liability related to undistributed foreign earnings is immaterial.

 

Deferred taxes are recognized for net operating loss carryovers and temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial statement and income tax purposes. The significant components of the Group’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 are comprised of the following:

 

      December 31,
2024
    December 31,
2023
 
      $     $  
  Net operating loss carryforward     303,257       -  
  Unrealized gain (loss)     293,707       -  
  Capitalized transaction costs     77,225       -  
  Accrued expenses     78,878       -  
  Stock based compensation     65,208       -  
  Total deferred tax assets     818,275       -  
  Less valuation allowance     (733,310 )     -  
  Net deferred tax asset     84,965       -  
                   
  Intangibles     (412,500 )     -  
  Total deferred tax liabilities     (412,500 )     -  
                   
  Net deferred tax liability     (327,535 )     -  
                   
  Net change in valuation allowance     733,310       -  

 

The Group’s valuation allowance increased by $733,310, primarily as a result of current year losses, unrealized losses, and an increase in the deferral of various expenses against which a valuation allowance is maintained during the year ended December 31, 2024. In assessing the ability to realize the Group’s net deferred tax assets, management considers various factors including taxable income in carryback years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies, and future taxable income projections to determine whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. Based on the negative evidence, including the worldwide cumulative losses that the Group has incurred, management has determined that the uncertainty regarding realizing certain deferred tax assets is sufficient to warrant the need for a valuation allowance against its worldwide net deferred tax assets after consideration of the reversals of existing taxable temporary differences.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

7 Certificates of deposit

 

As at 31 December 2024, the Company held certificates of deposit totaling $770,799, which are restricted due to their use as collateral for bank guarantees issued for equipment managed service contracts. The CDs have a 12-month term and are maintained in a bank account in the Company’s name. Interest earned on the CDs is accrued to the Company. Under the terms of the service contracts, the supplier may claim the funds in the event of a material default by the Company in fulfilling its payment obligations. These arrangements do not transfer ownership or control of the CDs but restrict their use for the duration of the CD term.

 

8 Trade and other receivables

 

     

December 31,

2024

   

December 31,

2023

 
      $     $  
  Trade receivables     15,799       -  
  GST receivable     77,266       -  
  Research and development grant receivable     891,482       -  
  Total trade and other receivables     984,547       -  

 

9 Other Current Assets

 

     

December 31,

2024

$

   

December 31,

2023

$

 
  Prepaid network fee     1,941       -  
  Other prepayments     28,013       -  
  Other current assets     64       -  
  Total other current assets     30,018       -  

 

10 Property and Equipment

 

     

December 31,

2024

   

December 31,

2023

 
      $     $  
  Computer equipment                
  At cost     4,640,967       -  
  Accumulated depreciation     (407,672 )     -  
  Total computer equipment     4,233,295       -  
  Other equipment                
  At cost     380,900       -  
  Accumulated depreciation     (38,090 )     -  
  Total other equipment     342,810       -  
  Total property and equipment, net     4,576,105       -  

 

Depreciation expense of $460,469 and foreign currency translation adjustments of $14,707, have been recognized for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

11 Digital Assets

 

The following table provides details of the activities related to our digital assets for the year ended December 31, 2024:

 

      $  
  Balance as of December 31, 2023     -  
  Acquisitions     535,697  
  Disposals     (119,268 )
  Earned FIL revenue     219,763  
  FIL cost of revenue     (118,497 )
  Change in fair value of digital assets     157,923  
  Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation     (46,046 )
  Balance as of December 31, 2024     721,664  

 

As of December 31, 2024, the Company held the following:

 

  Asset  

Units Held

#

   

Cost Basis

$

   

Fair Value

$

   

Change in
Fair Value

$

 
  Filecoin     144,224       563,741       721,664     $ 157,923  

 

Digital assets disclosed above include Filecoin tokens which are pledged as collateral and is required by the Filecoin blockchain for the Group’s ongoing mining operations. Pledged Filecoin is committed for the full life of a storage sector (18 months) and is restricted from use. The Group had pledged $86,690 and $0 as collateral to storage sectors with maturities ranging from 1-540 days at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

12 Intangible Assets

 

(a) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

      $  
  Balance as of December 31, 2023     -  
  Acquired finite-lived intangible assets     24,369  
  Amortization of finite-lived intangible asset     (15,406 )
  Balance as of December 31, 2024     8,963  

 

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets include digital asset deals contracts which are paid in Filecoin tokens and are amortized over the life of the contract. The digital asset deals contracts include an 18-month storage period, which is used as the life of the contract. Amortization expense of $14,671 and foreign currency translation adjustment of $735 related to finite-lived intangible assets has been recognized as an expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

(b) Technology

 

      $  
  Balance as of December 31, 2023     -  
  Acquired technology     2,200,000  
  Accumulated amortization     (550,000 )
  Balance as of December 31, 2024     1,650,000  

 

The acquired technology relates to the DSS acquisition described in Note 4. Amortization expense of $550,000 and $0 related to technology has been recognized as an expense in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Amortization expense is expected to be $1,108,963, and $550,000, for the years ending December 31, 2025 and 2026, respectively.

 

13 Trade and Other Payables

 

     

December 31,

2024

   

December 31,

2023

 
      $     $  
  Trade payables     404,852       -  
  Accrued expense     442,272       -  
  Annual payment provision     50,157       -  
  Income tax payable     40,714       -  
  Other payables     19,834       -  
  Total trade and other payables     957,829       -  

 

Trade and other payables are unsecured, non-interest bearing and are normally settled within 30 days. The carrying value of trade and other payables is considered a reasonable approximation of fair value due to the short-term nature of the balances.

 

14 Leases

 

The Company leases GPU and associated computer and networking equipment under non-cancelable finance lease agreements. Lease terms generally range from 3 to 5 years and may include options to extend or terminate the lease. Lease agreements may contain both lease and non-lease components, which the Company accounts for as a single lease component for all asset classes under a practical expedient election. The Company also elected the short-term lease exemption for all leases with original terms of 12 months or less, whereby such leases are not recognized on the balance sheet.

 

a) Lease cost

 

The components of lease cost were as follows:

 

  Description  

Year Ended
December 31,

2024

$

 
  Finance lease - interest     25,275  
  Finance lease - amortization     89,748  
  Total lease cost     115,023  

 

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

b) Lease assets and liabilities

 

ROU assets and lease liabilities are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as follows:

 

  Description   December 31,
2024
$
 
  Finance lease ROU asset     935,336  
  Finance lease liability (current)     186,620  
  Finance lease liability (non-current)     760,087  

 

c) Maturity analysis of lease liabilities

 

Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2024, are as follows:

 

  Year  

Finance leases

$

 
  2025     230,044  
  2026     230,044  
  2027     230,044  
  2028     230,044  
  2029     115,022  
  Total     1,035,199  
  Less: Imputed interest     (88,492 )
  Present value of lease liabilities     946,707  

 

d) Other information

 

  Weighted-average remaining lease term     4.5 years  
  Weighted-average discount rate:     5.19 %
  Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for Right-of use Liability   $ 1,057,779  
  Operating cash impact of finance leases   $ 26,847  

 

15 Shareholders’ Equity

 

(a) Preferred Stock

 

There are two separate classes of preferred stock, each with its own rights and preferences. The Group is authorized to issue 84,000 shares of preferred stock, at a par value of $0.0001 per share.

 

Series A Preferred Stock

On February 20, 2024, the Group issued a Certificate of Designation of Series A Preferred Stock (the “Series A Designation”), whereby the Board authorized the issuance of up to 15,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share. The Group issued the 15,000 shares at $1.00 per share.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

Series B Preferred Stock

On February 20, 2024, the Group issued a Certificate of Designation of Series B Preferred Stock (the “Series B Designation”), whereby the Board authorized the issuance of up to 27,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share. The Group issued the 27,000 shares at $1.00 per share.

 

(b) Common Stock

 

There is one class of common stock, of which the Group is authorized to issue 2,958,000 shares at a par value of $0.0001 per share. As of December 31, 2024, there were 1,067,213 shares issued.

 

(c) Warrants

 

During June 2024, the Company issued warrants to purchase 8,195 shares of SharonAI’s common stock for $62.50 per share to certain former shareholders of DSS as consideration for the acquisition of the business. The warrants are vested and expire May 4, 2025.

 

(d) Voting

 

Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock are entitled to vote with respect to any and all matters presented to the stockholders of the Group. In any such vote, each Share of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to cast 160 votes for each Share held, each Share of Series B Preferred Stock shall be entitled to cast 25 votes for each Share held, and each Share of Common Stock shall be entitled to cast one vote for each Share held.

 

(e) Dividends

 

Series A Preferred Stock does not have dividend features. Cumulative dividends accrue on Series B Preferred Stock on a quarterly basis in arrears at the rate of 3% of the Group’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), which are in preference and priority to declaration or any payment of any dividend or distribution on Common Stock.

 

(f) Liquidation Preference

 

Series A and Series B Preferred Stock shall, with respect to rights on voting, liquidation, winding up and dissolution, rank pari passu to the Common Stock.

 

(g) Conversion

 

Series A Preferred Stock does not contain any conversion features. Series B Preferred Stock is convertible to Common Stock at any time at the option of the holder or from time to time on or after a Change in Control Notice into that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the liquidation value ($1.00) of the Series B Preferred Stock divided by the conversion price subject to such conversion, which is initially one-third of the liquidation value of such share.

 

(h) Noncontrolling Interest

 

On December 1, 2024, the Group acquired 3.08% of DSS through the exchange of 9,342 shares of Common Stock in the Group for interests in DSS, reducing the noncontrolling interest in DSS from 3.56% to 0.48%. As of December 31, 2024, the Group held 99.52% of controlling interest in DSS.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

16 Share-based compensation

 

The Group grants Options and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) under the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2024 Plan”) to Board Members, Advisory Board Members, Employees and Contractors. The grants have a combination of performance based and time-based hurdles and vesting periods. On October 23, 2024, the Group granted 4,617 Options and 52,677 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) which have a contractual term of 10 years. The Options have an exercise price of $61 per share and convert on a 1:1 basis. The Group ascertains the fair value of the Options using a Black-Scholes pricing model and RSUs were valued based on market bid prices. The fair value of equity to which employees become entitled is measured at grant date and recognized as an expense over the vesting period, along with a corresponding increase to equity. As of December 31, 2024, the Group has the following share-based compensation:

 

(a) Stock Options

 

Share-based compensation expense of $11,518 has been recognized in the period ending December 31, 2024, for Options based on the pro rata expense of the service-based options over the vesting period. As of December 31, 2024 190 options had vested.

 

The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2024:

 

a) Expected term: 10 years

 

b) Expected volatility: 250%

 

c) Risk-free interest rate: 4.24%

 

d) Expected dividend yield: 0%

 

e) Estimated fair value of options at grant date: $279,856

 

Stock Option Activity

 

  Activity   Number of
Options
    Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
    Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual
Term (Years)
    Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 
  Outstanding at January 1, 2024     -     $ 0       -     $ 0  
  Granted     4,617     $ 61       9.75     $ 0  
  Exercised     -       -       -       -  
  Forfeited     -       -       -       -  
  Outstanding at December 31, 2024     4,617     $ 61       9.75     $ 0  
  Exercisable at December 31, 2024     190     $ 61       9.75     $ 0  

 

At December 31, 2024, compensation costs related to these unvested stock options not yet recognized in the consolidated statements of operations was approximately $268,000 which will be fully amortized by 2026.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

(b) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

 

Share-based compensation expense of $242,210 has been recognized in the period ending December 31, 2024, for the performance-based RSUs based on the portion of hurdles being met and pro rata time-based vesting conditions being satisfied during the period.

 

  Activity   Performance-Based
RSUs
    Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
  Unvested at January 1, 2024     -       -  
  Granted     52,677     $ 3,193,280  
  Vested*     (3,996 )   $ 242,210  
  Forfeited     -       -  
  Unvested at December 31, 2024     48,681     $ 2,951,070  
   
 
  * RSU’s listed as vested are not exercisable but representative of the pro-rata portion of the RSU grant vested in the period

 

At December 31, 2024, compensation costs related to these unvested stock-based compensation awards not yet recognized in the consolidated statements of operations was $2,951,070.

 

17 Employee Benefit Plan

 

The Group’s employees that are located in Australia participate in a Superannuation defined benefit scheme. Superannuation is Australia’s mandatory retirement savings system, requiring employers to contribute 11.5% of an employee’s earnings (increasing to 12% by 2025) into a regulated fund. Contributions receive concessional tax treatment, with employer payments taxed at 15% within the fund. Superannuation is typically preserved until retirement age (55–60), with limited early access exceptions. Funds are regulated by Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, Australian Securities and Investments Commission, and the Australian Taxation Office, and offer various investment options, often including insurance coverage. Withdrawals can be taken as a lump sum or income stream, subject to tax rules. Legislative changes may affect contribution limits, taxation, and access conditions.

 

The Group’s employees located in the USA currently do not have a retirement scheme, however it is intended the Company implement such a scheme in 2025.

 

18 Fair Value Measurement

 

The Group measures the following assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

Intangible assets – Indefinite-lived Digital Assets held at fair value.

 

Fair value hierarchy

 

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures (“ASC Topic 820”) requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 established a fair value hierarchy based on the level of independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used to measure fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. ASC Topic 820 prioritizes the inputs into three levels that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1 Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

Level 2 Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as quote prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

 

Level 3 Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

The table below shows the assigned level for each asset and liability held at fair value by the Group:

 

  Fair value hierarchy  

Level 1

$

   

Level 2

$

   

Level 3

$

   

Total

$

 
  As of December 31, 2024                                
  Recurring fair value measurements                                
  Intangible assets – Indefinite-lived Digital Assets     721,664       -       -       721,664  

 

The Group’s assets held at fair value comprise of cryptocurrency (digital assets) classified at level 1. See Note 11 for support. The Group did not make any transfer between the levels of the fair value hierarchy during 2024 or 2023.

 

19 Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

 

      December 31,
2024
    December 31,
2023
 
      $     $  
  Supplemental cash flows information:                
  Cash paid for interest     2,827       -  
                   
  Noncash financing activities:                
  Director issued common stock upon termination     15,000       -  
  Acquisition of a business through the issuance of common stock and warrants     20,865,167       -  
  Settlement of related party notes payable with the issuance of common stock     419,601       -  
  Settlement of liabilities through the issuance of common stock     176,999       -  
  Acquisition of assets through the issuance of common stock     1,256,040       -  

 

20 Contingent Liabilities

 

The Group had the following contingent liabilities at the end of the reporting period:

 

The Group is required to provide a guarantee in the form of Filecoin with third party providers of Filecoin tokens to be used to support the growth of its storage operations, in accordance with agreed terms. This guarantee is to insure no loss is incurred by third party providers throughout the day-to-day operations by the Group. The potential loss that could be incurred by the Group relates to slashing fees and early termination of storage sectors. Management estimates this to be a maximum of $86,690 as of December 31, 2024.

 

The Group did not have any commitments or any other contingencies as of December 31, 2024.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

21 Net Loss per Share

 

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of an entity using the treasury method or the if-converted method, if applicable. The calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share gives effect to common share equivalents; however, potential common shares are excluded if their effect is anti-dilutive. Convertible Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, and share-based options are considered common share equivalents and are only included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share when net income is reported and their effect is dilutive.

 

The following securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive:

 

a) Stock options and RSU’s: 57,293 shares

 

b) Warrants: 8,195 shares

 

c) Convertible preferred stock: 27,000 shares

 

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators is as follows:

 

      December 31,
2024
    December 31,
2023
 
      $     $  
  Numerator:                
  Net loss available to common shareholders     (3,923,998 )     -  
  Less: Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest     (18,717 )     -  
  Net loss attributable to common shareholders     (3,905,281 )     -  
                   
  Denominator:                
  Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding     556,356       300  
  Basic and diluted net loss per common share outstanding     (7.02 )     -  

 

22 Segment Information

 

The Company operates in one operating segment, and therefore one reportable segment, focused on the provision of High Performance Compute Services (HPC). The determination of a single business segment is consistent with the consolidated financial information regularly provided to the Group’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), who is the Chief Executive Officer.

 

The Group’s method for measuring profitability on a reportable segment basis is operating profit or loss, which the CODM uses to assess performance for the Group and in deciding how to allocate resources. The CODM does not review disaggregated assets by segment. The Group adopted ASU 2023‐07 in December 2024. The most significant provision was for the Group to disclose significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM. The Group’s CODM periodically reviews cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding share-based compensation, by segment and treats them as significant segment expenses.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

The following table presents segment expenses, other segment items, and segment operating loss for the period:

 

      December 31,
2024
$
    December 31,
2023
$
 
  Revenue     438,292       -  
  Less: Segment Expenses                
  Costs of revenue     719,993       -  
  Selling, general and administrative expenses     2,368,745       -  
  Other segment items(1)     2,300,861       -  
  Segment expenses     5,389,599       -  
  Segment loss from operations     (4,951,307 )     -  
  Reconciliation of net loss:                
  Adjustments and reconciling items     -       -  
  Loss from operations     (4,951,307 )     -  
   
 
(1) Other segment items for the reportable segment include share based compensation and other expenses.

 

23 Transactions with related parties

 

SharonAI and Sharon Australia have entered into an independent contractor agreement-corporate with James Manning and Manning Group Pty Ltd ATF MG Office Trust (“Manning Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the Manning Consultant Agreement, Mr. Manning, as the key person, provides certain services to SharonAI and Sharon Australia relating to commercial opportunity development, discovery of future data center sites, future data center acquisition and construction advisory, transaction advisory services and key relationship introduction and development. In consideration for these services, Manning Group Pty Ltd ATF MG Office Trust is entitled to receive an annual remuneration of AUD$334,500 (approximately $211,000 based on a conversion rate of $1.00AUD to $0.63USD), exclusive of Australian goods and services taxes. The Manning Consulting Agreement has an ongoing term that can be terminated by either side upon three (3) months’ notice.

 

Sharon Australia has entered into an independent contractor agreement with Nicholas Hughes Jones related entity Inbocalupo Consulting Pty Ltd (“Inbocalupo Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the Inbocalupo Consultant Agreement and combined with Mr. Hughes-Jones employment agreement, Mr. Hughes-Jones, as the key person, provides certain services to SharonAI and Sharon Australia relating to business development services. In consideration for these services, Inbocalupo Consulting Pty Ltd is entitled to receive an annual remuneration of AUD$133,800 (approximately $84,294 based on a conversion rate of $1.00AUD to $0.63USD), exclusive of Australian goods and services taxes. The Inbocalupo Consulting Agreement has an ongoing term that can be terminated by either side upon three (3) months’ notice.

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

Sharon Australia has entered into an independent contractor agreement with Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd (“Broadfoot Consulting Agreement”). Pursuant to the Broadfoot Consultant Agreement, Mr. Broadfoot and Mrs. Broadfoot, as the key persons, provides certain services to SharonAI and Sharon Australia relating to Chief Financial Officer support and executive assistant services to the CFO. In consideration for these services, Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd is entitled to receive an annual remuneration of AUD$111,500 (approximately $70,245 based on a conversion rate of $1.00AUD to $0.63USD), exclusive of Australian goods and services taxes. The Broadfoot Consulting Agreement has an ongoing term that can be terminated by either side upon three (3) months’ notice.

 

AAM, with which SAI consummated its business combination with on April 29, 2024, had sole identical ownership interests by James Manning, Nicholas Hughes-Jones and Andrew Leece. Through the acquisition, each individual was issued 70,000 common shares at a value of $70,000.

 

DIF, with which SAI consummated an asset acquisition on April 29, 2024, had common ownership interest by James Manning. Through the acquisition, Mr. Manning was issued 17,600 common shares at a fair value of $390,016.

 

DSS, with which SAI consummated it business combination with on June 30, 2024, had common ownership interest by James Manning, Nicholas Hughes-Jones and Andrew Leece. Through the acquisition Mr. Manning was issued 49,215 common shares at a fair value of $1,919,366, Mr. Hughes-Jones was issued 27,478 common shares at a fair value of $1,071,623, and Mr. Leece was issued 43,401 common shares at a fair value of $1,692,639.

 

During 2024, the Group paid storage services expense to Flynt ICS Pty Ltd (“Flynt”). Flynt is a subsidiary of Vertua Limited and affiliated to the Group through common ownership by James Manning. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Group paid Flynt $167,638 in services expenses.

 

The Group received approximately $419,590 in loans from various entities affiliated with members of SharonAI’s management and board of directors, including: (a) Woodville Super Pty Ltd, an affiliate of James Manning, Director; (b) Manning Capital Holdings Pty Ltd, an affiliate of James Manning, Director; (c) Strat Capital Pty Ltd (Alpha Juliett), an affiliate of Andrew Leece, Chief Operating Officer; and (d) Inbocalupo Pty Ltd), an affiliate of Nick Hughes-Jones, the former Senior Vice President Business Development. These debts were converted into equity of SharonAI as part of a private placement conducted by SharonAI at the same price that stock was sold to other investors in the offering. The following chart shows the amount of debt from each lender and the shares into which the debt was converted.

 

      Amount
outstanding
$
    Subscription price
per share
$
    Shares received
upon conversion
#
 
  Woodville Super Pty Ltd     66,370       39.00       1,702  
  Manning Capital Holdings Pty Ltd     84,555       39.00       2,168  
  Strat Capital Pty Ltd (Alpha Juliett)     117,740       39.00       3,019  
  Inbocalupo Pty Ltd     150,925       39.00       3,870  
  Total     419,590               10,759  

 

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SharonAI Inc.

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 

24 Subsequent Events

 

Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2024, the following events occurred:

 

(a) On January 22, 2025, the Company entered into a JV agreement with New Era Helium.

 

(b) On January 30, 2025, the Company entered into a definitive business combination agreement with Roth CH Acquisition Co. (Roth)., an OTC-listed entity that had previously completed a de-SPAC transaction. Although the public entity maintains a listing on the OTC Markets, it currently has no active operations or significant assets. The agreement contemplates a reverse acquisition whereby the Company will be the accounting and legal surviving entity, and upon completion of the transaction, will become a publicly traded company through the listed vehicle.

 

The transaction remains subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals and shareholder consent. The Company is currently preparing the required documentation for the proposed combination.

 

(c) On 12 March 2025, the Company entered a scope of work agreement with Lenovo Global Financial Services (Australia and New Zealand) Pty Limited for the provision of AUD$7.4m computer and networking equipment on a lease over 5 years.

 

Except for the above, no other matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or could significantly affect the operations of the Company, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Company in future financial years.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

 

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Contents

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

    Page
Consolidated Financial Statements    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-120 – F-121
Consolidated Balance Sheets   F-122
Consolidated Statements of Operations   F-123
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)   F-124
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows   F-125
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements   F-126 – F-143

 

F-119

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Independent Auditor’s Report

 

 

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the period ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, 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, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the period ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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 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 and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

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

 

Emphasis of Matter

 

As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company expects to rely on financial support from its majority shareholder to meet its operating, investing and financing activities through the end of the going concern assessment period. The majority shareholder has indicated its intent and ability to provide such support. The support is a significant factor in management’s assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter emphasized.

 

Critical Audit Matters

 

The critical audit matters communicated below 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. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

 

 

F-120

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Existence and Valuation of Digital Assets and Transactions Denominated in Digital Assets

 

Description of the Matter:

 

As described in Note 2, digital assets are non-financial assets. They lack physical substance and are built on blockchain technology. The Company elected to not early adopt the Financial Accounting Standards Board Update 2023-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60). Therefore, digital assets are classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets and recorded at cost, less impairment charges, if any. Cost is determined using the first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) method of accounting. Management tests digital currencies 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.

 

At times, the Company may settle various accounts payable and accrued liabilities in digital currencies within the normal course of operations. Gains and losses arising from transactions settled in digital currencies are included in selling, general and administrative expenses within the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of digital currencies and transactions denominated in digital currencies is a critical audit matter are (i) price volatility of digital currencies and potential impairment, (ii) reliability of third-party exchange pricing data and (iii) lack of physical substance of digital currencies.

 

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit:

 

We performed the following procedures:

 

Performed testing over existence of digital currencies including:

 

Confirmation with third-party custodians.

 

Export of transaction activity for each wallet for the fiscal year from public Filecoin block explorers.

 

Used specialized software to verify a sample of the Company’s on-chain transactions.

 

Performed testing over the valuation of digital currencies recorded on the consolidated balance sheet, including the following:

 

Reviewed and tested the Company’s impairment analysis. Compared the value of each unit of digital currency to the lowest intra-day price of the respective digital currency during the reporting period.

 

Utilized pricing data from a variety of third-party exchange-data pricing sources and a specialized software tool when performing audit procedures over digital currency transactions. Investigated any significant differences between data, if any.

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.

 

 

Boston, Massachusetts

February 26, 2025

 

F-121

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited
ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

    2023
$
    2022
$
 
ASSETS                
Current assets:                
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents     404,711       223,422  
Trade and other receivables, net     1,120,954       1,201,588  
Other current assets     54,781       48,260  
Total current assets     1,580,446       1,473,270  
Property and equipment, net     25,429       672,411  
Deferred tax assets     62,372       -  
Intangible Assets     740,944       380,374  
Total assets     2,409,191       2,526,055  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)                
Current liabilities:                
Trade and other payables     395,071       260,894  
Employee benefits     28,097       23,681  
Borrowings     6,386,175       -  
Total current liabilities     6,809,343       284,575  
Borrowings     -       5,757,535  
Total liabilities     6,809,343       6,042,110  
                 
Stockholders’ equity (deficit):                
Ordinary Shares (Issued Capital) (2,423,375 no par value shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively)     6,683,854       6,649,830  
Accumulated deficit     (11,084,006 )     (10,165,885 )
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)     (4,400,152 )     (3,516,055 )
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)     2,409,191       2,526,055  

 

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

 

F-122

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

   

2023
$

   

2022
$

 
Revenue     1,291,446       1,077,221  
Cost of revenue     (471,040 )     (365,177 )
Gross profit     820,406       712,044  
                 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (1,890,797 )     (1,070,366 )
Depreciation Expense     (651,957 )     (1,328,117 )
Loss from operations     (1,722,348 )     (1,686,439 )
                 
Impairment loss on digital assets     (150,299 )     (2,189,105 )
Other income     1,267,470       1,227,649  
Interest expense, net     (202,794 )     (554,168 )
Loss before income taxes     (807,971 )     (3,202,063 )
                 
Income tax expense     (109,507 )     (34,637 )
Net loss     (917,478 )     (3,236,700 )

 

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

 

F-123

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

   

Ordinary Shares
#

   

Ordinary Shares
$

   

Accumulated
deficit

$

   

Total

$

 
Balance at December 31, 2021     2,223,375       6,475,000       (6,929,185 )     (454,185 )
Net loss     -       -       (3,236,700 )     (3,236,700 )
Stock-based compensation: EIP     200,000       97,000       -       97,000  
Stock-based compensation: Options     -       77,830       -       77,830  
Balance at December 31, 2022     2,423,375       6,649,830       (10,165,885 )     (3,516,055 )
Net loss     -       -       (917,478 )     (917,478 )
Stock-based compensation: Options     -       34,024       -       34,024  
Foreign Exchange     -       -       (643 )     (643 )
Balance at December 31, 2023     2,423,375       6,683,854       (11,084,006 )     (4,400,152 )

 

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

 

F-124

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

    2023
$
    2022
$
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
Loss for the period     (917,478 )     (3,236,700 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                
Depreciation     651,957       1,328,117  
Share based payments     34,024       174,830  
Unrealized (gains) losses on foreign currency exchange     (611,855 )     (349,630 )
Impairment loss on intangible assets     150,299       2,189,105  
Gain on sale of digital assets     (140,715 )     -  
Income Tax Expense     109,507       34,637  
(Increase) in trade and other receivables     (91,247 )     (438,318 )
(Increase) decrease in other assets     (6,521 )     78,999  
Increase in trade and other payables     134,179       47,528  
Increase (decrease) in employee benefits     4,415       (11,507 )
Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities     (683,435 )     (182,939 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment     -       90,655  
Payment for the purchase of property and equipment     (4,974 )     (25,041 )
Proceeds from sales of digital assets     241,058       752,638  
Payment for the purchase of digital assets     -       (1,132,571 )
Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities     236,084       (314,319 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Proceeds from third party loan     868,611       239,971  
Repayment of third-party loan     (239,971 )     -  
Net cash flows from/ (used in) financing activities     628,640       239,971  
                 
Net cash increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     181,289       (257,287 )
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     223,422       480,709  
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period     404,711       223,422  

 

Refer to Note 16 for the supplemental cash flows information

 

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

 

F-125

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

Nature of Operations

 

The consolidated financial report covers Distributed Storage Solutions Limited (‘the Company’ or ‘DSS’) and its controlled entities (‘the Group’). Distributed Storage Solutions Limited is a for-profit company limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in Australia.

 

The principal activities of the Group were the provision of decentralized data storage solutions and infrastructure in the Filecoin Network.

 

Each of the entities within the Group prepare their financial statements based on the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States Dollars which is the Company’s functional and reporting currency.

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

As a result of the Group’s involvement in the digital asset market, the Group is subject to market risk, liquidity risk, and concentration risk. The digital asset market may be volatile and a variety of factors that are inherently difficult to predict, such as domestic or international economic and political developments, may significantly affect the Group’s operations.

 

The digital asset market is subject to a high degree of risk from external factors such as price fluctuation, cyber theft from online wallet providers, market acceptance and user adoption, regulation of access to and operation of digital asset networks, legislative changes, and changes in consumer preferences or perceptions of digital currencies. Such factors could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business and operations.

 

There is also uncertainty regarding the current and future accounting, tax and legal treatment, as well as regulatory requirements relating to digital assets or transactions utilizing digital assets. Governmental regulations, or any adverse accounting, tax, legal or regulatory treatment of digital assets or transactions could materially and adversely affect the manner in which the Group conducts its business and could result in heightened regulation, oversight, increased costs and potential litigation.

 

1 Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted by the United States (US GAAP) and include the operations of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

(a) Principles of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial position and performance of controlled entities from the date on which control is obtained until the date that control is lost. For all periods presented, the consolidated financial statements include the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Distributed Storage Fund.

 

All inter-company transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

(a) Principles of consolidation (continued)

 

Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the parent has control. Control is established when the parent is exposed to or has the right to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the relevant activities of the entity.

 

(b) Going concern uncertainty

 

As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the Group incurred a loss after tax of $917,478 and $3,236,700, respectively and net operating cash outflows of $683,435 and $182,939, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the Group’s total liabilities exceeded its total assets by $4,400,152 and $3,516,055, respectively and its current liabilities exceeded current assets by $5,228,897 and current assets exceeded current liabilities by $1,188,695, respectively. The Group’s cash position as of December 31, 2023, and 2022 was $404,711 and $223,422, respectively. These conditions give rise to a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Based on internally prepared forecast cash flows, combined with the existing loan facility of $25 million dollars from the new majority shareholder (refer to note 20), Management believes that the Group will have adequate cash reserves to enable the Group to meet its obligations for at least 12 months from the date the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued to be in accordance with GAAP. Accordingly, the Management have concluded it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

 

In preparing these forecasts, Management and Directors have had regard for the following:

 

a. as of December 31, 2022 the consolidated group had Capital Notes on issue amounting to $5,517,564 which it restructured effective March 31, 2023, converting $4,950,740 to a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE);

 

b. anticipated expansion of new revenue opportunities introduced in 2023, in Q4 2023, DSS commenced business operations in the AI computing sector leveraging its existing infrastructure and fixed price energy contracts to generate additional revenue;

 

c. projected growth in FIL revenue resulting from an increase in data stored within the Group’s committed Filecoin infrastructure;

 

d. in Q4 2023 DSS renegotiated its third-party Filecoin (FIL) terms from a fixed interest/use fee to a revenue share model to protect against any decline in block reward ratio;

 

e. DSS continues to strengthen its long-standing relationship with Lenovo to provide infrastructure as a service on an as needed basis which enables DSS to scale in a capital efficient manner enabling it to meet customer demand on a just in time basis. DSS is actively scaling its storage operations with customer demand expected to grow which is expected to lead to increasing revenue potential;

 

f. DSS has signed a new commercial storage agreement which commenced in March 2024 enabling DSS to reduce reliance on revenues generated in digital tokens and shifting its storage operations to USD denominated earnings;

 

g. DSS has a standing working capital facility from third parties of up to $1.8M of which the whole amount is available as at the date of this report; and,

 

h. the Group is pursuing future capital raising opportunities.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

(b) Going concern uncertainty (continued)

 

The Directors are of the opinion that the Group can continue to access debt and equity funding to meet its working capital requirements. Accordingly, the Directors consider that it is appropriate to prepare the Group’s financial statements on a going concern basis. Should the Group be unable to source sufficient funding through the factors noted above, the Group may not be able to realize assets at their recognized values and extinguish its liabilities in the normal course of business at the amounts stated in the consolidated financial statements.

 

The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of asset carrying amounts or the amount of liabilities that might result should the Group be unable to continue as a going concern and meet its debts as and when they fall due.

 

(c) Revenue recognition

 

The Group earns revenues from the provision of data storage to a blockchain network.

 

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (‘ASC’) Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a five-step model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers as follows:

 

(i) identify the contract with a customer;

 

(ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract;

 

(iii) determine the transaction price;

 

(iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract and;

 

(v) recognize revenue when the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

 

Below is a discussion of how the Company’s revenues are earned and the Company’s accounting policies pertaining to revenue recognition under ASC 606 and other required disclosures.

 

Digital asset - mining revenue

 

The Company provides data storage services in exchange for non-cash consideration in the form of a digital asset.

 

The Group’s performance obligations to provide the data storage services arises in the Filecoin (FIL) network when a customer in this network digitally requests the service from data storage providers such as the Group.

 

The Group satisfies this performance obligation when it proves delivery of data storage services on the FIL blockchain by undertaking daily computations that validate the successful delivery of the data storage services to the end FIL customer. Upon selection as the storage provider and successful validation, the Group receives its share of network block rewards, and therefore recognizes revenue at point in time, for the satisfactory completion of this performance obligation.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

(c) Revenue recognition (continued)

 

The relative share of network block rewards in Filecoin is determined by the amount of “sealed” or proven storage that DSS has in the network. The more data DSS stores the higher the probability of winning block rewards. Block rewards are deposited into the Group’s digital wallets immediately upon completing the validation (WinningPoSt) computations.

 

Revenue from provision of Graphics Processing Units “GPU” Infrastructure

 

The Group earns revenues from the provision of GPU Infrastructure as a service to customers via a marketplace. Revenue from provision of GPU Infrastructure for the Group is recognized on a weekly basis as the performance obligation of the supplied GPU Infrastructure as a Service (“GPU IaaS”) is met. The Group satisfies this performance obligation when it has the required equipment available to the customer for the period.

 

(d) Other income

 

Research and development grants

 

Research and development grants are received from the government. The grants are recognized at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received, and the Group will comply with all attached conditions.

 

(e) Cost of revenue

 

Cost of revenue consists primarily of expenses that are directly related to providing the Group’s service to its paying customers. These primarily consist of material costs related to digital currency mining.

 

(f) Income tax

 

The tax expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations comprises current income tax expense plus deferred tax expense.

 

Current tax is the amount of income taxes payable (recoverable) in respect of the taxable profit (loss) for the year and is measured at the amount expected to be paid to (recovered from) the taxation authorities, using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. Current tax liabilities (assets) are measured at the amounts expected to be paid to (recovered from) the relevant taxation authority.

 

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences which are determined by comparing the carrying amounts of tax bases of assets and liabilities to the carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and losses can be utilized.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Group’s tax returns are required to be evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet a more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the current year. There are no uncertain tax positions that require accrual or disclosure to the financial statements as of December 31, 2023, and 2022. The Group’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Group had no material accruals for interest or penalties related to income tax matters as of December 31, 2023 or 2022. Generally, the Group’s tax returns are subject to examinations by local Australian tax authorities for tax filings for all years since inception.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

(g) Comprehensive Loss

 

A separate statement of comprehensive income is required under Account Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, Comprehensive Income, however, as net loss is the only component of comprehensive loss, the Company has elected not to include a separate Statement of Comprehensive Loss because it would not be meaningful to the users of the consolidated financial statements.

 

(h) Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise of cash in bank, demand deposits and short-term investments generally having original maturities of three months or less which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

 

Restricted cash is subject to regulatory restrictions and are therefore not available for general use by the other entities within the group.

 

(i) Financial instruments

 

Financial instruments are recognized initially on the date that the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Group’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, other receivables and trade and other payables and borrowings and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

(j) Goods and services tax (GST)

 

Revenue, expenses and assets are recognized net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

 

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of GST.

 

Cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows are included on a gross basis and the GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is classified as operating cash flows.

 

(k) Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. When an item is sold or retired, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated, and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is credited or charged to income in the consolidated statements of operations. The Group provides for depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets.

 

A summary of estimated useful lives is as follows:

 

  Fixed asset class   Useful life  
  Office Equipment   1 year  
  Computer Equipment   1 - 2 years  

 

Major improvements are capitalized while replacement, maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets are expensed as incurred.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

(l) Digital Assets

 

The Group purchases or mines digital assets or receives digital assets as consideration for the delivery of its services as described in Note 2(c).

 

Digital assets are non-financial assets. They lack physical substance and are built on blockchain technology. Accordingly, digital assets are classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets and are recorded at cost, less impairment charges, if any. Cost is determined based on the cash consideration paid net of the transaction costs.

 

An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is 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. The Group assesses digital assets for impairment on a monthly basis. Where the lowest intra-day trading price (fair value) is less than the carrying value of the respective digital asset holding, that digital asset holding is deemed to be impaired and the carrying value will be adjusted downwards (impaired) to the lowest intra-day trading price and recognized in the statement of operations. Impairment charges of $150,299 were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2023, and $2,189,105 during the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

At times, the Group may settle various payables and accrued liabilities in digital assets within the normal course of operations. Gains and losses arising from transactions settled with digital assets are included as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses within the accompanying statements of operations.

 

The Group’s digital asset inventory consists primarily of Filecoin digital assets. DSS held 204,174 units of Filecoin at a cost of $3.24 per unit and 127,016 units of Filecoin at cost of $2.61 per unit as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

(m) Stockholders’ equity

 

Common stock

 

Common stock represents shares which are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of shares and share options which vest immediately are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.

 

Rights and Preferences

 

The holders of shares are entitled to participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the Group. Each holder of shares has one vote in person or by proxy, and upon a poll each share is entitled to one vote.

 

(n) Equity-settled compensation

 

The Group follows ASC 718-10, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”. The Group operates equity-settled stock-based compensation employee share and option plans. The fair value of the equity to which employees become entitled is measured at grant date and recognized as an expense over the vesting period, with a corresponding increase to equity.

 

The fair value of shares is ascertained as the market bid price. The fair value of options is ascertained using a Black-Scholes pricing model.

 

Vesting conditions are taken into account when considering the number of options expected to vest. At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimate of the number of options which are expected to vest. Revisions to the prior period estimates are recognized in profit or loss and equity.

 

The Group has the following types of equity settled transactions:

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

(n) Equity-settled compensation (continued)

 

Equity incentive plan (EIP)

 

The Group operates an equity incentive plan (EIP) where share issuances are funded by non-recourse loans and are treated for accounting purposes as grants of share options and accounted for as equity settled stock-based compensation. The fair value of the stock option is recognized over the requisite service period (not the term of the non-recourse loans) through a charge to compensation cost.

 

Options

 

The Group issues options to third parties. The options are measured at fair value based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model on grant date and are expensed immediately where there are no conditions attached.

 

(o) Foreign currency transactions and balances

 

Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the spot rate on the date of the transaction. The Group has determined the functional currency is the U.S. Dollar for the Group. Transactions or assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars as follows: monetary assets and liabilities, at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date; non-monetary assets and liabilities, at the exchange rate prevailing at the time of the acquisition of the assets or assumption of the liabilities; and revenues and expenses (excluding amortization, which is translated at the same rate as the related asset), at the average rate of exchange for the year. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions are included in net loss.

 

(p) Legal and other contingencies

 

The Group accounts for its contingent liabilities in accordance with ASC 450 “Contingencies”. A provision is recorded when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. With respect to legal matters, provisions are reviewed and adjusted to reflect the impact of negotiations, estimated settlements, legal rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information and events pertaining to a particular matter. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

 

The Group is subject to the various legal proceedings and claims that have not been fully resolved and that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, there was not at least a reasonable possibility the Group may have incurred a material loss, or a material loss in excess of a recorded accrual, with respect to loss contingencies. However, the outcome of legal proceedings and claims brought against the Group is subject to significant uncertainty. Therefore, although management considers the likelihood of such an outcome to be remote, if one or more of these legal matters were resolved against the Group in a reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Group’s consolidated financial statements for that reporting period could be materially adversely affected.

 

3 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements

 

The Group makes estimates and judgements during the preparation of these consolidated financial statements regarding assumptions about current and future events affecting transactions and balances.

 

These estimates and judgements are based on the best information available at the time of preparing the financial statements.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

3 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements (continued)

 

The significant estimates and judgements made have been described below:

 

(a) Deferred tax assets

 

Deferred tax assets relating to tax losses and deductible temporary differences may be recognized where it is probable that there may be future taxable profits against which available tax losses and deductible temporary differences can be utilized in the reasonably foreseeable future given the circumstances of the Group.

 

Determining the recoverability of deferred tax assets involves significant judgement on the tax treatment of certain transactions and of uncertain future events and circumstances.

 

Management makes judgments as to the probability of future taxable profits being generated based on budgets, and current and future expected economic conditions and determines whether it is probable that the Group will be able to realize a benefit from its available tax losses and deductible temporary differences within the reasonably foreseeable future.

 

(b) Accounting for digital assets

 

The Group has had regard for ASC 350-60 “Intangibles Goodwill and Other – Crypto Assets” and supporting publication ASU 2023-08 “Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets” which confirms the accounting treatment and disclosure requirements for digital assets through the application of the current US GAAP framework. This guidance confirmed that digital assets meet the definition of an intangible asset.

 

The accounting policy and the resulting recognition and measurement of digital assets in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income, have therefore been determined by Management based on the purpose and utility of digital assets held, being for staking to continue operations. Refer to Note 2(l) for further details.

 

This is a significant judgement due to the lack of guidance and the materiality of the amounts involved.

 

(c) Impairment assessment of intangible assets

 

The Group has intangible assets comprising digital assets and definite-lived intangible assets that require an assessment performed of circumstances or factors which may exist that indicate the value of these assets is lower than as carried in the books of the Group (i.e. impaired). These factors or circumstances may be general economic conditions or group specific. Management judgement is required to assess whether the circumstances or factors indicate an impairment of the assets and actual value of the impairment. This is a significant judgement due to the potential materiality of the amounts involved.

 

4 Revenue and Other Income

 

Revenue from continuing operations

 

      2023
$
    2022
$
 
  Revenue                
    - Provision of services     1,110,912       1,030,611  
    - Other revenue     180,534       46,610  
  Total Revenue     1,291,446       1,077,221  

 

Revenue is recognized at point in time.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

4 Revenue and Other Income (continued)

 

Other income

 

      2023
$
    2022
$
 
  Other income                
    - Research and development Grants     1,267,470       1,227,649  
  Total Other Income     1,267,470       1,227,649  

 

5 Income Tax Expense

 

(a) The major components of tax expense comprise:

 

      2023
$
    2022
$
 
  Current tax expense                
  Local income tax - current period     171,879       34,637  
  Deferred tax benefit (increase in deferred tax asset)     (62,372 )     -  
  Total income tax expense     109,507       34,637  

 

(b) Income tax expense differed from the amount computed by applying the income tax rate of 25% to pretax loss for 2023 and 2022 as a result of the following reconciling items:

 

     

2023
$

   

2022
$

 
  Loss before income tax     (807,971 )     (3,202,063 )
  Tax     25.00 %     25.00 %
        (201,993 )     (800,516 )
  Add:                
  Tax effect of:                
  - non-deductible research and development expenses     728,431       705,545  
  - temporary differences not brought into account     -       387,926  
  - stock-based compensation     8,506       43,707  
  - sundry items     -       4,887  
                   
  Less:                
  Tax effect of:                
  - recognition of deferred tax previously not recognized     (21,019 )     -  
  - research and development tax credit     (316,867 )     (306,912 )
  - sundry items     (87,551 )     -  
  Income tax expense     109,507       34,637  
  Weighted average effective tax rate     (14 )%     (1 )%

 

There was no change in the weighted average effective consolidated tax rate for 2023.

 

The Group did not have any imputation credits at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

6 Cash and cash equivalents

 

      2023
$
    2022
$
 
  Cash at bank and in hand     404,711       89,146  
  Deposits at call     -       156  
  Restricted cash     -       134,120  
  Total cash and cash equivalents     404,711       223,422  

 

Restricted cash is subject to regulatory restrictions and is therefore not available for general use by the other entities within the Group.

 

7 Trade and Other Receivables

 

     

2023

$

2022

$

  Trade receivables     94,930       14,269  
  Allowance for credit losses – trade receivables     (91,930 )      
  Goods and Services Tax (GST) receivable     22,363       18,301  
  Government subsidies receivable     1,095,591       1,169,018  
  Total current trade and other receivables     1,120,954       1,201,588  

 

The Australian Government’s Research and Development Tax Incentive program provides a refundable tax offset for up to 43.5% of eligible research and development expenditures by Australian companies with an “aggregated turnover” of less than A$20.0 million. Grants under the program have been available for our research and development activities in Australia, as well as certain activities conducted overseas that are approved by the Australian Government. Grants are calculated at the end of the fiscal year to which they relate, based on the expenses incurred in such fiscal year and included in such fiscal year’s Australian income tax return after registration of the research and development activities with the relevant authorities.

 

8 Property and Equipment

 

      2023
$
    2022
$
 
  Computer equipment                
  At cost     2,702,323       2,703,080  
  Accumulated depreciation     (2,677,486 )     (2,031,118 )
  Total computer equipment     24,837       671,962  
                   
  Office equipment                
  At cost     11,736       9,907  
  Accumulated depreciation     (11,144 )     (9,458 )
  Total office equipment     592       449  
  Property and equipment, net     25,429       672,411  

 

Depreciation expense of $651,957 and $1,328,117 has been recognized as an expense in the Statements of Operations for 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

9 Intangible Assets

 

(a) Digital Assets

 

      2023
$
    2022
$
 
  Cost     811,400       2,520,924  
  Impairment loss on digital assets     (150,299 )     (2,189,105 )
  Net carrying value     661,101       331,819  

 

(b) Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

      $  
  Balance as of January 1, 2022     -  
  Acquired Definite-Lived Intangible Assets     53,561  
  Amortization of Definite-Lived Intangible Asset     (5,006 )
  Balance as of December 31, 2022     48,555  
  Acquired Definite-Lived Intangible Assets     37,150  
  Amortization of Definite-Lived Intangible Asset     (5,862 )
  Balance as of December 31, 2023     79,843  

 

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets include digital asset deal transaction costs which are paid in Filecoin tokens at commencement of the contract and are amortized over the life of the contract. The digital asset deal contracts include an 18-month storage period, which is used as the life of the contract.

 

Restricted digital assets

 

Digital assets disclosed above include Filecoin tokens which are pledged as collateral to support the Group’s operations. Pledged Filecoin is committed for the full life of a storage sector (18 months) and is restricted from use. As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the Group had pledged $261,781 and $262,759, respectively as collateral to storage sectors with maturities ranging from 1-540 days.

 

10 Trade and Other Payables

 

      2023
$
    2022
$
 
  Trade payables     74,086       59,795  
  Accrued expense     287,611       132,953  
  Other payables     33,374       68,146  
  Total current trade and other payables     395,071       260,894  

 

Trade and other payables are unsecured, non-interest bearing and are normally settled within 30 days. The carrying value of trade and other payables is considered a reasonable approximation of fair value due to the short-term nature of the balances.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

11 Borrowings

 

      2023
$
 
  CURRENT        
  Unsecured liabilities:        
  Capital notes     565,672  
  SAFE Securities     5,878,346  
  SAFE Securities capitalized transaction costs     (57,843 )
  Total current borrowings     6,386,175  

 

      2022
$
 
  NON-CURRENT        
  Unsecured liabilities:        
  Capital notes     5,517,564  
  Other loans     239,971  
  Total non-current borrowings     5,757,535  

 

(a) Capital notes

 

During the previous financial year, on April 22, 2022, the Group issued AUD$8,092,500 capital notes. These capital notes carry a coupon rate of 10% per annum, which is payable quarterly, and are set to mature on June 30, 2024. During the current financial year, on March 31, 2023, the Group reorganized its capital structure, converting AUD$7,261,250 of these notes, valued at $4,950,740, into a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) instrument. For additional details, refer to note 11(b).

 

As of December 31, 2023, there are 831,250 capital notes on issue valued at $565,672 and at December 31, 2022 there were 8,092,500 capital notes on issue valued at $5,517,564.

 

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 amounted to $194,281 and $552,831, respectively.

 

(b) SAFE Securities

 

During the year, DSS entered into agreements with the majority of its capital note investors to reorganize and exchange capital notes for Simple Agreements for Future Equity (“SAFE”) securities. In accordance with the terms of the agreements, on March 31, 2023, the Group cancelled AUD$7,261,250 capital notes valued at $4,950,740 and issued $4,950,740 in SAFE securities to the respective investors plus an additional $927,606 to new investors.

 

The SAFE securities are convertible to equity in the event of a capital transaction (such as an IPO, backdoor listing, or exit sale) or are redeemable in the event of insolvency. The SAFE securities do not carry any specific terms of interest. Until shares are issued, the investors do not have any voting rights. If an insolvency event occurs before the termination date, DSS is obligated to pay the investor a cash amount equal to the purchase amount immediately prior to or concurrent with the completion of the insolvency event.

 

As of December 31, 2023, $5,878,346 in SAFE securities are outstanding. These SAFE securities have been classified as a current liability on the assumption that, in the event of liquidation, these securities will be settled within the year. The occurrence of these events is not within the control of DSS.

 

F-137

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

11 Borrowings (continued)

 

(c) Other loans

 

On April 7, 2022, the Group executed a cash advance facility agreement with a third party, enabling it to periodically withdraw up to an aggregate amount not exceeding $1,234,137. The facility is repayable 24 months after the initial advance date and accrues interest at a rate of 12% per annum.

 

As of December 31, 2022, the Group had drawn down $239,971. This amount was repaid on April 14, 2023, and there have been zero drawdowns as of December 31, 2023. Zero-balance outstanding as of December 31, 2023. The facility expired in April 2024.

 

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, and 2022 amounted to $10,712 and $1,337, respectively.

 

12 Stock-based Compensation

 

As of December 31, 2023, the Group has the following stock-based compensation:

 

(a) Equity incentive plan (EIP)

 

The Group resolved to offer shares to its employees and consultants, or their nominated entities, as part of the Group’s incentivization and remuneration arrangements. The EIP is administered by Distributed Storage Holdings Pty Ltd (the trustee). Under the plan, shares granted to employees are subject to a vesting condition such that employees remain continuously employed for a period of 3 years from the grant date and/or that specified operational performance conditions are met. Shares granted to consultants are not subject to any vesting conditions. Participation in the plan is at the board’s discretion and no individual has a contractual right to participate in the plan or to receive any guaranteed benefits.

 

Shares are granted under the plan for no consideration as the Trustee will enter into a non-recourse loan agreement with each participant and will lend an amount equal to the issue price for the shares.

 

A summary of the share activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 is as follows:

 

      No.
EIP Shares
#
    Weighted-
average
Grant Date
Fair Value
per EIP share
$
 
  Unvested as of December 31, 2022     460,000       0.5847  
  Granted     -       -  
  Vested     (460,000 )     0.5847  
  Forfeited or expired     -       -  
  Unvested as of December 31, 2023     -       -  

 

F-138

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

12 Stock-based Compensation (continued)

 

(a) Equity incentive plan (EIP) (continued)

 

A summary of the share activity for the year ended December 31, 2022 is as follows:

 

      No.
EIP Shares
#
    Weighted-
average
Grant Date
Fair Value
per EIP share
$
 
  Unvested as of January 1, 2022     260,000       0.6613  
  Granted     200,000       0.4850  
  Vested     -       -  
  Forfeited or expired     -       -  
  Unvested as of December 31, 2022     460,000       0.5847  

 

Interest free non-recourse loans totaling $1,666,050 (AUD $2,293,800) have been provided to employees to acquire shares in the Group. The non-recourse loans are repayable at the earlier of 10 business day after the borrower no longer holds subscription shares in the Group or 9 years and 11 months from the date of the grant.

 

Where share purchases are funded by non-recourse loans, they are treated for accounting purposes as grants of share options and accounted for as equity settled share-based payments. The shares issued under the EIP are fair valued on the date they are granted and amortized as an expense in the profit or loss over the vesting period. The total fair value of the EIP Shares granted in 2022 and 2021 is $268,940.

 

As the share purchases are funded by non-recourse loans, they are treated for accounting purposes as a grant of an option, as the substance is similar to the grant of an option. The exercise price of this share option is the principal and interest due on the non-recourse loan. There was no interest due on the non-recourse loans. The fair value of the stock option is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period (not the term of the non-recourse loans).

 

Share-based payment expenses recognized during 2023 and 2022 were $0 and $97,000, respectively within the Consolidated Statements of Operations as administrative expenses (employee benefits expenses).

 

The shares were valued independently using the Black-Scholes Model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table.

 

      2022
Grants
    2021
Grants
 
  Expected life of options (in years)     9.90       9.90  
  Estimated annualized volatility     90 %     90 %
  Dividend yield     0 %     0 %
  Risk-free rate     2.50 %     1.90 %

 

Expected volatility was estimated using historical volatility of comparable companies. The Company will continue to apply this process until a sufficient amount of historical information regarding the volatility of its own stock price becomes available.

 

F-139

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

12 Stock-based Compensation (continued)

 

(b) Options

 

On March 31, 2023, the Group granted 134,766 options to a third-party lender in accordance with the loan agreement. The options are exercisable for common stock at a ratio of 1 to 1 with an AUD$11.60 exercise price.

 

The options granted are not subject to vesting conditions. The options shall expire in 10 years from the grant date, which is April 1, 2033. The share options are fair valued on the date they are granted and are fully expensed on the date of grant within the Statements of Operations.

 

On December 15, 2022, the Group granted 155,172 options to a third-party lender in accordance with the loan agreement. The options are exercisable for common stock at a ratio of 1 to 1 with an exercise price of AUD$11.60.

 

The options granted are not subject to vesting conditions. The options shall expire in 9.3 years from the grant date, March 15, 2032. The share options are fair valued on the date they are granted and are fully expensed on the date of grant within the Statements of Operations.

 

The fair value of the options as at grant date was assessed to be $34,024 in 2023 and $77,830 in 2022.

 

Stock-based compensation of $34,024 and $77,830 has been recognized as an expense in the Statements of Operations for 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

No options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2023, and 2022.

 

The options were valued independently using the Black-Scholes Model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table.

 

      2023
Tranche
    2022
Tranche
 
  Expected life of options (in years)     10.0       9.3  
  Estimated annualized volatility     90 %     90 %
  Dividend yield     0 %     0 %
  Risk-free rate     3.40 %     3.50 %

 

Expected volatility was estimated using historical volatility of comparable companies. The Company will continue to apply this process until a sufficient amount of historical information regarding the volatility of its own stock price becomes available.

 

13 Financial Risk Management

 

      2023     2022  
      $     $  
  Financial assets                
  Held at amortized cost                
  Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents     404,711       223,422  
  Trade and other receivables     1,120,954       1,201,588  
  Total financial assets     1,525,665       1,425,010  
  Held at amortized cost                
  Trade and other payables     395,071       260,894  
  Borrowings     6,386,175       5,757,535  
  Total financial liabilities     6,781,246       6,018,429  

 

F-140

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

14 Tax Assets and Liabilities

 

Deferred tax assets have been recognized in respect of the following:

 

      2023
$
    2022
$
 
  Assets                
  Impairment loss on digital assets     1,826,363       1,859,998  
  Accrued liabilities     10,083       5,919  
  Employee provisions     7,024       13,130  
  Total deferred tax assets     1,843,470       1,879,047  
                   
  Liabilities                
  Others     45,265       (45,265 )
  Total deferred tax liabilities     45,265       (45,265 )
                   
  Valuation allowance     (1,826,363 )     (1,833,782 )
  Net deferred tax asset     62,372       -  

 

15 Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

 

      2023
$
    2022
$
 
  Cash paid for interest     204,993       555,671  

 

16 Interest in Subsidiaries

 

a) Composition of the Group

 

      Principal place of business/country of incorporation    

Percentage
Owned (%)*

    Percentage
Owned (%)*
 
            2023     2022  
  Subsidiaries                  
  Distributed Storage Fund (Unit Trust)   Australia       100       100  
   
 
* The percentage of ownership interest held is equivalent to the percentage voting rights for all subsidiaries

 

F-141

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

17 Contingent Liabilities

 

The Group had the following contingent liabilities at the end of the reporting period:

 

The Group is required to provide a guarantee in the form of Filecoin with third party providers of Filecoin tokens to be used to support the growth of its storage operations, in accordance with agreed terms. This guarantee is to ensure no loss is incurred by third party providers throughout the day-to-day operations by the Group. The potential loss that could be incurred by the Group relates to slashing fees and early termination of storage sectors. Management estimates this to be a maximum of $327,052 and $92,406 as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

 

The Group did not have any commitments or any other contingencies as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

 

18 Related Parties

 

(a) The Group’s main related parties are as follows:

 

Key management personnel

 

Subsidiaries

 

Other related parties include close family members of key management personnel and entities that are controlled or significantly influenced by those key management personnel or their close family members.

 

(b) Transactions with related parties

 

Transactions between related parties are on normal commercial terms and conditions no more favorable than those available to other parties unless otherwise stated.

 

The following transactions occurred with related parties:

 

                  Balance outstanding  
     

2023
$

   

2022
$

   

2023
$

   

2022
$

 
  Entities controlled by key management personnel                                
  Rental of an office building     1,032       1,778       -       -  
  Purchase of professional services     166       -       -       -  

 

During the fiscal year, the Group issued 290,291 SAFE securities for $195,602 to entities controlled by key management personnel. These were outstanding as of December 31, 2023. Terms and conditions were on the same basis and at arm’s length.

 

19 Subsequent events

 

Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2023, the following events occurred:

 

a. The Group’s Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, Mr. Ariel Sivikofsky, resigned on February 28, 2024 and has subsequently been replaced by Timothy Broadfoot as Chief Financial Officer on May 1, 2024.

 

b. The Group signed a new commercial storage agreement which commenced in March 2024 enabling the Group to reduce reliance on revenues generated in digital tokens and shifting its storage operations to USD denominated earnings. An estimate of the financial effect cannot be made at the date of this report.

 

F-142

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

19 Subsequent events (continued)

 

c. On March 28, 2024, the Group entered into new data center agreement with NextDC in Melbourne, further diversifying the Group’s geographical locations and deploying the Group’s first dedicated AI cluster. The deployment of the AI Cluster was completed in June 2024, with commercial operation beginning on June 28, 2024.

 

d. On April 4, 2024, Distributed Storage Fund (DSF), a controlled entity of the company entered into voluntary administration. As a result of the administration process, the entity’s liabilities, including remaining capital notes amounting to US $535,900, will be reduced, although the full financial impact on the Group’s financial position due to this event cannot reliably measured at the date of this report.

 

e. The Group lodged its Income Tax Return for the financial year ended December 31, 2023 which included a R&D tax claim amounting to $1,048,820. The R&D tax claim was successfully received in full on April 23, 2024.

 

f. On April 24, 2024, the Group entered into a services agreement with Lenovo to accelerate AI operations growth and corresponding revenue. The financial impact of this event cannot accurately be estimated at the date of this report.

 

g. On April 27, 2024, the Group acquired computer equipment amounting to $1,104,149. This acquisition is anticipated to expand the Group’s AI computing capacity and lead to increased revenues.

 

h. On June 18, 2024, Sharon AI has provided a loan facility of $25 million to DSS with an interest rate of 6% p.a. and a maturity of 5 years from the effective date of the respective loan tranches.

 

i. On June 26, 2024, DSS options fully vested and were converted into ordinary shares on a cashless basis, resulting in the issuance of 289,657 additional shares.

 

j. On June 27, 2024, the majority of the Group’s SAFE holders assigned their holdings to Sharon AI, Inc, a USA based company, in exchange for shares in Sharon AI. The remaining SAFE holders who did not accept the proposal will continue as SAFE holders of DSS, and it is unlikely that another event will occur causing their SAFE notes to convert to ordinary shares. Subsequently, DSS and Sharon AI agreed to effectively exercise the redemption clause and convert these to a loan under the loan facility established on June 18, 2024, converting US $5,908,118 in SAFE liabilities to current loan liabilities.

 

k. On June 28, 2024, Sharon AI acquired 95% of the shareholding in DSS, obtaining control and becoming the ultimate holding company. In exchange, DSS shareholders received shares in Sharon AI. Further to the acquisition, Sharon AI has the intention of calling an Extraordinary General Meeting in due course to resolve to convert DSS from a public company to a private company.

 

l. On July 1, 2024, DSS transferred all employee to Sharon AI Pty Ltd, including leave balances.

 

m. On July 18, 2024, the Group acquired computer equipment amounting to $2,651,022. This acquisition is anticipated to expand the Group’s AI computing capacity and lead to increased revenues.

 

n. On September 9, 2024, Distributed Storage Solutions became a private company, changing its name from Distributed Storage Solutions Limited to Distributed Storage Solutions Pty Ltd.

 

o. In October 2024, the directors of DSS changed with the removal of Nick Hughes-Jones and James Manning and the addition of Wolfgang Schubert.

 

Except for the above, no other matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or could significantly affect the operations of the Group, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Group in future financial years.

 

F-143

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

 

 

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements

 

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-144

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Contents

 

    Page
Consolidated Financial Statements    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   F-146 – F-147
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023   F-148
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024   F-149
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024   F-150
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit) for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024   F-151
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024   F-152
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements   F-153 – F-167

 

F-145

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Independent Auditor’s Report

 

 

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited:

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited (the Company) as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, 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 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 and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

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

 

Emphasis of Matter

 

As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company expects to rely on financial support from its majority shareholder to meet its operating, investing and financing activities through the end of the going concern assessment period. The majority shareholder has indicated its intent and ability to provide such support. The support is a significant factor in management’s assessment of the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter emphasized.

 

Critical Audit Matters

 

The critical audit matters communicated below 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. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

 

 

F-146

Table of Contents

 

Existence and Valuation of Digital Assets and Transactions Denominated in Digital Assets

 

Description of the Matter:

 

As described in Note 2, digital assets are non-financial assets. They lack physical substance and are built on blockchain technology. The Company elected to adopt the Financial Accounting Standards Board Update 2023-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60) as of January 1, 2024. The Company determines the cost basis which is based on the cash consideration paid net of the transaction costs. The Company remeasures on a monthly basis the fair value of the digital assets determined by observable market rates with gains and losses from changes in the fair value of the digital assets recognized in net income (loss) each reporting period.

 

At times, the Company may settle various accounts payable and accrued liabilities in digital currencies within the normal course of operations. Gains and losses arising from transactions settled in digital currencies are included in selling, general and administrative expenses within the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of digital currencies and transactions denominated in digital currencies is a critical audit matter are (i) price volatility of digital currencies, (ii) reliability of third-party exchange pricing data and (iii) lack of physical substance of digital currencies.

 

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit:

 

We performed the following procedures:

 

Performed testing over existence of digital currencies including:

 

Confirmation with third-party custodians.

 

Export of transaction activity for each wallet for the fiscal year from public Filecoin block explorers.

 

Used specialized software to verify a sample of the Company’s on-chain transactions.

 

Performed testing over the valuation of digital currencies recorded on the consolidated balance sheet, including the following:

 

Reviewed and tested the Company’s fair value calculations. Compared the Company’s reported fair value to independent sources, such as market prices or third-party exchange-data pricing sources.

 

Utilized pricing data from a variety of third-party exchange-data pricing sources and a specialized software tool when performing audit procedures over digital currency transactions. Investigated any significant differences between data, if any.

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.

 

 

Boston, Massachusetts

February 26, 2025

 

F-147

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023

 

   

June 30,

2024
$

   

December 31,

2023
$

 
ASSETS                
Current assets:                
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents     55,836       404,711  
Trade and other receivables     412,176       1,120,954  
Deposits     245,236       -  
Other current assets     59,082       54,781  
Total current assets     772,330       1,580,446  
Property and equipment, net     1,082,968       25,429  
Deferred tax assets     60,712       62,372  
Intangible Assets     559,962       740,944  
Total assets     2,475,972       2,409,191  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)                
Current liabilities:                
Trade and other payables     425,804       395,071  
Employee benefits     -       28,097  
Borrowings     5,817,146       6,386,175  
Total liabilities     6,242,950       6,809,343  
                 

Stockholders’ equity (deficit):

               
Common stock (2,713,032 and 2,423,375 no par value shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively)     10,267,187       6,683,854  
Accumulated deficit     (14,151,251 )     (11,084,006 )
Equity adjustment from Foreign Currency Translation (“CTA”)     117,086       -  
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)     (3,766,978 )     (4,400,152 )
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)     2,475,972       2,409,191  

 

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

 

F-148

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

   

2024

$

 
Revenue     732,631  
Cost of revenue     (754,402 )
Gross profit     (21,771 )
         
Shared Based Compensation     (3,013,167 )
Selling, general, and administrative expenses     (502,221 )
Other expenses     (154,595 )
Loss from operations     (3,691,754 )
         
Gain on sale of intangible assets     73,425  
Fair value gain on revaluation of digital assets     442,500  
Other income     278,208  
Interest expense, net     (128,455 )
Loss before income taxes     (3,026,076 )
         
Income tax expense     (41,169 )
Net loss     (3,067,245 )

 

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

 

F-149

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

   

2024

$

 
Net loss     (3,067,245 )
         
Other Comprehensive Income        
Cumulative Translation Adjustment     117,086  
Total Other Comprehensive Income     117,086  
Comprehensive Income     (2,950,159 )

 

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

 

F-150

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

   

Common Stock

#

   

Common Stock

$

   

DOCA

$

   

Accumulated deficit

$

   

AOCI

(CTA)

$

   

Total

$

 
Balance at December 31, 2023     2,423,375       6,683,854       -       (11,084,006 )     -       (4,400,152 )
Net loss                             (3,067,245 )             (3,067,245 )
Issuance of Common Stock, Option Conversion net     289,657       3,046,286                               3,046,286  
Forfeiture of Warrants             (33,119 )                             (33,119 )
DOCA – Administration                     570,166                       570,166  
Equity Adjustment from Foreign Currency Translation (CTA)                                     117,086       117,086  
Balance at June 30, 2024     2,713,032       9,697,021       570,166       (14,151,251 )     117,086       (3,766,978 )

 

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

 

F-151

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

   

$

 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
Loss for the period     (3,067,245 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:        
Depreciation     40,179  
Share based compensation     3,013,167  
Gain on sale of intangible assets (FIL)     (73,425 )
Fair value gain on revaluation of intangible assets     (442,500 )
Amortization of file deal investments     63,333  
Provision for credit losses     (36,430 )
Unrealized (gains) losses on foreign currency exchange     95,166  
Income Tax Expense     41,169  
Decrease in trade and other receivables     745,208  
(Increase) in deposits     (245,236 )
(Increase) in other current assets     (4,302 )
Decrease in other assets     1,660  
(Decrease) in trade and other payables     (9,299 )
(Decrease) in employee benefits     (28,097 )
Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities     93,348  
         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:        
Payment for the purchase of property and equipment     (1,097,718 )
Proceeds from sales of intangible assets     991,727  
Payment for the purchase of digital assets     (336,232 )
Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities     (442,223 )
         
Net cash increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (348,875 )
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     404,711  
Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period     55,836  

 

Refer to Note 18 for the supplemental cash flows information

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

Nature of Operations

 

The consolidated financial report covers Distributed Storage Solutions Limited (‘the Company’ or ‘DSS’) and its controlled entities (‘the Group’). Distributed Storage Solutions Limited is a for-profit company limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in Australia.

 

The principal activities of the Group were the provision of decentralized data storage solutions and infrastructure in the Filecoin Network.

 

Each of the entities within the Group prepare their financial statements based on the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States Dollars which is the Company’s functional and reporting currency.

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

As a result of the Group’s involvement in the digital asset market, the Group is subject to market risk, liquidity risk, and concentration risk. The digital asset market may be volatile and a variety of factors that are inherently difficult to predict, such as domestic or international economic and political developments, may significantly affect the Group’s operations.

 

The digital asset market is subject to a high degree of risk from external factors such as price fluctuation, cyber theft from online wallet providers, market acceptance and user adoption, regulation of access to and operation of digital asset networks, legislative changes, and changes in consumer preferences or perceptions of digital currencies. Such factors could have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business and operations.

 

There is also uncertainty regarding the current and future accounting, tax and legal treatment, as well as regulatory requirements relating to digital assets or transactions utilizing digital assets. There is currently no authoritative guidance on accounting for digital assets. Governmental regulations, or any adverse accounting, tax, legal or regulatory treatment of digital assets or transactions could materially and adversely affect the manner in which the Group conducts its business and could result in heightened regulation, oversight, increased costs and potential litigation.

 

1 Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted by the United States (US GAAP) and include the operations of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Distributed Storage Fund.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

(a) Principles of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial position and performance of controlled entities from the date on which control is obtained until the date that control is lost. For all periods presented, the consolidated financial statements include the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Distributed Storage Fund.

 

All inter-company transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

(a) Principles of consolidation (continued)

 

Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the parent has control. Control is established when the parent is exposed to or has the right to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the relevant activities of the entity.

 

(b) Going concern uncertainty

 

For the six months ending June 30, 2024, the Group incurred a loss before income taxes of $3.0 million, and net operating cash inflows of $93.0 thousand. As of June 30, 2024, the Group’s total liabilities exceeded its total assets by $3.7 million and its current liabilities exceeded current assets by $5.4 million. The Group’s cash position as of June 30, 2024, was $56.0 thousand. These conditions give rise to a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Based on internally prepared forecast cash flows, combined with the existing loan facility of $25 million dollars from the new majority shareholder Sharon AI. Management believes that the Group, with the help of the majority shareholder as of June 30, 2024, will have adequate cash reserves to enable the Group to meet its obligations for at least 12 months from the date the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. Accordingly, the Management have concluded it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

 

In preparing these forecasts, Management and Directors have had regard for the following:

 

a. Projected profitability by January 2025 based on continuation of existing contracts, business expansion plans to pivot the main operations of the business to AI Graphics Processing Unit Infrastructure as a Service (“GPU IaaS”), and projected increases in revenue from expanding AI computer and data storage assets.

 

b. DSS continues to strengthen its long-standing relationship with Lenovo to provide infrastructure as a service on an as needed basis which enables DSS to scale in a capital efficient manner enabling it to meet customer demand on a just in time basis. DSS is actively scaling its storage operations with customer demand expected to grow which is expected to lead to increasing revenue potential;

 

c. DSS has signed a new commercial storage agreement which commenced in March 2024 enabling DSS to reduce reliance on revenues generated in digital tokens and shifting its storage operations to USD denominated earnings;

 

d. DSS was majority acquired on June 30, 2024 subsequently joining a larger consolidated group, giving the Group access to additional liquidity support.

 

e. DSS and its majority acquiror, together, have raised approximately $5.0 million in equity in Q3 2024 with the potential to market and raise additional $10.0 to $15.0 million in additional capital before the end of 2024.

 

The Directors are of the opinion that the Group can continue to access debt and equity funding to meet its working capital requirements. Accordingly, the Directors consider that it is appropriate to prepare the Group’s financial statements on a going concern basis. Should the Group be unable to source sufficient funding through the factors noted above, the Group may not be able to realize assets at their recognized values and extinguish its liabilities in the normal course of business at the amounts stated in the consolidated financial statement.

 

The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of asset carrying amounts or the amount of liabilities that might result should the Group be unable to continue as a going concern and meet its debts as and when they fall due.

 

F-154

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

(c) Revenue recognition

 

The Group earns revenues from the provision of data storage to a blockchain network.

 

The Group recognizes revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (‘ASC’) Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides a five-step model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers as follows:

 

(i) identify the contract with a customer;

 

(ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract;

 

(iii) determine the transaction price;

 

(iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract

 

(v) recognize revenue when the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

 

Below is a discussion of how the Group’s revenues are earned and the Group’s accounting policies pertaining to revenue recognition under ASC 606 and other required disclosures.

 

Digital asset - mining revenue

 

The Group provides data storage services in exchange for non-cash consideration in the form of a digital asset.

 

The Group’s performance obligations to provide the data storage services arises in the Filecoin (FIL) network when a customer in this network digitally requests the service from data storage providers such as the Group.

 

The Group satisfies this performance obligation when it proves delivery of data storage services on the FIL blockchain by undertaking daily computations that validate the successful delivery of the data storage services to the end FIL customer. Upon selection as the storage provider and successful validation, the Group receives its share of network block rewards, and therefore recognizes revenue at point in time, for the satisfactory completion of this performance obligation.

 

The relative share of network block rewards in Filecoin is determined by the amount of “sealed” or proven storage that DSS has in the network. The more data DSS stores the higher the probability of winning block rewards.

 

Block rewards are deposited into the Group’s digital wallets immediately upon completing the validation (WinningPoSt) computations.

 

Revenue from provision of GPU Infrastructure

 

The Group earns revenues from the provision of GPU Infrastructure as a service to customers via a marketplace. Revenue from provision of GPU Infrastructure for the Group is recognized on a weekly basis as the performance obligation of the supplied GPU IaaS is met. The Group satisfies this performance obligation when it has the required equipment available to the customer for the period.

 

(d) Other income

 

Research and development grants

 

Research and development grants are received from the government. The grants are recognized at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received, and the Group will comply with all attached conditions.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

(e) Cost of revenue

 

Cost of revenue consists primarily of expenses that are directly related to providing the Group’s service to its paying customers. These primarily consist of material costs related to digital currency mining.

 

(f) Income tax

 

The tax expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations comprises current income tax expense plus deferred tax expense.

 

Current tax is the amount of income taxes payable (recoverable) in respect of the taxable profit (loss) for the year and is measured at the amount expected to be paid to (recovered from) the taxation authorities, using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. Current tax liabilities (assets) are measured at the amounts expected to be paid to (recovered from) the relevant taxation authority.

 

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences which are determined by comparing the carrying amounts of tax bases of assets and liabilities to the carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and losses can be utilized.

 

Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Group’s tax returns are required to be evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet a more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the current year. There are no uncertain tax positions that require accrual or disclosure to the financial statements as of June 30, 2024, or December 31, 2023. The Group’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. The Group had no material accruals for interest or penalties related to income tax matters as of June 30, 2024, or December 31, 2023. Generally, the Group’s tax returns are subject to examinations by local Australian tax authorities for tax filings for all years since inception.

 

(g) Comprehensive Loss

 

A separate statement of comprehensive income is required under Account Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-05, The only component of comprehensive loss is Cumulative Translation Adjustments (CTA). The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) within stockholders’ equity. For the period ended June 30, 2024, the Company recorded a Cumulative Translation Adjustment of $117,086.

 

(h) Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise of cash in bank, demand deposits and short-term investments which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

 

Restricted cash is subject to regulatory restrictions and is therefore not available for general use by the other entities within the group.

 

(i) Deposits

 

Deposits comprise of bank guarantees in the form of term deposits, which are not available for general use. The term deposits are designated in cash which are subject to an insignificant risk of a change in value.

 

F-156

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

(j) Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments are recognized initially on the date that the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. The Group’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, other receivables and trade and other payables and borrowings and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

(k) Goods and services tax (GST)

 

Revenue, expenses and assets are recognized net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

 

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of GST.

 

Cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows are included on a gross basis and the GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is classified as operating cash flows.

 

(l) Property and equipment

 

Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. When an item is sold or retired, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated, and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is credited or charged to income in the consolidated statements of income (loss). The Group provides for depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets.

 

A summary of estimated useful lives is as follows:

 

Fixed asset class   Useful life  
Office Equipment   1 year  
Computer Equipment   1 - 2 years  

 

Major improvements are capitalized while replacement, maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets are expensed as incurred.

 

(m) Digital Assets

 

The Group purchases or mines digital assets or receives digital assets as consideration for the delivery of its services as described in Note 2(c).

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60): Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets (“ASU 2023-08”). ASU 2023-08 requires fair value measurement of certain crypto assets each reporting period with the changes in fair value reflected in net income. The amendments also require disclosures of the name, fair value, units held, and cost bases for each significant crypto asset held and annual reconciliations of crypto asset holdings. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Group has opted to adopt this guidance early on January 1, 2024. Cost is determined based on the cash consideration paid net of the transaction costs. The Group remeasures on a monthly basis the fair value of the digital assets determined by observable market rates.

 

F-157

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

(m) Digital Assets (continued)

 

Gains and losses from the remeasurement of crypto assets shall be included in net income and presented separately from changes in carrying amounts of other intangible assets. The Group recognized a gain of $442,500 for the fair value measurement of its digital assets during the six months ended June 30, 2024 of which $188,772 was from revaluation of opening balances upon adoption of ASU 2023-08.

 

At times, the Group may settle various payables and accrued liabilities in digital assets within the normal course of operations. Gains and losses arising from transactions settled with digital assets are included as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses within the accompanying statements of operations. The Group’s digital asset inventory consists primarily of Filecoin digital assets. DSS held 118,517 units of Filecoin at $4.52 per unit as of June 30, 2024.

 

(n) Stockholders’ equity

 

Common stock

 

Common stock represents shares which are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of shares and share options which vest immediately are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.

 

Rights and Preferences

 

The holders of shares are entitled to participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding up of the Group. Each holder of shares has one vote in person or by proxy, and upon a poll each share is entitled to one vote.

 

(o) Equity-settled compensation

 

The Group follows ASC 718-10, “Compensation-Stock Compensation”. The Group operates equity-settled stock-based compensation employee share and option plans. The fair value of the equity to which employees become entitled is measured at grant date and recognized as an expense over the vesting period, with a corresponding increase to equity.

 

The fair value of shares is ascertained as the market bid price. The fair value of options is ascertained using a Black-Scholes pricing model.

 

Vesting conditions are taken into account when considering the number of options expected to vest. At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimate of the number of options which are expected to vest. Revisions to the prior period estimates are recognized in profit or loss and equity.

 

The Group has the following types of equity settled transactions:

 

Options

 

The Group issues options to third parties. The options are measured at fair value based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model on grant date and are expensed immediately where there are no conditions attached.

 

F-158

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

(p) Foreign currency transactions and balances

 

Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the spot rate on the date of the transaction. The Group has determined the functional currency is the U.S. Dollar for the Group. Transactions or assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars as follows: monetary assets and liabilities, at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date; non-monetary assets and liabilities, at the exchange rate prevailing at the time of the acquisition of the assets or assumption of the liabilities; and revenues and expenses (excluding amortization, which is translated at the same rate as the related asset), at the average rate of exchange for the year. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions are included in net loss and translation adjustments are recorded as Cumulative Translation Adjustments (CTA) in APIC.

 

(q) Legal and other contingencies

 

The Group accounts for its contingent liabilities in accordance with ASC 450 “Contingencies”. A provision is recorded when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. With respect to legal matters, provisions are reviewed and adjusted to reflect the impact of negotiations, estimated settlements, legal rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information and events pertaining to a particular matter. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

 

The Group is subject to the various legal proceedings and claims that have not been fully resolved and that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, there was not at least a reasonable possibility the Group may have incurred a material loss, or a material loss in excess of a recorded accrual, with respect to loss contingencies. However, the outcome of legal proceedings and claims brought against the Group is subject to significant uncertainty. Therefore, although management considers the likelihood of such an outcome to be remote, if one or more of these legal matters were resolved against the Group in a reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Group’s consolidated financial statements for that reporting period could be materially adversely affected.

 

3 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements

 

The Group makes estimates and judgements during the preparation of these consolidated financial statements regarding assumptions about current and future events affecting transactions and balances.

 

The significant estimates and judgements made have been described below:

 

(a) Deferred tax assets

 

Deferred tax assets relating to tax losses and deductible temporary differences may be recognized where it is probable that there may be future taxable profits against which available tax losses and deductible temporary differences can be utilized in the reasonably foreseeable future given the circumstances of the Group.

 

Determining the recoverability of deferred tax assets involves significant judgement on the tax treatment of certain transactions and of uncertain future events and circumstances.

 

Management makes judgments as to the probability of future taxable profits being generated based on budgets, and current and future expected economic conditions and determines whether it is probable that the Group will be able to realize a benefit from its available tax losses and deductible temporary differences within the reasonably foreseeable future.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

4 Revenue and Other Income

 

Revenue from continuing operations

 

     

June 30,

2024

$

 
  Revenue        
    - Provision of services     602,764  
    - Other revenue     129,867  
  Total Revenue     732,631  

 

Revenue is recognized at point in time.

 

Other income

 

     

June 30,

2024
$

 
  Other income        
    - Research and development Grants     278,208  
  Total other income     278,208  

 

5 Income Tax Expense

 

(a) The major components of tax expense comprise:

 

     

June 30,

2024
$

 
  Current tax expense        
  Local income tax - current period     41,169  
  Total income tax expense     41,169  

 

F-160

Table of Contents

 

Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

5 Income Tax Expense (continued)

 

(b) Income tax expense differed from the amount computed by applying the income tax rate of 25% to pretax loss for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as a result of the following reconciling items:

 

     

June 30,

2024

$

 
  Loss before income tax     (3,026,076 )
  Tax     25.00 %
        (756,519 )
  Add:        
  Tax effect of:        
  - non-deductible research and development expenses     149,574  
  - stock-based compensation     753,292  
           
  Less:        
  Tax effect of:        
  - research and development tax credit     (69,552 )
  - temporary differences not brought into account     (35,626 )
  Income tax expense     41,169  
  Weighted average effective tax rate     (1 )%

 

The Group did not have any imputation credits at June 30, 2024.

 

6 Cash and cash equivalents

 

     

June 30,

2024
$

 
  Cash at bank and in hand     55,836  
  Total cash and cash equivalents     55,836  

 

7 Deposits

 

     

June 30,

2024
$

 
  Lenovo contract bank guarantees     245,236  
  Total deposits     245,236  

 

Deposits represent amounts held as bank guarantees in term deposits and are therefore not available for general use.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

8 Trade and Other Receivables

 

     

June 30,

2024

$

 
  Trade receivables, net     4,249  
  GST receivable     129,719  
  Government subsidies receivable     278,208  
  Total current trade and other receivables     412,176  

 

9 Other Current Assets

 

     

June 30,

2024

$

 
  Prepaid network fee     22,046  
  Other current assets     37,036  
  Total other current assets     59,082  

 

10 Property and Equipment

 

     

June 30,

2024
$

 
  Computer equipment        
  At cost     3,728,810  
  Accumulated depreciation     (2,645,842 )
  Total computer equipment     1,082,968  
           
  Office equipment        
  At cost     11,424  
  Accumulated depreciation     (11,424 )
  Total office equipment     -  
  Property and equipment, net     1,082,968  

 

Depreciation expense of $40,179 has been recognized as an expense in the Statements of Operations for six months ended June 30, 2024.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

11 Intangible Assets

 

(a) Digital Assets

 

      $  
  Balance as of December 31, 2023, as previously reported     661,101  
  Revaluation of opening balance adjustment     188,772  
  Balance as of January 1, 2024, as adjusted     849,873  
  Acquisitions     328,477  
  Sales     (991,727 )
  Fair value gain on remeasurement     253,728  
  Gain on sale of digital assets     73,425  
  Unrealized gains on foreign currency     21,921  
  Balance as of June 30, 2024     535,697  

 

(b) Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

 

      $  
  Balance as of December 31, 2023     79,843  
  Acquired Definite-Lived Intangible Assets     7,755  
  Amortization of Definite-Lived Intangible Asset     (63,333 )
  Balance as of June 30, 2024     24,265  

 

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets include digital asset deals which are paid in Filecoin tokens and are amortized over the life of the contract. The digital asset deals contracts include an 18-month storage period, which is used as the life of the contract.

 

Restricted digital assets

 

Digital assets disclosed above include Filecoin tokens which are pledged as collateral to support the Group’s operations. Pledged Filecoin is committed for the full life of a storage sector (18 months) and is restricted from use. As of the six-months ended June 30, 2024, the Group had pledged $118,467 as collateral to storage sectors with maturities ranging from 1-540 days.

 

12 Trade and Other Payables

 

     

June 30,

2024
$

 
  Trade payables     32,100  
  Accrued expense     331,402  
  Other payables     25,657  
  Total trade and other payables     389,159  

 

Trade and other payables are unsecured, non-interest bearing and are normally settled within 30 days. The carrying value of trade and other payables is considered a reasonable approximation of fair value due to the short-term nature of the balances.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

13 Borrowings

 

     

June 30,

2024
$

 
  Unsecured liabilities:        
  SAFE Securities     185,472  
  Sharon AI Loans     5,631,674  
  Total current borrowings     5,817,146  

 

(a) Simple Agreement for Future Equity (“SAFE”) Securities/Sharon AI Loans

 

On June 27, 2024, the majority of the Group’s SAFE holders assigned their holdings to Sharon AI, Inc, a USA based company, in exchange for shares in Sharon AI. Subsequently, DSS and Sharon AI agreed to effectively exercise the redemption clause and convert these to a loan under the loan facility established on June 18, 2024, converting SAFE liabilities to current loan liabilities, in which Sharon AI is considered to be the creditor, and the Group is the debtor. As of June 30, 2024, there is $5,631,674 of Sharon AI Loans outstanding as of June 30, 2024.

 

The remaining SAFE holders who did not accept the proposal will continue as SAFE holders of DSS, and it is unlikely that another event will occur causing their SAFE notes to convert to ordinary shares. The SAFE securities do not carry any specific terms of interest. As of June 30, 2024, $185,472 in SAFE securities are outstanding. These SAFE securities have been classified as a current liability on the assumption that, in the event of liquidation, these securities will be settled within the year. The occurrence of these events is not within the control of DSS.

 

(b) Capital notes

 

On April 4, 2024, Distributed Storage Fund (“DSF”) entered into voluntary administration and as a result of the administration process, the entity’s liabilities, including the remaining capital notes, were reduced to a zero ($0) balance. In line with the executed Deed of Company Arrangement (“DOCA”), the Capital Notes were to be settled with the available balance of the DOCA after administration costs, as this amount was insufficient to cover the capital notes balance, the entirety of the balance was reduced in voluntary administration and treated as capital contribution in equity. DSS regained sufficient voting rights and decision-making power and regained control of DSF on May 17, 2024.

 

Interest expense on Capital Loans for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, amounted to $134,220.

 

14 Stock-based Compensation

 

As of June 30, 2024, the Group has the following stock-based compensation:

 

(a) Options

 

On December 15, 2022, the Group granted 155,172 option shares to a third-party lender in accordance with the loan agreement. On March 31, 2023, the Group granted 134,766 option shares to a third-party lender in accordance with the loan agreement for a total of 289,938 granted options between both grants.

 

On June 26, 2024, the Group’s option shares fully vested as pursuant to the Option Exercise Deed and were converted into ordinary shares on a cashless exercise basis, resulting in the exercising of the 289,938 options by issuing 289,657 ordinary shares to option holders. The options were exercised at a value of $10.32 per share in accordance with the Option Exercise Deed.

 

Share based payments expense of $3,013,167 has been recognized in the period ending June 30, 2024, primarily due modification of the initial option terms to reduce the exercise price to $0.01, modification to allow cashless exercise and settlement associated with DSS acquisition by SharonAI and surrender of warrant expense due to the new warrant arrangement with Sharon AI.

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

15 Financial Risk Management

 

     

June 30,

2024
$

 
  Financial assets      
  Held at amortized cost    
  Cash, restricted cash and cash equivalents     55,836  
  Deposits     245,236  
  Trade and other receivables     412,176  
  Total financial assets     713,248  
  Held at amortized cost        
  Trade and other payables     389,159  
  Borrowings     5,817,146  
  Total financial liabilities     6,206,305  

 

16 Tax Assets and Liabilities

 

Deferred tax assets have been recognized in respect of the following:

 

      June 30,
2024
$
 
  Assets        
  Impairment loss on digital assets     1,714,808  
  Accrued liabilities     80,060  
  Total deferred tax assets     1,794,868  
           
  Liabilities        
  Others     56,581  
  Total deferred tax liabilities     56,581  
           
  Valuation allowance     (1,790,737 )
  Net deferred tax asset     62,372  

 

Certain deferred tax assets have not been recognized in respect of unrealized valuation adjustment items because it is not probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the Group can utilize the benefits therein.

 

17 Fair Value Measurement

 

The Group measures the following assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

Intangible assets

 

Fair value hierarchy

 

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures (“ASC Topic 820”) requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 established a fair value hierarchy based on the level of independent, objective evidence surrounding the inputs used to measure fair value. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. ASC Topic 820 prioritizes the inputs into three levels that may be used to measure fair value:

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

17 Fair Value Measurement (continued)

 

Level 1 Level 1 applies to assts or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. the inputs into three levels that may be used to measure fair value:
   
Level 2 Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as quote prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
 
Level 3 Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

The table below shows the assigned level for each asset and liability held at fair value by the Group:

 

  Fair value hierarchy  

Level 1

$

   

Level 2

$

   

Level 3

$

   

Total

$

 
  As of June 30, 2024                                
  Recurring fair value measurements                                
  Intangible assets     535,697       -       -       535,697  

 

The Group’s assets held at fair value comprise of cryptocurrency (digital assets) are classified as level 1. The Group did not make any transfer between levels of the fair value hierarchy during 2024.

 

18 Supplemental disclosure of cash flows information

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

 

      June 30,
2024
 
      $  
  Cash paid for interest     136,777  

 

19 Interest in Subsidiaries

 

a) Composition of the Group

 

     

Principal place of
business/country of

incorporation

   

Percentage
Owned (%)*

 
            2024  
  Subsidiaries            
  Distributed Storage Fund (Unit Trust)   Australia     100  
   
 
* The percentage of ownership interest held is equivalent to the percentage voting rights for all subsidiaries

 

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Distributed Storage Solutions Limited

ABN: 87 646 979 222

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2024

 

20 Contingent Liabilities

 

The Group had the following contingent liabilities at the end of the reporting period:

 

The Group is required to provide a guarantee in the form of Filecoin with third party providers of Filecoin tokens to be used to support the growth of its storage operations, in accordance with agreed terms. This guarantee is to ensure no loss is incurred by third party providers throughout the day-to-day operations by the Group. The potential loss that could be incurred by the Group relates to slashing fees and early termination of storage sectors. Management estimates this to be a maximum of $118,467 as of June 30, 2024.

 

The Group did not have any commitments or any other contingencies as of June 30, 2024.

 

21 Transactions with related parties

 

During the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, the Group issued 290,291 SAFE securities for $195,602 to entities controlled by key management personnel. There were $0 outstanding as of June 30, 2024. Terms and conditions were on the same basis and at arm’s length.

 

22 Subsequent events

 

Subsequent to the year ended June 30, 2024, the following events occurred:

 

(a) On July 1, 2024, DSS transferred all employee to Sharon AI Pty Ltd, including leave balances.

 

(b) On July 18, 2024, the Group acquired computer equipment amounting to $2,651,022. This acquisition is anticipated to expand the Group’s AI computing capacity and lead to increased revenues.

 

(c) On September 9, 2024, Distributed Storage Solutions became a private company, changing its name from Distributed Storage Solutions Limited to Distributed Storage Solutions Pty Ltd.

 

(d) In October 2024, the directors of DSS changed with the removal of Nick Hughes-Jones and James Manning and the addition of Wolfgang Schubert.

 

Except for the above, no other matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or could significantly affect the operations of the Group, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Group in future financial years.

 

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75,657,895 Shares

Class A Ordinary Common Stock

 

 

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

 

 

 

Lucid Capital Markets

 

Through and including              , 2025 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This requirement is in addition to a dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or membership.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PART II - INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

 

The following table sets forth an estimate of the fees and expenses relating to the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered hereby, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, all of which shall be borne by the registrant. All of such fees and expenses, except for the SEC registration fee, are estimated:

 

SEC registration fee   $ 19,851.88  
Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses   $ 20.000.00  
Legal fees and expenses   $ 200,000.00  
Printing fees and expenses   $ 15,000.00  
Accounting fees and expenses   $ 25,000.00  
Miscellaneous fees and expenses   $ 15,000.00  
Total   $ 294,851.88  

 

Item 14. Indemnification of Officers and Directors.

 

The registrant a Delaware corporation. Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) provides, in general, that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party (or is threatened to be made a party) to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation), because he or she is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A Delaware corporation may also indemnify directors, officers, employees and other agents of such corporation in an action by or in the right of the corporation under the same conditions, except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the person to be indemnified has been adjudged to be liable to the corporation. The DGCL provides that Section 145 of the DGCL is not exclusive of other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

 

The registrant’s Bylaws each contain provisions that require it to indemnify any person who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person, or a person for whom such person is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of such entity or, while a director or officer of such entity, is or was serving at the request of such as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred by such person, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

In addition, the registrant’s Certificate of Incorporation (contains provisions requiring such entity to indemnify and advance expenses to any director incurred in defending or otherwise participating in any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided that such director presents to such entity a written undertaking to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such director is not entitled to be indemnified by such entity

 

As permitted by Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL, and the registrant’s Certificate of Incorporation contains provisions eliminating the personal liability of directors to such entity or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL.

 

The registrant expects to maintain standard policies of insurance under which coverage is provided (a) to its directors and officers against losses arising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act by such persons in their respective capacities as officers and directors, and (b) to the registrant with respect to payments which may be made by the registrant to such officers and directors pursuant to the above indemnification provision or otherwise as a matter of law.

 

See “Item 17. Undertakings” for a description of the SEC’s position regarding such indemnification provisions.

 

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Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

 

Set forth below is information regarding shares of capital stock issued by us within the past three years. Also included is the consideration received by us for such shares and information relating to the section of the Securities Act, or rule of the SEC, under which exemption from registration was claimed.

 

On December 17, 2025, the registrant issued 3,502,677 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock to James Manning, a former director of SharonAI and a director of the registrant on December 17, 2025 as part of this consideration under the BCA. The issuance of the shares of Class A Ordinary Stock was made in reliance on the exemption from registration under the Securities Act afforded by Section 4(a)(2) and/or Rule 506 promulgated hereunder.

 

On December 17, 2025 the registrant issued convertible promissory notes to three accredited investors pursuant to which it issued convertible promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $2,250,000 to the investors in consideration of $2,250,000. The notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, starting 30 days after issuance, and have a maturity date of December 17, 2026. The unpaid and outstanding principal amount and accrued interest automatically convert into shares of the Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock at a conversion price of $0.12 per share on the first day after the closing of the BCA,. The proceeds from the issuance of these notes were used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including the payment of expenses in connection with the closing of the Business Combination. The issuance of the shares of Class A Ordinary Stock was made in reliance on the exemption from registration under the Securities Act afforded by Section 4(a)(2) and/or Rule 506 promulgated hereunder.

 

On December 17, 2025, Pubco issued 2,249,000 shares of its Class A Ordinary Common Stock to certain former stockholders of Roth CH in consideration of cancellation of indebtedness held by them. Pubco did not receive any proceeds upon issuance of these shares. The issuance of the shares of Class A Ordinary Stock was made in reliance on the exemption from registration under the Securities Act afforded by Section 4(a)(2).

 

On December 18, 2025, Pubco issued 18,749,999 shares of its Class A Ordinary Common Stock upon the automatic conversion of the December 2025 Convertible Notes. Pubco did not receive any proceeds upon issuance of these shares. The issuance of the shares of Class A Ordinary Stock was made in reliance on the exemption from registration under the Securities Act afforded by Section 4(a)(2) and/or Section 3(a)(9).

 

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Item 16. Exhibits.

 

(a) Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of this registration statement:

 

Exhibit No.   Description
1.1**   Form of Underwriting Agreement between Roth CH Holdings, Inc. and Lucid Capital Markets, LLC
2.1†   Business Combination Agreement, dated January 28, 2025, by and among Roth CH Acquisition Co., Roth CH Holdings, Inc., Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc. and SharonAI Inc incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 29, 2025
2.2   Amendment, dated May 23, 2025, to the Business Combination Agreement, dated May 23, 2025, by and among Roth CH Acquisition Co., Roth CH Holdings, Inc., Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc. and SharonAI Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 27, 2025.
2.3   Second Amendment, dated October 14, 2025, to the Business Combination Agreement, dated January 28, 2025, by and among Roth CH Acquisition Co., Roth CH Holdings, Inc., Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc. and SharonAI Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 20, 2025.
3.1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of registrant, incorporated by reference to Annex B-1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on May 15, 2025 (effective December 17, 2025).
3.2   Bylaws of the registrant, incorporated by reference to Annex B-2 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on May 15, 2025 (effective December 17, 2025).
3.3   Certificate of Merger, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on October 1, 2025.
4.1   Form of Warrant Certificate(1)
4.2   Warrant Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the Registrant(6)
4.3*   Form of December 2025 Convertible Note
4.4**   Form of Underwriter Warrant
5.1**   Opinion of Loeb & Loeb LLP.
10.1   Investment Management Trust Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the Registrant(6)
10.2   Amendment to the Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated January 27, 2023, by and between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the Registrant(2)
10.3   Private Placement Warrants Purchase Agreement between the Registrant and TKB Sponsor I, LLC(6)
10.4   Amendment to the Investment Management Trust Agreement, dated June 28, 2023, by and between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company and the Registrant(3)
10.5   Amendment No. 2 to the Investment Management Trust Agreement(3)
10.6   Form of Lockup Agreement, incorporated by reference to Annex F to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on May 15, 2025
10.7   Form of Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 29, 2025
10.8+   Employment Agreement with Wolfgang Schubert, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on May 15, 2025
10.9*+   First Amendment to Employment Agreement with Wolfgang Schubert
10.10*+   Form of 2025 Equity Incentive Plan
10.11*   Note Purchase Agreement dated July 15, 2025 between SharonAI, Inc. and YA II PN, LTD.
10.12   Form of Standby Equity Purchase Agreement by and between YA II PN, LTD., a Cayman Islands exempt limited company (the “Investor”), and SharonAI Holdings, INC. a Delaware Corporation (to be executed following the Business Combination) incorporated by reference to Annex H to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on August 12, 2025

 

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Exhibit No.   Description
10.13*+   Employment Agreement between Timothy Broadfoot and SharonAI Pty Ltd
10.14*+   Employment Agreement between Andrew Leece and SharonAI Pty Ltd
10.15*+   Employment Agreement between Daniel Mons and SharonAI Pty Ltd
10.16*+   Independent Contractor Agreement between James Manning and SharonAI Pty Ltd
10.17*+   Consulting Agreement between SharonAI Pty and Timothy Broadfoot
10.18*   Independent Contractor Agreement between Inbocalupa Ptd Ltd and Sharon Pty Ltd
10.19*   Deed of Variation of Independent Contractor Agreement between Inbocalupa Pty Ltd and Sharon Pty Ltd
10.20*   Independent Contractor Agreement between Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd and SharonAI Pty Ltd
10.21*   Convertible Promissory Note in the amount of $500,000 dated July 15, 2025 issued by SharonAI, Inc. to YA II PN Ltd.
10.22*   Convertible Promissory Note in the amount of $2 million dated October 1, 2025 issued by SharonAI, Inc. to YA II PN Ltd.
10.23*   First Amendment to Convertible Notes, dated October 21, 2025, by and between SharonAI, Inc. and YA II PN Ltd.
10.24*   Limited Liability Company Agreement of Texas Critical Data Centers LLC, dated January 21, 2025, between SharonAI, Inc. and New Era Helium, Inc.
10.25*   Contract to Purchase Agreement, dated July 17, 2025, between Odessa Industrial Development Corporation d/b/a Grow Odessa, and Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC
10.26*   Amendment to Convertible Promissory Notes and Note Purchase Agreement.
10.27*   Binding Term Sheet for Acquisition of Interest in Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC, dated December 19, 2025 by and between SharonAI, Inc. and New Era Energy & Digital Inc. (“NUAI”).
10.28*   Convertible Note Agreement, dated December 19, 2025
10.29*   Clawback Policy
10.30*   Contract to Purchase, dated November 21, 2025, by and between Odessa Industrial Development Corporation d/b/a Grow Odessa and Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC
14*   Code of Ethics
23.1*   Consent of Marcum LLP (Roth CH Holdings, Inc.)
23.2*   Consent of Marcum LLP (Roth CH Acquisition Co.)
23.3*   Consent of HoganTaylor LLP
23.4*   Consent of Wolf & Company P.C.
23.5**   Consent of Loeb & Loeb, LLP (included as part of Exhibit 5.1 hereto).
99.1*   Insider Trading Policy
107*   Calculation of Registration Fee Table

 

 
* Filed herewith.
** To be filed by amendment
+ Indicates a management or compensatory plan.

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Form S-1, filed with the SEC on October 8, 2021.
(2) Incorporated by reference to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 30, 2023.
(3) Incorporated by reference to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on July 3, 2023.
(4) Incorporated by reference to Annex A to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on September 7, 2023.
(5) Incorporated by reference to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 3, 2024.
(6) Incorporated by reference to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on October 29, 2021.
(7) Incorporated by reference to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.
(8) Incorporated by reference to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 11, 2024.
(9) Incorporated by reference to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 29, 2025.
(10) Incorporated by reference to Roth CH Acquisition Co.‘s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 27, 2025.

 

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Item 17. Undertakings.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

 

  (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in the volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of the securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

 

  (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to such information in this registration statement;

 

provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of this registration statement;

 

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

 

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering;

 

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(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to any purchaser:

 

  (i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424 (b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in this registration statement; and

 

  (ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(l)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date;

 

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

  (i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

  (ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

  (iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

  (iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser;

 

(6) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

 

(7) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, New York on the 22nd day of December, 2025.

 

  SharonAI Holdings, Inc.
     
  By: /s/ Wolfgang Schubert
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer

 

  By: /s/ Tim Bradfoot
  Name: Tim Broadfoot
  Title: Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial Officer

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Wolfgang Schubert, as such person’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person and in such person’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and to sign any registration statement for the same offering covered by the Registration Statement that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or such person’s substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ Wolfgang Schubert   Chief Executive Officer and Director   December 22, 2025
Wolfgang Schubert        
         
/s/ James Manning   Non-Executive Chairman and Director   December 22, 2025
James Manning        
         

/s/ Alistair Cairns

 

Director

  December 22, 2025
Alistair Cairns        
         

/s/ Brent Lanier

 

Director

  December 22, 2025
Brent Lanier        
         

/s/ Peter Woodward

 

Director

  December 22, 2025
Peter Woodward        

 

II-6

 

Exhibit 4.3

 

NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THESE SECURITIES ARE CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM, THAT SUCH OFFER, SALE, TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR HYPOTHECATION IS IN FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED OR (II) UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144, RULE 144A OR REGULATION S UNDER SAID ACT OR OTHER APPLICABLE EXEMPTION.

 

Principal Amount: $___________ Issue Date: October 29, 2021

 

CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVEDSHARONAI HOLDINGS INC., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter called the “Borrower” or the “Company”), hereby promises to pay to the order of _________, or registered assigns (the “Holder”), in the form of lawful money of the United States of America, the principal sum of $___________ (the “Principal Amount”) and to pay interest on the outstanding Principal Amount hereof at the rate of ten percent (10%) (the “Interest Rate”) per annum from the date that is thirty (30) days after the date of receipt of the Principal Amount by the Borrower (the “Issue Date”) until the same becomes due and payable, whether at maturity or upon acceleration or by prepayment or otherwise, as further provided herein. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 365-day year and the actual number of days elapsed. The maturity date shall be twelve (12) months from the Issue Date (the “Maturity Date”). If not sooner paid or converted, the entire unpaid principal balance, along with interest thereon shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date.

 

All payments due hereunder (to the extent not converted into shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock of the Borrower or its successor (the “Common Stock”), in accordance with the terms hereof) shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America. All payments shall be made at such address as the Holder shall hereafter give to the Borrower by written notice made in accordance with the provisions of this Note. Whenever any amount expressed to be due by the terms of this Note is due on any day which is not a business day, the same shall instead be due on the next succeeding day which is a business day.

 

As used in this Note, the term “business day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which commercial banks in the city of New York, New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed.

 

This Note is free from all taxes, liens, claims and encumbrances with respect to the issue thereof and shall not be subject to preemptive rights or other similar rights of stockholders of the Borrower and will not impose personal liability upon the holder thereof.

 

The following terms shall also apply to this Note:

 

ARTICLE I. CONVERSION

 

1.1 Conversion Event. The unpaid and outstanding Principal Amount and unpaid accrued interest on this Note will automatically convert into shares of Common Stock on the first day after the closing of the Business Combination Agreement dated as of January 28, 2025, as amended (the “BCA”), among the Borrower’s predecessors, Roth CH Holdings, Inc. and Roth CH Acquisition Co., and SharonAI Inc., and Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc. The number of share of Common Stock the Company issues upon such conversion (“Conversion Shares”) will equal the quotient (rounded down to the nearest whole share) obtained by dividing (x) the unpaid and outstanding Principal Amount and unpaid accrued interest under this Note due on the date of the closing of the BCA by (y) $0.12 (provided that such divisor is subject to equitable adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends or rights offerings by the Borrower relating to the Borrower’s securities or the securities of any successor of the Borrower, combinations, recapitalization, reclassifications, extraordinary distributions and similar events). At least five (5) days prior to the closing of the BCA, the Company will notify the Holder in writing of the expected closing and the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued upon the conversion.

 

 

 

 

1.2 Authorized Shares.  The Borrower represents that upon issuance, the Conversion Shares will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The Borrower (i) acknowledges that it will instruct its transfer agent to have the Conversion Shares issued as contemplated by Section 1.3(e) hereof, and (ii) agrees that its issuance of this Note shall constitute full authority to its officers, General Counsel and agents who are charged with the duty of causing the Company to electronically issue shares of Common Stock to execute and cause the Conversion Shares to be issued as contemplated by Section 1.3(e) hereof in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Note.

 

1.3 Method of Conversion.

 

(a) Surrender of Note Upon Conversion. Upon conversion of this Note in accordance with the terms hereof, the Holder shall physically surrender this Note to the Borrower.

 

(b) Payment of Taxes. The Borrower shall not be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of shares of Common Stock or other securities or property on conversion of this Note in a name other than that of the Holder (or in street name), and the Borrower shall not be required to issue or deliver any such shares or other securities or property unless and until the person or persons (other than the Holder or the custodian in whose street name such shares are to be held for the Holder’s account) requesting the issuance thereof shall have paid to the Borrower the amount of any such tax or shall have established to the satisfaction of the Borrower that such tax has been paid.

 

(c) Delivery of Common Stock Upon Conversion. Upon conversion of this Note into Conversion Shares, the Borrower shall cause the electronic issuance and delivery of the Conversion Shares as contemplated by Section 1.3(e) hereof) within five (5) business days of the closing of the BCA.

 

(d) Obligation of Borrower to Deliver Common Stock. At the time of the closing of the BCA, the Holder shall be deemed to be the holder of record of the Conversion Shares issuable upon such conversion, the outstanding Principal Amount and the amount of accrued and unpaid interest under this Note shall be reduced to reflect such conversion, and, unless the Borrower defaults on its obligations under this Article I, all rights with respect to this Note shall forthwith terminate except the right to receive the Common Stock or other securities, cash or other assets, as herein provided, on such conversion.

 

(e) Delivery of Conversion Shares by Electronic Transfer. In lieu of delivering physical certificates representing the Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion hereof, upon request of the Holder and its compliance with the provisions contained in Section 1.1 and in this Section 1.3, the Borrower shall use its best efforts to cause its transfer agent to electronically transmit the Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion hereof to the Holder.

 

1.4 Concerning the Shares. The Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note may not be sold or transferred unless (i) such shares are sold pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), or (ii) the Borrower shall have been furnished with an opinion of counsel of Holder, reasonably acceptable to Borrower, to the effect that the shares to be sold or transferred may be sold or transferred pursuant to an exemption from such registration or (iii) such shares are transferred to an “affiliate” (as defined in Rule 144) of the Borrower who agrees to sell or otherwise transfer the shares only in accordance with this Section 1.5 and who is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) Regulation D under the 1933 Act. Subject to the removal provisions set forth below, until such time as the Conversion Shares have been registered under the 1933 Act or otherwise may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A, Regulation S, or other applicable exemption without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, each certificate for the Conversion Shares that has not been so included in an effective registration statement or that has not been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement or an exemption that permits removal of the legend, shall bear a legend substantially in the following form, as appropriate:

 

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“NEITHER THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THESE SECURITIES ARE EXERCISABLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR ASSIGNED (I) IN THE ABSENCE OF (A) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FOR THE SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR (B) AN OPINION OF COUNSEL OF HOLDER, IN A GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE FORM TO THE ISSUER, THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER SAID ACT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.”

 

Upon the request of the Holder, the legend set forth above shall be removed and the Company shall issue the applicable Conversion Shares by electronic delivery, if, unless otherwise required by applicable state securities laws, such Conversion Shares are registered for sale under an effective registration statement filed under the 1933 Act or the Holder provides a legal counsel opinion to the effect that a public sale or transfer of such Conversion Shares may be made without registration under the 1933 Act, pursuant to Rule 144, Rule 144A, Regulation S, or other applicable exemption without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, which opinion shall be acceptable to the Company and the transfer agent (if necessary). The Company shall be responsible for the fees of its transfer agent associated with any such issuance. The Holder agrees to sell all Conversion Shares, including those represented by a certificate(s) from which the legend has been removed, in compliance with applicable prospectus delivery requirements, if any.

 

1.5 Effect of Certain Events.

 

(a) Effect of Merger, Consolidation, Etc. The sale, conveyance or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower, or the consolidation, merger or other business combination of the Borrower with or into any other Person (as defined below) or Persons when the Borrower is not the survivor shall be treated pursuant to Section 1.5(b) hereof. “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association, trust or other entity or organization.

 

(b) Adjustment Due to Merger, Consolidation, Etc. If, at any time when this Note is issued and outstanding and prior to conversion of all of this Note, there shall be any merger, consolidation, exchange of shares, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar event, as a result of which shares of Common Stock of the Borrower shall be changed into the same or a different number of shares of another class or classes of stock or securities of the Borrower or another entity, or in case of any sale or conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower other than in connection with a plan of complete liquidation of the Borrower, then the Holder of this Note shall thereafter have the right to receive upon conversion of this Note, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified herein and in lieu of the shares of Common Stock immediately theretofore issuable upon conversion, such stock, securities or assets which the Holder would have been entitled to receive in such transaction had this Note been converted in full immediately prior to such transaction (without regard to any limitations on conversion set forth herein), and in any such case appropriate provisions shall be made with respect to the rights and interests of the Holder of this Note to the end that the provisions hereof shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as may be practicable in relation to any securities or assets thereafter deliverable upon the conversion hereof. The above provisions shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, sales, transfers or share exchanges.

 

1.6 Status as Stockholder. Upon the closing of the BCA, the Holder’s rights as a Holder of Note shall cease and terminate, excepting only the right to receive an electronic transfer of the Conversion Shares and to any remedies provided herein or otherwise available at law or in equity to such Holder because of a failure by the Borrower to comply with the terms of this Note.

 

1.7 Representations and Warranties of the Holder. In connection with the transactions contemplated by this Note, the Holder hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

 

(a)  Purchase Entirely for Own Account. The Holder acknowledges that this Note is made with the Holder in reliance upon the Holder’s representation to the Company, which the Holder hereby confirms by executing this Note, that this Note, and any Common Stock issuable upon conversion of this Note (collectively, the “Securities”) will be acquired for investment for the Holder’s own account, not as a nominee or agent (unless otherwise specified on the Holder’s signature page hereto), and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof, and that the Holder has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing the same. By executing this Note, the Holder further represents that the Holder does not have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such person or to any third person, with respect to the Securities. If other than an individual, the Holder also represents it has not been organized solely for the purpose of acquiring the Securities.

 

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(b) Disclosure of Information; Non-Reliance. The Holder acknowledges that it has received all the information it considers necessary or appropriate to enable it to make an informed decision concerning an investment in the Securities. The Holder further represents that it has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Company regarding the terms and conditions of the offering of the Securities. The Holder confirms that the Company has not given any guarantee or representation as to the potential success, return, effect or benefit (either legal, regulatory, tax, financial, accounting or otherwise) of an investment in the Securities. In deciding to purchase the Securities, the Holder is not relying on the advice or recommendations of the Company and has made its own independent decision that the investment in the Securities is suitable and appropriate for the Holder. The Holder understands that no federal or state agency has passed upon the merits or risks of an investment in the Securities or made any finding or determination concerning the fairness or advisability of this investment.

 

(c) Investment Experience. The Holder is an investor in securities of companies similar to the Company and acknowledges that it is able to fend for itself, can bear the economic risk of its investment and has such knowledge and experience in financial or business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment in the Securities.

 

(d) Accredited Investor. The Holder is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act. The Holder agrees to furnish any additional information requested by the Company or any of its affiliates to assure compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws in connection with the purchase and sale of the Securities.

 

(e) Restricted Securities. The Holder understands that the Securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or state securities laws, by reason of specific exemptions from the registration provisions thereof which depend upon, among other things, the bona fide nature of the investment intent and the accuracy of the Holder’s representations as expressed herein. The Holder understands that the Securities are “restricted securities” under U.S. federal and applicable state securities laws and that, pursuant to these laws, the Holder must hold the Securities indefinitely unless they are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and registered or qualified by state authorities, or an exemption from such registration and qualification requirements is available.

 

(f) No Public Market. The Holder understands that no public market now exists for the Note and that the Company has made no assurances that a public market will ever exist for the Note.

 

(g) No General Solicitation. The Holder, and its officers, directors, employees, agents, stockholders or partners have not either directly or indirectly, including through a broker or finder solicited offers for or offered or sold the Securities by means of any form of general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Rule 502 of Regulation D under the Securities Act or in any manner involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The Holder acknowledges that neither the Company nor any other person offered to sell the Securities to it by means of any form of general solicitation or advertising within the meaning of Rule 502 of Regulation D under the Securities Act or in any manner involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

 

(h) Residence. If the Holder is an individual, then the Holder resides in the state or province identified in the address shown on the Holder’s signature page hereto. If the Holder is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity, then the Holder’s principal place of business is located in the state or province identified in the address shown on the Holder’s signature page hereto.

 

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(i) Foreign Investors. If the Holder is not a United States person (as defined by Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), the Holder hereby represents that it has satisfied itself as to the full observance of the laws of its jurisdiction in connection with any invitation to subscribe for the Securities, including (a) the legal requirements within its jurisdiction for the purchase of the Securities; (b) any foreign exchange restrictions applicable to such purchase; (c) any governmental or other consents that may need to be obtained; and (d) the income tax and other tax consequences, if any, that may be relevant to the purchase, holding, conversion, redemption, sale, or transfer of the Securities. The Holder’s subscription and payment for and continued beneficial ownership of the Securities will not violate any applicable securities or other laws of the Holder’s jurisdiction. The Holder acknowledges that the Company has taken no action in foreign jurisdictions with respect to the Securities.

 

(j) No “Bad Actor” Disqualification. The Holder represents and warrants that neither (A) the Holder nor (B) any entity that controls the Holder or is under the control of, or under common control with, the Holder, is subject to any of the “bad actor” disqualifications described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i) through (viii), as modified by Rules 506(d)(2) and (d)(3), under the Securities Act (“Disqualification Events”), except for Disqualification Events covered by Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) under the Securities Act and disclosed in writing in reasonable detail to the Company. The Holder represents that the Holder has exercised reasonable care to determine the accuracy of the representation made by the Holder in this paragraph and agrees to notify the Company if the Holder becomes aware of any fact that makes the representation given by the Holder hereunder inaccurate. 

 

ARTICLE II. CERTAIN COVENANTS

 

2.1    Registration Statement. As soon as practicable (and in any event within 30 calendar days of the closing of the BCA), the Company shall file a registration statement on Form S-1 providing for the resale by the Holder of the Conversion Shares. The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective within 60 calendar days following the closing of the BCA (or within 90 calendar days following the closing of the BCA in case of “full review” of such registration statement by the SEC).

 

2.2   Noncircumvention. The Company hereby covenants and agrees that the Company will not, by amendment of its Certificate or Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, scheme of arrangement, dissolution, issue or sale of securities, or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Note, and will at all times in good faith carry out all the provisions of this Note and take all action as may be required to protect the rights of the Holder.

 

2.3   Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Note. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of any indemnification undertaking by the Holder to the Company in customary form and, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Holder a new Note.

 

ARTICLE III. EVENTS OF DEFAULT

 

It shall be considered an event of default if any of the following events listed in this Article III (each, an “Event of Default”) shall occur and be continuing:

 

3.1 Failure to Pay Principal or Interest. The Borrower fails to pay the Principal Amount hereof or interest thereon when due on this Note, whether at maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise.

 

3.2 Conversion and the Shares. The Borrower (i) fails to issue Conversion Shares to the Holder (or announces or threatens in writing that it will not honor its obligation to do so) upon exercise by the Holder of the conversion rights of the Holder in accordance with the terms of this Note, (ii) fails to transfer or cause its transfer agent to electronically transfer (or issue) the Conversion Shares issuable to the Holder upon conversion of or otherwise pursuant to this Note as and when required by this Note, and/or (iii) the Borrower directs its transfer agent not to transfer or delays, impairs, and/or hinders its transfer agent in electronically transferring (or issuing) the Conversion Shares issuable to the Holder upon conversion of or otherwise pursuant to this Note as and when required by this Note. It shall be an Event of Default of this Note, if a conversion of this Note is delayed, hindered or frustrated due to a balance owed by the Borrower to its transfer agent.

 

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3.3 Receiver or Trustee. The Borrower shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver or trustee for it or for a substantial part of its property or business, or such a receiver or trustee shall otherwise be appointed.

 

3.4 Judgments. Any money judgment, writ or similar process shall be entered or filed against the Borrower or any of its property or other assets for more than $250,000, and shall remain unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of twenty (20) days unless otherwise consented to by the Holder, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

 

3.5 Bankruptcy. Bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings, voluntary or involuntary, for relief under any bankruptcy law or any law for the relief of debtors shall be instituted by or against the Borrower and shall not be dismissed within thirty (30) days of their initiation.

 

3.6 Failure to Comply with the Exchange Act. At any time after the Issue Date, the Borrower shall fail to comply with the reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and/or the Borrower shall cease to be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act.

 

3.7 Liquidation. Any dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of Borrower.

 

3.8 Rights and Remedies Upon an Event of Default. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default specified in this Article III, this Note shall become immediately due and payable, and the Borrower shall pay to the Holder, in full satisfaction of its obligations hereunder, an amount equal to the Principal Amount then outstanding plus accrued interest through the date of full repayment, as well as all costs, including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses, of collection, all without demand, presentment or notice, all of which hereby are expressly waived by the Borrower. The Holder shall be entitled to exercise all other rights and remedies available at law or in equity.

 

ARTICLE IV. MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.1 Failure or Indulgence Not Waiver. No failure or delay on the part of the Holder in the exercise of any power, right or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power, right or privilege preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other right, power or privileges. All rights and remedies of the Holder existing hereunder are cumulative to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies otherwise available.

 

4.2 Notices. All notices, demands, requests, consents, approvals, and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and, unless otherwise specified herein, shall be (i) personally served, (ii) deposited in the mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) delivered by reputable air courier service with charges prepaid, or (iv) transmitted by e-mail, addressed as set forth below or to such other address as such party shall have specified most recently by written notice. Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be deemed effective (a) upon hand delivery or delivery by e-mail, at the address or number designated below (if delivered on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is to be received), or the first business day following such delivery (if delivered other than on a business day during normal business hours where such notice is to be received) or (b) on the second business day following the date of mailing by express courier service, fully prepaid, addressed to such address, or upon actual receipt of such mailing, whichever shall first occur. The addresses for such communications shall be:

 

If to the Borrower, to:

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS INC.

 

SharonAI Holdings Inc.

745 Fifth Avenue

Suite 500

New York, NY 10151

 

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If to the Holder:

 

John Lipman

c/o Lucid Capital Markets

570 Lexington Avenue, 40th Fl

New York, NY 10022

Email: jlipman@lucidcm.com

 

4.3 Amendments. This Note and any provision hereof may only be amended by an instrument in writing signed by the Borrower and the Holder. The term “Note” and all reference thereto, as used throughout this instrument, shall mean this instrument as originally executed, or if later amended or supplemented, then as so amended or supplemented.

 

4.4 Assignability. This Note shall be binding upon the Borrower and its successors and assigns, and shall inure to be the benefit of the Holder and its successors and assigns. Neither party may assign this Note or any rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the of the other party, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Note, acknowledge and agree that following conversion of a portion of this Note, the unpaid and unconverted principal amount of this Note represented by this Note may be less than the amount stated on the face hereof.

 

4.5 Cost of Collection. If default is made in the payment of this Note, the Borrower shall pay the Holder hereof costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.

 

4.6 Governing Law; Venue; Attorney’s Fees. This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. Any action brought by either party against the other concerning the transactions contemplated by this Note or any other agreement, certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby shall be brought only in the state courts located in the State of Delaware or federal courts located in the State of Delaware. The Borrower hereby irrevocably waives any objection to jurisdiction and venue of any action instituted hereunder and shall not assert any defense based on lack of jurisdiction or venue or based upon forum non conveniensTHE BORROWER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS NOTE OR ANY TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any suit, action or proceeding in connection with this Note or any other agreement, certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight delivery (with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to it under this Note and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law. The prevailing party in any action or dispute brought in connection with this the Note or any other agreement, certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby shall be entitled to recover from the other party its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.

 

4.7 Certain Amounts. Whenever pursuant to this Note the Borrower is required to pay an amount in excess of the outstanding Principal Amount (or the portion thereof required to be paid at that time) plus accrued and unpaid interest plus Default Interest on such interest, the Borrower and the Holder agree that the actual damages to the Holder from the receipt of cash payment on this Note may be difficult to determine and the amount to be so paid by the Borrower represents stipulated damages and not a penalty and is intended to compensate the Holder in part for loss of the opportunity to convert this Note and to earn a return from the sale of shares of Common Stock acquired upon conversion of this Note at a price in excess of the price paid for such shares pursuant to this Note. The Borrower and the Holder hereby agree that such amount of stipulated damages is not plainly disproportionate to the possible loss to the Holder from the receipt of a cash payment without the opportunity to convert this Note into shares of Common Stock.

 

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4.8 Remedies. The Borrower acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the Holder, by vitiating the intent and purpose of the transaction contemplated hereby. Accordingly, the Borrower acknowledges that the remedy at law for a breach of its obligations under this Note will be inadequate and agrees, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Borrower of the provisions of this Note, that the Holder shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies at law or in equity, and in addition to the penalties assessable herein, to an injunction or injunctions restraining, preventing or curing any breach of this Note and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions thereof, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

4.9  Construction; Headings. This Note shall be deemed to be jointly drafted by the Company and the Holder and shall not be construed against any person as the drafter hereof. The headings of this Note are for convenience of reference and shall not form part of, or affect the interpretation of, this Note.

 

4.10  Usury. To the extent it may lawfully do so, the Company hereby agrees not to insist upon or plead or in any manner whatsoever claim, and will resist any and all efforts to be compelled to take the benefit or advantage of, usury laws wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, in connection with any action or proceeding that may be brought by the Holder in order to enforce any right or remedy under this Note. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Note, it is expressly agreed and provided that the total liability of the Company under this Note for payments which under the applicable law are in the nature of interest shall not exceed the maximum lawful rate authorized under applicable law (the “Maximum Rate”), and, without limiting the foregoing, in no event shall any rate of interest or default interest, or both of them, when aggregated with any other sums which under the applicable law in the nature of interest that the Company may be obligated to pay under this Note exceed such Maximum Rate. It is agreed that if the maximum contract rate of interest allowed by applicable law and applicable to this Note is increased or decreased by statute or any official governmental action subsequent to the Issue Date, the new maximum contract rate of interest allowed by law will be the Maximum Rate applicable to this Note from the effective date thereof forward, unless such application is precluded by applicable law. If under any circumstances whatsoever, interest in excess of the Maximum Rate is paid by the Company to the Holder with respect to indebtedness evidenced by this the Note, such excess shall be applied by the Holder to the unpaid principal balance of any such indebtedness or be refunded to the Company, the manner of handling such excess to be at the Holder’s election.

 

4.11  Severability. In the event that any provision of this Note is invalid or unenforceable under any applicable statute or rule of law (including any judicial ruling), then such provision shall be deemed inoperative to the extent that it may conflict therewith and shall be deemed modified to conform with such statute or rule of law. Any such provision which may prove invalid or unenforceable under any law shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Note.

 

 

[signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties below have caused this Note to be signed by its duly authorized officer on December _____, 2025.

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS INC.

 

By:

   
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

JOHN LIPMAN

 

By:    
  Name:    
 

Address: 

 

 

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Exhibit 10.9

 

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This First Amendment to Employment Agreement (this “Amendment”) is effective as of May 10, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Wolf Schubert (“Employee”) and SharonAI Operations LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company,” and together with Employee, the “Parties”).

 

RECITALS

 

A. The Parties have entered into that certain Employment Agreement dated June 5, 2024 (the “Agreement”); and

 

B. The Parties desire to amend the Agreement pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Amendment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants and conditions set forth below, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this Amendment, all capitalized terms herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Agreement.

 

2. Consideration. The parties agree that the consideration for this Amendment consists of the mutual benefits arising from the modifications set out below.

 

3. Prohibited Territory. The second-to-last sentence of Section 5(a) of the Agreement is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

 

“‘Prohibited Territory’ means each state (or equivalent local unit of government) where Employee assisted the Company to engage in business at any time during the last twelve (12) months of Employee’s employment with the Company.”

 

4. Binding Agreement. All of the terms and provisions of this Amendment shall be binding upon each party hereto and their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

 

5. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in multiple counterparts and transmitted by facsimile, by electronic mail in portable document format (“PDF”) form or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a party’s signature, with each such counterpart, facsimile or PDF signature constituting an original and all of which together constituting one and the same original.

 

6. Governing Law. This Amendment shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflicts of law principles.

 

7. Authority. The undersigned warrants that the individual executing this Amendment on behalf of such party has the requisite authority to execute this Amendment and to bind such party to all the provisions of this Amendment.

 

 

 

 

8. Continuing Validity. Except as expressly modified by this Amendment, the terms and conditions of the Agreement will remain unchanged and in full force and effect, and are expressly incorporated by reference in this Amendment. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Amendment and the Agreement, the terms of this Amendment will prevail.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the Effective Date.

 

EMPLOYEE:   COMPANY:
       
    SharonAI Operations LLC
       
/s/ Wolf Schubert   By: /s/ James Manning
Wolf Schubert   Name: James Manning
    Title: Director

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.10

 

SHARONAI INC.
2025 OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Section 1. Purpose of Plan.

 

The name of the Plan is the SharonAI Inc. 2025 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The purposes of the Plan are to (i) provide an additional incentive to selected employees, directors, and independent contractors of the Company or its Affiliates whose contributions are essential to the growth and success of the Company, (ii) strengthen the commitment of such individuals to the Company and its Affiliates, (iii) motivate those individuals to faithfully and diligently perform their responsibilities and (iv) attract and retain competent and dedicated individuals whose efforts will result in the long-term growth and profitability of the Company. To accomplish these purposes, the Plan provides that the Company may grant Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Other Stock-Based Awards or any combination of the foregoing.

 

Section 2. Definitions.

 

For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below:

 

(a) “Administrator” means the Board, or, if and to the extent the Board does not administer the Plan, the Committee in accordance with Section 3 hereof.

 

(b) “Affiliate” means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified as of any date of determination.

 

(c) “Applicable Laws” means the applicable requirements under U.S. federal and state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, including the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any other country or jurisdiction where Awards are granted under the Plan, as are in effect from time to time.

 

(d) “Award” means any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit or Other Stock-Based Awards granted under the Plan.

 

(e) “Award Agreement” means any written notice, agreement, contract or other instrument or document evidencing an Award, including through electronic medium, which shall contain such terms and conditions with respect to such Award, as the Administrator shall determine, consistent with the Plan.

 

(f) “Beneficial Owner” (or any variant thereof) has the meaning defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act.

 

(g) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(h) “Bylaws” mean the bylaws of the Company, as may be amended and/or restated from time to time.

 

(i) “Cause” has the meaning assigned to such term in any individual service, employment or severance agreement or Award Agreement with the Participant or, if no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define “Cause,” then “Cause” means that the Participant (i) has committed any felony or any other act involving fraud, theft, misappropriation, dishonesty, or embezzlement; (ii) has committed intentional acts that impair the goodwill or business of the Company or cause damage to its property, goodwill, or business; (iii) has refused to, or willfully failed to, perform his or her duties, which refusal or failure continues for a period of fourteen (14) days following notice thereof by the Company to the Participant; or (iv) has violated any written Company policies or procedures, which violation is not cured, to the extent susceptible to cure, within fourteen (14) days after the Company has given written notice to the Participant describing such violation. Any voluntary termination of employment or service by the Participant in anticipation of an involuntary termination of the Participant’s employment or service, as applicable, for Cause shall be deemed to be a termination for Cause.

 

 

 

 

(j) “Change in Capitalization” means any (i) merger, consolidation, reclassification, recapitalization, spin-off, spin-out, repurchase or other reorganization or corporate transaction or event, (ii) special or extraordinary dividend or other extraordinary distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock or other property), stock split, reverse stock split, share subdivision or consolidation, (iii) combination or exchange of shares or (iv) other change in corporate structure, which, in any such case, the Administrator determines, in its sole discretion, affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment pursuant to Section 5 hereof is appropriate.

 

(k) “Change in Control” means the first occurrence of an event set forth in any one of the following paragraphs following the Effective Date:

 

(1) any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities Beneficially Owned by such Person which were acquired directly from the Company or any Affiliate thereof) representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities, excluding any Person who becomes such a Beneficial Owner in connection with a transaction described in clause (i) of paragraph (3) below; or

 

(2) the date on which individuals who constitute the Board as of the Effective Date and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including, but not limited to, a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors serving on the Board; or

 

(3) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect Subsidiary with any other corporation or other entity, other than (i) a merger or consolidation (A) which results in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or any parent thereof), in combination with the ownership of any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary, fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the securities of the Company or such surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation and (B) following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the Company, the entity surviving such merger or consolidation or, if the Company or the entity surviving such merger or consolidation is then a Subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (ii) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities Beneficially Owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates) representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or

 

(4) the stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than (A) a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to an entity, more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned by stockholders of the Company following the completion of such transaction in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company immediately prior to such sale or (B) a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the entity to which such assets are sold or disposed or, if such entity is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the holders of Common Stock immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions and (ii) to the extent required to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred under the Plan with respect to any Award that constitutes deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code only if a change in the ownership or effective control of the Company or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company shall also be deemed to have occurred under Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of this definition of Change in Control, the term “Person” shall not include (i) the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (iv) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of shares of the Company. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control if its sole purpose is to change the state of the Company’s incorporation or to create a holding company that will be owned in substantially the same proportions by the persons who held the Company’s securities immediately before such transactions.

 

(l) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor thereto.

 

(m) “Committee” means any committee or subcommittee the Board (including, but not limited to, the Compensation Committee) may appoint to administer the Plan. Subject to the discretion of the Board, the Committee shall be composed entirely of individuals who meet the qualifications of a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and any other qualifications required by the applicable stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded.

 

(n) “Common Stock” means shares of Company’s Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share.

 

(o) “Company” means SharonAI Inc., a Delaware corporation (or any successor company, except as the term “Company” is used in the definition of “Change in Control” above).

 

(p) “Covered Executive” means any Executive Officer that (1) has received Incentive Compensation (A) during the Look-Back Period (as defined in Section 27) and (B) after beginning service as an Executive Officer; and (2) served as an Executive Officer at any time during the performance period for the applicable Incentive Compensation.

 

(q) “Disability” has the same meaning assigned to such term in any individual service, employment or severance agreement or Award Agreement then in effect between the Participant and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or, if no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define “Disability,” then “Disability” shall mean the inability of the Participant to perform the essential functions of the Participant’s job by reason of a physical or mental infirmity, for a period of three (3) consecutive months or for an aggregate of six (6) months in any twelve (12) consecutive month period.

 

(r) “Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 17 hereof.

 

(s) “Eligible Recipient” means an employee, director or independent contractor of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company who has been selected as an eligible participant by the Administrator; provided, however, to the extent required to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, an Eligible Recipient of an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right means an employee, non-employee director or independent contractor of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company with respect to whom the Company is an “eligible issuer of service recipient stock” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.

 

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(t) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

 

(u) “Executive Officer” means any “executive officer” as defined in Section 10D-1(d) of the Exchange Act whom the Board (or the Committee, as applicable) has determined is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 10D of the Exchange Act, and includes any person who is the Company’s president, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer (or if there is no such accounting officer, the controller), any vice-president of the issuer in charge of a principal business unit, division, or function (such as sales, administration, or finance), any other officer who performs a policy-making function, or any other person who performs similar policy-making functions for the Company (with any executive officers of the Company’s parent(s) or subsidiaries being deemed Executive Officers of the Company if they perform such policy making functions for the Company). All Executive Officers of the Company identified by the Board (or the Committee, as applicable) pursuant to 17 CFR 229.401(b) shall be deemed an “Executive Officer.”

 

(v) “Exempt Award” shall mean the following:

 

(1) An Award granted in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by a corporation or other entity acquired by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or with which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries combines by merger or otherwise. The terms and conditions of any such Awards may vary from the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan to the extent the Administrator at the time of grant may deem appropriate, subject to Applicable Laws.

 

(2) An “employment inducement” award as described in the applicable stock exchange listing manual or rules may be granted under the Plan from time to time. The terms and conditions of any “employment inducement” award may vary from the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan to such extent as the Administrator at the time of grant may deem appropriate, subject to Applicable Laws.

 

(3) An Award that an Eligible Recipient purchases at Fair Market Value (including Awards that an Eligible Recipient elects to receive in lieu of fully vested compensation that is otherwise due) whether or not the shares of Common Stock are delivered immediately or on a deferred basis.

 

(w) “Exercise Price” means, (i) with respect to any Option, the per share price at which a holder of such Option may purchase Common Stock issuable upon exercise of such Award, and (ii) with respect to a Stock Appreciation Right, the base price per share of such Stock Appreciation Right.

 

(x) “Fair Market Value” of a share of Common Stock or another security as of a particular date shall mean the fair market value as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion; provided, that (i) if the Common Stock or other security is admitted to trading on a national securities exchange, the fair market value on any date shall be the closing sale price reported on such date, or if no shares were traded on such date, on the last preceding date for which there was a sale of a share of Common Stock on such exchange, or (ii) if the Common Stock or other security is then traded in an over-the-counter market, the fair market value on any date shall be the average of the closing bid and asked prices for such share in such over-the-counter market for the last preceding date on which there was a sale of such share in such market.

 

(y) “Free Standing Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.

 

(z) “Good Reason” has the meaning assigned to such term in any individual service, employment or severance agreement or Award Agreement with the Participant or, if no such agreement exists or if such agreement does not define “Good Reason,” “Good Reason” and any provision of this Plan that refers to “Good Reason” shall not be applicable to such Participant.

 

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(aa) “Incentive Compensation” shall be deemed to be any compensation (including any Award or any other short-term or long-term cash or equity incentive award or any other payment) that is granted, earned, or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of any financial reporting measure (i.e., any measures that are determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company’s financial statements, and any measure that is derived wholly or in part from such measures, including stock price and total stockholder return). For avoidance of doubt, financial reporting measures include “non-GAAP financial measures” for purposes of Exchange Act Regulation G and 17 CFR 229.10, as well as other measures, metrics and ratios that are not non-GAAP measures, like same store sales. Financial reporting measures may or may not be included in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and may be presented outside the Company’s financial statements, such as in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations or the performance graph.

 

(bb) “ISO” means an Option intended to be and designated as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

 

(cc) “Nonqualified Stock Option” shall mean an Option that is not designated as an ISO.

 

(dd) “Option” means an option to purchase shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to Section 7 hereof. The term “Option” as used in the Plan includes the terms “Nonqualified Stock Option” and “ISO.”

 

(ee) “Other Stock-Based Award” means a right or other interest granted pursuant to Section 10 hereof that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to, Common Stock, including, but not limited to, unrestricted Common Stock, dividend equivalents or performance units, each of which may be subject to the attainment of performance goals or a period of continued provision of service or employment or other terms or conditions as permitted under the Plan.

 

(ff) “Participant” means any Eligible Recipient selected by the Administrator, pursuant to the Administrator’s authority provided for in Section 3 below, to receive grants of Awards, and, upon a Participant’s death, the Participant’s successors, heirs, executors and administrators, as the case may be.

 

(gg) “Person” shall have the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used in Section 13(d) and Section 14(d) thereof.

 

(hh) “Plan” means this 2025 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.

 

(ii) “Related Rights” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.

 

(jj) “Restricted Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.

 

(kk) “Restricted Stock” means Common Stock granted pursuant to Section 9 below subject to certain restrictions that lapse at the end of a specified period (or periods) of time and/or upon attainment of specified performance objectives.

 

(ll) “Restricted Stock Unit” means the right granted pursuant to Section 9 hereof to receive either Common Stock, or a payment in cash equal, with respect to any or all Common Stock underlying such Award, to the Fair Market Value of such Common Stock, in each case, at the end of a specified restricted period (or periods) of time and/or upon attainment of specified performance objectives.

 

(mm) “Rule 16b-3” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.

 

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(nn) “Stock Appreciation Right” means a right granted pursuant to Section 8 hereof to receive an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (i) the aggregate Fair Market Value, as of the date such Award or portion thereof is surrendered, of the Common Stock covered by such Award or such portion thereof, over (ii) the aggregate Exercise Price of such Award or such portion thereof.

 

(oo) “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, as of any date of determination, any other Person as to which such first Person owns or otherwise controls, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting shares or other similar interests or a sole general partner interest or managing member or similar interest of such other Person.

 

(pp) “Transfer” has the meaning set forth in Section 15.

 

Section 3. Administration.

 

(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator and shall be administered, to the extent applicable, in accordance with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (“Rule 16b-3”).

 

(b) Pursuant to the terms of the Plan, the Administrator, subject, in the case of any Committee, to any restrictions on the authority delegated to it by the Board, shall have the power and authority, without limitation:

 

(1) to select those Eligible Recipients who shall be Participants;

 

(2) to determine whether and to what extent Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Other Stock-Based Awards or a combination of any of the foregoing, are to be granted hereunder to Participants;

 

(3) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;

 

(4) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of each Award granted hereunder (including, but not limited to, (i) the restrictions applicable to Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units and the conditions under which restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall lapse, (ii) the performance goals and periods applicable to Awards, (iii) the Exercise Price of each Option and each Stock Appreciation Right or the purchase price of any other Award, (iv) the vesting schedule and terms applicable to each Award; (v) the number of shares of Common Stock or amount of cash or other property subject to each Award and (vi) subject to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code (to the extent applicable) any amendments to the terms and conditions of outstanding Awards, including, but not limited to, extending the exercise period of such Awards and accelerating the payment schedules of such Awards and/or, to the extent specifically permitted under the Plan, accelerating the vesting schedules of such Awards);

 

(5) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, which shall govern all written instruments evidencing Awards;

 

(6) to determine the Fair Market Value in accordance with the terms of the Plan;

 

(7) to determine the duration and purpose of leaves of absence which may be granted to a Participant without constituting termination of the Participant’s service or employment for purposes of Awards granted under the Plan;

 

(8) to adopt, alter and repeal such administrative rules, regulations, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it shall from time to time deem advisable;

 

(9) to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of, and supply or correct omissions in, the Plan and any Award issued under the Plan (and any Award Agreement relating thereto), and to otherwise supervise the administration of the Plan and to exercise all powers and authorities either specifically granted under the Plan or necessary and advisable in the administration of the Plan; and

 

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(10) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable non-United States laws or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable non-United States laws, which rules and regulations may be set forth in an appendix or appendixes to the Plan.

 

(c) Subject to Section 5, neither the Board nor the Committee shall have the authority to reprice or cancel and regrant any Award at a lower exercise, base or purchase price or cancel any Award with an exercise, base or purchase price in exchange for cash, property or other Awards without first obtaining the approval of the Company’s stockholders.

 

(d) all decisions made by the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding on all Persons, including the Company and the Participants.

 

(e) The expenses of administering the Plan (which for the avoidance of doubt does not include the costs of any Participant) shall be borne by the Company and its Affiliates.

 

(f) If at any time or to any extent the Board shall not administer the Plan, then the functions of the Administrator specified in the Plan shall be exercised by the Committee. Except as otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company, any action of the Committee with respect to the administration of the Plan shall be taken by a majority vote at a meeting at which a quorum is duly constituted or unanimous written consent of the Committee’s members.

 

Section 4. Common Stock Reserved for Issuance Under the Plan.

 

(a) Subject to Section 5 hereof, the number of shares of Common Stock that are reserved and available for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan shall be equal to (i) 60,000,000 shares of Common Stock, plus (ii) an annual increase on the first day of each calendar year beginning with the first January 1 following the Effective Date and ending with the last January 1 during the initial ten-year term of the Plan, equal to the lesser of (A) three percent (3%) of the shares of Common Stock outstanding (on an as-converted basis, which shall include shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise or conversion of all outstanding securities or rights convertible into or exercisable for shares of Common Stock, including without limitation, preferred stock, warrants and employee options to purchase any shares of Common Stock) on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year and (B) such lesser number of shares of Common Stock as determined by the Board; provided, that shares of Common Stock issued under the Plan with respect to an Exempt Award shall not count against such share limit.

 

(b) Common Stock issued under the Plan may, in whole or in part, be authorized but unissued Common Stock or Common Stock that shall have been or may be reacquired by the Company in the open market, in private transactions or otherwise. If an Award entitles the Participant to receive or purchase Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by such Award or to which such Award relates shall be counted on the date of grant of such Award against the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for granting Awards under the Plan. If any Award expires, lapses or is terminated, surrendered or canceled without having been fully exercised or is forfeited in whole or in part (including as the result of Common Stock subject to such Award being repurchased by the Company at or below the original issuance price), in any case in a manner that results in any shares of Common Stock covered by such Award not being issued or being so reacquired by the Company, the unused shares of Common Stock covered by such Award shall again be available for the grant of Awards under the Plan. Further, shares of Common Stock reacquired by the Company on the open market or otherwise using cash proceeds from the exercise of Options; and (ii) shares of Common Stock surrendered or withheld as payment of either the Exercise Price of an Award (including shares of Common Stock otherwise underlying a Stock Appreciation Right that are retained by the Company to account for the Exercise Price of such Stock Appreciation Right) and/or withholding taxes in respect of an Award shall no longer be available for grant under the Plan. In addition, (i) to the extent an Award is denominated in Common Stock, but paid or settled in cash, the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which such payment or settlement is made shall again be available for grants of Awards pursuant to the Plan and (ii) Common Stock underlying Awards that can only be settled in cash shall not be counted against the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for Awards under the Plan. Upon the exercise of any Award granted in tandem with any other Awards, such related Awards shall be cancelled to the extent of the number of shares of Common Stock as to which the Award is exercised and, notwithstanding the foregoing, such number of shares of Common Stock shall no longer be available for grant under the Plan.

 

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(c) No more than 60,000,000 shares of Common Stock shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of ISOs.

 

Section 5. Equitable Adjustments.

 

In the event of any Change in Capitalization, an equitable substitution or proportionate adjustment shall be made in (i) the aggregate number and kind of securities reserved for issuance under the Plan pursuant to Section 4, (ii) the kind, number of securities subject to, and the Exercise Price subject to outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan, (iii) the kind, number and purchase price of shares of Common Stock or other securities or the amount of cash or amount or type of other property subject to outstanding Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Stock-Based Awards granted under the Plan; and/or (iv) the terms and conditions of any outstanding Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable performance targets or criteria with respect thereto); provided, however, that any fractional shares resulting from the adjustment shall be eliminated. Such other equitable substitutions or adjustments shall be made as may be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in connection with a Change in Capitalization, the Administrator may provide, in its sole discretion, but subject in all events to the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, for the cancellation of any outstanding Award granted hereunder in exchange for payment in cash or other property having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, cash or other property covered by such Award, reduced by the aggregate Exercise Price or purchase price thereof, if any; provided, however, that if the Exercise Price or purchase price of any outstanding Award is equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock, cash or other property covered by such Award, the Administrator may cancel such Award without the payment of any consideration to the Participant. Further, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, with respect to Awards subject to foreign laws, adjustments made hereunder shall be made in compliance with applicable requirements. Except to the extent determined by the Administrator, any adjustments to ISOs under this Section 5 shall be made only to the extent not constituting a “modification” within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code. The Administrator’s determinations pursuant to this Section 5 shall be final, binding and conclusive.

 

Section 6. Eligibility.

 

The Participants in the Plan shall be selected from time to time by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, from those individuals that qualify as Eligible Recipients.

 

Section 7. Options.

 

(a) General. Options granted under the Plan shall be designated as Nonqualified Stock Options or ISOs. Each Participant who is granted an Option shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole discretion, including, among other things, the Exercise Price of the Option, the term of the Option and provisions regarding exercisability of the Option, and whether the Option is intended to be an ISO or a Nonqualified Stock Option (and in the event the Award Agreement has no such designation, the Option shall be a Nonqualified Stock Option). The provisions of each Option need not be the same with respect to each Participant. More than one Option may be granted to the same Participant and be outstanding concurrently hereunder. Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 7 and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator shall deem desirable and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

(b) Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of shares of Common Stock purchasable under an Option shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion at the time of grant, but in no event shall the exercise price of an Option be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.

 

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(c) Option Term. The maximum term of each Option shall be fixed by the Administrator, but no Option shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date such Option is granted. Each Option’s term is subject to earlier expiration pursuant to the applicable provisions in the Plan and the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to Section 4(d) of the Plan, the Administrator shall have the authority to accelerate the exercisability of any outstanding Option at such time and under such circumstances as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

 

(d) Exercisability. Each Option shall be subject to vesting or becoming exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions, including the attainment of performance goals, as shall be determined by the Administrator in the applicable Award Agreement. The Administrator may also provide that any Option shall be exercisable only in installments, and the Administrator may waive such installment exercise provisions at any time, in whole or in part, based on such factors as the Administrator may determine in its sole discretion.

 

(e) Method of Exercise. Options may be exercised in whole or in part by giving written notice of exercise to the Company specifying the number of whole shares of Common Stock to be purchased, accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate Exercise Price of the shares of Common Stock so purchased in cash or its equivalent, as determined by the Administrator. As determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, with respect to any Option or category of Options, payment in whole or in part may also be made (i) by means of consideration received under any cashless exercise procedure approved by the Administrator (including the withholding of shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable upon exercise), (ii) in the form of unrestricted shares of Common Stock already owned by the Participant which have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the shares of Common Stock as to which such Option shall be exercised, (iii) any other form of consideration approved by the Administrator and permitted by Applicable Laws or (iv) any combination of the foregoing.

 

(f) ISOs. The terms and conditions of ISOs granted hereunder shall be subject to the provisions of Section 422 of the Code and the terms, conditions, limitations and administrative procedures established by the Administrator from time to time in accordance with the Plan. At the discretion of the Administrator, ISOs may be granted only to an employee of the Company, its “parent corporation” (as such term is defined in Section 424(e) of the Code) or a Subsidiary of the Company.

 

(1) ISO Grants to 10% Stockholders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, if an ISO is granted to a Participant who owns shares representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of shares of the Company, its “parent corporation” (as such term is defined in Section 424(e) of the Code) or a Subsidiary of the Company, the term of the ISO shall not exceed five (5) years from the time of grant of such ISO and the Exercise Price shall be at least one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock on the date of grant.

 

(2) $100,000 Per Year Limitation For ISOs. To the extent the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined on the date of grant) of the Common Stock for which ISOs are exercisable for the first time by any Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company) exceeds $100,000, such excess ISOs shall be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options.

 

(3) Disqualifying Dispositions. Each Participant awarded an ISO under the Plan shall notify the Company in writing immediately after the date the Participant makes a “disqualifying disposition” of any Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of such ISO. A “disqualifying disposition” is any disposition (including any sale) of such Common Stock before the later of (i) two years after the date of grant of the ISO and (ii) one year after the date the Participant acquired the Common Stock by exercising the ISO. The Company may, if determined by the Administrator and in accordance with procedures established by it, retain possession of any Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO as agent for the applicable Participant until the end of the period described in the preceding sentence, subject to complying with any instructions from such Participant as to the sale of such Common Stock.

 

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(g) Rights as Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights to dividends, dividend equivalents or distributions or any other rights of a stockholder with respect to the Common Stock subject to an Option until the Participant has given written notice of the exercise thereof, and has paid in full for such Common Stock and has satisfied the requirements of Section 15 hereof.

 

(h) Termination of Employment or Service. Treatment of an Option upon termination of employment of a Participant shall be provided for by the Administrator in the Award Agreement.

 

(i) Other Change in Employment or Service Status. An Option shall be affected, both with regard to vesting schedule and termination, by leaves of absence, including unpaid and un-protected leaves of absence, changes from full-time to part-time employment, partial Disability or other changes in the employment status or service status of a Participant, in the discretion of the Administrator.

 

Section 8. Stock Appreciation Rights.

 

(a) General. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted either alone (“Free Standing Rights”) or in conjunction with all or part of any Option granted under the Plan (“Related Rights”). Related Rights may be granted either at or after the time of the grant of such Option. The Administrator shall determine the Eligible Recipients to whom, and the time or times at which, grants of Stock Appreciation Rights shall be made. Each Participant who is granted a Stock Appreciation Right shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole discretion, including, among other things, the number of shares of Common Stock to be awarded, the Exercise Price per share of Common Stock, and all other conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Related Right may be granted for more shares of Common Stock than are subject to the Option to which it relates. The provisions of Stock Appreciation Rights need not be the same with respect to each Participant. Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions set forth in this Section 8 and shall contain such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the Administrator shall deem desirable, as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

(b) Awards; Rights as Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights to dividends or any other rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares of Common Stock, if any, subject to a Stock Appreciation Right until the Participant has given written notice of the exercise thereof and has satisfied the requirements of Section 15 hereof.

 

(c) Exercise Price. The Exercise Price of shares of Common Stock purchasable under a Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion at the time of grant, but in no event shall the exercise price of a Stock Appreciation Right be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.

 

(d) Exercisability.

 

(1) Stock Appreciation Rights that are Free Standing Rights shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Administrator in the applicable Award Agreement.

 

(2) Stock Appreciation Rights that are Related Rights shall be exercisable only at such time or times and to the extent that the Options to which they relate shall be exercisable in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 hereof and this Section 8 of the Plan.

 

(e) Payment Upon Exercise.

 

(1) Upon the exercise of a Free Standing Right, the Participant shall be entitled to receive up to, but not more than, that number of shares of Common Stock equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise over the Exercise Price per share specified in the Free Standing Right multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock in respect of which the Free Standing Right is being exercised.

 

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(2) A Related Right may be exercised by a Participant by surrendering the applicable portion of the related Option. Upon such exercise and surrender, the Participant shall be entitled to receive up to, but not more than, that number of shares of Common Stock equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value as of the date of exercise over the Exercise Price specified in the related Option multiplied by the number of shares of Common Stock in respect of which the Related Right is being exercised. Options which have been so surrendered, in whole or in part, shall no longer be exercisable to the extent the Related Rights have been so exercised.

 

(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may determine to settle the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right in cash (or in any combination of shares of Common Stock and cash).

 

(f) Termination of Employment or Service. Treatment of a Stock Appreciation Right upon termination of employment of a Participant shall be provided for by the Administrator in the Award Agreement.

 

(g) Term.

 

(1) The term of each Free Standing Right shall be fixed by the Administrator, but no Free Standing Right shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date such right is granted.

 

(2) The term of each Related Right shall be the term of the Option to which it relates, but no Related Right shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years after the date such right is granted.

 

(h) Other Change in Employment or Service Status. Stock Appreciation Rights shall be affected, both with regard to vesting schedule and termination, by leaves of absence, including unpaid and un-protected leaves of absence, changes from full-time to part-time employment, partial Disability or other changes in the employment or service status of a Participant, in the discretion of the Administrator.

 

Section 9. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.

 

(a) General. Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units may be issued under the Plan. The Administrator shall determine the Eligible Recipients to whom, and the time or times at which, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall be made. Each Participant who is granted Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole discretion, including, among other things, the number of shares of Common Stock to be awarded; the price, if any, to be paid by the Participant for the acquisition of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units; the period of time restrictions, performance goals or other conditions that apply to transferability, delivery or vesting of such Awards (the “Restricted Period”); and all other conditions applicable to the Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. If the restrictions, performance goals or conditions established by the Administrator are not attained, a Participant shall forfeit his or her Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, in accordance with the terms of the grant. The provisions of the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units need not be the same with respect to each Participant.

 

(b) Awards and Certificates. Except as otherwise provided below in Section 9(c), (i) each Participant who is granted an Award of Restricted Stock may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be issued a share certificate in respect of such Restricted Stock; and (ii) any such certificate so issued shall be registered in the name of the Participant, and shall bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable to any such Award. The Company may require that the share certificates, if any, evidencing Restricted Stock granted hereunder be held in the custody of the Company until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed, and that, as a condition of any Award of Restricted Stock, the Participant shall have delivered a share transfer form, endorsed in blank, relating to the shares of Common Stock covered by such Award. Certificates for unrestricted Common Stock may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be delivered to the Participant only after the Restricted Period has expired without forfeiture in such Restricted Stock Award. With respect to Restricted Stock Units to be settled in Common Stock,

 

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at the expiration of the Restricted Period, share certificates in respect of Common Stock underlying such Restricted Stock Units may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be delivered to the Participant, or Participant’s legal representative, in a number equal to the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Restricted Stock Units Award. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, any Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units to be settled in Common Stock (at the expiration of the Restricted Period, and whether before or after any vesting conditions have been satisfied) may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be issued in uncertificated form. Further, notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, with respect to Restricted Stock Units, at the expiration of the Restricted Period, Common Stock, or cash, as applicable, shall promptly be issued (either in certificated or uncertificated form) to the Participant, unless otherwise deferred in accordance with procedures established by the Company in accordance with Section 409A of the Code, and such issuance or payment shall in any event be made within such period as is required to avoid the imposition of a tax under Section 409A of the Code.

 

(c) Restrictions and Conditions. The Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to this Section 9 shall be subject to the following restrictions and conditions and any additional restrictions or conditions as determined by the Administrator at the time of grant or, subject to Section 409A of the Code where applicable, thereafter:

 

(1) The Administrator may, in its sole discretion, provide for the lapse of restrictions in installments and may accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole or in part based on such factors and such circumstances as the Administrator may determine, in its sole discretion, including, but not limited to, the attainment of certain performance goals, the Participant’s termination of employment or service with the Company or any Affiliate thereof, or the Participant’s death or Disability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a Change in Control, the outstanding Awards shall be subject to Section 11 hereof.

 

(2) Except as provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Participant shall generally have the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to Restricted Stock during the Restricted Period; provided, however, that dividends declared during the Restricted Period with respect to an Award, shall only become payable if (and to the extent) the underlying Restricted Stock vests. Except as provided in the applicable Award Agreement, the Participant shall generally not have the rights of a stockholder with respect to Common Stock subject to Restricted Stock Units during the Restricted Period; provided, however, that, subject to Section 409A of the Code, an amount equal to dividends declared during the Restricted Period with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock covered by Restricted Stock Units shall, unless otherwise set forth in an Award Agreement, be paid to the Participant at the time (and to the extent) shares of Common Stock in respect of the related Restricted Stock Units are delivered to the Participant. Certificates for unrestricted Common Stock may, in the Company’s sole discretion, be delivered to the Participant only after the Restricted Period has expired without forfeiture in respect of such Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, except as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall otherwise determine.

 

(3) The rights of Participants granted Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units upon termination of employment or service as a director or independent contractor to the Company or to any Affiliate thereof terminates for any reason during the Restricted Period shall be set forth in the Award Agreement.

 

(d) Form of Settlement. The Administrator reserves the right in its sole discretion to provide (either at or after the grant thereof) that any Restricted Stock Unit represents the right to receive the amount of cash per unit that is determined by the Administrator in connection with the Award.

 

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Section 10. Other Stock-Based Awards.

 

Other Stock-Based Awards may be issued under the Plan. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Administrator shall have sole and complete authority to determine the individuals to whom and the time or times at which such Other Stock-Based Awards shall be granted. Each Participant who is granted an Other Stock-Based Award shall enter into an Award Agreement with the Company, containing such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall determine, in its sole discretion, including, among other things, the number of shares of Common Stock to be granted pursuant to such Other Stock-Based Awards, or the manner in which such Other Stock-Based Awards shall be settled (e.g., in shares of Common Stock, cash or other property), or the conditions to the vesting and/or payment or settlement of such Other Stock-Based Awards (which may include, but not be limited to, achievement of performance criteria) and all other terms and conditions of such Other Stock-Based Awards. In the event that the Administrator grants a bonus in the form of Common Stock, the Common Stock constituting such bonus shall, as determined by the Administrator, be evidenced in uncertificated form or by a book entry record or a certificate issued in the name of the Participant to whom such grant was made and delivered to such Participant as soon as practicable after the date on which such bonus is payable. Notwithstanding anything set forth in the Plan to the contrary, any dividend or dividend equivalent Award issued hereunder shall be subject to the same restrictions, conditions and risks of forfeiture as apply to the underlying Award.

 

Section 11. Change in Control.

 

Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator and evidenced in an Award Agreement, in the event that (a) a Change in Control occurs, and (b) the Participant is employed by, or otherwise providing services to, the Company or any of its Affiliates immediately prior to the consummation of such Change in Control then upon the consummation of such Change in Control, the Administrator, in its sole and absolute discretion, may:

 

(a) provide that any unvested or unexercisable portion of any Award carrying a right to exercise to become fully vested and exercisable; and

 

(b) cause the restrictions, deferral limitations, payment conditions and forfeiture conditions applicable to an Award granted under the Plan to lapse and such Awards shall be deemed fully vested and any performance conditions imposed with respect to such Awards shall be deemed to be fully achieved at target performance levels.

 

If the Administrator determines in its discretion pursuant to Section 3(b)(4) hereof to accelerate the vesting of Options and/or Share Appreciation Rights in connection with a Change in Control, the Administrator shall also have discretion in connection with such action to provide that all Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights outstanding immediately prior to such Change in Control shall expire on the effective date of such Change in Control.

 

Section 12. Amendment and Termination.

 

The Board may amend, alter or terminate the Plan at any time, but no amendment, alteration or termination shall be made that would impair the rights of a Participant under any Award theretofore granted without such Participant’s consent. The Board shall obtain approval of the Company’s stockholders for any amendment that would require such approval in order to satisfy the requirements of any rules of the stock exchange on which the Common Stock is traded or other Applicable Law. Subject to Section 3(c), the Administrator may amend the terms of any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, but, subject to Section 5 of the Plan and the immediately preceding sentence, no such amendment shall materially impair the rights of any Participant without his or her consent.

 

Section 13. Unfunded Status of Plan.

 

The Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for Incentive Compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant by the Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company.

 

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Section 14. Withholding Taxes.

 

Each Participant shall, no later than the date as of which the value of an Award first becomes includible in the gross income of such Participant for purposes of applicable taxes, pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Administrator regarding payment of an amount up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the Participant’s applicable jurisdiction with respect to the Award, as determined by the Company. The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be conditional on the making of such payments or arrangements, and the Company shall, to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to such Participant. Whenever cash is to be paid pursuant to an Award, the Company shall have the right to deduct therefrom an amount sufficient to satisfy any applicable withholding tax requirements related thereto. Whenever shares of Common Stock or property other than cash are to be delivered pursuant to an Award, the Company shall have the right to require the Participant to remit to the Company in cash an amount sufficient to satisfy any related taxes to be withheld and applied to the tax obligations; provided, that with the approval of the Administrator, a Participant may satisfy the foregoing requirement by either (i) electing to have the Company withhold from delivery of Common Stock or other property, as applicable, or (ii) delivering already owned unrestricted shares of Common Stock, in each case, having a value not exceeding the applicable taxes to be withheld and applied to the tax obligations. Such already owned and unrestricted shares of Common Stock shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the date on which the amount of tax to be withheld is determined and any fractional share amounts resulting therefrom shall be settled in cash. Such an election may be made with respect to all or any portion of the Common Stock to be delivered pursuant to an Award. The Company may also use any other method of obtaining the necessary payment or proceeds, as permitted by Applicable Laws, to satisfy its withholding obligation with respect to any Award.

 

Section 15. Transfer of Awards.

 

Until such time as the Awards are fully vested and/or exercisable in accordance with the Plan or an Award Agreement, no purported sale, assignment, mortgage, hypothecation, transfer, charge, pledge, encumbrance, gift, transfer in trust (voting or other) or other disposition of, or creation of a security interest in or lien on, any Award or any agreement or commitment to do any of the foregoing (each, a “Transfer”) by any holder thereof in violation of the provisions of the Plan or an Award Agreement will be valid, except with the prior written consent of the Administrator, which consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of the Administrator. Any purported Transfer of an Award or any economic benefit or interest therein in violation of the Plan or an Award Agreement shall be null and void ab initio and shall not create any obligation or liability of the Company, and any Person purportedly acquiring any Award or any economic benefit or interest therein transferred in violation of the Plan or an Award Agreement shall not be entitled to be recognized as a holder of such Common Stock or other property underlying such Award. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator in accordance with the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence, an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Participant, only by the Participant or, during any period during which the Participant is under a legal Disability, by the Participant’s guardian or legal representative.

 

Section 16. Continued Employment or Service.

 

Neither the adoption of the Plan nor the grant of an Award shall confer upon any Eligible Recipient any right to continued employment or service with the Company or any Affiliate thereof, as the case may be, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Affiliate thereof to terminate the employment or service of any of its Eligible Recipients at any time.

 

Section 17. Effective Date.

 

The Plan was approved by the Board on November [__], 2025, and shall be adopted and become effective on the date that it is approved by the Company’s stockholders (the “Effective Date”).

 

Section 18. Electronic Signature.

 

Participant’s electronic signature of an Award Agreement shall have the same validity and effect as a signature affixed by hand.

 

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Section 19. Term of Plan.

 

No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, but Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date.

 

Section 20. Securities Matters and Regulations.

 

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the obligation of the Company to sell or deliver Common Stock with respect to any Award granted under the Plan shall be subject to all Applicable Laws, rules and regulations, including all applicable federal and state securities laws, and the obtaining of all such approvals by governmental agencies as may be deemed necessary or appropriate by the Administrator. The Administrator may require, as a condition of the issuance and delivery of certificates evidencing shares of Common Stock pursuant to the terms hereof, that the recipient of such shares make such agreements and representations, and that such certificates bear such legends, as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or advisable.

 

(b) Each Award is subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Administrator determines that the listing, registration or qualification of Common Stock is required by any securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the grant of an Award or the issuance of Common Stock, no such Award shall be granted or payment made or Common Stock issued, in whole or in part, unless listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval has been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Administrator.

 

(c) In the event that the disposition of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the Plan is not covered by a then current registration statement under the Exchange Act and is not otherwise exempt from such registration, such Common Stock shall be restricted against transfer to the extent required by the Exchange Act or regulations thereunder, and the Administrator may require a Participant receiving Common Stock pursuant to the Plan, as a condition precedent to receipt of such Common Stock, to represent to the Company in writing that the Common Stock acquired by such Participant is acquired for investment only and not with a view to distribution.

 

Section 21. Section 409A of the Code.

 

The Plan as well as payments and benefits under the Plan are intended to be exempt from, or to the extent subject thereto, to comply with Section 409A of the Code, and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, the Plan shall be interpreted in accordance therewith. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, to the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under Section 409A of the Code, the Participant shall not be considered to have terminated employment or service with the Company for purposes of the Plan and no payment shall be due to the Participant under the Plan or any Award until the Participant would be considered to have incurred a “separation from service” from the Company and its Affiliates within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. Any payments described in the Plan that are due within the “short term deferral period” as defined in Section 409A of the Code shall not be treated as deferred compensation unless Applicable Law requires otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Plan, to the extent that any Awards (or any other amounts payable under any plan, program or arrangement of the Company or any of its Affiliates) are payable upon a separation from service and such payment would result in the imposition of any individual tax and penalty interest charges imposed under Section 409A of the Code, the settlement and payment of such Awards (or other amounts) shall instead be made on the first business day after the date that is six (6) months following such separation from service (or death, if earlier). Each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided under this Plan shall be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. The Company makes no representation that any or all of the payments or benefits described in this Plan will be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code and makes no undertaking to preclude Section 409A of the Code from applying to any such payment. The Participant shall be solely responsible for the payment of any taxes and penalties incurred under Section 409A.

 

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Section 22. Notification of Election Under Section 83(b) of the Code.

 

If any Participant shall, in connection with the acquisition of shares of Common Stock under the Plan, make the election permitted under Section 83(b) of the Code, such Participant shall notify the Company of such election within ten (10) days after filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Section 23. No Fractional Shares.

 

No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan. The Administrator shall determine whether cash, other Awards, or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of such fractional shares or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.

 

Section 24. Beneficiary.

 

A Participant may file with the Administrator a written designation of a beneficiary on such form as may be prescribed by the Administrator and may, from time to time, amend or revoke such designation. If no designated beneficiary survives the Participant, the executor or administrator of the Participant’s estate shall be deemed to be the Participant’s beneficiary.

 

Section 25. Paperless Administration.

 

In the event that the Company establishes, for itself or using the services of a third party, an automated system for the documentation, granting or exercise of Awards, such as a system using an internet website or interactive voice response, then the paperless documentation, granting or exercise of Awards by a Participant may be permitted through the use of such an automated system.

 

Section 26. Severability.

 

If any provision of the Plan is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions of the Plan shall not be affected but shall be applied as if the invalid or unenforceable provision had not been included in the Plan.

 

Section 27. Clawback.

 

(a) If the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement of its financial statements due to the Company’s material noncompliance (whether one occurrence or a series of occurrences of noncompliance) with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws (including if the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement to correct an error (or a series of errors)) (a “Covered Accounting Restatement”), and if such Covered Accounting Restatement includes (i) restatements that correct errors that are material to previously issued financial statements (commonly referred to as “Big R” restatements), and (ii) restatements that correct errors that are not material to previously issued financial statements, but would result in a material misstatement if (a) the errors were left uncorrected in the current report, or (b) the error correction was recognized in the current period (commonly referred to as “little r” restatements), then the Committee may require any Covered Executive to repay (in which event, such Covered Executive shall, within thirty (30) days of the notice by the Company, repay to the Company) or forfeit (in which case, such Covered Executive shall immediately forfeit to the Company) to the Company, and each Covered Executive hereby agrees to so repay or forfeit, that portion of the Incentive Compensation received by such Covered Executive during the period comprised of the Company’s three (3) completed fiscal years (together with any intermittent stub fiscal year period(s) of less than nine (9) months resulting from Company’s transition to different fiscal year measurement dates) immediately preceding the date the Company is deemed (as described below) to be required to prepare a Covered Accounting Restatement (such period, the “Look-Back Period”), that the Committee determines was in excess of the amount of Incentive Compensation that such Covered Executive would have received during such Look-Back Period, had such Incentive Compensation been calculated based on the restated amounts, and irrespective of any fault, misconduct or responsibility of such Covered Executive for the Covered Accounting Restatement. It is specifically understood that,

 

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to the extent that the impact of the Covered Accounting Restatement on the amount of Incentive Compensation received cannot be calculated directly from the information therein (e.g., if such restatement’s impact on the Company’s stock price is not clear), such excess amount of Incentive Compensation shall be determined based on a reasonable estimate by the Committee of the effect of the Covered Accounting Restatement on the applicable financial measure (including the stock price or total stockholder return) based upon which the Incentive Compensation was received. The amount of the Incentive Compensation to be recouped shall be determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion and calculated on a pre-tax basis, and the form of such recoupment of Incentive Compensation may be made, in the Committee’s sole and absolute discretion, through the forfeiture or cancellation of vested or unvested Awards, cash repayment or both. Incentive Compensation shall be deemed received, either wholly or in part, in the fiscal year during which the financial reporting measure specified in such Incentive Compensation Award is attained (or with respect to, or based on, the achievement of any financial reporting measure which such Incentive Compensation was granted, earned or vested, as applicable), even if the payment, vesting or grant of such Incentive Compensation occurs after the end of such fiscal year. For purposes of this Section 27, the Company is deemed to be required to prepare a Covered Accounting Restatement on the earlier of (A) the date upon which the Board or an applicable committee thereof, or the officer or officers of the Company authorized to take such action if Board action is not required, concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare a Covered Accounting Restatement; or (B) the date a court, regulator, or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare a Covered Accounting Restatement.

 

(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions in this Plan, any Award or any other compensation received by a Participant which is subject to recovery under any Applicable Laws, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such Applicable Law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement), will be subject to such deductions and clawback as may be required to be made pursuant to such Applicable Law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement (or any policy adopted by the Company pursuant to any such law, government regulation or stock exchange listing requirement on or following the Effective Date).

 

Section 28. Governing Law.

 

The Plan shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law of such state.

 

Section 29. Indemnification.

 

To the extent allowable pursuant to Applicable Law, each member of the Board and the Administrator and any officer or other employee to whom authority to administer any component of the Plan is designated shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such member in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action or failure to act pursuant to the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in satisfaction of judgment in such action, suit, or proceeding against him or her; provided, however, that he or she gives the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such individuals may be entitled pursuant to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.

 

Section 30. Titles and Headings, References to Sections of the Code or Exchange Act.

 

The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for convenience of reference only and, in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control. References to sections of the Code or the Exchange Act shall include any amendment or successor thereto.

 

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Section 31. Successors.

 

The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and business of the Company.

 

Section 32. Relationship to other Benefits.

 

No payment pursuant to the Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, savings, profit sharing, group insurance, welfare, or other benefit plan of the Company or any Affiliate except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in writing in such other plan or an agreement thereunder.

 

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Exhibit 10.11

 

Execution version

 

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 15, 2025 (this “Agreement”), is entered into by and between SharonAI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and YA II PN, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempt limited company (the “Investor”). Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in Annex I hereto, and hereby made a part hereof, or as otherwise set forth in this Agreement.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, on January 28, 2025, the Company entered into that certain Business Combination Agreement (as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among the Company, Roth CH Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (which as of the date hereof is a wholly owned subsidiary of Roth CH Acquisition Co., a Cayman Islands exempt company (the “Parent”), and which as of the closing of the Business Combination (as defined below) shall change its name to “SharonAI Holdings, Inc.” (“Holdings”), and Roth CH Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of the Parent (“Merger Sub”).

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, the proposed business combination will be effected in two steps: (i) Parent shall continue out of the Cayman Islands and into the State of Delaware so as to re-domicile as and become a Delaware corporation by means of a merger (the “Domestication Merger”) of Parent with and into the Holdings, with Holdings as the surviving company pursuant to the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended, and, thereafter (ii)(a) the Merger Sub shall be merged with and into the Company, (b) the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub shall thereupon cease, and the Company shall be the surviving corporation, and (c) the Company shall become a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Holdings (the “Acquisition Merger,” and together with the Domestication Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”). Upon completion of the Business Combination, Holdings shall change its name to “SharonAI Holdings, Inc.”

 

WHEREAS, prior to the completion of the Business Combination, and prior to and in conjunction with the standby equity line of credit established in the SEPA (as defined below), the Investor is willing to provide the Company prepaid advances in an original principal amount of up to $7,500,000, which shall be funded in tranches on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein for the first and second tranches, and on the terms and conditions set forth in the SEPA for the third and fourth tranches.

 

WHEREAS, Holdings and the Investor shall enter into that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement by and among the Company, the Investor and Holdings (the “SEPA”) in substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto, which shall become effective following the completion of the Business Combination, pursuant to which Holdings would have the right to issue and sell to the Investor shares of its capital stock.

 

 

 

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and the representations, warranties, and conditions set forth below, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

 

1. Pre-Paid Advances.

 

(a) Issuance of Note. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Annex II attached hereto, the Investor shall advance to the Company the principal amount of up to $2,500,000 (the “Pre-Paid Advance”), in tranches with each tranche evidenced by a promissory note substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (each, a “Note”). The first tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance shall be in a principal amount of $500,000 and, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Annex II attached hereto, shall be advanced on the date of this Agreement (the “First Closing”). The second tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance shall be in a principal amount of $2,000,000 and, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Annex II attached hereto, shall be advanced on or about the second Trading Day after the Company has prepared and submitted a response to the Initial Comment Letter (as defined herein) and subject to the mutual consent of the Parties (the “Second Closing”). Each of the “First Closing and the Second Closing shall also be referred to herein as a “Closing”). The Note is convertible into Common Shares (“Conversion Shares,” and collectively with the Notes, the “Securities”) in accordance with the terms of the Note.

 

(b) Pre-Advance Closing. Each Closing shall occur remotely by conference call and electronic delivery of documentation. The First Closing shall take place at 10:00 a.m., New York time, on the first Business Day following the date of this Agreement, provided that the conditions set forth on Annex II have been satisfied (or such other date as is mutually agreed to by the Company and the Investor). The Second Closing shall take place at 10:00 a.m., New York time, on or about the second Trading Day after the after the Company has prepared and submitted a response to the Initial Comment Letter, provided that the conditions set forth on Annex II have been satisfied and subject to the mutual consent of the Parties (or such other date as is mutually agreed to by the Company and the Investor). At each Closing, the Investor shall advance to the Company the principal amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance, less a discount in the amount equal to 5% of the principal amount of such tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance netted from the purchase price due and structured as an original issue discount (the “Original Issue Discount”), in immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing, and the Company shall deliver a Note with a principal amount equal to the full amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance, duly executed on behalf of the Company. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Original Issue Discount (i) shall not be funded but shall be deemed to be fully earned at each Closing, and (ii) shall not reduce the principal amount of each Note.

 

(c) Use of Proceeds. Prior to the completion of the Business Combination, the proceeds of the sale and issuance of the Notes shall be used for working capital and general corporate purposes and all specific uses of such proceeds shall be subject to the Company’s then existing expense approval process.

 

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(d) Subsidiary Guaranty. Prior to the First Closing, each Subsidiary shall enter into a subsidiary guaranty with the Investor in the form of the Global Guaranty Agreement.

 

2. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company represents and warrants to the Investor that:

 

(a) Due Incorporation, Qualification, etc. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries (i) is an entity duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its respective jurisdiction of organization; (ii) has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and carry on its business as now conducted; and (iii) is duly qualified to do business and in good standing in each jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified or licensed could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

 

(b) Authority. (i) The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and the Notes, and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby and to issue the Notes, in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof, (ii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Notes by the Company and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including without limitation, the issuance of the Notes and the issuance and following consummation of the Business Combination Agreement the reservation for issuance of the Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion or exercise thereof) have been duly authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors, and (iii) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company by its authorized representative, and such authorized representative is the true and official representative with authority to sign this Agreement and the other documents executed in connection herewith and bind the Company.

 

(c) Enforceability. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party have been (or, when executed and delivered, will be) duly executed and delivered by the Company, assuming the execution and delivery thereof and acceptance by the Investor, constitute (or, when duly executed and delivered, will be) the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity or applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation or other laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of applicable creditors’ rights and remedies and except as rights to indemnification and to contribution may be limited by federal or state securities law.

 

(d) RESERVED.

 

(e) Non-Contravention. After the consent of the Transaction Documents by the parties to the Business Combination Agreement, the execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Conversion Shares) will not (i) result in a violation of the articles of incorporation or other organizational documents of the Company or any Subsidiaries (as amended, collectively, the “Charter Documents”), (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which the Company or any Subsidiaries is a party, or (iii) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree (including federal and state securities laws and regulations) applicable to the Company or any Subsidiaries or by which any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiaries is bound or affected except, in the case of clause (ii) or (iii) above, to the extent such violations have not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(f) RESERVED.

 

(g) Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference in the Form S-4, together with the related notes and schedules, present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity of the Company for the periods specified and have been prepared in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act and Exchange Act and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis (except for (i) such adjustments to accounting standards and practices as are noted therein, (ii) in the case of unaudited interim financial statements, to the extent such financial statements may not include footnotes required by GAAP or may be condensed or summary statements and (iii) such adjustments which are not material, either individually or in the aggregate) during the periods involved; the other financial and statistical data with respect to the Company and the Subsidiaries contained or incorporated by reference in the Form S-4 are accurately and fairly presented and prepared on a basis consistent with the financial statements and books and records of the Company; there are no financial statements (historical or pro forma) that are required to be included or incorporated by reference in the Form S-4 that are not included or incorporated by reference as required; the Company and the Subsidiaries do not have any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations), not described in the Form S-4 (excluding the exhibits thereto).

 

(h) Equity Capitalization.

 

i. Authorized and Outstanding Capital Stock. As of the date of this Agreement, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 2,958,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of which 1,067,213 are issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement, and 84,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share. 15,000 shares of the Company’s Preferred Stock are designated as Series A Preferred Stock, of which 15,000 shares are issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement. 27,000 shares of the Company’s Preferred Stock are designated as Company Series B Preferred Stock, of which 27,000 shares are issued and outstanding as of the date of this Agreement. There are 81,000 shares of Company’s Common Stock that may be issued upon the conversion or exchange of outstanding shares of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock. As of the date of this Agreement, there are 300,000 shares of Company’s Common Stock reserved for issuance under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan, of which (1) 62,654 shares have been issued pursuant to awards and (2) 237,346 shares of Company’s Common Stock are reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding awards. As of the date of this Agreement, there are 8,195 shares of the Company’s Common Stock reserved for issuance under warrants that are not subject to the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan.

 

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ii. Valid Issuance; Available Shares. All of such outstanding shares are duly authorized and have been validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.

 

iii. Existing Securities; Obligations. Other than as set forth in the Company’s Charter Documents and the Business Combination Agreement and agreements and documents entered, or to be entered into, in connection with the Business Combination Agreement, (A) none of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s shares, interests or capital stock is subject to preemptive rights or any other similar rights or liens suffered or permitted by the Company or any Subsidiary; (B) there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any shares, interests or capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to issue additional shares, interests or capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any shares, interests or capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (C) there are no agreements or arrangements under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to register the sale of any of their securities under the Securities Act; (D) there are no outstanding securities or instruments of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which contain any redemption or similar provisions, and there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to redeem a security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (E) there are no securities or instruments containing anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by the issuance of the Common Shares; and (F) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has entered into any Variable Rate Transaction.

 

(i) Approvals. Other than the consent of the parties to the Business Combination Agreement, no consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, any governmental authority or other Person (including, without limitation, the shareholders of any Person) is required in connection with the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents executed by the Company and the performance and consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, other than such as have been obtained and remain in full force and effect and other than such qualifications or filings under applicable securities laws as may be required in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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(j) No Violation or Default. The Company is not in violation of or in default with respect to (i) its Charter Documents or any material judgment, order, writ, decree, statute, rule or regulation applicable to the Company; or (ii) any material mortgage, indenture, agreement, instrument or contract to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound (nor is there any waiver in effect which, if not in effect, would result in such a violation or default).

 

(k) Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending against or affecting the Company, the Notes or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries, wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding would have or be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(l) Intellectual Property Rights. The Company and its Subsidiaries own or possess adequate rights or licenses to use all material trademarks, trade names, service marks, service mark registrations, service names, patents, patent rights, copyrights, inventions, licenses, approvals, governmental authorizations, trade secrets and rights, if any, necessary to conduct their respective businesses as now conducted, except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries have not received written notice of any infringement by the Company or its Subsidiaries of trademark, trade name rights, patents, patent rights, copyrights, inventions, licenses, service names, service marks, service mark registrations, or trade secrets, except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, there is no claim, action or proceeding being made or brought against, or to the Company’s knowledge, being threatened against the Company or its Subsidiaries regarding trademark, trade name, patents, patent rights, invention, copyright, license, service names, service marks, service mark registrations, trade secret or other infringement; and, except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances which might give rise to any of the foregoing.

 

(m) Employee Relations. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is involved in any labor dispute or, to the knowledge of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has any such dispute been threatened, in each case which is reasonably likely to cause a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(n) Environmental Laws. The Company and its Subsidiaries (i) have not received written notice alleging any failure to comply in all material respects with all Environmental Laws (as defined below), (ii) have received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (iii) have not received written notice alleging any failure to comply with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except, in each of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The term “Environmental Laws” means all applicable federal, state and local laws relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment (including,

 

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without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata), including, without limitation, laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, or toxic or hazardous substances or wastes (collectively, “Hazardous Materials”) into the environment, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials, as well as all authorizations, codes, decrees, demands or demand letters, injunctions, judgments, licenses, notices or notice letters, orders, permits, plans or regulations issued, entered, promulgated or approved thereunder.

 

(o) Title. Except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company (or its Subsidiaries) has indefeasible fee simple or leasehold title to its properties and material assets owned by it, free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrance, claim or equitable interest other than such as are not material to the business of the Company. Any real property and facilities held under lease by the Company and its Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

(p) Insurance. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as management of the Company believes to be prudent and customary in the businesses in which the Company and its Subsidiaries are engaged. The Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(q) Regulatory Permits. Except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries possess all material certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to own their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any such Subsidiary has received any written notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authorization or permits.

 

(r) Absence of Certain Changes. Since the date of the Company’s most recent audited financial statements contained in the Form S-4, there has been no Material Adverse Effect, nor any event or occurrence specifically affecting the Company or its Subsidiaries that would be reasonably expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of the Company’s most recent audited financial statements contained in the Form S-4, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i) declared or paid any dividends, (ii) sold any material assets, individually or in the aggregate, outside of the ordinary course of business, or (iii) made any material capital expenditures, individually or in the aggregate, outside of the ordinary course of business. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any steps to seek protection pursuant to any law or statute relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, liquidation or winding up, nor does the Company or any Subsidiary have any knowledge or reason to believe that any of their respective creditors intend to initiate involuntary bankruptcy proceedings. The Company is Solvent.

 

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(s) Tax Status. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries (i) has timely filed (including any filings under lawful extension) all foreign, federal and state income and all other tax returns, reports and declarations required by any jurisdiction to which it is subject, (ii) has timely paid all taxes and other governmental assessments and charges that are material in amount, shown or determined to be due on such returns, reports and declarations, except those being contested in good faith and (iii) has set aside on its books provision reasonably adequate for the payment of all taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such returns, reports or declarations apply. The Company has not received written notification of any unpaid taxes in any material amount claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction, and the officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries know of no basis for any such claim where the failure to pay would have or would be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(t) Rights of First Refusal. The Company is not obligated to offer the Notes offered hereunder on a right of first refusal basis or otherwise to any third parties including, but not limited to, current or former stockholders of the Company, underwriters, brokers, agents or other third parties.

 

(u) Acknowledgment Regarding Investor’s Purchase of Notes. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Investor is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length investor with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder. The Company further acknowledges that the Investor is not acting as a financial advisor or fiduciary of the Company (or in any similar capacity) with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder and any advice given by the Investor or any of its representatives or agents in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder is merely incidental to the Investor’s purchase of the Notes. The Company acknowledges and agrees that it is capable of evaluating and understanding, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(v) Finder’s Fees. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any liability for any finder’s fees, brokerage commissions or similar payments in connection with the transactions herein contemplated.

 

(w) Relationship of the Parties. Neither the Company, nor or any of its Subsidiaries, affiliates, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any person acting on its or their behalf is a client or customer of the Investor or any of its affiliates and neither the Investor nor any of its affiliates has provided, or will provide, any services to the Company or any of its affiliates, its subsidiaries, or, to the knowledge of the Company, any person acting on its or their behalf. The Investor’s relationship to Company is solely as investor as provided for in the Transaction Documents.

 

(x) Operations. The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with all material Applicable Law and neither the Company nor the Subsidiaries, nor any director, officer, or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any agent, affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary has, not complied in all material respects with all material Applicable Law; and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any governmental authority involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to Applicable Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

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(y) Compliance with Laws. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with Applicable Law; the Company has not received a notice of non-compliance, nor knows of, nor has reasonable grounds to know of, any facts that any director, officer, or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any agent, Affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary has, has not complied with Applicable Laws, or could give rise to a notice of non-compliance with Applicable Laws; in each case that would have or would be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(z) Sanctions Matters. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer or controlled Affiliate of the Company or any director or officer of any Subsidiary, is a Person that is, or is owned or controlled by a Person that is (i) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authorities, including, without limitation, designation on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List or OFAC’s Foreign Sanctions Evaders List or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), or (ii) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions that broadly prohibit dealings with that country or territory (including, without limitation, the Crimea, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions of Ukraine, the Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic in Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan and Syria (the “Sanctioned Countries”)). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds from any Pre-Paid Advance, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person (a) for the purpose of funding or facilitating any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject of Sanctions or is a Sanctioned Country, or (b) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions or Applicable Laws by any Person (including any Person participating in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise). For the past five years, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in, and is now not engaged in, any dealings or transactions with any Person, or in any country or territory, that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject of Sanctions or was a Sanctioned Country. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any director, officer or controlled Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has ever had funds blocked by a United States bank or financial institution, temporarily or otherwise, as a result of OFAC concerns.

 

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3. Representations and Warranties of Investor. The Investor represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

 

(a) Organization and Authorization. The Investor is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands and has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and to purchase or acquire the Securities in accordance with the terms hereof. The decision to invest and the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party by the Investor, the performance by the Investor of its obligations hereunder and the consummation by the Investor of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized and require no other proceedings on the part of the Investor. The undersigned has the right, power and authority to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and all other instruments on behalf of the Investor or its shareholders. This Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly executed and delivered by the Investor and, assuming the execution and delivery hereof and acceptance thereof by the Company, will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Investor, enforceable against the Investor in accordance with its terms.

 

(b) Evaluation of Risks. The Investor has such knowledge and experience in financial, tax and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of, and bearing the economic risks entailed by, an investment in the Securities and of protecting its interests in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. The Investor acknowledges and agrees that its investment in the Company involves a high degree of risk, and that the Investor may lose all or a part of its investment.

 

(c) No Legal, Investment or Tax Advice from the Company. The Investor acknowledges that it had the opportunity to review the Transaction Documents, and the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents with its own legal counsel and investment and tax advisors. The Investor is relying solely on such counsel and advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of the Company’s representatives or agents for legal, tax, investment or other advice with respect to the Investor’s acquisition of Securities hereunder, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the laws of any jurisdiction, and the Investor acknowledges that the Investor may lose all or a part of its investment.

 

(d) Investment Purpose. The Investor is acquiring the Securities for its own account, for investment purposes and not with a view towards, or for resale in connection with, the public sale or distribution thereof, except pursuant to sales registered under or exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act; provided, however, that by making the representations herein, the Investor does not agree, or make any representation or warranty, to hold any of the Securities for any minimum or other specific term and reserves the right to dispose of the Securities at any time in accordance with, or pursuant to, a registration statement or an applicable exemption under the Securities Act. The Investor does not presently have any agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any Person to sell or distribute any of the Securities. This Investor is acquiring the Securities hereunder in the ordinary course of its business.

 

(e) Accredited Investor. The Investor is an “Accredited Investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a)(3) of Regulation D.

 

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

 

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(g) Information. The Investor and its advisors (and its counsel), if any, have been furnished with all materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information the Investor deemed material to making an informed investment decision. The Investor and its advisors (and its counsel), if any, have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management and have received answers to such questions. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigations conducted by such Investor or its advisors (and its counsel), if any, or its representatives shall modify, amend or affect the Investor’s right to rely on the Company’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement. The Investor acknowledges and agrees that the Company has not made to the Investor, and the Investor acknowledges and agrees it has not relied upon, any representations and warranties of the Company, its employees or any third party other than the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement. The Investor understands that its investment involves a high degree of risk. The Investor has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice, as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(h) Not an Affiliate. The Investor is not an officer, director or a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company or any “Affiliate” of the Company (as that term is defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act).

 

(i) General Solicitation. Neither the Investor, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged or will engage in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D) in connection with any offer or sale of the Securities by the Investor. The Investor became interested in purchasing the Securities solely because of a substantive, pre-existing relationship with the Company and direct contact by the Company or one or more of its officers, directors, controlling persons, or agents, and the Investor acknowledges that neither the Company nor any other person offered to sell the Securities to it by means of any form of general solicitation or advertising, including but not limited to: (A) any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or (B) any seminar or meeting whose attendees were invited by any general solicitation or general advertising.

 

(j) RESERVED.

 

(k) Non-U.S. Investor. If the Investor is not a United States person (as defined by Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code), the Investor hereby represents that it has satisfied itself as to the full observance of the laws of its jurisdiction in connection with any offer or sale of the Common Shares, including (a) the legal requirements within its jurisdiction for the purchase of the Common Shares, (b) any foreign exchange restrictions applicable to such purchase, (c) any governmental or other consents that may need to be obtained, and (d) the income tax and other tax consequences, if any, that may be relevant to the purchase, holding, redemption, sale, or transfer of the Common Shares.

 

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(l) Designated Parties. Neither the Investor, nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, stockholders or partners, is: (a) organized under the laws of, ordinarily resident in, or located in a country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive laws and regulations pertaining to trade and economic sanctions administered by the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom (collectively, “Sanctions”) (which as of the date of this Agreement comprise Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine (“Restricted Countries”)); (b) 50% or more owned or controlled by the government of a Restricted Country; or (c) (i) designated on a sanctioned parties list administered by the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom, including, without limitation, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, Foreign Sanctions Evaders List, Sectoral Sanctions Identification List, the Consolidated List of Persons, Groups, and Entities Subject to EU Financial Sanctions, and the UK’s Consolidated Sanctions List (collectively, “Designated Parties”); or (i) 50% or more owned or, where relevant under applicable Sanctions, controlled, individually or in the aggregate, by one or more Designated Party, in each case only to the extent that dealings with such persons are prohibited pursuant to applicable Sanctions.

 

(m) Applicable Jurisdiction. The office of the Investor in which it has its principal place of business is identified in the address of the Investor set forth in the Note.

 

4. Conditions to Closing of the Investor. The Investor’s obligations at each Closing are subject to the fulfillment, on or prior to the Closing, of all of the conditions set forth in Annex II, any of which may be waived, in whole or in part, by the Investor.

 

5. Conditions to Obligations of the Company. The Company’s obligation to issue and sell the Note at each Closing is subject to the fulfillment, on or prior to Closing of the following conditions, any of which may be waived, in whole or in part, by the Company:

 

(a) Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties made by the Investor in Section 3 hereof shall be true and correct when made, and shall be true and correct on each Closing.

 

(b) Governmental Approvals and Filings. Except for any notices required or permitted to be filed after each Closing with certain federal and state securities commissions, the Company shall have obtained all governmental approvals required in connection with the lawful sale and issuance of the Note.

 

(c) Legal Requirements. At each Closing, the sale and issuance by the Company, and the purchase by the Investor, of the Note shall be legally permitted by all laws and regulations to which the Investor or the Company are subject.

 

(d) Purchase Price. The Investor shall have delivered to the Company the Purchase Price in respect of the Note being purchased by the Investor referenced in Section 1(b) hereof.

 

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6. Covenants of the Company. Form and after the date of this Agreement until the Note have been repaid in full, the Company shall observe the following covenants:

 

(a) Standby Equity Purchase Agreement. Following the completion of the Business Combination, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause Holdings enter into, and abide by the terms and conditions of the SEPA. In the event that the Business Combination has not closed within 180 days of the date hereof (unless otherwise agreed by the parties) (the “Outside Date”) and as of the Outside Date, Holdings has not entered into the SEPA, then provide that the Notes have not been repaid in full by the Outside Date, the Company shall pay to the Investor an amount equal to the one half of the Commitment Fee (as defined in section 12.04 of the SEPA), which shall be paid by the Company within 10 Business Days of the Outside Date, and which, upon such payment, shall reduce the obligation of Holdings to pay the Commitment Fee in an amount equal to such amount paid by the Company.

 

(b) Assumption of Company Obligations. Following the completion of the Business Combination, the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause Holdings to assume the obligations of the Company pursuant to the Notes.

 

(c) Use of Proceeds. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary will, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the transactions contemplated herein to repay any advances or loans to any executives, directors, or employees of the Company or any Subsidiary or to make any payments in respect of any related party obligations, including without limitation any payables or notes payable to related parties of the Company or any Subsidiary whether or not such amounts are described on the balance sheets of the Company or any Subsidiary or described in any “Related Party Transactions” section of any financial statements. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds from the transactions contemplated herein, or lend, contribute, facilitate, or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person (a) for the purpose of funding or facilitating, directly or indirectly, any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions or is a Sanctioned Country, or (b) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions or Applicable Laws by any Person (including any Person participating in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise). The Company shall not without the prior written consent of the Investor loan, invest, transfer or “downstream” any cash proceeds, or assets or property acquired with cash proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Promissory Note to any Subsidiary, unless such Subsidiary is a party to, and has entered into, the Global Guaranty Agreement.

 

(d) No Variable Rate Transactions or Related Party Payments. From the date hereof until the date upon which the Notes to be issued hereunder has been repaid in full, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary shall (i) repay any loans to any executives or employees of the Company or to make any payments in respect of any related party debt, (ii) other than Permitted Indebtedness or occurring directly as part of the completion of the Business Combination, repay, incur, guaranty, or assume any Indebtedness of Roth CH Acquisition Co., a Cayman Islands exempt company (the “PubCo”), including without limitation, any loans or advances made by the sponsor of PubCo or affiliates of its sponsor, unless other funds are raised specifically for the purposes of making such payments, or (iii) effect or enter into an agreement to effect any issuance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Common Shares or any security which entitles the holder to acquire Common Shares (or a combination of units thereof) involving a Variable Rate Transaction, other than involving a Variable Rate Transaction with the Investor. The Investor shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief against the Company and its Subsidiaries to preclude any such issuance, which remedy shall be in addition to any right to collect damages, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

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(e) No Indebtedness. From the date hereof until the Notes to be issued hereunder have been repaid in full, without the prior written consent of the Investor, neither the Company, nor any Subsidiary shall, directly or indirectly (i) other than Permitted Indebtedness, enter into, create, incur, assume, guarantee or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, or (ii) other than Permitted Liens, enter into, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on or with respect to any of its property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired or any interest therein or any income or profits therefrom.

 

7. Miscellaneous.

 

(a) Waivers and Amendments. Any provision of this Agreement and the Note may be amended, waived or modified only upon the written consent of the Company and the Investor. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this paragraph shall be binding upon all of the parties hereto.

 

(b) Governing Law. This Agreement, and any and all claims, proceedings or causes of action relating to this Agreement or arising from this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, including, without limitation, tort claims, statutory claims and contract claims, shall be interpreted, construed, governed and enforced under and solely in accordance with the substantive and procedural laws of the State of New York, in each case as in effect from time to time and as the same may be amended from time to time, and as applied to agreements performed wholly within the State of New York. The Parties further agree that any action between them shall be heard in New York County, New York, and expressly consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the Supreme Court of New York, sitting in New York County, New York and the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, sitting in New York, New York, for the adjudication of any civil action asserted pursuant to this Agreement..

 

(c) Survival. The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements made herein shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

 

(d) Successors and Assigns. Subject to the restrictions on transfer described in Sections 7(e) and 7(f) below, the rights and obligations of the Company and the Investor shall be binding upon and benefit the successors, assigns, heirs, administrators and transferees of the parties.

 

(e) Registration, Transfer and Replacement of the Note. The Note issuable under this Agreement shall be a registered note. The Company will keep, at its principal executive office, books for the registration and registration of transfer of the Note. Prior to presentation of the Note for registration of transfer, the Company shall treat the Person in whose name such Note is registered as the owner and holder of such Note for all purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note shall be overdue, and the Company shall not be affected by notice to the contrary. Subject to any restrictions on or conditions to transfer set forth in the Note, the holder of the Note, at his option, may in person or by duly authorized attorney surrender the same for exchange at the Company’s principal executive office, and promptly thereafter and at the Company’s expense, except as provided below, receive in exchange therefor one or more new Note(s), each in the principal requested by such holder, dated the date of the Note so surrendered and registered in the name of such Person or Persons as shall have been designated in writing by such holder or its

 

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attorney for the same principal amount as the then unpaid principal amount of the Note so surrendered. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the ownership of and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any Note and (i) in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it or (ii) in the case of mutilation, upon surrender thereof, the Company, at its expense, will execute and deliver in lieu thereof a new Note executed in the same manner as the Note being replaced, in the same principal amount as the unpaid principal amount of such Note and dated the date to which interest shall have been paid on such Note or, if no interest shall have yet been so paid, dated the date of such Note.

 

(f) Assignment by the Company. The rights, interests or obligations hereunder may not be assigned, by operation of law or otherwise, in whole or in part, by the Company without the prior written consent of the Investor, except pursuant to a Change of Control. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company and Investor agree that the Company may freely assign its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder to Holdings following the completion of the Business Combination.

 

(g) Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the other Transaction Documents, constitute and contain the entire agreement among the Company and the Investor and supersedes any and all prior agreements, negotiations, correspondence, understandings and communications among the parties, whether written or oral, respecting the subject matter hereof.

 

(h) Notices. All notices, requests, demands, consents, instructions or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and faxed, mailed, electronically mailed or delivered to each party as follows: (i) if to the Investor, at the Investor’s mailing address or electronic mail address set forth on the signature page hereof, or at such other address as such Investor shall have furnished the Company pursuant to a notice in compliance with this Section 7(h); or (ii) if to the Company, at 745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500, New York, NY 10151, Attention: CEO, E-mail: wolf@sharonai.com, or at such other mailing address or electronic address as the Company shall have furnished to the Investor pursuant to a notice in compliance with this Section 7(h). All such notices and communications will be deemed effectively given upon the earliest of (i) when received, (ii) when delivered personally, (iii) one (1) business day after being delivered by electronic mail, (iv) one (1) business day after being deposited with an overnight courier service of recognized standing or (v) four (4) days after being deposited in the U.S. mail, first class with postage prepaid.

 

(i) Severability of this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement shall be judicially determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

(j) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same agreement. Facsimile copies or electronic PDF transmissions of signed signature pages will be deemed binding originals.

 

 

(Signature Page Follows)

 

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

 

  SHARONAI INC.
     
  By: /s/ Wolfgang Schubert
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO
     
  INVESTOR
  YA II PN, LTD.
   
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP

 

    By: Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC
    Its: General Partner
     
    By: /s/ Matthew Beckman
    Name: Matthew Beckman
    Title: Manager

 

 

[Signature Page for Note Purchase Agreement]

 

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ANNEX I TO THE

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Business Day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be a federal legal holiday in the United States or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close.

 

Common Share Equivalents” shall mean any securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries which entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Shares, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, rights, options, warrants or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Shares.

 

Common Shares” means the shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company and stock of any other class into which such shares may hereafter be changed or reclassified.

 

Form S-4” shall mean the initial registration statement on Form S-4 filed by Holdings with the SEC on May 15, 2025, as amended and supplemented from time to time.

 

Global Guaranty Agreement” shall mean the global guaranty agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.

 

Initial Comment Letter” shall mean the first of any comments or other communications, whether written or oral, that Holdings or its counsel may receive from the SEC or its staff with respect to the Form S-4. Any subsequent comments or other communications from the SEC with respect to the Form S-4 shall be referred to herein as a “Comment Letter.”

 

Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any event, occurrence or condition that has had or would reasonably be expected to have (i) a material adverse effect on the legality, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, (ii) a material adverse effect on the results of operations, assets, business or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iii) a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to perform in any material respect on a timely basis its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that a Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed to include effects (and solely to the extent of such effects) resulting from (a) general economic or political conditions; (b) conditions generally affecting the industries in which such Person or its Subsidiaries operates; (c) any changes in financial, banking or securities markets in general, including any disruption thereof and any decline in the price of any security or any market index or any change in prevailing interest rates; (d) acts of war (whether or not declared), armed hostilities or terrorism, or the escalation or worsening thereof; (e) any action required or permitted by this Agreement or any action or omission taken by the Company with the written consent or at the request of Investor or any action or omission taken by Investor with the written consent or at the request of the Company; (f) any changes in Applicable Laws or accounting rules (including U.S. GAAP) or the enforcement, implementation or interpretation thereof; (g) the announcement, pendency or completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (h) any natural or man-made disaster, acts of God or epidemic, pandemic or other disease outbreak or the worsening thereof; or (i) any failure by a party to meet any internal or published projections, forecasts or revenue or earnings predictions (it being understood that the facts or occurrences giving rise or contributing to such failure that are not otherwise excluded from the definition of a “Material Adverse Effect” may be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Material Adverse Effect).

 

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Permitted Indebtedness” shall mean: (i) indebtedness in respect of the Notes; (ii) indebtedness (A) the repayment of which has been subordinated to the payment of the Notes on terms and conditions acceptable to the Investor, including with regard to interest payments and repayment of principal, (B) which does not mature or otherwise require or permit redemption or repayment prior to or on the 91st day after the maturity date of the Note; and (C) which is not secured by any assets; and (iii) any indebtedness (other than the indebtedness set out in (i) – (ii) above) incurred after the date hereof, provided that such indebtedness does not exceed $250,000 at any given time.

 

Permitted Liens” shall mean (i) any security interest granted to the Investor, (ii) inchoate Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies (A) not yet due, as to which the grace period, if any, related thereto has not yet expired, or (B) being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (iii) Liens of carriers, materialmen, warehousemen, mechanics and landlords and other similar Liens which secure amounts which are not yet overdue by more than 60 days or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (iv) licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases granted to other persons not materially interfering with the conduct of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary; (v) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers compensation claims, unemployment insurance, pension liabilities and social security benefits and Liens securing the performance of bids, tenders, leases and contracts in the ordinary course of business, statutory obligations, surety bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (other than appeal bonds) incurred in the ordinary course of business (exclusive of obligations in respect of the payment for borrowed money); and (vi) Liens in favor of a banking institution arising by operation of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and contractual set-off rights held by such banking institution and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry and only burdening deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a creditor depository institution.

 

Person” shall mean an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, a trust or other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

 

SEC” shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

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Solvent” shall mean, as to any Person as of any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair saleable value of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature and (d) such Person is not engaged in a business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in a business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital. The amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all of the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

Subsidiaries” shall mean any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, (x) owns a majority of the outstanding capital stock or holds a majority of the equity or similar interest of such Person or (y) controls or operates all or substantially all of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and the foregoing are collectively referred to herein as “Subsidiaries.”

 

Transaction Documents” shall mean this Agreement, the Global Guaranty Agreement, any Notes issued by the Company hereunder, and each of the other agreements and instruments entered into or delivered by any of the parties hereto in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, as may be amended from time to time.

 

Variable Rate Transaction” shall mean a transaction in which the Company (i) issues or sells any Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents that are convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for, or include the right to receive additional Common Shares either (A) at a conversion price, exercise price, exchange rate or other price that is based upon and/or varies with the trading prices of or quotations for the Common Shares at any time after the initial issuance of Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents, or (B) with a conversion, exercise or exchange price that is subject to being reset at some future date after the initial issuance of such equity or debt security or upon the occurrence of specified or contingent events directly or indirectly related to the business of the Company or the market for the Common Shares (including, without limitation, any “full ratchet,” “share ratchet,” “price ratchet,” or “weighted average” anti-dilution provisions, but not including any standard anti-dilution protection for any reorganization, recapitalization, non-cash dividend, stock split or other similar transaction), (ii) enters into, or effects a transaction under, any agreement, including but not limited to an “equity line of credit” or other continuous offering or similar offering of Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents, (iii) issues or sells any Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents (or any combination thereof) at an implied discount (taking into account all the securities issuable in such offering) to the market price of the Common Shares at the time of the offering in excess of 30% or (iv) enters into or effects any forward purchase agreement, equity pre-paid forward transaction or other similar offering of securities where the purchaser of securities of the Company receives an upfront or periodic payment of all, or a portion of, the value of the securities so purchased, and the Company receives proceeds from such purchaser based on a price or value that varies with the trading prices of the Common Shares.

 

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ANNEX II TO THE

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE INVESTOR’S OBLIGATION TO FUND A PRE-PAID ADVANCE

 

The obligation of the Investor to advance to the Company a particular tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance hereunder at each Closing is subject to the satisfaction, as of the date of such Closing, of each of the following conditions, provided that these conditions are for the Investor’s sole benefit and may be waived by the Investor at any time in its sole discretion by providing the Company with prior written notice thereof:

 

a) The Company shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the Company shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor a Note with a principal amount corresponding to the amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance (before any deductions made thereto).

 

b) Each Subsidiary shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor the Global Guaranty Agreement.

 

c) The Company shall have delivered to the Investor a compliance certificate executed by the chief executive officer of the Company certifying that Company has complied with all of the conditions precedent to the Closing set forth herein and which may be relied upon by the Investor as evidence of satisfaction of such conditions without any obligation to independently verify.

 

d) The Investor shall have received an opinion of counsel to the Company, dated on or before the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Investor.

 

e) The Investor shall have received a closing statement in a form to be agreed by the parties, duly executed by an officer of the Company, setting forth wire transfer instructions of the Company for the payment of the amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance, the amount to be paid by the Investor, which shall be the full principal amount of such tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance less the Original Issue Discount and any other deductions that may be agreed by the parties.

 

f) The Company shall have delivered to the Investor certified copies of its and each of its Subsidiaries’ charter or certificate of formation, bylaws or operating agreement and any other material organizational documents.

 

g) The Company shall have delivered to the Investor a certificate evidencing the incorporation and good standing of the Company as of a date within ten (10) days of the applicable Closing.

 

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h) (I) The board of directors of the Company has approved the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, (II) said approval has not been amended, rescinded or modified and remains in full force and effect as of the date hereof, and (III) a true, correct and complete copy of such resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors of the Company shall have been provided to the Investor.

 

i) Each and every representation and warranty of the Company shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than representations and warranties qualified by materiality, which shall be true and correct in all respects) as of the date when made and as of the date of the Closing as though originally made at that time (except for representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such specific date), and the Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions set forth in each Transaction Document required to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior to the applicable Closing.

 

j) No statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by any court or governmental entity of competent jurisdiction that prohibits the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

 

k) Since the date of execution of this Agreement, no event or series of events shall have occurred that has resulted in or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or an Event of Default.

 

l) (I) No material breach of this Agreement or any Transaction Document shall have occurred, (II) no Event of Default shall have occurred (assuming that the applicable Note had been outstanding as of each Closing, and (III) no event has occurred and no condition exists that with the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a material breach of this Agreement or any Transaction Document or an Event of Default (assuming that the applicable Note had been outstanding as of each Closing).

 

m) Solely with respect to the Second Closing, the Company shall have prepared and submitted a response to the Initial Comment Letter in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

FORM OF NOTE

 

- 22 -

 

 

Exhibit Version

 

NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THIS NOTE IS CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE. THESE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.

 

SHARONAI, INC.

 

Convertible Promissory Note

 

Original Principal Amount: [$________]

Issuance Date: [_________]

Number: SHARON-[1][2][3][4]

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, SHARONAI, INC., an entity organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), hereby promises to pay to the order of YA II PN, LTD., or its registered assigns (the “Holder”), the amount set out above as the Original Principal Amount (or such lesser amount as reduced pursuant to the terms hereof pursuant to repayment, redemption, conversion or otherwise, the “Principal”) and the Payment Premium or the Redemption Premium, as applicable, in each case when due, and to pay interest (“Interest”) on any outstanding Principal at the applicable Interest Rate (as defined below) from the date set out above as the Issuance Date (the “Issuance Date”) until the same becomes due and payable, whether upon the Maturity Date or acceleration, conversion, redemption or otherwise (in each case in accordance with the terms hereof). Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section (12). The Issuance Date is the date of the first issuance of this Convertible Promissory Note (as amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, this “Note”) regardless of the number of transfers and regardless of the number of instruments, which may be issued to evidence such Note. This Note was issued with a 5% original issue discount. The Company and the Holder are referred to herein at times, collectively, as the “Parties,” and each, a “Party.”

 

This Note is initially being issued pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Note Purchase Agreement (“NPA”) between the Company and the Holder, with the first and second tranches expected to be issued pursuant to the terms of the NPA.

 

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Following the closing of that certain Business Combination Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”) dated January 28, 2025, by and among, amongst others, the Company and Roth CH Holdings, Inc. (who concurrently with the closing of the Business Combination Agreement will change its name to SharonAI Holdings, Inc.), it is expected that (i) the Company will assign this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and SharonAI Holdings Inc. will assume the obligations under this Note and (ii) SharonAI Holdings, Inc. will enter into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “SEPA”) (as may be amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “SEPA”), by and between the SharonAI Holding and YA II PN, Ltd., as the Investor. Thereafter, this Note may be repaid in accordance with the terms of the SEPA, including, without limitation, pursuant to Investor Notices and corresponding Advance Notices deemed given by SharonAI Holdings, Inc. in connection with such Investor Notices. The Holder also has the option of converting on one or more occasions all or part of the then outstanding balance under this Note by delivering to the Company (or any assignee of the Note) one or more Conversion Notices in accordance with Section 3 of this Note.

 

Following the closing of the Business Combination Agreement and the assignment of this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., all references in this Note to the Company shall refer to SharonAI Holdings, Inc.

 

(1) GENERAL TERMS

 

(a) Maturity Date. On the Maturity Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder an amount in cash representing all outstanding Principal, accrued and unpaid Interest, and any other amounts outstanding pursuant to the terms of this Note. The “Maturity Date” shall be [_________], 20261, as may be extended at the option of the Holder. Other than as specifically permitted by this Note, the Company may not prepay or redeem any portion of the outstanding Principal and accrued and unpaid Interest.

 

(b) Interest Rate and Payment of Interest. Interest shall accrue on the outstanding Principal balance hereof at an annual rate equal to 10% (“Interest Rate”), which Interest Rate shall increase to an annual rate of 18% upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (for so long as such event remains uncured). Interest shall be calculated based on a 365-day year and the actual number of days elapsed, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

 

(c) Monthly Payments.

 

(A) If the Business Combination has not closed by the Business Combination Deadline, the Company shall make monthly cash payments beginning on the 5th Trading Day after the Business Combination Deadline and continuing on the same day of each successive Calendar Month until the entire outstanding principal amount shall have been repaid. Each monthly cash payment shall be in an amount equal to the sum of (i) $400,000 of Principal amount in the aggregate among this Note and all Other Notes plus (ii) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of each payment date.

 

 

 
1 Note to Draft: Shall be the date that is 12 months from the closing date of the First Pre-Paid Advance.

 

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(B) If, any time after the completion of the Business Combination, and from time to time thereafter, an Amortization Event has occurred, then the Company shall make monthly cash payments beginning on the seventh (7th) Trading Day after the Amortization Event Date and continuing on the same day of each successive Calendar Month until the entire outstanding principal amount shall have been repaid. Each monthly cash payment shall be in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Principal amount in the aggregate among this Note and all Other Notes equal to the Amortization Principal Amount plus (ii) the Payment Premium in respect of such Amortization Principal Amount, plus (iii) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of each payment date. The obligation of the Company to make monthly cash payments related to an Amortization Event shall cease (with respect to any payment that has not yet come due) if at any time after the Amortization Event Date (A) in the event of a Floor Price Event, either (i) on the date that is the 10th consecutive Trading Day that the daily VWAP is greater than the Floor Price then in effect, or (ii) the Company provides the Holder with a reset notice (“Reset Notice”) setting forth a reduced Floor Price which shall be equal to no more than 75% of the closing price on the Trading Day immediately prior to such Reset Notice (and in no event greater than the then- effective Floor Price), (B) in the event of an Exchange Cap Event, the date the Company has obtained stockholder approval to increase the number of Common Shares under the Exchange Cap and/or the Exchange Cap no longer applies, or (C) in the event of a Registration Event, the condition or event causing the Registration Event has been cured or the Holder is able to resell the Common Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, unless a subsequent Amortization Event occurs.

 

(d) Optional Redemption. The Company at its option shall have the right, but not the obligation, to redeem (“Optional Redemption”) early a portion or all amounts outstanding under this Note as described in this Section; provided, that the Company provides the Holder with written notice (each, a “Redemption Notice”) of its desire to exercise an Optional Redemption, which Redemption Notice (i) shall be delivered to the Holder after the close of regular trading hours on a Trading Day, and (ii) following closing of the Business Combination Agreement and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., may only be given if the VWAP of the Common Shares was less than the Fixed Price on the date such Redemption Notice is delivered, unless otherwise agreed by the Holder. Each Redemption Notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the outstanding balance of the Note to be redeemed and the Redemption Amount. The “Redemption Amount” shall be an amount equal to (a) the outstanding Principal balance being redeemed by the Company plus (b) the Redemption Premium in respect of such Principal amount plus (c) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of the date of such redemption. After receipt of a Redemption Notice, the Holder shall have ten (10) Trading Days (beginning with the Trading Day immediately following the date such Redemption Notice is delivered to the Holder in accordance with this term of this Section 1(d)) to elect to convert all or any portion of this Note. On the eleventh (11th) Trading Day following the delivery of the applicable Redemption Notice, the Company shall deliver to the Holder the Redemption Amount with respect to the Principal amount redeemed to the extent not converted and otherwise after giving effect to conversions or other payments made during such ten (10) Trading Day period.

 

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(e) Payment Dates. Whenever any payment or other obligation hereunder shall be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

(f) Other than as specifically set forth in this Note, the Company shall not have the ability to make any early repayments without the consent of or at the request of the Holder.

 

(2) EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

 

(a) An “Event of Default”, wherever used herein, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court, or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) shall have occurred:

 

(i) The Company’s failure to pay to the Holder any amount of Principal, Redemption Amount, Payment Premium, Interest, or other amounts when and as due under this Note or any other Transaction Document within five (5) Trading Days after such payment is due;

 

(ii) (A) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall commence, or there shall be commenced against the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company any proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws as now or hereafter in effect or any successor thereto, or the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company commences any other proceeding under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect relating to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, in any such bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding which remains undismissed for a period of sixty one (61) days; (B) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; (C) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company suffers any appointment of any custodian, private or court appointed receiver or the like for it or all or substantially all of its property which continues undischarged or unstayed for a period of sixty one (61) days; (D) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company makes a general assignment of all or substantially all of its assets for the benefit of creditors; (E) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall fail to pay, or shall state that it is unable to pay, or shall be unable to pay, its debts generally as they become due; (F) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall call a meeting of its creditors with a view to arranging a composition, adjustment or restructuring of its debts; (G) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall by any act or failure to act expressly indicate its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing; or (H) any corporate or other action is taken by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

(iii) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall default, in any of its obligations under any note, debenture, mortgage, credit agreement or other facility, indenture agreement, factoring agreement or other instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for borrowed money or money due under any long term leasing or factoring arrangement of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in an amount exceeding $500,000, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, and such default is not cured within the time prescribed by the documents governing such indebtedness or if no time is prescribed, within ten (10) Trading Days, and as a result, such indebtedness becomes or is declared due and payable;

 

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(iv) A final judgment or judgments for the payment of money in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate are rendered against the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries and which judgments are not, within thirty (30) days after the entry thereof, bonded, discharged, settled or stayed pending appeal, or are not discharged within thirty (30) days after the expiration of such stay; provided, however, any judgment which is covered by insurance or an indemnity from a creditworthy party shall not be included in calculating the $500,000 amount set forth above so long as the Company provides the Holder a written statement from such insurer or indemnity provider (which written statement shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Holder) to the effect that such judgment is covered by insurance or an indemnity and the Company or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) will receive the proceeds of such insurance or indemnity within thirty (30) days of the issuance of such judgment;

 

(v) Following closing of the Business Combination and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., and if and after the Common Shares become listed on the Principal Market after the Issuance Date of this Note, the Common Shares shall cease to be quoted or listed for trading, as applicable, on any Principal Market for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days;

 

(vi) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall be a party to any Change of Control Transaction, other than in connection with the closing of the Business Combination, unless in connection with such Change of Control Transaction this Note is retired;

 

(vii) The Company’s (A) failure to deliver the required number of Common Shares to the Holder within two (2) Trading Days after the applicable Share Delivery Date or (B) notice, written or oral, to any holder of this Note, including by way of public announcement, at any time, of its intention not to comply with a request for conversion of all or a portion of this Note into Common Shares that is tendered in accordance with the provisions of this Note;

 

(viii) The Company shall fail for any reason to deliver the payment in cash pursuant to a Buy-In (as defined below) within five (5) Business Days after such payment is due;

 

(ix) The Company’s failure to timely file with the Commission any Periodic Report on or before the due date of such filing as established by the Commission, it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that due date includes any permitted filing deadline extension under Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act;

 

(x) Any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by or on behalf of the Company in or in connection with any Transaction Document, or any waiver hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (or, in the case of any such representation or warranty already qualified by materiality, such representation or warranty shall prove to have been incorrect) when made or deemed made;

 

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(xi) (A) Any material provision of any Transaction Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, ceases to be in full force and effect; (B) the Company or any other Person contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Transaction Document; or (C) the Company denies in writing that it has any further liability or obligation under any Transaction Document, or purports in writing to revoke, terminate (other than in accordance with the relevant termination provisions) or rescind any Transaction Document;

 

(xii) The Company uses the proceeds of the issuance of this Note, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof), or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose; or

 

(xiii) Any Event of Default (as defined in the Other Notes or in any Transaction Document other than this Note) occurs with respect to any Other Notes, or any breach of any material term of any other debenture, note, or instrument held by the Holder in the Company or any agreement between or among the Company and the Holder;

 

(xiv) The Company shall fail to observe or perform any material covenant, agreement or warranty contained in, or otherwise commit any material breach or default of any provision of this Note (except as may be otherwise covered by Sections (2)(a)(i) through (2)(a)(xiii) hereof) or any other Transaction Document, which is not cured or remedied within the time prescribed or if no time is prescribed within ten (10) Business Days;

 

(xv) The Company’s failure or inability for any reason to assign this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. within 2-Business Days of receipt of written notice from the Holder directing the Company to do the same, which notice is sent after the closing of the Business Combination; or

 

(xvi) SharonAI Holdings, Inc.’s failure to deliver to the Holder a copy of the SEPA duly executed and validly signed by SharonAI Holdings, Inc. within 2-Business Days of the Company’s receipt of the notice referred to in Section (2)(a)(xv).

 

(b) During the time that any portion of this Note is outstanding, if any Event of Default has occurred (other than an event with respect to the Company described in Section (2)(a)(ii)), the full unpaid Principal amount of this Note, together with the Payment Premium in respect of such Principal Amount and all interest and other amounts owing in respect of this Note to the date of acceleration, shall become, at the Holder’s election given by notice pursuant to Section (5), immediately due and payable in cash; provided that, in the case of any event with respect to the Company described in Section (2)(a)(ii), the full unpaid Principal amount of this Note, together with the Payment Premium in respect of such Principal Amount and all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing in respect of this Note to the date of

 

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acceleration, shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Company. Furthermore, in addition to any other remedies, the Holder shall have the right (but not the obligation) to convert, on one or more occasions all or part of the Note in accordance with Section (3) (and subject to the limitations set out in Section (3)(c)(i) and Section (3)(c)(ii)) at any time after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing until all amounts outstanding under this Note have been repaid in full. The Holder need not provide, and the Company hereby waives, any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, (other than required notice of conversion) and the Holder may immediately enforce any and all of its rights and remedies hereunder and all other remedies available to it under applicable law. Such declaration may be rescinded and annulled by the Holder in writing at any time prior to payment hereunder. No such rescission or annulment shall affect any subsequent Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

(3) CONVERSION OF NOTE. This Note shall be convertible into Common Shares, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (3).

 

(a) Conversion Right. Subject to the limitations of Section (3)(c), at any time or times on or after the earlier of (i) the closing of the Business Combination and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., and (ii) the Business Combination Deadline, the Holder shall be entitled to convert any portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount into fully paid and nonassessable Common Shares in accordance with Section (3)(b), at the Conversion Price. The number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of any Conversion Amount pursuant to this Section (3)(a) shall be determined by dividing (x) such Conversion Amount by (y) the Conversion Price. The Company shall not issue any fraction of a Common Share upon any conversion. All calculations under this Section (3) shall be rounded to the nearest $0.0001. If the issuance would result in the issuance of a fraction of a Common Share, the Company shall round such fraction of a Common Share up to the nearest whole share. The Company shall pay any and all transfer, stamp and similar taxes that may be payable with respect to the issuance and delivery of Common Shares upon conversion of any Conversion Amount.

 

(b) Mechanics of Conversion.

 

(i) Optional Conversion. To convert any Conversion Amount into Common Shares on any date (a “Conversion Date”), the Holder shall (A) transmit by email (or otherwise deliver), for receipt on or prior to 11:59 p.m., New York Time, on such date, a copy of an executed notice of conversion in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I (the “Conversion Notice”) to the Company and (B) if required by Section (3)(b)(iii), surrender this Note to a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for delivery to the Company (or an indemnification undertaking reasonably satisfactory to the Company with respect to this Note in the case of its loss, theft or destruction). On or before the first (1st) Trading Day following the date of receipt of a Conversion Notice (the “Share Delivery Date”), the Company shall (X) if legends are not required to be placed on certificates or the book-entry position of the Common Shares and provided that the Transfer Agent is participating in the Depository Trust Company’s (“DTC”) Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, instruct such transfer agent to credit such aggregate number of Common Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled to the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission system or (Y) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program,

 

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issue and deliver to the address as specified in the Conversion Notice, a certificate or book-entry position, registered in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends unless required pursuant to rules and regulations of the Commission. If this Note is physically surrendered for conversion and the outstanding Principal of this Note is greater than the Principal portion of the Conversion Amount being converted, then the Company shall as soon as practicable and in no event later than three (3) Business Days after receipt of this Note and at its own expense, issue and deliver to the holder a new Note representing the outstanding Principal not converted. The Person or Persons entitled to receive the Common Shares issuable upon a conversion of this Note shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Common Shares upon the transmission of a Conversion Notice.

 

(ii) Company’s Failure to Timely Convert. If the Company shall fail, for any reason or for no reason, on or prior to the applicable Share Delivery Date to issue and deliver a certificate to the Holder or credit the Holder’s balance account with DTC for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled upon such Holder’s conversion of any Conversion Amount (a “Conversion Failure”), and if on or after such Trading Day the Holder purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) Common Shares to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of Common Shares issuable upon such conversion that the Holder anticipated receiving from the Company (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall, within three (3) Business Days after the Holder’s request and in the Holder’s discretion, either (i) pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions and other out of pocket expenses, if any) for the Common Shares so purchased (the “Buy-In Price”), at which point the Company’s obligation to deliver such certificate (and to issue such Common Shares) shall terminate, or (ii) promptly honor its obligation to deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates representing such Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled with respect to such Conversion Notice and pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Buy-In Price over the product of (A) such number of Common Shares multiplied by (B) the Closing Price on the Conversion Date.

 

(iii) Book-Entry. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, upon conversion of any portion of this Note in accordance with the terms hereof, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Note to the Company unless (A) the full Conversion Amount represented by this Note is being converted or (B) the Holder has provided the Company with prior written notice (which notice may be included in a Conversion Notice) requesting reissuance of this Note upon physical surrender of this Note. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the Principal and Interest converted and the dates of such conversions or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and the Company, so as not to require physical surrender of this Note upon conversion.

 

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(c) Limitations on Conversions.

 

(i) Beneficial Ownership. The Holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of this Note to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the Holder, together with any affiliate thereof, would beneficially own (as determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder) in excess of 4.99% of the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion. Since the Holder will not be obligated to report to the Company the number of Common Shares it may hold at the time of a conversion hereunder, unless the conversion at issue would result in the issuance of Common Shares in excess of 4.99% of the then outstanding Common Shares without regard to any other shares which may be beneficially owned by the Holder or an affiliate thereof, the Holder shall have the authority and obligation to determine whether the restriction contained in this Section will limit any particular conversion hereunder and to the extent that the Holder determines that the limitation contained in this Section applies, the determination of which portion of the Principal amount of this Note is convertible shall be the responsibility and obligation of the Holder. If the Holder has delivered a Conversion Notice for a Principal amount of this Note that, without regard to any other shares that the Holder or its affiliates may beneficially own, would result in the issuance in excess of the permitted amount hereunder, the Company shall notify the Holder of this fact and shall honor the conversion for the maximum Principal amount permitted to be converted on such Conversion Date in accordance with Section (3)(a) and, any Principal amount tendered for conversion in excess of the permitted amount hereunder shall remain outstanding under this Note. The provisions of this Section may be waived by a Holder (but only as to itself and not to any other Holder) upon not less than 65 days prior notice to the Company. Other Holders shall be unaffected by any such waiver.

 

(ii) Principal Market Limitation. Notwithstanding anything in this Note to the contrary, the Company shall not issue any Common Shares upon conversion of this Note, or otherwise, if the issuance of such Common Shares, together with any Common Shares issued in connection the SEPA and any other related transactions that may be considered part of the same series of transactions, would exceed the aggregate number Common Shares that the Company may issue in a transaction in compliance with the Company’s obligations under the rules or regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq” and shall be referred to as the “Exchange Cap,” except that such limitation shall not apply if the Company’s stockholders have approved such issuances on such terms in excess of the Exchange Cap in accordance with the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.

 

(iii) Limitation on Monthly Conversions. The Holder shall not effect the conversion of this Note to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the aggregate Conversion Amount that has been converted into shares of Common Stock by the Holder during the calendar month in which such Conversion Date occurred (the “Monthly Conversion Period”) exceeds the greater of (x) $1,000,000 and (y) 20% of the aggregate daily dollar trading volume for the Common Stock on the Principal Market during such Monthly Conversion Period as reported by Bloomberg, and provided further that the Conversion Cap shall not apply (A) following the occurrence of an Event of Default, (B) to any conversion at the Fixed Price, or (C) at any time after the Business Combination Deadline so long as the closing of the Business Combination and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. has not occurred.

 

(d) Other Provisions.

 

(i) All calculations under this Section (3) shall be rounded to the nearest $0.0001 or whole share.

 

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(ii) So long as this Note or any Other Notes remain outstanding, promptly following the closing of the Business Combination Agreement and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized share capital, and shall have instructed the Transfer Agent to irrevocably reserve, the maximum number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note and the Other Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) this Note and such Other Notes are convertible at the Floor Price as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Note or Other Notes set forth herein or therein (the “Required Reserve Amount”)), provided that at no time shall the number of Common Shares reserved pursuant to this Section (3)(d)(ii) be reduced other than pursuant to the conversion of this Note and the Other Notes in accordance with their terms, and/or cancellation, or reverse stock split. If at any time while this Note or any Other Notes remain outstanding, the Company does not have a sufficient number of authorized and unreserved Common Shares to satisfy the obligation to reserve for the issuance the Required Reserve Amount, the Company will promptly take all corporate action necessary to propose to a meeting of its shareholders an increase of its authorized share capital necessary to meet the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Note, and cause its board of directors to recommend to the shareholders that they approve such proposal. If at any time following the closing of the Business Combination and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. the number of Common Shares that remain available for issuance under the Exchange Cap is less than 100% of the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of all the Notes and Other Notes then outstanding (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) the Notes are convertible at the Conversion Price then in effect, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Note, other than the Floor Price then in effect but solely with respect to the Variable Price), the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly call and hold a shareholder meeting for the purpose of seeking the approval of its shareholders as required by the applicable rules of the Principal Market, for issuances of shares in excess of the Exchange Cap. The Company covenants that, upon issuance in accordance with conversion of this Note in accordance with its terms, the Common Shares, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(iii) Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue actual damages or declare an Event of Default pursuant to Section (2) herein for the Company’s failure to deliver certificates representing Common Shares upon conversion within the period specified herein and such Holder shall have the right to pursue all remedies available to it at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief, in each case without the need to post a bond or provide other security. The exercise of any such rights shall not prohibit the Holder from seeking to enforce damages pursuant to any other Section hereof or under applicable law.

 

(iv) Legal Opinions. The Company is obligated to cause its legal counsel to deliver legal opinions to the Company’s transfer agent in connection with any legend removal upon the expiration of any holding period or other requirement for which the Underlying Shares may bear legends restricting the transfer thereof. To the extent that a legal opinion is not provided (either timely or at all), then, in addition to being an Event of Default hereunder, the Company agrees to reimburse the Holder for all reasonable costs incurred by the Holder in connection with any legal opinions paid for by the Holder in connection with the sale or transfer of the Underlying Common Shares. The Holder shall notify the Company of any such costs and expenses it incurs that are referred to in this section from time to time and all amounts owed hereunder shall be paid by the Company with reasonable promptness.

 

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(e) Adjustment of Conversion Price upon Subdivision or Combination of Common Shares. If the Company, at any time while this Note is outstanding, shall (i) pay a stock dividend or otherwise make a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Shares or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in Common Shares, (ii) subdivide outstanding Common Shares into a larger number of shares, (iii) combine (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding Common Shares into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issue by reclassification of Common Shares any shares of capital stock of the Company, then each of the Fixed Price and the Floor Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of Common Shares (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of Common Shares outstanding after such event. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section shall become effective, in the case of a dividend distribution, immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution or, in the case of a subdivision, combination or re- classification, and shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such subdivision, combination or re-classification.

 

(f) Reserved.

 

(g) Other Corporate Events. In addition to and not in substitution for any other rights hereunder, prior to the consummation of any Fundamental Transaction pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive securities or other assets with respect to or in exchange for Common Shares (a “Corporate Event”), the Company shall make appropriate provision to ensure that the Holder will thereafter have the right to receive upon a conversion of this Note, at the Holder’s option, (i) in addition to the Common Shares receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets to which the Holder would have been entitled with respect to such Common Shares had such Common Shares been held by the Holder upon the consummation of such Corporate Event (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of this Note) or (ii) in lieu of the Common Shares otherwise receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets received by the holders of Common Shares in connection with the consummation of such Corporate Event in such amounts as the Holder would have been entitled to receive had this Note initially been issued with conversion rights for the form of such consideration (as opposed to Common Shares) at a conversion rate for such consideration commensurate with the Conversion Price. Provision made pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be in a form and substance satisfactory to the Required Holders. The provisions of this Section shall apply similarly and equally to successive Corporate Events and shall be applied without regard to any limitations on the conversion or redemption of this Note.

 

(h) Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted pursuant to Section (3) hereof, the Company shall promptly provide the Holder with a written notice setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 

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(i) In case of any (1) merger or consolidation of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company with or into another Person, or (2) sale by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of more than one-half of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions, a Holder shall have the right to (A) exercise any rights under Section (2)(a)(xiii), (B) convert the aggregate amount of this Note then outstanding into the shares of stock and other securities, cash and property receivable upon or deemed to be held by holders of Common Shares following such merger, consolidation or sale, and such Holder shall be entitled upon such event or series of related events to receive such amount of securities, cash and property as the Common Shares into which such aggregate Principal amount of this Note could have been converted immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or sales would have been entitled, or (C) in the case of a merger or consolidation, require the surviving entity to issue to the Holder a convertible Note with a Principal amount equal to the aggregate Principal amount of this Note then held by such Holder, plus all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing thereon, which such newly issued convertible Note shall have terms identical (including with respect to conversion) to the terms of this Note, and shall be entitled to all of the rights and privileges of the Holder of this Note set forth herein and the agreements pursuant to which this Note was issued. In the case of clause (C), the conversion price applicable for the newly issued shares of convertible preferred stock or convertible debentures shall be based upon the amount of securities, cash and property that each Common Shares would receive in such transaction and the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness or closing date for such transaction. The terms of any such merger, sale or consolidation shall include such terms so as to continue to give the Holder the right to receive the securities, cash and property set forth in this Section upon any conversion or redemption following such event. This provision shall similarly apply to successive such events.

 

(4) REISSUANCE OF THIS NOTE.

 

(a) Transfer. If this Note is to be transferred, the Holder shall surrender this Note to the Company, whereupon the Company will forthwith issue and deliver upon the order of the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)), registered in the name of the registered transferee or assignee, representing the outstanding Principal being transferred by the Holder (along with any accrued and unpaid interest thereof) and, if less than the entire outstanding Principal is being transferred, a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) to the Holder representing the outstanding Principal not being transferred. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Note, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of Section (3)(b)(iii) following conversion or redemption of any portion of this Note, the outstanding Principal represented by this Note may be less than the Principal stated on the face of this Note. In addition, the parties agree that the Note may be assigned from the Company to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. following the closing of the Business Combination Agreement.

 

(b) Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Note. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of any indemnification undertaking by the Holder to the Company in customary form and substance and, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) representing the outstanding Principal.

 

(c) Note Exchangeable for Different Denominations. This Note is exchangeable, upon the surrender hereof by the Holder at the principal office of the Company, for a new Note or Notes (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) representing in the aggregate the outstanding Principal of this Note, and each such new Note will represent such portion of such outstanding Principal as is designated by the Holder at the time of such surrender.

 

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(d) Issuance of New Notes. Whenever the Company is required to issue a new Note pursuant to the terms hereof, such new Note (i) shall be of like tenor with this Note, (ii) shall represent, as indicated on the face of such new Note, the Principal remaining outstanding (or in the case of a new Note being issued pursuant to Section (4)(a) or Section (4)(c), the Principal designated by the Holder which, when added to the Principal represented by the other new Note(s) issued in connection with such issuance, does not exceed the Principal remaining outstanding under this Note immediately prior to such issuance of such new Note), (iii) shall have an issuance date, as indicated on the face of such new Note, which is the same as the Issuance Date of this Note, (iv) shall have the same rights and conditions as this Note, and (v) shall represent accrued and unpaid Interest from the Issuance Date.

 

(5) NOTICES. Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms hereof must be in writing by letter or electronic mail (“e-mail”) and will be deemed to have been delivered (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally, (ii) one (1) Business Day after deposit with an overnight courier service with next day delivery specified, as applicable or (iii) receipt, when sent by e-mail, and, in each case of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses and e-mail addresses for such communications shall be:

 

If to the Company prior to the Business Combination, to:   SharonAI, Inc.
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151
Attention: CEO
E-mail: wolf@sharonai.com
     
If to the Company following the Business Combination, to:   SharonAI Holdings, Inc.
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151
Attention: CEO
E-mail: wolf@sharonai.com
     
With copies (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:   Sheppard Mullin LLP
12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92130
Attention: Chad R. Ensz, Esq.
E-mail: censz@sheppardmullin.com
     
If to the Holder:  

YA II PN, Ltd
c/o Yorkville Advisors Global, LLC
1012 Springfield Avenue
Mountainside, NJ 07092
Attention: Mark Angelo

Email: Legal@yorkvilleadvisors.com

 

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or at such other address and/or e-mail address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party in accordance with this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (a) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (b) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, recipient email address or (c) provided by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt from a nationally recognized overnight delivery service or receipt by e-mail in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.

 

(6) Except as expressly provided herein, no provision of this Note shall alter or impair the obligations of the Company, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the Principal of, and interest and other charges (if any) on, this Note at the time, place, and rate, and in the currency, herein prescribed. This Note is a direct obligation of the Company. As long as this Note is outstanding, the Company shall not and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries not to, without the consent of the Holder, (i) amend its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other charter documents so as to adversely affect any rights of the Holder; (ii) repay, repurchase or offer to repay, repurchase or otherwise acquire shares of its Common Shares or other equity securities; (iii) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing, or (iv) enter into any agreement, arrangement or transaction in or of which the terms thereof would restrict, materially delay, conflict with or impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under the this Note, including, without limitation, the obligation of the Company to make cash payments hereunder.

 

(7) This Note shall not entitle the Holder to any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including without limitation, the right to vote, to receive dividends and other distributions, or to receive any notice of, or to attend, meetings of stockholders or any other proceedings of the Company, unless and to the extent converted into Common Shares in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(8) CHOICE OF LAW; VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

 

(a) Governing Law. This Note and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall, in all respects, be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws (excluding the principles of conflict of laws) of the State of New York (the “Governing Jurisdiction”) (including Section 5-1401 and Section 5-1402 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York), including all matters of construction, validity and performance.

 

(b) Jurisdiction; Venue; Service.

 

(i) The Company hereby irrevocably consents to the non- exclusive personal jurisdiction of the state courts of the Governing Jurisdiction and, if a basis for federal jurisdiction exists, the non-exclusive personal jurisdiction of any United States District Court for the Governing Jurisdiction.

 

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(ii) The Company agrees that venue shall be proper in any court of the Governing Jurisdiction selected by the Holder or, if a basis for federal jurisdiction exists, in any United States District Court in the Governing Jurisdiction selected by the Holder. The Company waives any right to object to the maintenance of any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, in any of the state or federal courts of the Governing Jurisdiction on the basis of improper venue or inconvenience of forum.

 

(iii) Any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or tort or otherwise, brought by the Company against the Holder arising out of or based upon this Note or any matter relating to this Note, or any other Transaction Document, or any contemplated transaction, shall be brought in a court only in the Governing Jurisdiction. The Company shall not file any counterclaim against the Holder in any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding brought by the Holder against the Company in a jurisdiction outside of the Governing Jurisdiction unless under the rules of the court in which the Holder brought such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding the counterclaim is mandatory, and not permissive, and would be considered waived unless filed as a counterclaim in the suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding instituted by the Holder against the Company. The Company agrees that any forum outside the Governing Jurisdiction is an inconvenient forum and that any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding brought by the Company against the Holder in any court outside the Governing Jurisdiction should be dismissed or transferred to a court located in the Governing Jurisdiction. Furthermore, the Company irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not bring or commence any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against the Holder arising out of or based upon this Note or any matter relating to this Note, or any other Transaction Document, or any contemplated transaction, in any forum other than the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County, and the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State Court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in such federal court. The Company and the Holder agree that a final judgment in any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

(iv) The Company and the Holder irrevocably consent to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding by e-mail or the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail postage prepaid, to it at the e-mail address or physical address, as applicable, provided for notices in this Note, such service to become effective thirty (30) days after the date of such e-mail or mailing, as applicable. The Company and the Holder each irrevocably waive any defense it may have on the grounds of insufficient or improper service with respect to service of process effected in accordance with this Section (8)(b)(iv).

 

(v) Nothing herein shall affect the right of the Holder to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or to otherwise proceed against the Company or any other Person in the Governing Jurisdiction or in any other jurisdiction.

 

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(c) THE PARTIES MUTUALLY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ALL CLAIMS OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS NOTE OR ANY MATTER RELATING TO THIS NOTE, OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, OR ANY CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTION. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A WAIVER OF A LEGAL RIGHT AND THAT THE PARTIES EACH MAKE THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY AFTER CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CHOICE. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL SUCH CLAIMS SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A JUDGE OF A COURT HAVING JURISDICTION, WITHOUT A JURY.

 

(9) If the Company fails to strictly comply with the terms of this Note, then the Company shall reimburse the Holder promptly for all fees, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Holder in any action in connection with this Note, including, without limitation, those incurred: (i) during any workout, attempted workout, and/or in connection with the rendering of legal advice as to the Holder’s rights, remedies and obligations, (ii) collecting any sums which become due to the Holder, (iii) defending or prosecuting any proceeding or any counterclaim to any proceeding or appeal; or (iv) the protection, preservation or enforcement of any rights or remedies of the Holder.

 

(10) Any waiver by the Holder of a breach of any provision of this Note shall not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other breach of such provision or of any breach of any other provision of this Note. The failure of the Holder to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Note on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Note. Any waiver must be in writing.

 

(11) If any provision of this Note is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the balance of this Note shall remain in effect, and if any provision is inapplicable to any person or circumstance, it shall nevertheless remain applicable to all other persons and circumstances. If it shall be found that any interest or other amount deemed interest due hereunder shall violate applicable laws governing usury, the applicable rate of interest due hereunder shall automatically be lowered to equal the maximum permitted rate of interest. The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law or other law which would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the Principal of or interest on this Note as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Note, and the Company (to the extent it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefits or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Holder, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

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(12) CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Note, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Amortization Event” shall mean, following closing of the Business Combination Agreement and assignment of the Note from the Company to SharonAI Holdings, Inc: (i) the daily VWAP is less than the Floor Price then in effect for any five (5) Trading Days during a period of seven (7) consecutive Trading Days (a “Floor Price Event”), (ii) the Company has issued to the Investor, pursuant to the transactions contemplated in this Note, the Other Notes and the SEPA, in excess of 99% of the Common Shares available under the Exchange Cap, where applicable (an “Exchange Cap Event”), or (iii) at any time after the Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), the Investor is unable to utilize a Registration Statement to resell Underlying Shares for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days (a “Registration Event”)] (the last day of each such occurrence, an “Amortization Event Date”).

 

(b) “Amortization Principal Amount” shall mean $1,000,000, provided however, in the event that the full $7,500,000 of Pre-Paid Advances have not been issued pursuant to the SEPA, then such amount shall be reduced pro rata in accordance with total amount issued.

 

(c) “Applicable Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(d) “Approved Stock Plan” means any employee benefit plan or share incentive plan which has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, pursuant to which the Company’s securities may be issued to any employee, officer or director for services provided to the Company.

 

(e) “Bloomberg” means Bloomberg Financial Markets.

 

(f) “Business Combination” shall mean the merger and other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement.

 

(g) “Business Combination Deadline” shall mean October 31, 2025, unless extended with the agreement of the Holder.

 

(h) “Business Day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be a federal legal holiday in the United States or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close.

 

(i) “Buy-In” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(j) “Buy-In Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(k) “Calendar Month” means one of the twelve months of the year.

 

(l) “Change of Control Transaction” means the occurrence of (a) an acquisition after the date hereof by an individual or legal entity or “group” (as described in Rule 13d-5(b)(1) promulgated under the Exchange Act) of effective control (whether through legal or beneficial ownership of capital stock of the Company, by contract or otherwise) of in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the Company (except that the acquisition of voting securities by the Holder or any other current holder of convertible securities of the Company shall not constitute a Change of Control Transaction for purposes hereof), (b) a replacement at one time or over time of more than one-half of the members of the board of directors of the Company (other than as due to the death or disability of a member of the board of directors) which is not approved by a majority of those individuals who are members of the board of directors on the date hereof

 

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(or by those individuals who are serving as members of the board of directors on any date whose nomination to the board of directors was approved by a majority of the members of the board of directors who are members on the date hereof), (c) the merger, consolidation or sale of fifty percent (50%) or more of the assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in one or a series of related transactions with or into another entity, or (d) the execution by the Company of an agreement to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, providing for any of the events set forth above in (a), (b) or (c). No transfer to a wholly-owned Subsidiary shall be deemed a Change of Control Transaction under this provision.

 

(m) “Closing Price” means the price per share in the last reported trade of the Common Shares on a Principal Market or on the exchange which the Common Shares are then listed as quoted by Bloomberg.

 

(n) “Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(o) “Common Shares” means (A) prior to assignment of this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., the share of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company and (B) following assignment of this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001, of SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and stock of any other class into which such shares may hereafter be changed or reclassified.

 

(p) “Conversion Amount” means the portion of the Principal, Interest, or other amounts outstanding under this Note to be converted, redeemed or otherwise with respect to which this determination is being made.

 

(q) “Conversion Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(r) “Conversion Failure” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(s) “Conversion Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(t) “Conversion Price” means, as of any Conversion Date or other date of determination, (A) prior to the close of trading on the fifth day following the closing of the Business Combination (“Market Price Date”), $60.62, and (B) after the Market Price Date, the lower of (i) 120% of the average of the daily VWAPs during the five (5) consecutive Trading Day period ending on the Market Price Date (the “Fixed Price”), or (ii) 95% of the lowest daily VWAP during the 10 consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the Conversion Date or other date of determination (the “Variable Price”), but which Variable Price shall not be lower than the Floor Price then in effect. On the earlier of the effective date of the initial Registration Statement, the Effectiveness Deadline (the “Fixed Price Reset Date”), the Fixed Price shall be adjusted (downwards only) to equal the average VWAP for the three (3) Trading Days immediately prior to the Fixed Price Reset Date; provided, however, that until the Note is assigned SharonAI Holdings, Inc., the Conversion Price shall remain at $60.62. The Conversion Price shall be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the other terms and conditions of this Note.

 

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(u) “Convertible Securities” means any stock or securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares.

 

(v) “Dilutive Issuance” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(w) “Effectiveness Deadline” shall have the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

(x) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(y) “Excluded Securities” means any Common Shares issued or issuable or deemed to be issued by the Company: (i) under any Approved Stock Plan, (ii) upon conversion of any securities issued pursuant to the SEPA (including Common Shares issued in connection with this Note and any of the Other Notes); (iii) upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Options or Convertible Securities which are outstanding on the day immediately preceding the date of the SEPA; provided, that such issuance of Common Shares upon exercise of such Options or Convertible Securities is made pursuant to the terms of such Options or Convertible Securities in effect on such date and such Options or Convertible Securities are not amended, modified or changed on or after such date, or (iv) upon a stock split, reverse stock split, distribution of bonus shares, combination or other recapitalization events.

 

(z) “Floor Price” solely with respect to the Variable Price, shall mean 20% of the Closing Price on the Market Price Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may reduce the Floor Price to any amounts set forth in a written notice to the Holder; provided that such reduction shall be irrevocable and shall not be subject to increase thereafter.

 

(aa) “Fundamental Transaction” means any of the following: (1) the Company effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person and the Company is the non-surviving company (other than a merger or consolidation with a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of redomiciling the Company), (2) the Company effects any sale of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (3) any tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are permitted to tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property, or (4) the Company effects any reclassification of the Common Shares or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Shares is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property.

 

(bb) “New Issuance Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(cc) “Other Notes” means any other notes issued pursuant to the SEPA and any other debentures, notes, or other instruments issued in exchange, replacement, or modification of the foregoing.

 

(dd) “Payment Premium” means 10% of the Principal amount being paid.

 

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(ee) “Periodic Reports” shall mean all of the Company’s reports required to be filed by the Company with the Commission under applicable laws and regulations (including, without limitation, Regulation S-K), including annual reports (on Form 10-K), quarterly reports (on Form 10-Q), and current reports (on Form 8-K), for so long as any amounts are outstanding under this Note or any Other Note; provided that all such Periodic Reports shall include, when filed, all information, financial statements, audit reports (when applicable) and other information required to be included in such Periodic Reports in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

(ff) “Person” means a corporation, an association, a partnership, organization, a business, an individual, a government or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.

 

(gg) “Principal Market” means any of The New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, and any successor to any of the foregoing markets or exchanges.

 

(hh) “Redemption Premium” means 10% of the Principal amount being redeemed.

 

(ii) “Registration Rights Agreement” means the registration rights agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B to be entered into between SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and the Holder on the date hereof.

 

(jj) “Registration Statement” means a registration statement meeting the requirements set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement covering among other things the resale of the Underlying Shares and naming the Holder as a “selling stockholder” thereunder.

 

(kk) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(ll) “Share Delivery Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(mm) “Subsidiary” shall mean any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, (x) owns a majority of the outstanding capital stock or holds a majority of the equity or similar interest of such Person or (y) controls or operates all or substantially all of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and the foregoing are collectively referred to herein as “Subsidiaries.”

 

(nn) “Trading Day” means a day on which the Common Shares are quoted or traded on a Principal Market on which the Common Shares are then quoted or listed.

 

(oo) “Transaction Document” means this Note, the Other Notes and the NPA and following assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and execution of the SEPA, and the Registration Rights Agreement, the SEPA and the Registration Rights Agreement and any and all other documents, agreements, instruments or other items executed or delivered in connection with this Note or any of the foregoing.

 

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(pp) “Underlying Shares” means the Common Shares of SharonAI Holdings, Inc, if and when such Note is assigned to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. issuable upon conversion of this Note or as payment of interest in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(qq) “VWAP” means, for any Trading Day, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for such Trading Day on the Principal Market during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P.

 

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Convertible Promissory Note to be duly executed by a duly authorized officer as of the date set forth above.

 

SHARONAI INC.
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

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Exhibit A

 

Form of SEPA

 

(see attached)

 

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STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of _________________ 2025 is made by and between YA II PN, LTD., a Cayman Islands exempt limited company (the “Investor”), and SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC. a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”). The Investor and the Company may be referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, on July ___, 2025, SharonAI, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“SharonAI”) entered into that Note Purchase Agreement (the “NPA”) pursuant to which the Investor agreed to provide advances to SharonAI in the principal amount of up to $2,500,000 as evidenced by convertible promissory notes issued to the Investor (the “SharonAI Notes”) pursuant to and in accordance with the NPA.

 

WHEREAS, on January 28, 2025, the Company (who was then known as “Roth CH Holdings, Inc.), SharonAI, Roth CH Acquisition Co., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Parent”) and Roth CH Merger Sub (“Merger Sub”) entered into that certain Business Combination Agreement (as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”).

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement the proposed business combination was effected in two steps: (i) Parent continued out of the Cayman Islands and into the State of Delaware so as to re-domicile as and become a Delaware corporation by means of a merger (the “Domestication Merger”) of Parent with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving company pursuant to the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended, and, thereafter (ii)(a) the Merger Sub was merged with and into the SharonAI, (b) the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub thereupon ceased, and the SharonAI was the surviving corporation, and (c) SharonAI became a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company (the “Acquisition Merger,” and together with the Domestication Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”). Upon completion of the Business Combination, Roth CH Holdings, Inc. changed its name to “SharonAI Holdings, Inc.”

 

WHEREAS, in accordance with the terms of the SharonAI Notes, upon the closing of the Business Combination, the SharonAI Notes were transferred and assigned to the Company.

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, the Company shall have the right to issue and sell to the Investor, from time to time as provided herein, and the Investor shall purchase from the Company, up to $50,000,000 of the Company’s shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Shares”);

 

WHEREAS, in addition to the commitment to purchase Common Shares hereunder, and in addition to the $2,500,000 in advances made available pursuant to the NPA, the Investor shall commit to provide the Company prepaid advances in an original principal amount of up to $5,000,000, which shall be funded in two tranches as set forth in this Agreement.

 

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WHEREAS, following the closing of the Business Combination and becoming eligible to do so, it is expected that the Company will attempt to have the Common Shares listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market;

 

WHEREAS, the offer and sale of the Common Shares issuable hereunder will be made in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Securities Act”), or upon such other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act as may be available with respect to any or all of the transactions to be made hereunder;

 

WHEREAS, the Parties are concurrently entering into a Registration Rights Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit B hereto (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company shall register the resale of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein; and

 

WHEREAS, SharonAI and certain other Subsidiaries of SharonAI are entering into a Guaranty Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit E hereto (the “Guaranty Agreement”), pursuant to which the parties thereto shall guaranty all of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, the Promissory Notes, and all other instruments, agreements or other items executed or delivered

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereto agree as follows:

 

Article I.

Certain Definitions

 

Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in Annex I hereto, and hereby made a part hereof, or as otherwise set forth in this Agreement.

 

Article II.

Pre-Paid Advances

 

Section 2.01 Pre-Paid Advances. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Annex II attached hereto, the Investor shall advance to the Company the principal amount of up to $5,000,000 (collectively, along with the $2,500,000 in advances made available pursuant to the NPA, the “Pre-Paid Advance”), which shall be evidenced by convertible promissory notes in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (each, a “Promissory Note”) in two tranches. The first tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance pursuant to this Agreement shall be in a principal amount of up to $2,500,000 and, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Annex II attached hereto, shall be advanced within two Business Days of the closing of the Business Combination (the “First Pre-Advance Closing”). The second tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance shall be in a principal amount of up to $2,500,000 and, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Annex II attached hereto, shall be advanced on the sixtieth day following the date the initial Registration Statement first becomes effective (the “Second Pre-Advance Closing”) (each of the First Pre-Advance Closing and the Second Pre-Advance Closing individually referred to as a “Pre-Advance Closing” and collectively referred to as the “Pre-Advance Closings”).

 

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Section 2.02 Pre-Advance Closing. Each Pre-Advance Closing shall occur remotely by conference call and electronic delivery of documentation. The First Pre-Advance Closing shall take place at 10:00 a.m., New York time, on or about the second Business Day after the closing of the Business Combination, provided that the conditions set forth on Annex II have been satisfied (or such other date as is mutually agreed to by the Company and the Investor). The Second Pre-Advance Closing shall take place at 10:00 a.m., New York time, on the sixtieth day following the date the initial Registration Statement first becomes effective, provided that the conditions set forth on Annex II have been satisfied (or such other date as is mutually agreed to by the Company and the Investor). At each Pre-Advance Closing, the Investor shall advance to the Company the principal amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance, less a discount in the amount equal to 5% of the principal amount of such tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance netted from the purchase price due and structured as an original issue discount (the “Original Issue Discount”), in immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing, and the Company shall deliver a Promissory Note with a principal amount equal to the full amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance, duly executed on behalf of the Company. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Original Issue Discount (i) shall not be funded but shall be deemed to be fully earned at each Pre-Advance Closing, and (ii) shall not reduce the principal amount of each Promissory Note.

 

Section 2.03 Reduction to Pre-Paid Advance. Prior to the filing of the initial Registration Statement, the amount to be advanced at the Second Pre-Advance Closing may be reduced (i) at the election of the Company to any amount, and (ii) if the market capitalization of the Company as of the date that is 10 Trading Days following the Effective Date is less than $50 million, at the election of the Investor to any amount. The amount to be advanced at any other Pre-Advance Closing may be modified at the mutual consent of the Parties.

 

Article III.

Advances

 

Section 3.01 Advances; Mechanics. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, during the Commitment Period, (i) the Company, at its sole discretion, shall have the right, but not the obligation, to issue and sell to the Investor, and the Investor shall subscribe for and purchase from the Company, Advance Shares by the delivery to the Investor of Advance Notices, provided (x) no balance is outstanding under a Promissory Note, or, (y) if there is a balance outstanding under a Promissory Note, then in accordance with Section 3.01(a)(iii) hereof; and (ii) for as long as there is a balance outstanding under a Promissory Note, the Investor, at its sole discretion, shall have the right, but not the obligation, by the delivery to the Company of Investor Notices, to cause an Advance Notice to be deemed delivered to the Investor and the issuance and sale of Shares to the Investor pursuant to an Advance, on the following terms:

 

(a) Advance Notice. At any time during the Commitment Period, the Company may require the Investor to purchase Shares by delivering an Advance Notice to the Investor, subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Investor of the conditions set forth in Annex III, and in accordance with the following provisions:

 

(i) The Company shall, in its sole discretion, select the number of Advance Shares, not to exceed the Maximum Advance Amount (unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company and the Investor), it desires to issue and sell to the Investor in each Advance Notice, the time it desires to deliver each Advance Notice.

 

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(ii) There shall be no mandatory minimum Advances and there shall be no non-usage fee for not utilizing the Commitment Amount or any part thereof.

 

(iii) For so long as any amount remains outstanding under a Promissory Note, without the prior written consent of the Investor, the Company may only (other than with respect to a deemed Advance Notice pursuant to an Investor Notice) submit an Advance Notice (A) if an Amortization Event has occurred and the obligation of the Company to make monthly prepayments under the Promissory Note has not ceased, and (B) the aggregate purchase price owed to the Company from such Advances (“Advance Proceeds”) shall be paid by the Investor by offsetting the amount of the Advance Proceeds against an equal amount outstanding under the subject Promissory Note (first towards accrued and unpaid interest, and then towards outstanding principal).

 

(b) Investor Notice. At any time during the Commitment Period, provided that there is a balance remaining outstanding under a Promissory Note, the Investor may, by delivering an Investor Notice to the Company, cause an Advance Notice to be deemed delivered to the Investor and the issuance and sale of Shares to the Investor pursuant to an Advance, in accordance with the following provisions:

 

(i) The Investor shall, in its sole discretion, select the amount of the Advance up to the Maximum Advance Amount applicable to the Investor, and the time it desires to deliver each Investor Notice; provided that the amount of the Advance selected shall not exceed the balance owed under all Promissory Notes outstanding on the date of delivery of the Investor Notice.

 

(ii) The Purchase Price of the Shares in respect of any Advance Notice deemed delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice shall be equal to the Conversion Price (as defined in the Promissory Note) that would be applicable to the amount of the Advance selected by the Investor if such amount were to be converted as of the date of delivery of the Investor Notice in accordance with the Promissory Note. The Investor shall pay the Purchase Price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to the Investor Notice by offsetting the amount of the Purchase Price to be paid by the Investor against an equal amount outstanding under a Promissory Note (first towards accrued and unpaid interest, if any, then towards principal).

 

(iii) Each Investor Notice shall set forth the amount of the Advance requested, the Purchase Price (determined in accordance with Section 3.01(b)(ii)) along with a report by Bloomberg L.P. indicating the relevant VWAP used in calculating the Conversion Price, the number of Shares to be issued by the Company and purchased by the Investor, the aggregate amount of accrued and unpaid interest under the subject Promissory Note (if any) that shall be offset by the issuance of Shares, the aggregate amount of principal of the Promissory Note that shall be offset by the issuance of Shares, and the total amount of the applicable Promissory Note or Promissory Notes that shall be outstanding following the closing of the Advance, and each Investor Notice shall serve as the Settlement Document in respect of such Advance.

 

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(iv) Upon the delivery of an Investor Notice, a corresponding Advance Notice shall simultaneously and automatically be deemed to have been delivered by the Company to the Investor requesting the amount of the Advance set forth in the Investor Notice, and any conditions precedent to such Advance Notice under the terms of this Agreement that have not been satisfied shall be deemed to have been waived by the Investor.

 

(c) Date of Delivery of Advance Notice. Advance Notices shall be delivered in accordance with the instructions set forth on the bottom of Exhibit C attached hereto. An Advance Notice shall be deemed delivered on (i) the day it is received by the Investor if such notice is received by e-mail at or before 9:00 a.m. New York City time (or at such later time if agreed to by the Investor in its sole discretion), or (ii) the immediately succeeding day if it is received by e-mail after 9:00 a.m. New York City time. An Advance Notice deemed delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice shall be deemed delivered on the same date upon which the Investor Notice is received by the Company. Upon receipt of an Advance Notice, the Investor shall promptly provide written confirmation (which may be by e-mail) of receipt of such Advance Notice.

 

Section 3.02 Advance Limitations, Regulatory. Regardless of the Advance requested in an Advance Notice, including an Advance Notice deemed delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice (except with respect to the limitations in 3.02(b) and 3.02(d) below, which shall not apply to Investor Notices), and notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, the final number of Shares to be issued and sold pursuant to such Advance Notice shall be reduced (if at all) in accordance with each of the following limitations:

 

(a) Ownership Limitation; Commitment Amount. At the request of the Company, the Investor shall inform the Company of the number of Common Shares the Investor beneficially owns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Investor shall not be obligated to purchase or acquire, and shall not purchase or acquire, any Common Shares under this Agreement which, when aggregated with all other Common Shares beneficially owned by the Investor and its Affiliates (as calculated pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and Rule 13d-3 promulgated thereunder), would result in the beneficial ownership by the Investor and its Affiliates (on an aggregated basis) of a number of Common Shares exceeding 4.99% of the then outstanding voting power or number of Common Shares (the “Ownership Limitation”). Upon the written request of the Investor, the Company shall promptly (but no later than the next Business Day on which the transfer agent for the Common Shares is open for business) confirm orally or in writing to the Investor the number of Common Shares then outstanding. In connection with each Advance Notice, any portion of an Advance that would (i) cause the Investor to exceed the Ownership Limitation or (ii) cause the aggregate number of Shares issued and sold to the Investor hereunder to exceed the Commitment Amount shall automatically be withdrawn with no further action required by the Company, and such Advance Notice shall be deemed automatically modified to reduce the Advance by an amount equal to such withdrawn portion; provided that in the event of any such automatic withdrawal and automatic modification, the Investor will promptly notify the Company of such event.

 

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(b) Registration Limitation. In no event shall an Advance exceed the number of Common Shares registered in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby under the Registration Statement then in effect (the “Registration Limitation”). In connection with each Advance Notice, any portion of an Advance that would exceed the Registration Limitation shall automatically be withdrawn with no further action required by the Company and such Advance Notice shall be deemed automatically modified to reduce the aggregate amount of the requested Advance by an amount equal to such withdrawn portion; provided that in the event of any such automatic withdrawal and automatic modification, the Investor will promptly notify the Company of such event.

 

(c) Compliance with Rules of Principal Market. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company shall not affect any sales under this Agreement and the Investor shall not have the obligation to purchase Common Shares under this Agreement to the extent (but only to the extent) that after giving effect to such purchase and sale the aggregate number of Common Shares issued under this Agreement would exceed 19.99% of the aggregate number of Common Shares issued and outstanding as of the Effective Date (subject to adjustment for any stock splits, combinations or the like), calculated in accordance with the rules of the Principal Market, which number shall be reduced, on a share-for-share basis, by the number of Common Shares issued or issuable pursuant to any transaction or series of transactions that may be aggregated with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the applicable rules of the Principal Market (such maximum number of shares, the “Exchange Cap”) provided that, the Exchange Cap will not apply if the Company’s stockholders have approved the issuance of Common Shares pursuant to this Agreement in excess of the Exchange Cap in accordance with the applicable rules of the Principal Market. In connection with each Advance Notice, any portion of an Advance that would exceed the Exchange Cap shall automatically be withdrawn with no further action required by the Company and such Advance Notice shall be deemed automatically modified to reduce the aggregate amount of the requested Advance by an amount equal to such withdrawn portion in respect of each Advance Notice.

 

Section 3.03 Advance Limitations, Minimum Acceptable Price.

 

(a) With respect to each Advance Notice the Company may notify the Investor of the Minimum Acceptable Price with respect to such Advance by indicating a Minimum Acceptable Price on such Advance Notice. If no Minimum Acceptable Price is specified in an Advance Notice, then no Minimum Acceptable Price shall be in effect in connection with such Advance. Each Trading Day during the Pricing Period for which (A) with respect to each Advance Notice with a Minimum Acceptable Price, the VWAP of the Common Shares is below the Minimum Acceptable Price in effect with respect to such Advance Notice, or (B) there is no VWAP (each such day, in the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), an “Excluded Day”), shall result in an automatic reduction to the number of Advance Shares set forth in such Advance Notice by one third (1/3) (the resulting amount of each Advance being the “Adjusted Advance Amount”), and each Excluded Day shall be excluded from the Pricing Period for purposes of determining the Market Price.

 

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(b) The total Advance Shares in respect of each Advance with any Excluded Day(s) (after reductions have been made to arrive at the Adjusted Advance Amount) shall be automatically increased by such number of Common Shares (the “Additional Shares”) equal to the greater of (a) the number of Common Shares sold by the Investor on such Excluded Day(s), if any, or (b) such number of Common Shares elected to be subscribed for by the Investor, and the subscription price per share for each Additional Share shall be equal to the Minimum Acceptable Price in effect with respect to such Advance Notice multiplied by 97%, provided that this increase shall not cause the total Advance Shares to exceed the amount set forth in the applicable Advance Notice or any limitations set forth in Section 3.02.

 

Section 3.04 Unconditional Contract. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the Company and the Investor acknowledge and agree that upon the Investor’s receipt of a valid Advance Notice from the Company the Parties shall be deemed to have entered into an unconditional contract binding on both Parties for the purchase and sale of the applicable number of Advance Shares pursuant to such Advance Notice in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and (i) subject to Applicable Laws and (ii) subject to Section 7.22, the Investor may sell Common Shares during the Pricing Period for such Advance Notice (including with respect to any Advance Shares subject to such Pricing Period).

 

Section 3.05 Closings. The closing of each Advance and each sale and purchase of Advance Shares (whether pursuant to an Advance Notice delivered by the Company or in connection with an Advance Notice deemed delivered by the Company in connection with an Investor Notice) (each, a “Closing”) shall take place as soon as practicable on or after each applicable Advance Date in accordance with the procedures set forth below. The Company acknowledges that, other than in connection with an Investor Notice, the Purchase Price is not known at the time an Advance Notice is delivered (at which time the Investor is irrevocably bound) but shall be determined on each Closing based on the daily prices of the Common Shares that are the inputs to the determination of the Purchase Price. In connection with each Closing, the Company and the Investor shall fulfill each of its obligations as set forth below:

 

(a) On or prior to each Advance Date, the Investor shall deliver to the Company a Settlement Document along with a report by Bloomberg L.P. (or, if not reported on Bloomberg L.P., another reporting service reasonably agreed to by the parties) indicating the VWAP for each of the Trading Days during the Pricing Period or period for determining the applicable Conversion Price, in each case in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. In connection with an Investor Notice, the Investor Notice shall serve as the Settlement Document.

 

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(b) Promptly after receipt of the Settlement Document with respect to each Advance (and, in any event, not later than one Trading Day after such receipt), the Company will, or will cause its transfer agent to, electronically transfer such number of Advance Shares to be purchased by the Investor (as set forth in the Settlement Document) by crediting the Investor’s account or its designee’s account at the Depository Trust Company through its Deposit Withdrawal at Custodian System or by such other means of delivery as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto, and transmit notification to the Investor that such share transfer has been requested. Promptly upon receipt of such notification, the Investor shall pay to the Company the aggregate purchase price of the Shares (as set forth in the Settlement Document) either (i) in the case of an Advance Notice submitted other than after the occurrence of an Amortization Event, in cash in immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing and transmit notification to the Company that such funds transfer has been requested, or (ii) in the case of an Investor Notice or an Advance Notice submitted after the occurrence of an Amortization Event, as an offset of amounts owed under the Promissory Note as described Section 3.01(b). No fractional shares shall be issued, and any fractional shares that would otherwise be issued in connection with an Advance shall be rounded to the next higher whole number of shares. To facilitate the transfer of the Common Shares by the Investor, the Common Shares will not bear any restrictive legends so long as there is an effective Registration Statement covering the resale of such Common Shares (it being understood and agreed by the Investor that notwithstanding the lack of restrictive legends, the Investor may only sell such Common Shares pursuant to the Plan of Distribution set forth in the Prospectus included in the applicable Registration Statement and otherwise in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act (including any applicable prospectus delivery requirements) or pursuant to an available exemption).

 

(c) On or prior to the Advance Date, each of the Company and the Investor shall deliver to the other all documents, instruments and writings expressly required to be delivered by either of them pursuant to this Agreement in order to implement and effect the transactions contemplated herein.

 

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, other than in respect of Advance Notices deemed to be given pursuant to Investor Notices, if on any day during the Pricing Period (i) the Company notifies Investor that a Material Outside Event has occurred, or (ii) the Company notifies the Investor of a Black Out Period, the parties agree that any pending Advance shall end and the final number of Advance Shares to be purchased by the Investor at the Closing for such Advance shall be equal to the number of Common Shares sold by the Investor during the applicable Pricing Period prior to the notification from the Company of a Material Outside Event or Black Out Period.

 

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Section 3.06 Hardship. In the event the Company fails to perform its obligations as mandated in this Agreement after the Investor’s receipt (or deemed receipt, in the case of an Investor Notice) of an Advance Notice, the Company agrees that in addition to and in no way limiting the rights and obligations set forth in Article VI hereto and in addition to any other remedy to which the Investor is entitled at law or in equity, including, without limitation, specific performance, it will hold the Investor harmless against any loss, claim, damage, or expense (including reasonable legal fees and expenses), as incurred, arising out of or in connection with such default by the Company and acknowledges that irreparable damage may occur in the event of any such default. It is accordingly agreed that the Investor shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent such breaches of this Agreement and to specifically enforce (subject to Applicable Laws and the rules of the Principal Market), without the posting of a bond or other security, the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

 

Article IV.

Representations and Warranties of the Investor

 

The Investor represents, warrants, and covenants to the Company, as of the date hereof, as of each Advance Notice Date and as of each Advance Date that:

 

Section 4.01 Organization and Authorization. The Investor is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands and has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and to purchase or acquire the Shares in accordance with the terms hereof. The decision to invest and the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party by the Investor, the performance by the Investor of its obligations hereunder and the consummation by the Investor of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized and require no other proceedings on the part of the Investor. The undersigned has the right, power and authority to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and all other instruments on behalf of the Investor or its shareholders. This Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly executed and delivered by the Investor and, assuming the execution and delivery hereof and acceptance thereof by the Company, will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Investor, enforceable against the Investor in accordance with its terms.

 

Section 4.02 Evaluation of Risks. The Investor has such knowledge and experience in financial, tax and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of, and bearing the economic risks entailed by, an investment in the Common Shares and of protecting its interests in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. The Investor acknowledges and agrees that its investment in the Company involves a high degree of risk, and that the Investor may lose all or a part of its investment.

 

Section 4.03 No Legal, Investment or Tax Advice from the Company. The Investor acknowledges that it had the opportunity to review the Transaction Documents, and the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents with its own legal counsel and investment and tax advisors. The Investor is relying solely on such counsel and advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of the Company’s representatives or agents for legal, tax, investment or other advice with respect to the Investor’s acquisition of Common Shares hereunder, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the laws of any jurisdiction, and the Investor acknowledges that the Investor may lose all or a part of its investment.

 

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Section 4.04 Investment Purpose. The Investor is acquiring the Common Shares and any Promissory Note for its own account, for investment purposes and not with a view towards, or for resale in connection with, the public sale or distribution thereof, except pursuant to sales registered under or exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act; provided, however, that by making the representations herein, the Investor does not agree, or make any representation or warranty, to hold any of the Shares for any minimum or other specific term and reserves the right to dispose of the Shares at any time in accordance with, or pursuant to, a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement or an applicable exemption under the Securities Act. The Investor does not presently have any agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any Person to sell or distribute any of the Shares. This Investor is acquiring the Shares and the Promissory Note hereunder in the ordinary course of its business.

 

Section 4.05 Accredited Investor. The Investor is an “Accredited Investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a)(3) of Regulation D.

 

Section 4.06 Reliance on Exemptions. The Investor understands that the Common Shares are being offered and sold to it in reliance on specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying in part upon the truth and accuracy of, and the Investor’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Investor set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Investor to acquire the Common Shares.

 

Section 4.07 Information. The Investor and its advisors (and its counsel), if any, have been furnished with all materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information the Investor deemed material to making an informed investment decision. The Investor and its advisors (and its counsel), if any, have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management and have received answers to such questions. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigations conducted by such Investor or its advisors (and its counsel), if any, or its representatives shall modify, amend or affect the Investor’s right to rely on the Company’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement. The Investor acknowledges and agrees that the Company has not made to the Investor, and the Investor acknowledges and agrees it has not relied upon, any representations and warranties of the Company, its employees or any third party other than the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement. The Investor understands that its investment involves a high degree of risk. The Investor has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice, as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 4.08 Not an Affiliate. The Investor is not an officer, director or a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company or any “Affiliate” of the Company (as that term is defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act).

 

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Section 4.09 General Solicitation. Neither the Investor, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged or will engage in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D) in connection with any offer or sale of the Common Shares by the Investor. The Investor became interested in purchasing the Common Shares solely because of a substantive, pre-existing relationship with the Company and direct contact by the Company or one or more of its officers, directors, controlling persons, or agents, and the Investor acknowledges that neither the Company nor any other person offered to sell the Common Shares to it by means of any form of general solicitation or advertising, including but not limited to: (A) any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or (B) any seminar or meeting whose attendees were invited by any general solicitation or general advertising.

 

Section 4.10 Trading Activities. The Investor has not directly or indirectly, nor has any Person acting on behalf of or pursuant to any understanding with the Investor, engaged in any transactions in the securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any Short Sales (as defined below) involving the Company’s securities) during the period commencing as of the time that the Investor first contacted the Company or the Company’s agents regarding the specific investment in the Company contemplated by this Agreement and ending immediately prior to the execution of this Agreement by the Investor.

 

Section 4.11 Non-US Investor. If the Investor is not a United States person (as defined by Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code), the Investor hereby represents that it has satisfied itself as to the full observance of the laws of its jurisdiction in connection with any offer or sale of the Common Shares, including (a) the legal requirements within its jurisdiction for the purchase of the Common Shares, (b) any foreign exchange restrictions applicable to such purchase, (c) any governmental or other consents that may need to be obtained, and (d) the income tax and other tax consequences, if any, that may be relevant to the purchase, holding, redemption, sale, or transfer of the Common Shares.

 

Section 4.12 Designated Parties. Neither the Investor, nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, stockholders or partners, is: (a) organized under the laws of, ordinarily resident in, or located in a country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive laws and regulations pertaining to trade and economic sanctions administered by the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom (collectively, “Sanctions”) (which as of the date of this Agreement comprise Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine (“Restricted Countries”)); (b) 50% or more owned or controlled by the government of a Restricted Country; or (c) (i) designated on a sanctioned parties list administered by the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom, including, without limitation, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, Foreign Sanctions Evaders List, Sectoral Sanctions Identification List, the Consolidated List of Persons, Groups, and Entities Subject to EU Financial Sanctions, and the UK’s Consolidated Sanctions List (collectively, “Designated Parties”); or (i) 50% or more owned or, where relevant under applicable Sanctions, controlled, individually or in the aggregate, by one or more Designated Party, in each case only to the extent that dealings with such persons are prohibited pursuant to applicable Sanctions.

 

Section 4.13 Applicable Jurisdiction. The office of the Investor in which it has its principal place of business is identified in the address of the Investor set forth in Article XI.

 

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Article V.

Representations and Warranties of the Company

 

Except as set forth in the SEC Documents, the Company represents and warrants to the Investor that, as of the date hereof, each Advance Notice Date and each Advance Date (other than representations and warranties which address matters only as of a certain date, which shall be true and correct as written as of such certain date):

 

Section 5.01 Organization and Qualification. The Company, and each of its Subsidiaries are entities duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of their respective jurisdiction of organization and has the requisite power and authority to own its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.02 Authorization, Enforcement, Compliance with Other Instruments. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to issue the Shares in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Shares) have been or (with respect to consummation) will be duly authorized by each company’s board of directors and no further consent or authorization will be required by the Company, its board of directors or its shareholders except where necessary to issue Shares in excess of the Exchange Cap. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party have been (or, when executed and delivered, will be) duly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the execution and delivery thereof and acceptance by the Investor, constitute (or, when duly executed and delivered, will be) the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity or applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation or other laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of applicable creditors’ rights and remedies and except as rights to indemnification and to contribution may be limited by federal or state securities law.

 

Section 5.03 Authorization of the Shares. The Shares to be issued under this Agreement have been, or with respect to Shares to be purchased by the Investor pursuant to an Advance Notice, will be, when issued and delivered pursuant to the terms approved by the board of directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof, or a duly authorized executive committee, against payment therefor as provided herein, duly and validly authorized and issued and fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of any pledge, lien, encumbrance, security interest or other claim, including any statutory or contractual preemptive rights, resale rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights, and will be registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act. The Shares, when issued, will conform to the description thereof set forth in or incorporated into the Prospectus. As of the date of each Pre-Advance Closing, and at all times thereafter, the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized capital stock not less than the number of shares of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of all Promissory Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) such Promissory Note is convertible at a conversion price equal to the Floor Price as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Promissory Note set forth therein).

 

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Section 5.04 No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Shares) will not (i) result in a violation of the articles of incorporation or other organizational documents of the Company, or any Subsidiaries (with respect to consummation, as the same may be amended prior to the date on which any of the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated), (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which the Company, or any Subsidiaries is a party, or (iii) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree (including federal and state securities laws and regulations) applicable to the Company or any Subsidiaries or by which any property or asset of the Company, or any Subsidiaries is bound or affected except, in the case of clause (ii) or (iii) above, to the extent such violations have not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.05 Acknowledgment. The Company understands and acknowledges that the number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of the Promissory Notes will increase in certain circumstances. The Company further acknowledges its obligation to issue the Common Shares upon conversion of the Promissory Notes in accordance with the terms thereof or upon delivery of an Advance Notice (including upon receipt of an Investor Notice) is absolute and unconditional regardless of the dilutive effect that such issuance may have on the ownership interests of other stockholders of the Company.

 

Section 5.06 SEC Documents; Financial Statements. Since the Company has been subject to the requirements of Section 12 of the Exchange Act, the Company has filed all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by it with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, the Current Report, each Registration Statement, as the same may be amended from time to time, the Prospectus contained therein and each Prospectus Supplement thereto, and all information contained in such filings and all documents and disclosures that have been or may in the future be incorporated by reference therein (all such documents hereinafter referred to as the “SEC Documents,” and which, for the avoidance of doubt shall also include the Form S-4) and all such filings required to be filed within the last 12 months (or since the Company has been subject to the requirements of Section 12 of the Exchange Act, if shorter) have been made on a timely basis (giving effect to permissible extensions in accordance with Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act). The Company has delivered or made available to the Investor through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, true and complete copies of the SEC Documents, as applicable. Except as disclosed in amendments or subsequent filings to the SEC Documents, as of its filing date (or, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date hereof, on the date of such amended or superseded filing), each of the SEC Documents complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder applicable to the SEC Documents, and did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

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Section 5.07 Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents (including the Form S-4), together with the related notes and schedules, present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity of the Company for the periods specified and have been prepared in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act and Exchange Act and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis (except for (i) such adjustments to accounting standards and practices as are noted therein, (ii) in the case of unaudited interim financial statements, to the extent such financial statements may not include footnotes required by GAAP or may be condensed or summary statements and (iii) such adjustments which are not material, either individually or in the aggregate) during the periods involved; the other financial and statistical data with respect to the Company and the Subsidiaries contained or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents are accurately and fairly presented and prepared on a basis consistent with the financial statements and books and records of the Company; there are no financial statements (historical or pro forma) that are required to be included or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents that are not included or incorporated by reference as required; the Company and the Subsidiaries do not have any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations), not described in the SEC Documents (excluding the exhibits thereto); and all disclosures contained or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC) comply in all material respects with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, to the extent applicable.

 

Section 5.08 Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Company and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement meet the requirements for and comply with the conditions for the use of Form S-1 under the Securities Act. Each Registration Statement and the offer and sale of Shares as contemplated hereby, if and when filed, will meet the requirements of Rule 415 under the Securities Act and comply in all material respects with said rule. Any statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to be described in a Registration Statement or a Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or to be filed as exhibits to a Registration Statement have been so described or filed. Copies of each Registration Statement, any Prospectus, and any such amendments or supplements thereto and all documents incorporated by reference therein that were filed with the SEC on or prior to the date of this Agreement have been delivered, or are available through EDGAR, to the Investor and its counsel. The Company has not distributed and, prior to the later to occur of each Advance Notice Date and completion of the distribution of the Shares, will not distribute any offering material in connection with the offering or sale of the Shares other than a Registration Statement, the Prospectus contained therein, and any required prospectus supplement, in each case as reviewed and consented to by the Investor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.

 

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Section 5.09 No Misstatement or Omission. Each Registration Statement, when it became or becomes effective, and any Prospectus, on the date of such Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, conformed and will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act. At each Advance Notice Date and Advance Date, the Registration Statement, and the Prospectus, as of such date, will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act. Each Registration Statement, when it became or becomes effective, did not, and will not, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. Each Prospectus did not, or will not, include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The documents incorporated by reference in a Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement did not, and any further documents filed and incorporated by reference therein will not, when filed with the SEC, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated in such document or necessary to make the statements in such document, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The foregoing shall not apply to statements in, or omissions from, any such document made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Company by the Investor specifically for use in the preparation thereof.

 

Section 5.10 Conformity with Securities Act and Exchange Act. Each Registration Statement, each Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, and the documents incorporated by reference in each Registration Statement, Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, when such documents were or are filed with the SEC under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or became or become effective under the Securities Act, as the case may be, conformed or will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as applicable.

 

Section 5.11 Equity Capitalization.

 

(a) Authorized and Outstanding Capital Stock. As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 917,816,948 shares of which (i) 906,816,948 shares are common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), which is subdivided into two series consisting of 900,000,000 shares designated as Class A Ordinary Common Stock, (the “Class A Common Stock”), of which 567,098,640 are issued and outstanding, and 6,816,948 shares designated as Class B Super Common Stock (the “Class B Common Stock”), of which 6,816,948 shares are issued and outstanding and (ii) 1,000,000 shares are preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Preferred Stock”), of which no shares our outstanding. As of the date hereof, the Company has reserved _______________________ Common Shares for issuance to parties or Persons other than the Investor.

 

(b) Valid Issuance; Available Shares. All of such outstanding shares are duly authorized and have been validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.

 

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(c) Existing Securities; Obligations. Except as disclosed in the SEC Documents: (A) none of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s shares, interests or capital stock is subject to preemptive rights or any other similar rights or liens suffered or permitted by the Company or any Subsidiary; (B) there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any shares, interests or capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to issue additional shares, interests or capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any shares, interests or capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (C) there are no agreements or arrangements under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to register the sale of any of their securities under the Securities Act (except pursuant to this Agreement); (D) there are no outstanding securities or instruments of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which contain any redemption or similar provisions, and there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to redeem a security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (E) there are no securities or instruments containing anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by the issuance of the Shares; and (F) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has entered into any Variable Rate Transaction.

 

Section 5.12 Intellectual Property Rights. The Company and its Subsidiaries own or possess adequate rights or licenses to use all material trademarks, trade names, service marks, service mark registrations, service names, patents, patent rights, copyrights, inventions, licenses, approvals, governmental authorizations, trade secrets and rights, if any, necessary to conduct their respective businesses as now conducted, except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries have not received written notice of any infringement by the Company or its Subsidiaries of trademark, trade name rights, patents, patent rights, copyrights, inventions, licenses, service names, service marks, service mark registrations, or trade secrets, except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, there is no claim, action or proceeding being made or brought against, or to the Company’s knowledge, being threatened against the Company or its Subsidiaries regarding trademark, trade name, patents, patent rights, invention, copyright, license, service names, service marks, service mark registrations, trade secret or other infringement; and, except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances which might give rise to any of the foregoing.

 

Section 5.13 Employee Relations. Neither the Company nor or any of its Subsidiaries is involved in any labor dispute nor, to the knowledge of the Company, or any of its Subsidiaries, has any such dispute threatened, in each case which is reasonable likely to cause a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 5.14 Environmental Laws. The Company and its Subsidiaries (i) have not received written notice alleging any failure to comply in all material respects with all Environmental Laws (as defined below), (ii) have received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (iii) have not received written notice alleging any failure to comply with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except, in each of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The term “Environmental Laws” means all applicable federal, state and local laws relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata), including, without limitation, laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, or toxic or hazardous substances or wastes (collectively, “Hazardous Materials”) into the environment, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials, as well as all authorizations, codes, decrees, demands or demand letters, injunctions, judgments, licenses, notices or notice letters, orders, permits, plans or regulations issued, entered, promulgated or approved thereunder.

 

Section 5.15 Title. Except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company (or its Subsidiaries) has indefeasible fee simple or leasehold title to its properties and material assets owned by it, free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrance, claim or equitable interest other than such as are not material to the business of the Company. Any real property and facilities held under lease by the Company and its Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

Section 5.16 Insurance. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as management of the Company believes to be prudent and customary in the businesses in which the Company and its Subsidiaries are engaged. The Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.17 Regulatory Permits. Except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries possess all material certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to own their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any such Subsidiary has received any written notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authorization or permits.

 

Section 5.18 Internal Accounting Controls. The Company [maintains a system of internal accounting controls] sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences, and management is not aware of any material weaknesses that are not disclosed in the SEC Documents as and when required.

 

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Section 5.19 Absence of Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending against or affecting the Company, the Common Shares or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries, wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding would have or be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.20 Absence of Certain Changes. Since the date of the Company’s most recent audited financial statements contained in the Form S-4 or in a Form 10-K, as applicable, there has been no Material Adverse Effect, nor any event or occurrence specifically affecting the Company, or its Subsidiaries that would be reasonably expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of the Company’s most recent audited financial statements contained in the Form S-4 or in a Form 10-K, as applicable, except as disclosed in the SEC Documents, neither the Company, nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i) declared or paid any dividends, (ii) sold any material assets, individually or in the aggregate, outside of the ordinary course of business, or (iii) made any material capital expenditures, individually or in the aggregate, outside of the ordinary course of business. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any steps to seek protection pursuant to any law or statute relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, liquidation or winding up, nor does the Company or any Subsidiary have any knowledge or reason to believe that any of their respective creditors intend to initiate involuntary bankruptcy proceedings. The Company is Solvent.

 

Section 5.21 Tax Status. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries (i) has timely filed (including any filings under lawful extension) all foreign, federal and state income and all other tax returns, reports and declarations required by any jurisdiction to which it is subject, (ii) has timely paid all taxes and other governmental assessments and charges that are material in amount, shown or determined to be due on such returns, reports and declarations, except those being contested in good faith and (iii) has set aside on its books provision reasonably adequate for the payment of all taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such returns, reports or declarations apply. The Company has not received written notification of any unpaid taxes in any material amount claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction, and the officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries know of no basis for any such claim where the failure to pay would have or would be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.22 Certain Transactions. Except as not required to be disclosed pursuant to Applicable Laws, none of the officers or directors of the Company are presently a party to any transaction with the Company (other than for services as employees, officers and directors), including any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from any officer or director, or to the knowledge of the Company, any corporation, partnership, trust or other entity in which any officer or director has a substantial interest or is an officer, director, trustee or partner.

 

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Section 5.23 Rights of First Refusal. The Company and its Subsidiaries are not obligated to offer the Common Shares or the Promissory Notes offered hereunder on a right of first refusal basis or otherwise to any third parties including, but not limited to, current or former stockholders of the Company, underwriters, brokers, agents or other third parties.

 

Section 5.24 Dilution. The Company and SharonAI is aware and acknowledges that issuance of Common Shares hereunder could cause dilution to existing stockholders and could significantly increase the outstanding number of Common Shares.

 

Section 5.25 Acknowledgment Regarding Investor’s Purchase of Shares. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Investor is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length investor with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder. The Company further acknowledge that the Investor is not acting as a financial advisor or fiduciary of the Company (or in any similar capacity) with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder and any advice given by the Investor or any of its representatives or agents in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder is merely incidental to the Investor’s purchase of the Shares hereunder or the Promissory Note. The Company is aware and acknowledges that it shall not be able to request Advances under this Agreement if a Registration Statement is not effective or if any issuances of Common Shares pursuant to any Advances would violate any rules of the Principal Market. The Company acknowledges and agrees that it is capable of evaluating and understanding, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 5.26 Finder’s Fees. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has incurred any liability for any finder’s fees, brokerage commissions or similar payments in connection with the transactions herein contemplated.

 

Section 5.27 Relationship of the Parties. Neither the Company, nor any of its Subsidiaries, affiliates, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any person acting on its or their behalf is a client or customer of the Investor or any of its affiliates and neither the Investor nor any of its affiliates has provided, or will provide, any services to the Company or any of its affiliates, its subsidiaries, or, to the knowledge of the Company, any person acting on its or their behalf. The Investor’s relationship to Company is solely as investor as provided for in the Transaction Documents.

 

Section 5.28 Operations. The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with all material Applicable Law and neither the Company nor the Subsidiaries, nor any director, officer, or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any agent, affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary has, not complied in all material respects with all material Applicable Law; and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any governmental authority involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to Applicable Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

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Section 5.29 Forward-Looking Statements. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, no forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in the Registration Statement or a Prospectus prepared pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement will be made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.

 

Section 5.30 Compliance with Laws. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with Applicable Law; the Company has not received a notice of non-compliance, nor knows of, nor has reasonable grounds to know of, any facts that any director, officer, or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any agent, Affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary has, has not complied with Applicable Laws, or could give rise to a notice of non-compliance with Applicable Laws; in each case that would have or would be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.31 Sanctions Matters. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer or controlled Affiliate of the Company or any director or officer of any Subsidiary, is a Person that is, or is owned or controlled by a Person that is (i) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authorities, including, without limitation, designation on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List or OFAC’s Foreign Sanctions Evaders List or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), or (ii) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions that broadly prohibit dealings with that country or territory (including, without limitation, the Crimea, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions of Ukraine, the Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic in Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan and Syria (the “Sanctioned Countries”)). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds from the sale of Advance Shares or any Pre-Paid Advance, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person (a) for the purpose of funding or facilitating any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject of Sanctions or is a Sanctioned Country, or (b) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions or Applicable Laws by any Person (including any Person participating in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise). For the past five years, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in, and is now not engaged in, any dealings or transactions with any Person, or in any country or territory, that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject of Sanctions or was a Sanctioned Country. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any director, officer or controlled Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has ever had funds blocked by a United States bank or financial institution, temporarily or otherwise, as a result of OFAC concerns.

 

Section 5.32 General Solicitation. Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged or will engage in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D) in connection with the offer or sale of the Common Shares.

 

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Article VI.

Indemnification

 

The Investor, and the Company represent to the other the following with respect to itself:

 

Section 6.01 Indemnification by the Company. In consideration of the Investor’s execution and delivery of this Agreement and acquiring the Shares hereunder, and in addition to all of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, the Company shall defend, protect, indemnify and hold harmless the Investor, its investment manager, Yorkville Advisors Global, LP, and their respective Affiliates, and each of the foregoing’s respective officers, directors, managers, members, partners, employees and agents (including, without limitation, those retained in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) and each person who controls any of the foregoing within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (collectively, the “Investor Indemnitees”) from and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, claims, losses, costs, penalties, fees, liabilities and damages, and reasonable and documented expenses in connection therewith (irrespective of whether any such Investor Indemnitee is a party to the action for which indemnification hereunder is sought), and including reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees and disbursements (the “Indemnified Liabilities”), incurred by the Investor Indemnitees or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to (a) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement for the registration of the Shares as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any related prospectus, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Investor specifically for inclusion therein; (b) any material misrepresentation or breach of any material representation or material warranty made by the Company in this Agreement or any other certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby; or (c) any material breach of any material covenant, material agreement or material obligation of the Company contained in this Agreement or any other certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby. To the extent that the foregoing undertaking by the Company may be unenforceable under Applicable Law, the Company shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities, which is permissible under Applicable Law.

 

Section 6.02 Indemnification by the Investor. In consideration of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, and in addition to all of the Investor’s other obligations under this Agreement, the Investor shall defend, protect, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, Company, and all of its officers, directors, stockholders, employees and agents (including, without limitation, those retained in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (collectively, the “Company Indemnitees”) from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by the Company Indemnitees or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to (a) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material

 

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fact contained in the Registration Statement for the registration of the Shares as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any related prospectus, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that the Investor will only be liable for written information relating to the Investor furnished to the Company or by or on behalf of the Investor specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing indemnity, and will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Investor by or on behalf of the Company specifically for inclusion therein; (b) any misrepresentation or breach of any representation or warranty made by the Investor in this Agreement or any instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby executed by the Investor; or (c) any breach of any covenant, agreement or obligation of the Investor contained in this Agreement or any other certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby executed by the Investor. To the extent that the foregoing undertaking by the Investor may be unenforceable under Applicable Laws, the Investor shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities, which is permissible under Applicable Laws.

 

Section 6.03 Notice of Claim. Promptly after receipt by an Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving an Indemnified Liability, such Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee, as applicable, shall, if a claim for an Indemnified Liability in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Article VI, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof; but the failure to so notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it of liability under this Article VI except to the extent the indemnifying party is prejudiced by such failure. The indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume control of the defense thereof with counsel mutually reasonably satisfactory to the indemnifying party and the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee, as the case may be; provided, however, that an Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee shall have the right to retain its own counsel with the actual and reasonable third party fees and expenses of not more than one counsel for such Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee to be paid by the indemnifying party, if, in the reasonable opinion of counsel retained by the indemnifying party, the representation by such counsel of the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee and the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee shall cooperate fully with the indemnifying party in connection with any negotiation or defense of any such action or claim by the indemnifying party and shall furnish to the indemnifying party all information reasonably available to the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee which relates to such action or claim. The indemnifying party shall keep the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee reasonably apprised as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its prior written consent, provided,

 

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however, that the indemnifying party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated to all rights of the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the matter for which indemnification has been made. The indemnification required by this Article VI shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received and payment therefor is due.

 

Section 6.04 Remedies. The remedies provided for in this Article VI are not exclusive and shall not limit any right or remedy which may be available to any indemnified person at law or equity. The obligations of the parties to indemnify or make contribution under this Article VI shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 6.05 Limitation of liability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Party shall seek, nor shall any be entitled to recover from the other Party, nor be liable for, punitive or exemplary damages.

 

Article VII.
Covenants

 

The Company covenants with the Investor, and the Investor covenants with the Company, as follows, which covenants of one party are for the benefit of the other party, during the term of this Agreement:

 

Section 7.01 Effective Registration Statement. During the Commitment Period, the Company shall maintain the continuous effectiveness of each Registration Statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act pursuant to and in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; provided, however, that in the event there are no Pre-Paid Advances outstanding, the Company shall only be required to use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the continuous effectiveness of the Registration Statement and each subsequent Registration Statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act pursuant to and in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement. During such time that the Investor is informed that a Registration Statement is no longer effective, the Investor agrees not to sell any Common Shares pursuant to such Registration Statement, but may sell shares pursuant to an exemption from registration, if available, subject to the Investor’s compliance with Applicable Laws.

 

Section 7.02 Registration and Listing. The Company shall cause the Common Shares to continue to be registered as a class of securities under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and to comply with its reporting and filing obligations under the Exchange Act, and shall not take any action or file any document (whether or not permitted by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) to terminate or suspend such registration or to terminate or suspend its reporting and filing obligations under the Exchange Act or Securities Act, except as permitted herein. The Company shall continue the listing and trading of its Common Shares and the listing of the Shares purchased by the Investor

 

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hereunder on the Principal Market and to comply with the Company’s reporting, filing and other obligations under the rules and regulations of the Principal Market, if and after the Common Shares become listed on the Principal Market after the date of this Agreement. If the Company receives any final and non-appealable notice that the listing or quotation of the Common Shares on the Principal Market shall be terminated on a date certain after the Common Shares have become listed on the Principal Market after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall promptly (and in any case within 24 hours) notify the Investor of such fact in writing and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Common Shares to be listed or quoted on another Principal Market.

 

Section 7.03 Reserved.

 

Section 7.04 Blue Sky. The Company shall take such action, if any, as is necessary by the Company in order to obtain an exemption for or to qualify the Shares for sale by the Company to the Investor pursuant to the Transaction Documents, and at the request of the Investor, the subsequent resale of Registrable Securities by the Investor, in each case, under applicable state securities or “Blue Sky” laws and shall provide evidence of any such action so taken to the Investor from time to time during the Commitment Period; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (x) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify, (y) subject itself to general taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction. The Company shall promptly notify the Investor of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the registration or qualification of any of the Common Shares for sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in the United States or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

Section 7.05 Suspension of Registration Statement.

 

(a) Establishment of a Black Out Period. During the Commitment Period, the Company from time to time may suspend the use of a Registration Statement by written notice to the Investor in the event that the Company determines in good faith that such suspension is necessary to (i) delay the disclosure of material non-public information concerning the Company, the disclosure of which at the time is not, in the good faith opinion of the Company, in the best interests of the Company, or (ii) amend or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus so that such Registration Statement or Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (a “Black Out Period”).

 

(b) No Sales by Investor During the Black Out Period. During such Black Out Period, the Investor agrees not to sell any Common Shares of the Company pursuant to such Registration Statement, but may sell shares pursuant to an exemption from registration, if available, subject to the Investor’s compliance with Applicable Laws.

 

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(c) Limitations on the Black Out Period. The Company shall not impose any Black Out Period that is longer than 30 days or in a manner that is more restrictive (including, without limitation, as to duration) than the comparable restrictions that the Company may impose on transfers of the Company’s equity securities by its directors and senior executive officers. In addition, the Company shall not deliver any Advance Notice during any Black Out Period. If the public announcement of such material, nonpublic information is made during a Black Out Period, the Black Out Period shall terminate immediately after such announcement, and the Company shall immediately notify the Investor of the termination of the Black Out Period.

 

Section 7.06 Listing of Common Shares. As of each Advance Notice Date and the applicable Advance Date, the Shares to be sold by the Company from time to time hereunder will have been registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and approved for listing on the Principal Market, subject to official notice of issuance.

 

Section 7.07 Opinion of Counsel. Prior to the date of the delivery by the Company of the first Advance Notice and the First Pre-Paid Advance, the Investor shall have received an opinion letter from counsel to the Company in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Investor.

 

Section 7.08 Exchange Act Registration. The Company will file in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of it as a reporting company under the Exchange Act and, during the Commitment Period, will not take any action or file any document (whether or not permitted by Exchange Act or the rules thereunder) to terminate or suspend its reporting and filing obligations under the Exchange Act.

 

Section 7.09 Transfer Agent Instructions. During the Commitment Period (or such shorter time as permitted by Section 2.04 of this Agreement) and subject to Applicable Laws, the Company shall cause (including, if necessary, by causing legal counsel for the Company to deliver an opinion) the transfer agent for the Common Shares to remove restrictive legends from Common Shares purchased by the Investor pursuant to this Agreement, provided that counsel for the Company shall have been furnished with such documents as they may require for the purpose of enabling them to render the opinions or make the statements requested by the transfer agent, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the covenants, obligations or conditions, contained herein.

 

Section 7.10 Corporate Existence. The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve and continue the corporate existence of the Company.

 

Section 7.11 Notice of Certain Events Affecting Registration; Suspension of Right to Make an Advance. The Company will promptly notify the Investor, and confirm in writing, upon its becoming aware of the occurrence of any of the following events in respect of a Registration Statement or related Prospectus (in each of which cases the information provided to Investor will be kept strictly confidential): (i) receipt of any request for additional information by the SEC or any other Federal or state governmental authority during the period of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the response to which would require any post-effective amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or any request for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus; (ii) the issuance by the SEC or any other Federal governmental authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose; (iii) receipt of any

 

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notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Common Shares for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or written threat of any proceeding for such purpose; (iv) the happening of any event that makes any statement made in the Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in the Registration Statement, related Prospectus or documents so that, in the case of the Registration Statement, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and that in the case of the related Prospectus, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or of the necessity to amend the Registration Statement or supplement a related Prospectus to comply with the Securities Act or any other law (and the Company will promptly make available to the Investor any such supplement or amendment to the related Prospectus; provided, however, the Company shall not be required to furnish any document to the extent such document is available on EDGAR); (v) the Company’s reasonable determination that a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement would be required under Applicable Law; (vi) the Common Shares shall cease to be authorized for listing on the Principal Market; or (vii) the Company fails to file in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of it as a reporting company under the Exchange Act. The Company shall not deliver to the Investor any Advance Notice, and the Company shall not sell any Shares pursuant to any pending Advance Notice (other than as required pursuant to Section 3.05(d)), during the continuation of any of the foregoing events (each of the events described in the immediately preceding clauses (i) through (vii), inclusive, a “Material Outside Event”).

 

Section 7.12 Consolidation. If an Advance Notice has been delivered to the Investor, then the Company shall not affect any consolidation of the Company with or into, or a transfer of all or substantially all the assets of the Company to another entity before the transaction contemplated in such Advance Notice has been closed in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, and all Shares in connection with such Advance have been received by the Investor.

 

Section 7.13 Issuance of the Company’s Common Shares. The issuance and sale of the Common Shares hereunder shall be made in accordance with the provisions and requirements of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities law. For purposes of this Section 7.13, Investor agrees that the Company is entitled to rely on the representations and warranties of the Investor set forth in Article IV of this Agreement.

 

Section 7.14 Reservation of Shares. As of the date of this Agreement, and at all times thereafter, the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized capital stock not less than the number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of all Promissory Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) such Promissory Note is convertible at a conversion price equal to the Floor Price as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Promissory Note set forth therein). Unless shareholder approval has previously been obtained, if at any time the number of Common Shares that remain available for issuance under the Exchange Cap have an aggregate market value of less than two

 

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times the outstanding principal balance of all Promissory Notes that are then outstanding (based on a price per Common Share equal to the average VWAP over the prior five (5) Trading Day period), the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to promptly call and hold a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of seeking the approval of its stockholders as required by the applicable rules of the Principal Market, for issuances of shares in excess of the Exchange Cap, and the board of directors of the Company will recommend that the Company’s stockholders vote in favor of such resolution.

 

Section 7.15 Expenses. The Company, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereunder are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, will pay all expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder, including but not limited to (i) the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement and each amendment and supplement thereto, of each Prospectus and of each amendment and supplement thereto; (ii) the preparation, issuance and delivery of any Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement, (iii) all fees and disbursements of the Company’s counsel, accountants and other advisors (but not, for the avoidance doubt, the fees and disbursements of Investor’s counsel, accountants and other advisors), (iv) the qualification of the Shares under securities laws in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, including filing fees in connection therewith, (v) the delivery of copies of any Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto requested by the Investor, (vi) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing or qualification of the Shares for trading on the Principal Market, and (vii) filing fees of the SEC and the Principal Market.

 

Section 7.16 Current Report. The Company shall, not later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day after the date of this Agreement, file with the SEC a current report on Form 8-K describing all the material terms of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents in the form required by the Exchange Act and attaching all the material Transaction Documents (including any exhibits thereto, the “Current Report”). The Company shall provide the Investor and its legal counsel a reasonable opportunity to comment on a draft of the Current Report including any exhibits to be filed related thereto, as applicable, prior to filing the Current Report with the SEC and shall reasonably consider all such comments. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company expressly agrees that from and after the filing of the Current Report with the SEC, the Company shall have publicly disclosed all material, non-public information provided to the Investor (or the Investor’s representatives or agents) by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives (if any) in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries and each of its and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents not to, provide the Investor with any material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries without the express prior written consent of the Investor (which may be granted or withheld in the Investor’s sole discretion and, if granted, must include an agreement to keep such information confidential until publicly disclosed). Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company expressly agrees that it shall publicly disclose in the Current Report or otherwise make publicly available any information communicated to the Investor by or, to the knowledge of the Company, on behalf of the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, which, following the Effective Date would, if not so

 

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disclosed, constitute material, non-public information regarding the Company or its Subsidiaries. The Company understands and confirms that the Investor will rely on the foregoing representations in effecting resales of Shares. In addition, effective upon the filing of the Current Report, the Company acknowledges and agrees that any and all confidentiality or similar obligations with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents under any agreement, whether written or oral, between the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, Affiliates, employees or agents, on the one hand, and Investor or any of its respective officers, directors, Affiliates, employees or agents, on the other hand, shall terminate. Unless specifically agreed to in writing, in no event shall the Investor have a duty of confidentiality or be deemed to have agreed to maintain information in confidence with respect to the delivery of any Advance Notice.

 

Section 7.17 Advance Notice Limitation. The Company shall not deliver an Advance Notice if a shareholder meeting or corporate action, or the record date for any shareholder meeting or any corporate action, would fall during the period beginning two Trading Days prior to the date of delivery of such Advance Notice and ending two Trading Days following the Closing of such Advance.

 

Section 7.18 Use of Proceeds; Subsidiary Guaranty.

 

(a) Use of Proceeds. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary will, without the prior written consent of the Investor directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of any Pre-Paid Advance to repay any advances or loans to any executives, directors, or employees of the Company or any Subsidiary or to make any payments in respect of any related party obligations, including without limitation any payables or notes payable to related parties of the Company or any Subsidiary whether or not such amounts are described on the balance sheets of the Company in any SEC Documents and any Subsidiary or described in any “Related Party Transactions” section of any SEC Documents. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds from the transactions contemplated herein, or lend, contribute, facilitate, or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person (a) for the purpose of funding or facilitating, directly or indirectly, any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions or is a Sanctioned Country, or (b) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions or Applicable Laws by any Person (including any Person participating in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise). The Company shall not without the prior written consent of the Investor loan, invest, transfer or “downstream” any cash proceeds, or assets or property acquired with cash proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Promissory Note to any Subsidiary that has not signed and delivered a Guaranty Agreement to Investor.

 

(b) Prior to the First Pre-Advance Closing, each Subsidiary shall enter into a subsidiary guaranty with the Investor in the form of the Global Guaranty Agreement.

 

Section 7.19 Compliance with Laws. The Company shall comply in all material respects with all Applicable Laws.

 

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Section 7.20 Market Activities. Neither the Company, nor any Subsidiary, nor any of their respective officers, directors or controlling persons will, directly or indirectly, (i) take any action designed to cause or result in, or that constitutes or might reasonably be expected to constitute or result, in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of Common Shares or (ii) sell, bid for, or purchase Common Shares in violation of Regulation M, or pay anyone any compensation for soliciting purchases of the Shares.

 

Section 7.21 Trading Information. Upon the Company’s request, the Investor agrees to provide the Company with trading reports setting forth the number and average sales prices of Common Shares sold by the Investor during the prior trading week.

 

Section 7.22 Selling Restrictions. Except as expressly set forth below, the Investor covenants that from and after the date hereof through and including the Trading Day next following the expiration or termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 10.01 (the “Restricted Period”), none of the Investor any of its officers, or any entity managed or controlled by the Investor (collectively, the “Restricted Persons” and each of the foregoing is referred to herein as a “Restricted Person”) shall, directly or indirectly, engage in any “short sale” (as such term is defined in Rule 200 of Regulation SHO of the Exchange Act) of the Common Shares, either for its own principal account or for the principal account of any other Restricted Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is expressly understood and agreed that nothing contained herein shall (without implication that the contrary would otherwise be true) prohibit any Restricted Person during the Restricted Period from: (1) selling “long” (as defined under Rule 200 promulgated under Regulation SHO) any Common Shares; (2) selling a number of Common Shares equal to the number of Advance Shares that such Restricted Person is unconditionally obligated to purchase under a pending Advance Notice but has not yet received from the Company or the transfer agent pursuant to this Agreement; or (3) selling a number of shares of Common Shares equal to the number of Common Shares that the Investor is entitled to receive, but has not yet received from the Company or the transfer agent, upon the completion of a pending conversion of the Promissory Note for which a valid Conversion Notice (as defined in the Promissory Note) has been submitted to the Company.

 

Section 7.23 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. No Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect. Without the consent of the Investor, the Company shall not have the right to assign or transfer any of its rights or provide any third party the right to bind or obligate the Company, to deliver Advance Notices or effect Advances hereunder.

 

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Section 7.24 No Variable Rate Transactions, Etc.

 

(a) No Frustration. The Company shall not enter into, announce or recommend to its stockholders any agreement, plan, arrangement or transaction in or of which the terms thereof would restrict, materially delay, conflict with or impair the ability or right of the Company to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, including, without limitation, the obligation of the Company to deliver the Shares to the Investor in respect of an Advance Notice (including an Advance Notice deemed delivered in respect of an Investor Notice).

 

(b) No Variable Rate Transactions or Related Party Payments. From the date hereof until the date upon which the Promissory Notes to be issued hereunder has been repaid in full, the Company shall not (i) repay any loans to any executives or employees of the Company or to make any payments in respect of any related party debt, (ii) repay, incur, guaranty, or assume any Indebtedness of Parent other than Permitted Indebtedness, including without limitation, any loans or advances made by the sponsor of Parent or affiliates of its sponsor, unless other funds are raised specifically for the purposes of making such payments or such payments are disclosed in the Form S-4, provided that payments disclosed in the Form S-4 may not be repaid from the funds of any Pre-Paid Advance, or (iii) effect or enter into an agreement to effect any issuance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Common Shares or any security which entitles the holder to acquire Common Shares (or a combination of units thereof) involving a Variable Rate Transaction, other than involving a Variable Rate Transaction with the Investor. The Investor shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief against the Company and its Subsidiaries to preclude any such issuance, which remedy shall be in addition to any right to collect damages, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

(c) During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the date upon which the Promissory Note(s) to be issued hereunder have been repaid in full, the Company shall not affect any reverse stock split or share consolidation, without the prior consent of the Investor, not to be unreasonably withheld, unless the purpose of such reverse stock split or share consolidation is to satisfy or maintain the listing of the Common Shares on the Principal Market.

 

(d) From the date hereof until the Promissory Notes to be issued hereunder have been repaid in full, without the prior written consent of the Investor, neither the Company, nor any Subsidiary shall, directly or indirectly (i) other than Permitted Indebtedness, enter into, create, incur, assume, guarantee or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, or (ii) other than Permitted Liens, enter into, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on or with respect to any of its property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired or any interest therein or any income or profits therefrom.

 

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Article VIII.
Non-Exclusive Agreement

 

Subject to Section 8.01 hereof, this Agreement and the rights awarded to the Investor hereunder are non-exclusive, and the Company may, at any time throughout the term of this Agreement and thereafter, issue and allot, or undertake to issue and allot, any shares and/or securities and/or convertible notes, bonds, debentures, options to acquire shares or other securities and/or other facilities which may be converted into or replaced by Common Shares or other securities of the Company, and to extend, renew and/or recycle any bonds and/or debentures, and/or grant any rights with respect to its existing and/or future share capital.

 

Article IX.
Choice of Law/Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial

 

Section 9.01 This Agreement, and any and all claims, proceedings or causes of action relating to this Agreement or arising from this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, including, without limitation, tort claims, statutory claims and contract claims, shall be interpreted, construed, governed and enforced under and solely in accordance with the substantive and procedural laws of the State of New York, in each case as in effect from time to time and as the same may be amended from time to time, and as applied to agreements performed wholly within the State of New York. The Parties further agree that any action between them shall be heard in New York County, New York, and expressly consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the Supreme Court of New York, sitting in New York County, New York and the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, sitting in New York, New York, for the adjudication of any civil action asserted pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Section 9.02 EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, THE PERFORMANCE THEREOF OR THE FINANCINGS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTY HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS PARAGRAPH.

 

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Article X.

Termination

 

Section 10.01 Termination.

 

(a) Unless earlier terminated as provided hereunder, this Agreement shall terminate automatically on the earlier of (i) the 24-month anniversary of the Effective Date, provided that if any Promissory Notes are then outstanding, such termination shall be delayed until such date that all Promissory Note that were outstanding have been repaid, or (ii) the date on which the Investor shall have made payment of Advances pursuant to this Agreement for Common Shares equal to the Commitment Amount, or (iii) the termination of the Business Combination Agreement without the consummation of the Business Combination.

 

(b) The Company may terminate this Agreement effective upon five Trading Days’ prior written notice to the Investor; provided that (i) there are no outstanding Advance Notices under which Common Shares have yet to be issued, (ii) there is not an outstanding Promissory Note, and (iii) the Company has paid all amounts owed to the Investor pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by the mutual written consent of the parties, effective as of the date of such mutual written consent unless otherwise provided in such written consent.

 

(c) In the event that the Business Combination has not occurred by the Business Combination Deadline (unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Investor), then the Investor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement, effective immediately, at any time on or after the close of business on such date without liability to any other party.

 

(d) Nothing in this Section 10.01 shall be deemed to release the Company or the Investor from any liability for any breach under this Agreement prior to the valid termination hereof, or to impair the rights of the Company and the Investor to compel specific performance by the other party of its obligations under this Agreement prior to the valid termination hereof. The indemnification provisions contained in Article VI shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

Article XI.

Notices

 

Other than with respect to Advance Notices, which must be in writing delivered in accordance with Section 3.01 and will be deemed delivered on the day set forth in Section 2.01(b), any notices, consents, waivers, or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally; (ii) upon receipt, when sent by e-mail if sent on a Trading Day, or, if not sent on a Trading Day, on the immediately following Trading Day; (iii) 5 days after being sent by U.S. certified mail, return receipt requested, or (iv) 1 day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, in each case properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses for such communications (except for Advance Notices which shall be delivered in accordance with Exhibit C hereof) shall be:

 

If to the Company, to:   SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151
Attn: Wolf Schubert
E-mail: CEO

 

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With copies (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:

 

Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

12275 El Camino Real
San Diego, CA 92130-2089

Attn: Chad Ensz, Esq.

E-mail: censz@sheppardmullin.com

     
If to the Investor:  

YA II PN, Ltd.
1012 Springfield Avenue
Mountainside, NJ 07092

    Attn: Mark Angelo
    E-mail: mangelo@yorkvilleadvisors.com
     

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:

 

David Fine, Esq.
1012 Springfield Avenue
Mountainside, NJ 07092

    E-mail: legal@yorkvilleadvisors.com

 

or at such other address and/or e-mail and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party three Business Days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (i) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (ii) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, and recipient email address or (iii) provided by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service shall be rebuttable evidence of delivery in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.

 

Article XII.

Miscellaneous

 

Section 12.01 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, both which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Facsimile or other electronically scanned and delivered signatures (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com), including by e-mail attachment, shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid as originals and effective for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

Section 12.02 Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes all other prior oral or written agreements between the Investor, the Company, their respective Affiliates and persons acting on their behalf with respect to the matters discussed herein, and this Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered herein and, except as specifically set forth herein, neither the Company nor the Investor makes any representation, warranty, covenant or undertaking with respect to such matters. No provision of this Agreement may be waived or amended other than by an instrument in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement.

 

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Section 12.03 Reporting Entity for Common Shares. The reporting entity relied upon for the determination of the trading price or trading volume of the Common Shares on any given Trading Day for the purposes of this Agreement shall be Bloomberg L.P. or any successor thereto. The written mutual consent of the Investor and the Company shall be required to employ any other reporting entity.

 

Section 12.04 Commitment and Structuring Fee. Each of the parties shall pay its own fees and expenses (including the fees of any attorneys, accountants, appraisers or others engaged by such party) in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except that the Company or SharonAI has already paid the Investor or its designee a structuring fee in the amount of $25,000. The Company shall pay a commitment fee to the Investor in an amount equal to 1.00% of the Commitment Amount (the “Commitment Fee”), which shall be due and payable on the earliest of (a) the date of effectiveness of the initial Registration Statement, (b) the Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), and (c) the 180th day from the date hereof. The Commitment Fee may be paid, at the option of the Company, either in cash, or, provided that the Business Combination shall have occurred, by the issuance to the Investor of such number of Common Shares that is equal to the Commitment Fee divided by the average of the daily VWAPs of the Common Shares during the 3 Trading Days immediately prior to such due date (collectively, the “Commitment Shares”).

 

Section 12.05 Brokerage. Each of the parties hereto represents that it has had no dealings in connection with this transaction with any finder or broker who will demand payment of any fee or commission from the other party. The Company on the one hand, and the Investor, on the other hand, agree to indemnify the other against and hold the other harmless from any and all liabilities to any person claiming brokerage commissions or finder’s fees on account of services purported to have been rendered on behalf of the indemnifying party in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Standby Equity Purchase Agreement to be executed by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first set forth above.

 

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

   
  By:  
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO
   
  INVESTOR:
  YA II PN, Ltd.
   
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP
  Its: Investment Manager
     
 

 

By:

Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC

    Its: General Partner
     
    By:  
    Name: Matthew Beckman
    Title: Manager

 

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ANNEX I TO THE

STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Additional Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03.

 

Adjusted Advance Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03

 

Advance” shall mean any issuance and sale of Advance Shares by the Company to the Investor pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Advance Date” shall mean the first Trading Day after expiration of the applicable Pricing Period for each Advance, provided that, with respect to an Advance pursuant to an Investor Notice, the Advance Date shall be the first Trading Day after the date of delivery of such Investor Notice.

 

Advance Notice” shall mean a written notice in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto to the Investor executed by an officer of the Company and setting forth the number of Advance Shares that the Company desires to issue and sell to the Investor.

 

Advance Notice Date” shall mean each date the Company is deemed to have delivered (in accordance with Section 3.01(c) of this Agreement) an Advance Notice to the Investor, subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

Advance Shares” shall mean the Common Shares that the Company shall issue and sell to the Investor pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

Affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.08.

 

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

Amortization Event” shall have the meaning set forth in the Promissory Note.

 

Applicable Laws” shall mean all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations, orders, executive orders, directives, policies, guidelines and codes having the force of law, whether local, national, or international, as amended from time to time, including without limitation (i) all applicable laws that relate to money laundering, terrorist financing, financial record keeping and reporting, (ii) all applicable laws that relate to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, books and records and internal controls, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, and (iii) any Sanctions laws.

 

Black Out Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.04.

 

Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.05.

 

Comment Letter” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.03.

 

Commitment Amount” shall mean $50,000,000 of Common Shares.

 

Commitment Fee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.04.

 

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Commitment Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.04.

 

Commitment Period” shall mean the period commencing on the Effective Date and expiring upon the date of termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01.

 

Common Share Equivalents” shall mean any securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries which entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Shares, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, rights, options, warrants or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Shares.

 

Common Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

Company Indemnitees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.02.

 

Condition Satisfaction Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Annex III.

 

Conversion Price” shall have the meaning set forth in the Promissory Note.

 

Daily Traded Amount” shall mean the daily trading volume of the Company’s Common Shares on the Principal Market during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P.

 

Effective Date” shall mean the date of closing of the Business Combination.

 

Environmental Laws” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.

 

Event of Default” shall have the meaning set forth in the Promissory Note.

 

Exchange Act” shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Exchange Cap” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(c).

 

Excluded Day” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03.

 

Form S-4” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.03.

 

Fixed Price” shall have the meaning set forth in the Promissory Note.

 

Floor Price” shall have the meaning set forth in each Promissory Note.

 

Global Guaranty Agreement” shall mean the global guaranty agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.

 

Hazardous Materials” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.

 

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Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication (i) all indebtedness for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations issued, undertaken or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (including, without limitation, “capital leases” in accordance with GAAP) (other than trade payables entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), (iii) all reimbursement or payment obligations with respect to letters of credit, surety bonds and other similar instruments, (iv) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, including obligations so evidenced incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses, (v) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or incurred as financing, in either case with respect to any property or assets acquired with the proceeds of such indebtedness (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or bank under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (vi) all monetary obligations under any leasing or similar arrangement which, in connection with GAAP, consistently applied for the periods covered thereby, is classified as a capital lease, (vii) all indebtedness referred to in clauses (i) through (f) above secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon or in any property or assets (including accounts and contract rights) owned by any Person, even though the Person which owns such assets or property has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness, and (viii) all Contingent Obligations in respect of indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) above.

 

Indemnified Liabilities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

 

Initial Comment Letter” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.03.

 

Investor” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

Investor Notice” shall mean a written notice to the Company in the form set forth herein as Exhibit E attached hereto.

 

Investor Indemnitees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

 

Lien” shall mean any (i) mortgage, (ii) right of way, (iii) easement, (iv) encroachment, (v) restriction on use, (vi) servitude, (vii) pledge, (viii) lien, (ix) charge, (x) hypothecation, (xi) security interest, (xii) encumbrance, (xiii) adverse right, interest or claim, (xiv) community or other marital property interest, (xv) condition, (xvi) equitable interest, (xvii) encumbrance, (xviii) license, (xix) covenant, (xx) title defect, (xxi) option, (xxii) right of first refusal or offer or similar restriction, (xxiii) voting right, (xxiv) transfer restriction, or (xxv) receipt of income or exercise of any other attribute of ownership.

 

Market Price” shall mean the lowest daily VWAP of the Common Shares during the Pricing Period, other than the daily VWAP on an Excluded Day.

 

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Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any event, occurrence or condition that has had or would reasonably be expected to have (i) a material adverse effect on the legality, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, (ii) a material adverse effect on the results of operations, assets, business or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iii) a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to perform in any material respect on a timely basis its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that a Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed to include effects (and solely to the extent of such effects) resulting from (a) general economic or political conditions; (b) conditions generally affecting the industries in which such Person or its Subsidiaries operates; (c) any changes in financial, banking or securities markets in general, including any disruption thereof; (d) acts of war (whether or not declared), armed hostilities or terrorism, or the escalation or worsening thereof; (e) any action required or permitted by this Agreement or any action or omission taken by the Company with the written consent or at the request of Investor or any action or omission taken by Investor with the written consent or at the request of the Company; (f) any changes in Applicable Laws or accounting rules (including U.S. GAAP) or the enforcement, implementation or interpretation thereof; (g) the announcement, pendency or completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (h) any natural or man-made disaster, acts of God or epidemic, pandemic or other disease outbreak or the worsening thereof; or (i) any failure by a party to meet any internal or published projections, forecasts or revenue or earnings predictions, except to the extent such events have a disproportionate effect on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to other companies in the same industry, (it being understood that the facts or occurrences giving rise or contributing to such failure that are not otherwise excluded from the definition of a “Material Adverse Effect” may be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Material Adverse Effect).

 

Material Outside Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.11.

 

Maximum Advance Amount” means (A) in respect of each Advance Notice delivered by the Company pursuant to Section 3.01(a) of this Agreement, an amount equal to 4.99% of the number of outstanding Common Shares immediately preceding an Advance Notice, and (B) in respect of each Advance Notice deemed delivered by the Company pursuant to an Investor Notice, the amount selected by the Investor in such Investor Notice, which amount shall not exceed the limitations set forth in Section 3.02 of this Agreement.

 

Minimum Acceptable Price” shall mean the minimum price notified by the Company to the Investor in each Advance Notice, if applicable.

 

OFAC” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.31.

 

Original Issue Discount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

 

Ownership Limitation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(a).

 

Permitted Indebtedness” shall mean: (i) indebtedness in respect of the Promissory Notes; (ii) indebtedness (A) the repayment of which has been subordinated to the payment of the Promissory Notes on terms and conditions acceptable to the Investor, including with regard to interest payments and repayment of principal, (B) which does not mature or otherwise require or permit redemption or repayment prior to or on the 91st day after the maturity date of the Promissory Note; and (C) which is not secured by any assets; and (iii) any indebtedness (other than the indebtedness set out in (i) – (ii) above) incurred after the date hereof, provided that such indebtedness does not exceed $250,000 at any given time.

 

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Permitted Liens” shall mean (i) any security interest granted to the Investor, (ii) inchoate Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies (A) not yet due, as to which the grace period, if any, related thereto has not yet expired, or (B) being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (iii) Liens of carriers, materialmen, warehousemen, mechanics and landlords and other similar Liens which secure amounts which are not yet overdue by more than 60 days or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (iv) licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases granted to other persons not materially interfering with the conduct of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary; (v) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers compensation claims, unemployment insurance, pension liabilities and social security benefits and Liens securing the performance of bids, tenders, leases and contracts in the ordinary course of business, statutory obligations, surety bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (other than appeal bonds) incurred in the ordinary course of business (exclusive of obligations in respect of the payment for borrowed money); and (vi) Liens in favor of a banking institution arising by operation of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and contractual set-off rights held by such banking institution and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry and only burdening deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a creditor depository institution.

 

Person” shall mean an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, a trust or other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

 

Plan of Distribution” shall mean the section of a Registration Statement disclosing the plan of distribution of the Shares.

 

Pre-Advance Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

 

Pre-Paid Advance” shall mean have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

 

Pricing Period” shall mean the three consecutive Trading Days commencing on the Advance Notice Date.

 

Principal Market” shall mean the Nasdaq Stock Market; provided, however, that in the event the Common Shares are ever listed or traded on the New York Stock Exchange or the NYSE American, the “Principal Market” shall mean such other market or exchange on which the Common Shares are then listed or traded to the extent such other market or exchange is the principal trading market or exchange for the Common Shares.

 

Promissory Note” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

 

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Prospectus” shall mean any prospectus (including, without limitation, all amendments and supplements thereto) used by the Company in connection with a Registration Statement, including documents incorporated by reference therein.

 

Prospectus Supplement” shall mean any prospectus supplement to a Prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, including documents incorporated by reference therein.

 

Purchase Price” shall mean (i) the price per Advance Share obtained by multiplying the Market Price by 97% in respect of an Advance Notice delivered by the Company, or (ii) in the case of any Advance Notice delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice, the Purchase Price set forth in Section 3.01(b)(ii).

 

Registration Limitation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(b).

 

Registration Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Registrable Securities” shall have the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Regulation D” shall mean the provisions of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Sanctions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.31.

 

Sanctioned Countries” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.31.

 

SEC” shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

SEC Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.06.

 

Securities Act” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

Settlement Document” in respect of an Advance Notice delivered by the Company, shall mean a settlement document in the form set out on Exhibit D, and in respect of an Advance Notice deemed delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice, shall mean the Investor Notice containing the information set forth on Exhibit E.

 

Shares” shall mean the Commitment Shares and the Common Shares to be issued from time to time hereunder pursuant to an Advance.

 

Solvent” shall mean, as to any Person as of any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair saleable value of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature and (d) such Person is not engaged in a business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in a business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital. The amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all of the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

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Subsidiaries” shall mean any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, (x) owns a majority of the outstanding capital stock or holds a majority of the equity or similar interest of such Person or (y) controls or operates all or substantially all of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and the foregoing are collectively referred to herein as “Subsidiaries.”

 

Trading Day” shall mean any day during which the Principal Market shall be open for business.

 

Transaction Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, any Promissory Notes issued by the Company hereunder, and each of the other agreements and instruments entered into or delivered by any of the parties hereto in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, as may be amended from time to time.

 

Variable Rate Transaction” shall mean a transaction in which the Company (i) issues or sells any Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents that are convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for, or include the right to receive additional Common Shares either (A) at a conversion price, exercise price, exchange rate or other price that is based upon and/or varies with the trading prices of or quotations for the Common Shares at any time after the initial issuance of Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents, or (B) with a conversion, exercise or exchange price that is subject to being reset at some future date after the initial issuance of such equity or debt security or upon the occurrence of specified or contingent events directly or indirectly related to the business of the Company or the market for the Common Shares (including, without limitation, any “full ratchet,” “share ratchet,” “price ratchet,” or “weighted average” anti-dilution provisions, but not including any standard anti-dilution protection for any reorganization, recapitalization, non-cash dividend, stock split or other similar transaction), (ii) enters into, or effects a transaction under, any agreement, including but not limited to an “equity line of credit” or other continuous offering or similar offering of Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents, (iii) issues or sells any Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents (or any combination thereof) at an implied discount (taking into account all the securities issuable in such offering) to the market price of the Common Shares at the time of the offering in excess of 30% or (iv) enters into or effects any forward purchase agreement, equity pre-paid forward transaction or other similar offering of securities where the purchaser of securities of the Company receives an upfront or periodic payment of all, or a portion of, the value of the securities so purchased, and the Company receives proceeds from such purchaser based on a price or value that varies with the trading prices of the Common Shares.

 

VWAP” shall mean for any Trading Day or specified period, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for such Trading Day on the Principal Market during regular trading hours, or such specified period, as reported by Bloomberg L.P through its “AQR” function. All such determinations shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction during such period.

 

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ANNEX II TO THE

STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE INVESTOR’S OBLIGATION TO FUND A PRE-PAID ADVANCE

 

The obligation of the Investor to advance to the Company a particular tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance hereunder at each Pre-Advance Closing is subject to the satisfaction, as of the date of such Pre-Advance Closing, of each of the following conditions, provided that these conditions are for the Investor’s sole benefit and may be waived by the Investor at any time in its sole discretion by providing the Company with prior written notice thereof:

 

(a) The Company shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the Company shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor a Promissory Note with a principal amount corresponding to the amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance (before any deductions made thereto).

 

(b) Each Subsidiary shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor the Global Guaranty Agreement.

 

(c) The Company shall have delivered to the Investor a compliance certificate executed by the chief executive officer of the Company certifying that Company has complied with all of the conditions precedent to the Pre-Advance Closing set forth herein and which may be relied upon by the Investor as evidence of satisfaction of such conditions without any obligation to independently verify.

 

(d) The Investor shall have received an opinion of counsel to the Company, dated on or before the Pre-Advance Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Investor.

 

(e) The Investor shall have received a closing statement in a form to be agreed by the parties, duly executed by an officer of the Company, setting forth wire transfer instructions of the Company for the payment of the amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance, the amount to be paid by the Investor, which shall be the full principal amount of such tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance less the Original Issue Discount and any other deductions that may be agreed by the parties.

 

(f) The Company shall have delivered to the Investor certified copies of its and each of its Subsidiaries’ charter or certificate of formation, bylaws or operating agreement and any other material organizational documents.

 

(g) The Company shall have delivered to the Investor a certificate evidencing the incorporation and good standing of the Company as of a date within ten (10) days of the applicable Pre-Advance Closing.

 

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(h) (I) The board of directors of the Company has approved the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, (II) said approval has not been amended, rescinded or modified and remains in full force and effect as of the date hereof, and (III) a true, correct and complete copy of such resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors of the Company shall have been provided to the Investor.

 

(i) Each and every representation and warranty of the Company shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than representations and warranties qualified by materiality, which shall be true and correct in all respects) as of the date when made and as of the date of the Pre-Advance Closing as though originally made at that time (except for representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such specific date), and the Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions set forth in each Transaction Document required to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior to the applicable Pre-Advance Closing.

 

(j) No Suspension of Trading in or Delisting of Common Shares. (I) Trading in the Common Shares shall not have been suspended by the SEC, the Principal Market (if and when the Common Shares are listed with the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement) or FINRA, (II) the Company shall not have received any notice that the listing or quotation of the Common Shares on the Principal Market shall be terminated if and when the Common Shares have been listed on the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement, nor shall there have been imposed any suspension of, or restriction on, accepting additional deposits of the Common Shares, electronic trading or book-entry services by DTC with respect to the Common Shares that is continuing, and (III) the Company shall not have received any notice from DTC to the effect that a suspension of, or restriction on, accepting additional deposits of the Common Shares, electronic trading or book-entry services by DTC with respect to the Common Shares is being imposed or is contemplated.

 

(k) The Company shall have obtained all governmental, regulatory or third-party consents and approvals, if any, necessary for the sale of the Common Shares.

 

(l) No statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by any court or governmental entity of competent jurisdiction that prohibits the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

 

(m) Since the date of execution of this Agreement, no event or series of events shall have occurred that has resulted in or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or an Event of Default.

 

(n) (I) No material breach of this Agreement or any Transaction Document shall have occurred, (II) no Event of Default shall have occurred (assuming that the applicable Promissory Note had been outstanding as of each Pre-Advance Closing, and (III) no event has occurred and no condition exists that with the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a material breach of this Agreement or any Transaction Document or an Event of Default (assuming that the applicable Promissory note had been outstanding as of each Pre-Advance Closing).

 

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(o) Following listing of the Common Shares on the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement, if at all, the Company shall have notified the Principal Market of the issuance of all of the Shares hereunder, the Principal Market shall have completed its review of the related Listing of Additional Share form, and the Company shall have obtained approval of the Principal Market to list or designate for quotation (as the case may be) the maximum number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to the Promissory Note to be issued at the Pre-Advance Closing.

 

(p) Solely with respect to the First Pre-Advance Closing, (a) the Company shall have consummated the Business Combination on or before the Business Combination Deadline on the terms and conditions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement and there shall have been no amendment, waiver or modification to the Business Combination Agreement since the date of this Agreement that materially and adversely affects the economic benefits that the Investor would reasonably expect to receive in connection with the transaction, except to the extent consented to in writing by the Investor, (b) and the Common Shares shall be listed for trading on Nasdaq.

 

(q) Solely with respect to the Second Pre-Advance Closing, the Registration Statement shall be effective in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement for a period of 60 consecutive days.

 

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ANNEX III TO THE

STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY TO DELIVER AN ADVANCE NOTICE

 

The right of the Company to deliver an Advance Notice and the obligations of the Investor hereunder with respect to an Advance are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, on each Advance Notice Date (a “Condition Satisfaction Date”), of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Accuracy of the Company’s Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Advance Notice Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties are as of another date, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such other date.

 

(b) Issuance of Commitment Shares. The Company shall have paid the Commitment Fee or issued the Commitment Shares to an account designated by the Investor on or prior to the Effective Date, in accordance with Section 12.04, all of which Commitment Fee shall be fully earned and non-refundable on the Effective Date, regardless of whether any Advance Notices are made or settled hereunder or any subsequent termination of this Agreement.

 

(c) Registration of the Common Shares with the SEC. There is an effective Registration Statement pursuant to which the Investor is permitted to utilize the prospectus thereunder to resell all of the Common Shares issuable pursuant to such Advance Notice. The Current Report shall have been filed with the SEC, and the Company shall have filed with the SEC in a timely manner all reports, notices and other documents required under the Exchange Act and applicable SEC regulations during the twelve-month period immediately preceding the applicable Condition Satisfaction Date.

 

(d) Authority. The Company shall have obtained all permits and qualifications required by any applicable state for the offer and sale of all the Common Shares issuable pursuant to such Advance Notice or shall have the availability of exemptions therefrom. The sale and issuance of such Common Shares shall be legally permitted by all laws and regulations to which the Company is subject.

 

(e) Board. (I) The board of directors of the Company has approved the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, (II) said approval has not been amended, rescinded or modified and remains in full force and effect as of the date hereof, and (III) a true, correct and complete copy of such resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors of the Company shall have been provided to the Investor.

 

(f) No Material Outside Event. No Material Outside Event shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

(g) Performance by the Company. The Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior the applicable Condition Satisfaction Date.

 

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(h) No Injunction. No statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by any court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction that prohibits or materially and adversely affects any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

 

(i) No Suspension of Trading in or Delisting of Common Shares. (I) Trading in the Common Shares shall not have been suspended by the SEC, the Principal Market (if the Common Shares are listed with the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement) or FINRA, (II) the Company shall not have received any notice that the listing or quotation of the Common Shares on the Principal Market shall be terminated if the Common Shares have been listed on the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement, nor shall there have been imposed any suspension of, or restriction on, accepting additional deposits of the Common Shares, electronic trading or book-entry services by DTC with respect to the Common Shares that is continuing, and (III) the Company shall not have received any notice from DTC to the effect that a suspension of, or restriction on, accepting additional deposits of the Common Shares, electronic trading or book-entry services by DTC with respect to the Common Shares is being imposed or is contemplated.

 

(j) Authorized. All of the Common Shares issuable pursuant to the applicable Advance Notice shall have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company. All Common Shares relating to all prior Advance Notices required to have been received by the Investor under this Agreement shall have been delivered to the Investor in accordance with this Agreement.

 

(k) Executed Advance Notice. The representations contained in the applicable Advance Notice shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the applicable Condition Satisfaction Date.

 

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EXHIBIT A

CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE

 

See attached.

 

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Exhibit Version

 

NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THIS NOTE IS CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE. THESE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

Convertible Promissory Note

 

Original Principal Amount: [$________]

Issuance Date: [_________]

Number: SHARON HOLDINGS-[1][2][3][4]

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC., an entity organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), hereby promises to pay to the order of YA II PN, LTD., or its registered assigns (the “Holder”), the amount set out above as the Original Principal Amount (or such lesser amount as reduced pursuant to the terms hereof pursuant to repayment, redemption, conversion or otherwise, the “Principal”) and the Payment Premium or the Redemption Premium, as applicable, in each case when due, and to pay interest (“Interest”) on any outstanding Principal at the applicable Interest Rate (as defined below) from the date set out above as the Issuance Date (the “Issuance Date”) until the same becomes due and payable, whether upon the Maturity Date or acceleration, conversion, redemption or otherwise (in each case in accordance with the terms hereof). Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section (12). The Issuance Date is the date of the first issuance of this Convertible Promissory Note (as amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, this “Note”) regardless of the number of transfers and regardless of the number of instruments, which may be issued to evidence such Note. This Note was issued with a 5% original issue discount. The Company and the Holder are referred to herein at times, collectively, as the “Parties,” and each, a “Party.”

 

This Note is being issued pursuant to Section 2.01 of the Standby Equity Purchase Agreement dated _______________ (as may be amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “SEPA”), by and between the Company and YA II PN, Ltd., as the Investor. This Note may be repaid in accordance with the terms of the SEPA, including, without limitation, pursuant to Investor Notices and corresponding Advance Notices deemed given by the Company in connection with such Investor Notices. The Holder also has the option of converting on one or more occasions all or part of the then outstanding balance under this Note by delivering to the Company (or any assignee of the Note) one or more Conversion Notices in accordance with Section 3 of this Note.

 

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(1) GENERAL TERMS

 

(a) Maturity Date. On the Maturity Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder an amount in cash representing all outstanding Principal, accrued and unpaid Interest, and any other amounts outstanding pursuant to the terms of this Note. The “Maturity Date” shall be [_________], 20261, as may be extended at the option of the Holder. Other than as specifically permitted by this Note, the Company may not prepay or redeem any portion of the outstanding Principal and accrued and unpaid Interest.

 

(b) Interest Rate and Payment of Interest. Interest shall accrue on the outstanding Principal balance hereof at an annual rate equal to 10% (“Interest Rate”), which Interest Rate shall increase to an annual rate of 18% upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (for so long as such event remains uncured). Interest shall be calculated based on a 365-day year and the actual number of days elapsed, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

 

(c) Monthly Payments.

 

(A) If an Amortization Event has occurred, then the Company shall make monthly cash payments beginning on the seventh (7th) Trading Day after the Amortization Event Date and continuing on the same day of each successive Calendar Month until the entire outstanding principal amount shall have been repaid. Each monthly cash payment shall be in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Principal amount in the aggregate among this Note and all Other Notes equal to the Amortization Principal Amount plus (ii) the Payment Premium in respect of such Amortization Principal Amount, plus (iii) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of each payment date. The obligation of the Company to make monthly cash payments related to an Amortization Event shall cease (with respect to any payment that has not yet come due) if at any time after the Amortization Event Date (A) in the event of a Floor Price Event, either (i) on the date that is the 10th consecutive Trading Day that the daily VWAP is greater than the Floor Price then in effect, or (ii) the Company provides the Holder with a reset notice (“Reset Notice”) setting forth a reduced Floor Price which shall be equal to no more than 75% of the closing price on the Trading Day immediately prior to such Reset Notice (and in no event greater than the then- effective Floor Price), (B) in the event of an Exchange Cap Event, the date the Company has obtained stockholder approval to increase the number of Common Shares under the Exchange Cap and/or the Exchange Cap no longer applies, or (C) in the event of a Registration Event, the condition or event causing the Registration Event has been cured or the Holder is able to resell the Common Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, unless a subsequent Amortization Event occurs.

 

 

 
1 Note to Draft: Shall be the date that is 12 months from the closing date of the First Pre-Paid Advance.

 

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(d) Optional Redemption. The Company at its option shall have the right, but not the obligation, to redeem (“Optional Redemption”) early a portion or all amounts outstanding under this Note as described in this Section; provided, that the Company provides the Holder with written notice (each, a “Redemption Notice”) of its desire to exercise an Optional Redemption, which Redemption Notice (i) shall be delivered to the Holder after the close of regular trading hours on a Trading Day, and (ii) may only be given if the VWAP of the Common Shares was less than the Fixed Price on the date such Redemption Notice is delivered, unless otherwise agreed by the Holder. Each Redemption Notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the outstanding balance of the Note to be redeemed and the Redemption Amount. The “Redemption Amount” shall be an amount equal to (a) the outstanding Principal balance being redeemed by the Company plus (b) the Redemption Premium in respect of such Principal amount plus (c) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of the date of such redemption. After receipt of a Redemption Notice, the Holder shall have ten (10) Trading Days (beginning with the Trading Day immediately following the date such Redemption Notice is delivered to the Holder in accordance with this term of this Section 1(d)) to elect to convert all or any portion of this Note. On the eleventh (11th) Trading Day following the delivery of the applicable Redemption Notice, the Company shall deliver to the Holder the Redemption Amount with respect to the Principal amount redeemed to the extent not converted and otherwise after giving effect to conversions or other payments made during such ten (10) Trading Day period.

 

(e) Payment Dates. Whenever any payment or other obligation hereunder shall be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

(f) Other than as specifically set forth in this Note, the Company shall not have the ability to make any early repayments without the consent of or at the request of the Holder.

 

(2) EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

 

(a) An “Event of Default”, wherever used herein, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court, or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) shall have occurred:

 

(i) The Company’s failure to pay to the Holder any amount of Principal, Redemption Amount, Payment Premium, Interest, or other amounts when and as due under this Note or any other Transaction Document within five (5) Trading Days after such payment is due;

 

(ii) (A) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall commence, or there shall be commenced against the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company any proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws as now or hereafter in effect or any successor thereto, or the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company commences any other proceeding under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect relating to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, in any such bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding which remains undismissed for a period of sixty one (61) days; (B) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; (C) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company suffers any appointment of any custodian, private or court appointed receiver or the like for it or all or substantially all of its property which continues undischarged or unstayed for a period of sixty one (61) days; (D) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company makes a general assignment of all or substantially all of its assets for the benefit of creditors; (E) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall fail to pay, or shall state that it is unable to pay, or shall be unable to pay, its debts generally as they become due; (F) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall call a meeting of its creditors with a view to arranging a composition, adjustment or restructuring of its debts; (G) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall by any act or failure to act expressly indicate its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing; or (H) any corporate or other action is taken by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

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(iii) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall default, in any of its obligations under any note, debenture, mortgage, credit agreement or other facility, indenture agreement, factoring agreement or other instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for borrowed money or money due under any long term leasing or factoring arrangement of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in an amount exceeding $500,000, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, and such default is not cured within the time prescribed by the documents governing such indebtedness or if no time is prescribed, within ten (10) Trading Days, and as a result, such indebtedness becomes or is declared due and payable;

 

(iv) A final judgment or judgments for the payment of money in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate are rendered against the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries and which judgments are not, within thirty (30) days after the entry thereof, bonded, discharged, settled or stayed pending appeal, or are not discharged within thirty (30) days after the expiration of such stay; provided, however, any judgment which is covered by insurance or an indemnity from a creditworthy party shall not be included in calculating the $500,000 amount set forth above so long as the Company provides the Holder a written statement from such insurer or indemnity provider (which written statement shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Holder) to the effect that such judgment is covered by insurance or an indemnity and the Company or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) will receive the proceeds of such insurance or indemnity within thirty (30) days of the issuance of such judgment;

 

(v) The Common Shares shall cease to be quoted or listed for trading, as applicable, on any Principal Market for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days;

 

(vi) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall be a party to any Change of Control Transaction unless in connection with such Change of Control Transaction this Note is retired;

 

(vii) The Company’s (A) failure to deliver the required number of Common Shares to the Holder within two (2) Trading Days after the applicable Share Delivery Date or (B) notice, written or oral, to any holder of this Note, including by way of public announcement, at any time, of its intention not to comply with a request for conversion of all or a portion of this Note into Common Shares that is tendered in accordance with the provisions of this Note;

 

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(viii) The Company shall fail for any reason to deliver the payment in cash pursuant to a Buy-In (as defined below) within five (5) Business Days after such payment is due;

 

(ix) The Company’s failure to timely file with the Commission any Periodic Report on or before the due date of such filing as established by the Commission, it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that due date includes any permitted filing deadline extension under Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act;

 

(x) Any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by or on behalf of the Company in or in connection with any Transaction Document, or any waiver hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (or, in the case of any such representation or warranty already qualified by materiality, such representation or warranty shall prove to have been incorrect) when made or deemed made;

 

(xi) (A) Any material provision of any Transaction Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, ceases to be in full force and effect; (B) the Company or any other Person contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Transaction Document; or (C) the Company denies in writing that it has any further liability or obligation under any Transaction Document, or purports in writing to revoke, terminate (other than in accordance with the relevant termination provisions) or rescind any Transaction Document;

 

(xii) The Company uses the proceeds of the issuance of this Note, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof), or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose; or

 

(xiii) Any Event of Default (as defined in the Other Notes or in any Transaction Document other than this Note) occurs with respect to any Other Notes, or any breach of any material term of any other debenture, note, or instrument held by the Holder in the Company or any agreement between or among the Company and the Holder;

 

(xiv) The Company shall fail to observe or perform any material covenant, agreement or warranty contained in, or otherwise commit any material breach or default of any provision of this Note (except as may be otherwise covered by Sections (2)(a)(i) through (2)(a)(xiii) hereof) or any other Transaction Document, which is not cured or remedied within the time prescribed or if no time is prescribed within ten (10) Business Days.

 

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(b) During the time that any portion of this Note is outstanding, if any Event of Default has occurred (other than an event with respect to the Company described in Section (2)(a)(ii)), the full unpaid Principal amount of this Note, together with the Payment Premium in respect of such Principal Amount and all interest and other amounts owing in respect of this Note to the date of acceleration, shall become, at the Holder’s election given by notice pursuant to Section (5), immediately due and payable in cash; provided that, in the case of any event with respect to the Company described in Section (2)(a)(ii), the full unpaid Principal amount of this Note, together with the Payment Premium in respect of such Principal Amount and all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing in respect of this Note to the date of acceleration, shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Company. Furthermore, in addition to any other remedies, the Holder shall have the right (but not the obligation) to convert, on one or more occasions all or part of the Note in accordance with Section (3) (and subject to the limitations set out in Section (3)(c)(i) and Section (3)(c)(ii)) at any time after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing until all amounts outstanding under this Note have been repaid in full. The Holder need not provide, and the Company hereby waives, any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, (other than required notice of conversion) and the Holder may immediately enforce any and all of its rights and remedies hereunder and all other remedies available to it under applicable law. Such declaration may be rescinded and annulled by the Holder in writing at any time prior to payment hereunder. No such rescission or annulment shall affect any subsequent Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

(3) CONVERSION OF NOTE. This Note shall be convertible into Common Shares, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (3).

 

(a) Conversion Right. Subject to the limitations of Section (3)(c), at any time or times on or after the Issuance Date, the Holder shall be entitled to convert any portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount into fully paid and nonassessable Common Shares in accordance with Section (3)(b), at the Conversion Price. The number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of any Conversion Amount pursuant to this Section (3)(a) shall be determined by dividing (x) such Conversion Amount by (y) the Conversion Price. The Company shall not issue any fraction of a Common Share upon any conversion. All calculations under this Section (3) shall be rounded to the nearest $0.0001. If the issuance would result in the issuance of a fraction of a Common Share, the Company shall round such fraction of a Common Share up to the nearest whole share. The Company shall pay any and all transfer, stamp and similar taxes that may be payable with respect to the issuance and delivery of Common Shares upon conversion of any Conversion Amount.

 

(b) Mechanics of Conversion.

 

(i) Optional Conversion. To convert any Conversion Amount into Common Shares on any date (a “Conversion Date”), the Holder shall (A) transmit by email (or otherwise deliver), for receipt on or prior to 11:59 p.m., New York Time, on such date, a copy of an executed notice of conversion in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I (the “Conversion Notice”) to the Company and (B) if required by Section (3)(b)(iii), surrender this Note to a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for delivery to the Company (or an indemnification undertaking reasonably satisfactory to the Company with respect to this Note in the case of its loss, theft or destruction). On or before the first (1st) Trading Day following the date of receipt of a Conversion Notice (the “Share Delivery Date”), the Company shall (X) if legends are not required to be placed on certificates or the book-entry position of the Common Shares and

 

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provided that the Transfer Agent is participating in the Depository Trust Company’s (“DTC”) Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, instruct such transfer agent to credit such aggregate number of Common Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled to the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission system or (Y) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, issue and deliver to the address as specified in the Conversion Notice, a certificate or book-entry position, registered in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends unless required pursuant to rules and regulations of the Commission. If this Note is physically surrendered for conversion and the outstanding Principal of this Note is greater than the Principal portion of the Conversion Amount being converted, then the Company shall as soon as practicable and in no event later than three (3) Business Days after receipt of this Note and at its own expense, issue and deliver to the holder a new Note representing the outstanding Principal not converted. The Person or Persons entitled to receive the Common Shares issuable upon a conversion of this Note shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Common Shares upon the transmission of a Conversion Notice.

 

(ii) Company’s Failure to Timely Convert. If the Company shall fail, for any reason or for no reason, on or prior to the applicable Share Delivery Date to issue and deliver a certificate to the Holder or credit the Holder’s balance account with DTC for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled upon such Holder’s conversion of any Conversion Amount (a “Conversion Failure”), and if on or after such Trading Day the Holder purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) Common Shares to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of Common Shares issuable upon such conversion that the Holder anticipated receiving from the Company (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall, within three (3) Business Days after the Holder’s request and in the Holder’s discretion, either (i) pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions and other out of pocket expenses, if any) for the Common Shares so purchased (the “Buy-In Price”), at which point the Company’s obligation to deliver such certificate (and to issue such Common Shares) shall terminate, or (ii) promptly honor its obligation to deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates representing such Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled with respect to such Conversion Notice and pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Buy-In Price over the product of (A) such number of Common Shares multiplied by (B) the Closing Price on the Conversion Date.

 

(iii) Book-Entry. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, upon conversion of any portion of this Note in accordance with the terms hereof, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Note to the Company unless (A) the full Conversion Amount represented by this Note is being converted or (B) the Holder has provided the Company with prior written notice (which notice may be included in a Conversion Notice) requesting reissuance of this Note upon physical surrender of this Note. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the Principal and Interest converted and the dates of such conversions or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and the Company, so as not to require physical surrender of this Note upon conversion.

 

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(c) Limitations on Conversions.

 

(i) Beneficial Ownership. The Holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of this Note to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the Holder, together with any affiliate thereof, would beneficially own (as determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder) in excess of 4.99% of the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion. Since the Holder will not be obligated to report to the Company the number of Common Shares it may hold at the time of a conversion hereunder, unless the conversion at issue would result in the issuance of Common Shares in excess of 4.99% of the then outstanding Common Shares without regard to any other shares which may be beneficially owned by the Holder or an affiliate thereof, the Holder shall have the authority and obligation to determine whether the restriction contained in this Section will limit any particular conversion hereunder and to the extent that the Holder determines that the limitation contained in this Section applies, the determination of which portion of the Principal amount of this Note is convertible shall be the responsibility and obligation of the Holder. If the Holder has delivered a Conversion Notice for a Principal amount of this Note that, without regard to any other shares that the Holder or its affiliates may beneficially own, would result in the issuance in excess of the permitted amount hereunder, the Company shall notify the Holder of this fact and shall honor the conversion for the maximum Principal amount permitted to be converted on such Conversion Date in accordance with Section (3)(a) and, any Principal amount tendered for conversion in excess of the permitted amount hereunder shall remain outstanding under this Note. The provisions of this Section may be waived by a Holder (but only as to itself and not to any other Holder) upon not less than 65 days prior notice to the Company. Other Holders shall be unaffected by any such waiver.

 

(ii) Principal Market Limitation. Notwithstanding anything in this Note to the contrary, the Company shall not issue any Common Shares upon conversion of this Note, or otherwise, if the issuance of such Common Shares, together with any Common Shares issued in connection the SEPA and any other related transactions that may be considered part of the same series of transactions, would exceed the aggregate number Common Shares that the Company may issue in a transaction in compliance with the Company’s obligations under the rules or regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq” and shall be referred to as the “Exchange Cap,” except that such limitation shall not apply if the Company’s stockholders have approved such issuances on such terms in excess of the Exchange Cap in accordance with the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.

 

(iii) Limitation on Monthly Conversions. The Holder shall not effect the conversion of this Note to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the aggregate Conversion Amount that has been converted into shares of Common Stock by the Holder during the calendar month in which such Conversion Date occurred (the “Monthly Conversion Period”) exceeds the greater of (x) $1,000,000 and (y) 20% of the aggregate daily dollar trading volume for the Common Stock on the Principal Market during such Monthly Conversion Period as reported by Bloomberg, and provided further that the Conversion Cap shall not apply (A) following the occurrence of an Event of Default, or (B) to any conversion at the Fixed Price.

 

(d) Other Provisions.

 

(i) All calculations under this Section (3) shall be rounded to the nearest $0.0001 or whole share.

 

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(ii) So long as this Note or any Other Notes remain outstanding, the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized share capital, and shall have instructed the Transfer Agent to irrevocably reserve, the maximum number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note and the Other Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) this Note and such Other Notes are convertible at the Floor Price as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Note or Other Notes set forth herein or therein (the “Required Reserve Amount”)), provided that at no time shall the number of Common Shares reserved pursuant to this Section (3)(d)(ii) be reduced other than pursuant to the conversion of this Note and the Other Notes in accordance with their terms, and/or cancellation, or reverse stock split. If at any time while this Note or any Other Notes remain outstanding, the Company does not have a sufficient number of authorized and unreserved Common Shares to satisfy the obligation to reserve for the issuance the Required Reserve Amount, the Company will promptly take all corporate action necessary to propose to a meeting of its shareholders an increase of its authorized share capital necessary to meet the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Note, and cause its board of directors to recommend to the shareholders that they approve such proposal. If at any time the number of Common Shares that remain available for issuance under the Exchange Cap is less than 100% of the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of all the Notes and Other Notes then outstanding (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) the Notes are convertible at the Conversion Price then in effect, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Note, other than the Floor Price then in effect but solely with respect to the Variable Price), the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly call and hold a shareholder meeting for the purpose of seeking the approval of its shareholders as required by the applicable rules of the Principal Market, for issuances of shares in excess of the Exchange Cap. The Company covenants that, upon issuance in accordance with conversion of this Note in accordance with its terms, the Common Shares, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(iii) Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue actual damages or declare an Event of Default pursuant to Section (2) herein for the Company’s failure to deliver certificates representing Common Shares upon conversion within the period specified herein and such Holder shall have the right to pursue all remedies available to it at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief, in each case without the need to post a bond or provide other security. The exercise of any such rights shall not prohibit the Holder from seeking to enforce damages pursuant to any other Section hereof or under applicable law.

 

(iv) Legal Opinions. The Company is obligated to cause its legal counsel to deliver legal opinions to the Company’s transfer agent in connection with any legend removal upon the expiration of any holding period or other requirement for which the Underlying Shares may bear legends restricting the transfer thereof. To the extent that a legal opinion is not provided (either timely or at all), then, in addition to being an Event of Default hereunder, the Company agrees to reimburse the Holder for all reasonable costs incurred by the Holder in connection with any legal opinions paid for by the Holder in connection with the sale or transfer of the Underlying Common Shares. The Holder shall notify the Company of any such costs and expenses it incurs that are referred to in this section from time to time and all amounts owed hereunder shall be paid by the Company with reasonable promptness.

 

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(e) Adjustment of Conversion Price upon Subdivision or Combination of Common Shares. If the Company, at any time while this Note is outstanding, shall (i) pay a stock dividend or otherwise make a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Shares or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in Common Shares, (ii) subdivide outstanding Common Shares into a larger number of shares, (iii) combine (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding Common Shares into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issue by reclassification of Common Shares any shares of capital stock of the Company, then each of the Fixed Price and the Floor Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of Common Shares (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of Common Shares outstanding after such event. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section shall become effective, in the case of a dividend distribution, immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution or, in the case of a subdivision, combination or re- classification, and shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such subdivision, combination or re-classification.

 

(f) Reserved.

 

(g) Other Corporate Events. In addition to and not in substitution for any other rights hereunder, prior to the consummation of any Fundamental Transaction pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive securities or other assets with respect to or in exchange for Common Shares (a “Corporate Event”), the Company shall make appropriate provision to ensure that the Holder will thereafter have the right to receive upon a conversion of this Note, at the Holder’s option, (i) in addition to the Common Shares receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets to which the Holder would have been entitled with respect to such Common Shares had such Common Shares been held by the Holder upon the consummation of such Corporate Event (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of this Note) or (ii) in lieu of the Common Shares otherwise receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets received by the holders of Common Shares in connection with the consummation of such Corporate Event in such amounts as the Holder would have been entitled to receive had this Note initially been issued with conversion rights for the form of such consideration (as opposed to Common Shares) at a conversion rate for such consideration commensurate with the Conversion Price. Provision made pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be in a form and substance satisfactory to the Required Holders. The provisions of this Section shall apply similarly and equally to successive Corporate Events and shall be applied without regard to any limitations on the conversion or redemption of this Note.

 

(h) Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted pursuant to Section (3) hereof, the Company shall promptly provide the Holder with a written notice setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 

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(i) In case of any (1) merger or consolidation of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company with or into another Person, or (2) sale by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of more than one-half of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions, a Holder shall have the right to (A) exercise any rights under Section (2)(a)(xiii), (B) convert the aggregate amount of this Note then outstanding into the shares of stock and other securities, cash and property receivable upon or deemed to be held by holders of Common Shares following such merger, consolidation or sale, and such Holder shall be entitled upon such event or series of related events to receive such amount of securities, cash and property as the Common Shares into which such aggregate Principal amount of this Note could have been converted immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or sales would have been entitled, or (C) in the case of a merger or consolidation, require the surviving entity to issue to the Holder a convertible Note with a Principal amount equal to the aggregate Principal amount of this Note then held by such Holder, plus all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing thereon, which such newly issued convertible Note shall have terms identical (including with respect to conversion) to the terms of this Note, and shall be entitled to all of the rights and privileges of the Holder of this Note set forth herein and the agreements pursuant to which this Note was issued. In the case of clause (C), the conversion price applicable for the newly issued shares of convertible preferred stock or convertible debentures shall be based upon the amount of securities, cash and property that each Common Shares would receive in such transaction and the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness or closing date for such transaction. The terms of any such merger, sale or consolidation shall include such terms so as to continue to give the Holder the right to receive the securities, cash and property set forth in this Section upon any conversion or redemption following such event. This provision shall similarly apply to successive such events.

 

(4) REISSUANCE OF THIS NOTE.

 

(a) Transfer. If this Note is to be transferred, the Holder shall surrender this Note to the Company, whereupon the Company will forthwith issue and deliver upon the order of the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)), registered in the name of the registered transferee or assignee, representing the outstanding Principal being transferred by the Holder (along with any accrued and unpaid interest thereof) and, if less than the entire outstanding Principal is being transferred, a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) to the Holder representing the outstanding Principal not being transferred. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Note, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of Section (3)(b)(iii) following conversion or redemption of any portion of this Note, the outstanding Principal represented by this Note may be less than the Principal stated on the face of this Note.

 

(b) Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Note. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of any indemnification undertaking by the Holder to the Company in customary form and substance and, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) representing the outstanding Principal.

 

(c) Note Exchangeable for Different Denominations. This Note is exchangeable, upon the surrender hereof by the Holder at the principal office of the Company, for a new Note or Notes (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) representing in the aggregate the outstanding Principal of this Note, and each such new Note will represent such portion of such outstanding Principal as is designated by the Holder at the time of such surrender.

 

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(d) Issuance of New Notes. Whenever the Company is required to issue a new Note pursuant to the terms hereof, such new Note (i) shall be of like tenor with this Note, (ii) shall represent, as indicated on the face of such new Note, the Principal remaining outstanding (or in the case of a new Note being issued pursuant to Section (4)(a) or Section (4)(c), the Principal designated by the Holder which, when added to the Principal represented by the other new Note(s) issued in connection with such issuance, does not exceed the Principal remaining outstanding under this Note immediately prior to such issuance of such new Note), (iii) shall have an issuance date, as indicated on the face of such new Note, which is the same as the Issuance Date of this Note, (iv) shall have the same rights and conditions as this Note, and (v) shall represent accrued and unpaid Interest from the Issuance Date.

 

(5) NOTICES. Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms hereof must be in writing by letter or electronic mail (“e-mail”) and will be deemed to have been delivered (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally, (ii) one (1) Business Day after deposit with an overnight courier service with next day delivery specified, as applicable or (iii) receipt, when sent by e-mail, and, in each case of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses and e-mail addresses for such communications shall be:

 

If to the Company, to:   SharonAI Holdings, Inc.
    745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
    New York, NY 10151
    Attention: CEO
    E-mail: wolf@sharonai.com
     
With copies (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:  

Sheppard Mullin LLP

12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100

San Diego, CA 92130

Attention: Chad R. Ensz, Esq.

E-mail: censz@sheppardmullin.com

     
If to the Holder:    YA II PN, Ltd
    c/o Yorkville Advisors Global, LLC
    1012 Springfield Avenue
    Mountainside, NJ 07092
    Attention: Mark Angelo
    Email: Legal@yorkvilleadvisors.com

 

or at such other address and/or e-mail address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party in accordance with this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (a) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (b) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, recipient email address or (c) provided by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt from a nationally recognized overnight delivery service or receipt by e-mail in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.

 

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(6) Except as expressly provided herein, no provision of this Note shall alter or impair the obligations of the Company, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the Principal of, and interest and other charges (if any) on, this Note at the time, place, and rate, and in the currency, herein prescribed. This Note is a direct obligation of the Company. As long as this Note is outstanding, the Company shall not and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries not to, without the consent of the Holder, (i) amend its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other charter documents so as to adversely affect any rights of the Holder; (ii) repay, repurchase or offer to repay, repurchase or otherwise acquire shares of its Common Shares or other equity securities; (iii) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing, or (iv) enter into any agreement, arrangement or transaction in or of which the terms thereof would restrict, materially delay, conflict with or impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under the this Note, including, without limitation, the obligation of the Company to make cash payments hereunder.

 

(7) This Note shall not entitle the Holder to any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including without limitation, the right to vote, to receive dividends and other distributions, or to receive any notice of, or to attend, meetings of stockholders or any other proceedings of the Company, unless and to the extent converted into Common Shares in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(8) CHOICE OF LAW; VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

 

(a) Governing Law. This Note and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall, in all respects, be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws (excluding the principles of conflict of laws) of the State of New York (the “Governing Jurisdiction”) (including Section 5-1401 and Section 5-1402 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York), including all matters of construction, validity and performance.

 

(b) Jurisdiction; Venue; Service.

 

(i) The Company hereby irrevocably consents to the non- exclusive personal jurisdiction of the state courts of the Governing Jurisdiction and, if a basis for federal jurisdiction exists, the non-exclusive personal jurisdiction of any United States District Court for the Governing Jurisdiction.

 

(ii) The Company agrees that venue shall be proper in any court of the Governing Jurisdiction selected by the Holder or, if a basis for federal jurisdiction exists, in any United States District Court in the Governing Jurisdiction selected by the Holder. The Company waives any right to object to the maintenance of any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, in any of the state or federal courts of the Governing Jurisdiction on the basis of improper venue or inconvenience of forum.

 

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(iii) Any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or tort or otherwise, brought by the Company against the Holder arising out of or based upon this Note or any matter relating to this Note, or any other Transaction Document, or any contemplated transaction, shall be brought in a court only in the Governing Jurisdiction. The Company shall not file any counterclaim against the Holder in any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding brought by the Holder against the Company in a jurisdiction outside of the Governing Jurisdiction unless under the rules of the court in which the Holder brought such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding the counterclaim is mandatory, and not permissive, and would be considered waived unless filed as a counterclaim in the suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding instituted by the Holder against the Company. The Company agrees that any forum outside the Governing Jurisdiction is an inconvenient forum and that any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding brought by the Company against the Holder in any court outside the Governing Jurisdiction should be dismissed or transferred to a court located in the Governing Jurisdiction. Furthermore, the Company irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not bring or commence any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against the Holder arising out of or based upon this Note or any matter relating to this Note, or any other Transaction Document, or any contemplated transaction, in any forum other than the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County, and the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State Court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in such federal court. The Company and the Holder agree that a final judgment in any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

(iv) The Company and the Holder irrevocably consent to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding by e-mail or the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail postage prepaid, to it at the e-mail address or physical address, as applicable, provided for notices in this Note, such service to become effective thirty (30) days after the date of such e-mail or mailing, as applicable. The Company and the Holder each irrevocably waive any defense it may have on the grounds of insufficient or improper service with respect to service of process effected in accordance with this Section (8)(b)(iv).

 

(v) Nothing herein shall affect the right of the Holder to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or to otherwise proceed against the Company or any other Person in the Governing Jurisdiction or in any other jurisdiction.

 

(c) THE PARTIES MUTUALLY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ALL CLAIMS OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS NOTE OR ANY MATTER RELATING TO THIS NOTE, OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, OR ANY CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTION. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A WAIVER OF A LEGAL RIGHT AND THAT THE PARTIES EACH MAKE THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY AFTER CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CHOICE. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL SUCH CLAIMS SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A JUDGE OF A COURT HAVING JURISDICTION, WITHOUT A JURY.

 

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(9) If the Company fails to strictly comply with the terms of this Note, then the Company shall reimburse the Holder promptly for all fees, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Holder in any action in connection with this Note, including, without limitation, those incurred: (i) during any workout, attempted workout, and/or in connection with the rendering of legal advice as to the Holder’s rights, remedies and obligations, (ii) collecting any sums which become due to the Holder, (iii) defending or prosecuting any proceeding or any counterclaim to any proceeding or appeal; or (iv) the protection, preservation or enforcement of any rights or remedies of the Holder.

 

(10) Any waiver by the Holder of a breach of any provision of this Note shall not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other breach of such provision or of any breach of any other provision of this Note. The failure of the Holder to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Note on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Note. Any waiver must be in writing.

 

(11) If any provision of this Note is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the balance of this Note shall remain in effect, and if any provision is inapplicable to any person or circumstance, it shall nevertheless remain applicable to all other persons and circumstances. If it shall be found that any interest or other amount deemed interest due hereunder shall violate applicable laws governing usury, the applicable rate of interest due hereunder shall automatically be lowered to equal the maximum permitted rate of interest. The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law or other law which would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the Principal of or interest on this Note as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Note, and the Company (to the extent it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefits or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Holder, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

(12) CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Note, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Amortization Event” shall mean: (i) the daily VWAP is less than the Floor Price then in effect for any five (5) Trading Days during a period of seven (7) consecutive Trading Days (a “Floor Price Event”), (ii) the Company has issued to the Investor, pursuant to the transactions contemplated in this Note, the Other Notes and the SEPA, in excess of 99% of the Common Shares available under the Exchange Cap, where applicable (an “Exchange Cap Event”), or (iii) at any time after the Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), the Investor is unable to utilize a Registration Statement to resell Underlying Shares for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days (a “Registration Event”)] (the last day of each such occurrence, an “Amortization Event Date”).

 

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(b) “Amortization Principal Amount” shall mean $1,000,000, provided however, in the event that the full $7,500,000 of Pre-Paid Advances have not been issued pursuant to the SEPA, then such amount shall be reduced pro rata in accordance with total amount issued.

 

(c) “Applicable Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(d) “Approved Stock Plan” means any employee benefit plan or share incentive plan which has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, pursuant to which the Company’s securities may be issued to any employee, officer or director for services provided to the Company.

 

(e) “Bloomberg” means Bloomberg Financial Markets.

 

(f) “Business Combination” shall have the meaning set forth in the SEPA.

 

(g) “Business Day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be a federal legal holiday in the United States or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close.

 

(h) “Buy-In” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(i) “Buy-In Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(j) “Calendar Month” means one of the twelve months of the year.

 

(k) “Change of Control Transaction” means the occurrence of (a) an acquisition after the date hereof by an individual or legal entity or “group” (as described in Rule 13d-5(b)(1) promulgated under the Exchange Act) of effective control (whether through legal or beneficial ownership of capital stock of the Company, by contract or otherwise) of in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the Company (except that the acquisition of voting securities by the Holder or any other current holder of convertible securities of the Company shall not constitute a Change of Control Transaction for purposes hereof), (b) a replacement at one time or over time of more than one-half of the members of the board of directors of the Company (other than as due to the death or disability of a member of the board of directors) which is not approved by a majority of those individuals who are members of the board of directors on the date hereof (or by those individuals who are serving as members of the board of directors on any date whose nomination to the board of directors was approved by a majority of the members of the board of directors who are members on the date hereof), (c) the merger, consolidation or sale of fifty percent (50%) or more of the assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in one or a series of related transactions with or into another entity, or (d) the execution by the Company of an agreement to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, providing for any of the events set forth above in (a), (b) or (c). No transfer to a wholly-owned Subsidiary shall be deemed a Change of Control Transaction under this provision.

 

(l) “Closing Price” means the price per share in the last reported trade of the Common Shares on a Principal Market or on the exchange which the Common Shares are then listed as quoted by Bloomberg.

 

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(m) “Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(n) “Common Shares” means the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001, of the Company and stock of any other class into which such shares may hereafter be changed or reclassified.

 

(o) “Conversion Amount” means the portion of the Principal, Interest, or other amounts outstanding under this Note to be converted, redeemed or otherwise with respect to which this determination is being made.

 

(p) “Conversion Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(q) “Conversion Failure” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(r) “Conversion Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(s) “Conversion Price” means, as of any Conversion Date or other date of determination, (A) prior to the close of trading on the fifth day following the closing of the Business Combination (“Market Price Date”), $60.62, and (B) after the Market Price Date, the lower of (i) 120% of the average of the daily VWAPs during the five (5) consecutive Trading Day period ending on the Market Price Date (the “Fixed Price”), or (ii) 95% of the lowest daily VWAP during the 10 consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the Conversion Date or other date of determination (the “Variable Price”), but which Variable Price shall not be lower than the Floor Price then in effect. On the earlier of the effective date of the initial Registration Statement, the Effectiveness Deadline (the “Fixed Price Reset Date”), the Fixed Price shall be adjusted (downwards only) to equal the average VWAP for the three (3) Trading Days immediately prior to the Fixed Price Reset Date. The Conversion Price shall be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the other terms and conditions of this Note.

 

(t) “Convertible Securities” means any stock or securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares.

 

(u) “Dilutive Issuance” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(v) “Effectiveness Deadline” shall have the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

(w) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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(x) “Excluded Securities” means any Common Shares issued or issuable or deemed to be issued by the Company: (i) under any Approved Stock Plan, (ii) upon conversion of any securities issued pursuant to the SEPA (including Common Shares issued in connection with this Note and any of the Other Notes); (iii) upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Options or Convertible Securities which are outstanding on the day immediately preceding the date of the SEPA; provided, that such issuance of Common Shares upon exercise of such Options or Convertible Securities is made pursuant to the terms of such Options or Convertible Securities in effect on such date and such Options or Convertible Securities are not amended, modified or changed on or after such date, or (iv) upon a stock split, reverse stock split, distribution of bonus shares, combination or other recapitalization events.

 

(y) “Floor Price” solely with respect to the Variable Price, shall mean 20% of the Closing Price on the Market Price Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may reduce the Floor Price to any amounts set forth in a written notice to the Holder; provided that such reduction shall be irrevocable and shall not be subject to increase thereafter.

 

(z) “Fundamental Transaction” means any of the following: (1) the Company effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person and the Company is the non-surviving company (other than a merger or consolidation with a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of redomiciling the Company), (2) the Company effects any sale of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (3) any tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are permitted to tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property, or (4) the Company effects any reclassification of the Common Shares or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Shares is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property.

 

(aa) “New Issuance Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(bb) “Other Notes” means any other notes issued pursuant to the SEPA and any other debentures, notes, or other instruments issued in exchange, replacement, or modification of the foregoing.

 

(cc) “Payment Premium” means 10% of the Principal amount being paid.

 

(dd) “Periodic Reports” shall mean all of the Company’s reports required to be filed by the Company with the Commission under applicable laws and regulations (including, without limitation, Regulation S-K), including annual reports (on Form 10-K), quarterly reports (on Form 10-Q), and current reports (on Form 8-K), for so long as any amounts are outstanding under this Note or any Other Note; provided that all such Periodic Reports shall include, when filed, all information, financial statements, audit reports (when applicable) and other information required to be included in such Periodic Reports in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

(ee) “Person” means a corporation, an association, a partnership, organization, a business, an individual, a government or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.

 

(ff) “Principal Market” means any of The New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, and any successor to any of the foregoing markets or exchanges.

 

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(gg) “Redemption Premium” means 10% of the Principal amount being redeemed.

 

(hh) “Registration Rights Agreement” means the registration rights agreement entered into between the Company and the Holder on the date hereof.

 

(ii) “Registration Statement” means a registration statement meeting the requirements set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement covering among other things the resale of the Underlying Shares and naming the Holder as a “selling stockholder” thereunder.

 

(jj) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(kk) “Share Delivery Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(ll) “Subsidiary” shall mean any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, (x) owns a majority of the outstanding capital stock or holds a majority of the equity or similar interest of such Person or (y) controls or operates all or substantially all of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and the foregoing are collectively referred to herein as “Subsidiaries.”

 

(mm) “Trading Day” means a day on which the Common Shares are quoted or traded on a Principal Market on which the Common Shares are then quoted or listed.

 

(nn) “Transaction Document” means this Note, the Other Notes and the NPA and following assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and execution of the SEPA, and the Registration Rights Agreement, the SEPA and the Registration Rights Agreement and any and all other documents, agreements, instruments or other items executed or delivered in connection with this Note or any of the foregoing.

 

(oo) “Underlying Shares” means the Common Shares of the Company issuable upon conversion of this Note or as payment of interest in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(pp) “VWAP” means, for any Trading Day, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for such Trading Day on the Principal Market during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P.

 

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Convertible Promissory Note to be duly executed by a duly authorized officer as of the date set forth above.

 

  SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.
     
  By:  
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO

 

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EXHIBIT I

CONVERSION NOTICE

 

(To be executed by the Holder in order to Convert the Note)

 

TO: [___________]

 

Via Email:

 

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to convert a portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount of Note No. SHARON-[1][2][3][4] into Common Shares of [___________], according to the conditions stated therein, as of the Conversion Date written below.

 

Conversion Date:

 

Principal Amount to be Converted:

 

Accrued Interest to be Converted:

 

Total Conversion Amount to be converted:

 

Fixed Price:

 

Variable Price:

 

Applicable Conversion Price:

 

Number of Common Shares to be issued:

 

Please issue the Common Shares in the following name and deliver them to the following account:

 

Issue to:

 

Broker DTC Participant Code:

 

Account Number:

 

Authorized Signature:  
   
Name:  
   
Title:  

 

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EXHIBIT B

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

See attached.

 

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REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of _________________ is made by and between YA II PN, LTD., a Cayman Islands exempt limited company (the “Investor”), and SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). The Investor and the Company may be referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Investor have entered into that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company may issue, from time to time, to the Investor up to $50,000,000 of newly issued shares of the Company’s shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Shares”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of, and in consideration for the Investor entering into, the Purchase Agreement, and to induce the Investor to execute and deliver the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide the Investor with certain registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or any similar successor statute (collectively, the “Securities Act”).

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Investor hereby agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS.

 

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Applicable Date” means the earlier to occur of (I) the first date on which the initial Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC (and each Prospectus contained therein is available for use on such date) or (II) the first date on which all of the Registrable Securities are eligible to be resold by the Investor pursuant to Rule 144.

 

(b) “Business Day” shall mean any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, other than any day on which commercial banks are authorized or required to be closed in New York City.

 

(c) “Effectiveness Deadline” means, with respect to the initial Registration Statement filed hereunder, the 90th calendar day following the date hereof, provided, however, in the event the Company is notified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that the Registration Statement will not be reviewed or is no longer subject to further review and comments, the Effectiveness Deadline as to such Registration Statement shall be the fifth Business Day following the date on which the Company is so notified if such date precedes the date required above.

 

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(d) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(e) “Filing Deadline” means, with respect to the initial Registration Statement required hereunder, the 30th calendar day following date hereof.

 

(f) “Person” means a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a partnership, an organization, a business, an individual, a governmental or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.

 

(g) “Prospectus” means the prospectus included in a Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement, and all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.

 

(h) “Registrable Securities” means all of (i) the Shares (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and (ii) any capital stock issued or issuable with respect to the Shares, including, without limitation, (1) as a result of any stock split, stock dividend or other distribution, recapitalization or similar event or otherwise, and (2) shares of capital stock of the Company into which the Common Shares are converted or exchanged and shares of capital stock of a successor entity into which the Common Shares are converted or exchanged.

 

(i) “Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company filed pursuant to this Agreement, including the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement or Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

 

(j) “Required Registration Amount” means (i) with respect to the initial Registration Statement, at least 41,240 shares of Common Shares issued or to be issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and the Commitment Shares, and (ii) with respect to subsequent Registration Statements, such number of shares of Common Stock as requested by the Investor not to exceed 300% of the maximum number of shares of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of all Promissory Notes then outstanding (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) such Promissory Notes are convertible at the Conversion Price (as defined in each respective Promissory Note) in effect as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Promissory Notes set forth therein), in each case subject to any cutback set forth in Section 2(e).

 

(k) “Rule 144” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto.

 

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(l) “Rule 415” means Rule 415 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

 

(m) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency administering the Securities Act and the Exchange Act at the time.

 

(n) “Securities Act” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals above.

 

2. REGISTRATION.

 

(a) The Company’s registration obligations set forth in this Section 2 including its obligations to file Registration Statements, obtain effectiveness of Registration Statements, and maintain the continuous effectiveness of any Registration Statement that has been declared effective shall begin on the date hereof and continue until all the earlier of (i) the date on which the Investor has sold all of the Registrable Securities and (ii) the date of termination of the Purchase Agreement if as of such termination date the Investor holds no Registrable Securities (the “Registration Period”).

 

(b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company shall (i) as soon as practicable, but in no case later than the Filing Deadline, prepare and file with the SEC an initial Registration Statement on Form S-1 (or, if the Company is then eligible, on Form S-3) or any successor form thereto covering the resale by the Investor of the Required Registration Amount in accordance with applicable SEC rules, regulations and interpretations so as to permit the resale of such Registrable Securities by the Investor under Rule 415 at then prevailing market prices (and not fixed prices). The Registration Statement shall contain “Selling Stockholders” and “Plan of Distribution” sections. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC as soon as practicable, but in no event later than the Effectiveness Deadline. By 9:30 am on the business day following the date of effectiveness, the Company shall file with the SEC in accordance with Rule 424 under the Securities Act the final Prospectus to be used in connection with sales pursuant to such Registration Statement. Prior to the filing of the Registration Statement with the SEC, the Company shall furnish a draft of the Registration Statement to the Investor for their review and comment.

 

(c) Sufficient Number of Shares Registered. If at any time all Registrable Securities are not covered by a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2(a) as a result of Section 2(e) or otherwise, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC one (1) or more additional Registration Statements so as to cover all of the Registrable Securities not covered by such initial Registration Statement, in each case as soon as practicable (taking into account any position of the staff of the SEC with respect to the date on which the Staff will permit such additional Registration Statement(s) to be filed with the SEC and the rules and regulations of the SEC). The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause each such new Registration Statement to become effective as soon as reasonably practicable following the filling thereof with the SEC.

 

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(d) During the Registration Period, the Company shall (i) promptly prepare and file with the SEC such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to a Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection with a Registration Statement, which Prospectus is to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 promulgated under the Securities Act, as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective at all times during the Registration Period, (ii) prepare and file with the SEC additional Registration Statements in order to register for resale under the Securities Act all of the Registrable Securities; (iii) cause the related Prospectus to be amended or supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement (subject to the terms of this Agreement), and as so supplemented or amended to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (iv) respond as promptly as reasonably possible to any comments received from the SEC with respect to a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto and as promptly as reasonably possible provide the Investor true and complete copies of all correspondence from and to the SEC relating to a Registration Statement (provided that the Company may excise any information contained therein which would constitute material non-public information as to any Investor which has not executed a confidentiality agreement with the Company); and (v) comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities of the Company covered by such Registration Statement until such time as all of such Registrable Securities shall have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the seller or sellers thereof as set forth in such Registration Statement. In the case of amendments and supplements to a Registration Statement which are required to be filed pursuant to this Agreement (including pursuant to this Section 2(c)) by reason of the Company’s filing a report on Form 10-K, Form 10- Q, or Form 8-K or any analogous report under the Exchange Act, the Company shall incorporate such report by reference into the Registration Statement, if applicable, or shall file such amendments or supplements with the SEC on the same day on which the Exchange Act report is filed which created the requirement for the Company to amend or supplement the Registration Statement.

 

(e) Reduction of Registrable Securities Included in a Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in the event that the SEC requires the Company to reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included in a Registration Statement in order to allow the Company to rely on Rule 415 with respect to a Registration Statement, then the Company shall reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included in such Registration Statement (after consultation with the Investor as to the specific Registrable Securities to be removed therefrom) to the maximum number of securities as is permitted to be registered by the SEC. In the event of any reduction in Registrable Securities pursuant to this paragraph, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file one (1) or more New Registration Statements with the Commission in accordance with Section 2(c) until such time as all Registrable Securities have been included in Registration Statements that have been declared effective and the Prospectuses contained therein are available for use by the Investor.

 

(f) Failure to File or Obtain Effectiveness of the Registration Statement or Remain Current. If: (i) a Registration Statement is not filed on or prior to its Filing Date, or (ii) a Registration Statement is not declared effective on or prior to the Effectiveness Deadline, or the Company fails to file with the SEC a request for acceleration in accordance with Rule 461 promulgated under the Securities Act, within five (5) Business Days of the date that the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that a Registration Statement will not be “reviewed,” or not subject to further review, or (iii) after the effectiveness, a Registration Statement ceases for any reason to remain continuously effective as to all Registrable Securities for which it is required to be effective, or (iv) the Investor is not permitted to utilize the Prospectus

 

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therein to resell such Registrable Securities for more than 15 consecutive calendar days or more than an aggregate of 30 calendar days during any 12-month period (which need not be consecutive calendar days), or (v) if after the date that is six (6) months from the date hereof, the Company does not have available adequate current public information as set forth in Rule 144(c) (any such failure or breach being referred to as an “Event”), then in addition to any other rights the Investor may have hereunder or under applicable law, such Event shall constitute a Registration Event (as defined in each respective Promissory Notes), and the Company shall be in breach of the term and conditions of this Agreement and such Event shall be deemed an Event of Default (as defined in each respective Promissory Notes) for so long as such Event remains uncured. During the period of the existence of an uncured Event, the Investor shall have no obligation to accept an Advance Notice or accept or purchase any Advance Shares (other than any Advance Shares purchased by the Investor prior to the occurrence of the Event).

 

(g) Piggy-Back Registrations. If at any time there is not an effective Registration Statement covering all of the Registrable Securities and the Company proposes to register the offer and sale of any Common Shares under the Securities Act (other than a registration (i) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (or other registration solely relating to an offering or sale to employees or directors of the Company pursuant to any employee stock plan or other employee benefit arrangement), (ii) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (or similar form that relates to a transaction subject to Rule 145 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto), or (iii) in connection with any dividend or distribution reinvestment or similar plan), whether for its own account or for the account of one (1) or more stockholders of the Company and the form of Registration Statement to be used may be used for any registration of Registrable Securities, the Company shall give prompt written notice (in any event no later than five (5) days prior to the filing of such Registration Statement) to the holders of Registrable Securities of its intention to effect such a registration and, shall include in such registration all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion from the holders of Registrable Securities; provided, however, that, the Company shall not be required to register any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2(g) that have been sold or may permanently be sold without any restrictions pursuant to Rule 144, as determined by the counsel to the Company pursuant to a written opinion letter to such effect, addressed and acceptable to the Company’s transfer agent.

 

(h) No Inclusion of Other Securities; Other Registration Statements. In no event shall the Company (i) include any securities other than Registrable Securities on any Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(b) or Section 2(c) without the Investor’s prior written consent or (ii) prior to the Applicable Date, or at any time thereafter while any Registration Statement is not effective or the Prospectus contained therein is not available for use, the Company shall not file a registration statement or an offering statement under the Seecurities Act relating to securities that are not the Registrable Securities (other than a registration statement on Form S-8 or such supplements or amendments to registration statements that are outstanding and have been declared effective by the SEC as of the date hereof) (solely to the extent necessary to keep such registration statements effective and available and not for any other reason).

 

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3. RELATED OBLIGATIONS.

 

(a) The Company shall, not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the filing of each Registration Statement and not less than one (1) business day prior to the filing of any related amendments and supplements to all Registration Statements (except for annual reports on Form 10-K, supplements and amendments to update the Registration Statement solely for information reflected in the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K), furnish to each Investor copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, which documents (other than those incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference) will be subject to the reasonable and prompt review of such Investor. The Company shall not file a Registration Statement or any such Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto to which the Investor shall reasonably object in good faith; provided that, the Company is notified of such objection in writing no later than two (2) Trading Days after the Investor have been so furnished copies of a Registration Statement.

 

(b) The Company shall furnish to each Investor whose Registrable Securities are included in any Registration Statement, without charge (i) at least one (1) copy (which may be in electronic form) of such Registration Statement as declared effective by the SEC and any amendment(s) thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated therein by reference, all exhibits and each preliminary prospectus, (ii) at least one (1) copy (which may be in electronic form) of the final prospectus included in such Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto, and (iii) any documents, which are not publicly available through EDGAR, as such Investor may reasonably request from time to time in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Investor.

 

(c) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to (i) register and qualify the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as any Investor reasonably requests, (ii) prepare and file in those jurisdictions, such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registrations and qualifications as may be necessary to maintain the effectiveness thereof during the Registration Period, (iii) take such other actions as may be necessary to maintain such registrations and qualifications in effect at all times during the Registration Period, and (iv) take all other actions reasonably necessary or advisable to qualify the Registrable Securities for sale in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (w) make any change to its articles of incorporation or by-laws, (x) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(c), (y) subject itself to general taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction. The Company shall promptly notify each Investor who holds Registrable Securities of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the registration or qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in the United States or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

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(d) As promptly as practicable after becoming aware of such event or development, the Company shall notify each Investor in writing of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in a Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (provided that in no event shall such notice contain any material, nonpublic information), and promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such Registration Statement to correct such untrue statement or omission and deliver one (1) electronic copy of such supplement or amendment to the Investor. The Company shall also promptly notify each Investor in writing (i) when a Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and when a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment has become effective (notification of such effectiveness shall be delivered to each Investor by email on the same day of such effectiveness), (ii) of any request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or related prospectus or related information, and (iii) of the Company’s reasonable determination that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement would be appropriate. The Company shall respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to any comments received from the SEC with respect to a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto.

 

(e) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or the suspension of the qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction within the United States of America and, if such an order or suspension is issued, to obtain the withdrawal of such order or suspension at the earliest possible moment and to notify each Investor who holds Registrable Securities being sold of the issuance of such order and the resolution thereof or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

(f) Without limiting any obligation of the Company under the Purchase Agreement, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause all of the Registrable Securities covered by each Registration Statement to be listed on the Principal Market. The Company shall pay all fees and expenses in connection with satisfying its obligation under this Section 3(f).

 

(g) The Company shall hold in confidence and not make any disclosure of information concerning the Investor provided to the Company unless (i) disclosure of such information is necessary to comply with federal or state securities laws, (ii) the disclosure of such information is necessary to avoid or correct a material misstatement or omission in any Registration Statement, (iii) the release of such information is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other final, non-appealable order from a court or governmental body of competent jurisdiction, or (iv) such information has been made generally available to the public other than by disclosure in violation of this Agreement or any other agreement. The Company agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such information concerning the Investor is sought in or by a court or governmental body of competent jurisdiction or through other means, give prompt written notice to the Investor and allow the Investor, at the Investor’s expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of, or to obtain a protective order for, such information.

 

(h) The Company shall cooperate with the holders of the Registrable Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144 free of any restrictive legends and representing such number of Common Shares and registered in such names as the holders of the Registrable Securities may reasonably request prior to sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144; provided, that the Company may satisfy its obligations hereunder without issuing physical stock certificates through the use of The Depository Trust Company’s Direct Registration System.

 

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(i) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Securities to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities.

 

(j) The Company shall otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC in connection with any registration hereunder.

 

(k) Within two (2) Business Days after a Registration Statement which covers Registrable Securities is declared effective by the SEC, the Company shall deliver, and shall cause legal counsel for the Company to deliver, to the transfer agent for such Registrable Securities (with copies to the Investor whose Registrable Securities are included in such Registration Statement) confirmation that such Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC.

 

(l) The Company shall take all other reasonable actions necessary to expedite and facilitate disposition by each Investor of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement.

 

4. OBLIGATIONS OF THE INVESTOR.

 

(a) The Investor agrees that upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(d) the Investor shall as soon as reasonably practicable discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities until the Investor’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 3(d) or receipt of notice that no supplement or amendment is required. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, subject to compliance with the securities laws, the Company shall cause its transfer agent to deliver unlegended certificates for Common Shares to a transferee of the Investor in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement in connection with any sale of Registrable Securities with respect to which the Investor has entered into a contract for sale prior to the Investor’s receipt of a notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(d) and for which the Investor has not yet settled.

 

(b) The Investor covenants and agrees that it will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act as applicable to it or an exemption therefrom in connection with sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement.

 

(c) The Investor, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities, agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of each Registration Statement hereunder, unless the Investor has notified the Company in writing of the Investor’s election to exclude all of the Investor’s Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.

 

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5. EXPENSES OF REGISTRATION.

 

All expenses incurred by the Company in complying with its obligations pursuant to this Agreement and in connection with the registration and disposition of Registrable Securities shall be paid by the Company, including, without limitation, all registration, listing and qualifications fees, printers, fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and accountants (except legal fees of Investor’s counsel associated with the review of the Registration Statement).

 

6. INDEMNIFICATION.

 

With respect to Registrable Securities which are included in a Registration Statement under this Agreement:

 

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company will, and hereby does, indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Investor and its directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, and representatives, and each Person, if any, who controls the Investor within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each, an “Investor Indemnified Person”), against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties, charges, costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees, amounts paid in settlement or expenses, joint or several (collectively, “Indemnified Damages”), incurred in investigating, preparing or defending any action, claim, suit, inquiry, proceeding, investigation or appeal taken from the foregoing by or before any court or governmental, administrative or other regulatory agency, body or the SEC, whether pending or threatened, whether or not an indemnified party is or may be a party thereto (“Claims”), to which any of them may become subject insofar as such Claims (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in a Registration Statement or any post- effective amendment thereto or in any filing made in connection with the qualification of the offering under the securities or other “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in which Registrable Securities are offered (“Blue Sky Filing”), or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any final prospectus (as amended or supplemented, if the Company files any amendment or supplement thereto with the SEC) or the omission or alleged omission to state therein any material fact necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which the statements therein were made, not misleading; or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement (the matters in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii) being, collectively, “Violations”). The Company shall reimburse the Investor and each such Investor Indemnified Person promptly as Indemnified Damages are incurred and are due and payable, including reasonable legal fees, disbursements and other expenses incurred by an Investor Indemnified Person in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 6(a): (x) shall not apply to a Claim arising out of or based upon a Violation which occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by such Investor Indemnified Person expressly for use in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement or any such amendment thereof or supplement thereto; (y) shall not be available to the extent such Claim is based on a failure of the Investor to deliver or to cause to be delivered the prospectus made available by the Company, if such prospectus was timely made available by the Company pursuant to Section 3(c); and (z) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of an Investor Indemnified Person.

 

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(b) In connection with a Registration Statement, the Investor agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend, to the same extent and in the same manner as is set forth in Section 6(a), the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers, employees, representatives, or agents and each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each a “Company Indemnified Person”), against any Claim or Indemnified Damages to which any of them may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such Claim or Indemnified Damages arise out of or is based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent, and only to the extent, that such Violation occurs (i) in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Investor expressly for use in connection with such Registration Statement or (ii) from the Investor’s violation of any prospectus delivery requirements under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement; and, subject to Section 6(d), such Investor will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim; provided, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6(b) and the agreement with respect to contribution contained in Section 7 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Investor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, further, that, other than in connection with fraud or gross negligence on the part of the Investor, the Investor shall be liable under this Section 6(b) for only that amount of a Claim or Indemnified Damages as does not exceed the net proceeds to such Investor as a result of the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Company Indemnified Person. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 6(b) with respect to any prospectus shall not inure to the benefit of any Company Indemnified Person if the untrue statement or omission of material fact contained in the prospectus was corrected and such new prospectus was delivered to the Investor prior to such Investor’s use of the prospectus to which the Claim relates.

 

(c) Promptly after receipt by an Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person under this Section 6 of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving a Claim, such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall, if indemnification in respect of such Claim is to be sought from any indemnifying party under this Section 6, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof, and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, assume control of the defense thereof with counsel reasonably and mutually satisfactory to the indemnifying party and the Investor Indemnified Person or the Company Indemnified Person, as the case may be; provided, however, that an Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own

 

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counsel with the fees and expenses of not more than one (1) counsel for such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person to be paid by the indemnifying party, if, in the reasonable opinion of counsel retained by the indemnifying party, the representation by such counsel of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person and the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall reasonably cooperate with the indemnifying party in connection with any negotiation or defense of any Claim by the indemnifying party and shall furnish to the indemnifying party all information reasonably available to the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person which relates to such action or claim. The indemnifying party shall keep the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person fully apprised at all times as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its prior written consent; provided, however, that the indemnifying party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person, as the case may be, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person of a full and unconditional release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated to all rights of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the Claim(s) for which indemnification has been made. The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such Claim shall not relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person under this Section 6, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is prejudiced in its ability to defend such Claim.

 

(d) The indemnification required by this Section 6 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or Indemnified Damages are incurred.

 

(e) The indemnity agreements contained herein shall be in addition to (i) any cause of action or similar right of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person against the indemnifying party or others and (ii) any liabilities the indemnifying party may be subject to pursuant to the law.

 

7. CONTRIBUTION.

 

To the extent any indemnification by an indemnifying party is prohibited or limited by law, the indemnifying party agrees to make the maximum contribution with respect to any amounts for which it would otherwise be liable under Section 6 to the fullest extent permitted by law; provided, however, that: (i) no seller of Registrable Securities guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any seller of Registrable Securities who was not guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation and (ii) contribution by any seller of Registrable Securities shall be limited in amount to the net amount of proceeds received by such seller from the sale of such Registrable Securities.

 

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8. REPORTS UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT.

 

With a view to making available to the Investor the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or any similar rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Investor to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration, and as a material inducement to the Investor’s purchase of the Promissory Notes, the Company represents, warrants, and covenants to the following:

 

(a) The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and has timely filed (giving effect to permissible extensions in accordance with Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act). all required reports under section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the 12 months prior to the date hereof (or for such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports), other than Form 8-K reports.

 

(b) During the Registration Period, the Company shall file with the SEC in a timely manner all required reports under section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (it being understood that nothing herein shall limit the Company’s obligations under the Purchase Agreement) and such reports shall conform to the requirement of the Exchange Act and the SEC for filing thereunder.

 

(c) The Company shall furnish to the Investor so long as such Investor owns Registrable Securities, promptly upon request, (i) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company, and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested to permit the Investor to sell such securities pursuant to Rule 144 without registration.

 

9. AMENDMENT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS.

 

Provisions of this Agreement may be amended and the observance thereof may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the Company and the Investor. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this Section 9 shall be binding upon each of the Investor and the Company. No such amendment shall be effective to the extent that it applies to fewer than all of the holders of the Registrable Securities. No consideration shall be offered or paid to any Person to amend or consent to a waiver or modification of any provision of any of this Agreement unless the same consideration also is offered to all of the parties to this Agreement.

 

10. MISCELLANEOUS.

 

(a) A Person is deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities whenever such Person owns or is deemed to own of record such Registrable Securities or owns the right to receive the Registrable Securities. If the Company receives conflicting instructions, notices or elections from two (2) or more Persons with respect to the same Registrable Securities, the Company shall act upon the basis of instructions, notice or election received from the registered owner of such Registrable Securities.

 

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(b) Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations of the Investor or the Company hereunder may be assigned to any other Person, except for assignments by the Investor to any of its affiliates.

 

(c) Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered pursuant to the notice provisions of the Purchase Agreement or to such other address and/or electronic mail address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party five (5) days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (A) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (B) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, and recipient email or (C) provided by a courier or overnight courier service shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt by email or receipt from a nationally recognized overnight delivery service in accordance with this section.

 

(d) Failure of any party to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement or otherwise, or delay by a party in exercising such right or remedy, shall not operate as a waiver thereof.

 

(e) The laws of the State of New York shall govern all issues concerning the relative rights of the Company and the Investor as its stockholder. All other questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, sitting in New York County, New York and federal courts for the Southern District of New York sitting New York, New York, for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof to such party at the address for such notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in that jurisdiction or the validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

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(f) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the permitted successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto.

 

(g) The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

(h) This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, both of which shall be considered one (1) and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Electronically scanned and delivered signatures (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com), including by e-mail attachment, shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

(i) Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as the other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(j) The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent and no rules of strict construction will be applied against any party.

 

(k) This Agreement is intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other Person.

 

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Investor and the Company have caused their signature page to this Registration Rights Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

  COMPANY:
  Sharonai Holdings, Inc.
     
  By:  
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO

 

  INVESTOR:
  YA II PN, Ltd.
     
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP
  Its: Investment Manager
     
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC
  Its: General Partner
     
  By:  
  Name: Matthew Beckman
  Title: Manager

 

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EXHIBIT C
ADVANCE NOTICE

 

Dated: ______________ Advance Notice Number: ____

 

The undersigned, _______________________, hereby certifies, with respect to the sale of Common Shares of SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Company”) issuable in connection with this Advance Notice, delivered pursuant to that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of [____________] (the “Agreement”), as follows (with capitalized terms used herein without definition having the same meanings as given to them in the Agreement):

 

1. The undersigned is the duly elected ______________ of the Company.

 

2. There are no fundamental changes to the information set forth in the Registration Statement which would require the Company to file a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement.

 

3. The Company has performed in all material respects all covenants and agreements to be performed by the Company contained in the Agreement on or prior to the Advance Notice Date. All conditions to the delivery of this Advance Notice are satisfied as of the date hereof.

 

4. The number of Advance Shares the Company is requesting is _____________________.

 

5. The Minimum Acceptable Price with respect to this Advance Notice is ____________ (if left blank then no Minimum Acceptable Price will be applicable to this Advance).

 

6. The number of Common Shares of the Company outstanding as of the date hereof is ___________.

 

The undersigned has executed this Advance Notice as of the date first set forth above.

 

  SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.
     
By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

 

Please deliver this Advance Notice by email to:

Email: Trading@yorkvilleadvisors.com

Attention: Trading Department and Compliance Officer

Confirmation Telephone Number: (201) 985-8300.

 

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EXHIBIT D

SETTLEMENT DOCUMENT

 

VIA EMAIL

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

Attn:

Email:

 

Below please find the settlement information with respect to the Advance Notice Date of:  
1. Number of Common Shares requested in the Advance Notice  
2. Minimum Acceptable Price for this Advance (if any)  
3. Number of Excluded Days (if any)  
4. Adjusted Advance Amount (if applicable)  
5. Market Price  
6. Purchase Price (Market Price x 97%) per share  
7. Number of Advance Shares due to the Investor  
8. Total Purchase Price due to Company (row 6 x row 7)  

 

If there were any Excluded Days then add the following

 

9. Number of Additional Shares to be issued to the Investor  
10. Additional amount to be paid to the Company by the Investor (Additional Shares in row 9 x Minimum Acceptable Price x 97%)  
11. Total Amount to be paid to the Company (Purchase Price in row 8 + additional amount in row 10)  
12. Total Advance Shares to be issued to the Investor (Advance Shares due to the Investor in row 7 + Additional Shares in row 9)  

 

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Please issue the number of Advance Shares due to the Investor to the account of the Investor as follows:

 

Investor’s DTC participant #:  
   

ACCOUNT NAME:

 

ACCOUNT NUMBER:

 

ADDRESS:

 

CITY:

 

COUNTRY:

 

Contact person:

 

Number and/or email:

 
   
Sincerely,  
   
YA II PN, LTD.  
   

 

Agreed and approved by:  
   
SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.  
     
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

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EXHIBIT E

INVESTOR NOTICE,

CORRESPONDING ADVANCE NOTICE,

AND SETTLEMENT DOCUMENT

 

YA II PN, LTD.

 

Dated: ______________ Investor Notice Number: ____

 

On behalf of YA II PN, LTD. (the “Investor”), the undersigned hereby certifies, with respect to the purchase of Common Shares of SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Company”) issuable in connection with this Investor Notice, delivered pursuant to that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of [_____________], as amended and supplemented from time to time (the “Agreement”), as follows:

 

1. Advance requested in the Advance Notice  
2. Purchase Price (equal to the Conversion Price as defined in the Promissory Note)  
3. Number of Shares due to Investor  

 

The aggregate purchase price of the Shares to be paid by Investor pursuant to this Investor Notice and corresponding Advance Notice shall be offset against amounts outstanding under the Pre-Paid Advance evidenced by the Promissory Note, dated [___________], (first towards accrued and unpaid interest, and then towards outstanding principal) as follows (and this information shall satisfy the obligations of the Investor to deliver a Settlement Document pursuant to the Agreement):

 

1. Amount offset against accrued and unpaid Interest $[____________]
2. Amount offset against Principal $[____________]
3. Total amount of the Promissory Note outstanding following the Advance $[____________]

 

Please issue the number of Shares due to the Investor to the account of the Investor as follows:

 

Investor’s DTC participant #:  
   

ACCOUNT NAME:

 

ACCOUNT NUMBER:

 

ADDRESS:

 

CITY:

 

 

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The undersigned has executed this Investor Notice as of the date first set forth above.

 

YA II PN, Ltd.  
     
By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP  
Its: Investment Manager  
       
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC  
  Its: General Partner  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

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EXHIBIT F

FORM OF GLOBAL GUARANTY AGREEMENT

 

See attached.

 

- 136 -

 

 

GLOBAL GUARANTY AGREEMENT

 

This Guaranty (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Guaranty”) is made as of [●], 2025, by SHARONAI, INC., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Debtor (“SharonAI”), Distributed Storage Solutions Pty Ltd, an Australian company and wholly-owned subsidiary of SharonAI (“DSS” and collectively with SharonAI and any subsequent party that may join in this Guaranty, the “Guarantors”) in favor of YA II PN, LTD. (“YA II” or the “Creditor”), with respect to all obligations of SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Debtor”) owed to the Creditor.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Creditor and the Debtor have entered into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) dated as of [●] 2025, pursuant to which the Creditor has provided and shall provide advances to the Debtor (the “Pre-Paid Advance”) evidenced by promissory notes issued or to be issued to the Creditor (the “Promissory Notes”), pursuant to and upon the terms and conditions of the Agreement, in the aggregate amount of up to $7,500,000;

 

WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the Creditor’s obligation to provide the Pre-Paid Advances to the Debtor that each Guarantor guarantees all of the Debtor’s obligations under the Agreement, the Pre-Paid Advances issued thereunder, each Promissory Note evidencing the Pre-Paid Advances, and all other instruments, agreements or other items executed or delivered (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”) by the Debtor to the Creditor in connection with or related to the Agreement. The Creditor is only willing to enter into the Agreement and provide the Pre-Paid Advances to the Debtor if each Guarantor agrees to execute and deliver to the Creditor this Guaranty; and

 

WHEREAS, the Guarantors are, or will be wholly-owned, or majority-owned subsidiaries of the Creditor and will benefit, directly or indirectly, from the Debtor entering into the Agreement, the making of the Pre-Paid Advances, and other Transaction Documents and extensions of credit the Creditor will make to Debtor;

 

WHEREAS, DSS entered into a guaranty on July__, 2025 in favor of the Creditor (the “Prior Guaranty”) in respect of obligations of SharonAI to the Creditor, which obligations have been assumed by the Debtor.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Guarantor covenants and agrees as follows:

 

1. Guaranty of Payment and Performance. Each Guarantor, jointly and severally, hereby guarantees to the Creditor the full, prompt and unconditional payment when due (whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), and the performance, of all liabilities, agreements and other obligations of the Debtor to the Creditor contained in the Transaction Documents (all the foregoing, collectively, the “Obligations”). This Guaranty is an absolute, unconditional and continuing guaranty of the full and punctual payment and performance of the Obligations and not of their collectability only and is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that the Creditor first attempt to collect or require the performance of any of the Obligations from the Debtor or resort to any security or other means of obtaining their payment. Should the Debtor default in the payment or performance of any of the Obligations, the obligations of the Guarantors hereunder shall become immediately due and payable to the Creditor, without demand or notice of any nature, all of which are expressly waived by the Guarantors.

 

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2. Limited Guaranty. The liability of the Guarantors hereunder shall be limited to the amount of the Obligations due to the Creditor.

 

3. Waivers by Guarantors; Creditor’s Freedom to Act. Each Guarantor hereby agrees that the Obligations will be paid and performed strictly in accordance with their terms regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of the Creditor with respect thereto. Each Guarantor waives presentment, demand, protest, notice of acceptance, notice of Obligations incurred and all other notices of any kind, all defenses that may be available by virtue of any valuation, stay, moratorium law or other similar law now or hereafter in effect (other than payment in full of the Obligations), any right to require the marshalling of assets of the Debtor, and all suretyship defenses generally. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor agrees to the provisions of any instrument evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation and agrees that the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder shall not be released or discharged, in whole or in part, or otherwise affected by (i) the failure of the Creditor to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Debtor; (ii) any extensions or renewals of, or alteration of the terms of, any Obligation or any portion thereof unless entered into by the Creditor; (iii) any rescissions, waivers, amendments or modifications of any of the terms or provisions of any agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation unless entered into by the Creditor; (iv) the substitution or release of any entity primarily or secondarily liable for any Obligation; (v) the adequacy of any rights the Creditor may have against any collateral or other means of obtaining payment or performance of the Obligations; (vi) the impairment of any collateral securing the Obligations, including without limitation the failure to perfect or preserve any rights the Creditor might have in such collateral or the substitution, exchange, surrender, release, loss or destruction of any such collateral; (vii) failure to obtain or maintain a right of contribution for the benefit of such Guarantor; (viii) errors or omissions in connection with the Creditor’s administration of the Obligations (except behavior constituting bad faith); or (ix) any other act or omission that might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or otherwise operate as a release or discharge of any Guarantor, all of which may be done without notice to any Guarantor, in each case other than as a result of payment in full of the Obligations then due and owing.

 

4. Unenforceability of Obligations Against Debtor. If for any reason the Debtor is under no legal obligation to discharge or perform any of the Obligations, or if any of the Obligations have become irrecoverable from the Debtor by operation of law or for any other reason, this Guaranty shall nevertheless be binding on the Guarantors to the same extent as if the Guarantors at all times had been the principal obligors on all such Obligations, in each case other than as a result of payment in full of the Obligations then due and owing. In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of the Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Debtor, or for any other reason, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation shall be immediately due and payable by the Guarantors.

 

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5. Subrogation; Subordination. Until the payment and performance in full of all Obligations then due and owing, the Guarantors shall not exercise any rights against the Debtor arising as a result of payment by the Guarantors hereunder, by way of subrogation or otherwise, and will not prove any claim in competition with the Creditor in respect of any payment hereunder in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings of any nature; the Guarantors will not claim any set-off or counterclaim against the Debtor in respect of any liability of the Guarantors to the Debtor; and the Guarantors waive any benefit of and any right to participate in any collateral that may be held by the Creditor. The payment of any amounts due with respect to any indebtedness of the Debtor now or hereafter held by the Guarantor is hereby subordinated to the prior payment in full of the Obligations then due and owing. The Guarantor agrees that after the occurrence and during the continuance of any default in the payment or performance of the Obligations, the Guarantors will not demand, sue for or otherwise attempt to collect any such indebtedness of the Debtor to the Guarantors until the Obligations then due and owing shall have been paid or performed in full. If, notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Guarantors shall collect, enforce or receive any amounts in respect of such indebtedness, such amounts shall be collected, enforced and received by the Guarantor as trustee for the Creditor and be paid over to the Creditor on account of the Obligations without affecting in any manner the liability of the Guarantors under the other provisions of this Guaranty.

 

6. Termination; Reinstatement. This Guaranty is irrevocable and shall continue until such time as the Obligations then due and owing have been paid or performed in full. This Guaranty shall be reinstated if at any time any payment made or value received with respect to an Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Creditor upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Debtor, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made or value received. Upon the effectiveness of this Guaranty and the complete assumption by the Debtor of all obligations guaranteed thereunder, the Prior Guaranty shall be terminated.

 

7. Successors and Assigns. This Guaranty shall be binding upon each Guarantor, its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Creditor and the Creditor’s shareholders, officers, directors, agents, successors and assigns.

 

8. Amendments and Waivers. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty nor consent to any departure by the Guarantor therefrom shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Creditor. No failure on the part of the Creditor to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.

 

9. Notices. All notices and other communications called for hereunder to the Creditor or the Debtor shall be made in writing as provided in the Agreement. All notices and other communications called for hereunder to the Guarantors shall be made in writing as provided on Schedule I attached hereto or as the Guarantors may otherwise notify the Creditor.

 

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10. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Guaranty is intended to take effect as a sealed instrument and shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York (excluding the laws applicable to conflicts or choice of law). The Guarantor agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this Guaranty may be brought in the courts of the State of New York, New York County and consents to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such court and to service of process in any such suit’s being made upon any Guarantor by mail at the address set forth at the head of this Guaranty. The Guarantor hereby waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit or any such court or that such suit was brought in an inconvenient court. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, THE PERFORMANCE THEREOF OR THE FINANCINGS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTY HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS GUARANTY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS PARAGRAPH.

 

11. Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Guaranty may be executed in identical counterparts, both which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Facsimile or other electronically scanned and delivered signatures (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com), including by e-mail attachment, shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes of this Guaranty.

 

 

[Rest of page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be executed and delivered as a sealed instrument as of the date appearing on page one.

 

SHARONAI, INC.
     
By:  
Name:  
Title:  
     
DISTRIBUTED STORAGE SOLUTIONS PTY LIMITED
     
By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

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Schedule I

The Guarantors

 

SHARONAI, INC.

 

Contact Info:

Wolfgang Schubert, CEO

745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500, NY 10151

Email: wolf@sharonai.com

 

DISTRIBUTED STORAGE SOLUTIONS PTY LIMITED

 

Contact Info:

Andrew Leece

303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney, Australia

Email: andrew@sharonai.com

 

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Exhibit B

 

Form of Registration Rights Agreement

 

(see attached)

 

- 143 -

 

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of _________________ is made by and between YA II PN, LTD., a Cayman Islands exempt limited company (the “Investor”), and SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). The Investor and the Company may be referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Investor have entered into that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company may issue, from time to time, to the Investor up to $50,000,000 of newly issued shares of the Company’s shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Shares”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of, and in consideration for the Investor entering into, the Purchase Agreement, and to induce the Investor to execute and deliver the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide the Investor with certain registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or any similar successor statute (collectively, the “Securities Act”).

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Investor hereby agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS.

 

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Applicable Date” means the earlier to occur of (I) the first date on which the initial Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC (and each Prospectus contained therein is available for use on such date) or (II) the first date on which all of the Registrable Securities are eligible to be resold by the Investor pursuant to Rule 144.

 

(b) “Business Day” shall mean any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, other than any day on which commercial banks are authorized or required to be closed in New York City.

 

(c) “Effectiveness Deadline” means, with respect to the initial Registration Statement filed hereunder, the 90th calendar day following the date hereof, provided, however, in the event the Company is notified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that the Registration Statement will not be reviewed or is no longer subject to further review and comments, the Effectiveness Deadline as to such Registration Statement shall be the fifth Business Day following the date on which the Company is so notified if such date precedes the date required above.

 

- 144 -

 

 

(d) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(e) “Filing Deadline” means, with respect to the initial Registration Statement required hereunder, the 30th calendar day following date hereof.

 

(f) “Person” means a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a partnership, an organization, a business, an individual, a governmental or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.

 

(g) “Prospectus” means the prospectus included in a Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement, and all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.

 

(h) “Registrable Securities” means all of (i) the Shares (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and (ii) any capital stock issued or issuable with respect to the Shares, including, without limitation, (1) as a result of any stock split, stock dividend or other distribution, recapitalization or similar event or otherwise, and (2) shares of capital stock of the Company into which the Common Shares are converted or exchanged and shares of capital stock of a successor entity into which the Common Shares are converted or exchanged.

 

(i) “Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company filed pursuant to this Agreement, including the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement or Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

 

(j) “Required Registration Amount” means (i) with respect to the initial Registration Statement, at least 41,240 shares of Common Shares issued or to be issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and the Commitment Shares, and (ii) with respect to subsequent Registration Statements, such number of shares of Common Stock as requested by the Investor not to exceed 300% of the maximum number of shares of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of all Promissory Notes then outstanding (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) such Promissory Notes are convertible at the Conversion Price (as defined in each respective Promissory Note) in effect as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Promissory Notes set forth therein), in each case subject to any cutback set forth in Section 2(e).

 

(k) “Rule 144” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto.

 

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(l) “Rule 415” means Rule 415 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

 

(m) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency administering the Securities Act and the Exchange Act at the time.

 

(n) “Securities Act” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals above.

 

2. REGISTRATION.

 

(a) The Company’s registration obligations set forth in this Section 2 including its obligations to file Registration Statements, obtain effectiveness of Registration Statements, and maintain the continuous effectiveness of any Registration Statement that has been declared effective shall begin on the date hereof and continue until all the earlier of (i) the date on which the Investor has sold all of the Registrable Securities and (ii) the date of termination of the Purchase Agreement if as of such termination date the Investor holds no Registrable Securities (the “Registration Period”).

 

(b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company shall (i) as soon as practicable, but in no case later than the Filing Deadline, prepare and file with the SEC an initial Registration Statement on Form S-1 (or, if the Company is then eligible, on Form S-3) or any successor form thereto covering the resale by the Investor of the Required Registration Amount in accordance with applicable SEC rules, regulations and interpretations so as to permit the resale of such Registrable Securities by the Investor under Rule 415 at then prevailing market prices (and not fixed prices). The Registration Statement shall contain “Selling Stockholders” and “Plan of Distribution” sections. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC as soon as practicable, but in no event later than the Effectiveness Deadline. By 9:30 am on the business day following the date of effectiveness, the Company shall file with the SEC in accordance with Rule 424 under the Securities Act the final Prospectus to be used in connection with sales pursuant to such Registration Statement. Prior to the filing of the Registration Statement with the SEC, the Company shall furnish a draft of the Registration Statement to the Investor for their review and comment.

 

(c) Sufficient Number of Shares Registered. If at any time all Registrable Securities are not covered by a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2(a) as a result of Section 2(e) or otherwise, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC one (1) or more additional Registration Statements so as to cover all of the Registrable Securities not covered by such initial Registration Statement, in each case as soon as practicable (taking into account any position of the staff of the SEC with respect to the date on which the Staff will permit such additional Registration Statement(s) to be filed with the SEC and the rules and regulations of the SEC). The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause each such new Registration Statement to become effective as soon as reasonably practicable following the filling thereof with the SEC.

 

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(d) During the Registration Period, the Company shall (i) promptly prepare and file with the SEC such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to a Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection with a Registration Statement, which Prospectus is to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 promulgated under the Securities Act, as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective at all times during the Registration Period, (ii) prepare and file with the SEC additional Registration Statements in order to register for resale under the Securities Act all of the Registrable Securities; (iii) cause the related Prospectus to be amended or supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement (subject to the terms of this Agreement), and as so supplemented or amended to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (iv) respond as promptly as reasonably possible to any comments received from the SEC with respect to a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto and as promptly as reasonably possible provide the Investor true and complete copies of all correspondence from and to the SEC relating to a Registration Statement (provided that the Company may excise any information contained therein which would constitute material non-public information as to any Investor which has not executed a confidentiality agreement with the Company); and (v) comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities of the Company covered by such Registration Statement until such time as all of such Registrable Securities shall have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the seller or sellers thereof as set forth in such Registration Statement. In the case of amendments and supplements to a Registration Statement which are required to be filed pursuant to this Agreement (including pursuant to this Section 2(c)) by reason of the Company’s filing a report on Form 10-K, Form 10- Q, or Form 8-K or any analogous report under the Exchange Act, the Company shall incorporate such report by reference into the Registration Statement, if applicable, or shall file such amendments or supplements with the SEC on the same day on which the Exchange Act report is filed which created the requirement for the Company to amend or supplement the Registration Statement.

 

(e) Reduction of Registrable Securities Included in a Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in the event that the SEC requires the Company to reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included in a Registration Statement in order to allow the Company to rely on Rule 415 with respect to a Registration Statement, then the Company shall reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included in such Registration Statement (after consultation with the Investor as to the specific Registrable Securities to be removed therefrom) to the maximum number of securities as is permitted to be registered by the SEC. In the event of any reduction in Registrable Securities pursuant to this paragraph, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file one (1) or more New Registration Statements with the Commission in accordance with Section 2(c) until such time as all Registrable Securities have been included in Registration Statements that have been declared effective and the Prospectuses contained therein are available for use by the Investor.

 

(f) Failure to File or Obtain Effectiveness of the Registration Statement or Remain Current. If: (i) a Registration Statement is not filed on or prior to its Filing Date, or (ii) a Registration Statement is not declared effective on or prior to the Effectiveness Deadline, or the Company fails to file with the SEC a request for acceleration in accordance with Rule 461 promulgated under the Securities Act, within five (5) Business Days of the date that the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that a Registration Statement will not be “reviewed,” or not subject to further review, or (iii) after the effectiveness, a Registration Statement ceases for any reason to remain continuously effective as to all Registrable Securities for which it is required to be effective, or (iv) the Investor is not permitted to utilize the Prospectus

 

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therein to resell such Registrable Securities for more than 15 consecutive calendar days or more than an aggregate of 30 calendar days during any 12-month period (which need not be consecutive calendar days), or (v) if after the date that is six (6) months from the date hereof, the Company does not have available adequate current public information as set forth in Rule 144(c) (any such failure or breach being referred to as an “Event”), then in addition to any other rights the Investor may have hereunder or under applicable law, such Event shall constitute a Registration Event (as defined in each respective Promissory Notes), and the Company shall be in breach of the term and conditions of this Agreement and such Event shall be deemed an Event of Default (as defined in each respective Promissory Notes) for so long as such Event remains uncured. During the period of the existence of an uncured Event, the Investor shall have no obligation to accept an Advance Notice or accept or purchase any Advance Shares (other than any Advance Shares purchased by the Investor prior to the occurrence of the Event).

 

(g) Piggy-Back Registrations. If at any time there is not an effective Registration Statement covering all of the Registrable Securities and the Company proposes to register the offer and sale of any Common Shares under the Securities Act (other than a registration (i) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (or other registration solely relating to an offering or sale to employees or directors of the Company pursuant to any employee stock plan or other employee benefit arrangement), (ii) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (or similar form that relates to a transaction subject to Rule 145 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto), or (iii) in connection with any dividend or distribution reinvestment or similar plan), whether for its own account or for the account of one (1) or more stockholders of the Company and the form of Registration Statement to be used may be used for any registration of Registrable Securities, the Company shall give prompt written notice (in any event no later than five (5) days prior to the filing of such Registration Statement) to the holders of Registrable Securities of its intention to effect such a registration and, shall include in such registration all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion from the holders of Registrable Securities; provided, however, that, the Company shall not be required to register any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2(g) that have been sold or may permanently be sold without any restrictions pursuant to Rule 144, as determined by the counsel to the Company pursuant to a written opinion letter to such effect, addressed and acceptable to the Company’s transfer agent.

 

(h) No Inclusion of Other Securities; Other Registration Statements. In no event shall the Company (i) include any securities other than Registrable Securities on any Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(b) or Section 2(c) without the Investor’s prior written consent or (ii) prior to the Applicable Date, or at any time thereafter while any Registration Statement is not effective or the Prospectus contained therein is not available for use, the Company shall not file a registration statement or an offering statement under the Seecurities Act relating to securities that are not the Registrable Securities (other than a registration statement on Form S-8 or such supplements or amendments to registration statements that are outstanding and have been declared effective by the SEC as of the date hereof) (solely to the extent necessary to keep such registration statements effective and available and not for any other reason).

 

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3. RELATED OBLIGATIONS.

 

(a) The Company shall, not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the filing of each Registration Statement and not less than one (1) business day prior to the filing of any related amendments and supplements to all Registration Statements (except for annual reports on Form 10-K, supplements and amendments to update the Registration Statement solely for information reflected in the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K), furnish to each Investor copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, which documents (other than those incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference) will be subject to the reasonable and prompt review of such Investor. The Company shall not file a Registration Statement or any such Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto to which the Investor shall reasonably object in good faith; provided that, the Company is notified of such objection in writing no later than two (2) Trading Days after the Investor have been so furnished copies of a Registration Statement.

 

(b) The Company shall furnish to each Investor whose Registrable Securities are included in any Registration Statement, without charge (i) at least one (1) copy (which may be in electronic form) of such Registration Statement as declared effective by the SEC and any amendment(s) thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated therein by reference, all exhibits and each preliminary prospectus, (ii) at least one (1) copy (which may be in electronic form) of the final prospectus included in such Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto, and (iii) any documents, which are not publicly available through EDGAR, as such Investor may reasonably request from time to time in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Investor.

 

(c) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to (i) register and qualify the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as any Investor reasonably requests, (ii) prepare and file in those jurisdictions, such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registrations and qualifications as may be necessary to maintain the effectiveness thereof during the Registration Period, (iii) take such other actions as may be necessary to maintain such registrations and qualifications in effect at all times during the Registration Period, and (iv) take all other actions reasonably necessary or advisable to qualify the Registrable Securities for sale in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (w) make any change to its articles of incorporation or by-laws, (x) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(c), (y) subject itself to general taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction. The Company shall promptly notify each Investor who holds Registrable Securities of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the registration or qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in the United States or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

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(d) As promptly as practicable after becoming aware of such event or development, the Company shall notify each Investor in writing of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in a Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (provided that in no event shall such notice contain any material, nonpublic information), and promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such Registration Statement to correct such untrue statement or omission and deliver one (1) electronic copy of such supplement or amendment to the Investor. The Company shall also promptly notify each Investor in writing (i) when a Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and when a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment has become effective (notification of such effectiveness shall be delivered to each Investor by email on the same day of such effectiveness), (ii) of any request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or related prospectus or related information, and (iii) of the Company’s reasonable determination that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement would be appropriate. The Company shall respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to any comments received from the SEC with respect to a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto.

 

(e) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or the suspension of the qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction within the United States of America and, if such an order or suspension is issued, to obtain the withdrawal of such order or suspension at the earliest possible moment and to notify each Investor who holds Registrable Securities being sold of the issuance of such order and the resolution thereof or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

(f) Without limiting any obligation of the Company under the Purchase Agreement, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause all of the Registrable Securities covered by each Registration Statement to be listed on the Principal Market. The Company shall pay all fees and expenses in connection with satisfying its obligation under this Section 3(f).

 

(g) The Company shall hold in confidence and not make any disclosure of information concerning the Investor provided to the Company unless (i) disclosure of such information is necessary to comply with federal or state securities laws, (ii) the disclosure of such information is necessary to avoid or correct a material misstatement or omission in any Registration Statement, (iii) the release of such information is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other final, non-appealable order from a court or governmental body of competent jurisdiction, or (iv) such information has been made generally available to the public other than by disclosure in violation of this Agreement or any other agreement. The Company agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such information concerning the Investor is sought in or by a court or governmental body of competent jurisdiction or through other means, give prompt written notice to the Investor and allow the Investor, at the Investor’s expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of, or to obtain a protective order for, such information.

 

(h) The Company shall cooperate with the holders of the Registrable Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144 free of any restrictive legends and representing such number of Common Shares and registered in such names as the holders of the Registrable Securities may reasonably request prior to sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144; provided, that the Company may satisfy its obligations hereunder without issuing physical stock certificates through the use of The Depository Trust Company’s Direct Registration System.

 

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(i) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Securities to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities.

 

(j) The Company shall otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC in connection with any registration hereunder.

 

(k) Within two (2) Business Days after a Registration Statement which covers Registrable Securities is declared effective by the SEC, the Company shall deliver, and shall cause legal counsel for the Company to deliver, to the transfer agent for such Registrable Securities (with copies to the Investor whose Registrable Securities are included in such Registration Statement) confirmation that such Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC.

 

(l) The Company shall take all other reasonable actions necessary to expedite and facilitate disposition by each Investor of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement.

 

4. OBLIGATIONS OF THE INVESTOR.

 

(a) The Investor agrees that upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(d) the Investor shall as soon as reasonably practicable discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities until the Investor’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 3(d) or receipt of notice that no supplement or amendment is required. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, subject to compliance with the securities laws, the Company shall cause its transfer agent to deliver unlegended certificates for Common Shares to a transferee of the Investor in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement in connection with any sale of Registrable Securities with respect to which the Investor has entered into a contract for sale prior to the Investor’s receipt of a notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(d) and for which the Investor has not yet settled.

 

(b) The Investor covenants and agrees that it will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act as applicable to it or an exemption therefrom in connection with sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement.

 

(c) The Investor, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities, agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of each Registration Statement hereunder, unless the Investor has notified the Company in writing of the Investor’s election to exclude all of the Investor’s Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.

 

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5. EXPENSES OF REGISTRATION.

 

All expenses incurred by the Company in complying with its obligations pursuant to this Agreement and in connection with the registration and disposition of Registrable Securities shall be paid by the Company, including, without limitation, all registration, listing and qualifications fees, printers, fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and accountants (except legal fees of Investor’s counsel associated with the review of the Registration Statement).

 

6. INDEMNIFICATION.

 

With respect to Registrable Securities which are included in a Registration Statement under this Agreement:

 

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company will, and hereby does, indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Investor and its directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, and representatives, and each Person, if any, who controls the Investor within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each, an “Investor Indemnified Person”), against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties, charges, costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees, amounts paid in settlement or expenses, joint or several (collectively, “Indemnified Damages”), incurred in investigating, preparing or defending any action, claim, suit, inquiry, proceeding, investigation or appeal taken from the foregoing by or before any court or governmental, administrative or other regulatory agency, body or the SEC, whether pending or threatened, whether or not an indemnified party is or may be a party thereto (“Claims”), to which any of them may become subject insofar as such Claims (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in a Registration Statement or any post- effective amendment thereto or in any filing made in connection with the qualification of the offering under the securities or other “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in which Registrable Securities are offered (“Blue Sky Filing”), or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any final prospectus (as amended or supplemented, if the Company files any amendment or supplement thereto with the SEC) or the omission or alleged omission to state therein any material fact necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which the statements therein were made, not misleading; or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement (the matters in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii) being, collectively, “Violations”). The Company shall reimburse the Investor and each such Investor Indemnified Person promptly as Indemnified Damages are incurred and are due and payable, including reasonable legal fees, disbursements and other expenses incurred by an Investor Indemnified Person in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 6(a): (x) shall not apply to a Claim arising out of or based upon a Violation which occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by such Investor Indemnified Person expressly for use in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement or any such amendment thereof or supplement thereto; (y) shall not be available to the extent such Claim is based on a failure of the Investor to deliver or to cause to be delivered the prospectus made available by the Company, if such prospectus was timely made available by the Company pursuant to Section 3(c); and (z) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of an Investor Indemnified Person.

 

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(b) In connection with a Registration Statement, the Investor agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend, to the same extent and in the same manner as is set forth in Section 6(a), the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers, employees, representatives, or agents and each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each a “Company Indemnified Person”), against any Claim or Indemnified Damages to which any of them may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such Claim or Indemnified Damages arise out of or is based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent, and only to the extent, that such Violation occurs (i) in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Investor expressly for use in connection with such Registration Statement or (ii) from the Investor’s violation of any prospectus delivery requirements under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement; and, subject to Section 6(d), such Investor will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim; provided, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6(b) and the agreement with respect to contribution contained in Section 7 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Investor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, further, that, other than in connection with fraud or gross negligence on the part of the Investor, the Investor shall be liable under this Section 6(b) for only that amount of a Claim or Indemnified Damages as does not exceed the net proceeds to such Investor as a result of the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Company Indemnified Person. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 6(b) with respect to any prospectus shall not inure to the benefit of any Company Indemnified Person if the untrue statement or omission of material fact contained in the prospectus was corrected and such new prospectus was delivered to the Investor prior to such Investor’s use of the prospectus to which the Claim relates.

 

(c) Promptly after receipt by an Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person under this Section 6 of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving a Claim, such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall, if indemnification in respect of such Claim is to be sought from any indemnifying party under this Section 6, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof, and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, assume control of the defense thereof with counsel reasonably and mutually satisfactory to the indemnifying party and the Investor Indemnified Person or the Company Indemnified Person, as the case may be; provided, however, that an Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own

 

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counsel with the fees and expenses of not more than one (1) counsel for such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person to be paid by the indemnifying party, if, in the reasonable opinion of counsel retained by the indemnifying party, the representation by such counsel of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person and the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall reasonably cooperate with the indemnifying party in connection with any negotiation or defense of any Claim by the indemnifying party and shall furnish to the indemnifying party all information reasonably available to the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person which relates to such action or claim. The indemnifying party shall keep the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person fully apprised at all times as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its prior written consent; provided, however, that the indemnifying party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person, as the case may be, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person of a full and unconditional release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated to all rights of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the Claim(s) for which indemnification has been made. The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such Claim shall not relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person under this Section 6, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is prejudiced in its ability to defend such Claim.

 

(d) The indemnification required by this Section 6 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or Indemnified Damages are incurred.

 

(e) The indemnity agreements contained herein shall be in addition to (i) any cause of action or similar right of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person against the indemnifying party or others and (ii) any liabilities the indemnifying party may be subject to pursuant to the law.

 

7. CONTRIBUTION.

 

To the extent any indemnification by an indemnifying party is prohibited or limited by law, the indemnifying party agrees to make the maximum contribution with respect to any amounts for which it would otherwise be liable under Section 6 to the fullest extent permitted by law; provided, however, that: (i) no seller of Registrable Securities guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any seller of Registrable Securities who was not guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation and (ii) contribution by any seller of Registrable Securities shall be limited in amount to the net amount of proceeds received by such seller from the sale of such Registrable Securities.

 

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8. REPORTS UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT.

 

With a view to making available to the Investor the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or any similar rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Investor to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration, and as a material inducement to the Investor’s purchase of the Promissory Notes, the Company represents, warrants, and covenants to the following:

 

(a) The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and has timely filed (giving effect to permissible extensions in accordance with Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act). all required reports under section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the 12 months prior to the date hereof (or for such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports), other than Form 8-K reports.

 

(b) During the Registration Period, the Company shall file with the SEC in a timely manner all required reports under section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (it being understood that nothing herein shall limit the Company’s obligations under the Purchase Agreement) and such reports shall conform to the requirement of the Exchange Act and the SEC for filing thereunder.

 

(c) The Company shall furnish to the Investor so long as such Investor owns Registrable Securities, promptly upon request, (i) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company, and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested to permit the Investor to sell such securities pursuant to Rule 144 without registration.

 

9. AMENDMENT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS.

 

Provisions of this Agreement may be amended and the observance thereof may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the Company and the Investor. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this Section 9 shall be binding upon each of the Investor and the Company. No such amendment shall be effective to the extent that it applies to fewer than all of the holders of the Registrable Securities. No consideration shall be offered or paid to any Person to amend or consent to a waiver or modification of any provision of any of this Agreement unless the same consideration also is offered to all of the parties to this Agreement.

 

10. MISCELLANEOUS.

 

(a) A Person is deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities whenever such Person owns or is deemed to own of record such Registrable Securities or owns the right to receive the Registrable Securities. If the Company receives conflicting instructions, notices or elections from two (2) or more Persons with respect to the same Registrable Securities, the Company shall act upon the basis of instructions, notice or election received from the registered owner of such Registrable Securities.

 

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(b) Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations of the Investor or the Company hereunder may be assigned to any other Person, except for assignments by the Investor to any of its affiliates.

 

(c) Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered pursuant to the notice provisions of the Purchase Agreement or to such other address and/or electronic mail address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party five (5) days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (A) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (B) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, and recipient email or (C) provided by a courier or overnight courier service shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt by email or receipt from a nationally recognized overnight delivery service in accordance with this section.

 

(d) Failure of any party to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement or otherwise, or delay by a party in exercising such right or remedy, shall not operate as a waiver thereof.

 

(e) The laws of the State of New York shall govern all issues concerning the relative rights of the Company and the Investor as its stockholder. All other questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, sitting in New York County, New York and federal courts for the Southern District of New York sitting New York, New York, for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof to such party at the address for such notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in that jurisdiction or the validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

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(f) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the permitted successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto.

 

(g) The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

(h) This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, both of which shall be considered one (1) and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Electronically scanned and delivered signatures (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com), including by e-mail attachment, shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

(i) Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as the other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(j) The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent and no rules of strict construction will be applied against any party.

 

(k) This Agreement is intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other Person.

 

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Investor and the Company have caused their signature page to this Registration Rights Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

  COMPANY:
  Sharonai Holdings, Inc.
     
  By:  
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO

 

  INVESTOR:
  YA II PN, Ltd.
     
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP
  Its: Investment Manager
     
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC
  Its: General Partner
     
  By:  
  Name: Matthew Beckman
  Title: Manager

 

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EXHIBIT I

CONVERSION NOTICE

 

(To be executed by the Holder in order to Convert the Note)

 

TO: [___________]

 

Via Email:

 

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to convert a portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount of Note No. SHARON-[1][2][3][4] into Common Shares of [___________], according to the conditions stated therein, as of the Conversion Date written below.

 

Conversion Date:

 

Principal Amount to be Converted:

 

Accrued Interest to be Converted:

 

Total Conversion Amount to be converted:

 

Fixed Price:

 

Variable Price:

 

Applicable Conversion Price:

 

Number of Common Shares to be issued:

 

Please issue the Common Shares in the following name and deliver them to the following account:

 

Issue to:

 

Broker DTC Participant Code:

 

Account Number:

 

Authorized Signature:  
   
Name:  
   
Title:  

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

FORM OF STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

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STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of _________________ 2025 is made by and between YA II PN, LTD., a Cayman Islands exempt limited company (the “Investor”), and SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC. a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”). The Investor and the Company may be referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, on July ___, 2025, SharonAI, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“SharonAI”) entered into that Note Purchase Agreement (the “NPA”) pursuant to which the Investor agreed to provide advances to SharonAI in the principal amount of up to $2,500,000 as evidenced by convertible promissory notes issued to the Investor (the “SharonAI Notes”) pursuant to and in accordance with the NPA.

 

WHEREAS, on January 28, 2025, the Company (who was then known as “Roth CH Holdings, Inc.), SharonAI, Roth CH Acquisition Co., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Parent”) and Roth CH Merger Sub (“Merger Sub”) entered into that certain Business Combination Agreement (as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”).

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement the proposed business combination was effected in two steps: (i) Parent continued out of the Cayman Islands and into the State of Delaware so as to re-domicile as and become a Delaware corporation by means of a merger (the “Domestication Merger”) of Parent with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving company pursuant to the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended, and, thereafter (ii)(a) the Merger Sub was merged with and into the SharonAI, (b) the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub thereupon ceased, and the SharonAI was the surviving corporation, and (c) SharonAI became a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company (the “Acquisition Merger,” and together with the Domestication Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”). Upon completion of the Business Combination, Roth CH Holdings, Inc. changed its name to “SharonAI Holdings, Inc.”

 

WHEREAS, in accordance with the terms of the SharonAI Notes, upon the closing of the Business Combination, the SharonAI Notes were transferred and assigned to the Company.

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, the Company shall have the right to issue and sell to the Investor, from time to time as provided herein, and the Investor shall purchase from the Company, up to $50,000,000 of the Company’s shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Shares”);

 

WHEREAS, in addition to the commitment to purchase Common Shares hereunder, and in addition to the $2,500,000 in advances made available pursuant to the NPA, the Investor shall commit to provide the Company prepaid advances in an original principal amount of up to $5,000,000, which shall be funded in two tranches as set forth in this Agreement.

 

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WHEREAS, following the closing of the Business Combination and becoming eligible to do so, it is expected that the Company will attempt to have the Common Shares listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market;

 

WHEREAS, the offer and sale of the Common Shares issuable hereunder will be made in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Securities Act”), or upon such other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act as may be available with respect to any or all of the transactions to be made hereunder;

 

WHEREAS, the Parties are concurrently entering into a Registration Rights Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit B hereto (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company shall register the resale of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein; and

 

WHEREAS, SharonAI and certain other Subsidiaries of SharonAI are entering into a Guaranty Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit E hereto (the “Guaranty Agreement”), pursuant to which the parties thereto shall guaranty all of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, the Promissory Notes, and all other instruments, agreements or other items executed or delivered

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereto agree as follows:

 

Article I.

Certain Definitions

 

Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in Annex I hereto, and hereby made a part hereof, or as otherwise set forth in this Agreement.

 

Article II.

Pre-Paid Advances

 

Section 2.01 Pre-Paid Advances. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Annex II attached hereto, the Investor shall advance to the Company the principal amount of up to $5,000,000 (collectively, along with the $2,500,000 in advances made available pursuant to the NPA, the “Pre-Paid Advance”), which shall be evidenced by convertible promissory notes in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (each, a “Promissory Note”) in two tranches. The first tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance pursuant to this Agreement shall be in a principal amount of up to $2,500,000 and, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Annex II attached hereto, shall be advanced within two Business Days of the closing of the Business Combination (the “First Pre-Advance Closing”). The second tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance shall be in a principal amount of up to $2,500,000 and, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Annex II attached hereto, shall be advanced on the sixtieth day following the date the initial Registration Statement first becomes effective (the “Second Pre-Advance Closing”) (each of the First Pre-Advance Closing and the Second Pre-Advance Closing individually referred to as a “Pre-Advance Closing” and collectively referred to as the “Pre-Advance Closings”).

 

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Section 2.02 Pre-Advance Closing. Each Pre-Advance Closing shall occur remotely by conference call and electronic delivery of documentation. The First Pre-Advance Closing shall take place at 10:00 a.m., New York time, on or about the second Business Day after the closing of the Business Combination, provided that the conditions set forth on Annex II have been satisfied (or such other date as is mutually agreed to by the Company and the Investor). The Second Pre-Advance Closing shall take place at 10:00 a.m., New York time, on the sixtieth day following the date the initial Registration Statement first becomes effective, provided that the conditions set forth on Annex II have been satisfied (or such other date as is mutually agreed to by the Company and the Investor). At each Pre-Advance Closing, the Investor shall advance to the Company the principal amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance, less a discount in the amount equal to 5% of the principal amount of such tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance netted from the purchase price due and structured as an original issue discount (the “Original Issue Discount”), in immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing, and the Company shall deliver a Promissory Note with a principal amount equal to the full amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance, duly executed on behalf of the Company. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Original Issue Discount (i) shall not be funded but shall be deemed to be fully earned at each Pre-Advance Closing, and (ii) shall not reduce the principal amount of each Promissory Note.

 

Section 2.03 Reduction to Pre-Paid Advance. Prior to the filing of the initial Registration Statement, the amount to be advanced at the Second Pre-Advance Closing may be reduced (i) at the election of the Company to any amount, and (ii) if the market capitalization of the Company as of the date that is 10 Trading Days following the Effective Date is less than $50 million, at the election of the Investor to any amount. The amount to be advanced at any other Pre-Advance Closing may be modified at the mutual consent of the Parties.

 

Article III.

Advances

 

Section 3.01 Advances; Mechanics. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, during the Commitment Period, (i) the Company, at its sole discretion, shall have the right, but not the obligation, to issue and sell to the Investor, and the Investor shall subscribe for and purchase from the Company, Advance Shares by the delivery to the Investor of Advance Notices, provided (x) no balance is outstanding under a Promissory Note, or, (y) if there is a balance outstanding under a Promissory Note, then in accordance with Section 3.01(a)(iii) hereof; and (ii) for as long as there is a balance outstanding under a Promissory Note, the Investor, at its sole discretion, shall have the right, but not the obligation, by the delivery to the Company of Investor Notices, to cause an Advance Notice to be deemed delivered to the Investor and the issuance and sale of Shares to the Investor pursuant to an Advance, on the following terms:

 

(a) Advance Notice. At any time during the Commitment Period, the Company may require the Investor to purchase Shares by delivering an Advance Notice to the Investor, subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Investor of the conditions set forth in Annex III, and in accordance with the following provisions:

 

(i) The Company shall, in its sole discretion, select the number of Advance Shares, not to exceed the Maximum Advance Amount (unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company and the Investor), it desires to issue and sell to the Investor in each Advance Notice, the time it desires to deliver each Advance Notice.

 

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(ii) There shall be no mandatory minimum Advances and there shall be no non-usage fee for not utilizing the Commitment Amount or any part thereof.

 

(iii) For so long as any amount remains outstanding under a Promissory Note, without the prior written consent of the Investor, the Company may only (other than with respect to a deemed Advance Notice pursuant to an Investor Notice) submit an Advance Notice (A) if an Amortization Event has occurred and the obligation of the Company to make monthly prepayments under the Promissory Note has not ceased, and (B) the aggregate purchase price owed to the Company from such Advances (“Advance Proceeds”) shall be paid by the Investor by offsetting the amount of the Advance Proceeds against an equal amount outstanding under the subject Promissory Note (first towards accrued and unpaid interest, and then towards outstanding principal).

 

(b) Investor Notice. At any time during the Commitment Period, provided that there is a balance remaining outstanding under a Promissory Note, the Investor may, by delivering an Investor Notice to the Company, cause an Advance Notice to be deemed delivered to the Investor and the issuance and sale of Shares to the Investor pursuant to an Advance, in accordance with the following provisions:

 

(i) The Investor shall, in its sole discretion, select the amount of the Advance up to the Maximum Advance Amount applicable to the Investor, and the time it desires to deliver each Investor Notice; provided that the amount of the Advance selected shall not exceed the balance owed under all Promissory Notes outstanding on the date of delivery of the Investor Notice.

 

(ii) The Purchase Price of the Shares in respect of any Advance Notice deemed delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice shall be equal to the Conversion Price (as defined in the Promissory Note) that would be applicable to the amount of the Advance selected by the Investor if such amount were to be converted as of the date of delivery of the Investor Notice in accordance with the Promissory Note. The Investor shall pay the Purchase Price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to the Investor Notice by offsetting the amount of the Purchase Price to be paid by the Investor against an equal amount outstanding under a Promissory Note (first towards accrued and unpaid interest, if any, then towards principal).

 

(iii) Each Investor Notice shall set forth the amount of the Advance requested, the Purchase Price (determined in accordance with Section 3.01(b)(ii)) along with a report by Bloomberg L.P. indicating the relevant VWAP used in calculating the Conversion Price, the number of Shares to be issued by the Company and purchased by the Investor, the aggregate amount of accrued and unpaid interest under the subject Promissory Note (if any) that shall be offset by the issuance of Shares, the aggregate amount of principal of the Promissory Note that shall be offset by the issuance of Shares, and the total amount of the applicable Promissory Note or Promissory Notes that shall be outstanding following the closing of the Advance, and each Investor Notice shall serve as the Settlement Document in respect of such Advance.

 

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(iv) Upon the delivery of an Investor Notice, a corresponding Advance Notice shall simultaneously and automatically be deemed to have been delivered by the Company to the Investor requesting the amount of the Advance set forth in the Investor Notice, and any conditions precedent to such Advance Notice under the terms of this Agreement that have not been satisfied shall be deemed to have been waived by the Investor.

 

(c) Date of Delivery of Advance Notice. Advance Notices shall be delivered in accordance with the instructions set forth on the bottom of Exhibit C attached hereto. An Advance Notice shall be deemed delivered on (i) the day it is received by the Investor if such notice is received by e-mail at or before 9:00 a.m. New York City time (or at such later time if agreed to by the Investor in its sole discretion), or (ii) the immediately succeeding day if it is received by e-mail after 9:00 a.m. New York City time. An Advance Notice deemed delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice shall be deemed delivered on the same date upon which the Investor Notice is received by the Company. Upon receipt of an Advance Notice, the Investor shall promptly provide written confirmation (which may be by e-mail) of receipt of such Advance Notice.

 

Section 3.02 Advance Limitations, Regulatory. Regardless of the Advance requested in an Advance Notice, including an Advance Notice deemed delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice (except with respect to the limitations in 3.02(b) and 3.02(d) below, which shall not apply to Investor Notices), and notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, the final number of Shares to be issued and sold pursuant to such Advance Notice shall be reduced (if at all) in accordance with each of the following limitations:

 

(a) Ownership Limitation; Commitment Amount. At the request of the Company, the Investor shall inform the Company of the number of Common Shares the Investor beneficially owns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Investor shall not be obligated to purchase or acquire, and shall not purchase or acquire, any Common Shares under this Agreement which, when aggregated with all other Common Shares beneficially owned by the Investor and its Affiliates (as calculated pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and Rule 13d-3 promulgated thereunder), would result in the beneficial ownership by the Investor and its Affiliates (on an aggregated basis) of a number of Common Shares exceeding 4.99% of the then outstanding voting power or number of Common Shares (the “Ownership Limitation”). Upon the written request of the Investor, the Company shall promptly (but no later than the next Business Day on which the transfer agent for the Common Shares is open for business) confirm orally or in writing to the Investor the number of Common Shares then outstanding. In connection with each Advance Notice, any portion of an Advance that would (i) cause the Investor to exceed the Ownership Limitation or (ii) cause the aggregate number of Shares issued and sold to the Investor hereunder to exceed the Commitment Amount shall automatically be withdrawn with no further action required by the Company, and such Advance Notice shall be deemed automatically modified to reduce the Advance by an amount equal to such withdrawn portion; provided that in the event of any such automatic withdrawal and automatic modification, the Investor will promptly notify the Company of such event.

 

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(b) Registration Limitation. In no event shall an Advance exceed the number of Common Shares registered in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby under the Registration Statement then in effect (the “Registration Limitation”). In connection with each Advance Notice, any portion of an Advance that would exceed the Registration Limitation shall automatically be withdrawn with no further action required by the Company and such Advance Notice shall be deemed automatically modified to reduce the aggregate amount of the requested Advance by an amount equal to such withdrawn portion; provided that in the event of any such automatic withdrawal and automatic modification, the Investor will promptly notify the Company of such event.

 

(c) Compliance with Rules of Principal Market. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company shall not affect any sales under this Agreement and the Investor shall not have the obligation to purchase Common Shares under this Agreement to the extent (but only to the extent) that after giving effect to such purchase and sale the aggregate number of Common Shares issued under this Agreement would exceed 19.99% of the aggregate number of Common Shares issued and outstanding as of the Effective Date (subject to adjustment for any stock splits, combinations or the like), calculated in accordance with the rules of the Principal Market, which number shall be reduced, on a share-for-share basis, by the number of Common Shares issued or issuable pursuant to any transaction or series of transactions that may be aggregated with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the applicable rules of the Principal Market (such maximum number of shares, the “Exchange Cap”) provided that, the Exchange Cap will not apply if the Company’s stockholders have approved the issuance of Common Shares pursuant to this Agreement in excess of the Exchange Cap in accordance with the applicable rules of the Principal Market. In connection with each Advance Notice, any portion of an Advance that would exceed the Exchange Cap shall automatically be withdrawn with no further action required by the Company and such Advance Notice shall be deemed automatically modified to reduce the aggregate amount of the requested Advance by an amount equal to such withdrawn portion in respect of each Advance Notice.

 

Section 3.03 Advance Limitations, Minimum Acceptable Price.

 

(a) With respect to each Advance Notice the Company may notify the Investor of the Minimum Acceptable Price with respect to such Advance by indicating a Minimum Acceptable Price on such Advance Notice. If no Minimum Acceptable Price is specified in an Advance Notice, then no Minimum Acceptable Price shall be in effect in connection with such Advance. Each Trading Day during the Pricing Period for which (A) with respect to each Advance Notice with a Minimum Acceptable Price, the VWAP of the Common Shares is below the Minimum Acceptable Price in effect with respect to such Advance Notice, or (B) there is no VWAP (each such day, in the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), an “Excluded Day”), shall result in an automatic reduction to the number of Advance Shares set forth in such Advance Notice by one third (1/3) (the resulting amount of each Advance being the “Adjusted Advance Amount”), and each Excluded Day shall be excluded from the Pricing Period for purposes of determining the Market Price.

 

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(b) The total Advance Shares in respect of each Advance with any Excluded Day(s) (after reductions have been made to arrive at the Adjusted Advance Amount) shall be automatically increased by such number of Common Shares (the “Additional Shares”) equal to the greater of (a) the number of Common Shares sold by the Investor on such Excluded Day(s), if any, or (b) such number of Common Shares elected to be subscribed for by the Investor, and the subscription price per share for each Additional Share shall be equal to the Minimum Acceptable Price in effect with respect to such Advance Notice multiplied by 97%, provided that this increase shall not cause the total Advance Shares to exceed the amount set forth in the applicable Advance Notice or any limitations set forth in Section 3.02.

 

Section 3.04 Unconditional Contract. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the Company and the Investor acknowledge and agree that upon the Investor’s receipt of a valid Advance Notice from the Company the Parties shall be deemed to have entered into an unconditional contract binding on both Parties for the purchase and sale of the applicable number of Advance Shares pursuant to such Advance Notice in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and (i) subject to Applicable Laws and (ii) subject to Section 7.22, the Investor may sell Common Shares during the Pricing Period for such Advance Notice (including with respect to any Advance Shares subject to such Pricing Period).

 

Section 3.05 Closings. The closing of each Advance and each sale and purchase of Advance Shares (whether pursuant to an Advance Notice delivered by the Company or in connection with an Advance Notice deemed delivered by the Company in connection with an Investor Notice) (each, a “Closing”) shall take place as soon as practicable on or after each applicable Advance Date in accordance with the procedures set forth below. The Company acknowledges that, other than in connection with an Investor Notice, the Purchase Price is not known at the time an Advance Notice is delivered (at which time the Investor is irrevocably bound) but shall be determined on each Closing based on the daily prices of the Common Shares that are the inputs to the determination of the Purchase Price. In connection with each Closing, the Company and the Investor shall fulfill each of its obligations as set forth below:

 

(a) On or prior to each Advance Date, the Investor shall deliver to the Company a Settlement Document along with a report by Bloomberg L.P. (or, if not reported on Bloomberg L.P., another reporting service reasonably agreed to by the parties) indicating the VWAP for each of the Trading Days during the Pricing Period or period for determining the applicable Conversion Price, in each case in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. In connection with an Investor Notice, the Investor Notice shall serve as the Settlement Document.

 

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(b) Promptly after receipt of the Settlement Document with respect to each Advance (and, in any event, not later than one Trading Day after such receipt), the Company will, or will cause its transfer agent to, electronically transfer such number of Advance Shares to be purchased by the Investor (as set forth in the Settlement Document) by crediting the Investor’s account or its designee’s account at the Depository Trust Company through its Deposit Withdrawal at Custodian System or by such other means of delivery as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto, and transmit notification to the Investor that such share transfer has been requested. Promptly upon receipt of such notification, the Investor shall pay to the Company the aggregate purchase price of the Shares (as set forth in the Settlement Document) either (i) in the case of an Advance Notice submitted other than after the occurrence of an Amortization Event, in cash in immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing and transmit notification to the Company that such funds transfer has been requested, or (ii) in the case of an Investor Notice or an Advance Notice submitted after the occurrence of an Amortization Event, as an offset of amounts owed under the Promissory Note as described Section 3.01(b). No fractional shares shall be issued, and any fractional shares that would otherwise be issued in connection with an Advance shall be rounded to the next higher whole number of shares. To facilitate the transfer of the Common Shares by the Investor, the Common Shares will not bear any restrictive legends so long as there is an effective Registration Statement covering the resale of such Common Shares (it being understood and agreed by the Investor that notwithstanding the lack of restrictive legends, the Investor may only sell such Common Shares pursuant to the Plan of Distribution set forth in the Prospectus included in the applicable Registration Statement and otherwise in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act (including any applicable prospectus delivery requirements) or pursuant to an available exemption).

 

(c) On or prior to the Advance Date, each of the Company and the Investor shall deliver to the other all documents, instruments and writings expressly required to be delivered by either of them pursuant to this Agreement in order to implement and effect the transactions contemplated herein.

 

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, other than in respect of Advance Notices deemed to be given pursuant to Investor Notices, if on any day during the Pricing Period (i) the Company notifies Investor that a Material Outside Event has occurred, or (ii) the Company notifies the Investor of a Black Out Period, the parties agree that any pending Advance shall end and the final number of Advance Shares to be purchased by the Investor at the Closing for such Advance shall be equal to the number of Common Shares sold by the Investor during the applicable Pricing Period prior to the notification from the Company of a Material Outside Event or Black Out Period.

 

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Section 3.06 Hardship. In the event the Company fails to perform its obligations as mandated in this Agreement after the Investor’s receipt (or deemed receipt, in the case of an Investor Notice) of an Advance Notice, the Company agrees that in addition to and in no way limiting the rights and obligations set forth in Article VI hereto and in addition to any other remedy to which the Investor is entitled at law or in equity, including, without limitation, specific performance, it will hold the Investor harmless against any loss, claim, damage, or expense (including reasonable legal fees and expenses), as incurred, arising out of or in connection with such default by the Company and acknowledges that irreparable damage may occur in the event of any such default. It is accordingly agreed that the Investor shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent such breaches of this Agreement and to specifically enforce (subject to Applicable Laws and the rules of the Principal Market), without the posting of a bond or other security, the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

 

Article IV.

Representations and Warranties of the Investor

 

The Investor represents, warrants, and covenants to the Company, as of the date hereof, as of each Advance Notice Date and as of each Advance Date that:

 

Section 4.01 Organization and Authorization. The Investor is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands and has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and to purchase or acquire the Shares in accordance with the terms hereof. The decision to invest and the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party by the Investor, the performance by the Investor of its obligations hereunder and the consummation by the Investor of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized and require no other proceedings on the part of the Investor. The undersigned has the right, power and authority to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and all other instruments on behalf of the Investor or its shareholders. This Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly executed and delivered by the Investor and, assuming the execution and delivery hereof and acceptance thereof by the Company, will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Investor, enforceable against the Investor in accordance with its terms.

 

Section 4.02 Evaluation of Risks. The Investor has such knowledge and experience in financial, tax and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of, and bearing the economic risks entailed by, an investment in the Common Shares and of protecting its interests in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. The Investor acknowledges and agrees that its investment in the Company involves a high degree of risk, and that the Investor may lose all or a part of its investment.

 

Section 4.03 No Legal, Investment or Tax Advice from the Company. The Investor acknowledges that it had the opportunity to review the Transaction Documents, and the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents with its own legal counsel and investment and tax advisors. The Investor is relying solely on such counsel and advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of the Company’s representatives or agents for legal, tax, investment or other advice with respect to the Investor’s acquisition of Common Shares hereunder, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the laws of any jurisdiction, and the Investor acknowledges that the Investor may lose all or a part of its investment.

 

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Section 4.04 Investment Purpose. The Investor is acquiring the Common Shares and any Promissory Note for its own account, for investment purposes and not with a view towards, or for resale in connection with, the public sale or distribution thereof, except pursuant to sales registered under or exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act; provided, however, that by making the representations herein, the Investor does not agree, or make any representation or warranty, to hold any of the Shares for any minimum or other specific term and reserves the right to dispose of the Shares at any time in accordance with, or pursuant to, a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement or an applicable exemption under the Securities Act. The Investor does not presently have any agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any Person to sell or distribute any of the Shares. This Investor is acquiring the Shares and the Promissory Note hereunder in the ordinary course of its business.

 

Section 4.05 Accredited Investor. The Investor is an “Accredited Investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a)(3) of Regulation D.

 

Section 4.06 Reliance on Exemptions. The Investor understands that the Common Shares are being offered and sold to it in reliance on specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying in part upon the truth and accuracy of, and the Investor’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Investor set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Investor to acquire the Common Shares.

 

Section 4.07 Information. The Investor and its advisors (and its counsel), if any, have been furnished with all materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information the Investor deemed material to making an informed investment decision. The Investor and its advisors (and its counsel), if any, have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management and have received answers to such questions. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigations conducted by such Investor or its advisors (and its counsel), if any, or its representatives shall modify, amend or affect the Investor’s right to rely on the Company’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement. The Investor acknowledges and agrees that the Company has not made to the Investor, and the Investor acknowledges and agrees it has not relied upon, any representations and warranties of the Company, its employees or any third party other than the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement. The Investor understands that its investment involves a high degree of risk. The Investor has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice, as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 4.08 Not an Affiliate. The Investor is not an officer, director or a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company or any “Affiliate” of the Company (as that term is defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act).

 

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Section 4.09 General Solicitation. Neither the Investor, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged or will engage in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D) in connection with any offer or sale of the Common Shares by the Investor. The Investor became interested in purchasing the Common Shares solely because of a substantive, pre-existing relationship with the Company and direct contact by the Company or one or more of its officers, directors, controlling persons, or agents, and the Investor acknowledges that neither the Company nor any other person offered to sell the Common Shares to it by means of any form of general solicitation or advertising, including but not limited to: (A) any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or (B) any seminar or meeting whose attendees were invited by any general solicitation or general advertising.

 

Section 4.10 Trading Activities. The Investor has not directly or indirectly, nor has any Person acting on behalf of or pursuant to any understanding with the Investor, engaged in any transactions in the securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any Short Sales (as defined below) involving the Company’s securities) during the period commencing as of the time that the Investor first contacted the Company or the Company’s agents regarding the specific investment in the Company contemplated by this Agreement and ending immediately prior to the execution of this Agreement by the Investor.

 

Section 4.11 Non-US Investor. If the Investor is not a United States person (as defined by Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code), the Investor hereby represents that it has satisfied itself as to the full observance of the laws of its jurisdiction in connection with any offer or sale of the Common Shares, including (a) the legal requirements within its jurisdiction for the purchase of the Common Shares, (b) any foreign exchange restrictions applicable to such purchase, (c) any governmental or other consents that may need to be obtained, and (d) the income tax and other tax consequences, if any, that may be relevant to the purchase, holding, redemption, sale, or transfer of the Common Shares.

 

Section 4.12 Designated Parties. Neither the Investor, nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, stockholders or partners, is: (a) organized under the laws of, ordinarily resident in, or located in a country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive laws and regulations pertaining to trade and economic sanctions administered by the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom (collectively, “Sanctions”) (which as of the date of this Agreement comprise Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine (“Restricted Countries”)); (b) 50% or more owned or controlled by the government of a Restricted Country; or (c) (i) designated on a sanctioned parties list administered by the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom, including, without limitation, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, Foreign Sanctions Evaders List, Sectoral Sanctions Identification List, the Consolidated List of Persons, Groups, and Entities Subject to EU Financial Sanctions, and the UK’s Consolidated Sanctions List (collectively, “Designated Parties”); or (i) 50% or more owned or, where relevant under applicable Sanctions, controlled, individually or in the aggregate, by one or more Designated Party, in each case only to the extent that dealings with such persons are prohibited pursuant to applicable Sanctions.

 

Section 4.13 Applicable Jurisdiction. The office of the Investor in which it has its principal place of business is identified in the address of the Investor set forth in Article XI.

 

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Article V.

Representations and Warranties of the Company

 

Except as set forth in the SEC Documents, the Company represents and warrants to the Investor that, as of the date hereof, each Advance Notice Date and each Advance Date (other than representations and warranties which address matters only as of a certain date, which shall be true and correct as written as of such certain date):

 

Section 5.01 Organization and Qualification. The Company, and each of its Subsidiaries are entities duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of their respective jurisdiction of organization and has the requisite power and authority to own its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.02 Authorization, Enforcement, Compliance with Other Instruments. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to issue the Shares in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Shares) have been or (with respect to consummation) will be duly authorized by each company’s board of directors and no further consent or authorization will be required by the Company, its board of directors or its shareholders except where necessary to issue Shares in excess of the Exchange Cap. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party have been (or, when executed and delivered, will be) duly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the execution and delivery thereof and acceptance by the Investor, constitute (or, when duly executed and delivered, will be) the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity or applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation or other laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of applicable creditors’ rights and remedies and except as rights to indemnification and to contribution may be limited by federal or state securities law.

 

Section 5.03 Authorization of the Shares. The Shares to be issued under this Agreement have been, or with respect to Shares to be purchased by the Investor pursuant to an Advance Notice, will be, when issued and delivered pursuant to the terms approved by the board of directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof, or a duly authorized executive committee, against payment therefor as provided herein, duly and validly authorized and issued and fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of any pledge, lien, encumbrance, security interest or other claim, including any statutory or contractual preemptive rights, resale rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights, and will be registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act. The Shares, when issued, will conform to the description thereof set forth in or incorporated into the Prospectus. As of the date of each Pre-Advance Closing, and at all times thereafter, the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized capital stock not less than the number of shares of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of all Promissory Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) such Promissory Note is convertible at a conversion price equal to the Floor Price as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Promissory Note set forth therein).

 

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Section 5.04 No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Shares) will not (i) result in a violation of the articles of incorporation or other organizational documents of the Company, or any Subsidiaries (with respect to consummation, as the same may be amended prior to the date on which any of the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated), (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which the Company, or any Subsidiaries is a party, or (iii) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree (including federal and state securities laws and regulations) applicable to the Company or any Subsidiaries or by which any property or asset of the Company, or any Subsidiaries is bound or affected except, in the case of clause (ii) or (iii) above, to the extent such violations have not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.05 Acknowledgment. The Company understands and acknowledges that the number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of the Promissory Notes will increase in certain circumstances. The Company further acknowledges its obligation to issue the Common Shares upon conversion of the Promissory Notes in accordance with the terms thereof or upon delivery of an Advance Notice (including upon receipt of an Investor Notice) is absolute and unconditional regardless of the dilutive effect that such issuance may have on the ownership interests of other stockholders of the Company.

 

Section 5.06 SEC Documents; Financial Statements. Since the Company has been subject to the requirements of Section 12 of the Exchange Act, the Company has filed all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by it with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, the Current Report, each Registration Statement, as the same may be amended from time to time, the Prospectus contained therein and each Prospectus Supplement thereto, and all information contained in such filings and all documents and disclosures that have been or may in the future be incorporated by reference therein (all such documents hereinafter referred to as the “SEC Documents,” and which, for the avoidance of doubt shall also include the Form S-4) and all such filings required to be filed within the last 12 months (or since the Company has been subject to the requirements of Section 12 of the Exchange Act, if shorter) have been made on a timely basis (giving effect to permissible extensions in accordance with Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act). The Company has delivered or made available to the Investor through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, true and complete copies of the SEC Documents, as applicable. Except as disclosed in amendments or subsequent filings to the SEC Documents, as of its filing date (or, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date hereof, on the date of such amended or superseded filing), each of the SEC Documents complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder applicable to the SEC Documents, and did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

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Section 5.07 Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents (including the Form S-4), together with the related notes and schedules, present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity of the Company for the periods specified and have been prepared in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act and Exchange Act and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis (except for (i) such adjustments to accounting standards and practices as are noted therein, (ii) in the case of unaudited interim financial statements, to the extent such financial statements may not include footnotes required by GAAP or may be condensed or summary statements and (iii) such adjustments which are not material, either individually or in the aggregate) during the periods involved; the other financial and statistical data with respect to the Company and the Subsidiaries contained or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents are accurately and fairly presented and prepared on a basis consistent with the financial statements and books and records of the Company; there are no financial statements (historical or pro forma) that are required to be included or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents that are not included or incorporated by reference as required; the Company and the Subsidiaries do not have any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations), not described in the SEC Documents (excluding the exhibits thereto); and all disclosures contained or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC) comply in all material respects with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, to the extent applicable.

 

Section 5.08 Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Company and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement meet the requirements for and comply with the conditions for the use of Form S-1 under the Securities Act. Each Registration Statement and the offer and sale of Shares as contemplated hereby, if and when filed, will meet the requirements of Rule 415 under the Securities Act and comply in all material respects with said rule. Any statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to be described in a Registration Statement or a Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or to be filed as exhibits to a Registration Statement have been so described or filed. Copies of each Registration Statement, any Prospectus, and any such amendments or supplements thereto and all documents incorporated by reference therein that were filed with the SEC on or prior to the date of this Agreement have been delivered, or are available through EDGAR, to the Investor and its counsel. The Company has not distributed and, prior to the later to occur of each Advance Notice Date and completion of the distribution of the Shares, will not distribute any offering material in connection with the offering or sale of the Shares other than a Registration Statement, the Prospectus contained therein, and any required prospectus supplement, in each case as reviewed and consented to by the Investor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.

 

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Section 5.09 No Misstatement or Omission. Each Registration Statement, when it became or becomes effective, and any Prospectus, on the date of such Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, conformed and will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act. At each Advance Notice Date and Advance Date, the Registration Statement, and the Prospectus, as of such date, will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act. Each Registration Statement, when it became or becomes effective, did not, and will not, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. Each Prospectus did not, or will not, include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The documents incorporated by reference in a Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement did not, and any further documents filed and incorporated by reference therein will not, when filed with the SEC, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated in such document or necessary to make the statements in such document, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The foregoing shall not apply to statements in, or omissions from, any such document made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Company by the Investor specifically for use in the preparation thereof.

 

Section 5.10 Conformity with Securities Act and Exchange Act. Each Registration Statement, each Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, and the documents incorporated by reference in each Registration Statement, Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, when such documents were or are filed with the SEC under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or became or become effective under the Securities Act, as the case may be, conformed or will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as applicable.

 

Section 5.11 Equity Capitalization.

 

(a) Authorized and Outstanding Capital Stock. As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 917,816,948 shares of which (i) 906,816,948 shares are common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), which is subdivided into two series consisting of 900,000,000 shares designated as Class A Ordinary Common Stock, (the “Class A Common Stock”), of which 567,098,640 are issued and outstanding, and 6,816,948 shares designated as Class B Super Common Stock (the “Class B Common Stock”), of which 6,816,948 shares are issued and outstanding and (ii) 1,000,000 shares are preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Preferred Stock”), of which no shares our outstanding. As of the date hereof, the Company has reserved _______________________ Common Shares for issuance to parties or Persons other than the Investor.

 

(b) Valid Issuance; Available Shares. All of such outstanding shares are duly authorized and have been validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.

 

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(c) Existing Securities; Obligations. Except as disclosed in the SEC Documents: (A) none of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s shares, interests or capital stock is subject to preemptive rights or any other similar rights or liens suffered or permitted by the Company or any Subsidiary; (B) there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any shares, interests or capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to issue additional shares, interests or capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any shares, interests or capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (C) there are no agreements or arrangements under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to register the sale of any of their securities under the Securities Act (except pursuant to this Agreement); (D) there are no outstanding securities or instruments of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which contain any redemption or similar provisions, and there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to redeem a security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (E) there are no securities or instruments containing anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by the issuance of the Shares; and (F) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has entered into any Variable Rate Transaction.

 

Section 5.12 Intellectual Property Rights. The Company and its Subsidiaries own or possess adequate rights or licenses to use all material trademarks, trade names, service marks, service mark registrations, service names, patents, patent rights, copyrights, inventions, licenses, approvals, governmental authorizations, trade secrets and rights, if any, necessary to conduct their respective businesses as now conducted, except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries have not received written notice of any infringement by the Company or its Subsidiaries of trademark, trade name rights, patents, patent rights, copyrights, inventions, licenses, service names, service marks, service mark registrations, or trade secrets, except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, there is no claim, action or proceeding being made or brought against, or to the Company’s knowledge, being threatened against the Company or its Subsidiaries regarding trademark, trade name, patents, patent rights, invention, copyright, license, service names, service marks, service mark registrations, trade secret or other infringement; and, except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances which might give rise to any of the foregoing.

 

Section 5.13 Employee Relations. Neither the Company nor or any of its Subsidiaries is involved in any labor dispute nor, to the knowledge of the Company, or any of its Subsidiaries, has any such dispute threatened, in each case which is reasonable likely to cause a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 5.14 Environmental Laws. The Company and its Subsidiaries (i) have not received written notice alleging any failure to comply in all material respects with all Environmental Laws (as defined below), (ii) have received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (iii) have not received written notice alleging any failure to comply with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except, in each of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The term “Environmental Laws” means all applicable federal, state and local laws relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata), including, without limitation, laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, or toxic or hazardous substances or wastes (collectively, “Hazardous Materials”) into the environment, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials, as well as all authorizations, codes, decrees, demands or demand letters, injunctions, judgments, licenses, notices or notice letters, orders, permits, plans or regulations issued, entered, promulgated or approved thereunder.

 

Section 5.15 Title. Except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company (or its Subsidiaries) has indefeasible fee simple or leasehold title to its properties and material assets owned by it, free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrance, claim or equitable interest other than such as are not material to the business of the Company. Any real property and facilities held under lease by the Company and its Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

Section 5.16 Insurance. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as management of the Company believes to be prudent and customary in the businesses in which the Company and its Subsidiaries are engaged. The Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.17 Regulatory Permits. Except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries possess all material certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to own their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any such Subsidiary has received any written notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authorization or permits.

 

Section 5.18 Internal Accounting Controls. The Company [maintains a system of internal accounting controls] sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences, and management is not aware of any material weaknesses that are not disclosed in the SEC Documents as and when required.

 

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Section 5.19 Absence of Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending against or affecting the Company, the Common Shares or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries, wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding would have or be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.20 Absence of Certain Changes. Since the date of the Company’s most recent audited financial statements contained in the Form S-4 or in a Form 10-K, as applicable, there has been no Material Adverse Effect, nor any event or occurrence specifically affecting the Company, or its Subsidiaries that would be reasonably expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of the Company’s most recent audited financial statements contained in the Form S-4 or in a Form 10-K, as applicable, except as disclosed in the SEC Documents, neither the Company, nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i) declared or paid any dividends, (ii) sold any material assets, individually or in the aggregate, outside of the ordinary course of business, or (iii) made any material capital expenditures, individually or in the aggregate, outside of the ordinary course of business. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any steps to seek protection pursuant to any law or statute relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, liquidation or winding up, nor does the Company or any Subsidiary have any knowledge or reason to believe that any of their respective creditors intend to initiate involuntary bankruptcy proceedings. The Company is Solvent.

 

Section 5.21 Tax Status. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries (i) has timely filed (including any filings under lawful extension) all foreign, federal and state income and all other tax returns, reports and declarations required by any jurisdiction to which it is subject, (ii) has timely paid all taxes and other governmental assessments and charges that are material in amount, shown or determined to be due on such returns, reports and declarations, except those being contested in good faith and (iii) has set aside on its books provision reasonably adequate for the payment of all taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such returns, reports or declarations apply. The Company has not received written notification of any unpaid taxes in any material amount claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction, and the officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries know of no basis for any such claim where the failure to pay would have or would be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.22 Certain Transactions. Except as not required to be disclosed pursuant to Applicable Laws, none of the officers or directors of the Company are presently a party to any transaction with the Company (other than for services as employees, officers and directors), including any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from any officer or director, or to the knowledge of the Company, any corporation, partnership, trust or other entity in which any officer or director has a substantial interest or is an officer, director, trustee or partner.

 

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Section 5.23 Rights of First Refusal. The Company and its Subsidiaries are not obligated to offer the Common Shares or the Promissory Notes offered hereunder on a right of first refusal basis or otherwise to any third parties including, but not limited to, current or former stockholders of the Company, underwriters, brokers, agents or other third parties.

 

Section 5.24 Dilution. The Company and SharonAI is aware and acknowledges that issuance of Common Shares hereunder could cause dilution to existing stockholders and could significantly increase the outstanding number of Common Shares.

 

Section 5.25 Acknowledgment Regarding Investor’s Purchase of Shares. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Investor is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length investor with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder. The Company further acknowledge that the Investor is not acting as a financial advisor or fiduciary of the Company (or in any similar capacity) with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder and any advice given by the Investor or any of its representatives or agents in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder is merely incidental to the Investor’s purchase of the Shares hereunder or the Promissory Note. The Company is aware and acknowledges that it shall not be able to request Advances under this Agreement if a Registration Statement is not effective or if any issuances of Common Shares pursuant to any Advances would violate any rules of the Principal Market. The Company acknowledges and agrees that it is capable of evaluating and understanding, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 5.26 Finder’s Fees. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has incurred any liability for any finder’s fees, brokerage commissions or similar payments in connection with the transactions herein contemplated.

 

Section 5.27 Relationship of the Parties. Neither the Company, nor any of its Subsidiaries, affiliates, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any person acting on its or their behalf is a client or customer of the Investor or any of its affiliates and neither the Investor nor any of its affiliates has provided, or will provide, any services to the Company or any of its affiliates, its subsidiaries, or, to the knowledge of the Company, any person acting on its or their behalf. The Investor’s relationship to Company is solely as investor as provided for in the Transaction Documents.

 

Section 5.28 Operations. The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with all material Applicable Law and neither the Company nor the Subsidiaries, nor any director, officer, or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any agent, affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary has, not complied in all material respects with all material Applicable Law; and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any governmental authority involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to Applicable Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

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Section 5.29 Forward-Looking Statements. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, no forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in the Registration Statement or a Prospectus prepared pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement will be made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.

 

Section 5.30 Compliance with Laws. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with Applicable Law; the Company has not received a notice of non-compliance, nor knows of, nor has reasonable grounds to know of, any facts that any director, officer, or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any agent, Affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary has, has not complied with Applicable Laws, or could give rise to a notice of non-compliance with Applicable Laws; in each case that would have or would be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.31 Sanctions Matters. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer or controlled Affiliate of the Company or any director or officer of any Subsidiary, is a Person that is, or is owned or controlled by a Person that is (i) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authorities, including, without limitation, designation on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List or OFAC’s Foreign Sanctions Evaders List or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), or (ii) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions that broadly prohibit dealings with that country or territory (including, without limitation, the Crimea, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions of Ukraine, the Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic in Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan and Syria (the “Sanctioned Countries”)). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds from the sale of Advance Shares or any Pre-Paid Advance, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person (a) for the purpose of funding or facilitating any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject of Sanctions or is a Sanctioned Country, or (b) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions or Applicable Laws by any Person (including any Person participating in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise). For the past five years, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in, and is now not engaged in, any dealings or transactions with any Person, or in any country or territory, that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject of Sanctions or was a Sanctioned Country. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any director, officer or controlled Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has ever had funds blocked by a United States bank or financial institution, temporarily or otherwise, as a result of OFAC concerns.

 

Section 5.32 General Solicitation. Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged or will engage in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D) in connection with the offer or sale of the Common Shares.

 

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Article VI.

Indemnification

 

The Investor, and the Company represent to the other the following with respect to itself:

 

Section 6.01 Indemnification by the Company. In consideration of the Investor’s execution and delivery of this Agreement and acquiring the Shares hereunder, and in addition to all of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, the Company shall defend, protect, indemnify and hold harmless the Investor, its investment manager, Yorkville Advisors Global, LP, and their respective Affiliates, and each of the foregoing’s respective officers, directors, managers, members, partners, employees and agents (including, without limitation, those retained in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) and each person who controls any of the foregoing within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (collectively, the “Investor Indemnitees”) from and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, claims, losses, costs, penalties, fees, liabilities and damages, and reasonable and documented expenses in connection therewith (irrespective of whether any such Investor Indemnitee is a party to the action for which indemnification hereunder is sought), and including reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees and disbursements (the “Indemnified Liabilities”), incurred by the Investor Indemnitees or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to (a) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement for the registration of the Shares as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any related prospectus, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Investor specifically for inclusion therein; (b) any material misrepresentation or breach of any material representation or material warranty made by the Company in this Agreement or any other certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby; or (c) any material breach of any material covenant, material agreement or material obligation of the Company contained in this Agreement or any other certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby. To the extent that the foregoing undertaking by the Company may be unenforceable under Applicable Law, the Company shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities, which is permissible under Applicable Law.

 

Section 6.02 Indemnification by the Investor. In consideration of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, and in addition to all of the Investor’s other obligations under this Agreement, the Investor shall defend, protect, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, Company, and all of its officers, directors, stockholders, employees and agents (including, without limitation, those retained in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (collectively, the “Company Indemnitees”) from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by the Company Indemnitees or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to (a) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material

 

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fact contained in the Registration Statement for the registration of the Shares as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any related prospectus, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that the Investor will only be liable for written information relating to the Investor furnished to the Company or by or on behalf of the Investor specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing indemnity, and will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Investor by or on behalf of the Company specifically for inclusion therein; (b) any misrepresentation or breach of any representation or warranty made by the Investor in this Agreement or any instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby executed by the Investor; or (c) any breach of any covenant, agreement or obligation of the Investor contained in this Agreement or any other certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby executed by the Investor. To the extent that the foregoing undertaking by the Investor may be unenforceable under Applicable Laws, the Investor shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities, which is permissible under Applicable Laws.

 

Section 6.03 Notice of Claim. Promptly after receipt by an Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving an Indemnified Liability, such Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee, as applicable, shall, if a claim for an Indemnified Liability in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Article VI, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof; but the failure to so notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it of liability under this Article VI except to the extent the indemnifying party is prejudiced by such failure. The indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume control of the defense thereof with counsel mutually reasonably satisfactory to the indemnifying party and the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee, as the case may be; provided, however, that an Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee shall have the right to retain its own counsel with the actual and reasonable third party fees and expenses of not more than one counsel for such Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee to be paid by the indemnifying party, if, in the reasonable opinion of counsel retained by the indemnifying party, the representation by such counsel of the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee and the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee shall cooperate fully with the indemnifying party in connection with any negotiation or defense of any such action or claim by the indemnifying party and shall furnish to the indemnifying party all information reasonably available to the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee which relates to such action or claim. The indemnifying party shall keep the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee reasonably apprised as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its prior written consent, provided,

 

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however, that the indemnifying party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated to all rights of the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the matter for which indemnification has been made. The indemnification required by this Article VI shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received and payment therefor is due.

 

Section 6.04 Remedies. The remedies provided for in this Article VI are not exclusive and shall not limit any right or remedy which may be available to any indemnified person at law or equity. The obligations of the parties to indemnify or make contribution under this Article VI shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 6.05 Limitation of liability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Party shall seek, nor shall any be entitled to recover from the other Party, nor be liable for, punitive or exemplary damages.

 

Article VII.
Covenants

 

The Company covenants with the Investor, and the Investor covenants with the Company, as follows, which covenants of one party are for the benefit of the other party, during the term of this Agreement:

 

Section 7.01 Effective Registration Statement. During the Commitment Period, the Company shall maintain the continuous effectiveness of each Registration Statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act pursuant to and in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; provided, however, that in the event there are no Pre-Paid Advances outstanding, the Company shall only be required to use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the continuous effectiveness of the Registration Statement and each subsequent Registration Statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act pursuant to and in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement. During such time that the Investor is informed that a Registration Statement is no longer effective, the Investor agrees not to sell any Common Shares pursuant to such Registration Statement, but may sell shares pursuant to an exemption from registration, if available, subject to the Investor’s compliance with Applicable Laws.

 

Section 7.02 Registration and Listing. The Company shall cause the Common Shares to continue to be registered as a class of securities under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and to comply with its reporting and filing obligations under the Exchange Act, and shall not take any action or file any document (whether or not permitted by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) to terminate or suspend such registration or to terminate or suspend its reporting and filing obligations under the Exchange Act or Securities Act, except as permitted herein. The Company shall continue the listing and trading of its Common Shares and the listing of the Shares purchased by the Investor

 

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hereunder on the Principal Market and to comply with the Company’s reporting, filing and other obligations under the rules and regulations of the Principal Market, if and after the Common Shares become listed on the Principal Market after the date of this Agreement. If the Company receives any final and non-appealable notice that the listing or quotation of the Common Shares on the Principal Market shall be terminated on a date certain after the Common Shares have become listed on the Principal Market after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall promptly (and in any case within 24 hours) notify the Investor of such fact in writing and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Common Shares to be listed or quoted on another Principal Market.

 

Section 7.03 Reserved.

 

Section 7.04 Blue Sky. The Company shall take such action, if any, as is necessary by the Company in order to obtain an exemption for or to qualify the Shares for sale by the Company to the Investor pursuant to the Transaction Documents, and at the request of the Investor, the subsequent resale of Registrable Securities by the Investor, in each case, under applicable state securities or “Blue Sky” laws and shall provide evidence of any such action so taken to the Investor from time to time during the Commitment Period; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (x) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify, (y) subject itself to general taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction. The Company shall promptly notify the Investor of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the registration or qualification of any of the Common Shares for sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in the United States or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

Section 7.05 Suspension of Registration Statement.

 

(a) Establishment of a Black Out Period. During the Commitment Period, the Company from time to time may suspend the use of a Registration Statement by written notice to the Investor in the event that the Company determines in good faith that such suspension is necessary to (i) delay the disclosure of material non-public information concerning the Company, the disclosure of which at the time is not, in the good faith opinion of the Company, in the best interests of the Company, or (ii) amend or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus so that such Registration Statement or Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (a “Black Out Period”).

 

(b) No Sales by Investor During the Black Out Period. During such Black Out Period, the Investor agrees not to sell any Common Shares of the Company pursuant to such Registration Statement, but may sell shares pursuant to an exemption from registration, if available, subject to the Investor’s compliance with Applicable Laws.

 

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(c) Limitations on the Black Out Period. The Company shall not impose any Black Out Period that is longer than 30 days or in a manner that is more restrictive (including, without limitation, as to duration) than the comparable restrictions that the Company may impose on transfers of the Company’s equity securities by its directors and senior executive officers. In addition, the Company shall not deliver any Advance Notice during any Black Out Period. If the public announcement of such material, nonpublic information is made during a Black Out Period, the Black Out Period shall terminate immediately after such announcement, and the Company shall immediately notify the Investor of the termination of the Black Out Period.

 

Section 7.06 Listing of Common Shares. As of each Advance Notice Date and the applicable Advance Date, the Shares to be sold by the Company from time to time hereunder will have been registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and approved for listing on the Principal Market, subject to official notice of issuance.

 

Section 7.07 Opinion of Counsel. Prior to the date of the delivery by the Company of the first Advance Notice and the First Pre-Paid Advance, the Investor shall have received an opinion letter from counsel to the Company in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Investor.

 

Section 7.08 Exchange Act Registration. The Company will file in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of it as a reporting company under the Exchange Act and, during the Commitment Period, will not take any action or file any document (whether or not permitted by Exchange Act or the rules thereunder) to terminate or suspend its reporting and filing obligations under the Exchange Act.

 

Section 7.09 Transfer Agent Instructions. During the Commitment Period (or such shorter time as permitted by Section 2.04 of this Agreement) and subject to Applicable Laws, the Company shall cause (including, if necessary, by causing legal counsel for the Company to deliver an opinion) the transfer agent for the Common Shares to remove restrictive legends from Common Shares purchased by the Investor pursuant to this Agreement, provided that counsel for the Company shall have been furnished with such documents as they may require for the purpose of enabling them to render the opinions or make the statements requested by the transfer agent, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the covenants, obligations or conditions, contained herein.

 

Section 7.10 Corporate Existence. The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve and continue the corporate existence of the Company.

 

Section 7.11 Notice of Certain Events Affecting Registration; Suspension of Right to Make an Advance. The Company will promptly notify the Investor, and confirm in writing, upon its becoming aware of the occurrence of any of the following events in respect of a Registration Statement or related Prospectus (in each of which cases the information provided to Investor will be kept strictly confidential): (i) receipt of any request for additional information by the SEC or any other Federal or state governmental authority during the period of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the response to which would require any post-effective amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or any request for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus; (ii) the issuance by the SEC or any other Federal governmental authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose; (iii) receipt of any

 

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notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Common Shares for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or written threat of any proceeding for such purpose; (iv) the happening of any event that makes any statement made in the Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in the Registration Statement, related Prospectus or documents so that, in the case of the Registration Statement, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and that in the case of the related Prospectus, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or of the necessity to amend the Registration Statement or supplement a related Prospectus to comply with the Securities Act or any other law (and the Company will promptly make available to the Investor any such supplement or amendment to the related Prospectus; provided, however, the Company shall not be required to furnish any document to the extent such document is available on EDGAR); (v) the Company’s reasonable determination that a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement would be required under Applicable Law; (vi) the Common Shares shall cease to be authorized for listing on the Principal Market; or (vii) the Company fails to file in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of it as a reporting company under the Exchange Act. The Company shall not deliver to the Investor any Advance Notice, and the Company shall not sell any Shares pursuant to any pending Advance Notice (other than as required pursuant to Section 3.05(d)), during the continuation of any of the foregoing events (each of the events described in the immediately preceding clauses (i) through (vii), inclusive, a “Material Outside Event”).

 

Section 7.12 Consolidation. If an Advance Notice has been delivered to the Investor, then the Company shall not affect any consolidation of the Company with or into, or a transfer of all or substantially all the assets of the Company to another entity before the transaction contemplated in such Advance Notice has been closed in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, and all Shares in connection with such Advance have been received by the Investor.

 

Section 7.13 Issuance of the Company’s Common Shares. The issuance and sale of the Common Shares hereunder shall be made in accordance with the provisions and requirements of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities law. For purposes of this Section 7.13, Investor agrees that the Company is entitled to rely on the representations and warranties of the Investor set forth in Article IV of this Agreement.

 

Section 7.14 Reservation of Shares. As of the date of this Agreement, and at all times thereafter, the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized capital stock not less than the number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of all Promissory Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) such Promissory Note is convertible at a conversion price equal to the Floor Price as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Promissory Note set forth therein). Unless shareholder approval has previously been obtained, if at any time the number of Common Shares that remain available for issuance under the Exchange Cap have an aggregate market value of less than two

 

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times the outstanding principal balance of all Promissory Notes that are then outstanding (based on a price per Common Share equal to the average VWAP over the prior five (5) Trading Day period), the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to promptly call and hold a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of seeking the approval of its stockholders as required by the applicable rules of the Principal Market, for issuances of shares in excess of the Exchange Cap, and the board of directors of the Company will recommend that the Company’s stockholders vote in favor of such resolution.

 

Section 7.15 Expenses. The Company, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereunder are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, will pay all expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder, including but not limited to (i) the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement and each amendment and supplement thereto, of each Prospectus and of each amendment and supplement thereto; (ii) the preparation, issuance and delivery of any Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement, (iii) all fees and disbursements of the Company’s counsel, accountants and other advisors (but not, for the avoidance doubt, the fees and disbursements of Investor’s counsel, accountants and other advisors), (iv) the qualification of the Shares under securities laws in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, including filing fees in connection therewith, (v) the delivery of copies of any Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto requested by the Investor, (vi) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing or qualification of the Shares for trading on the Principal Market, and (vii) filing fees of the SEC and the Principal Market.

 

Section 7.16 Current Report. The Company shall, not later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day after the date of this Agreement, file with the SEC a current report on Form 8-K describing all the material terms of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents in the form required by the Exchange Act and attaching all the material Transaction Documents (including any exhibits thereto, the “Current Report”). The Company shall provide the Investor and its legal counsel a reasonable opportunity to comment on a draft of the Current Report including any exhibits to be filed related thereto, as applicable, prior to filing the Current Report with the SEC and shall reasonably consider all such comments. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company expressly agrees that from and after the filing of the Current Report with the SEC, the Company shall have publicly disclosed all material, non-public information provided to the Investor (or the Investor’s representatives or agents) by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives (if any) in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries and each of its and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents not to, provide the Investor with any material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries without the express prior written consent of the Investor (which may be granted or withheld in the Investor’s sole discretion and, if granted, must include an agreement to keep such information confidential until publicly disclosed). Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company expressly agrees that it shall publicly disclose in the Current Report or otherwise make publicly available any information communicated to the Investor by or, to the knowledge of the Company, on behalf of the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, which, following the Effective Date would, if not so

 

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disclosed, constitute material, non-public information regarding the Company or its Subsidiaries. The Company understands and confirms that the Investor will rely on the foregoing representations in effecting resales of Shares. In addition, effective upon the filing of the Current Report, the Company acknowledges and agrees that any and all confidentiality or similar obligations with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents under any agreement, whether written or oral, between the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, Affiliates, employees or agents, on the one hand, and Investor or any of its respective officers, directors, Affiliates, employees or agents, on the other hand, shall terminate. Unless specifically agreed to in writing, in no event shall the Investor have a duty of confidentiality or be deemed to have agreed to maintain information in confidence with respect to the delivery of any Advance Notice.

 

Section 7.17 Advance Notice Limitation. The Company shall not deliver an Advance Notice if a shareholder meeting or corporate action, or the record date for any shareholder meeting or any corporate action, would fall during the period beginning two Trading Days prior to the date of delivery of such Advance Notice and ending two Trading Days following the Closing of such Advance.

 

Section 7.18 Use of Proceeds; Subsidiary Guaranty.

 

(a) Use of Proceeds. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary will, without the prior written consent of the Investor directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of any Pre-Paid Advance to repay any advances or loans to any executives, directors, or employees of the Company or any Subsidiary or to make any payments in respect of any related party obligations, including without limitation any payables or notes payable to related parties of the Company or any Subsidiary whether or not such amounts are described on the balance sheets of the Company in any SEC Documents and any Subsidiary or described in any “Related Party Transactions” section of any SEC Documents. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds from the transactions contemplated herein, or lend, contribute, facilitate, or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person (a) for the purpose of funding or facilitating, directly or indirectly, any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions or is a Sanctioned Country, or (b) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions or Applicable Laws by any Person (including any Person participating in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise). The Company shall not without the prior written consent of the Investor loan, invest, transfer or “downstream” any cash proceeds, or assets or property acquired with cash proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Promissory Note to any Subsidiary that has not signed and delivered a Guaranty Agreement to Investor.

 

(b) Prior to the First Pre-Advance Closing, each Subsidiary shall enter into a subsidiary guaranty with the Investor in the form of the Global Guaranty Agreement.

 

Section 7.19 Compliance with Laws. The Company shall comply in all material respects with all Applicable Laws.

 

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Section 7.20 Market Activities. Neither the Company, nor any Subsidiary, nor any of their respective officers, directors or controlling persons will, directly or indirectly, (i) take any action designed to cause or result in, or that constitutes or might reasonably be expected to constitute or result, in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of Common Shares or (ii) sell, bid for, or purchase Common Shares in violation of Regulation M, or pay anyone any compensation for soliciting purchases of the Shares.

 

Section 7.21 Trading Information. Upon the Company’s request, the Investor agrees to provide the Company with trading reports setting forth the number and average sales prices of Common Shares sold by the Investor during the prior trading week.

 

Section 7.22 Selling Restrictions. Except as expressly set forth below, the Investor covenants that from and after the date hereof through and including the Trading Day next following the expiration or termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 10.01 (the “Restricted Period”), none of the Investor any of its officers, or any entity managed or controlled by the Investor (collectively, the “Restricted Persons” and each of the foregoing is referred to herein as a “Restricted Person”) shall, directly or indirectly, engage in any “short sale” (as such term is defined in Rule 200 of Regulation SHO of the Exchange Act) of the Common Shares, either for its own principal account or for the principal account of any other Restricted Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is expressly understood and agreed that nothing contained herein shall (without implication that the contrary would otherwise be true) prohibit any Restricted Person during the Restricted Period from: (1) selling “long” (as defined under Rule 200 promulgated under Regulation SHO) any Common Shares; (2) selling a number of Common Shares equal to the number of Advance Shares that such Restricted Person is unconditionally obligated to purchase under a pending Advance Notice but has not yet received from the Company or the transfer agent pursuant to this Agreement; or (3) selling a number of shares of Common Shares equal to the number of Common Shares that the Investor is entitled to receive, but has not yet received from the Company or the transfer agent, upon the completion of a pending conversion of the Promissory Note for which a valid Conversion Notice (as defined in the Promissory Note) has been submitted to the Company.

 

Section 7.23 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. No Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect. Without the consent of the Investor, the Company shall not have the right to assign or transfer any of its rights or provide any third party the right to bind or obligate the Company, to deliver Advance Notices or effect Advances hereunder.

 

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Section 7.24 No Variable Rate Transactions, Etc.

 

(a) No Frustration. The Company shall not enter into, announce or recommend to its stockholders any agreement, plan, arrangement or transaction in or of which the terms thereof would restrict, materially delay, conflict with or impair the ability or right of the Company to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, including, without limitation, the obligation of the Company to deliver the Shares to the Investor in respect of an Advance Notice (including an Advance Notice deemed delivered in respect of an Investor Notice).

 

(b) No Variable Rate Transactions or Related Party Payments. From the date hereof until the date upon which the Promissory Notes to be issued hereunder has been repaid in full, the Company shall not (i) repay any loans to any executives or employees of the Company or to make any payments in respect of any related party debt, (ii) repay, incur, guaranty, or assume any Indebtedness of Parent other than Permitted Indebtedness, including without limitation, any loans or advances made by the sponsor of Parent or affiliates of its sponsor, unless other funds are raised specifically for the purposes of making such payments or such payments are disclosed in the Form S-4, provided that payments disclosed in the Form S-4 may not be repaid from the funds of any Pre-Paid Advance, or (iii) effect or enter into an agreement to effect any issuance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Common Shares or any security which entitles the holder to acquire Common Shares (or a combination of units thereof) involving a Variable Rate Transaction, other than involving a Variable Rate Transaction with the Investor. The Investor shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief against the Company and its Subsidiaries to preclude any such issuance, which remedy shall be in addition to any right to collect damages, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

(c) During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the date upon which the Promissory Note(s) to be issued hereunder have been repaid in full, the Company shall not affect any reverse stock split or share consolidation, without the prior consent of the Investor, not to be unreasonably withheld, unless the purpose of such reverse stock split or share consolidation is to satisfy or maintain the listing of the Common Shares on the Principal Market.

 

(d) From the date hereof until the Promissory Notes to be issued hereunder have been repaid in full, without the prior written consent of the Investor, neither the Company, nor any Subsidiary shall, directly or indirectly (i) other than Permitted Indebtedness, enter into, create, incur, assume, guarantee or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, or (ii) other than Permitted Liens, enter into, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on or with respect to any of its property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired or any interest therein or any income or profits therefrom.

 

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Article VIII.
Non-Exclusive Agreement

 

Subject to Section 8.01 hereof, this Agreement and the rights awarded to the Investor hereunder are non-exclusive, and the Company may, at any time throughout the term of this Agreement and thereafter, issue and allot, or undertake to issue and allot, any shares and/or securities and/or convertible notes, bonds, debentures, options to acquire shares or other securities and/or other facilities which may be converted into or replaced by Common Shares or other securities of the Company, and to extend, renew and/or recycle any bonds and/or debentures, and/or grant any rights with respect to its existing and/or future share capital.

 

Article IX.
Choice of Law/Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial

 

Section 9.01 This Agreement, and any and all claims, proceedings or causes of action relating to this Agreement or arising from this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, including, without limitation, tort claims, statutory claims and contract claims, shall be interpreted, construed, governed and enforced under and solely in accordance with the substantive and procedural laws of the State of New York, in each case as in effect from time to time and as the same may be amended from time to time, and as applied to agreements performed wholly within the State of New York. The Parties further agree that any action between them shall be heard in New York County, New York, and expressly consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the Supreme Court of New York, sitting in New York County, New York and the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, sitting in New York, New York, for the adjudication of any civil action asserted pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Section 9.02 EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, THE PERFORMANCE THEREOF OR THE FINANCINGS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTY HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS PARAGRAPH.

 

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Article X.

Termination

 

Section 10.01 Termination.

 

(a) Unless earlier terminated as provided hereunder, this Agreement shall terminate automatically on the earlier of (i) the 24-month anniversary of the Effective Date, provided that if any Promissory Notes are then outstanding, such termination shall be delayed until such date that all Promissory Note that were outstanding have been repaid, or (ii) the date on which the Investor shall have made payment of Advances pursuant to this Agreement for Common Shares equal to the Commitment Amount, or (iii) the termination of the Business Combination Agreement without the consummation of the Business Combination.

 

(b) The Company may terminate this Agreement effective upon five Trading Days’ prior written notice to the Investor; provided that (i) there are no outstanding Advance Notices under which Common Shares have yet to be issued, (ii) there is not an outstanding Promissory Note, and (iii) the Company has paid all amounts owed to the Investor pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by the mutual written consent of the parties, effective as of the date of such mutual written consent unless otherwise provided in such written consent.

 

(c) In the event that the Business Combination has not occurred by the Business Combination Deadline (unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Investor), then the Investor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement, effective immediately, at any time on or after the close of business on such date without liability to any other party.

 

(d) Nothing in this Section 10.01 shall be deemed to release the Company or the Investor from any liability for any breach under this Agreement prior to the valid termination hereof, or to impair the rights of the Company and the Investor to compel specific performance by the other party of its obligations under this Agreement prior to the valid termination hereof. The indemnification provisions contained in Article VI shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

Article XI.

Notices

 

Other than with respect to Advance Notices, which must be in writing delivered in accordance with Section 3.01 and will be deemed delivered on the day set forth in Section 2.01(b), any notices, consents, waivers, or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally; (ii) upon receipt, when sent by e-mail if sent on a Trading Day, or, if not sent on a Trading Day, on the immediately following Trading Day; (iii) 5 days after being sent by U.S. certified mail, return receipt requested, or (iv) 1 day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, in each case properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses for such communications (except for Advance Notices which shall be delivered in accordance with Exhibit C hereof) shall be:

 

If to the Company, to:   SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151
Attn: Wolf Schubert
E-mail: CEO

 

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With copies (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:

 

Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

12275 El Camino Real

San Diego, CA 92130-2089

Attn: Chad Ensz, Esq.

E-mail: censz@sheppardmullin.com

     
If to the Investor:  

YA II PN, Ltd.
1012 Springfield Avenue
Mountainside, NJ 07092

    Attn: Mark Angelo
    E-mail: mangelo@yorkvilleadvisors.com
     

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:

 

David Fine, Esq.
1012 Springfield Avenue
Mountainside, NJ 07092

E-mail: legal@yorkvilleadvisors.com

 

or at such other address and/or e-mail and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party three Business Days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (i) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (ii) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, and recipient email address or (iii) provided by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service shall be rebuttable evidence of delivery in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.

 

Article XII.

Miscellaneous

 

Section 12.01 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, both which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Facsimile or other electronically scanned and delivered signatures (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com), including by e-mail attachment, shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid as originals and effective for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

Section 12.02 Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes all other prior oral or written agreements between the Investor, the Company, their respective Affiliates and persons acting on their behalf with respect to the matters discussed herein, and this Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered herein and, except as specifically set forth herein, neither the Company nor the Investor makes any representation, warranty, covenant or undertaking with respect to such matters. No provision of this Agreement may be waived or amended other than by an instrument in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement.

 

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Section 12.03 Reporting Entity for Common Shares. The reporting entity relied upon for the determination of the trading price or trading volume of the Common Shares on any given Trading Day for the purposes of this Agreement shall be Bloomberg L.P. or any successor thereto. The written mutual consent of the Investor and the Company shall be required to employ any other reporting entity.

 

Section 12.04 Commitment and Structuring Fee. Each of the parties shall pay its own fees and expenses (including the fees of any attorneys, accountants, appraisers or others engaged by such party) in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except that the Company or SharonAI has already paid the Investor or its designee a structuring fee in the amount of $25,000. The Company shall pay a commitment fee to the Investor in an amount equal to 1.00% of the Commitment Amount (the “Commitment Fee”), which shall be due and payable on the earliest of (a) the date of effectiveness of the initial Registration Statement, (b) the Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), and (c) the 180th day from the date hereof. The Commitment Fee may be paid, at the option of the Company, either in cash, or, provided that the Business Combination shall have occurred, by the issuance to the Investor of such number of Common Shares that is equal to the Commitment Fee divided by the average of the daily VWAPs of the Common Shares during the 3 Trading Days immediately prior to such due date (collectively, the “Commitment Shares”).

 

Section 12.05 Brokerage. Each of the parties hereto represents that it has had no dealings in connection with this transaction with any finder or broker who will demand payment of any fee or commission from the other party. The Company on the one hand, and the Investor, on the other hand, agree to indemnify the other against and hold the other harmless from any and all liabilities to any person claiming brokerage commissions or finder’s fees on account of services purported to have been rendered on behalf of the indemnifying party in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Standby Equity Purchase Agreement to be executed by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first set forth above.

 

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

   
  By:  
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO
   
  INVESTOR:
  YA II PN, Ltd.
   
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP
  Its: Investment Manager
     
 

 

By:

Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC

    Its: General Partner
     
    By:  
    Name: Matthew Beckman
    Title: Manager

 

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ANNEX I TO THE

STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Additional Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03.

 

Adjusted Advance Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03

 

Advance” shall mean any issuance and sale of Advance Shares by the Company to the Investor pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Advance Date” shall mean the first Trading Day after expiration of the applicable Pricing Period for each Advance, provided that, with respect to an Advance pursuant to an Investor Notice, the Advance Date shall be the first Trading Day after the date of delivery of such Investor Notice.

 

Advance Notice” shall mean a written notice in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto to the Investor executed by an officer of the Company and setting forth the number of Advance Shares that the Company desires to issue and sell to the Investor.

 

Advance Notice Date” shall mean each date the Company is deemed to have delivered (in accordance with Section 3.01(c) of this Agreement) an Advance Notice to the Investor, subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

Advance Shares” shall mean the Common Shares that the Company shall issue and sell to the Investor pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

Affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.08.

 

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

Amortization Event” shall have the meaning set forth in the Promissory Note.

 

Applicable Laws” shall mean all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations, orders, executive orders, directives, policies, guidelines and codes having the force of law, whether local, national, or international, as amended from time to time, including without limitation (i) all applicable laws that relate to money laundering, terrorist financing, financial record keeping and reporting, (ii) all applicable laws that relate to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, books and records and internal controls, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, and (iii) any Sanctions laws.

 

Black Out Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.04.

 

Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.05.

 

Comment Letter” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.03.

 

Commitment Amount” shall mean $50,000,000 of Common Shares.

 

Commitment Fee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.04.

 

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Commitment Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.04.

 

Commitment Period” shall mean the period commencing on the Effective Date and expiring upon the date of termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01.

 

Common Share Equivalents” shall mean any securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries which entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Shares, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, rights, options, warrants or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Shares.

 

Common Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

Company Indemnitees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.02.

 

Condition Satisfaction Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Annex III.

 

Conversion Price” shall have the meaning set forth in the Promissory Note.

 

Daily Traded Amount” shall mean the daily trading volume of the Company’s Common Shares on the Principal Market during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P.

 

Effective Date” shall mean the date of closing of the Business Combination.

 

Environmental Laws” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.

 

Event of Default” shall have the meaning set forth in the Promissory Note.

 

Exchange Act” shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Exchange Cap” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(c).

 

Excluded Day” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03.

 

Form S-4” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.03.

 

Fixed Price” shall have the meaning set forth in the Promissory Note.

 

Floor Price” shall have the meaning set forth in each Promissory Note.

 

Global Guaranty Agreement” shall mean the global guaranty agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.

 

Hazardous Materials” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.

 

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Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication (i) all indebtedness for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations issued, undertaken or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (including, without limitation, “capital leases” in accordance with GAAP) (other than trade payables entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), (iii) all reimbursement or payment obligations with respect to letters of credit, surety bonds and other similar instruments, (iv) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, including obligations so evidenced incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses, (v) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or incurred as financing, in either case with respect to any property or assets acquired with the proceeds of such indebtedness (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or bank under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (vi) all monetary obligations under any leasing or similar arrangement which, in connection with GAAP, consistently applied for the periods covered thereby, is classified as a capital lease, (vii) all indebtedness referred to in clauses (i) through (f) above secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon or in any property or assets (including accounts and contract rights) owned by any Person, even though the Person which owns such assets or property has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness, and (viii) all Contingent Obligations in respect of indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) above.

 

Indemnified Liabilities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

 

Initial Comment Letter” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.03.

 

Investor” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

Investor Notice” shall mean a written notice to the Company in the form set forth herein as Exhibit E attached hereto.

 

Investor Indemnitees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

 

Lien” shall mean any (i) mortgage, (ii) right of way, (iii) easement, (iv) encroachment, (v) restriction on use, (vi) servitude, (vii) pledge, (viii) lien, (ix) charge, (x) hypothecation, (xi) security interest, (xii) encumbrance, (xiii) adverse right, interest or claim, (xiv) community or other marital property interest, (xv) condition, (xvi) equitable interest, (xvii) encumbrance, (xviii) license, (xix) covenant, (xx) title defect, (xxi) option, (xxii) right of first refusal or offer or similar restriction, (xxiii) voting right, (xxiv) transfer restriction, or (xxv) receipt of income or exercise of any other attribute of ownership.

 

Market Price” shall mean the lowest daily VWAP of the Common Shares during the Pricing Period, other than the daily VWAP on an Excluded Day.

 

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Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any event, occurrence or condition that has had or would reasonably be expected to have (i) a material adverse effect on the legality, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, (ii) a material adverse effect on the results of operations, assets, business or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iii) a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to perform in any material respect on a timely basis its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that a Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed to include effects (and solely to the extent of such effects) resulting from (a) general economic or political conditions; (b) conditions generally affecting the industries in which such Person or its Subsidiaries operates; (c) any changes in financial, banking or securities markets in general, including any disruption thereof; (d) acts of war (whether or not declared), armed hostilities or terrorism, or the escalation or worsening thereof; (e) any action required or permitted by this Agreement or any action or omission taken by the Company with the written consent or at the request of Investor or any action or omission taken by Investor with the written consent or at the request of the Company; (f) any changes in Applicable Laws or accounting rules (including U.S. GAAP) or the enforcement, implementation or interpretation thereof; (g) the announcement, pendency or completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (h) any natural or man-made disaster, acts of God or epidemic, pandemic or other disease outbreak or the worsening thereof; or (i) any failure by a party to meet any internal or published projections, forecasts or revenue or earnings predictions, except to the extent such events have a disproportionate effect on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to other companies in the same industry, (it being understood that the facts or occurrences giving rise or contributing to such failure that are not otherwise excluded from the definition of a “Material Adverse Effect” may be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Material Adverse Effect).

 

Material Outside Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.11.

 

Maximum Advance Amount” means (A) in respect of each Advance Notice delivered by the Company pursuant to Section 3.01(a) of this Agreement, an amount equal to 4.99% of the number of outstanding Common Shares immediately preceding an Advance Notice, and (B) in respect of each Advance Notice deemed delivered by the Company pursuant to an Investor Notice, the amount selected by the Investor in such Investor Notice, which amount shall not exceed the limitations set forth in Section 3.02 of this Agreement.

 

Minimum Acceptable Price” shall mean the minimum price notified by the Company to the Investor in each Advance Notice, if applicable.

 

OFAC” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.31.

 

Original Issue Discount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

 

Ownership Limitation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(a).

 

Permitted Indebtedness” shall mean: (i) indebtedness in respect of the Promissory Notes; (ii) indebtedness (A) the repayment of which has been subordinated to the payment of the Promissory Notes on terms and conditions acceptable to the Investor, including with regard to interest payments and repayment of principal, (B) which does not mature or otherwise require or permit redemption or repayment prior to or on the 91st day after the maturity date of the Promissory Note; and (C) which is not secured by any assets; and (iii) any indebtedness (other than the indebtedness set out in (i) – (ii) above) incurred after the date hereof, provided that such indebtedness does not exceed $250,000 at any given time.

 

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Permitted Liens” shall mean (i) any security interest granted to the Investor, (ii) inchoate Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies (A) not yet due, as to which the grace period, if any, related thereto has not yet expired, or (B) being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (iii) Liens of carriers, materialmen, warehousemen, mechanics and landlords and other similar Liens which secure amounts which are not yet overdue by more than 60 days or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (iv) licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases granted to other persons not materially interfering with the conduct of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary; (v) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers compensation claims, unemployment insurance, pension liabilities and social security benefits and Liens securing the performance of bids, tenders, leases and contracts in the ordinary course of business, statutory obligations, surety bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (other than appeal bonds) incurred in the ordinary course of business (exclusive of obligations in respect of the payment for borrowed money); and (vi) Liens in favor of a banking institution arising by operation of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and contractual set-off rights held by such banking institution and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry and only burdening deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a creditor depository institution.

 

Person” shall mean an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, a trust or other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

 

Plan of Distribution” shall mean the section of a Registration Statement disclosing the plan of distribution of the Shares.

 

Pre-Advance Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

 

Pre-Paid Advance” shall mean have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

 

Pricing Period” shall mean the three consecutive Trading Days commencing on the Advance Notice Date.

 

Principal Market” shall mean the Nasdaq Stock Market; provided, however, that in the event the Common Shares are ever listed or traded on the New York Stock Exchange or the NYSE American, the “Principal Market” shall mean such other market or exchange on which the Common Shares are then listed or traded to the extent such other market or exchange is the principal trading market or exchange for the Common Shares.

 

Promissory Note” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

 

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Prospectus” shall mean any prospectus (including, without limitation, all amendments and supplements thereto) used by the Company in connection with a Registration Statement, including documents incorporated by reference therein.

 

Prospectus Supplement” shall mean any prospectus supplement to a Prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, including documents incorporated by reference therein.

 

Purchase Price” shall mean (i) the price per Advance Share obtained by multiplying the Market Price by 97% in respect of an Advance Notice delivered by the Company, or (ii) in the case of any Advance Notice delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice, the Purchase Price set forth in Section 3.01(b)(ii).

 

Registration Limitation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(b).

 

Registration Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Registrable Securities” shall have the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Regulation D” shall mean the provisions of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Sanctions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.31.

 

Sanctioned Countries” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.31.

 

SEC” shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

SEC Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.06.

 

Securities Act” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

Settlement Document” in respect of an Advance Notice delivered by the Company, shall mean a settlement document in the form set out on Exhibit D, and in respect of an Advance Notice deemed delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice, shall mean the Investor Notice containing the information set forth on Exhibit E.

 

Shares” shall mean the Commitment Shares and the Common Shares to be issued from time to time hereunder pursuant to an Advance.

 

Solvent” shall mean, as to any Person as of any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair saleable value of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature and (d) such Person is not engaged in a business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in a business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital. The amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all of the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

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Subsidiaries” shall mean any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, (x) owns a majority of the outstanding capital stock or holds a majority of the equity or similar interest of such Person or (y) controls or operates all or substantially all of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and the foregoing are collectively referred to herein as “Subsidiaries.”

 

Trading Day” shall mean any day during which the Principal Market shall be open for business.

 

Transaction Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, any Promissory Notes issued by the Company hereunder, and each of the other agreements and instruments entered into or delivered by any of the parties hereto in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, as may be amended from time to time.

 

Variable Rate Transaction” shall mean a transaction in which the Company (i) issues or sells any Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents that are convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for, or include the right to receive additional Common Shares either (A) at a conversion price, exercise price, exchange rate or other price that is based upon and/or varies with the trading prices of or quotations for the Common Shares at any time after the initial issuance of Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents, or (B) with a conversion, exercise or exchange price that is subject to being reset at some future date after the initial issuance of such equity or debt security or upon the occurrence of specified or contingent events directly or indirectly related to the business of the Company or the market for the Common Shares (including, without limitation, any “full ratchet,” “share ratchet,” “price ratchet,” or “weighted average” anti-dilution provisions, but not including any standard anti-dilution protection for any reorganization, recapitalization, non-cash dividend, stock split or other similar transaction), (ii) enters into, or effects a transaction under, any agreement, including but not limited to an “equity line of credit” or other continuous offering or similar offering of Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents, (iii) issues or sells any Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents (or any combination thereof) at an implied discount (taking into account all the securities issuable in such offering) to the market price of the Common Shares at the time of the offering in excess of 30% or (iv) enters into or effects any forward purchase agreement, equity pre-paid forward transaction or other similar offering of securities where the purchaser of securities of the Company receives an upfront or periodic payment of all, or a portion of, the value of the securities so purchased, and the Company receives proceeds from such purchaser based on a price or value that varies with the trading prices of the Common Shares.

 

VWAP” shall mean for any Trading Day or specified period, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for such Trading Day on the Principal Market during regular trading hours, or such specified period, as reported by Bloomberg L.P through its “AQR” function. All such determinations shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction during such period.

 

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ANNEX II TO THE

STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE INVESTOR’S OBLIGATION TO FUND A PRE-PAID ADVANCE

 

The obligation of the Investor to advance to the Company a particular tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance hereunder at each Pre-Advance Closing is subject to the satisfaction, as of the date of such Pre-Advance Closing, of each of the following conditions, provided that these conditions are for the Investor’s sole benefit and may be waived by the Investor at any time in its sole discretion by providing the Company with prior written notice thereof:

 

(a) The Company shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the Company shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor a Promissory Note with a principal amount corresponding to the amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance (before any deductions made thereto).

 

(b) Each Subsidiary shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor the Global Guaranty Agreement.

 

(c) The Company shall have delivered to the Investor a compliance certificate executed by the chief executive officer of the Company certifying that Company has complied with all of the conditions precedent to the Pre-Advance Closing set forth herein and which may be relied upon by the Investor as evidence of satisfaction of such conditions without any obligation to independently verify.

 

(d) The Investor shall have received an opinion of counsel to the Company, dated on or before the Pre-Advance Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Investor.

 

(e) The Investor shall have received a closing statement in a form to be agreed by the parties, duly executed by an officer of the Company, setting forth wire transfer instructions of the Company for the payment of the amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance, the amount to be paid by the Investor, which shall be the full principal amount of such tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance less the Original Issue Discount and any other deductions that may be agreed by the parties.

 

(f) The Company shall have delivered to the Investor certified copies of its and each of its Subsidiaries’ charter or certificate of formation, bylaws or operating agreement and any other material organizational documents.

 

(g) The Company shall have delivered to the Investor a certificate evidencing the incorporation and good standing of the Company as of a date within ten (10) days of the applicable Pre-Advance Closing.

 

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(h) (I) The board of directors of the Company has approved the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, (II) said approval has not been amended, rescinded or modified and remains in full force and effect as of the date hereof, and (III) a true, correct and complete copy of such resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors of the Company shall have been provided to the Investor.

 

(i) Each and every representation and warranty of the Company shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than representations and warranties qualified by materiality, which shall be true and correct in all respects) as of the date when made and as of the date of the Pre-Advance Closing as though originally made at that time (except for representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such specific date), and the Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions set forth in each Transaction Document required to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior to the applicable Pre-Advance Closing.

 

(j) No Suspension of Trading in or Delisting of Common Shares. (I) Trading in the Common Shares shall not have been suspended by the SEC, the Principal Market (if and when the Common Shares are listed with the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement) or FINRA, (II) the Company shall not have received any notice that the listing or quotation of the Common Shares on the Principal Market shall be terminated if and when the Common Shares have been listed on the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement, nor shall there have been imposed any suspension of, or restriction on, accepting additional deposits of the Common Shares, electronic trading or book-entry services by DTC with respect to the Common Shares that is continuing, and (III) the Company shall not have received any notice from DTC to the effect that a suspension of, or restriction on, accepting additional deposits of the Common Shares, electronic trading or book-entry services by DTC with respect to the Common Shares is being imposed or is contemplated.

 

(k) The Company shall have obtained all governmental, regulatory or third-party consents and approvals, if any, necessary for the sale of the Common Shares.

 

(l) No statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by any court or governmental entity of competent jurisdiction that prohibits the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

 

(m) Since the date of execution of this Agreement, no event or series of events shall have occurred that has resulted in or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or an Event of Default.

 

(n) (I) No material breach of this Agreement or any Transaction Document shall have occurred, (II) no Event of Default shall have occurred (assuming that the applicable Promissory Note had been outstanding as of each Pre-Advance Closing, and (III) no event has occurred and no condition exists that with the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a material breach of this Agreement or any Transaction Document or an Event of Default (assuming that the applicable Promissory note had been outstanding as of each Pre-Advance Closing).

 

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(o) Following listing of the Common Shares on the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement, if at all, the Company shall have notified the Principal Market of the issuance of all of the Shares hereunder, the Principal Market shall have completed its review of the related Listing of Additional Share form, and the Company shall have obtained approval of the Principal Market to list or designate for quotation (as the case may be) the maximum number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to the Promissory Note to be issued at the Pre-Advance Closing.

 

(p) Solely with respect to the First Pre-Advance Closing, (a) the Company shall have consummated the Business Combination on or before the Business Combination Deadline on the terms and conditions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement and there shall have been no amendment, waiver or modification to the Business Combination Agreement since the date of this Agreement that materially and adversely affects the economic benefits that the Investor would reasonably expect to receive in connection with the transaction, except to the extent consented to in writing by the Investor, (b) and the Common Shares shall be listed for trading on Nasdaq.

 

(q) Solely with respect to the Second Pre-Advance Closing, the Registration Statement shall be effective in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement for a period of 60 consecutive days.

 

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ANNEX III TO THE

STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY TO DELIVER AN ADVANCE NOTICE

 

The right of the Company to deliver an Advance Notice and the obligations of the Investor hereunder with respect to an Advance are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, on each Advance Notice Date (a “Condition Satisfaction Date”), of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Accuracy of the Company’s Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Advance Notice Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties are as of another date, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such other date.

 

(b) Issuance of Commitment Shares. The Company shall have paid the Commitment Fee or issued the Commitment Shares to an account designated by the Investor on or prior to the Effective Date, in accordance with Section 12.04, all of which Commitment Fee shall be fully earned and non-refundable on the Effective Date, regardless of whether any Advance Notices are made or settled hereunder or any subsequent termination of this Agreement.

 

(c) Registration of the Common Shares with the SEC. There is an effective Registration Statement pursuant to which the Investor is permitted to utilize the prospectus thereunder to resell all of the Common Shares issuable pursuant to such Advance Notice. The Current Report shall have been filed with the SEC, and the Company shall have filed with the SEC in a timely manner all reports, notices and other documents required under the Exchange Act and applicable SEC regulations during the twelve-month period immediately preceding the applicable Condition Satisfaction Date.

 

(d) Authority. The Company shall have obtained all permits and qualifications required by any applicable state for the offer and sale of all the Common Shares issuable pursuant to such Advance Notice or shall have the availability of exemptions therefrom. The sale and issuance of such Common Shares shall be legally permitted by all laws and regulations to which the Company is subject.

 

(e) Board. (I) The board of directors of the Company has approved the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, (II) said approval has not been amended, rescinded or modified and remains in full force and effect as of the date hereof, and (III) a true, correct and complete copy of such resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors of the Company shall have been provided to the Investor.

 

(f) No Material Outside Event. No Material Outside Event shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

(g) Performance by the Company. The Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior the applicable Condition Satisfaction Date.

 

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(h) No Injunction. No statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by any court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction that prohibits or materially and adversely affects any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

 

(i) No Suspension of Trading in or Delisting of Common Shares. (I) Trading in the Common Shares shall not have been suspended by the SEC, the Principal Market (if the Common Shares are listed with the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement) or FINRA, (II) the Company shall not have received any notice that the listing or quotation of the Common Shares on the Principal Market shall be terminated if the Common Shares have been listed on the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement, nor shall there have been imposed any suspension of, or restriction on, accepting additional deposits of the Common Shares, electronic trading or book-entry services by DTC with respect to the Common Shares that is continuing, and (III) the Company shall not have received any notice from DTC to the effect that a suspension of, or restriction on, accepting additional deposits of the Common Shares, electronic trading or book-entry services by DTC with respect to the Common Shares is being imposed or is contemplated.

 

(j) Authorized. All of the Common Shares issuable pursuant to the applicable Advance Notice shall have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company. All Common Shares relating to all prior Advance Notices required to have been received by the Investor under this Agreement shall have been delivered to the Investor in accordance with this Agreement.

 

(k) Executed Advance Notice. The representations contained in the applicable Advance Notice shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the applicable Condition Satisfaction Date.

 

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EXHIBIT A

CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE

 

See attached.

 

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Exhibit Version

 

NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THIS NOTE IS CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE. THESE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

Convertible Promissory Note

 

Original Principal Amount: [$________]

Issuance Date: [_________]

Number: SHARON HOLDINGS-[1][2][3][4]

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC., an entity organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), hereby promises to pay to the order of YA II PN, LTD., or its registered assigns (the “Holder”), the amount set out above as the Original Principal Amount (or such lesser amount as reduced pursuant to the terms hereof pursuant to repayment, redemption, conversion or otherwise, the “Principal”) and the Payment Premium or the Redemption Premium, as applicable, in each case when due, and to pay interest (“Interest”) on any outstanding Principal at the applicable Interest Rate (as defined below) from the date set out above as the Issuance Date (the “Issuance Date”) until the same becomes due and payable, whether upon the Maturity Date or acceleration, conversion, redemption or otherwise (in each case in accordance with the terms hereof). Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section (12). The Issuance Date is the date of the first issuance of this Convertible Promissory Note (as amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, this “Note”) regardless of the number of transfers and regardless of the number of instruments, which may be issued to evidence such Note. This Note was issued with a 5% original issue discount. The Company and the Holder are referred to herein at times, collectively, as the “Parties,” and each, a “Party.”

 

This Note is being issued pursuant to Section 2.01 of the Standby Equity Purchase Agreement dated _______________ (as may be amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “SEPA”), by and between the Company and YA II PN, Ltd., as the Investor. This Note may be repaid in accordance with the terms of the SEPA, including, without limitation, pursuant to Investor Notices and corresponding Advance Notices deemed given by the Company in connection with such Investor Notices. The Holder also has the option of converting on one or more occasions all or part of the then outstanding balance under this Note by delivering to the Company (or any assignee of the Note) one or more Conversion Notices in accordance with Section 3 of this Note.

 

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(1) GENERAL TERMS

 

(a) Maturity Date. On the Maturity Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder an amount in cash representing all outstanding Principal, accrued and unpaid Interest, and any other amounts outstanding pursuant to the terms of this Note. The “Maturity Date” shall be [_________], 20261, as may be extended at the option of the Holder. Other than as specifically permitted by this Note, the Company may not prepay or redeem any portion of the outstanding Principal and accrued and unpaid Interest.

 

(b) Interest Rate and Payment of Interest. Interest shall accrue on the outstanding Principal balance hereof at an annual rate equal to 10% (“Interest Rate”), which Interest Rate shall increase to an annual rate of 18% upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (for so long as such event remains uncured). Interest shall be calculated based on a 365-day year and the actual number of days elapsed, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

 

(c) Monthly Payments.

 

(A) If an Amortization Event has occurred, then the Company shall make monthly cash payments beginning on the seventh (7th) Trading Day after the Amortization Event Date and continuing on the same day of each successive Calendar Month until the entire outstanding principal amount shall have been repaid. Each monthly cash payment shall be in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Principal amount in the aggregate among this Note and all Other Notes equal to the Amortization Principal Amount plus (ii) the Payment Premium in respect of such Amortization Principal Amount, plus (iii) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of each payment date. The obligation of the Company to make monthly cash payments related to an Amortization Event shall cease (with respect to any payment that has not yet come due) if at any time after the Amortization Event Date (A) in the event of a Floor Price Event, either (i) on the date that is the 10th consecutive Trading Day that the daily VWAP is greater than the Floor Price then in effect, or (ii) the Company provides the Holder with a reset notice (“Reset Notice”) setting forth a reduced Floor Price which shall be equal to no more than 75% of the closing price on the Trading Day immediately prior to such Reset Notice (and in no event greater than the then- effective Floor Price), (B) in the event of an Exchange Cap Event, the date the Company has obtained stockholder approval to increase the number of Common Shares under the Exchange Cap and/or the Exchange Cap no longer applies, or (C) in the event of a Registration Event, the condition or event causing the Registration Event has been cured or the Holder is able to resell the Common Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, unless a subsequent Amortization Event occurs.

 

 

 
1Note to Draft: Shall be the date that is 12 months from the closing date of the First Pre-Paid Advance.

 

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(d) Optional Redemption. The Company at its option shall have the right, but not the obligation, to redeem (“Optional Redemption”) early a portion or all amounts outstanding under this Note as described in this Section; provided, that the Company provides the Holder with written notice (each, a “Redemption Notice”) of its desire to exercise an Optional Redemption, which Redemption Notice (i) shall be delivered to the Holder after the close of regular trading hours on a Trading Day, and (ii) may only be given if the VWAP of the Common Shares was less than the Fixed Price on the date such Redemption Notice is delivered, unless otherwise agreed by the Holder. Each Redemption Notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the outstanding balance of the Note to be redeemed and the Redemption Amount. The “Redemption Amount” shall be an amount equal to (a) the outstanding Principal balance being redeemed by the Company plus (b) the Redemption Premium in respect of such Principal amount plus (c) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of the date of such redemption. After receipt of a Redemption Notice, the Holder shall have ten (10) Trading Days (beginning with the Trading Day immediately following the date such Redemption Notice is delivered to the Holder in accordance with this term of this Section 1(d)) to elect to convert all or any portion of this Note. On the eleventh (11th) Trading Day following the delivery of the applicable Redemption Notice, the Company shall deliver to the Holder the Redemption Amount with respect to the Principal amount redeemed to the extent not converted and otherwise after giving effect to conversions or other payments made during such ten (10) Trading Day period.

 

(e) Payment Dates. Whenever any payment or other obligation hereunder shall be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

(f) Other than as specifically set forth in this Note, the Company shall not have the ability to make any early repayments without the consent of or at the request of the Holder.

 

(2) EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

 

(a) An “Event of Default”, wherever used herein, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court, or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) shall have occurred:

 

(i) The Company’s failure to pay to the Holder any amount of Principal, Redemption Amount, Payment Premium, Interest, or other amounts when and as due under this Note or any other Transaction Document within five (5) Trading Days after such payment is due;

 

(ii) (A) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall commence, or there shall be commenced against the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company any proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws as now or hereafter in effect or any successor thereto, or the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company commences any other proceeding under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect relating to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, in any such bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding which remains undismissed for a period of sixty one (61) days; (B) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; (C) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company suffers any appointment of any custodian, private or court appointed receiver or the like for it or all or substantially all of its property which continues undischarged or unstayed for a period of sixty one (61) days; (D) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company makes a general assignment of all or substantially all of its assets for the benefit of creditors; (E) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall fail to pay, or shall state that it is unable to pay, or shall be unable to pay, its debts generally as they become due; (F) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall call a meeting of its creditors with a view to arranging a composition, adjustment or restructuring of its debts; (G) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall by any act or failure to act expressly indicate its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing; or (H) any corporate or other action is taken by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

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(iii) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall default, in any of its obligations under any note, debenture, mortgage, credit agreement or other facility, indenture agreement, factoring agreement or other instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for borrowed money or money due under any long term leasing or factoring arrangement of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in an amount exceeding $500,000, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, and such default is not cured within the time prescribed by the documents governing such indebtedness or if no time is prescribed, within ten (10) Trading Days, and as a result, such indebtedness becomes or is declared due and payable;

 

(iv) A final judgment or judgments for the payment of money in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate are rendered against the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries and which judgments are not, within thirty (30) days after the entry thereof, bonded, discharged, settled or stayed pending appeal, or are not discharged within thirty (30) days after the expiration of such stay; provided, however, any judgment which is covered by insurance or an indemnity from a creditworthy party shall not be included in calculating the $500,000 amount set forth above so long as the Company provides the Holder a written statement from such insurer or indemnity provider (which written statement shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Holder) to the effect that such judgment is covered by insurance or an indemnity and the Company or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) will receive the proceeds of such insurance or indemnity within thirty (30) days of the issuance of such judgment;

 

(v) The Common Shares shall cease to be quoted or listed for trading, as applicable, on any Principal Market for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days;

 

(vi) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall be a party to any Change of Control Transaction unless in connection with such Change of Control Transaction this Note is retired;

 

(vii) The Company’s (A) failure to deliver the required number of Common Shares to the Holder within two (2) Trading Days after the applicable Share Delivery Date or (B) notice, written or oral, to any holder of this Note, including by way of public announcement, at any time, of its intention not to comply with a request for conversion of all or a portion of this Note into Common Shares that is tendered in accordance with the provisions of this Note;

 

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(viii) The Company shall fail for any reason to deliver the payment in cash pursuant to a Buy-In (as defined below) within five (5) Business Days after such payment is due;

 

(ix) The Company’s failure to timely file with the Commission any Periodic Report on or before the due date of such filing as established by the Commission, it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that due date includes any permitted filing deadline extension under Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act;

 

(x) Any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by or on behalf of the Company in or in connection with any Transaction Document, or any waiver hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (or, in the case of any such representation or warranty already qualified by materiality, such representation or warranty shall prove to have been incorrect) when made or deemed made;

 

(xi) (A) Any material provision of any Transaction Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, ceases to be in full force and effect; (B) the Company or any other Person contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Transaction Document; or (C) the Company denies in writing that it has any further liability or obligation under any Transaction Document, or purports in writing to revoke, terminate (other than in accordance with the relevant termination provisions) or rescind any Transaction Document;

 

(xii) The Company uses the proceeds of the issuance of this Note, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof), or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose; or

 

(xiii) Any Event of Default (as defined in the Other Notes or in any Transaction Document other than this Note) occurs with respect to any Other Notes, or any breach of any material term of any other debenture, note, or instrument held by the Holder in the Company or any agreement between or among the Company and the Holder;

 

(xiv) The Company shall fail to observe or perform any material covenant, agreement or warranty contained in, or otherwise commit any material breach or default of any provision of this Note (except as may be otherwise covered by Sections (2)(a)(i) through (2)(a)(xiii) hereof) or any other Transaction Document, which is not cured or remedied within the time prescribed or if no time is prescribed within ten (10) Business Days.

 

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(b) During the time that any portion of this Note is outstanding, if any Event of Default has occurred (other than an event with respect to the Company described in Section (2)(a)(ii)), the full unpaid Principal amount of this Note, together with the Payment Premium in respect of such Principal Amount and all interest and other amounts owing in respect of this Note to the date of acceleration, shall become, at the Holder’s election given by notice pursuant to Section (5), immediately due and payable in cash; provided that, in the case of any event with respect to the Company described in Section (2)(a)(ii), the full unpaid Principal amount of this Note, together with the Payment Premium in respect of such Principal Amount and all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing in respect of this Note to the date of acceleration, shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Company. Furthermore, in addition to any other remedies, the Holder shall have the right (but not the obligation) to convert, on one or more occasions all or part of the Note in accordance with Section (3) (and subject to the limitations set out in Section (3)(c)(i) and Section (3)(c)(ii)) at any time after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing until all amounts outstanding under this Note have been repaid in full. The Holder need not provide, and the Company hereby waives, any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, (other than required notice of conversion) and the Holder may immediately enforce any and all of its rights and remedies hereunder and all other remedies available to it under applicable law. Such declaration may be rescinded and annulled by the Holder in writing at any time prior to payment hereunder. No such rescission or annulment shall affect any subsequent Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

(3) CONVERSION OF NOTE. This Note shall be convertible into Common Shares, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (3).

 

(a) Conversion Right. Subject to the limitations of Section (3)(c), at any time or times on or after the Issuance Date, the Holder shall be entitled to convert any portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount into fully paid and nonassessable Common Shares in accordance with Section (3)(b), at the Conversion Price. The number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of any Conversion Amount pursuant to this Section (3)(a) shall be determined by dividing (x) such Conversion Amount by (y) the Conversion Price. The Company shall not issue any fraction of a Common Share upon any conversion. All calculations under this Section (3) shall be rounded to the nearest $0.0001. If the issuance would result in the issuance of a fraction of a Common Share, the Company shall round such fraction of a Common Share up to the nearest whole share. The Company shall pay any and all transfer, stamp and similar taxes that may be payable with respect to the issuance and delivery of Common Shares upon conversion of any Conversion Amount.

 

(b) Mechanics of Conversion.

 

(i) Optional Conversion. To convert any Conversion Amount into Common Shares on any date (a “Conversion Date”), the Holder shall (A) transmit by email (or otherwise deliver), for receipt on or prior to 11:59 p.m., New York Time, on such date, a copy of an executed notice of conversion in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I (the “Conversion Notice”) to the Company and (B) if required by Section (3)(b)(iii), surrender this Note to a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for delivery to the Company (or an indemnification undertaking reasonably satisfactory to the Company with respect to this Note in the case of its loss, theft or destruction). On or before the first (1st) Trading Day following the date of receipt of a Conversion Notice (the “Share Delivery Date”), the Company shall (X) if legends are not required to be placed on certificates or the book-entry position of the Common Shares and

 

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provided that the Transfer Agent is participating in the Depository Trust Company’s (“DTC”) Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, instruct such transfer agent to credit such aggregate number of Common Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled to the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission system or (Y) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, issue and deliver to the address as specified in the Conversion Notice, a certificate or book-entry position, registered in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends unless required pursuant to rules and regulations of the Commission. If this Note is physically surrendered for conversion and the outstanding Principal of this Note is greater than the Principal portion of the Conversion Amount being converted, then the Company shall as soon as practicable and in no event later than three (3) Business Days after receipt of this Note and at its own expense, issue and deliver to the holder a new Note representing the outstanding Principal not converted. The Person or Persons entitled to receive the Common Shares issuable upon a conversion of this Note shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Common Shares upon the transmission of a Conversion Notice.

 

(ii) Company’s Failure to Timely Convert. If the Company shall fail, for any reason or for no reason, on or prior to the applicable Share Delivery Date to issue and deliver a certificate to the Holder or credit the Holder’s balance account with DTC for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled upon such Holder’s conversion of any Conversion Amount (a “Conversion Failure”), and if on or after such Trading Day the Holder purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) Common Shares to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of Common Shares issuable upon such conversion that the Holder anticipated receiving from the Company (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall, within three (3) Business Days after the Holder’s request and in the Holder’s discretion, either (i) pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions and other out of pocket expenses, if any) for the Common Shares so purchased (the “Buy-In Price”), at which point the Company’s obligation to deliver such certificate (and to issue such Common Shares) shall terminate, or (ii) promptly honor its obligation to deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates representing such Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled with respect to such Conversion Notice and pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Buy-In Price over the product of (A) such number of Common Shares multiplied by (B) the Closing Price on the Conversion Date.

 

(iii) Book-Entry. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, upon conversion of any portion of this Note in accordance with the terms hereof, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Note to the Company unless (A) the full Conversion Amount represented by this Note is being converted or (B) the Holder has provided the Company with prior written notice (which notice may be included in a Conversion Notice) requesting reissuance of this Note upon physical surrender of this Note. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the Principal and Interest converted and the dates of such conversions or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and the Company, so as not to require physical surrender of this Note upon conversion.

 

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(c) Limitations on Conversions.

 

(i) Beneficial Ownership. The Holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of this Note to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the Holder, together with any affiliate thereof, would beneficially own (as determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder) in excess of 4.99% of the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion. Since the Holder will not be obligated to report to the Company the number of Common Shares it may hold at the time of a conversion hereunder, unless the conversion at issue would result in the issuance of Common Shares in excess of 4.99% of the then outstanding Common Shares without regard to any other shares which may be beneficially owned by the Holder or an affiliate thereof, the Holder shall have the authority and obligation to determine whether the restriction contained in this Section will limit any particular conversion hereunder and to the extent that the Holder determines that the limitation contained in this Section applies, the determination of which portion of the Principal amount of this Note is convertible shall be the responsibility and obligation of the Holder. If the Holder has delivered a Conversion Notice for a Principal amount of this Note that, without regard to any other shares that the Holder or its affiliates may beneficially own, would result in the issuance in excess of the permitted amount hereunder, the Company shall notify the Holder of this fact and shall honor the conversion for the maximum Principal amount permitted to be converted on such Conversion Date in accordance with Section (3)(a) and, any Principal amount tendered for conversion in excess of the permitted amount hereunder shall remain outstanding under this Note. The provisions of this Section may be waived by a Holder (but only as to itself and not to any other Holder) upon not less than 65 days prior notice to the Company. Other Holders shall be unaffected by any such waiver.

 

(ii) Principal Market Limitation. Notwithstanding anything in this Note to the contrary, the Company shall not issue any Common Shares upon conversion of this Note, or otherwise, if the issuance of such Common Shares, together with any Common Shares issued in connection the SEPA and any other related transactions that may be considered part of the same series of transactions, would exceed the aggregate number Common Shares that the Company may issue in a transaction in compliance with the Company’s obligations under the rules or regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq” and shall be referred to as the “Exchange Cap,” except that such limitation shall not apply if the Company’s stockholders have approved such issuances on such terms in excess of the Exchange Cap in accordance with the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.

 

(iii) Limitation on Monthly Conversions. The Holder shall not effect the conversion of this Note to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the aggregate Conversion Amount that has been converted into shares of Common Stock by the Holder during the calendar month in which such Conversion Date occurred (the “Monthly Conversion Period”) exceeds the greater of (x) $1,000,000 and (y) 20% of the aggregate daily dollar trading volume for the Common Stock on the Principal Market during such Monthly Conversion Period as reported by Bloomberg, and provided further that the Conversion Cap shall not apply (A) following the occurrence of an Event of Default, or (B) to any conversion at the Fixed Price.

 

(d) Other Provisions.

 

(i) All calculations under this Section (3) shall be rounded to the nearest $0.0001 or whole share.

 

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(ii) So long as this Note or any Other Notes remain outstanding, the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized share capital, and shall have instructed the Transfer Agent to irrevocably reserve, the maximum number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note and the Other Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) this Note and such Other Notes are convertible at the Floor Price as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Note or Other Notes set forth herein or therein (the “Required Reserve Amount”)), provided that at no time shall the number of Common Shares reserved pursuant to this Section (3)(d)(ii) be reduced other than pursuant to the conversion of this Note and the Other Notes in accordance with their terms, and/or cancellation, or reverse stock split. If at any time while this Note or any Other Notes remain outstanding, the Company does not have a sufficient number of authorized and unreserved Common Shares to satisfy the obligation to reserve for the issuance the Required Reserve Amount, the Company will promptly take all corporate action necessary to propose to a meeting of its shareholders an increase of its authorized share capital necessary to meet the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Note, and cause its board of directors to recommend to the shareholders that they approve such proposal. If at any time the number of Common Shares that remain available for issuance under the Exchange Cap is less than 100% of the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of all the Notes and Other Notes then outstanding (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) the Notes are convertible at the Conversion Price then in effect, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Note, other than the Floor Price then in effect but solely with respect to the Variable Price), the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly call and hold a shareholder meeting for the purpose of seeking the approval of its shareholders as required by the applicable rules of the Principal Market, for issuances of shares in excess of the Exchange Cap. The Company covenants that, upon issuance in accordance with conversion of this Note in accordance with its terms, the Common Shares, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(iii) Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue actual damages or declare an Event of Default pursuant to Section (2) herein for the Company’s failure to deliver certificates representing Common Shares upon conversion within the period specified herein and such Holder shall have the right to pursue all remedies available to it at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief, in each case without the need to post a bond or provide other security. The exercise of any such rights shall not prohibit the Holder from seeking to enforce damages pursuant to any other Section hereof or under applicable law.

 

(iv) Legal Opinions. The Company is obligated to cause its legal counsel to deliver legal opinions to the Company’s transfer agent in connection with any legend removal upon the expiration of any holding period or other requirement for which the Underlying Shares may bear legends restricting the transfer thereof. To the extent that a legal opinion is not provided (either timely or at all), then, in addition to being an Event of Default hereunder, the Company agrees to reimburse the Holder for all reasonable costs incurred by the Holder in connection with any legal opinions paid for by the Holder in connection with the sale or transfer of the Underlying Common Shares. The Holder shall notify the Company of any such costs and expenses it incurs that are referred to in this section from time to time and all amounts owed hereunder shall be paid by the Company with reasonable promptness.

 

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(e) Adjustment of Conversion Price upon Subdivision or Combination of Common Shares. If the Company, at any time while this Note is outstanding, shall (i) pay a stock dividend or otherwise make a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Shares or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in Common Shares, (ii) subdivide outstanding Common Shares into a larger number of shares, (iii) combine (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding Common Shares into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issue by reclassification of Common Shares any shares of capital stock of the Company, then each of the Fixed Price and the Floor Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of Common Shares (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of Common Shares outstanding after such event. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section shall become effective, in the case of a dividend distribution, immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution or, in the case of a subdivision, combination or re- classification, and shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such subdivision, combination or re-classification.

 

(f) Reserved.

 

(g) Other Corporate Events. In addition to and not in substitution for any other rights hereunder, prior to the consummation of any Fundamental Transaction pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive securities or other assets with respect to or in exchange for Common Shares (a “Corporate Event”), the Company shall make appropriate provision to ensure that the Holder will thereafter have the right to receive upon a conversion of this Note, at the Holder’s option, (i) in addition to the Common Shares receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets to which the Holder would have been entitled with respect to such Common Shares had such Common Shares been held by the Holder upon the consummation of such Corporate Event (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of this Note) or (ii) in lieu of the Common Shares otherwise receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets received by the holders of Common Shares in connection with the consummation of such Corporate Event in such amounts as the Holder would have been entitled to receive had this Note initially been issued with conversion rights for the form of such consideration (as opposed to Common Shares) at a conversion rate for such consideration commensurate with the Conversion Price. Provision made pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be in a form and substance satisfactory to the Required Holders. The provisions of this Section shall apply similarly and equally to successive Corporate Events and shall be applied without regard to any limitations on the conversion or redemption of this Note.

 

(h) Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted pursuant to Section (3) hereof, the Company shall promptly provide the Holder with a written notice setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 

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(i) In case of any (1) merger or consolidation of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company with or into another Person, or (2) sale by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of more than one-half of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions, a Holder shall have the right to (A) exercise any rights under Section (2)(a)(xiii), (B) convert the aggregate amount of this Note then outstanding into the shares of stock and other securities, cash and property receivable upon or deemed to be held by holders of Common Shares following such merger, consolidation or sale, and such Holder shall be entitled upon such event or series of related events to receive such amount of securities, cash and property as the Common Shares into which such aggregate Principal amount of this Note could have been converted immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or sales would have been entitled, or (C) in the case of a merger or consolidation, require the surviving entity to issue to the Holder a convertible Note with a Principal amount equal to the aggregate Principal amount of this Note then held by such Holder, plus all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing thereon, which such newly issued convertible Note shall have terms identical (including with respect to conversion) to the terms of this Note, and shall be entitled to all of the rights and privileges of the Holder of this Note set forth herein and the agreements pursuant to which this Note was issued. In the case of clause (C), the conversion price applicable for the newly issued shares of convertible preferred stock or convertible debentures shall be based upon the amount of securities, cash and property that each Common Shares would receive in such transaction and the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness or closing date for such transaction. The terms of any such merger, sale or consolidation shall include such terms so as to continue to give the Holder the right to receive the securities, cash and property set forth in this Section upon any conversion or redemption following such event. This provision shall similarly apply to successive such events.

 

(4) REISSUANCE OF THIS NOTE.

 

(a) Transfer. If this Note is to be transferred, the Holder shall surrender this Note to the Company, whereupon the Company will forthwith issue and deliver upon the order of the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)), registered in the name of the registered transferee or assignee, representing the outstanding Principal being transferred by the Holder (along with any accrued and unpaid interest thereof) and, if less than the entire outstanding Principal is being transferred, a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) to the Holder representing the outstanding Principal not being transferred. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Note, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of Section (3)(b)(iii) following conversion or redemption of any portion of this Note, the outstanding Principal represented by this Note may be less than the Principal stated on the face of this Note.

 

(b) Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Note. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of any indemnification undertaking by the Holder to the Company in customary form and substance and, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) representing the outstanding Principal.

 

(c) Note Exchangeable for Different Denominations. This Note is exchangeable, upon the surrender hereof by the Holder at the principal office of the Company, for a new Note or Notes (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) representing in the aggregate the outstanding Principal of this Note, and each such new Note will represent such portion of such outstanding Principal as is designated by the Holder at the time of such surrender.

 

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(d) Issuance of New Notes. Whenever the Company is required to issue a new Note pursuant to the terms hereof, such new Note (i) shall be of like tenor with this Note, (ii) shall represent, as indicated on the face of such new Note, the Principal remaining outstanding (or in the case of a new Note being issued pursuant to Section (4)(a) or Section (4)(c), the Principal designated by the Holder which, when added to the Principal represented by the other new Note(s) issued in connection with such issuance, does not exceed the Principal remaining outstanding under this Note immediately prior to such issuance of such new Note), (iii) shall have an issuance date, as indicated on the face of such new Note, which is the same as the Issuance Date of this Note, (iv) shall have the same rights and conditions as this Note, and (v) shall represent accrued and unpaid Interest from the Issuance Date.

 

(5) NOTICES. Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms hereof must be in writing by letter or electronic mail (“e-mail”) and will be deemed to have been delivered (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally, (ii) one (1) Business Day after deposit with an overnight courier service with next day delivery specified, as applicable or (iii) receipt, when sent by e-mail, and, in each case of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses and e-mail addresses for such communications shall be:

 

If to the Company, to:   SharonAI Holdings, Inc.
    745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
    New York, NY 10151
    Attention: CEO
    E-mail: wolf@sharonai.com
     
With copies (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:  

Sheppard Mullin LLP

12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100

San Diego, CA 92130

Attention: Chad R. Ensz, Esq.

E-mail: censz@sheppardmullin.com

     
If to the Holder:    YA II PN, Ltd
    c/o Yorkville Advisors Global, LLC
    1012 Springfield Avenue
    Mountainside, NJ 07092
    Attention: Mark Angelo
    Email: Legal@yorkvilleadvisors.com

 

or at such other address and/or e-mail address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party in accordance with this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (a) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (b) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, recipient email address or (c) provided by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt from a nationally recognized overnight delivery service or receipt by e-mail in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.

 

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(6) Except as expressly provided herein, no provision of this Note shall alter or impair the obligations of the Company, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the Principal of, and interest and other charges (if any) on, this Note at the time, place, and rate, and in the currency, herein prescribed. This Note is a direct obligation of the Company. As long as this Note is outstanding, the Company shall not and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries not to, without the consent of the Holder, (i) amend its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other charter documents so as to adversely affect any rights of the Holder; (ii) repay, repurchase or offer to repay, repurchase or otherwise acquire shares of its Common Shares or other equity securities; (iii) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing, or (iv) enter into any agreement, arrangement or transaction in or of which the terms thereof would restrict, materially delay, conflict with or impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under the this Note, including, without limitation, the obligation of the Company to make cash payments hereunder.

 

(7) This Note shall not entitle the Holder to any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including without limitation, the right to vote, to receive dividends and other distributions, or to receive any notice of, or to attend, meetings of stockholders or any other proceedings of the Company, unless and to the extent converted into Common Shares in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(8) CHOICE OF LAW; VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

 

(a) Governing Law. This Note and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall, in all respects, be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws (excluding the principles of conflict of laws) of the State of New York (the “Governing Jurisdiction”) (including Section 5-1401 and Section 5-1402 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York), including all matters of construction, validity and performance.

 

(b) Jurisdiction; Venue; Service.

 

(i) The Company hereby irrevocably consents to the non- exclusive personal jurisdiction of the state courts of the Governing Jurisdiction and, if a basis for federal jurisdiction exists, the non-exclusive personal jurisdiction of any United States District Court for the Governing Jurisdiction.

 

(ii) The Company agrees that venue shall be proper in any court of the Governing Jurisdiction selected by the Holder or, if a basis for federal jurisdiction exists, in any United States District Court in the Governing Jurisdiction selected by the Holder. The Company waives any right to object to the maintenance of any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, in any of the state or federal courts of the Governing Jurisdiction on the basis of improper venue or inconvenience of forum.

 

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(iii) Any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or tort or otherwise, brought by the Company against the Holder arising out of or based upon this Note or any matter relating to this Note, or any other Transaction Document, or any contemplated transaction, shall be brought in a court only in the Governing Jurisdiction. The Company shall not file any counterclaim against the Holder in any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding brought by the Holder against the Company in a jurisdiction outside of the Governing Jurisdiction unless under the rules of the court in which the Holder brought such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding the counterclaim is mandatory, and not permissive, and would be considered waived unless filed as a counterclaim in the suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding instituted by the Holder against the Company. The Company agrees that any forum outside the Governing Jurisdiction is an inconvenient forum and that any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding brought by the Company against the Holder in any court outside the Governing Jurisdiction should be dismissed or transferred to a court located in the Governing Jurisdiction. Furthermore, the Company irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not bring or commence any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against the Holder arising out of or based upon this Note or any matter relating to this Note, or any other Transaction Document, or any contemplated transaction, in any forum other than the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County, and the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State Court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in such federal court. The Company and the Holder agree that a final judgment in any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

(iv) The Company and the Holder irrevocably consent to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding by e-mail or the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail postage prepaid, to it at the e-mail address or physical address, as applicable, provided for notices in this Note, such service to become effective thirty (30) days after the date of such e-mail or mailing, as applicable. The Company and the Holder each irrevocably waive any defense it may have on the grounds of insufficient or improper service with respect to service of process effected in accordance with this Section (8)(b)(iv).

 

(v) Nothing herein shall affect the right of the Holder to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or to otherwise proceed against the Company or any other Person in the Governing Jurisdiction or in any other jurisdiction.

 

(c) THE PARTIES MUTUALLY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ALL CLAIMS OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS NOTE OR ANY MATTER RELATING TO THIS NOTE, OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, OR ANY CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTION. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A WAIVER OF A LEGAL RIGHT AND THAT THE PARTIES EACH MAKE THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY AFTER CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CHOICE. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL SUCH CLAIMS SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A JUDGE OF A COURT HAVING JURISDICTION, WITHOUT A JURY.

 

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(9) If the Company fails to strictly comply with the terms of this Note, then the Company shall reimburse the Holder promptly for all fees, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Holder in any action in connection with this Note, including, without limitation, those incurred: (i) during any workout, attempted workout, and/or in connection with the rendering of legal advice as to the Holder’s rights, remedies and obligations, (ii) collecting any sums which become due to the Holder, (iii) defending or prosecuting any proceeding or any counterclaim to any proceeding or appeal; or (iv) the protection, preservation or enforcement of any rights or remedies of the Holder.

 

(10) Any waiver by the Holder of a breach of any provision of this Note shall not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other breach of such provision or of any breach of any other provision of this Note. The failure of the Holder to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Note on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Note. Any waiver must be in writing.

 

(11) If any provision of this Note is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the balance of this Note shall remain in effect, and if any provision is inapplicable to any person or circumstance, it shall nevertheless remain applicable to all other persons and circumstances. If it shall be found that any interest or other amount deemed interest due hereunder shall violate applicable laws governing usury, the applicable rate of interest due hereunder shall automatically be lowered to equal the maximum permitted rate of interest. The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law or other law which would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the Principal of or interest on this Note as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Note, and the Company (to the extent it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefits or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Holder, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

(12) CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Note, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Amortization Event” shall mean: (i) the daily VWAP is less than the Floor Price then in effect for any five (5) Trading Days during a period of seven (7) consecutive Trading Days (a “Floor Price Event”), (ii) the Company has issued to the Investor, pursuant to the transactions contemplated in this Note, the Other Notes and the SEPA, in excess of 99% of the Common Shares available under the Exchange Cap, where applicable (an “Exchange Cap Event”), or (iii) at any time after the Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), the Investor is unable to utilize a Registration Statement to resell Underlying Shares for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days (a “Registration Event”)] (the last day of each such occurrence, an “Amortization Event Date”).

 

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(b) “Amortization Principal Amount” shall mean $1,000,000, provided however, in the event that the full $7,500,000 of Pre-Paid Advances have not been issued pursuant to the SEPA, then such amount shall be reduced pro rata in accordance with total amount issued.

 

(c) “Applicable Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(d) “Approved Stock Plan” means any employee benefit plan or share incentive plan which has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, pursuant to which the Company’s securities may be issued to any employee, officer or director for services provided to the Company.

 

(e) “Bloomberg” means Bloomberg Financial Markets.

 

(f) “Business Combination” shall have the meaning set forth in the SEPA.

 

(g) “Business Day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be a federal legal holiday in the United States or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close.

 

(h) “Buy-In” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(i) “Buy-In Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(j) “Calendar Month” means one of the twelve months of the year.

 

(k) “Change of Control Transaction” means the occurrence of (a) an acquisition after the date hereof by an individual or legal entity or “group” (as described in Rule 13d-5(b)(1) promulgated under the Exchange Act) of effective control (whether through legal or beneficial ownership of capital stock of the Company, by contract or otherwise) of in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the Company (except that the acquisition of voting securities by the Holder or any other current holder of convertible securities of the Company shall not constitute a Change of Control Transaction for purposes hereof), (b) a replacement at one time or over time of more than one-half of the members of the board of directors of the Company (other than as due to the death or disability of a member of the board of directors) which is not approved by a majority of those individuals who are members of the board of directors on the date hereof (or by those individuals who are serving as members of the board of directors on any date whose nomination to the board of directors was approved by a majority of the members of the board of directors who are members on the date hereof), (c) the merger, consolidation or sale of fifty percent (50%) or more of the assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in one or a series of related transactions with or into another entity, or (d) the execution by the Company of an agreement to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, providing for any of the events set forth above in (a), (b) or (c). No transfer to a wholly-owned Subsidiary shall be deemed a Change of Control Transaction under this provision.

 

(l) “Closing Price” means the price per share in the last reported trade of the Common Shares on a Principal Market or on the exchange which the Common Shares are then listed as quoted by Bloomberg.

 

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(m) “Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(n) “Common Shares” means the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001, of the Company and stock of any other class into which such shares may hereafter be changed or reclassified.

 

(o) “Conversion Amount” means the portion of the Principal, Interest, or other amounts outstanding under this Note to be converted, redeemed or otherwise with respect to which this determination is being made.

 

(p) “Conversion Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(q) “Conversion Failure” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(r) “Conversion Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(s) “Conversion Price” means, as of any Conversion Date or other date of determination, (A) prior to the close of trading on the fifth day following the closing of the Business Combination (“Market Price Date”), $60.62, and (B) after the Market Price Date, the lower of (i) 120% of the average of the daily VWAPs during the five (5) consecutive Trading Day period ending on the Market Price Date (the “Fixed Price”), or (ii) 95% of the lowest daily VWAP during the 10 consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the Conversion Date or other date of determination (the “Variable Price”), but which Variable Price shall not be lower than the Floor Price then in effect. On the earlier of the effective date of the initial Registration Statement, the Effectiveness Deadline (the “Fixed Price Reset Date”), the Fixed Price shall be adjusted (downwards only) to equal the average VWAP for the three (3) Trading Days immediately prior to the Fixed Price Reset Date. The Conversion Price shall be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the other terms and conditions of this Note.

 

(t) “Convertible Securities” means any stock or securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares.

 

(u) “Dilutive Issuance” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(v) “Effectiveness Deadline” shall have the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

(w) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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(x) “Excluded Securities” means any Common Shares issued or issuable or deemed to be issued by the Company: (i) under any Approved Stock Plan, (ii) upon conversion of any securities issued pursuant to the SEPA (including Common Shares issued in connection with this Note and any of the Other Notes); (iii) upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Options or Convertible Securities which are outstanding on the day immediately preceding the date of the SEPA; provided, that such issuance of Common Shares upon exercise of such Options or Convertible Securities is made pursuant to the terms of such Options or Convertible Securities in effect on such date and such Options or Convertible Securities are not amended, modified or changed on or after such date, or (iv) upon a stock split, reverse stock split, distribution of bonus shares, combination or other recapitalization events.

 

(y) “Floor Price” solely with respect to the Variable Price, shall mean 20% of the Closing Price on the Market Price Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may reduce the Floor Price to any amounts set forth in a written notice to the Holder; provided that such reduction shall be irrevocable and shall not be subject to increase thereafter.

 

(z) “Fundamental Transaction” means any of the following: (1) the Company effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person and the Company is the non-surviving company (other than a merger or consolidation with a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of redomiciling the Company), (2) the Company effects any sale of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (3) any tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are permitted to tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property, or (4) the Company effects any reclassification of the Common Shares or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Shares is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property.

 

(aa) “New Issuance Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(bb) “Other Notes” means any other notes issued pursuant to the SEPA and any other debentures, notes, or other instruments issued in exchange, replacement, or modification of the foregoing.

 

(cc) “Payment Premium” means 10% of the Principal amount being paid.

 

(dd) “Periodic Reports” shall mean all of the Company’s reports required to be filed by the Company with the Commission under applicable laws and regulations (including, without limitation, Regulation S-K), including annual reports (on Form 10-K), quarterly reports (on Form 10-Q), and current reports (on Form 8-K), for so long as any amounts are outstanding under this Note or any Other Note; provided that all such Periodic Reports shall include, when filed, all information, financial statements, audit reports (when applicable) and other information required to be included in such Periodic Reports in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

(ee) “Person” means a corporation, an association, a partnership, organization, a business, an individual, a government or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.

 

(ff) “Principal Market” means any of The New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, and any successor to any of the foregoing markets or exchanges.

 

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(gg) “Redemption Premium” means 10% of the Principal amount being redeemed.

 

(hh) “Registration Rights Agreement” means the registration rights agreement entered into between the Company and the Holder on the date hereof.

 

(ii) “Registration Statement” means a registration statement meeting the requirements set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement covering among other things the resale of the Underlying Shares and naming the Holder as a “selling stockholder” thereunder.

 

(jj) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(kk) “Share Delivery Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(ll) “Subsidiary” shall mean any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, (x) owns a majority of the outstanding capital stock or holds a majority of the equity or similar interest of such Person or (y) controls or operates all or substantially all of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and the foregoing are collectively referred to herein as “Subsidiaries.”

 

(mm) “Trading Day” means a day on which the Common Shares are quoted or traded on a Principal Market on which the Common Shares are then quoted or listed.

 

(nn) “Transaction Document” means this Note, the Other Notes and the NPA and following assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and execution of the SEPA, and the Registration Rights Agreement, the SEPA and the Registration Rights Agreement and any and all other documents, agreements, instruments or other items executed or delivered in connection with this Note or any of the foregoing.

 

(oo) “Underlying Shares” means the Common Shares of the Company issuable upon conversion of this Note or as payment of interest in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(pp) “VWAP” means, for any Trading Day, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for such Trading Day on the Principal Market during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P.

 

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Convertible Promissory Note to be duly executed by a duly authorized officer as of the date set forth above.

 

  SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.
     
  By:  
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO

 

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EXHIBIT I

CONVERSION NOTICE

 

(To be executed by the Holder in order to Convert the Note)

 

TO: [___________]

 

Via Email:

 

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to convert a portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount of Note No. SHARON-[1][2][3][4] into Common Shares of [___________], according to the conditions stated therein, as of the Conversion Date written below.

 

Conversion Date:

 

Principal Amount to be Converted:

 

Accrued Interest to be Converted:

 

Total Conversion Amount to be converted:

 

Fixed Price:

 

Variable Price:

 

Applicable Conversion Price:

 

Number of Common Shares to be issued:

 

Please issue the Common Shares in the following name and deliver them to the following account:

 

Issue to:

 

Broker DTC Participant Code:

 

Account Number:

 

Authorized Signature:  
   
Name:  
   
Title:  

 

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EXHIBIT B

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

See attached.

 

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REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of _________________ is made by and between YA II PN, LTD., a Cayman Islands exempt limited company (the “Investor”), and SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). The Investor and the Company may be referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Investor have entered into that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company may issue, from time to time, to the Investor up to $50,000,000 of newly issued shares of the Company’s shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Shares”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of, and in consideration for the Investor entering into, the Purchase Agreement, and to induce the Investor to execute and deliver the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide the Investor with certain registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or any similar successor statute (collectively, the “Securities Act”).

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Investor hereby agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS.

 

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Applicable Date” means the earlier to occur of (I) the first date on which the initial Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC (and each Prospectus contained therein is available for use on such date) or (II) the first date on which all of the Registrable Securities are eligible to be resold by the Investor pursuant to Rule 144.

 

(b) “Business Day” shall mean any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, other than any day on which commercial banks are authorized or required to be closed in New York City.

 

(c) “Effectiveness Deadline” means, with respect to the initial Registration Statement filed hereunder, the 90th calendar day following the date hereof, provided, however, in the event the Company is notified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that the Registration Statement will not be reviewed or is no longer subject to further review and comments, the Effectiveness Deadline as to such Registration Statement shall be the fifth Business Day following the date on which the Company is so notified if such date precedes the date required above.

 

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(d) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(e) “Filing Deadline” means, with respect to the initial Registration Statement required hereunder, the 30th calendar day following date hereof.

 

(f) “Person” means a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a partnership, an organization, a business, an individual, a governmental or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.

 

(g) “Prospectus” means the prospectus included in a Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement, and all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.

 

(h) “Registrable Securities” means all of (i) the Shares (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and (ii) any capital stock issued or issuable with respect to the Shares, including, without limitation, (1) as a result of any stock split, stock dividend or other distribution, recapitalization or similar event or otherwise, and (2) shares of capital stock of the Company into which the Common Shares are converted or exchanged and shares of capital stock of a successor entity into which the Common Shares are converted or exchanged.

 

(i) “Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company filed pursuant to this Agreement, including the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement or Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

 

(j) “Required Registration Amount” means (i) with respect to the initial Registration Statement, at least 41,240 shares of Common Shares issued or to be issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and the Commitment Shares, and (ii) with respect to subsequent Registration Statements, such number of shares of Common Stock as requested by the Investor not to exceed 300% of the maximum number of shares of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of all Promissory Notes then outstanding (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) such Promissory Notes are convertible at the Conversion Price (as defined in each respective Promissory Note) in effect as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Promissory Notes set forth therein), in each case subject to any cutback set forth in Section 2(e).

 

(k) “Rule 144” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto.

 

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(l) “Rule 415” means Rule 415 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

 

(m) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency administering the Securities Act and the Exchange Act at the time.

 

(n) “Securities Act” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals above.

 

2. REGISTRATION.

 

(a) The Company’s registration obligations set forth in this Section 2 including its obligations to file Registration Statements, obtain effectiveness of Registration Statements, and maintain the continuous effectiveness of any Registration Statement that has been declared effective shall begin on the date hereof and continue until all the earlier of (i) the date on which the Investor has sold all of the Registrable Securities and (ii) the date of termination of the Purchase Agreement if as of such termination date the Investor holds no Registrable Securities (the “Registration Period”).

 

(b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company shall (i) as soon as practicable, but in no case later than the Filing Deadline, prepare and file with the SEC an initial Registration Statement on Form S-1 (or, if the Company is then eligible, on Form S-3) or any successor form thereto covering the resale by the Investor of the Required Registration Amount in accordance with applicable SEC rules, regulations and interpretations so as to permit the resale of such Registrable Securities by the Investor under Rule 415 at then prevailing market prices (and not fixed prices). The Registration Statement shall contain “Selling Stockholders” and “Plan of Distribution” sections. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC as soon as practicable, but in no event later than the Effectiveness Deadline. By 9:30 am on the business day following the date of effectiveness, the Company shall file with the SEC in accordance with Rule 424 under the Securities Act the final Prospectus to be used in connection with sales pursuant to such Registration Statement. Prior to the filing of the Registration Statement with the SEC, the Company shall furnish a draft of the Registration Statement to the Investor for their review and comment.

 

(c) Sufficient Number of Shares Registered. If at any time all Registrable Securities are not covered by a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2(a) as a result of Section 2(e) or otherwise, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC one (1) or more additional Registration Statements so as to cover all of the Registrable Securities not covered by such initial Registration Statement, in each case as soon as practicable (taking into account any position of the staff of the SEC with respect to the date on which the Staff will permit such additional Registration Statement(s) to be filed with the SEC and the rules and regulations of the SEC). The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause each such new Registration Statement to become effective as soon as reasonably practicable following the filling thereof with the SEC.

 

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(d) During the Registration Period, the Company shall (i) promptly prepare and file with the SEC such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to a Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection with a Registration Statement, which Prospectus is to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 promulgated under the Securities Act, as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective at all times during the Registration Period, (ii) prepare and file with the SEC additional Registration Statements in order to register for resale under the Securities Act all of the Registrable Securities; (iii) cause the related Prospectus to be amended or supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement (subject to the terms of this Agreement), and as so supplemented or amended to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (iv) respond as promptly as reasonably possible to any comments received from the SEC with respect to a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto and as promptly as reasonably possible provide the Investor true and complete copies of all correspondence from and to the SEC relating to a Registration Statement (provided that the Company may excise any information contained therein which would constitute material non-public information as to any Investor which has not executed a confidentiality agreement with the Company); and (v) comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities of the Company covered by such Registration Statement until such time as all of such Registrable Securities shall have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the seller or sellers thereof as set forth in such Registration Statement. In the case of amendments and supplements to a Registration Statement which are required to be filed pursuant to this Agreement (including pursuant to this Section 2(c)) by reason of the Company’s filing a report on Form 10-K, Form 10- Q, or Form 8-K or any analogous report under the Exchange Act, the Company shall incorporate such report by reference into the Registration Statement, if applicable, or shall file such amendments or supplements with the SEC on the same day on which the Exchange Act report is filed which created the requirement for the Company to amend or supplement the Registration Statement.

 

(e) Reduction of Registrable Securities Included in a Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in the event that the SEC requires the Company to reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included in a Registration Statement in order to allow the Company to rely on Rule 415 with respect to a Registration Statement, then the Company shall reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included in such Registration Statement (after consultation with the Investor as to the specific Registrable Securities to be removed therefrom) to the maximum number of securities as is permitted to be registered by the SEC. In the event of any reduction in Registrable Securities pursuant to this paragraph, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file one (1) or more New Registration Statements with the Commission in accordance with Section 2(c) until such time as all Registrable Securities have been included in Registration Statements that have been declared effective and the Prospectuses contained therein are available for use by the Investor.

 

(f) Failure to File or Obtain Effectiveness of the Registration Statement or Remain Current. If: (i) a Registration Statement is not filed on or prior to its Filing Date, or (ii) a Registration Statement is not declared effective on or prior to the Effectiveness Deadline, or the Company fails to file with the SEC a request for acceleration in accordance with Rule 461 promulgated under the Securities Act, within five (5) Business Days of the date that the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that a Registration Statement will not be “reviewed,” or not subject to further review, or (iii) after the effectiveness, a Registration Statement ceases for any reason to remain continuously effective as to all Registrable Securities for which it is required to be effective, or (iv) the Investor is not permitted to utilize the Prospectus

 

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therein to resell such Registrable Securities for more than 15 consecutive calendar days or more than an aggregate of 30 calendar days during any 12-month period (which need not be consecutive calendar days), or (v) if after the date that is six (6) months from the date hereof, the Company does not have available adequate current public information as set forth in Rule 144(c) (any such failure or breach being referred to as an “Event”), then in addition to any other rights the Investor may have hereunder or under applicable law, such Event shall constitute a Registration Event (as defined in each respective Promissory Notes), and the Company shall be in breach of the term and conditions of this Agreement and such Event shall be deemed an Event of Default (as defined in each respective Promissory Notes) for so long as such Event remains uncured. During the period of the existence of an uncured Event, the Investor shall have no obligation to accept an Advance Notice or accept or purchase any Advance Shares (other than any Advance Shares purchased by the Investor prior to the occurrence of the Event).

 

(g) Piggy-Back Registrations. If at any time there is not an effective Registration Statement covering all of the Registrable Securities and the Company proposes to register the offer and sale of any Common Shares under the Securities Act (other than a registration (i) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (or other registration solely relating to an offering or sale to employees or directors of the Company pursuant to any employee stock plan or other employee benefit arrangement), (ii) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (or similar form that relates to a transaction subject to Rule 145 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto), or (iii) in connection with any dividend or distribution reinvestment or similar plan), whether for its own account or for the account of one (1) or more stockholders of the Company and the form of Registration Statement to be used may be used for any registration of Registrable Securities, the Company shall give prompt written notice (in any event no later than five (5) days prior to the filing of such Registration Statement) to the holders of Registrable Securities of its intention to effect such a registration and, shall include in such registration all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion from the holders of Registrable Securities; provided, however, that, the Company shall not be required to register any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2(g) that have been sold or may permanently be sold without any restrictions pursuant to Rule 144, as determined by the counsel to the Company pursuant to a written opinion letter to such effect, addressed and acceptable to the Company’s transfer agent.

 

(h) No Inclusion of Other Securities; Other Registration Statements. In no event shall the Company (i) include any securities other than Registrable Securities on any Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(b) or Section 2(c) without the Investor’s prior written consent or (ii) prior to the Applicable Date, or at any time thereafter while any Registration Statement is not effective or the Prospectus contained therein is not available for use, the Company shall not file a registration statement or an offering statement under the Seecurities Act relating to securities that are not the Registrable Securities (other than a registration statement on Form S-8 or such supplements or amendments to registration statements that are outstanding and have been declared effective by the SEC as of the date hereof) (solely to the extent necessary to keep such registration statements effective and available and not for any other reason).

 

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3. RELATED OBLIGATIONS.

 

(a) The Company shall, not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the filing of each Registration Statement and not less than one (1) business day prior to the filing of any related amendments and supplements to all Registration Statements (except for annual reports on Form 10-K, supplements and amendments to update the Registration Statement solely for information reflected in the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K), furnish to each Investor copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, which documents (other than those incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference) will be subject to the reasonable and prompt review of such Investor. The Company shall not file a Registration Statement or any such Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto to which the Investor shall reasonably object in good faith; provided that, the Company is notified of such objection in writing no later than two (2) Trading Days after the Investor have been so furnished copies of a Registration Statement.

 

(b) The Company shall furnish to each Investor whose Registrable Securities are included in any Registration Statement, without charge (i) at least one (1) copy (which may be in electronic form) of such Registration Statement as declared effective by the SEC and any amendment(s) thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated therein by reference, all exhibits and each preliminary prospectus, (ii) at least one (1) copy (which may be in electronic form) of the final prospectus included in such Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto, and (iii) any documents, which are not publicly available through EDGAR, as such Investor may reasonably request from time to time in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Investor.

 

(c) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to (i) register and qualify the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as any Investor reasonably requests, (ii) prepare and file in those jurisdictions, such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registrations and qualifications as may be necessary to maintain the effectiveness thereof during the Registration Period, (iii) take such other actions as may be necessary to maintain such registrations and qualifications in effect at all times during the Registration Period, and (iv) take all other actions reasonably necessary or advisable to qualify the Registrable Securities for sale in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (w) make any change to its articles of incorporation or by-laws, (x) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(c), (y) subject itself to general taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction. The Company shall promptly notify each Investor who holds Registrable Securities of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the registration or qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in the United States or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

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(d) As promptly as practicable after becoming aware of such event or development, the Company shall notify each Investor in writing of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in a Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (provided that in no event shall such notice contain any material, nonpublic information), and promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such Registration Statement to correct such untrue statement or omission and deliver one (1) electronic copy of such supplement or amendment to the Investor. The Company shall also promptly notify each Investor in writing (i) when a Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and when a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment has become effective (notification of such effectiveness shall be delivered to each Investor by email on the same day of such effectiveness), (ii) of any request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or related prospectus or related information, and (iii) of the Company’s reasonable determination that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement would be appropriate. The Company shall respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to any comments received from the SEC with respect to a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto.

 

(e) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or the suspension of the qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction within the United States of America and, if such an order or suspension is issued, to obtain the withdrawal of such order or suspension at the earliest possible moment and to notify each Investor who holds Registrable Securities being sold of the issuance of such order and the resolution thereof or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

(f) Without limiting any obligation of the Company under the Purchase Agreement, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause all of the Registrable Securities covered by each Registration Statement to be listed on the Principal Market. The Company shall pay all fees and expenses in connection with satisfying its obligation under this Section 3(f).

 

(g) The Company shall hold in confidence and not make any disclosure of information concerning the Investor provided to the Company unless (i) disclosure of such information is necessary to comply with federal or state securities laws, (ii) the disclosure of such information is necessary to avoid or correct a material misstatement or omission in any Registration Statement, (iii) the release of such information is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other final, non-appealable order from a court or governmental body of competent jurisdiction, or (iv) such information has been made generally available to the public other than by disclosure in violation of this Agreement or any other agreement. The Company agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such information concerning the Investor is sought in or by a court or governmental body of competent jurisdiction or through other means, give prompt written notice to the Investor and allow the Investor, at the Investor’s expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of, or to obtain a protective order for, such information.

 

(h) The Company shall cooperate with the holders of the Registrable Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144 free of any restrictive legends and representing such number of Common Shares and registered in such names as the holders of the Registrable Securities may reasonably request prior to sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144; provided, that the Company may satisfy its obligations hereunder without issuing physical stock certificates through the use of The Depository Trust Company’s Direct Registration System.

 

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(i) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Securities to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities.

 

(j) The Company shall otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC in connection with any registration hereunder.

 

(k) Within two (2) Business Days after a Registration Statement which covers Registrable Securities is declared effective by the SEC, the Company shall deliver, and shall cause legal counsel for the Company to deliver, to the transfer agent for such Registrable Securities (with copies to the Investor whose Registrable Securities are included in such Registration Statement) confirmation that such Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC.

 

(l) The Company shall take all other reasonable actions necessary to expedite and facilitate disposition by each Investor of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement.

 

4. OBLIGATIONS OF THE INVESTOR.

 

(a) The Investor agrees that upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(d) the Investor shall as soon as reasonably practicable discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities until the Investor’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 3(d) or receipt of notice that no supplement or amendment is required. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, subject to compliance with the securities laws, the Company shall cause its transfer agent to deliver unlegended certificates for Common Shares to a transferee of the Investor in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement in connection with any sale of Registrable Securities with respect to which the Investor has entered into a contract for sale prior to the Investor’s receipt of a notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(d) and for which the Investor has not yet settled.

 

(b) The Investor covenants and agrees that it will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act as applicable to it or an exemption therefrom in connection with sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement.

 

(c) The Investor, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities, agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of each Registration Statement hereunder, unless the Investor has notified the Company in writing of the Investor’s election to exclude all of the Investor’s Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.

 

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5. EXPENSES OF REGISTRATION.

 

All expenses incurred by the Company in complying with its obligations pursuant to this Agreement and in connection with the registration and disposition of Registrable Securities shall be paid by the Company, including, without limitation, all registration, listing and qualifications fees, printers, fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and accountants (except legal fees of Investor’s counsel associated with the review of the Registration Statement).

 

6. INDEMNIFICATION.

 

With respect to Registrable Securities which are included in a Registration Statement under this Agreement:

 

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company will, and hereby does, indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Investor and its directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, and representatives, and each Person, if any, who controls the Investor within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each, an “Investor Indemnified Person”), against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties, charges, costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees, amounts paid in settlement or expenses, joint or several (collectively, “Indemnified Damages”), incurred in investigating, preparing or defending any action, claim, suit, inquiry, proceeding, investigation or appeal taken from the foregoing by or before any court or governmental, administrative or other regulatory agency, body or the SEC, whether pending or threatened, whether or not an indemnified party is or may be a party thereto (“Claims”), to which any of them may become subject insofar as such Claims (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in a Registration Statement or any post- effective amendment thereto or in any filing made in connection with the qualification of the offering under the securities or other “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in which Registrable Securities are offered (“Blue Sky Filing”), or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any final prospectus (as amended or supplemented, if the Company files any amendment or supplement thereto with the SEC) or the omission or alleged omission to state therein any material fact necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which the statements therein were made, not misleading; or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement (the matters in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii) being, collectively, “Violations”). The Company shall reimburse the Investor and each such Investor Indemnified Person promptly as Indemnified Damages are incurred and are due and payable, including reasonable legal fees, disbursements and other expenses incurred by an Investor Indemnified Person in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 6(a): (x) shall not apply to a Claim arising out of or based upon a Violation which occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by such Investor Indemnified Person expressly for use in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement or any such amendment thereof or supplement thereto; (y) shall not be available to the extent such Claim is based on a failure of the Investor to deliver or to cause to be delivered the prospectus made available by the Company, if such prospectus was timely made available by the Company pursuant to Section 3(c); and (z) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of an Investor Indemnified Person.

 

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(b) In connection with a Registration Statement, the Investor agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend, to the same extent and in the same manner as is set forth in Section 6(a), the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers, employees, representatives, or agents and each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each a “Company Indemnified Person”), against any Claim or Indemnified Damages to which any of them may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such Claim or Indemnified Damages arise out of or is based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent, and only to the extent, that such Violation occurs (i) in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Investor expressly for use in connection with such Registration Statement or (ii) from the Investor’s violation of any prospectus delivery requirements under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement; and, subject to Section 6(d), such Investor will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim; provided, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6(b) and the agreement with respect to contribution contained in Section 7 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Investor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, further, that, other than in connection with fraud or gross negligence on the part of the Investor, the Investor shall be liable under this Section 6(b) for only that amount of a Claim or Indemnified Damages as does not exceed the net proceeds to such Investor as a result of the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Company Indemnified Person. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 6(b) with respect to any prospectus shall not inure to the benefit of any Company Indemnified Person if the untrue statement or omission of material fact contained in the prospectus was corrected and such new prospectus was delivered to the Investor prior to such Investor’s use of the prospectus to which the Claim relates.

 

(c) Promptly after receipt by an Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person under this Section 6 of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving a Claim, such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall, if indemnification in respect of such Claim is to be sought from any indemnifying party under this Section 6, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof, and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, assume control of the defense thereof with counsel reasonably and mutually satisfactory to the indemnifying party and the Investor Indemnified Person or the Company Indemnified Person, as the case may be; provided, however, that an Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own

 

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counsel with the fees and expenses of not more than one (1) counsel for such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person to be paid by the indemnifying party, if, in the reasonable opinion of counsel retained by the indemnifying party, the representation by such counsel of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person and the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall reasonably cooperate with the indemnifying party in connection with any negotiation or defense of any Claim by the indemnifying party and shall furnish to the indemnifying party all information reasonably available to the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person which relates to such action or claim. The indemnifying party shall keep the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person fully apprised at all times as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its prior written consent; provided, however, that the indemnifying party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person, as the case may be, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person of a full and unconditional release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated to all rights of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the Claim(s) for which indemnification has been made. The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such Claim shall not relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person under this Section 6, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is prejudiced in its ability to defend such Claim.

 

(d) The indemnification required by this Section 6 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or Indemnified Damages are incurred.

 

(e) The indemnity agreements contained herein shall be in addition to (i) any cause of action or similar right of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person against the indemnifying party or others and (ii) any liabilities the indemnifying party may be subject to pursuant to the law.

 

7. CONTRIBUTION.

 

To the extent any indemnification by an indemnifying party is prohibited or limited by law, the indemnifying party agrees to make the maximum contribution with respect to any amounts for which it would otherwise be liable under Section 6 to the fullest extent permitted by law; provided, however, that: (i) no seller of Registrable Securities guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any seller of Registrable Securities who was not guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation and (ii) contribution by any seller of Registrable Securities shall be limited in amount to the net amount of proceeds received by such seller from the sale of such Registrable Securities.

 

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8. REPORTS UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT.

 

With a view to making available to the Investor the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or any similar rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Investor to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration, and as a material inducement to the Investor’s purchase of the Promissory Notes, the Company represents, warrants, and covenants to the following:

 

(a) The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and has timely filed (giving effect to permissible extensions in accordance with Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act). all required reports under section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the 12 months prior to the date hereof (or for such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports), other than Form 8-K reports.

 

(b) During the Registration Period, the Company shall file with the SEC in a timely manner all required reports under section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (it being understood that nothing herein shall limit the Company’s obligations under the Purchase Agreement) and such reports shall conform to the requirement of the Exchange Act and the SEC for filing thereunder.

 

(c) The Company shall furnish to the Investor so long as such Investor owns Registrable Securities, promptly upon request, (i) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company, and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested to permit the Investor to sell such securities pursuant to Rule 144 without registration.

 

9. AMENDMENT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS.

 

Provisions of this Agreement may be amended and the observance thereof may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the Company and the Investor. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this Section 9 shall be binding upon each of the Investor and the Company. No such amendment shall be effective to the extent that it applies to fewer than all of the holders of the Registrable Securities. No consideration shall be offered or paid to any Person to amend or consent to a waiver or modification of any provision of any of this Agreement unless the same consideration also is offered to all of the parties to this Agreement.

 

10. MISCELLANEOUS.

 

(a) A Person is deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities whenever such Person owns or is deemed to own of record such Registrable Securities or owns the right to receive the Registrable Securities. If the Company receives conflicting instructions, notices or elections from two (2) or more Persons with respect to the same Registrable Securities, the Company shall act upon the basis of instructions, notice or election received from the registered owner of such Registrable Securities.

 

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(b) Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations of the Investor or the Company hereunder may be assigned to any other Person, except for assignments by the Investor to any of its affiliates.

 

(c) Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered pursuant to the notice provisions of the Purchase Agreement or to such other address and/or electronic mail address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party five (5) days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (A) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (B) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, and recipient email or (C) provided by a courier or overnight courier service shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt by email or receipt from a nationally recognized overnight delivery service in accordance with this section.

 

(d) Failure of any party to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement or otherwise, or delay by a party in exercising such right or remedy, shall not operate as a waiver thereof.

 

(e) The laws of the State of New York shall govern all issues concerning the relative rights of the Company and the Investor as its stockholder. All other questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, sitting in New York County, New York and federal courts for the Southern District of New York sitting New York, New York, for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof to such party at the address for such notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in that jurisdiction or the validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

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(f) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the permitted successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto.

 

(g) The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

(h) This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, both of which shall be considered one (1) and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Electronically scanned and delivered signatures (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com), including by e-mail attachment, shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

(i) Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as the other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(j) The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent and no rules of strict construction will be applied against any party.

 

(k) This Agreement is intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other Person.

 

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Investor and the Company have caused their signature page to this Registration Rights Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

  COMPANY:
  Sharonai Holdings, Inc.
     
  By:  
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO

 

  INVESTOR:
  YA II PN, Ltd.
     
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP
  Its: Investment Manager
     
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC
  Its: General Partner
     
  By:  
  Name: Matthew Beckman
  Title: Manager

 

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EXHIBIT C
ADVANCE NOTICE

 

Dated: ______________ Advance Notice Number: ____

 

The undersigned, _______________________, hereby certifies, with respect to the sale of Common Shares of SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Company”) issuable in connection with this Advance Notice, delivered pursuant to that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of [____________] (the “Agreement”), as follows (with capitalized terms used herein without definition having the same meanings as given to them in the Agreement):

 

1. The undersigned is the duly elected ______________ of the Company.

 

2. There are no fundamental changes to the information set forth in the Registration Statement which would require the Company to file a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement.

 

3. The Company has performed in all material respects all covenants and agreements to be performed by the Company contained in the Agreement on or prior to the Advance Notice Date. All conditions to the delivery of this Advance Notice are satisfied as of the date hereof.

 

4. The number of Advance Shares the Company is requesting is _____________________.

 

5. The Minimum Acceptable Price with respect to this Advance Notice is ____________ (if left blank then no Minimum Acceptable Price will be applicable to this Advance).

 

6. The number of Common Shares of the Company outstanding as of the date hereof is ___________.

 

The undersigned has executed this Advance Notice as of the date first set forth above.

 

  SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.
     
By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

 

Please deliver this Advance Notice by email to:

Email: Trading@yorkvilleadvisors.com

Attention: Trading Department and Compliance Officer

Confirmation Telephone Number: (201) 985-8300.

 

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EXHIBIT D

SETTLEMENT DOCUMENT

 

VIA EMAIL

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

Attn:

Email:

 

Below please find the settlement information with respect to the Advance Notice Date of:  
1. Number of Common Shares requested in the Advance Notice  
2. Minimum Acceptable Price for this Advance (if any)  
3. Number of Excluded Days (if any)  
4. Adjusted Advance Amount (if applicable)  
5. Market Price  
6. Purchase Price (Market Price x 97%) per share  
7. Number of Advance Shares due to the Investor  
8. Total Purchase Price due to Company (row 6 x row 7)  

 

If there were any Excluded Days then add the following

 

9. Number of Additional Shares to be issued to the Investor  
10. Additional amount to be paid to the Company by the Investor (Additional Shares in row 9 x Minimum Acceptable Price x 97%)  
11. Total Amount to be paid to the Company (Purchase Price in row 8 + additional amount in row 10)  
12. Total Advance Shares to be issued to the Investor (Advance Shares due to the Investor in row 7 + Additional Shares in row 9)  

 

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Please issue the number of Advance Shares due to the Investor to the account of the Investor as follows:

 

Investor’s DTC participant #:  
   

ACCOUNT NAME:

 

ACCOUNT NUMBER:

 

ADDRESS:

 

CITY:

 

COUNTRY:

 

Contact person:

 

Number and/or email:

 
   
Sincerely,  
   
YA II PN, LTD.  
   

 

Agreed and approved by:  
   
SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.  
     
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

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EXHIBIT E

INVESTOR NOTICE,

CORRESPONDING ADVANCE NOTICE,

AND SETTLEMENT DOCUMENT

 

YA II PN, LTD.

 

Dated: ______________ Investor Notice Number: ____

 

On behalf of YA II PN, LTD. (the “Investor”), the undersigned hereby certifies, with respect to the purchase of Common Shares of SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Company”) issuable in connection with this Investor Notice, delivered pursuant to that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of [_____________], as amended and supplemented from time to time (the “Agreement”), as follows:

 

1. Advance requested in the Advance Notice  
2. Purchase Price (equal to the Conversion Price as defined in the Promissory Note)  
3. Number of Shares due to Investor  

 

The aggregate purchase price of the Shares to be paid by Investor pursuant to this Investor Notice and corresponding Advance Notice shall be offset against amounts outstanding under the Pre-Paid Advance evidenced by the Promissory Note, dated [___________], (first towards accrued and unpaid interest, and then towards outstanding principal) as follows (and this information shall satisfy the obligations of the Investor to deliver a Settlement Document pursuant to the Agreement):

 

1. Amount offset against accrued and unpaid Interest $[____________]
2. Amount offset against Principal $[____________]
3. Total amount of the Promissory Note outstanding following the Advance $[____________]

 

Please issue the number of Shares due to the Investor to the account of the Investor as follows:

 

Investor’s DTC participant #:  
   

ACCOUNT NAME:

 

ACCOUNT NUMBER:

 

ADDRESS:

 

CITY:

 

 

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The undersigned has executed this Investor Notice as of the date first set forth above.

 

YA II PN, Ltd.  
     
By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP  
Its: Investment Manager  
       
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC  
  Its: General Partner  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

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EXHIBIT F

FORM OF GLOBAL GUARANTY AGREEMENT

 

See attached.

 

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GLOBAL GUARANTY AGREEMENT

 

This Guaranty (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Guaranty”) is made as of [●], 2025, by SHARONAI, INC., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Debtor (“SharonAI”), Distributed Storage Solutions Pty Ltd, an Australian company and wholly-owned subsidiary of SharonAI (“DSS” and collectively with SharonAI and any subsequent party that may join in this Guaranty, the “Guarantors”) in favor of YA II PN, LTD. (“YA II” or the “Creditor”), with respect to all obligations of SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Debtor”) owed to the Creditor.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Creditor and the Debtor have entered into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) dated as of [●] 2025, pursuant to which the Creditor has provided and shall provide advances to the Debtor (the “Pre-Paid Advance”) evidenced by promissory notes issued or to be issued to the Creditor (the “Promissory Notes”), pursuant to and upon the terms and conditions of the Agreement, in the aggregate amount of up to $7,500,000;

 

WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the Creditor’s obligation to provide the Pre-Paid Advances to the Debtor that each Guarantor guarantees all of the Debtor’s obligations under the Agreement, the Pre-Paid Advances issued thereunder, each Promissory Note evidencing the Pre-Paid Advances, and all other instruments, agreements or other items executed or delivered (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”) by the Debtor to the Creditor in connection with or related to the Agreement. The Creditor is only willing to enter into the Agreement and provide the Pre-Paid Advances to the Debtor if each Guarantor agrees to execute and deliver to the Creditor this Guaranty; and

 

WHEREAS, the Guarantors are, or will be wholly-owned, or majority-owned subsidiaries of the Creditor and will benefit, directly or indirectly, from the Debtor entering into the Agreement, the making of the Pre-Paid Advances, and other Transaction Documents and extensions of credit the Creditor will make to Debtor;

 

WHEREAS, DSS entered into a guaranty on July__, 2025 in favor of the Creditor (the “Prior Guaranty”) in respect of obligations of SharonAI to the Creditor, which obligations have been assumed by the Debtor.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Guarantor covenants and agrees as follows:

 

1. Guaranty of Payment and Performance. Each Guarantor, jointly and severally, hereby guarantees to the Creditor the full, prompt and unconditional payment when due (whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), and the performance, of all liabilities, agreements and other obligations of the Debtor to the Creditor contained in the Transaction Documents (all the foregoing, collectively, the “Obligations”). This Guaranty is an absolute, unconditional and continuing guaranty of the full and punctual payment and performance of the Obligations and not of their collectability only and is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that the Creditor first attempt to collect or require the performance of any of the Obligations from the Debtor or resort to any security or other means of obtaining their payment. Should the Debtor default in the payment or performance of any of the Obligations, the obligations of the Guarantors hereunder shall become immediately due and payable to the Creditor, without demand or notice of any nature, all of which are expressly waived by the Guarantors.

 

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2. Limited Guaranty. The liability of the Guarantors hereunder shall be limited to the amount of the Obligations due to the Creditor.

 

3. Waivers by Guarantors; Creditor’s Freedom to Act. Each Guarantor hereby agrees that the Obligations will be paid and performed strictly in accordance with their terms regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of the Creditor with respect thereto. Each Guarantor waives presentment, demand, protest, notice of acceptance, notice of Obligations incurred and all other notices of any kind, all defenses that may be available by virtue of any valuation, stay, moratorium law or other similar law now or hereafter in effect (other than payment in full of the Obligations), any right to require the marshalling of assets of the Debtor, and all suretyship defenses generally. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor agrees to the provisions of any instrument evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation and agrees that the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder shall not be released or discharged, in whole or in part, or otherwise affected by (i) the failure of the Creditor to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Debtor; (ii) any extensions or renewals of, or alteration of the terms of, any Obligation or any portion thereof unless entered into by the Creditor; (iii) any rescissions, waivers, amendments or modifications of any of the terms or provisions of any agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation unless entered into by the Creditor; (iv) the substitution or release of any entity primarily or secondarily liable for any Obligation; (v) the adequacy of any rights the Creditor may have against any collateral or other means of obtaining payment or performance of the Obligations; (vi) the impairment of any collateral securing the Obligations, including without limitation the failure to perfect or preserve any rights the Creditor might have in such collateral or the substitution, exchange, surrender, release, loss or destruction of any such collateral; (vii) failure to obtain or maintain a right of contribution for the benefit of such Guarantor; (viii) errors or omissions in connection with the Creditor’s administration of the Obligations (except behavior constituting bad faith); or (ix) any other act or omission that might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or otherwise operate as a release or discharge of any Guarantor, all of which may be done without notice to any Guarantor, in each case other than as a result of payment in full of the Obligations then due and owing.

 

4. Unenforceability of Obligations Against Debtor. If for any reason the Debtor is under no legal obligation to discharge or perform any of the Obligations, or if any of the Obligations have become irrecoverable from the Debtor by operation of law or for any other reason, this Guaranty shall nevertheless be binding on the Guarantors to the same extent as if the Guarantors at all times had been the principal obligors on all such Obligations, in each case other than as a result of payment in full of the Obligations then due and owing. In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of the Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Debtor, or for any other reason, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation shall be immediately due and payable by the Guarantors.

 

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5. Subrogation; Subordination. Until the payment and performance in full of all Obligations then due and owing, the Guarantors shall not exercise any rights against the Debtor arising as a result of payment by the Guarantors hereunder, by way of subrogation or otherwise, and will not prove any claim in competition with the Creditor in respect of any payment hereunder in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings of any nature; the Guarantors will not claim any set-off or counterclaim against the Debtor in respect of any liability of the Guarantors to the Debtor; and the Guarantors waive any benefit of and any right to participate in any collateral that may be held by the Creditor. The payment of any amounts due with respect to any indebtedness of the Debtor now or hereafter held by the Guarantor is hereby subordinated to the prior payment in full of the Obligations then due and owing. The Guarantor agrees that after the occurrence and during the continuance of any default in the payment or performance of the Obligations, the Guarantors will not demand, sue for or otherwise attempt to collect any such indebtedness of the Debtor to the Guarantors until the Obligations then due and owing shall have been paid or performed in full. If, notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Guarantors shall collect, enforce or receive any amounts in respect of such indebtedness, such amounts shall be collected, enforced and received by the Guarantor as trustee for the Creditor and be paid over to the Creditor on account of the Obligations without affecting in any manner the liability of the Guarantors under the other provisions of this Guaranty.

 

6. Termination; Reinstatement. This Guaranty is irrevocable and shall continue until such time as the Obligations then due and owing have been paid or performed in full. This Guaranty shall be reinstated if at any time any payment made or value received with respect to an Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Creditor upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Debtor, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made or value received. Upon the effectiveness of this Guaranty and the complete assumption by the Debtor of all obligations guaranteed thereunder, the Prior Guaranty shall be terminated.

 

7. Successors and Assigns. This Guaranty shall be binding upon each Guarantor, its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Creditor and the Creditor’s shareholders, officers, directors, agents, successors and assigns.

 

8. Amendments and Waivers. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty nor consent to any departure by the Guarantor therefrom shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Creditor. No failure on the part of the Creditor to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.

 

9. Notices. All notices and other communications called for hereunder to the Creditor or the Debtor shall be made in writing as provided in the Agreement. All notices and other communications called for hereunder to the Guarantors shall be made in writing as provided on Schedule I attached hereto or as the Guarantors may otherwise notify the Creditor.

 

- 254 -

 

 

10. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Guaranty is intended to take effect as a sealed instrument and shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York (excluding the laws applicable to conflicts or choice of law). The Guarantor agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this Guaranty may be brought in the courts of the State of New York, New York County and consents to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such court and to service of process in any such suit’s being made upon any Guarantor by mail at the address set forth at the head of this Guaranty. The Guarantor hereby waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit or any such court or that such suit was brought in an inconvenient court. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, THE PERFORMANCE THEREOF OR THE FINANCINGS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTY HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS GUARANTY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS PARAGRAPH.

 

11. Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Guaranty may be executed in identical counterparts, both which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Facsimile or other electronically scanned and delivered signatures (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com), including by e-mail attachment, shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes of this Guaranty.

 

 

[Rest of page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]

 

- 255 -

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be executed and delivered as a sealed instrument as of the date appearing on page one.

 

SHARONAI, INC.
    
By:  
Name:  
Title:  
    
DISTRIBUTED STORAGE SOLUTIONS PTY LIMITED
    
By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

- 256 -

 

 

Schedule I

The Guarantors

 

SHARONAI, INC.

 

Contact Info:

Wolfgang Schubert, CEO

745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500, NY 10151

Email: wolf@sharonai.com

 

DISTRIBUTED STORAGE SOLUTIONS PTY LIMITED

 

Contact Info:

Andrew Leece

303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney, Australia

Email: andrew@sharonai.com

 

- 257 -

 

 

EXHIBIT C

FORM OF GLOBAL GUARANTY AGREEMENT

 

- 258 -

 

 

GLOBAL GUARANTY AGREEMENT

 

This Guaranty (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Guaranty”) is made as of [●], 2025, by SHARONAI, INC., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Debtor (“SharonAI”), Distributed Storage Solutions Pty Ltd, an Australian company and wholly-owned subsidiary of SharonAI (“DSS” and collectively with SharonAI and any subsequent party that may join in this Guaranty, the “Guarantors”) in favor of YA II PN, LTD. (“YA II” or the “Creditor”), with respect to all obligations of SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Debtor”) owed to the Creditor.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Creditor and the Debtor have entered into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) dated as of [●] 2025, pursuant to which the Creditor has provided and shall provide advances to the Debtor (the “Pre-Paid Advance”) evidenced by promissory notes issued or to be issued to the Creditor (the “Promissory Notes”), pursuant to and upon the terms and conditions of the Agreement, in the aggregate amount of up to $7,500,000;

 

WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the Creditor’s obligation to provide the Pre-Paid Advances to the Debtor that each Guarantor guarantees all of the Debtor’s obligations under the Agreement, the Pre-Paid Advances issued thereunder, each Promissory Note evidencing the Pre-Paid Advances, and all other instruments, agreements or other items executed or delivered (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”) by the Debtor to the Creditor in connection with or related to the Agreement. The Creditor is only willing to enter into the Agreement and provide the Pre-Paid Advances to the Debtor if each Guarantor agrees to execute and deliver to the Creditor this Guaranty; and

 

WHEREAS, the Guarantors are, or will be wholly-owned, or majority-owned subsidiaries of the Creditor and will benefit, directly or indirectly, from the Debtor entering into the Agreement, the making of the Pre-Paid Advances, and other Transaction Documents and extensions of credit the Creditor will make to Debtor;

 

WHEREAS, DSS entered into a guaranty on July__, 2025 in favor of the Creditor (the “Prior Guaranty”) in respect of obligations of SharonAI to the Creditor, which obligations have been assumed by the Debtor.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Guarantor covenants and agrees as follows:

 

1. Guaranty of Payment and Performance. Each Guarantor, jointly and severally, hereby guarantees to the Creditor the full, prompt and unconditional payment when due (whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), and the performance, of all liabilities, agreements and other obligations of the Debtor to the Creditor contained in the Transaction Documents (all the foregoing, collectively, the “Obligations”). This Guaranty is an absolute, unconditional and continuing guaranty of the full and punctual payment and performance of the Obligations and not of their collectability only and is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that the Creditor first attempt to collect or require the performance of any of the Obligations from the Debtor or resort to any security or other means of obtaining their payment. Should the Debtor default in the payment or performance of any of the Obligations, the obligations of the Guarantors hereunder shall become immediately due and payable to the Creditor, without demand or notice of any nature, all of which are expressly waived by the Guarantors.

 

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2. Limited Guaranty. The liability of the Guarantors hereunder shall be limited to the amount of the Obligations due to the Creditor.

 

3. Waivers by Guarantors; Creditor’s Freedom to Act. Each Guarantor hereby agrees that the Obligations will be paid and performed strictly in accordance with their terms regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of the Creditor with respect thereto. Each Guarantor waives presentment, demand, protest, notice of acceptance, notice of Obligations incurred and all other notices of any kind, all defenses that may be available by virtue of any valuation, stay, moratorium law or other similar law now or hereafter in effect (other than payment in full of the Obligations), any right to require the marshalling of assets of the Debtor, and all suretyship defenses generally. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor agrees to the provisions of any instrument evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation and agrees that the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder shall not be released or discharged, in whole or in part, or otherwise affected by (i) the failure of the Creditor to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Debtor; (ii) any extensions or renewals of, or alteration of the terms of, any Obligation or any portion thereof unless entered into by the Creditor; (iii) any rescissions, waivers, amendments or modifications of any of the terms or provisions of any agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation unless entered into by the Creditor; (iv) the substitution or release of any entity primarily or secondarily liable for any Obligation; (v) the adequacy of any rights the Creditor may have against any collateral or other means of obtaining payment or performance of the Obligations; (vi) the impairment of any collateral securing the Obligations, including without limitation the failure to perfect or preserve any rights the Creditor might have in such collateral or the substitution, exchange, surrender, release, loss or destruction of any such collateral; (vii) failure to obtain or maintain a right of contribution for the benefit of such Guarantor; (viii) errors or omissions in connection with the Creditor’s administration of the Obligations (except behavior constituting bad faith); or (ix) any other act or omission that might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or otherwise operate as a release or discharge of any Guarantor, all of which may be done without notice to any Guarantor, in each case other than as a result of payment in full of the Obligations then due and owing.

 

4. Unenforceability of Obligations Against Debtor. If for any reason the Debtor is under no legal obligation to discharge or perform any of the Obligations, or if any of the Obligations have become irrecoverable from the Debtor by operation of law or for any other reason, this Guaranty shall nevertheless be binding on the Guarantors to the same extent as if the Guarantors at all times had been the principal obligors on all such Obligations, in each case other than as a result of payment in full of the Obligations then due and owing. In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of the Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Debtor, or for any other reason, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation shall be immediately due and payable by the Guarantors.

 

- 260 -

 

 

5. Subrogation; Subordination. Until the payment and performance in full of all Obligations then due and owing, the Guarantors shall not exercise any rights against the Debtor arising as a result of payment by the Guarantors hereunder, by way of subrogation or otherwise, and will not prove any claim in competition with the Creditor in respect of any payment hereunder in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings of any nature; the Guarantors will not claim any set-off or counterclaim against the Debtor in respect of any liability of the Guarantors to the Debtor; and the Guarantors waive any benefit of and any right to participate in any collateral that may be held by the Creditor. The payment of any amounts due with respect to any indebtedness of the Debtor now or hereafter held by the Guarantor is hereby subordinated to the prior payment in full of the Obligations then due and owing. The Guarantor agrees that after the occurrence and during the continuance of any default in the payment or performance of the Obligations, the Guarantors will not demand, sue for or otherwise attempt to collect any such indebtedness of the Debtor to the Guarantors until the Obligations then due and owing shall have been paid or performed in full. If, notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Guarantors shall collect, enforce or receive any amounts in respect of such indebtedness, such amounts shall be collected, enforced and received by the Guarantor as trustee for the Creditor and be paid over to the Creditor on account of the Obligations without affecting in any manner the liability of the Guarantors under the other provisions of this Guaranty.

 

6. Termination; Reinstatement. This Guaranty is irrevocable and shall continue until such time as the Obligations then due and owing have been paid or performed in full. This Guaranty shall be reinstated if at any time any payment made or value received with respect to an Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Creditor upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Debtor, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made or value received. Upon the effectiveness of this Guaranty and the complete assumption by the Debtor of all obligations guaranteed thereunder, the Prior Guaranty shall be terminated.

 

7. Successors and Assigns. This Guaranty shall be binding upon each Guarantor, its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Creditor and the Creditor’s shareholders, officers, directors, agents, successors and assigns.

 

8. Amendments and Waivers. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty nor consent to any departure by the Guarantor therefrom shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Creditor. No failure on the part of the Creditor to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.

 

9. Notices. All notices and other communications called for hereunder to the Creditor or the Debtor shall be made in writing as provided in the Agreement. All notices and other communications called for hereunder to the Guarantors shall be made in writing as provided on Schedule I attached hereto or as the Guarantors may otherwise notify the Creditor.

 

- 261 -

 

 

10. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Guaranty is intended to take effect as a sealed instrument and shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York (excluding the laws applicable to conflicts or choice of law). The Guarantor agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this Guaranty may be brought in the courts of the State of New York, New York County and consents to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such court and to service of process in any such suit’s being made upon any Guarantor by mail at the address set forth at the head of this Guaranty. The Guarantor hereby waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit or any such court or that such suit was brought in an inconvenient court. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, THE PERFORMANCE THEREOF OR THE FINANCINGS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTY HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS GUARANTY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS PARAGRAPH.

 

11. Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Guaranty may be executed in identical counterparts, both which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Facsimile or other electronically scanned and delivered signatures (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com), including by e-mail attachment, shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes of this Guaranty.

 

 

[Rest of page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]

 

- 262 -

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be executed and delivered as a sealed instrument as of the date appearing on page one.

 

SHARONAI, INC.
    
By:  
Name:  
Title:  
    
DISTRIBUTED STORAGE SOLUTIONS PTY LIMITED
    
By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

- 263 -

 

 

Schedule I

The Guarantors

 

SHARONAI, INC.

 

Contact Info:

Wolfgang Schubert, CEO

745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500, NY 10151

Email: wolf@sharonai.com

 

DISTRIBUTED STORAGE SOLUTIONS PTY LIMITED

 

Contact Info:

Andrew Leece

303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney, Australia

Email: andrew@sharonai.com

 

- 264 -

 

Exhibit 10.13

 

 

 

01/07/24

 

Timothy Broadfoot

29 Yarrabung Road

St. Ives NSW 2075

 

Dear Tim,

 

Employment offer with SharonAI Pty Ltd (ACN 645 215 194) (Employer)

 

We are delighted to make you an offer of employment.

 

This letter sets out particulars of our offer of employment. If you accept this offer of employment your employment contract (Contract) will be set out in:

 

1. the terms of this letter;

 

2. the terms of employment (Terms), a copy of which is attached.

 

Please consider the terms of this letter and the attached document very carefully. The proposed Terms contain various undertakings on your part with respect to confidential information and post-termination conduct, in the event that your employment with us ends. Accordingly, it is important that you take the time required to carefully read all the documents and take independent legal advice if there is any aspect that is unclear to you.

 

Whilst you will be employed by SharonAI Pty Ltd, SharonAI Pty Ltd’s parent company SharonAI Inc has agreed to guarantee particular obligations of SharonAI Pty Ltd in respect of your employment and accordingly, Sharon AI Inc is a party to this Contract to the extent of the guarantee provided.

 

Should you wish to accept this offer of employment, you must:

 

(a) initial each page of the Terms;

 

(b) sign a counterpart of this letter where indicated; and

 

(c) deliver the initialled Terms and the counterpart signed copy of this letter to us within 7 days of the date of this letter.

 

 

2

 

The particulars of our offer of employment are as follows:

 

1. Job title/role You are employed as Chief Financial Officer, on a part time basis.
2. Commencement date The commencement date for your employment was 01/07/24.
3. Job description Your duties will include the duties set out in your Job Description and other such duties determined by the Employer from time to time.
4. Supervisor You will report to the Chief Executive Officer however the Employer may vary reporting lines at its discretion.
5. Remuneration

You will be paid an annual base salary of $200,000.00 (Annual Salary).

 

Subject to the Terms, this is the total remuneration paid to you.

6. Review of Annual Salary

The Annual Salary may be reviewed on the occurrence of a Listing Event or Liquidity Event (Review).

 

The Review (and any increase to the Annual Salary) is subject to several factors, including:

 

(a)

your performance;

 

(b)

the performance of the Employer; and

 

(c)

current market conditions.

 

For the avoidance of any doubt, the Employer is under no obligation to increase the Annual Salary, as part of any Review, and your Annual Salary may remain the same.

7. Discretionary bonus scheme You may be eligible to participate in the Employer’s discretionary bonus scheme, in accordance with the rules of that scheme, as amended from time to time (Bonus Scheme). The Bonus Scheme which may be in place from time to time may be modified or withdrawn at the sole discretion of the Employer. For the avoidance of any doubt, your participation in any Bonus Scheme does not guarantee that any bonus will be paid to you.
8. Discretionary Offer of Shares You may be eligible to participate in the Employer’s discretionary share scheme, in accordance with the rules of that scheme, as amended from time to time (Share Scheme). The Share Scheme which may be in place from time to time may be modified or withdrawn at the sole discretion of the Employer. For the avoidance of any doubt, your participation in any such Share Scheme does not guarantee that any shares, under the Share Scheme, will be allotted to you.
9. Pay day Currently on the 15th day of each month but may change from time to time.

 

 

3

 

10. Location of work Your location of work is either Sydney or North Sydney, New South Wales or any other location as the Employer may require from time to time on a temporary or permanent basis. You will be allowed to work from home (WFH) in accordance with the workload and requirements of your role.
11. Superannuation In addition to the Annual Salary, you will receive superannuation contributions in line with the minimum compulsory contribution rate required to be paid by the Employer, in accordance with applicable legislation.
12. Hours of work

Your hours of work are made up of 26.6 hours per week (inclusive of reasonable additional hours as are necessary for the proper performance of your duties) (Work Hours).

 

You are required to perform the Work three (3) days per week on Monday to Wednesday (inclusive).

 

You may be required to work other reasonable additional hours, in addition to the Work Hours, from time to time, including outside the abovementioned start and finish times, and days, as appropriate.

 

Subject to the Terms, the Annual Salary is deemed to cover payment for the overall performance of the job.

13. Probationary period

Six (6) months commencing from the commencement date as set out in item 2 of these particulars of employment unless waived in writing by the Company.

 
Please refer to clause 2.2 of the Terms.

14. Annual leave & long service leave You are entitled to statutory annual leave and long service leave entitlements.
15. Paid personal/carers leave (including sick leave) You are entitled to statutory personal/carers leave (including sick leave).
16. Unpaid parental leave (including maternity leave) You are entitled to statutory unpaid parental leave (including maternity leave).
17. Terms and conditions The attached terms and conditions form part of your employment contract with the Employer.

 

The National Employment Standards (NES) which govern the majority of employees commenced on 1 January 2010. The NES are minimum entitlements which are intended to apply to all private sector employees regardless of whether they are covered by a modern award, agreement or contract. The 10 matters covered by the NES include:

 

maximum weekly hours of work;

 

requests for flexible working arrangements;

 

parental leave;

 

annual leave;

 

personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave;

 

 

4

 

community service leave;

 

long service leave;

 

public holidays;

 

notice of termination or redundancy pay; and

 

the provision of a Fair Work Information Statement to employees.

 

Please find enclosed a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement. It contains information about the NES, modern awards, agreement-making, the right to freedom of association, termination of employment, individual flexibility arrangements, rights of entry, transfer of business, and the respective roles of the Fair Work Commission and the Fair Work Ombudsman.

 

If any term of this employment contract is less favourable to you than the National Employment Standards, the National Employment Standards will prevail over the term to the extent that the term is less favourable. However, the NES does not form part of, and are not incorporated into, these Terms.

 

Yours faithfully

SharonAI Pty Ltd

 

Encl

 

I hereby accept the above terms and conditions of employment with the Employer:

 

/s/ Tim Broadfoot    
Signature   Date

 

SIGNED for and behalf of SHARONAI PTY LTD ACN 645 215 194
by an authorised representative:

   
     
     
Signature of authorised representative  

Name of authorised representative (please print)

 

EXECUTED by SHARONAI INC
by its authorised signatory:

   
     
     
Signature of signatory    
     
     
Name of signatory (please print)    

 

 

 

 

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd

 

(the Employer)

 
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
 

 

1. Corporate Structure   1
       
2. Period of Employment   1
  2.1 Letter of Offer and acceptance   1
  2.2 Probation   1
  2.3 Following probationary period   1
         
3. Your Responsibilities   1
  3.1 Duties and responsibilities of Employees   1
  3.2 Job Description and job directions   2
  3.3 Operational requirements of the Employer and working conditions   2
  3.4 Other employment   2
  3.5 Confidentiality   2
  3.6 Secrecy   3
  3.7 Media and other communications   3
  3.8 Monitoring and surveillance/Information technology   3
  3.9 Pecuniary interests   3
  3.10 Ability to perform duties   4
  3.11 Work rights   4
  3.12 Medical examination   4
         
4. Employee Benefits   4
  4.1 Annual leave   4
  4.2 Long service leave   5
  4.3 Paid personal/carers leave (including sick leave)   5
  4.4 Parental leave and compassionate leave   5
  4.5 Community service leave   5
  4.6 Family and domestic violence leave   6
  4.7 Public holidays   6
         
5. Remuneration   6
  5.1 All entitlements included   6
  5.2 Expenses   6
  5.3 Salary sacrifice   7
         
6. Ending (Terminating) the Employment   7
  6.1 By the Employee   7
  6.2 By the Employer upon giving notice   7
  6.3 By the Employer for proper cause   7
  6.4 Stand down   8
  6.5 Suspension   8
  6.6 Documents and other property of the Employer   8
  6.7 Resignation of directorships   9
  6.8 Authorised deductions   9
  6.9 Non disparagement and representations   10
  6.10 Gardening leave   10

 

 

 

 

7. Restrictive Covenants after Termination of Employment   11
  7.1 Post termination restraint and non compete   11
  7.2 Damages for restraint   12
  7.3 Definitions   12
         
8. Ownership of Intellectual Property   13
  8.1 Ownership of Intellectual Property   13
  8.2 Moral Rights   14
         
9. Privacy   14
       
10. Policies   14
       
11. Social Media   15
       
12. Survival   15
       
13. Applicable Law   15
       
14. Complying with Terms, Rules, Regulations and Legal Requirements   16
       
15. General   16
       
16. Definitions   17

 

 

1

 

 
1. Corporate Structure

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd (ACN 645 215 194) is the Employer. SharonAI Inc is the parent company of the Employer and guarantees particular obligations of the Employer in respect of your employment.

 

 
2. Period of Employment

 

2.1 Letter of Offer and acceptance

 

Should you accept the offer of employment made in the Letter of Offer, your contract of employment with the Employer will comprise the Letter of Offer and these Terms. Acceptance of the employment offer made in the Letter of Offer is subject to your acceptance of these Terms.

 

2.2 Probation

 

(a) If your initial employment is subject to a probationary period:

 

(1) during the probationary period, either party may terminate these Terms by giving to the other one (1) week’s notice in writing or in the case of the Employer paying one (1) week’s wages in lieu of notice;

 

(2) the Employer may extend the probationary period set out in the Letter of Offer for a reasonable period (of which you will be advised in writing).

 

(b) For the avoidance of any doubt, no notice is required under clause 2.2 if the Employer terminates your employment for proper cause under clause 6.3.

 

2.3 Following probationary period

 

Following expiration of any probationary period, subject to neither party exercising the rights to terminate these Terms under clause 2.2, your employment is confirmed and may be terminated only under clause 6.

 

 
3. Your Responsibilities

 

3.1 Duties and responsibilities of Employees

 

You must:

 

(a) well and faithfully serve the Employer and use your best endeavours to promote the interest and welfare of the Employer;

 

(b) preserve and enhance the goodwill, business and reputation of the Employer and any Related Entity;

 

(c) comply with all laws that are relevant to the work performed under these Terms;

 

(d) if required, in pursuance of your duties, undertake work not only for the Employer but also for any Related Entity, as the Employer may from time to time require; and

 

(e) not bind or attempt to bind the Employer or any Related Entity to any agreement except as authorised by these Terms. You agree to indemnify the Employer or any Related Entity in respect of all unauthorised representations or agreements that you make and for which you do not have any express authority.

 

 

2

 

3.2 Job Description and job directions

 

Your duties include the duties set out in your Job Description and such other duties as the Employer may require from time to time. You must carry out your duties, efficiently and diligently, in accordance with such lawful orders, instructions and directions as the Employer may from time to time reasonably and lawfully give to you.

 

3.3 Operational requirements of the Employer and working conditions

 

The Employer retains the right to change your position, your location of work, your Job Description, your duties the operational procedures of the Employer and working conditions of employees, at any time, to bring about any structural or administrative change to the business of the Employer or provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees.

 

3.4 Other employment

 

You must not engage or be concerned (either directly or indirectly and either alone or jointly) in any capacity with any Person, including employment, consultancy or agency, which is in any way related to the business of the Employer including for a Competitor, unless you first obtain the consent in writing of the Employer.

 

3.5 Confidentiality

 

(a) You must not, during or after the period of your employment with the Employer, except in the proper course of your duties or as permitted by the Employer in writing or as required by law, use for your own benefit or gain, divulge to any person, firm, company or other organisation whatsoever, or use any trade secret or any Confidential Information belonging to the Employer including but not limited to information regarding:

 

(1) the business or financial arrangements or position of the Employer or any Related Entity of the Employer;

 

(2) without limiting the generality of clause 3.5(a)(1), any computer programs, templates, patterns, models or designs created by you during the course of your employment with the Employer or otherwise, technical data, trade secrets, business processes or corporate information, financial information, manuals or computer software and know-how;

 

(3) details of suppliers of the Employer or any Related Entity, including details of the agreements and arrangements with suppliers;

 

(4) details of Clients of the Employer or any Related Entity including client relationship details, client files and client lists;

 

(5) any of the dealings, transactions or affairs of the Employer or any Related Entity of the Employer.

 

(b) You must, during and following the period of your employment with the Employer, use your best endeavours to prevent the publication, use or disclosure of any such trade secret or Confidential Information.

 

(c) Any Confidential Information which is disclosed by you in accordance with these Terms, must only be done to the limited extent it is necessary, to Persons who:

 

(1) have been approved by the Employer, to receive such information;

 

(2) are aware and agree that the Confidential Information must be kept confidential; and

 

(3) sign and agree to be bound by the terms of any confidentiality agreement, as may be required by the Employer to be signed, from time to time.

 

 

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(d) If you are uncertain about whether information is Confidential Information, you must immediately ask your supervisor or the Employer. Until you receive an answer, you must treat that information as Confidential Information.

 

(e) Upon the termination of your employment with the Employer, you must not:

 

(1) represent yourself as being in any way connected with or interested in the business of the Employer; or

 

(2) at any time without the written authority of the Employer, divulge to any person any information in connection with the Employer or any of the businesses or customers or Clients of the Employer which you may have acquired during your employment.

 

(f) You acknowledge that a breach of this clause may cause the Employer or any Related Entity (whichever is applicable) irreparable damage for which monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy. Accordingly, in addition to other remedies, the Employer or any Related Entity (whichever is applicable) may seek and obtain injunctive relief against such a breach or threatened breach.

 

(g) You will fully indemnify the Employer in respect of any and all loss, damage, claims, liability, cost and expenses, of any kind, suffered or incurred by the Employer as a result of your breach of this clause, in any way, including, but not limited to, any disclosure by you of any Confidential Information to any Person(s), other than is authorised under these Terms.

 

3.6 Secrecy

 

To the extent permitted by law, you agree not to disclose the content of these Terms (other than the remuneration provisions) to any third party whatsoever except for the purpose of obtaining legal advice or compliance with the obligations of a party under any legislation.

 

3.7 Media and other communications

 

Unless expressly authorised by the Employer in writing you are prohibited from dealing with the media of whatever kind and are not authorised to give details regarding the Employer or its operations.

 

3.8 Monitoring and surveillance/Information technology

 

As a condition of using the Employer’s communication and information technology systems you consent to the Employer carrying out continuous monitoring, recording and surveillance of all communications, and all use of, information technology systems and electronic resources (including telephone conversations, emails and internet access) in the course of your employment and when using resources of the Employer outside work.

 

3.9 Pecuniary interests

 

You must not have any direct or indirect pecuniary interests that would in the reasonable opinion of the Employer in any way compromise the performance of your duties under these Terms. In particular, you must not hold any position for monetary or other reward which would conflict with your responsibilities to the Employer or cause loss, detriment or embarrassment to the Employer.

 

 

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3.10 Ability to perform duties

 

(a) You warrant to the Employer that there are no limitations on your ability to fully perform all of your duties and responsibilities for the Employer, including limitations arising from any medical restrictions or any prior employment.

 

(b) You warrant to the Employer that you are able to perform the physical requirements and any other inherent requirements of the position. You consent to providing the Employer with all information (in writing and prior to signing these Terms) regarding any medical restrictions that may affect your ability to perform the position. The purpose of the Employer obtaining this information is to determine that you are able to safely perform the duties of this position and other related purposes.

 

(c) You warrant to the Employer that you will not breach continuing obligations arising from any prior employment in the performance of your duties and responsibilities for the Employer, including confidentiality obligations.

 

(d) You warrant to the Employer that any information provided by you to the Employer prior to signing these Terms is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.

 

(e) Any breach of the provisions contained in this clause will constitute grounds for immediate termination of your employment.

 

3.11 Work rights

 

Your ongoing employment is conditional on you having the right to work in Australia at all times during your employment. The Employer may require you to provide documents evidencing your right to work in Australia.

 

3.12 Medical examination

 

(a) If you suffer from or the Employer reasonably believes that you suffer from an illness or injury of any type and the Employer believes that work health and safety risks may arise as a result of you performing work, the Employer may require you to attend a medical examination to determine the extent of such risks (if any).

 

(b) You consent to the doctor conducting such a medical examination and providing a medical report and any other information to the Employer. You also agree to sign any medical authority that a medical practitioner may require before releasing information to the Employer.

 

 
4. Employee Benefits

 

4.1 Annual leave

 

(a) You are entitled to annual leave in accordance with the relevant legislation and any applicable modern award (if any).

 

(b) Annual leave may be taken for a period agreed between you and the Employer.

 

(c) The Employer may not grant annual leave during peak business times, and you agree that any refusal by the Employer to grant you leave during these times is reasonable.

 

(d) The Employer may require you to take paid annual leave in particular circumstances, including during all or part of any annual shutdown period of the Employer.

 

 

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4.2 Long service leave

 

You are entitled to long service leave in accordance with the relevant legislation.

 

4.3 Paid personal/carers leave (including sick leave)

 

(a) You are entitled to paid personal/carers leave (including sick leave) in accordance with the relevant legislation, and the policies and procedures of the Employer. Currently, that entitlement is ten (10) days for each year of service (which accrues progressively during a year of service according to your ordinary hours of work).

 

(b) If you have not used all of your allowed personal leave and if you are absent from work on account of personal illness or on account of injury by accident you shall be entitled to leave of absence without deduction of pay subject to the following conditions and limitations:

 

(1) you shall not be entitled to paid leave of absence for any period in respect of which you are entitled to worker’s compensation payments;

 

(2) you shall as soon as reasonably practicable and prior to the ordinary hours of the first day or shift of such absence, telephone the Employer to advise of your inability to attend for duty and as far as practicable state the nature of the injury or illness and the estimated duration of the absence; and

 

(3) you must prove to the satisfaction of the Employer that you were unable on account of such illness or injury to attend for duty on the day or days for which sick leave is claimed.

 

(c) If you have exhausted your paid personal leave entitlements under this clause and you comply with the relevant statutory notice requirements, you are entitled to an additional two days’ unpaid carer’s leave per occasion in the event of illness or injury of, or an unexpected emergency affecting, an immediate family member or member of your household. The two days’ unpaid carer’s leave must be taken consecutively unless otherwise agreed between you and the Employer.

 

(d) If you need (or needed) to take personal leave (paid or unpaid) in accordance with this clause, you must notify the Employer of the need as soon as practicable. The Employer reserves the right to require you to submit a medical certificate or statutory declaration for any personal leave you take (paid or unpaid) in accordance with the relevant legislation as amended from time to time.

 

(e) For the purpose of this employment contract, immediate family means your spouse (including former, defacto and former defacto) or child, parent, grandparent, grandchild or sibling of you or your spouse.

 

(f) For the avoidance of any doubt, you are not entitled to be paid out any accrued but untaken personal/carer’s leave on termination of your employment with the Employer.

 

4.4 Parental leave and compassionate leave

 

The Employer will grant parental leave and compassionate leave in accordance with the relevant legislation, and the policies and procedures of the Employer.

 

4.5 Community service leave

 

You will be entitled to community service leave in accordance with the relevant legislation as amended from time to time.

 

 

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4.6 Family and domestic violence leave

 

You will be entitled to paid family and domestic violence leave in accordance with the relevant legislation as amended from time to time.

 

4.7 Public holidays

 

(a) You are entitled to all public holidays as proclaimed without loss of pay, where the public holiday falls on a day on which you would normally be required to work.

 

(b) Where there is a need for work to be performed on a public holiday, the Company may request that you attend work. You may only refuse the request if you have reasonable grounds for doing so.

 

 
5. Remuneration

 

5.1 All entitlements included

 

(a) You acknowledge and agree that the totality of the remuneration payable under these Terms, however described (Total Remuneration) compensates you for all work performed and includes all payments and benefits the Employer is legally obliged to provide.

 

(b) You acknowledge that your Total Remuneration is inclusive of a basic rate of pay that is at least equal to the minimum rate under a modern award or the national minimum wage, whichever is applicable to you, for each hour worked including but not limited to, reasonable additional hours, entitlements to payment on breaks, overtime rates, loadings (including but not limited to annual leave loading and shift loading), penalty rates, allowances and any other entitlement which may be or become due to you under any relevant modern award, industrial agreement or statute that may apply to you.

 

(c) For the avoidance of any doubt, the Total Remuneration is specifically set-off against, applies to and absorbs any minimum entitlements or other benefits that you are or may become entitled to for work performed during any and all pay periods, including but not limited to, any minimum wages or pay rates, entitlements to payment on breaks, overtime rates, loadings (including but not limited to annual leave loading and shift loading), penalty rates, allowances and any other entitlement which may be or become due to you under any relevant modern award, industrial agreement or statute that may apply to you.

 

(d) If at any time you are entitled to any payment or other benefit as a consequence of the employment, whether under any relevant modern award, industrial agreement or statute, you agree that the payment or benefit is calculated at the applicable minimum rate of pay in the industrial agreement, any relevant modern award or statute.

 

(e) You will not be paid less than the amount that you would otherwise be entitled to receive under any applicable modern award, industrial agreement or statute.

 

5.2 Expenses

 

You shall be entitled to reimbursement of such expenses that are incurred by you, with the prior written consent of the Employer, in performing your duties under these Terms. For the avoidance of any doubt, evidence of such expenses (such as original receipts) is required before any reimbursement will be made to you.

 

 

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5.3 Salary sacrifice

 

Subject to any legal requirements, you may request to salary sacrifice a portion of your pre-tax Total Remuneration including, for example, by requesting that the Employer pays a portion of your pre-tax Remuneration into your nominated superannuation fund or applies it against payments for a motor vehicle.

 

 
6. Ending (Terminating) the Employment

 

6.1 By the Employee

 

You may terminate your employment with the Employer by giving three (3) months notice in writing to the Employer.

 

6.2 By the Employer upon giving notice

 

(a) The Employer may terminate your employment by giving three (3) months notice in writing or payment in lieu of notice.

 

6.3 By the Employer for proper cause

 

(a) The Employer may terminate these Terms at any time without prior notice if you:

 

(1) commit any serious or persistent breach of any of the provisions of these Terms;

 

(2) are guilty of any serious misconduct or wilful neglect in the discharge of your duties;

 

(3) become of unsound mind;

 

(4) are convicted of any criminal offence other than an offence which in the reasonable opinion of the Employer does not affect your position as employee of the Employer;

 

(5) breach the alcohol and drug policy of the Employer while performing your duties; or

 

(6) do anything which would justify summary dismissal at common law.

 

(b) Serious misconduct for the purposes of clause 6.3(a)(2) which will result in instant dismissal includes any of the following:

 

(1) physical violence or fighting, provoked or otherwise;

 

(2) wilful misuse of or damage to the property of the Employer;

 

(3) failure to observe safety rules;

 

(4) unauthorised possession of the property of the Employer;

 

(5) possession, consumption or being under the influence of illicit drugs on or off the premises of the Employer during working hours including meal breaks;

 

(6) refusal to perform work assigned in accordance with your Job Description, unless such refusal is lawful;

 

(7) serious breaches of the policies of the Employer;

 

(8) wilful disobedience;

 

(9) abandonment of employment;

 

 

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(10) dishonesty;

 

(11) sexual harassment;

 

(12) criminal conduct whether inside or outside the workplace;

 

(13) being convicted with a serious criminal offence, resulting in a custodial sentence;

 

(14) any conduct, which results in serious physical harm to a fellow employee, customer, Client, third party or agent of the Employer;

 

(15) engaging in deliberate conduct which has the potential, in the opinion of the Employer, to seriously compromise in any way the safety of any employees, customers, Client, third parties or agents of the Employer;

 

(16) any wilful conduct, actions or communications which are likely to materially damage the business or the reputation of the Employer or the reputation of any officer of the Employer including making any such written or verbal communication or statement by a medium including radio, television, internet, chat room, email, website or otherwise; and

 

(17) use or conversion for your own benefit of any money, information or property belonging to the Employer or any of its customers, or assist any others in such behaviour.

 

6.4 Stand down

 

(a) The Employer has the right to stand you down without pay for any day you cannot do your usual work for any reason, including any strike, breakdown in machinery or circumstances outside the Employer’s control such as pandemics or other natural disasters.

 

6.5 Suspension

 

(a) The Employer may suspend you, with or without pay, while investigating any matter that the Employer reasonably believes could lead to the Employer exercising its rights to terminate your employment or taking other disciplinary action against you.

 

(b) During any period of suspension, the Employer is not required to provide you with any work, and the Employer may:

 

(1) restrict your access to the Employer’s premises;

 

(2) require you to return any property of the Employer, including any Confidential Information;

 

(3) restrict your ability to access the Employer’s computer systems; and/or

 

(4) require that you have no access or contact with the Employer’s Clients, suppliers or employees.

 

6.6 Documents and other property of the Employer

 

(a) Upon termination of your employment (regardless of the reason for the termination) without any further demand, you must deliver to the Employer or any Related Entity, or its authorised representative:

 

(1) all computer discs, tapes, documents, records, notebooks, and similar repositories of Confidential Information, in your possession or control relating in any way to any Confidential Information, trade secrets, or the business or affairs of the Employer or any Related Entity; and

 

(2) any property of the Employer or any Related Entity, to which the Employer or any Related Entity has an entitlement to possession.

 

 

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(b) You are not entitled to retain a copy of a document referred to in clause 6.6(a).

 

(c) If you have in your possession information or data belonging to the Employer or any Related Entity which is recorded on any computer, mobile phone or any medium such that it is not capable of delivery to the Employer, or any Related Entity, you must advise the Employer of that fact and, subject to the right of the Employer or any Related Entity to obtain a copy of that information or data, erase that information or data so that it cannot be accessed, retrieved or reconstructed.

 

(d) You must provide to the Employer reasonable access to the devices outlined in clause 6.6(c) for the Company to confirm that all property of the Employer and confidential information has been removed or deleted.

 

6.7 Resignation of directorships

 

(a) If on the termination of your employment you are a director or other officer of the Employer or another Related Entity you must resign as a director or officer of that Employer or Related Entity as soon as practicable after the termination of your employment.

 

(b) You irrevocably appoint the Secretary of the Employer, or any other employee nominated by the Employer or the Related Entities, as attorney to sign any documents required to give effect to your resignation from your position as director or officer as described in clause 6.7(a).

 

(c) If your employment is terminated and you resign as a director or other officer, as contemplated in clause 6.7(a), you have no entitlement to any compensation for the loss of that office.

 

(d) In the event the Company fails to process your resignation within 14 days, The Company irrevocably appoints you as its attorney to sign any documents required to give effect to your resignation from your position as director or officer as described in clause 6.7(a), and the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer or Company Secretary or other such member of the Board to replace your role as director or other officer.

 

6.8 Authorised deductions

 

(a) If you receive a remuneration payment in excess of the amount owing to you in any one pay period, you authorise the Employer to make appropriate deductions from your remuneration payment in the next pay period or agreed number of pay periods immediately following discovery of overpayment.

 

(b) The Employer may deduct from any amounts owing to you on termination of your employment:

 

(1) any amounts whatsoever owing by you to the Employer from time to time;

 

(2) any compensation for unreturned property of the Employer or any Related Entity; and

 

(3) if you fail to give the required notice of termination under these Terms, the amount that you would have been paid in respect of the period of notice less any period of notice actually given by you.

 

 

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(c) You acknowledge and agree that any such deductions are at your direction, are reasonable and are principally for your benefit.

 

(d) You agree to execute any such document provided by the Employer from time to time to give effect to this clause including in respect of authorising any such deductions at termination of your employment, or otherwise.

 

6.9 Non disparagement and representations

 

Following the termination of your employment for any reason, you agree not to:

 

(a) make representations that you are in any way connected with the business of the Employer or any Related Entity; and

 

(b) disparage the Employer or any Related Entity and any directors, managers or employees of the Employer or any Related Entity, in any way, whatsoever.

 

6.10 Gardening leave

 

(a) If at any time either party gives notice of termination pursuant to these Terms, the Employer may, in its absolute discretion, modify your employment arrangements.

 

(b) Where such modification occurs, during the notice period you:

 

(1) may be required to perform duties which are different to those which you were required to perform during your employment, provided that you have the necessary skill and competence to perform the duties;

 

(2) require you to work through all or part of your notice period;

 

(3) elect to make payment in lieu of all or part of your notice period;

 

(4) may be required to perform no duties at all;

 

(5) may be required not to attend the premises of the Employer, unless expressly requested to do so;

 

(6) may be required not to have dealings with any customers or Clients of the Employer;

 

(7) agree to be reasonably available to the Employer;

 

(8) will remain an employee of the Employer.

 

(c) If you fail to provide the Employer with the required period of notice, the Employer may withhold any payments due to you on termination of your employment to a maximum amount permitted by an applicable modern award or otherwise equivalent to what you would have received had you worked the non-completed part of the required notice period.

 

 

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7. Restrictive Covenants after Termination of Employment

 

7.1 Post termination restraint and non compete

 

(a) You undertake and agree that you will not at any time during the Restraint Period:

 

(1) directly or indirectly approach, canvass, solicit or endeavour to entice away from the Employer or a Related Entity (including through the use of Social Media), the business or custom of any Restrained Client;

 

(2) perform any work or provide any services performed by you in the twelve (12) months preceding the date of termination of your employment for, or on behalf of any Restrained Client;

 

(3) directly or indirectly solicit, induce or encourage any Restrained Client (including through the use of Social Media), to terminate or to not renew any business relationship, contract or arrangement that Person has with the Employer or a Related Entity;

 

(4) directly or indirectly, induce or encourage any director or employee of, or consultant to, the Employer or a Related Entity (including through the use of Social Media), to terminate or to not renew any business relationship, contract or arrangement that Person has with the Employer or a Related Entity whether or not that Person would commit a breach of that Person’s contract;

 

(5) without prior written consent of the Employer directly or indirectly carry on or be engaged, concerned with or interested whether as a shareholder, director, employee, partner, joint venture participant, principal, agent, trustee, consultant, unitholder or otherwise involved in carrying on any business for a Competitor, within the Restraint Area; or

 

(6) counsel, procure or otherwise assist any person to do any of the acts referred to in subclauses 7.1(a)(1)-(5) above.

 

(b) You acknowledge and agree that:

 

(1) Each of the covenants made by you in clause 7.1(a) constitutes a separate and independent restraint imposed on you under these Terms.

 

(2) Should any of the covenants made by you in clause 7.1(a) be, or become, unenforceable, that does not affect the validity or enforceability of the other covenants made under clause 7.1(a).

 

(3) Damages may be inadequate compensation for breach of the obligations contained in this clause and, subject to the Court’s discretion, the Employer may restrain, by an injunction or similar remedy, any conduct or threatened conduct which is or will be in breach of this clause.

 

(c) The restraints in clause 7.1(a) are reasonable and necessary to protect the Employer’s legitimate business interests, including the preservation of its Restrained Client relationships, the goodwill of its business and its Confidential Information.

 

 

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7.2 Damages for restraint

 

(a) Should you breach the provisions of clause 7.1 with respect to competition, then you agree and irrevocably acknowledge that the damages payable by you to the Employer:

 

(1) include damages assessed in accordance with clause 7.2(b); and

 

(2) that such damages represent a genuine pre-estimate of the loss which will be suffered by the Employer as a result of such a breach.

 

(b) Damages payable by you upon breach of the provisions of clause 7.1 shall include:

 

(1) where the Employer has been instructed by the Restrained Client before the breach over a period exceeding twelve (12) months then for an amount equivalent to 75% of the net fees in accounts or services rendered by the Employer for or in respect of that Restrained Client in the twelve (12) months preceding the date upon which you received instructions to act for the Restrained Client; and

 

(2) where the Employer has been instructed by the Restrained Client before the breach over a period not exceeding twelve (12) months then for an amount which in the opinion of the Employer would have been 75% of the amount of net fees in accounts or services rendered by the Employer for or in respect of that Restrained Client in the twelve (12) months preceding the date upon which you received instructions to act for the Restrained Client having regard to the Restrained Client and its/his/her business and the circumstances of the instructions.

 

7.3 Definitions

 

In this clause 7:

 

(a) Restrained Client means any Person:

 

(1) who is or has been a Client, adviser, or customer of the Employer or a Related Entity within twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of termination of your employment with the Employer and with whom you have had personal contact or dealings (or with whom a person reporting to you has had personal contact or dealings) at any time during the twelve (12) months preceding the date of termination of your employment with the Employer;

 

(2) with whom you have had discussions on behalf of the Employer or a Related Entity, whether concluded or unconcluded, at any time during the twelve (12) months preceding the date of termination of your employment with the Employer, with a view to that Person receiving products or services from the Employer;

 

(3) who has entered into a joint venture agreement with the Employer or a Related Entity regardless of whether you have had personal contact or dealings with that Person at any time during your employment with the Employer; or

 

(4) who has a contractual relationship with the Employer or a Related Entity which in any way benefits the Employer or a Related Entity.

 

 

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(b) Restraint Area means:

 

(1) Australia, or if that area is decided by a court to be unenforceable then;

 

(2) New South Wales, or if that area is decided by a court to be unenforceable, then,

 

(3) Greater metropolitan region of Sydney.

 

(c) Restraint Period means:

 

(1) twelve (12) months commencing on the date of termination of your employment with the Employer, or if that period is decided by a court to be unenforceable, then;

 

(2) nine (9) months commencing on the date of termination of your employment with the Employer, or if that period is decided by a court to be unenforceable, then;

 

(3) six (6) months commencing on the date of termination of your employment with the Employer, or if that period is decided by a court to be unenforceable, then;

 

(4) three (3) months commencing on the date of termination of your employment with the Employer.

 

 
8. Ownership of Intellectual Property

 

8.1 Ownership of Intellectual Property

 

(a) Intellectual Property includes Confidential Information, trade marks, patents, copyright, creations, concepts, formulations, designs, slogans, promotions, techniques, processes, frameworks, diagrams, thinking structures, protocols, models, know-how and other intellectual property rights. It includes all property rights in, or relating to, any information, data, discovery, improvement, design, invention, documentation, business method, computer programming method, software, new or modified procedures or developments or similar and other non-physical property.

 

(b) The Employer owns all Intellectual Property that you may discover, produce or conceive which is related in any way to the Employer’s business (whether or not it can be patented, can be subject to copyright or can be protected in any other way). This includes Intellectual Property discovered, produced or conceived:

 

(1) during employment (whether or not it is during office hours or on the Employer’s premises);

 

(2) after employment has terminated, if it is based on something you worked on or became aware of while employed by the Employer;

 

(3) by using the Employer’s Confidential Information or its resources.

 

(c) You give up any claim to that Intellectual Property and irrevocably assign it to the Employer. You agree to sign and execute all documents and give the Employer any assistance and information required to assign ownership of Intellectual Property in any part of the world for the Employer’s exclusive benefit.

 

(d) You appoint the Employer as your attorney to do anything you are required to do under this clause.

 

(e) You must notify the Employer in writing of any Intellectual Property covered in clause 8.1(b) as and when developed so that the Employer can take the necessary steps to protect its rights in that Intellectual Property.

 

 

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(f) You will return all originals and copies of information to the Employer, including design, documentation, software and material relating to any Intellectual Property, at the Employer’s request or when your employment ends. You must destroy any copies that you cannot return. You agree to confirm in writing that you have complied with this provision.

 

(g) These Intellectual Property provisions apply both during and after the employment relationship ends.

 

8.2 Moral Rights

 

(a) You waive any Moral Rights you have to any Intellectual Property referred to in clause 8.1(a) and (b).

 

(b) You warrant that you have given this consent and undertaking genuinely and without being subjected to any duress by the Employer or any third party, and without relying on any representations other than those expressly set out in these Terms.

 

 
9. Privacy

 

(a) You consent to the Employer collecting, using and disclosing your personal information, as defined in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), for any purpose relating to your employment.

 

(b) You consent to the Employer disclosing your personal information to third parties where necessary for reasons relating to your employment or the conduct and administration of the Employer’s business. Third parties may include the Australian Tax Office, Australian Securities and Investments Commission, superannuation fund trustees and administrators, the Employer’s financial and legal advisers and law enforcement bodies. A third party may also be another company within the corporate group of which the Employer is a member.

 

 
10. Policies

 

(a) Policies may be updated, varied or amended by the Employer from time to time.

 

(b) You must comply with the duties and obligations imposed on you under all Policies during your employment, including under a Policy that is updated, varied or amended.

 

(c) Consequences of a breach of a Policy by you may constitute serious misconduct and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of your employment.

 

(d) You acknowledge that;

 

(1) no Policy forms part of these Terms unless expressly agreed in writing between you and the Employer; and

 

(2) this clause is not intended to create any binding obligations on the Employer to provide you with any benefits conferred on you under any Policy.

 

(e) In the event of any inconsistency between these Terms and a Policy, these Terms will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

 

 

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11. Social Media

 

(a) During your participation in Social Media activity in your personal time you must not make reference to your employment or association with the Employer or make comments or include content about the Employer. You will be held responsible for your conduct online if in the opinion of the Employer your conduct online harms the reputation or interests of the Employer or has the potential to harm the reputation or interests of the Employer.

 

(b) You authorise, acknowledge, consent and agree:

 

(1) to assign (and agree to assign) to the Employer from time to time throughout your employment, ownership of any Social Media account (including LinkedIn and Facebook) registered in your name for the benefit of the Employer and operated by you, which involves the use of the Employer’s information technology resources (including computers, networks or smart phones);

 

(2) to submit to, and cooperate with, any audit conducted by the Employer of any Social Media accounts operated by you (such as LinkedIn and Facebook), either registered in the Employer’s name and/or your name but only for the Employers benefit, including by delivering to the Employer or its authorised representative, without any further demand, any and all usernames and passwords associated with any such Social Media account, where the Employer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that any applicable law, policy of the Employer or these Terms, is being, or has been, breached (Audit);

 

(3) deliver to the Employer or its authorised representative, without any further demand, any and all usernames and passwords associated with any Social Media accounts operated by you on behalf of the Employer (such as LinkedIn and Facebook), and registered in the Employer’s name and/or your name for the Employers Benefit, (where it involves the use of the Employer’s information technology resources (including computers, networks or smart phones)), upon termination of your employment (regardless of the reason of the termination), for the purpose of conducting an Audit;

 

(4) that the post-termination and non-compete obligations set out in clause 7 apply equally to any conduct or threatened conduct by you on Social Media, including contact through Social Media.

 

 
12. Survival

 

For the avoidance of doubt, any clause which by its nature is intended to survive termination of your employment survives termination of your employment and these Terms, including clause 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11.

 

 
13. Applicable Law

 

The Employer is required to observe certain minimum employment entitlements, including those arising under any modern award (if applicable). However, even though reference is made to certain award-related and legislative entitlements throughout the Terms and the Letter of Offer, no modern award, nor any other applicable industrial instrument or legislation (if applicable), are incorporated into these Terms.

 

 

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14. Complying with Terms, Rules, Regulations and Legal Requirements

 

(a) These Terms will apply to your employment with the Employer whether you sign these Terms or not.

 

(b) The Employer reserves the right to update these Terms from time to time and subject to your acceptance, the updated Terms will apply to your employment with the Employer. You should ensure that you regularly read and understand the current version of the Terms. Contact your manager to gain access to the Terms.

 

(c) You must abide by all rules, regulations and legal requirements of the Employer. To safeguard against breaching this requirement, you should read and review the relevant policy and procedures manual and operating guidelines regularly, and if still in doubt you should seek the advice of your manager.

 

 
15. General

 

(a) These Terms constitutes the entire agreement between the parties about its subject matter and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings or agreements between the parties on the subject matter.

 

(b) These Terms are governed by the law in force in New South Wales.

 

(c) Each party irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales and courts of appeal from them. Each party waives any right it has to object to an action being brought in those courts, to claim that the action has been brought in an inconvenient forum or to claim that those courts do not have jurisdiction.

 

(d) A party may exercise a right, power or remedy at its discretion and separately or concurrently with another right, power or remedy. A single or partial exercise of a right, power or remedy by a party does not prevent a further exercise of that or of any other right, power or remedy. Failure by a party to exercise or delay in exercising a right, power or remedy does not prevent its exercise. Further, a waiver of a right under these Terms does not prevent the exercise of any other right.

 

(e) If a court decides that part of these Terms is invalid or unenforceable, that part of the Terms will be modified (if possible) so that it is enforceable. If that part cannot be modified, it will be severed and the rest of the Terms will continue to operate.

 

(f) The Parent Company unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the due and punctual:

 

(1) performance and observance by the Employer of all Guaranteed Obligations; and

 

(2) payment by the Employer of any money.

 

(g) If a breach occurs and is subsisting, the Parent Company will on demand made on it by the Employee:

 

(1) duly and punctually perform the Guaranteed Obligations; and

 

(2) duly and punctually pay to the Employee any money.

 

 

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(h) The Employee is not required to:

 

(1) take any steps to enforce its rights under these Terms; or

 

(2) incur any expense or make any payment,

 

(3) before enforcing its rights against the Parent Company under these Terms.

 

(i) If you are a new employee, you acknowledge receipt from the Employer of a Fair Work Information Statement. However, the Fair Work Information Statement does not form part of these Terms.

 

 
16. Definitions

 

Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) Client means any Person, contractor, firm, unit trust or company or other organisation which at any time during the continuance of your employment was a client, referrer of clients, supplier, adviser or customer of the Employer or a Related Entity.

 

(b) Competitor means any business which sells, markets, supplies or otherwise promotes goods or services the same as or substantially similar to those sold, marketed, supplied or otherwise promoted by the Employer or a Related Entity, either now or in the future.

 

(c) Confidential Information includes all information of the Employer which has been specifically designated as confidential by the Employer, any patents (actual or pending), all trade secrets, formulas, designs and the like relating to the business affairs of the Employer, or any of its related entities, or any of their customers or clients or suppliers, or any person whose confidential information you access or obtain as a result of your employment. Without limitation, this includes any information concerning confidential know-how, clients lists, customer lists, supplier lists, information about tenders and proposals, information about products and services in development, business plans, sales plans, marketing plans, administration files, accounts, prospects, research, management, financing, products, inventions, designs, suppliers, clients, customers, management information systems, computer systems, processes and any data base, data surveys, specifications, drawings, records, reports, software or other documents, material or other information whether in writing or otherwise of or concerning the Employer, or any of its related entities, or any of their clients, customers or suppliers to which you have had access. This also includes any confidential information which you obtain for or from any third party under the terms of any confidentiality agreement, and any other information which relates to the commercial and financial activities of the Employer, the unauthorised disclosure of administration matters which would embarrass, harm or prejudice the Employer but does not extend to information already in the public domain unless such information arrived there by unauthorised means.

 

(d) Employer means SharonAI Pty Ltd (ACN 645 215 194).

 

(e) Guaranteed Obligations means every obligation on the part of the Employer (whether alone or not) which at any time arises under or in connection with these Terms including the payment or reimbursement of any costs, expenses, liabilities, losses or damages.

 

(f) Job Description means any document or description given by the Employer which details without limitation the work or collection of duties and tasks that may comprise the day-to-day functions of your role and may be varied by the Employer from time to time in its absolute discretion.

 

 

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(g) Letter of Offer means the letter from the Employer to you dated 01/07/24 attached to the Terms.

 

(h) Liquidity Event means:

 

(1) a successful initial public offering of shares in the Employer; and/or

 

(2) the entry by the shareholders of the Employer into an unconditional contract for a trade sale of all of the assets of the Employer.

 

(i) Listing Event means the admission of the entire share capital of the Employer, or any special purpose vehicle incorporated for that purpose, to the official list of the Stock Exchange.

 

(j) Moral Rights has the meaning given to it in the Copyright Right Act 1968 (Cth) as amended from time to time.

 

(k) Parent Company means SharonAI Inc or any subsequent parent company

 

(l) Person means any person, firm, unit trust, partnership, company or other organisation.

 

(m) Policy means any policy, employee handbook, practice or guideline of the Employer, whether extracted in these Terms or not, and as varied or amended from time to time by the Employer.

 

(n) Related Body Corporate means any body corporate which is deemed to be related to the Employer by virtue of section 9 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

 

(o) Related Entities means any entity connected with the Employer by an interest in a common economic enterprise, including the Parent Company, a Related Body Corporate of the Employer and Related Entity means any one of them;

 

(p) Social Media means internet-based sites and services, including but not limited to, blogging and micro blogging websites such as Twitter; social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram; professional networking sites such as LinkedIn; video and photo sharing websites such as YouTube, Instagram and Flickr; forums and discussion boards such as Google Groups and any other internet-based sites and services that would reasonably fall within the common understanding of the umbrella term “Social Media”, including as they develop in the future.

 

(q) Stock Exchange means the Australian Stock Exchange Limited or any recognised stock exchange approved by the Majority Shareholder.

 

(r) Terms means the contract of employment constituted by these terms and conditions of employment and the Letter of Offer, as amended or updated from time to time.

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.14

 

 

 

14/10/24

 

Andrew Leece

4 Palm Beach Road

Palm Beach NSW 2108

 

Dear Nick,

 

Employment offer with SharonAI Pty Ltd (ACN 645 215 194) (Employer)

 

We are delighted to make you an offer of employment.

 

This letter sets out particulars of our offer of employment. If you accept this offer of employment your employment contract (Contract) will be set out in:

 

1. the terms of this letter;

 

2. the terms of employment (Terms), a copy of which is attached.

 

Please consider the terms of this letter and the attached document very carefully. The proposed Terms contain various undertakings on your part with respect to confidential information and post-termination conduct, in the event that your employment with us ends. Accordingly, it is important that you take the time required to carefully read all the documents and take independent legal advice if there is any aspect that is unclear to you.

 

Whilst you will be employed by SharonAI Pty Ltd, SharonAI Pty Ltd’s parent company SharonAI Inc has agreed to guarantee particular obligations of SharonAI Pty Ltd in respect of your employment and accordingly, Sharon AI Inc is a party to this Contract to the extent of the guarantee provided.

 

Should you wish to accept this offer of employment, you must:

 

(a) initial each page of the Terms;

 

(b) sign a counterpart of this letter where indicated; and

 

(c) deliver the initialled Terms and the counterpart signed copy of this letter to us within 7 days of the date of this letter.

 

 

2

 

The particulars of our offer of employment are as follows:

 

1. Job title/role You are employed as COO, on a full basis.
2. Commencement date The commencement date for your employment was 01/07/24.
3. Job description Your duties will include the duties set out in your Job Description and other such duties determined by the Employer from time to time.
4. Supervisor You will report to the Chief Executive Officer however the Employer may vary reporting lines at its discretion.
5. Remuneration

You will be paid an annual base salary of $300,000.00 (Annual Salary).

 

Subject to the Terms, this is the total remuneration paid to you.

6. Review of Annual Salary

The Annual Salary may be reviewed on the occurrence of a Listing Event or Liquidity Event (Review).

 

The Review (and any increase to the Annual Salary) is subject to several factors, including:

 

(a)

your performance;

 

(b)

the performance of the Employer; and

 

(c)

current market conditions.

 

For the avoidance of any doubt, the Employer is under no obligation to increase the Annual Salary, as part of any Review, and your Annual Salary may remain the same.

7. Discretionary bonus scheme You may be eligible to participate in the Employer’s discretionary bonus scheme, in accordance with the rules of that scheme, as amended from time to time (Bonus Scheme). The Bonus Scheme which may be in place from time to time may be modified or withdrawn at the sole discretion of the Employer. For the avoidance of any doubt, your participation in any Bonus Scheme does not guarantee that any bonus will be paid to you.
8. Discretionary Offer of Shares You may be eligible to participate in the Employer’s discretionary share scheme, in accordance with the rules of that scheme, as amended from time to time (Share Scheme). The Share Scheme which may be in place from time to time may be modified or withdrawn at the sole discretion of the Employer. For the avoidance of any doubt, your participation in any such Share Scheme does not guarantee that any shares, under the Share Scheme, will be allotted to you.
9. Pay day Currently on the 15th day of each month but may change from time to time.

 

 

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10. Location of work Your location of work is either Sydney or North Sydney, New South Wales or any other location as the Employer may require from time to time on a temporary or permanent basis. You will be allowed to work from home (WFH) in accordance with the workload and requirements of your role.
11. Superannuation In addition to the Annual Salary, you will receive superannuation contributions in line with the minimum compulsory contribution rate required to be paid by the Employer, in accordance with applicable legislation.
12. Hours of work

Your hours of work are made up of 40 hours per week (inclusive of reasonable additional hours as are necessary for the proper performance of your duties) (Work Hours).

 

You are required to perform the Work five (5) days per week on Monday to Friday (inclusive).

 

You may be required to work other reasonable additional hours, in addition to the Work Hours, from time to time, including outside the abovementioned start and finish times, and days, as appropriate.

 

Subject to the Terms, the Annual Salary is deemed to cover payment for the overall performance of the job.

13. Probationary period

Six (6) months commencing from the commencement date as set out in item 2 of these particulars of employment unless waived in writing by the Company.

 
Please refer to clause 2.2 of the Terms.

14. Annual leave & long service leave You are entitled to statutory annual leave and long service leave entitlements.
15. Paid personal/carers leave (including sick leave) You are entitled to statutory personal/carers leave (including sick leave).
16. Unpaid parental leave (including maternity leave) You are entitled to statutory unpaid parental leave (including maternity leave).
17. Terms and conditions The attached terms and conditions form part of your employment contract with the Employer.

 

The National Employment Standards (NES) which govern the majority of employees commenced on 1 January 2010. The NES are minimum entitlements which are intended to apply to all private sector employees regardless of whether they are covered by a modern award, agreement or contract. The 10 matters covered by the NES include:

 

maximum weekly hours of work;

 

requests for flexible working arrangements;

 

parental leave;

 

annual leave;

 

personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave;

 

 

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community service leave;

 

long service leave;

 

public holidays;

 

notice of termination or redundancy pay; and

 

the provision of a Fair Work Information Statement to employees.

 

Please find enclosed a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement. It contains information about the NES, modern awards, agreement-making, the right to freedom of association, termination of employment, individual flexibility arrangements, rights of entry, transfer of business, and the respective roles of the Fair Work Commission and the Fair Work Ombudsman.

 

If any term of this employment contract is less favourable to you than the National Employment Standards, the National Employment Standards will prevail over the term to the extent that the term is less favourable. However, the NES does not form part of, and are not incorporated into, these Terms.

 

Yours faithfully

SharonAI Pty Ltd

 

Encl

 

I hereby accept the above terms and conditions of employment with the Employer:

 

/s/ Andrew Leece   14/10/2024
Signature   Date

 

SIGNED for and behalf of SHARONAI PTY LTD ACN 645 215 194
by an authorised representative:

   
     
/s/ Andrew Leece   Andrew Leece
Signature of authorised representative  

Name of authorised representative (please print)

 

EXECUTED by SHARONAI INC
by its authorised signatory:

   
     
/s/ Wolf Schubert    
Signature of signatory    
     
Wolf Schubert    
Name of signatory (please print)    

 

 

 

 

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd

 

(the Employer)

 
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
 

 

1. Corporate Structure   1
       
2. Period of Employment   1
  2.1 Letter of Offer and acceptance   1
  2.2 Probation   1
  2.3 Following probationary period   1
         
3. Your Responsibilities   1
  3.1 Duties and responsibilities of Employees   1
  3.2 Job Description and job directions   2
  3.3 Operational requirements of the Employer and working conditions   2
  3.4 Other employment   2
  3.5 Confidentiality   2
  3.6 Secrecy   3
  3.7 Media and other communications   3
  3.8 Monitoring and surveillance/Information technology   3
  3.9 Pecuniary interests   3
  3.10 Ability to perform duties   4
  3.11 Work rights   4
  3.12 Medical examination   4
         
4. Employee Benefits   4
  4.1 Annual leave   4
  4.2 Long service leave   5
  4.3 Paid personal/carers leave (including sick leave)   5
  4.4 Parental leave and compassionate leave   5
  4.5 Community service leave   5
  4.6 Family and domestic violence leave   6
  4.7 Public holidays   6
         
5. Remuneration   6
  5.1 All entitlements included   6
  5.2 Expenses   6
  5.3 Salary sacrifice   7
         
6. Ending (Terminating) the Employment   7
  6.1 By the Employee   7
  6.2 By the Employer upon giving notice   7
  6.3 By the Employer for proper cause   7
  6.4 Stand down   8
  6.5 Suspension   8
  6.6 Documents and other property of the Employer   8
  6.7 Resignation of directorships   9
  6.8 Authorised deductions   9
  6.9 Non disparagement and representations   10
  6.10 Gardening leave   10

 

 

 

 

7. Restrictive Covenants after Termination of Employment   11
  7.1 Post termination restraint and non compete   11
  7.2 Damages for restraint   12
  7.3 Definitions   12
         
8. Ownership of Intellectual Property   13
  8.1 Ownership of Intellectual Property   13
  8.2 Moral Rights   14
         
9. Privacy   14
       
10. Policies   14
       
11. Social Media   15
       
12. Survival   15
       
13. Applicable Law   15
       
14. Complying with Terms, Rules, Regulations and Legal Requirements   16
       
15. General   16
       
16. Definitions   17

 

 

1

 

 
1. Corporate Structure

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd (ACN 645 215 194) is the Employer. SharonAI Inc is the parent company of the Employer and guarantees particular obligations of the Employer in respect of your employment.

 

 
2. Period of Employment

 

2.1 Letter of Offer and acceptance

 

Should you accept the offer of employment made in the Letter of Offer, your contract of employment with the Employer will comprise the Letter of Offer and these Terms. Acceptance of the employment offer made in the Letter of Offer is subject to your acceptance of these Terms.

 

2.2 Probation

 

(a) If your initial employment is subject to a probationary period:

 

(1) during the probationary period, either party may terminate these Terms by giving to the other one (1) week’s notice in writing or in the case of the Employer paying one (1) week’s wages in lieu of notice;

 

(2) the Employer may extend the probationary period set out in the Letter of Offer for a reasonable period (of which you will be advised in writing).

 

(b) For the avoidance of any doubt, no notice is required under clause 2.2 if the Employer terminates your employment for proper cause under clause 6.3.

 

2.3 Following probationary period

 

Following expiration of any probationary period, subject to neither party exercising the rights to terminate these Terms under clause 2.2, your employment is confirmed and may be terminated only under clause 6.

 

 
3. Your Responsibilities

 

3.1 Duties and responsibilities of Employees

 

You must:

 

(a) well and faithfully serve the Employer and use your best endeavours to promote the interest and welfare of the Employer;

 

(b) preserve and enhance the goodwill, business and reputation of the Employer and any Related Entity;

 

(c) comply with all laws that are relevant to the work performed under these Terms;

 

(d) if required, in pursuance of your duties, undertake work not only for the Employer but also for any Related Entity, as the Employer may from time to time require; and

 

(e) not bind or attempt to bind the Employer or any Related Entity to any agreement except as authorised by these Terms. You agree to indemnify the Employer or any Related Entity in respect of all unauthorised representations or agreements that you make and for which you do not have any express authority.

 

 

2

 

3.2 Job Description and job directions

 

Your duties include the duties set out in your Job Description and such other duties as the Employer may require from time to time. You must carry out your duties, efficiently and diligently, in accordance with such lawful orders, instructions and directions as the Employer may from time to time reasonably and lawfully give to you.

 

3.3 Operational requirements of the Employer and working conditions

 

The Employer retains the right to change your position, your location of work, your Job Description, your duties the operational procedures of the Employer and working conditions of employees, at any time, to bring about any structural or administrative change to the business of the Employer or provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees.

 

3.4 Other employment

 

You must not engage or be concerned (either directly or indirectly and either alone or jointly) in any capacity with any Person, including employment, consultancy or agency, which is in any way related to the business of the Employer including for a Competitor, unless you first obtain the consent in writing of the Employer.

 

3.5 Confidentiality

 

(a) You must not, during or after the period of your employment with the Employer, except in the proper course of your duties or as permitted by the Employer in writing or as required by law, use for your own benefit or gain, divulge to any person, firm, company or other organisation whatsoever, or use any trade secret or any Confidential Information belonging to the Employer including but not limited to information regarding:

 

(1) the business or financial arrangements or position of the Employer or any Related Entity of the Employer;

 

(2) without limiting the generality of clause 3.5(a)(1), any computer programs, templates, patterns, models or designs created by you during the course of your employment with the Employer or otherwise, technical data, trade secrets, business processes or corporate information, financial information, manuals or computer software and know-how;

 

(3) details of suppliers of the Employer or any Related Entity, including details of the agreements and arrangements with suppliers;

 

(4) details of Clients of the Employer or any Related Entity including client relationship details, client files and client lists;

 

(5) any of the dealings, transactions or affairs of the Employer or any Related Entity of the Employer.

 

(b) You must, during and following the period of your employment with the Employer, use your best endeavours to prevent the publication, use or disclosure of any such trade secret or Confidential Information.

 

(c) Any Confidential Information which is disclosed by you in accordance with these Terms, must only be done to the limited extent it is necessary, to Persons who:

 

(1) have been approved by the Employer, to receive such information;

 

(2) are aware and agree that the Confidential Information must be kept confidential; and

 

(3) sign and agree to be bound by the terms of any confidentiality agreement, as may be required by the Employer to be signed, from time to time.

 

 

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(d) If you are uncertain about whether information is Confidential Information, you must immediately ask your supervisor or the Employer. Until you receive an answer, you must treat that information as Confidential Information.

 

(e) Upon the termination of your employment with the Employer, you must not:

 

(1) represent yourself as being in any way connected with or interested in the business of the Employer; or

 

(2) at any time without the written authority of the Employer, divulge to any person any information in connection with the Employer or any of the businesses or customers or Clients of the Employer which you may have acquired during your employment.

 

(f) You acknowledge that a breach of this clause may cause the Employer or any Related Entity (whichever is applicable) irreparable damage for which monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy. Accordingly, in addition to other remedies, the Employer or any Related Entity (whichever is applicable) may seek and obtain injunctive relief against such a breach or threatened breach.

 

(g) You will fully indemnify the Employer in respect of any and all loss, damage, claims, liability, cost and expenses, of any kind, suffered or incurred by the Employer as a result of your breach of this clause, in any way, including, but not limited to, any disclosure by you of any Confidential Information to any Person(s), other than is authorised under these Terms.

 

3.6 Secrecy

 

To the extent permitted by law, you agree not to disclose the content of these Terms (other than the remuneration provisions) to any third party whatsoever except for the purpose of obtaining legal advice or compliance with the obligations of a party under any legislation.

 

3.7 Media and other communications

 

Unless expressly authorised by the Employer in writing you are prohibited from dealing with the media of whatever kind and are not authorised to give details regarding the Employer or its operations.

 

3.8 Monitoring and surveillance/Information technology

 

As a condition of using the Employer’s communication and information technology systems you consent to the Employer carrying out continuous monitoring, recording and surveillance of all communications, and all use of, information technology systems and electronic resources (including telephone conversations, emails and internet access) in the course of your employment and when using resources of the Employer outside work.

 

3.9 Pecuniary interests

 

You must not have any direct or indirect pecuniary interests that would in the reasonable opinion of the Employer in any way compromise the performance of your duties under these Terms. In particular, you must not hold any position for monetary or other reward which would conflict with your responsibilities to the Employer or cause loss, detriment or embarrassment to the Employer.

 

 

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3.10 Ability to perform duties

 

(a) You warrant to the Employer that there are no limitations on your ability to fully perform all of your duties and responsibilities for the Employer, including limitations arising from any medical restrictions or any prior employment.

 

(b) You warrant to the Employer that you are able to perform the physical requirements and any other inherent requirements of the position. You consent to providing the Employer with all information (in writing and prior to signing these Terms) regarding any medical restrictions that may affect your ability to perform the position. The purpose of the Employer obtaining this information is to determine that you are able to safely perform the duties of this position and other related purposes.

 

(c) You warrant to the Employer that you will not breach continuing obligations arising from any prior employment in the performance of your duties and responsibilities for the Employer, including confidentiality obligations.

 

(d) You warrant to the Employer that any information provided by you to the Employer prior to signing these Terms is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.

 

(e) Any breach of the provisions contained in this clause will constitute grounds for immediate termination of your employment.

 

3.11 Work rights

 

Your ongoing employment is conditional on you having the right to work in Australia at all times during your employment. The Employer may require you to provide documents evidencing your right to work in Australia.

 

3.12 Medical examination

 

(a) If you suffer from or the Employer reasonably believes that you suffer from an illness or injury of any type and the Employer believes that work health and safety risks may arise as a result of you performing work, the Employer may require you to attend a medical examination to determine the extent of such risks (if any).

 

(b) You consent to the doctor conducting such a medical examination and providing a medical report and any other information to the Employer. You also agree to sign any medical authority that a medical practitioner may require before releasing information to the Employer.

 

 
4. Employee Benefits

 

4.1 Annual leave

 

(a) You are entitled to annual leave in accordance with the relevant legislation and any applicable modern award (if any).

 

(b) Annual leave may be taken for a period agreed between you and the Employer.

 

(c) The Employer may not grant annual leave during peak business times, and you agree that any refusal by the Employer to grant you leave during these times is reasonable.

 

(d) The Employer may require you to take paid annual leave in particular circumstances, including during all or part of any annual shutdown period of the Employer.

 

 

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4.2 Long service leave

 

You are entitled to long service leave in accordance with the relevant legislation.

 

4.3 Paid personal/carers leave (including sick leave)

 

(a) You are entitled to paid personal/carers leave (including sick leave) in accordance with the relevant legislation, and the policies and procedures of the Employer. Currently, that entitlement is ten (10) days for each year of service (which accrues progressively during a year of service according to your ordinary hours of work).

 

(b) If you have not used all of your allowed personal leave and if you are absent from work on account of personal illness or on account of injury by accident you shall be entitled to leave of absence without deduction of pay subject to the following conditions and limitations:

 

(1) you shall not be entitled to paid leave of absence for any period in respect of which you are entitled to worker’s compensation payments;

 

(2) you shall as soon as reasonably practicable and prior to the ordinary hours of the first day or shift of such absence, telephone the Employer to advise of your inability to attend for duty and as far as practicable state the nature of the injury or illness and the estimated duration of the absence; and

 

(3) you must prove to the satisfaction of the Employer that you were unable on account of such illness or injury to attend for duty on the day or days for which sick leave is claimed.

 

(c) If you have exhausted your paid personal leave entitlements under this clause and you comply with the relevant statutory notice requirements, you are entitled to an additional two days’ unpaid carer’s leave per occasion in the event of illness or injury of, or an unexpected emergency affecting, an immediate family member or member of your household. The two days’ unpaid carer’s leave must be taken consecutively unless otherwise agreed between you and the Employer.

 

(d) If you need (or needed) to take personal leave (paid or unpaid) in accordance with this clause, you must notify the Employer of the need as soon as practicable. The Employer reserves the right to require you to submit a medical certificate or statutory declaration for any personal leave you take (paid or unpaid) in accordance with the relevant legislation as amended from time to time.

 

(e) For the purpose of this employment contract, immediate family means your spouse (including former, defacto and former defacto) or child, parent, grandparent, grandchild or sibling of you or your spouse.

 

(f) For the avoidance of any doubt, you are not entitled to be paid out any accrued but untaken personal/carer’s leave on termination of your employment with the Employer.

 

4.4 Parental leave and compassionate leave

 

The Employer will grant parental leave and compassionate leave in accordance with the relevant legislation, and the policies and procedures of the Employer.

 

4.5 Community service leave

 

You will be entitled to community service leave in accordance with the relevant legislation as amended from time to time.

 

 

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4.6 Family and domestic violence leave

 

You will be entitled to paid family and domestic violence leave in accordance with the relevant legislation as amended from time to time.

 

4.7 Public holidays

 

(a) You are entitled to all public holidays as proclaimed without loss of pay, where the public holiday falls on a day on which you would normally be required to work.

 

(b) Where there is a need for work to be performed on a public holiday, the Company may request that you attend work. You may only refuse the request if you have reasonable grounds for doing so.

 

 
5. Remuneration

 

5.1 All entitlements included

 

(a) You acknowledge and agree that the totality of the remuneration payable under these Terms, however described (Total Remuneration) compensates you for all work performed and includes all payments and benefits the Employer is legally obliged to provide.

 

(b) You acknowledge that your Total Remuneration is inclusive of a basic rate of pay that is at least equal to the minimum rate under a modern award or the national minimum wage, whichever is applicable to you, for each hour worked including but not limited to, reasonable additional hours, entitlements to payment on breaks, overtime rates, loadings (including but not limited to annual leave loading and shift loading), penalty rates, allowances and any other entitlement which may be or become due to you under any relevant modern award, industrial agreement or statute that may apply to you.

 

(c) For the avoidance of any doubt, the Total Remuneration is specifically set-off against, applies to and absorbs any minimum entitlements or other benefits that you are or may become entitled to for work performed during any and all pay periods, including but not limited to, any minimum wages or pay rates, entitlements to payment on breaks, overtime rates, loadings (including but not limited to annual leave loading and shift loading), penalty rates, allowances and any other entitlement which may be or become due to you under any relevant modern award, industrial agreement or statute that may apply to you.

 

(d) If at any time you are entitled to any payment or other benefit as a consequence of the employment, whether under any relevant modern award, industrial agreement or statute, you agree that the payment or benefit is calculated at the applicable minimum rate of pay in the industrial agreement, any relevant modern award or statute.

 

(e) You will not be paid less than the amount that you would otherwise be entitled to receive under any applicable modern award, industrial agreement or statute.

 

5.2 Expenses

 

You shall be entitled to reimbursement of such expenses that are incurred by you, with the prior written consent of the Employer, in performing your duties under these Terms. For the avoidance of any doubt, evidence of such expenses (such as original receipts) is required before any reimbursement will be made to you.

 

 

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5.3 Salary sacrifice

 

Subject to any legal requirements, you may request to salary sacrifice a portion of your pre-tax Total Remuneration including, for example, by requesting that the Employer pays a portion of your pre-tax Remuneration into your nominated superannuation fund or applies it against payments for a motor vehicle.

 

 
6. Ending (Terminating) the Employment

 

6.1 By the Employee

 

You may terminate your employment with the Employer by giving three (3) months notice in writing to the Employer.

 

6.2 By the Employer upon giving notice

 

(a) The Employer may terminate your employment by giving three (3) months notice in writing or payment in lieu of notice.

 

6.3 By the Employer for proper cause

 

(a) The Employer may terminate these Terms at any time without prior notice if you:

 

(1) commit any serious or persistent breach of any of the provisions of these Terms;

 

(2) are guilty of any serious misconduct or wilful neglect in the discharge of your duties;

 

(3) become of unsound mind;

 

(4) are convicted of any criminal offence other than an offence which in the reasonable opinion of the Employer does not affect your position as employee of the Employer;

 

(5) breach the alcohol and drug policy of the Employer while performing your duties; or

 

(6) do anything which would justify summary dismissal at common law.

 

(b) Serious misconduct for the purposes of clause 6.3(a)(2) which will result in instant dismissal includes any of the following:

 

(1) physical violence or fighting, provoked or otherwise;

 

(2) wilful misuse of or damage to the property of the Employer;

 

(3) failure to observe safety rules;

 

(4) unauthorised possession of the property of the Employer;

 

(5) possession, consumption or being under the influence of illicit drugs on or off the premises of the Employer during working hours including meal breaks;

 

(6) refusal to perform work assigned in accordance with your Job Description, unless such refusal is lawful;

 

(7) serious breaches of the policies of the Employer;

 

(8) wilful disobedience;

 

(9) abandonment of employment;

 

 

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(10) dishonesty;

 

(11) sexual harassment;

 

(12) criminal conduct whether inside or outside the workplace;

 

(13) being convicted with a serious criminal offence, resulting in a custodial sentence;

 

(14) any conduct, which results in serious physical harm to a fellow employee, customer, Client, third party or agent of the Employer;

 

(15) engaging in deliberate conduct which has the potential, in the opinion of the Employer, to seriously compromise in any way the safety of any employees, customers, Client, third parties or agents of the Employer;

 

(16) any wilful conduct, actions or communications which are likely to materially damage the business or the reputation of the Employer or the reputation of any officer of the Employer including making any such written or verbal communication or statement by a medium including radio, television, internet, chat room, email, website or otherwise; and

 

(17) use or conversion for your own benefit of any money, information or property belonging to the Employer or any of its customers, or assist any others in such behaviour.

 

6.4 Stand down

 

(a) The Employer has the right to stand you down without pay for any day you cannot do your usual work for any reason, including any strike, breakdown in machinery or circumstances outside the Employer’s control such as pandemics or other natural disasters.

 

6.5 Suspension

 

(a) The Employer may suspend you, with or without pay, while investigating any matter that the Employer reasonably believes could lead to the Employer exercising its rights to terminate your employment or taking other disciplinary action against you.

 

(b) During any period of suspension, the Employer is not required to provide you with any work, and the Employer may:

 

(1) restrict your access to the Employer’s premises;

 

(2) require you to return any property of the Employer, including any Confidential Information;

 

(3) restrict your ability to access the Employer’s computer systems; and/or

 

(4) require that you have no access or contact with the Employer’s Clients, suppliers or employees.

 

6.6 Documents and other property of the Employer

 

(a) Upon termination of your employment (regardless of the reason for the termination) without any further demand, you must deliver to the Employer or any Related Entity, or its authorised representative:

 

(1) all computer discs, tapes, documents, records, notebooks, and similar repositories of Confidential Information, in your possession or control relating in any way to any Confidential Information, trade secrets, or the business or affairs of the Employer or any Related Entity; and

 

(2) any property of the Employer or any Related Entity, to which the Employer or any Related Entity has an entitlement to possession.

 

 

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(b) You are not entitled to retain a copy of a document referred to in clause 6.6(a).

 

(c) If you have in your possession information or data belonging to the Employer or any Related Entity which is recorded on any computer, mobile phone or any medium such that it is not capable of delivery to the Employer, or any Related Entity, you must advise the Employer of that fact and, subject to the right of the Employer or any Related Entity to obtain a copy of that information or data, erase that information or data so that it cannot be accessed, retrieved or reconstructed.

 

(d) You must provide to the Employer reasonable access to the devices outlined in clause 6.6(c) for the Company to confirm that all property of the Employer and confidential information has been removed or deleted.

 

6.7 Resignation of directorships

 

(a) If on the termination of your employment you are a director or other officer of the Employer or another Related Entity you must resign as a director or officer of that Employer or Related Entity as soon as practicable after the termination of your employment.

 

(b) You irrevocably appoint the Secretary of the Employer, or any other employee nominated by the Employer or the Related Entities, as attorney to sign any documents required to give effect to your resignation from your position as director or officer as described in clause 6.7(a).

 

(c) If your employment is terminated and you resign as a director or other officer, as contemplated in clause 6.7(a), you have no entitlement to any compensation for the loss of that office.

 

(d) In the event the Company fails to process your resignation within 14 days, The Company irrevocably appoints you as its attorney to sign any documents required to give effect to your resignation from your position as director or officer as described in clause 6.7(a), and the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer or Company Secretary or other such member of the Board to replace your role as director or other officer.

 

6.8 Authorised deductions

 

(a) If you receive a remuneration payment in excess of the amount owing to you in any one pay period, you authorise the Employer to make appropriate deductions from your remuneration payment in the next pay period or agreed number of pay periods immediately following discovery of overpayment.

 

(b) The Employer may deduct from any amounts owing to you on termination of your employment:

 

(1) any amounts whatsoever owing by you to the Employer from time to time;

 

(2) any compensation for unreturned property of the Employer or any Related Entity; and

 

(3) if you fail to give the required notice of termination under these Terms, the amount that you would have been paid in respect of the period of notice less any period of notice actually given by you.

 

 

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(c) You acknowledge and agree that any such deductions are at your direction, are reasonable and are principally for your benefit.

 

(d) You agree to execute any such document provided by the Employer from time to time to give effect to this clause including in respect of authorising any such deductions at termination of your employment, or otherwise.

 

6.9 Non disparagement and representations

 

Following the termination of your employment for any reason, you agree not to:

 

(a) make representations that you are in any way connected with the business of the Employer or any Related Entity; and

 

(b) disparage the Employer or any Related Entity and any directors, managers or employees of the Employer or any Related Entity, in any way, whatsoever.

 

6.10 Gardening leave

 

(a) If at any time either party gives notice of termination pursuant to these Terms, the Employer may, in its absolute discretion, modify your employment arrangements.

 

(b) Where such modification occurs, during the notice period you:

 

(1) may be required to perform duties which are different to those which you were required to perform during your employment, provided that you have the necessary skill and competence to perform the duties;

 

(2) require you to work through all or part of your notice period;

 

(3) elect to make payment in lieu of all or part of your notice period;

 

(4) may be required to perform no duties at all;

 

(5) may be required not to attend the premises of the Employer, unless expressly requested to do so;

 

(6) may be required not to have dealings with any customers or Clients of the Employer;

 

(7) agree to be reasonably available to the Employer;

 

(8) will remain an employee of the Employer.

 

(c) If you fail to provide the Employer with the required period of notice, the Employer may withhold any payments due to you on termination of your employment to a maximum amount permitted by an applicable modern award or otherwise equivalent to what you would have received had you worked the non-completed part of the required notice period.

 

 

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7. Restrictive Covenants after Termination of Employment

 

7.1 Post termination restraint and non compete

 

(a) You undertake and agree that you will not at any time during the Restraint Period:

 

(1) directly or indirectly approach, canvass, solicit or endeavour to entice away from the Employer or a Related Entity (including through the use of Social Media), the business or custom of any Restrained Client;

 

(2) perform any work or provide any services performed by you in the twelve (12) months preceding the date of termination of your employment for, or on behalf of any Restrained Client;

 

(3) directly or indirectly solicit, induce or encourage any Restrained Client (including through the use of Social Media), to terminate or to not renew any business relationship, contract or arrangement that Person has with the Employer or a Related Entity;

 

(4) directly or indirectly, induce or encourage any director or employee of, or consultant to, the Employer or a Related Entity (including through the use of Social Media), to terminate or to not renew any business relationship, contract or arrangement that Person has with the Employer or a Related Entity whether or not that Person would commit a breach of that Person’s contract;

 

(5) without prior written consent of the Employer directly or indirectly carry on or be engaged, concerned with or interested whether as a shareholder, director, employee, partner, joint venture participant, principal, agent, trustee, consultant, unitholder or otherwise involved in carrying on any business for a Competitor, within the Restraint Area; or

 

(6) counsel, procure or otherwise assist any person to do any of the acts referred to in subclauses 7.1(a)(1)-(5) above.

 

(b) You acknowledge and agree that:

 

(1) Each of the covenants made by you in clause 7.1(a) constitutes a separate and independent restraint imposed on you under these Terms.

 

(2) Should any of the covenants made by you in clause 7.1(a) be, or become, unenforceable, that does not affect the validity or enforceability of the other covenants made under clause 7.1(a).

 

(3) Damages may be inadequate compensation for breach of the obligations contained in this clause and, subject to the Court’s discretion, the Employer may restrain, by an injunction or similar remedy, any conduct or threatened conduct which is or will be in breach of this clause.

 

(c) The restraints in clause 7.1(a) are reasonable and necessary to protect the Employer’s legitimate business interests, including the preservation of its Restrained Client relationships, the goodwill of its business and its Confidential Information.

 

 

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7.2 Damages for restraint

 

(a) Should you breach the provisions of clause 7.1 with respect to competition, then you agree and irrevocably acknowledge that the damages payable by you to the Employer:

 

(1) include damages assessed in accordance with clause 7.2(b); and

 

(2) that such damages represent a genuine pre-estimate of the loss which will be suffered by the Employer as a result of such a breach.

 

(b) Damages payable by you upon breach of the provisions of clause 7.1 shall include:

 

(1) where the Employer has been instructed by the Restrained Client before the breach over a period exceeding twelve (12) months then for an amount equivalent to 75% of the net fees in accounts or services rendered by the Employer for or in respect of that Restrained Client in the twelve (12) months preceding the date upon which you received instructions to act for the Restrained Client; and

 

(2) where the Employer has been instructed by the Restrained Client before the breach over a period not exceeding twelve (12) months then for an amount which in the opinion of the Employer would have been 75% of the amount of net fees in accounts or services rendered by the Employer for or in respect of that Restrained Client in the twelve (12) months preceding the date upon which you received instructions to act for the Restrained Client having regard to the Restrained Client and its/his/her business and the circumstances of the instructions.

 

7.3 Definitions

 

In this clause 7:

 

(a) Restrained Client means any Person:

 

(1) who is or has been a Client, adviser, or customer of the Employer or a Related Entity within twelve (12) months immediately preceding the date of termination of your employment with the Employer and with whom you have had personal contact or dealings (or with whom a person reporting to you has had personal contact or dealings) at any time during the twelve (12) months preceding the date of termination of your employment with the Employer;

 

(2) with whom you have had discussions on behalf of the Employer or a Related Entity, whether concluded or unconcluded, at any time during the twelve (12) months preceding the date of termination of your employment with the Employer, with a view to that Person receiving products or services from the Employer;

 

(3) who has entered into a joint venture agreement with the Employer or a Related Entity regardless of whether you have had personal contact or dealings with that Person at any time during your employment with the Employer; or

 

(4) who has a contractual relationship with the Employer or a Related Entity which in any way benefits the Employer or a Related Entity.

 

 

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(b) Restraint Area means:

 

(1) Australia, or if that area is decided by a court to be unenforceable then;

 

(2) New South Wales, or if that area is decided by a court to be unenforceable, then,

 

(3) Greater metropolitan region of Sydney.

 

(c) Restraint Period means:

 

(1) twelve (12) months commencing on the date of termination of your employment with the Employer, or if that period is decided by a court to be unenforceable, then;

 

(2) nine (9) months commencing on the date of termination of your employment with the Employer, or if that period is decided by a court to be unenforceable, then;

 

(3) six (6) months commencing on the date of termination of your employment with the Employer, or if that period is decided by a court to be unenforceable, then;

 

(4) three (3) months commencing on the date of termination of your employment with the Employer.

 

 
8. Ownership of Intellectual Property

 

8.1 Ownership of Intellectual Property

 

(a) Intellectual Property includes Confidential Information, trade marks, patents, copyright, creations, concepts, formulations, designs, slogans, promotions, techniques, processes, frameworks, diagrams, thinking structures, protocols, models, know-how and other intellectual property rights. It includes all property rights in, or relating to, any information, data, discovery, improvement, design, invention, documentation, business method, computer programming method, software, new or modified procedures or developments or similar and other non-physical property.

 

(b) The Employer owns all Intellectual Property that you may discover, produce or conceive which is related in any way to the Employer’s business (whether or not it can be patented, can be subject to copyright or can be protected in any other way). This includes Intellectual Property discovered, produced or conceived:

 

(1) during employment (whether or not it is during office hours or on the Employer’s premises);

 

(2) after employment has terminated, if it is based on something you worked on or became aware of while employed by the Employer;

 

(3) by using the Employer’s Confidential Information or its resources.

 

(c) You give up any claim to that Intellectual Property and irrevocably assign it to the Employer. You agree to sign and execute all documents and give the Employer any assistance and information required to assign ownership of Intellectual Property in any part of the world for the Employer’s exclusive benefit.

 

(d) You appoint the Employer as your attorney to do anything you are required to do under this clause.

 

(e) You must notify the Employer in writing of any Intellectual Property covered in clause 8.1(b) as and when developed so that the Employer can take the necessary steps to protect its rights in that Intellectual Property.

 

 

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(f) You will return all originals and copies of information to the Employer, including design, documentation, software and material relating to any Intellectual Property, at the Employer’s request or when your employment ends. You must destroy any copies that you cannot return. You agree to confirm in writing that you have complied with this provision.

 

(g) These Intellectual Property provisions apply both during and after the employment relationship ends.

 

8.2 Moral Rights

 

(a) You waive any Moral Rights you have to any Intellectual Property referred to in clause 8.1(a) and (b).

 

(b) You warrant that you have given this consent and undertaking genuinely and without being subjected to any duress by the Employer or any third party, and without relying on any representations other than those expressly set out in these Terms.

 

 
9. Privacy

 

(a) You consent to the Employer collecting, using and disclosing your personal information, as defined in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), for any purpose relating to your employment.

 

(b) You consent to the Employer disclosing your personal information to third parties where necessary for reasons relating to your employment or the conduct and administration of the Employer’s business. Third parties may include the Australian Tax Office, Australian Securities and Investments Commission, superannuation fund trustees and administrators, the Employer’s financial and legal advisers and law enforcement bodies. A third party may also be another company within the corporate group of which the Employer is a member.

 

 
10. Policies

 

(a) Policies may be updated, varied or amended by the Employer from time to time.

 

(b) You must comply with the duties and obligations imposed on you under all Policies during your employment, including under a Policy that is updated, varied or amended.

 

(c) Consequences of a breach of a Policy by you may constitute serious misconduct and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of your employment.

 

(d) You acknowledge that;

 

(1) no Policy forms part of these Terms unless expressly agreed in writing between you and the Employer; and

 

(2) this clause is not intended to create any binding obligations on the Employer to provide you with any benefits conferred on you under any Policy.

 

(e) In the event of any inconsistency between these Terms and a Policy, these Terms will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.

 

 

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11. Social Media

 

(a) During your participation in Social Media activity in your personal time you must not make reference to your employment or association with the Employer or make comments or include content about the Employer. You will be held responsible for your conduct online if in the opinion of the Employer your conduct online harms the reputation or interests of the Employer or has the potential to harm the reputation or interests of the Employer.

 

(b) You authorise, acknowledge, consent and agree:

 

(1) to assign (and agree to assign) to the Employer from time to time throughout your employment, ownership of any Social Media account (including LinkedIn and Facebook) registered in your name for the benefit of the Employer and operated by you, which involves the use of the Employer’s information technology resources (including computers, networks or smart phones);

 

(2) to submit to, and cooperate with, any audit conducted by the Employer of any Social Media accounts operated by you (such as LinkedIn and Facebook), either registered in the Employer’s name and/or your name but only for the Employers benefit, including by delivering to the Employer or its authorised representative, without any further demand, any and all usernames and passwords associated with any such Social Media account, where the Employer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that any applicable law, policy of the Employer or these Terms, is being, or has been, breached (Audit);

 

(3) deliver to the Employer or its authorised representative, without any further demand, any and all usernames and passwords associated with any Social Media accounts operated by you on behalf of the Employer (such as LinkedIn and Facebook), and registered in the Employer’s name and/or your name for the Employers Benefit, (where it involves the use of the Employer’s information technology resources (including computers, networks or smart phones)), upon termination of your employment (regardless of the reason of the termination), for the purpose of conducting an Audit;

 

(4) that the post-termination and non-compete obligations set out in clause 7 apply equally to any conduct or threatened conduct by you on Social Media, including contact through Social Media.

 

 
12. Survival

 

For the avoidance of doubt, any clause which by its nature is intended to survive termination of your employment survives termination of your employment and these Terms, including clause 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11.

 

 
13. Applicable Law

 

The Employer is required to observe certain minimum employment entitlements, including those arising under any modern award (if applicable). However, even though reference is made to certain award-related and legislative entitlements throughout the Terms and the Letter of Offer, no modern award, nor any other applicable industrial instrument or legislation (if applicable), are incorporated into these Terms.

 

 

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14. Complying with Terms, Rules, Regulations and Legal Requirements

 

(a) These Terms will apply to your employment with the Employer whether you sign these Terms or not.

 

(b) The Employer reserves the right to update these Terms from time to time and subject to your acceptance, the updated Terms will apply to your employment with the Employer. You should ensure that you regularly read and understand the current version of the Terms. Contact your manager to gain access to the Terms.

 

(c) You must abide by all rules, regulations and legal requirements of the Employer. To safeguard against breaching this requirement, you should read and review the relevant policy and procedures manual and operating guidelines regularly, and if still in doubt you should seek the advice of your manager.

 

 
15. General

 

(a) These Terms constitutes the entire agreement between the parties about its subject matter and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings or agreements between the parties on the subject matter.

 

(b) These Terms are governed by the law in force in New South Wales.

 

(c) Each party irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales and courts of appeal from them. Each party waives any right it has to object to an action being brought in those courts, to claim that the action has been brought in an inconvenient forum or to claim that those courts do not have jurisdiction.

 

(d) A party may exercise a right, power or remedy at its discretion and separately or concurrently with another right, power or remedy. A single or partial exercise of a right, power or remedy by a party does not prevent a further exercise of that or of any other right, power or remedy. Failure by a party to exercise or delay in exercising a right, power or remedy does not prevent its exercise. Further, a waiver of a right under these Terms does not prevent the exercise of any other right.

 

(e) If a court decides that part of these Terms is invalid or unenforceable, that part of the Terms will be modified (if possible) so that it is enforceable. If that part cannot be modified, it will be severed and the rest of the Terms will continue to operate.

 

(f) The Parent Company unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the due and punctual:

 

(1) performance and observance by the Employer of all Guaranteed Obligations; and

 

(2) payment by the Employer of any money.

 

(g) If a breach occurs and is subsisting, the Parent Company will on demand made on it by the Employee:

 

(1) duly and punctually perform the Guaranteed Obligations; and

 

(2) duly and punctually pay to the Employee any money.

 

 

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(h) The Employee is not required to:

 

(1) take any steps to enforce its rights under these Terms; or

 

(2) incur any expense or make any payment,

 

(3) before enforcing its rights against the Parent Company under these Terms.

 

(i) If you are a new employee, you acknowledge receipt from the Employer of a Fair Work Information Statement. However, the Fair Work Information Statement does not form part of these Terms.

 

 
16. Definitions

 

Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) Client means any Person, contractor, firm, unit trust or company or other organisation which at any time during the continuance of your employment was a client, referrer of clients, supplier, adviser or customer of the Employer or a Related Entity.

 

(b) Competitor means any business which sells, markets, supplies or otherwise promotes goods or services the same as or substantially similar to those sold, marketed, supplied or otherwise promoted by the Employer or a Related Entity, either now or in the future.

 

(c) Confidential Information includes all information of the Employer which has been specifically designated as confidential by the Employer, any patents (actual or pending), all trade secrets, formulas, designs and the like relating to the business affairs of the Employer, or any of its related entities, or any of their customers or clients or suppliers, or any person whose confidential information you access or obtain as a result of your employment. Without limitation, this includes any information concerning confidential know-how, clients lists, customer lists, supplier lists, information about tenders and proposals, information about products and services in development, business plans, sales plans, marketing plans, administration files, accounts, prospects, research, management, financing, products, inventions, designs, suppliers, clients, customers, management information systems, computer systems, processes and any data base, data surveys, specifications, drawings, records, reports, software or other documents, material or other information whether in writing or otherwise of or concerning the Employer, or any of its related entities, or any of their clients, customers or suppliers to which you have had access. This also includes any confidential information which you obtain for or from any third party under the terms of any confidentiality agreement, and any other information which relates to the commercial and financial activities of the Employer, the unauthorised disclosure of administration matters which would embarrass, harm or prejudice the Employer but does not extend to information already in the public domain unless such information arrived there by unauthorised means.

 

(d) Employer means SharonAI Pty Ltd (ACN 645 215 194).

 

(e) Guaranteed Obligations means every obligation on the part of the Employer (whether alone or not) which at any time arises under or in connection with these Terms including the payment or reimbursement of any costs, expenses, liabilities, losses or damages.

 

(f) Job Description means any document or description given by the Employer which details without limitation the work or collection of duties and tasks that may comprise the day-to-day functions of your role and may be varied by the Employer from time to time in its absolute discretion.

 

 

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(g) Letter of Offer means the letter from the Employer to you dated 14/10/24 attached to the Terms.

 

(h) Liquidity Event means:

 

(1) a successful initial public offering of shares in the Employer; and/or

 

(2) the entry by the shareholders of the Employer into an unconditional contract for a trade sale of all of the assets of the Employer.

 

(i) Listing Event means the admission of the entire share capital of the Employer, or any special purpose vehicle incorporated for that purpose, to the official list of the Stock Exchange.

 

(j) Moral Rights has the meaning given to it in the Copyright Right Act 1968 (Cth) as amended from time to time.

 

(k) Parent Company means SharonAI Inc or any subsequent parent company

 

(l) Person means any person, firm, unit trust, partnership, company or other organisation.

 

(m) Policy means any policy, employee handbook, practice or guideline of the Employer, whether extracted in these Terms or not, and as varied or amended from time to time by the Employer.

 

(n) Related Body Corporate means any body corporate which is deemed to be related to the Employer by virtue of section 9 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

 

(o) Related Entities means any entity connected with the Employer by an interest in a common economic enterprise, including the Parent Company, a Related Body Corporate of the Employer and Related Entity means any one of them;

 

(p) Social Media means internet-based sites and services, including but not limited to, blogging and micro blogging websites such as Twitter; social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram; professional networking sites such as LinkedIn; video and photo sharing websites such as YouTube, Instagram and Flickr; forums and discussion boards such as Google Groups and any other internet-based sites and services that would reasonably fall within the common understanding of the umbrella term “Social Media”, including as they develop in the future.

 

(q) Stock Exchange means the Australian Stock Exchange Limited or any recognised stock exchange approved by the Majority Shareholder.

 

(r) Terms means the contract of employment constituted by these terms and conditions of employment and the Letter of Offer, as amended or updated from time to time.

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.15

 

Sharon AI Pty Ltd

L5, 24 Campbell St

Haymarket NSW 2000

ABN: 44 645 215 194

 

 

03/10/2024

 

Daniel Mons

Unit 1, 45 Dansie Street,

Greenslopes QLD, 4121

 

Dear Dan

 

Following our recent discussions, I am pleased to offer you employment in the position and on the basis indicated at Items 1 and 2 in the attached Key Terms Table with the entity listed in in Item 3 of the Key Terms Table (Company).

 

If you accept this offer, this letter, together with the attached Key Terms Table and Terms Sheet will form your employment contract with the Company (Contract).

 

This Contract will apply, in the absence of any new agreement, if in future you work in or are appointed to another position at the Company.

 

If you wish to accept this offer of employment, please sign the enclosed duplicates of this letter, the Key Terms Table and the Term Sheet and return them to me as soon as possible. Please also contact that person if you have any questions about this offer.

 

Please find enclosed:

 

(a) a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement; and

 

(b) the Policy Handbook of the Company (Policy Handbook). The Policy Handbook contains various workplace policies that you should familiarise yourself with. As set out in the Terms Sheet, you must comply with any duties and obligations imposed on you under the Policies but the Policy Handbook does not form part of your Contract. You must return the enclosed acknowledgment of receipt of the Policy Handbook, signed by you, within seven days of the date of this letter.

 

We warmly welcome you to the Company and we look forward to working with you.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Andrew Leece

Director

 

 

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Acceptance of offer of employment

 

I have read this letter, the attached Key Terms Table and the Terms Sheet. I understand and accept the offer of employment made to me by the Company that is set out in those documents.

 

Employee signature  
   
/s/ Daniel Mons  
   
Date  
   
3/10/2024  

 

NOTE: please also sign the attached Key Terms Table and Terms Sheet

 

 

 

 

Sharon AI Pty Ltd

L5, 24 Campbell St

Haymarket NSW 2000

ABN: 44 645 215 194

 

 

KEY TERMS TABLE

 

1. Position Solutions Architect
2. Employment status Full-time
3. Company details Sharon AI Pty Ltd L5, 24 Campbell St, Haymarket NSW 2000
4. Commencement date Your employment is expected to commence 4th November 2024, or such other date agreed in writing between the parties.
5. Manager / Supervisor Andrew Leece COO, or such other person as directed by the Company from time to time
6. Location Brisbane, QLD
7. Probationary Period 6 months
8. Notice of termination during Probation Period One week
9. Hours of work You are employed to work on a full-time basis for at least 38 hours per week.
10. Award Not Applicable
11. Award Classification Not Applicable
12. Remuneration and superannuation $180,000 gross per year, plus superannuation (Remuneration).
13. Pay frequency Monthly (or as otherwise mutually agreed)
14. Accommodation Not applicable
15. Discretionary Benefits

Laptop

 

The Company will provide you with a laptop for the purpose of carrying out your duties of employment. This laptop may also be used for reasonable personal use. The provision of any laptop is subject to the terms advised by the Company in a separate policy or document, which may be varied from time to time. Any separate document provided to you regarding a laptop is not contractual in nature and does not form a part of this Contract. If any time the Company decides that you no longer need to be provided with a laptop for the purposes of your employment, the Company may discontinue this benefit at its absolute discretion.

16. Discretionary Bonuses

You may be eligible to participate in the Employer’s discretionary bonus scheme, in accordance with the rules of that scheme, as amended from time to time (Bonus Scheme). The Bonus Scheme which may be in place from time to time may be modified or withdrawn at the sole discretion of the Employer. For the avoidance of any doubt, your participation in any Bonus Scheme does not guarantee that any bonus will be paid to you.

 

 

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17. Discretionary Offer of Shares

You may be eligible to participate in the Employer’s discretionary share scheme, in accordance with the rules of that scheme, as amended from time to time (Share Scheme). The Share Scheme which may be in place from time to time may be modified or withdrawn at the sole discretion of the Employer. For the avoidance of any doubt, your participation in any such Share Scheme does not guarantee that any shares, under the Share Scheme, will be allotted to you.

18. Is the restraint applicable to the employment? Clause 19.4 is applicable to your employment
19. Restraint Area

Restraint Area means:

 

(a)

Australia

20. Restraint Period

Restraint Period means:

 

(a)

six months; or, if a court considers this to be unreasonable

 

(b)

three months;

 

following the date of termination of your employment (for whatever reason).

21. Notice of termination after Probationary Period (it any)

Four weeks

 

Employee signature     Date  

 

 

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TERMS SHEET

 

1 Commencement date

 

This Contract will commence on the date set out in Item 4 of the Key Terms Table and will continue until it is terminated by either you or the Company in accordance with this Contract.

 

2 General duties

 

(a) Your primary duties are set out in the position description in the Schedule and otherwise as directed by the Company. The Company may vary your duties and position description from time to time. In addition to your primary duties:

 

(i) you must:

 

(A) serve the Company and the Group faithfully and diligently;

 

(B) perform to the best of your abilities and knowledge the duties assigned to you from time to time including duties for the benefit of the Group;

 

(C) maintain high standards of professionalism, ethics and integrity in your work;

 

(D) always act in the best interests of the Company and the Group;

 

(E) devote the whole of your time and attention during working hours to your duties;

 

(F) uphold and advance the core values of the Company brand;

 

(G) use your best endeavours to promote, develop and extend the Company’s business and ensure the Company’s profitability;

 

(H) comply with all directions given to you by the Company or its agents;

 

(I) comply with all laws (including without limitation all work health and safety legislation) and the rules and regulations of external agencies applying to your position and the duties assigned to you;

 

(J) disclose any matter that conflicts with, has the potential to conflict with, or has the potential to adversely affect, the Company’s interests or the interests of the Group; and

 

(K) have the right to work in Australia; and

 

(ii) you must not:

 

(A) be directly or indirectly engaged or involved in any other employment, position or business (including any activity which conflicts or is in competition with any of the Company’s operations), other than:

 

(I) through holding an interest in listed or unlisted investments representing no more than 5% of any class of securities in any one company; or

 

(II) with the Company’s prior written consent.

 

(B) in performing your duties, accept any financial or other benefit except from the Company;

 

 

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(C) bind or make representations on behalf of the Company except as the Company expressly authorises you to do;

 

(D) make any promises, representations, warranties or guarantees in relation to products unless those promises, representations, warranties or guarantees are consistent with those conditions that may be expressly authorised in writing by the manufacturer of the product;

 

(E) disclose any of your usernames or passwords used to access the Company’s systems to any person, including to any other staff members, or otherwise permit any other person to access the Company’s systems via any account created for you;

 

(F) offer or permit the use of the Company’s facilities, goods or services at a reduced rate (including for your personal use) except with the prior written authorisation of the Company;

 

(G) make any decisions in the course of your employment, where your personal interests may present a conflict of interest that may impact or influence your decision making. In particular, if this is relevant to your role, you must not offer employment with the Company to any family members without approval from the Company’s head office; or

 

(H) otherwise act in conflict with the Company’s best interest, the interests of the Group, or the interests of the Company’s suppliers, Customers or any other person or entity seeking to do business with the Company.

 

(b) If, at any time, you are unclear about what you need to do to fulfil your duties and obligations to the Company, you should ask your Manager/Supervisor specified in Item 5 of the Key Terms Table for clarification.

 

3 Location and travel

 

(a) You will initially be based at the Location specified in Item 6 of the Key Terms Table. The Company may require you to work at other locations, including Customer locations or if the Company relocates its premises in the future.

 

(b) It is an inherent requirement of your position that you are present at the Location for all hours of work, unless the duties of your role specifically require that you leave the Location.

 

(c) You may be required to travel, including interstate and overseas, in order to perform your duties.

 

4 Probationary period

 

(a) If Item 7 of the Key Terms Table provides that your employment is subject to a probationary period (Probationary Period), then during that period:

 

(i) you and the Company will consider your suitability for the position; and

 

(ii) either you or the Company may terminate your employment by giving the other the period of written notice (or by the Company paying you instead of notice), specified in clause 21.1.

 

(b) The length of the Probationary Period does not, and is not intended to, affect any minimum employment period under relevant legislation.

 

 

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5 Hours of work

 

You are employed to work the hours specified in Item 9 in the Key Terms Table. However, due to the nature of the Company’s business and your position, the hours necessary to perform your duties may vary from time to time, and may include reasonable additional hours outside these hours, and on weekends and/or public holidays.

 

6 Remuneration

 

(a) Your Remuneration is set out in Item 12 of the Key Terms Table.

 

(b) In accordance with Item 12 of the Key Terms Table, the Company will make superannuation contributions into a superannuation fund which you choose in accordance with relevant legislation, at a level sufficient to ensure that the Company is not liable to pay a charge under superannuation guarantee legislation calculated by reference to the statutory maximum contribution base, as varied.

 

(c) After any necessary deduction (such as superannuation or applicable taxation), the Company will pay your Remuneration by electronic funds transfer into your nominated bank account or other financial institution in instalments as per the frequency set out in Item 13 of the Key Terms Table.

 

7 Minimum Entitlements and set-off

 

(a) From time to time, some of your conditions of employment will be regulated by legislation and/or an industrial instrument (such as an applicable modern award or enterprise agreement), which create minimum entitlements (Minimum Entitlements). These Minimum Entitlements might include (for example) minimum hourly rates, overtime, penalties or loadings, allowances and other payments.

 

(b)If an award or enterprise agreement applies to your employment, it is set out in Item 10 of the Key Terms Table. Your current classification under the Award is set out in Item 11 of the Key Terms Table.

 

(c) You agree that:

 

(i) your Remuneration specified in in Item 12 of the Key Terms Table, exclusive of any superannuation component, and any other wage-related benefits have been set at a level to take into account the duties and the hours that you work (including hours outside ordinary hours). You are not entitled to any additional benefits, monetary or otherwise, for any hours that you work, unless agreed with the Company;

 

(ii) as far as the law allows, any payments that the Company makes to you are paid in satisfaction of your Minimum Entitlements for all purposes, including but not limited to the purposes of compensating you for leave, duties and hours of work;

 

(iii) if in any pay period the Company pays you above your Minimum Entitlements, then the difference between your pay and the Minimum Entitlements will be attributed towards (or ’set off’) against any outstanding entitlement you have to Minimum Entitlements in respect of that or any other pay period; and

 

(iv) the Minimum Entitlements do not form part of this Contract. The Company is already obliged to comply with the laws that create the Minimum Entitlements.

 

 

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8 Accommodation

 

If the Company will provide you with accommodation, the location of the accommodation and the terms on which it is provided will be set out in Item 14 of the Key Terms Table.

 

9 Discretionary Benefits

 

(a) In addition to your Remuneration, the Company may, from time to time, provide you with other benefits on a discretionary basis (Discretionary Benefits). These Discretionary Benefits are not entitlements, and the Company may cease providing Discretionary Benefits, or change how it provides them, at its absolute discretion without providing you with any compensation. If any Discretionary Benefits apply to your employment, these will be set out in Item 15 of the Key Terms Table.

 

(b) Unless the Company advises you otherwise in writing, any remuneration or benefit which the Company provides other than set out in clauses 6 and 8 is a Discretionary Benefit and is not part of your pay.

 

10 Remuneration review

 

The Company may, in its absolute discretion, review your Remuneration from time to time. Your Remuneration will not automatically be increased as a result of any review.

 

11 Bonuses

 

(a) The Company may, in its absolute discretion pay you a bonus. The value of any such bonus, the conditions attached to such a bonus and the frequency of such a bonus remain matters over which the Company exercises its sole discretion.

 

(b) The terms and conditions of any bonus applying to your employment are set out in Item 16 of the Key Terms Table.

 

12 Expenses

 

(a) The Company will pay or reimburse you for all authorised and reasonable work-related expenses incurred in the course of your employment, subject to the terms of any Company policy regarding work-related expenses.

 

(b) You must retain, and provide to the Company, all original tax invoices and other relevant documentation required by the Company. If you incur expenses on the Company’s account which were not properly authorised, or outside the course of your employment, the Company may deduct those expenses in accordance with clause 13.

 

13 Deductions

 

(a) Subject to applicable law, if requested by the Company you agree to repay to the Company immediately any amounts that you owe to the Company or a Related Company as a debt. This includes, but is not limited to:

 

(i) any damage caused to Accommodation provided under Item 14 of the Key Terms Table (if applicable);

 

(ii) overpayments made by the Company, or a Related Company, to you;

 

(iii) incurred expenses which were not properly authorised, or outside of the course of your employment; and

 

 

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(iv) money paid to you for leave if you have or had no entitlement to that leave.

 

(b) Subject to applicable law, you authorise the Company to deduct any amount repayable under clause 13(a) from any amounts owing to you on the termination of your employment. You agree that deductions made under this clause are reasonable and benefit you as they relieve you of the administrative burden of coordinating the repayment of these amounts to the Company.

 

(c) To the extent that the Company is unable to recover any amount under clause 13(b), you agree that any such amount will be a debt that you owe to the Company and that you must repay immediately.

 

14 Leave

 

14.1 General

 

(a) You are entitled to various types of leave under applicable law including annual leave, personal/carer’s leave (including sick leave), compassionate leave, long service leave, family and domestic violence leave, community service leave and parental leave.

 

(b) If at any time you are employed on a part-time basis, your entitlement to leave will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

 

14.2 Annual leave and long service leave

 

(a) Your Remuneration includes any Minimum Entitlement to annual leave loading. Accordingly, you will not be entitled to any additional payments above your Remuneration during periods of annual leave.

 

(b) The Company encourages you to take annual leave and long service leave in the year they accrue. In this context, and without limiting the Company’s rights:

 

(i) you must take annual leave and long service leave at times acceptable to both you and the Company;

 

(ii) the Company may not grant annual leave during peak business times, and you agree that any refusal by the Company to grant you leave during these times is reasonable;

 

(iii) to the extent permitted by law, the Company may direct you to take any accrued annual leave and/or long service leave (eg during any shutdown period); and

 

(iv) you should generally apply for any period of annual leave at least one month before you wish to take that leave and any period of annual leave must be approved in advance by the Company’s head office.

 

14.3 Personal/carer’s leave/compassionate/other family leave

 

(a) If you take or apply for sick leave, carer’s leave, family and domestic violence leave or compassionate leave (whether paid or unpaid), you must notify the Company of your need to take that leave as soon as possible, and at any time the Company may require you to provide evidence which is satisfactory to the Company (including a medical certificate and/or statutory declaration) of:

 

(i) any relevant illness or injury;

 

(ii) any relevant unexpected emergency; or

 

(iii) the reason for any other leave.

 

(b) If you take sick leave, then at any time the Company may require you to be examined by a doctor or other health professional chosen by the Company, and ask that person to report to the Company about your illness or injury. If required, you agree to provide a specific consent for that health professional to report to the Company.

 

 

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15 Stand down

 

The Company has the right to stand you down without pay for any day you cannot be employed for any reason, including any strike, breakdown in machinery or circumstances outside the Company’s control such as natural disasters.

 

16 Workplace surveillance

 

The Company has security cameras operating on its premises, and monitors all staff computer and phone use. Accordingly, during your employment, you should expect to be subject to continuous ongoing camera, computer and telephone surveillance during work hours. You consent to this surveillance.

 

17 Privacy

 

(a) You consent to the Company:

 

(i) collecting, using and disclosing your Personal Information for the purposes of administering its employment relationship with you, meeting work health and safety obligations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, as well as all other purposes relevant to the Company’s business and operations, including research and marketing, and any purposes described in the Company’s privacy policy or as otherwise authorised by law; and

 

(ii) you consent to the Company disclosing your Personal Information to third parties (including the Company’s related bodies corporate) for the purposes set out above, and some of these third parties may be based in countries outside of Australia.

 

(b) You must:

 

(i) deal confidentially with all Personal Information to which you have access in the course of your employment;

 

(ii) only access, use and/or disclose Personal Information which is accessible by you in the course of your employment for a purpose authorised by the Company, and in accordance with the Company’s privacy policy current at the time; and

 

(iii) promptly notify the Company of any unauthorised access, use, modification, disclosure, loss, destruction or damage or other misuse of Personal Information of which you become aware in the course of your employment.

 

18 Employer policies

 

Any policies of the Company or the Group do not form part of this Contract and are not intended to be contractual in nature. However, they may be directions with which you must comply. The Company may change any of its policies and procedures at any time.

 

 

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19 Confidential Information, Intellectual Property Rights and restraint

 

19.1 Acknowledgement and continuation of obligations

 

(a) You acknowledge and agree that:

 

(i) it is fair and reasonable for you to agree to the restrictions and restraints in this clause 19, particularly having regard to:

 

(A) the preservation of the goodwill of the Company in its Customer base and its contractual relationship with its employees, officers and contractors; and

 

(B) the importance of preventing you from using or disclosing information pertaining to the Company’s business following the termination of your employment;

 

(ii) any breach of this clause 19 by you may cause the Company irreparable harm, damage and loss in respect of which monetary damages would not be adequate; and

 

(iii) if you breach, or threaten to breach, this clause 19, then the Company has the right to seek and obtain, in addition to any other remedies available at law or equity, and without posting any bond or other security to seek injunctive relief, damages, account of profits, or any combination of remedies.

 

(b) Your obligations under this clause 19 will continue after your employment terminates for whatever reason.

 

(c) For the purposes of this clause, you acknowledge that the Company contracts on its own behalf and for each member of the Group who gains the benefit of and may independently enforce the terms of this Contract.

 

19.2 Confidential Information

 

You must:

 

(a) not, except as required in the performance of your duties:

 

(i) make public or disclose to any person any Confidential Information; or

 

(ii) use, or allow or assist others to use, Confidential Information;

 

(b) do everything reasonably necessary to maintain the confidentiality of Confidential Information;

 

(c) if required by the Company, assist with any action the Company takes against any person in relation to Confidential Information; and

 

(d) notify the Company immediately of any suspected or actual unauthorised use, copying or disclosure of Confidential Information.

 

19.3 Intellectual Property Rights

 

(a) You acknowledge that as part of your duties, you may be required to develop ideas, concepts and/or inventions, and it is intended that the Company will own all Intellectual Property Rights arising out of the employment or the performance of your duties.

 

(b) You:

 

(i) irrevocably assign to the Company and its successors all existing and future Intellectual Property Rights developed in the course of your employment, including Works;

 

 

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(ii) must do everything necessary to formalise the assignment referred to in subclause 19.3(b)(i); and

 

(iii) must notify the Company in writing of any products, processes, services, techniques or Works developed by you in connection with the employment so that the Company can take the necessary steps to protect its Intellectual Property Rights.

 

(c) You consent to any act or omission by the Company which might breach any Moral Rights you have in Works created by you in connection with the employment.

 

(d) You warrant that you will not knowingly deal with the Intellectual Property Rights or Moral Rights of a third party (other than with the prior written agreement of that third party) in the performance of your duties.

 

19.4 Restraint

 

(a) If this clause 19.4 applies to you, it will be indicated in Item 18 of the Key Terms Table.

 

(b) If this clause applies, then during your employment, and in the Restraint Area defined in Item 19 of the Key Terms Table for the Restraint Period defined in Item 20 of Key Terms Table after the termination of your employment (for whatever reason), you must not (without the Company’s prior written consent) in any capacity, on your own account, or as a consultant or contractor to, or as a partner, agent, employee, shareholder or director of any other person, business or entity, either directly or indirectly:

 

(i) solicit, canvass or entice away from the Company or accept any approach from, any Customer with whom you worked or had dealings in the last 12 months of your employment with the Company;

 

(ii) employ or solicit the services of, or offer employment to, any employee of the Company with whom you worked or had dealings in the last 12 months of your employment with the Company; or

 

(iii) encourage or otherwise assist any person to do any of the acts referred to in this clause.

 

(c) You agree that subclause 19.4(a) will take effect as if each of the restrictions referred to in that subclause are separate restrictions with respect to the Restraint Area, Restraint Period and nature of the conduct prescribed. If any of those restrictions or any part of them are held to be void, voidable or unenforceable for any reason, then you agree that the offending clause, subclause or part will be severed and that the remainder of the clause will continue to apply to the maximum possible extent.

 

(d) You acknowledge that the restrictions imposed on you by subclause 19.4(a) are reasonable having regard to:

 

(i) the importance of preventing you from using or disclosing information pertaining to the Company’s business following the termination of your employment; and

 

(ii) the preservation of the goodwill of the Company in its Customer base and its contractual relationship with its staff, officers and contractors.

 

(e) You agree to indemnify and to keep indemnified the Company against any claim or proceeding that is made, threatened or commenced, and any liability, loss (including consequential loss), damage or expense (including legal costs on a full indemnity basis) that the Company incurs or suffers, as a direct or indirect result of a breach by you of this clause 19.4.

 

(f) For the avoidance of doubt, the terms of this clause 19.4 may be disclosed for the purpose of performing or enforcing those terms.

 

 

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20 Suspension

 

(a) The Company may suspend you on full pay while investigating any matter that the Company reasonably believes could lead to the Company exercising its rights to terminate your employment or taking other disciplinary action against you.

 

(b) During any period of suspension, the Company is not required to provide you with any work, and the Company may:

 

(i) restrict your access to the Company’s premises;

 

(ii) require you to return any property of the Company, including any Confidential Information;

 

(iii) restrict your ability to access the Company’s computer systems; and/or

 

(iv) require that you have no access or contact with the Company’s Customers, suppliers or employees.

 

21 Termination of employment

 

21.1 Probationary period

 

(a) Where the Key Terms Table identifies that a Probationary Period applies, either you or the Company may terminate your employment by giving the period of written notice as set out in Item 8 of the Key Terms Table.

 

21.2 Termination on notice

 

(a) At any time after any applicable Probationary Period, your employment may be terminated on written notice as set out in Item 21 of the Key Terms Table.

 

(b) As an alternative to requiring you to work during any notice period, the Company may decide to pay you in lieu of notice for the entire notice period, or require you to work part of the notice period and pay your pay in lieu of notice for part of the notice period.

 

(c) To the extent permitted by law, if you do not give sufficient notice to the Company, then the Company may deduct an amount equal to your pay for the period of notice not given from any amount or entitlement that the Company owes you.

 

21.3 Termination without notice

 

(a) The Company may terminate your employment at any time without notice (or payment in lieu of notice) if:

 

(i) in the Company’s opinion, your conduct (whether by act or omission) amounts to serious misconduct, including, without limitation:

 

(A) wilful or deliberate behaviour by you that is inconsistent with the continuation of the contract of employment;

 

(B) conduct that causes imminent or serious risk to:

 

(I) the health or safety of a person; or

 

(II) the reputation or viability of the Company;

 

(C) engaging in dishonesty, theft, fraud or assault in the course of your employment;

 

(D) being intoxicated at work; or

 

(E) failing or refusing to carry out a lawful and reasonable instruction; or

 

(ii) you breach any other material provision of this Contract.

 

 

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21.4 General

 

(a) If either you or the Company gives notice of termination, the Company may, without limiting its rights, require you during part or all of the relevant notice period:

 

(i) not to carry out any of your duties;

 

(ii) not to represent yourself as being in any way connected with or interested in the business of the Company, except that you remain employed by the Company;

 

(iii) not to attend the Company’s premises;

 

(iv) not to access the Company’s computer systems or have any contact with its Customers, suppliers or staff;

 

(v) to return all of the Company’s property to the Company which is in your possession and/or control, including without limitation tools of trade, vehicles, keys, computers, mobile telephones, telephone numbers, business cards, records, documents, reports, Confidential Information, software and credit cards and all copies of such material including all written or digital material;

 

(vi) to notify the Company of any passwords, access or security codes or similar which are relevant to your work or apply to any property belonging to the Company;

 

(vii) to perform duties which are different to those which you have previously performed, if you have the necessary skills and competence to perform those different duties;

 

(viii) to take any accrued annual leave or long service leave; or

 

(ix) to do any combination of the above.

 

(b) On the termination of your employment for whatever reason:

 

(i) the Company may, without limiting its rights, require you to do or not do any or all of the things referred to in clause 21.4(a)(i) to 21.4(a)(viii);

 

(ii) you must delete any information relating to the Company’s business which might be stored on any device which is in your possession or control outside the Company’s premises;

 

(iii) you agree to repay immediately any amounts you owe to the Company;

 

(iv) you must not make any adverse comment, publicly or otherwise, about the Company or its Related Companies, employees or officers; and

 

(v) you must sign a statement to the effect that you have fully complied with this clause.

 

22 Warranties

 

(a) You warrant that:

 

(i) you possess the skills, competence, qualifications, accreditations, registrations, permits and licences necessary to carry out the duties of your position;

 

 

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(ii) you have not been charged with or found guilty of any offence which would be incompatible with your duties and responsibilities or the trust and confidence placed in you by the Company;

 

(iii) by entering into this Contract and performing your duties under this Contract, you will not be in breach of any contract with, or obligation owed to, any third party;

 

(iv) you are not relying on any representations by, or on behalf of, the Company except those expressly incorporated into this Contract;

 

(v) you have disclosed to the Company everything known to you which may be material to the Company’s decision to offer you employment, including without limitation any other work that you do for any other employer or organisation, and will continue to disclose all relevant information during your employment; and

 

(vi) all information that you have provided to the Company before accepting this offer is true and correct.

 

You acknowledge that the Company has relied on the warranties and commitments you have made in this Contract in deciding to offer you employment.

 

23 About this Contract

 

(a) This Terms Sheet and the accompanying letter of offer constitute the entire agreement between the Company and you in relation to your employment (Contract).

 

(b) This Contract:

 

(i) replaces and supersedes any previous contracts between the parties (including any oral contracts);

 

(ii) may only be varied in writing if signed by both parties; and

 

(iii) is governed by the laws of the State of New South Wales.

 

(c) If any party breaches this Contract:

 

(i) the other party may not claim damages for personal (including psychological) injury or illness, or for non-economic loss (including pain and suffering or distress) resulting from that breach; and

 

(ii) any damages for breach of this Contract will be assessed on the basis that the party in breach would immediately have taken all steps available under the Contract to limit the damage arising from the breach.

 

(d) If any law referred to in this Contract that applies to you is varied, rescinded or replaced, those changes will also apply to you as a matter of law, and the law will not be incorporated into this Contract.

 

(e) If a court finds a clause of this Contract invalid, the clause will be read down to the extent necessary to be valid or, if that is not possible, severed from this Contract, so that the rest of the Contract can continue to operate.

 

(f) Any failure of either party at any time to insist on performance of any provision of this Contract or to fail to exercise a right under this Contract is not a waiver of its right at a later time to insist on performance of that or any other provision of, or exercise that or any other right under, this Contract.

 

(g) The Company may assign its rights and obligations under this Contract.

 

 

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24 Definitions

 

In this Contract:

 

(a) Confidential Information means all information acquired or created by you during the course of or in connection with the employment, including:

 

(i) information regarding staff members, Customers or suppliers of the Company or any Related Company, and any others who do business with the Company or any Related Company;

 

(ii) ideas, know-how, concepts and information, whether in writing or otherwise, relating in any way to your employment and dealings with the Company or any Related Company; and

 

(iii) all other information relating to the Company or any Related Company, including their products, business, activities, finances, marketing or promotional information, policies and personnel,

 

including any information in the Company’s power, possession or control concerning or belonging to any other person, but not information:

 

(iv) regarding your Remuneration;

 

(v) which is part of your general skill and knowledge; or

 

(vi) that has become widely known and made generally available to the public other than by breach of a confidentiality obligation;

 

(b) Customer means any person, entity or business with whom the Company or any Related Company deals and/or to whom the Company or any Related Company provides products and/or services, for reward;

 

(c) Group means the group of companies consisting of the Company and any Related Company;

 

(d) Intellectual Property Rights means:

 

(i) any patents, rights associated with works of authorship, including copyrights (including future copyright), and mask-works copyright, registered or unregistered trademarks or service marks, trade names, brand names, registered or unregistered designs, circuit layouts, database rights;

 

(ii) methods, trade secrets, know-how, and scientific, technical and product information;

 

(iii) the right to apply for any industrial and intellectual property rights; and

 

(iv) any other similar or analogous rights and any intellectual or industrial rights whether now existing or which come into existence in the future;

 

(e) Moral Rights means:

 

(i) a right of attribution of authorship;

 

(ii) a right not to have authorship falsely attributed; or

 

(iii) a right of integrity;

 

including, without limitation, moral rights under Part IX of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), or similar legislation in force outside Australia;

 

 

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(f) Personal Information means any information or opinion that is included in the definition of ‘personal information’, ‘sensitive information’ and/or ‘health information’ under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth);

 

(g) Related Company means any related body corporate of the Company and any associated entity of the Company, as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth);

 

(h) Works includes a literary work (including without limitation a journal article, report, conference paper or presentation), a dramatic work, a musical work, an artistic work or a cinematograph film (including without limitation a video) and other works as defined in the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) or similar legislation in force outside Australia.

 

Signed by:    

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.16

 

Independent contractor agreement - corporate

 

 

Date of the agreement is the date specified in item 1 of the schedule

 

Parties

 

The party described in item 2 of the schedule (Company)

 

The party described in item 3 of the schedule (Parent Company)

 

The party described in item 4 of the schedule (Contractor)

 

Recitals

 

A The Company agrees to appoint the Contractor to provide the Services and the Contractor agrees to the appointment on the terms and conditions set out in this agreement.

 

B The Contractor will engage the Key Person to assist the Contractor to provide the Services.

 

C The Parent Company is a party to this agreement for the purpose of guaranteeing the performance of the Company’s obligations under this agreement.

 

The parties agree

 

1Definitions and interpretation

 

1.1 Definitions

 

In this agreement:

 

Claim includes a claim, action, proceeding, judgment, damage, loss, cost, expense or liability, however arising and whether present, unascertained, immediate, future or contingent.

 

Commencement Date means the date specified in item 6 of the schedule.

 

Company means the entity described in item 2 of the schedule.

 

Company Representative means the person named in item 14 of the schedule or as otherwise advised by the Company from time to time.

 

Confidential Information means:

 

(a) any information whether or not in a material form that directly or indirectly relates to the business and/or products of the Company, the Group and/or their clients, customers and suppliers including information relating to any patents (actual or pending), trade secrets, formulas, designs, accounts, marketing plans, sales plans, models, prospects, research, management information systems, computer systems, processes and any data base, data surveys, clients, customers, suppliers, client lists, customer lists, specifications, drawings, records, reports, software or other documents, whether in writing or otherwise concerning the Company or the Group or any of their clients, customers or suppliers;

 

 

 

 

(b) any other information or know how whether or not in a material form that relates to the business of the Company or the Group which the Contractor or any of its employees or personnel, including the Key Person, become aware of either before or after the date of this agreement, or generate in the course of, or in connection with, the carrying out of the Contractor’s obligations under this agreement; and

 

(c) any information relating to the Company or the Group which is not in the public domain.

 

Contractor means the entity described in item 4 of the schedule.

 

Fees means the fees specified in item 7 of the schedule.

 

Group means:

 

(a) the Company;

 

(b) the Parent Company;

 

(c) Related Bodies Corporate of the Company;

 

(d) any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company; and

 

(e) any other entity that is connected with the Company, or any other member of the Group, by a common directorship or by a common interest in an economic enterprise for example, a partner of another member of a joint venture.

 

Group Company means the Company and each Company which forms part of the Group.

 

GST has the meaning given to it by the GST Act.

 

GST Act means the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth).

 

Guaranteed Obligations means every obligation on the part of the Company (whether alone or not) which at any time arises under or in connection with this agreement including the payment or reimbursement of any costs, expenses, liabilities, losses or damages, but excluding any claim for entitlements contemplated in clause 20.3 and superannuation.

 

Intellectual Property Rights means:

 

(a) any patent, registered and common law trade mark, trade name, business name, company name, domain name, copyright, registered or other design right, circuit layout right and any corresponding property right, together with any right to apply for the grant or registration of the same; and

 

(b) any right in respect of an idea, invention, discovery, trade secret, improvement, technical information, specification, know how, data, algorithm, formula or Confidential Information.

 

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Insolvency Event means, in relation to a body corporate, a liquidation or winding up, the appointment of a controller, administrator, receiver, manager or similar insolvency administrator to a party or any substantial part of its assets or the entering into a scheme or arrangement with creditors or, in relation to an individual, becoming bankrupt or entering into a scheme or arrangement with creditors, or in relation to a body corporate or an individual, the occurrence of any event that has a substantially similar effect to any of the above events.

 

Moral Rights means moral rights as defined in section 189 of Part IX of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) (namely the right of attribution of authorship, the right not to have authorship falsely attributed and the right of integrity of authorship).

 

Invoice Period means the period specified at item 8 of the schedule.

 

Key Person means the individual described in item 5 of the schedule.

 

Payment Period means the period specified at item 9 of the schedule.

 

Related Bodies Corporate has the meaning given in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

 

Restricted Period means:

 

(a) 12 months or,

 

(b) 9 months or,

 

(c) 6 months or,

 

(d) 3 months.

 

Services means the services specified in item 12 of the schedule and any other services as reasonably requested from time to time by the Company.

 

Superannuation Law means Superannuation Guarantee Charge Act 1992 (Cth) and the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth) and/or any other acts, regulations or ordinances that govern the payment of superannuation contributions.

 

Tax Administration Act means the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (Cth) as amended.

 

Term means the term as specified in clause 3.

 

Works means any work product, including any concepts, ideas, designs, models, artwork, engravings, images, computer programs, data, information, processes, techniques, inventions, research results, documents or materials or parts, adaptations or drafts, in any form, resulting directly or indirectly from the Contractor providing the Services to the Company.

 

1.2 Interpretation

 

In this agreement, headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of this agreement, and unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa;

 

(b) words importing a gender include the other genders;

 

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(c) if words or phrases are defined, their other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning;

 

(d) a reference to:

 

(i) a person includes an individual, a partnership, a body corporate, a joint venture, an association (whether incorporated or not), a government and a government authority or agency;

 

(ii) a party includes the party’s executors, legal personal representatives, successors, transferees and assigns;

 

(iii) a part, clause, schedule or party is a reference to a part, clause or schedule of, or a party to, this agreement;

 

(iv) a right includes a benefit, remedy, discretion, authority or power;

 

(v) an obligation includes a warranty or representation and a reference to a failure to observe or perform an obligation includes a breach of a warranty or representation;

 

(vi) this agreement includes the recitals and any schedules, annexures, exhibits or attachments to this agreement;

 

(vii) ‘$’ or dollars means Australian dollars and a reference to payment means payment in Australian dollars;

 

(viii) writing includes any mode of representing or reproducing words in tangible and permanently visible form and includes facsimile transmissions;

 

(ix) legislation includes any statutory modification or replacement and any subordinate or delegated legislation issued under that legislation; and

 

(x) a law includes any statute, regulation, by law, scheme, determination, ordinance, rule or other statutory provision (whether Commonwealth, State or municipal);

 

(e) a reference to an insolvency event includes:

 

(i) in the case of an individual:

 

(A) the committing of an act of bankruptcy in respect of the individual within the meaning of section 40 of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth);

 

(B) the signing of an authority by the individual under Part X of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth); or

 

(C) the making of a sequestration order in respect of the estate of the individual within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth); or

 

(ii) in the case of a corporation:

 

(A) the appointment of a controller to the property of the corporation;

 

(B) the appointment of an administrator in respect of the corporation;

 

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(C) the corporation failing to comply with a statutory demand within the period for compliance;

 

(D) the making of a winding up order by a court in respect of the corporation;

 

(E) the passing of a resolution for winding up under Part 5.5 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth); or

 

(F) in respect of a Part 5.7 body, the commencement of a winding up under Part 5.7 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of that body;

 

(f) the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by ‘including’ or ‘for example’, or similar expressions; and

 

(g) no provision of this agreement will be interpreted against a party just because that party prepared that provision.

 

1.3 Representatives of Contractor

 

Despite anything else contained in this agreement:

 

(a) where an obligation is imposed on the Contractor by or under this agreement to do, or not to do, any act or thing, the Contractor must ensure and procure the compliance with that obligation of the Key Person and any other of the Contractor’s employees and personnel who assist the Contractor in the provision of the Services to the Company; and

 

(b) the Contractor must procure the execution by the Key Person and any other of the Contractor’s employees and personnel who assist in the provision of the Services to the Company, of a deed in the form set out in Annexure A.

 

2 Appointment of Contractor

 

The Company appoints and the Contractor accepts the appointment of the Contractor to provide the Services with assistance from the Key Person in accordance with the terms and conditions of this agreement.

 

3 Term

 

This agreement commences on the Commencement Date and will operate for the period specified in item 15 of the schedule unless terminated in accordance with clause 13.

 

4 Fees

 

(a) In consideration of the provision of the Services, the Company must pay the Contractor the Fees.

 

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(b) The Company is only liable to pay the Fees to the Contractor for Services actually provided by the Contractor under this agreement to a standard acceptable to the Company.

 

(c) The Fees are payable by the Company in the Payment Period on receipt of an invoice from the Contractor, to be forwarded at the end of each Invoice Period.

 

5 Expenses

 

The Contractor will be responsible for any expenses incurred by the Contractor or the Key Person in providing the Services to the Company, unless the Contractor or the Key Person, as the case may be, obtains approval from the Company prior to incurring a particular expense, and subject to the provision to the Company of a tax receipt for that expense. The Company may approve or refuse approval in its absolute discretion.

 

6 Appointment of the Key Person

 

(a) The Contractor agrees to provide the Key Person to assist the Contractor to provide the Services.

 

(b) The Contractor acknowledges that the Key Person is suitably qualified to assist the Contractor to provide the Services in a safe, thorough, workmanlike and competent manner and with all reasonable expedition and at a rate of progress satisfactory to the Company.

 

(c) The Contractor agrees to obtain the written consent of the Company prior to providing any personnel other than the Key Person to assist the Contractor with providing the Services.

 

(d) The Contractor must pay all costs relating to its employees and personnel, including the Key Person and any other person who assists the Contractor in the provision of the Services to the Company, including salaries, wages, bonuses, allowances, workers’ compensation premiums if applicable, superannuation guarantee contributions, fringe benefits, payments in respect of leave entitlements and any taxes in relation to them.

 

7 Obligations of Contractor

 

7.1 Duties

 

The Contractor must:

 

(a) provide the Services, with assistance from the Key Person, in accordance with the terms of this agreement;

 

(b) act efficiently, honestly and fairly at all times in relation to the Contractor’s provision of the Services under this agreement;

 

(c) faithfully and diligently perform its obligations under this agreement;

 

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(d) provide the Services at the location specified in item 13 of the schedule or any other location as reasonably required by the Company from time to time;

 

(e) provide any and all equipment necessary for the Contractor and/or the Key Person to provide the Services;

 

(f) follow and comply with any directions provided by the Company Representative from time to time relating to the provision of the Services;

 

(g) not act in any manner so as to bring the character or reputation of the Company, the Group or any of their officers or employees into disrepute;

 

(h) notify the Company immediately of any difficulties encountered in relation to the Contractor’s provision of the Services;

 

(i) not bind the Company in contract without the prior written approval of the Company Representative;

 

(j) comply with all state and federal equal opportunity, affirmative action and anti-discrimination legislation;

 

(k) comply with all of the Company’s internal policies, including its policies relating to discrimination and harassment and email and internet use, however these policies do not form part of this agreement; and

 

(l) notify the Company as soon as possible if the Key Person or any of the Contractor’s employees or personnel who assist the Contractor in the provision of the Services to the Company are unable to provide that assistance due to poor health or for any other reason.

 

7.2 Business records

 

The Contractor must maintain proper business records with respect to the Key Person assisting the Contractor to provide the Services under this agreement and permit the Company to inspect such records during office hours on the Company giving reasonable written notice to the Contractor.

 

8 Obligations of the Company

 

(a) The Company must provide all reasonable assistance to the Contractor and the Key Person to carry out the obligations of the Contractor under this agreement.

 

(b) Subject to clause 8(c), where the Company requests or requires the Contractor to provide the Key Person to act as a director of the Company, the Company must indemnify, and the Parent Company must also indemnify, the Key Person acting as director or officer of the Company, or of a related body corporate of the Company against:

 

(i) every liability incurred by the person in that capacity (except a liability for legal costs); and

 

(ii) all legal costs incurred in defending or resisting (or otherwise in connection with) proceedings, whether civil or criminal or of an administrative or investigatory nature, in which the person becomes involved because of that capacity,

 

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(c) Clause 8(b) does not apply to the extent that:

 

(i) the Company or Parent Company is forbidden by the Corporations Act or other statute to indemnify the person against the liability or legal costs; or

 

(ii) an indemnity by the Company or Parent Company of the person against the liability or legal costs would, if given, be made void by the Corporations Act or other statute.

 

9 Guarantee

 

(a) The Parent Company unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the due and punctual:

 

(i) performance and observance by the Company of all Guaranteed Obligations; and

 

(ii) payment by the Company of any money or any other award obligation(s) under an equity incentive or renumeration program but not any claim for entitlements contemplated in clause 20.3 and superannuation.

 

(b) If the Company defaults on any Guaranteed Obligations or payments outlined in clause 9(a)and that default is not remedied within 30 days, the Parent Company will on demand made on it by the Contractor:

 

(i) duly and punctually perform the Guaranteed Obligations; and

 

(ii) duly and punctually pay to the Contractor any money.

 

(c) The Contractor is not required to:

 

(i) take any steps to enforce its rights under this agreement; or

 

(ii) incur any expense or make any payment,

 

before enforcing its rights against the Parent Company under this agreement.

 

10 Warranties and Indemnities

 

10.1 Warranties

 

The Contractor warrants to the Company on the date of this agreement and on each day during the Term, that:

 

(a) the Contractor will carry out the Services in a proper manner:

 

(i) in compliance with all laws; and

 

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(ii) to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company;

 

(b) if required by law, the Contractor maintains any insurance required under relevant legislation;

 

(c) the Contractor will not infringe any third party’s intellectual property rights;

 

(d) the Contractor will comply with all of its obligations under this agreement;

 

(e) the Contractor is a genuine independent contractor for all purposes and acknowledges that the Company has relied on this representation in entering into this agreement;

 

(f) the Contractor has capacity to enter into this agreement;

 

(g) the Contractor is not subject to an Insolvency Event; and

 

(h) on execution of this agreement, its obligations under this agreement will be valid, binding and enforceable.

 

11 Claims

 

11.1 Notice of Claim

 

The Contractor must immediately notify the Company on becoming aware of any Claim or potential Claim or circumstances which may lead to a Claim being made against the Contractor, the Key Person or the Company directly or indirectly related to the Services provided under this agreement.

 

11.2 Costs of Claims

 

The Contractor must reimburse to the Company any excess or deductible amount payable by the Company as a result of a client complaint or Claim against the Company and any costs, expenses, charges and fees (including legal fees) incurred by the Company in connection with the conduct of the Contractor, its employees or personnel (including the Key Person) and any other person who represents or acts on its behalf.

 

12 Insurance

 

12.1 Amount of insurance

 

The Contractor must take out and maintain appropriate insurance covering the Services provided.

 

12.2 Workers’ compensation insurance

 

The Contractor is required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance where required by law.

 

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12.3 Evidence of insurances

 

The Contractor must provide the Company with satisfactory evidence of the insurances required under clause 12 when requested by the Company.

 

13 Termination

 

13.1 Company may terminate

 

The Company may immediately terminate this agreement at any time by written notice served on the Contractor if any one or more of the following occurs:

 

(a) the Contractor, in the reasonable opinion of the Company:

 

(i) commits a serious or material breach of its obligations under this agreement; or

 

(ii) commits any other breach of its obligations under this agreement of which the Contractor is notified by the Company and which is not rectified by the Contractor within 14 days of notification of the breach by the Company;

 

(b) the Contractor or the Key Person engages in any conduct which in the reasonable opinion of the Company:

 

(i) may cause harm to or injure the reputation or standing of the Company or the Group or any of their authorised representatives;

 

(ii) is prejudicial to the interests of the Company or the Group or any of their authorised representatives; or

 

(iii) is unprofessional or unethical;

 

(c) the Contractor (or the Key Person) ceases to hold lawful authority to attend or remain at any location where the Services are to be provided, including the location specified in item 13 of the schedule;

 

(d) the Contractor becoming insolvent, under administration or an externally administered body corporate;

 

(e) the Contractor attempting to assign or sub-contract any of its rights under this agreement or there is a change of control of the Contractor; or

 

(f) the Contractor or the Key Person being convicted of an indictable offence.

 

13.2 Termination with notice

 

(a) Either the Company or the Contractor may terminate this agreement by providing the written notice to the other specified in item 11 of the schedule.

 

(b) The Company may elect to make payment in lieu of part or the whole period of notice in which case the amount payable to the Contractor will be the equivalent of the Fees the Contractor would likely have been paid for providing the Services during the relevant period based on an average of the Fees paid to the Contractor in the four weeks immediately preceding the termination.

 

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13.3 Effect of termination

 

If this agreement is terminated, then in addition to any other rights or remedies provided by law:

 

(a) each party is released from its obligations under this agreement, other than in relation to clause 15 (Confidentiality), clause 16 (Intellectual Property) and clause 17 (Restraint); and

 

(b) each party retains any rights, entitlements or remedies it had against any other party in connection with any breach or Claim that has arisen before termination.

 

13.4 Liability

 

(a) On termination all entitlements of the Contractor to the Fees under clause 4 will cease with the exception of any Fees owing at the date of termination.

 

(b) Termination of this agreement will not affect, limit, reduce or bring to an end any liability of the Company or the Contractor to pay any amount that is or becomes due and payable to the other prior to termination.

 

(c) The Company acknowledges and agrees that if the Company, any Group Company, or any employees or officers of the Company brings any claim or dispute against the Contractor or a Key Person, liability is limited to the Fees the Contractor is entitled to within the 45 days immediately before a written notice is issued under clause 26(b) of this agreement.

 

(d) The Parent Company acknowledges and agrees that:

 

(i) any breach by the Company extends to the Parent Company;

 

(ii) the Parent Company is liable in the event the Company cannot meet its obligations under this agreement.

 

13.5Acknowledgment

 

The Contractor acknowledges that the Company will not be liable in connection with any of the acts and/or omissions of the Contractor or the Key Person from the date of termination.

 

13.6 Deductions

 

On termination of this agreement, or at any other time, the Company reserves the right to deduct from the Fees any money which the Contractor may owe to the Company including:

 

(a) any debts owing to the Company by the Contractor;

 

(b) overpayments of the Fees;

 

(c) the replacement value of any property of the Company not returned by the Contractor;

 

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(d) losses suffered by the Company as a result of the non-performance or breach of this agreement by the Contractor and/or its employees and personnel (including the Key Person); and

 

(e) if the Contractor fails to provide the Company with the period of notice required under clause 13.2(a), the amount of the Fees the Contractor would likely have received for providing the Services during the non-completed part of the required notice period based on an average of the Fees paid to the Contractor in the four weeks immediately preceding the termination.

 

14 Conflict of interest

 

14.1 Declaration of conflict of interest

 

The Contractor warrants that no conflict of interest, restriction or impediment exists or is likely to arise that would prevent the Contractor from providing the Services or complying with their obligations under this agreement.

 

14.2 Other business activities during the Term

 

(a) The Contractor operates an independent enterprise and the parties expressly agree that the Contractor may engage in business activities other than the provision of the Services to the Company during the Term, including that the Contractor may provide similar services to others subject to clauses 14.2(b) and 14.2(c).

 

(b) The Contractor must ensure that the business activities in which the Contractor engages do not create, or are not perceived to create, a conflict of interest with the Company’s interests or the Services being provided to the Company under this agreement.

 

(c) If the Contractor engages in business activities which he considers are, or may, create a conflict of interest with the Company’s interests or the Services provided to the Company under this agreement, the Contractor is required to notify the Company Representative immediately.

 

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this agreement precludes the Company from engaging any other person or entity to perform services similar to the Services, and the Company does and will obtain similar services from others.

 

15 Confidentiality

 

(a) The Contractor must keep secret and must not at any time (whether during or after this agreement) use for the Contractor’s own or another’s advantage, or reveal to any person, any Confidential Information. The restrictions contained in this clause will not apply to any disclosure or use authorised by the Company or required by law or by this agreement.

 

(b) The Contractor must require that each of its employees and personnel assisting the Contractor, including the Key Person, to provide the Services comply with the requirements of this clause.

 

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(c) The Contractor agrees that on the termination of this agreement (however occurring) the Contractor will immediately deliver to the Company all property belonging to the Company or the Group which may be in the possession of the Contractor or the employees or personnel of the Contractor (including the Key Person) including Confidential Information.

 

16 Intellectual property

 

(a) The Company will own all Works and Intellectual Property Rights in the Works.

 

(b) In particular, the Contractor:

 

(i) unconditionally assigns to the Company all existing and future Intellectual Property Rights in the Works;

 

(ii) acknowledges that by virtue of this clause, all existing Intellectual Property Rights in the Works vest in the Company on creation; and

 

(iii) will execute all additional documentation that may be required by the Company from time to time to perfect that assignment of the Intellectual Property Rights.

 

(c) Clause 16(a) does not affect the ownership of any Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Contractor in any existing material (if any) incorporated into or used to produce the Works, but the Contractor grants to the Company a permanent, royalty free, worldwide, non-exclusive licence to use, copy, modify, exploit and sub licence that pre-existing material.

 

(d) The Contractor must not make any claim that the Contractor has any right, title or interest in the Intellectual Property Rights in the Works or to use those rights.

 

(e) The Contractor warrants that:

 

(i) the Contractor has the legal right to grant to the Company the assignment of Intellectual Property Rights in the Works under clause 16(b); and

 

(ii) in undertaking the Contractor’s obligations under this agreement and delivering the Works, the Contractor:

 

(A) will not breach any obligation owed to any person; and

 

(B) will not infringe any Intellectual Property Rights of any person.

 

17 Moral rights

 

(a) The Contractor gives consent for the Company to act in any way which may otherwise infringe the Contractor’s Moral Rights in the Works.

 

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(b) Without limiting the generality of clause 15(a), the Contractor consents to the Company failing to identify the Contractor as the author of the Works, falsely attributing authorship of any of the Works and/or subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment and, in particular:

 

(i) not identifying the Contractor, whether by act or omission, as the author of the Works, including not allowing the inclusion of any watermark or imbedded mark in any of the Works which would identify the Contractor as the creator or contributor of the Works;

 

(ii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Contractor’s authorship to the Works, any final or related or derivative products, programs or materials, including marketing and collateral material;

 

(iii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Contractor’s authorship of the Works in any reproduction, adaptation, transmittal or publication; or

 

(iv) amending the shape, configuration, design, appearance or any other feature of the Works, subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment or changing the purpose of use of the Works for any reason, including use of the design on the Internet or any other medium for promotional purposes.

 

(c) The Contractor warrants that the Contractor will execute further documentation as may be required by the Company to perfect the consents and undertakings the Contractor has given to the Company regarding the Contractor’s Moral Rights.

 

(d) The Contractor acknowledges that any consents which have been given in respect of the Contractor’s Moral Rights are given genuinely.

 

18 Restraint

 

(a) After the termination of this agreement for the Restricted Period, the Contractor must not, directly or indirectly, do any of the following:

 

(i) solicit, canvass, approach or accept any approach from any person who is, or was during the 12 months immediately preceding the termination of this agreement, a client, customer or supplier of the Company with whom the Contractor has or has had contact of a business related type, with a view to establishing a relationship with or obtaining the custom of that person in the capacity which is the same as or substantially similar to the relationship that person has or had with the Company; or

 

(ii) solicit, canvass, induce or encourage any person who is an employee of the Company with whom the Contractor has or has had contact of a business related type to leave his or her employment.

 

(b) The Contractor acknowledges that:

 

(i) in providing the Services the Contractor will establish personal contacts and relationships with the Company’s customers, clients and suppliers and that these relationships form part of the goodwill of the Company and are of great value to the Company;

 

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(ii) the restraints contained in this clause are fair and reasonable in terms of their extent and duration, do not unreasonably restrict its right to carry on the Services or similar services to those provided by the Contractor to the Company, and go no further than what is necessary to protect the goodwill and interests of the Company; and

 

(iii) the Company is relying on the acknowledgments in clauses 18(b)(i) and 18(b)(ii) in entering into this agreement.

 

(c) Each restraint in this clause (resulting from any combination of the wording in clause 17 and the relevant definitions) constitutes a separate restraint that is severable from the other restraints. If any part of the restraint (including any associated definition) is judged to be void or unenforceable or illegal because it goes beyond what is reasonable to protect the interests of the Company or for any other reason, it will be read down so as to be valid and enforceable. If it cannot be so read down, the provisions (or where possible, the offending words) will be severed from this clause without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions (or parts of those provisions) of this clause, which will continue to have full force and effect.

 

19 Costs and expenses

 

Each party must pay that party’s own costs and expenses in respect of:

 

(a) the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this agreement and of any documents entered into under or in respect of this agreement; and

 

(b) the performance of that party’s obligations under this agreement.

 

20 Independent contractor status

 

20.1 Independent contractor

 

The Contractor, including the Key Person, warrants to the Company that they are a genuine independent contractor for all purposes and acknowledges that the Company has relied on this representation in entering into this agreement.

 

20.2 Nature of relationship

 

Nothing in this agreement will be construed as establishing the relationship of employer and employee between the Company and the Key Person nor as creating a partnership between the parties, but the relationship between the Company and the Key Person will at all times be that of principal and contractor and not otherwise. Should any provision of this agreement be inconsistent with this clause, this clause will prevail to the extent of any inconsistency.

 

20.3 No claim for employment entitlements

 

(a) No principal, employee or personnel of the Contractor, including the Key Person, will be entitled to claim from the Company any form of leave including personal leave, annual leave, long service leave or any other form of leave, or any other employment-related entitlements such as termination pay, redundancy pay, entitlements under industrial instruments and statute or at common law.

 

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(b) In the event the Contractor claims or the Company becomes otherwise liable for the entitlements set out in clause 20.3(a), the Contractor indemnifies the Company on a full indemnity basis for such payments (including all costs, penalties, fines and fees in respect of such payments).

 

21 Health and safety

 

(a) In carrying out the Services, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that:

 

(i) it, the Key Person and any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of the Services observe all relevant work health and safety laws;

 

(ii) it, the Key Person and any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services are aware of and comply with the health and safety policies and procedures of the Company; and

 

(iii) the Key Person and any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services will not consume or be under the influence of alcohol or any drug (except where legally available or prescribed medication).

 

(b) Prior to the Commencement Date, the Contractor must:

 

(i) inform the Company of any specific health problems, pre-existing disabilities or injuries of the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services that may be directly or indirectly relevant to the Contractor providing the Services; and

 

(ii) inform the Company of any duties the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services are unable to perform that are directly or indirectly relevant to the Contractor providing the Services.

 

(c) During the Term, the Contractor must immediately advise the Company if:

 

(i) the working conditions are unsafe;

 

(ii) the Contractor, the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor sustains an injury while providing the Services; or

 

(iii) the Contractor, the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor develops any health problem, illness or injury which may restrict, impede or prevent the Contractor from performing the Services.

 

22 Workers’ Compensation

 

(a) Where the Company is deemed to be the employer of the Key Person or any other employee or personnel of the Contractor for the purposes of applicable workers’ compensation legislation, the Company will provide workers’ compensation insurance.

 

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(b) Where the Company is not deemed to be the employer of the Key Person or any other employee or personnel of the Contractor for the purposes of applicable workers’ compensation legislation, the Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the Contractor and each of the Contractor’s employees or personnel including the Key Person have adequate accident and sickness insurance and the Company will have no liability in this regard.

 

(c) To assist the Company in determining whether it is required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for the Key Person or any other employee or personnel of the Contractor, the Company may request certain information from the Contractor and the Contractor must provide that information in a timely manner.

 

23 Superannuation

 

The Company will not pay superannuation on behalf of the Contractor or any employee or personnel of the Contractor including the Key Person, on the basis that they are not common law employees of the Company and are not deemed employees of the Company under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth). In the event the Company is required to pay superannuation for any employee or personnel of the Contractor including the Key Person, the Contractor indemnifies the Company against any superannuation payment.

 

24 GST

 

24.1 Interpretation

 

Words and expressions used in this clause 24 which are not defined in this agreement, but which are defined in the GST Act, have the meaning given to them in the GST Act.

 

24.2 Consideration does not include GST

 

The consideration for any supply made under or in connection with this agreement does not include an amount for GST, unless it is expressly stated in this agreement to be inclusive of GST.

 

24.3 Recovery of GST

 

To the extent that GST is or becomes payable on any supply made under or in connection with this agreement (not being a supply for which the consideration is expressly stated in this agreement to be inclusive of GST), the party required to provide the consideration for the supply must pay, in addition to and at the same time as the consideration is to be provided, an amount equal to the amount of GST on the supply.

 

24.4 Reimbursement or indemnity payments

 

Where a party is required under this agreement to pay, reimburse or indemnify another party for any loss, cost or expense, the amount to be reimbursed or indemnified will be the amount of the loss, cost or expense reduced by an amount equal to any input tax credit that the other party is entitled to claim for the loss, cost or expense and increased by the amount of any GST payable in accordance with clause 24.3.

 

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24.5 Tax invoice

 

The Company need not make a payment for a taxable supply made under or in connection with this agreement until it receives a tax invoice for the supply to which the payment relates.

 

25 Notices

 

25.1 Giving of notice

 

A notice required or permitted to be given by one party to another under this agreement must be in writing and will be treated as being duly given and received if it is:

 

(a) delivered personally to that other party;

 

(b) left at that other party’s address;

 

(c) sent by pre-paid mail to that other party’s address; or

 

(d) transmitted by email to that other party.

 

25.2 Address for service

 

For the purposes of this clause, the address of a party is the address set out in item 10 of the schedule or another address of which that party may from time to time give notice to each other party.

 

26 Dispute resolution

 

(a) Except where interim or urgent interlocutory relief is sought, prior to the commencement of any legal proceedings, whether in a court or by way of arbitration, the parties agree to use reasonable endeavours to resolve a dispute.

 

(b) If a party considers that a dispute exists, then that party must give written notice to the other party that it considers a dispute exists specifying the dispute, including identifying any event, matter or omission that the party relies on as giving rise to the dispute.

 

(c) The parties must meet within 28 days of the date of the notice given under clause 26(b) for the purpose of seeking to resolve the Dispute (Resolution Period).

 

(d) If the dispute is not resolved during the Resolution Period, then any of the disputing parties may refer the dispute for determination by arbitration no later than five business days after the end of the Resolution Period.

 

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(e) Any dispute referred for arbitration under clause 26(d) must be conducted in accordance with the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators of Australia Rules for the Conduct of Commercial Arbitrations and:

 

(i) be conducted by an arbitrator agreed on by the disputing parties; or

 

(ii) if the disputing parties are unable to agree on an arbitrator five business days of the date of the submission to arbitration under clause 26(d), be conducted by an arbitrator appointed by the then current president or acting president of the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators Australia following a request from any of the disputing parties.

 

(f) The parties agree that an award made by the arbitrator will, in the absence of manifest error, be binding on the parties.

 

(g) The cost of any arbitrator will be shared equally between each of the disputing parties participating in the arbitration. Subject to any award of costs made by the arbitrator, the disputing parties will each bear their own costs of any arbitration.

 

(h) Failure by a party to a dispute to comply with clause 26 may be pleaded in bar to the continuance of any proceeding initiated by that party until this clause has been complied with.

 

27 Further steps

 

Each party agrees to promptly do all things reasonably necessary or desirable to give full effect to this agreement and the transactions contemplated by it, including obtaining consents and signing documents.

 

28 No merger

 

On completion or termination of the transactions contemplated by this agreement, the rights and obligations of the parties set out in this agreement will not merge and any provision that has not been fulfilled remains in force.

 

29 Entire agreement

 

This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties about its subject matter and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings or agreements between the parties on the subject matter.

 

30 Amendment

 

This agreement may only be amended or varied in writing signed by each party.

 

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31 Waiver

 

31.1 No waiver

 

No failure to exercise or delay in exercising any right given by or under this agreement to a party constitutes a waiver and the party may still exercise that right in the future.

 

31.2 Waiver must be in writing

 

Waiver of any provision of this agreement or a right created under it must be in writing signed by the party giving the waiver and is only effective to the extent set out in that written waiver.

 

32 Severability

 

If any provision of this agreement is invalid or not enforceable in accordance with its terms in any jurisdiction, it is to be read down for the purposes of that jurisdiction, if possible, so as to be valid and enforceable and will otherwise be capable of being severed to the extent of the invalidity or unenforceability without affecting the remaining provisions of this agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

33 Assignment

 

The Contractor must not, at law or in equity, assign, transfer or otherwise deal with any of its rights or obligations under this agreement without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

34 Counterparts

 

This agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts. All signed counterparts taken together constitute one agreement.

 

35 Governing law and jurisdiction

 

35.1 Governing law

 

This agreement is governed by the laws in force in the state specified in item 16 of the schedule.

 

35.2 Jurisdiction

 

The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts of the state specified in item 16 of the schedule and the Federal Court of Australia and any courts that may hear appeals from those courts about any proceedings in connection with this agreement.

 

EXECUTED as an agreement.

 

20

 

 

Independent contractor agreement - corporate

 

 

Schedule

 

1 Date of agreement

 

14 October 2024

 

2 Details of the Company

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
of 303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2006

 

3 Details of the Parent Company

 

SharonAI Inc or any subsequent parent company of SharonAI Pty Ltd.

 

4 Details of the Contractor

 

Manning Group Pty Ltd ATF MG Office Trust

ACN: 620 362 174

ABN: 57 246 345 926
of 303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2006

 

5 Details of Key Person

 

James Manning

 

Email: james@manning.com.au

 

Phone number: 0499 400 900

 

6 Commencement Date

 

1 July 2024

 

7 Fees

 

Fees payable by the Company will be on the basis of AUD$334,500 per annum exclusive of GST

 

8 Invoice Period

 

Monthly

 

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9 Payment Period

 

Seven days

 

10 Address for service

 

Contact details as set out in items 2, 3 and 5 of this schedule

 

11 Notice

 

3 months

 

12 Services

 

Executive Chairman of SharonAI Inc and Subsidiaries

 

13 Location and hours

 

13.1 Location

 

Sydney CBD / North Sydney / or other such location as agreed

 

13.2 Hours

 

The Contractor will provide the Services between 8.30 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday or other such times as agreed from time to time by the Contractor & the Company representative

 

14 Company representative

 

The Chief Executive Officer or Non-Executive Director

 

15 Term

 

Ongoing

 

16 Jurisdiction

 

New South Wales

 

22

 

 

Independent contractor agreement - corporate

 

 

Signing page

 

EXECUTED by SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by being signed by the following officers:
   
     
/s/ Andrew Leece   Andrew Leece
Signature of director and company secretary   Name of director and company secretary (please print)
     
/s/ Wolfgang Schubert   Wolfgang Schubert
Signature of director   Name of director (please print)
     
EXECUTED by SHARONAI INC
by its authorised signatory:
   
     
/s/ Wolfgang Schubert    
Signature of signatory    
     
Wolf Schubert    
Name of signatory (please print)    

 

EXECUTED by MANNING GROUP PTY LTD ATF MG OFFICE TRUST ACN: 620 362 174

in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by being signed by the following officers:

 
   
/s/ James Manning   James Manning
Signature of director   Name of director

 

23

 

 

Annexure A

 

 

Deed

 

Date

 

Parties

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN ACN 645 215 194 of 303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2006 (Company)

 

James Manning of 1180 Barrenjoey Road, Palm Beach NSW (Individual)

 

Recitals

 

A The Individual is employed or engaged by MANNING GROUP PTY LTD ATF MG OFFICE TRUST (Contractor).

 

B The Contractor provides services (Services) to the Company under an agreement entered into by the Company and the Contractor dated 14 October 2024 (Independent Contractor Agreement).

 

C As part of the Individual’s employment or engagement by the Contractor, the Individual assists the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company under the Independent Contractor Agreement.

 

D Due to the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, the Individual owes certain obligations to the Company (Obligations).

 

E The parties have agreed to set out their agreement as to the Obligations on the terms set out in this deed.

 

The parties agree

 

1 Definitions and interpretation

 

1.1 Definitions

 

In this deed:

 

Claim includes a claim, action, proceeding, judgment, damage, loss, cost, expense or liability, however arising and whether present, unascertained, immediate, future or contingent.

 

Confidential Information means:

 

(a) any information whether or not in a material form that directly or indirectly relates to the business and/or products of the Company, the Group and/or their clients, customers and suppliers including information relating to any patents (actual or pending), trade secrets, formulas, designs, accounts, marketing plans, sales plans, models, prospects, research, management information systems, computer systems, processes and any data base, data surveys, clients, customers, suppliers, client lists, customer lists, specifications, drawings, records, reports, software or other documents, whether in writing or otherwise concerning the Company or the Group or any of their clients, customers or suppliers;

 

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(b) any other information or knowhow whether or not in a material form that relates to the business of the Company or the Group which the Individual becomes aware of either before or after the date of this deed, or generates in the course of, or in connection with assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company; and

 

(c) any information relating to the Company or the Group which is not in the public domain.

 

Group means:

 

(a) the Company;

 

(b) Related Bodies Corporate of the Company;

 

(c) any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company; and

 

(d) any other entity that is connected with the Company, or any other member of the Group, by a common directorship or by a common interest in an economic enterprise, for example, a partner of another member of a joint venture.

 

Intellectual Property Rights means:

 

(a) any patent, registered and common law trade mark, trade name, business name, company name, domain name, copyright, registered or other design right, circuit layout right and any corresponding property right, together with any right to apply for the grant or registration of the same; and

 

(b) any right in respect of an idea, invention, discovery, trade secret, improvement, technical information, specification, know how, data, algorithm, formula or Confidential Information.

 

Moral Rights means moral rights as defined in section 189 of Part IX of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) (namely the right of attribution of authorship, the right not to have authorship falsely attributed and the right of integrity of authorship).

 

Related Bodies Corporate has the meaning defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

 

Restricted Period means:

 

(a) 12 months or,

 

(b) 9 months or,

 

(c) 6 months or,

 

(d) 3 months.

 

Works means any work product, including any concepts, ideas, designs, models, artwork, engravings, images, computer programs, data, information, processes, techniques, inventions, research results, documents or materials or parts, adaptations or drafts, in any form, resulting directly or indirectly from the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company.

 

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1.2 Interpretation

 

In this deed, headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of this deed, and unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa;

 

(b) words importing a gender include the other gender;

 

(c) if words or phrases are defined, their other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning;

 

(d) a reference to:

 

(i) a party includes the party’s executors, legal personal representatives, successors, transferees and assigns;

 

(ii) a part, clause, schedule or party is a reference to a part, clause or schedule of, or a party to, this deed;

 

(iii) a document, including this deed, is to the document or instrument as amended, varied, novated, supplemented or replaced from time to time;

 

(iv) a person includes an individual, a partnership, a body corporate, a joint venture, an association (whether incorporated or not), a government and a government authority or agency;

 

(v) this deed includes the recitals;

 

(vi) ‘$’ or dollars means Australian dollars and a reference to payment means payment in Australian dollars;

 

(vii) legislation includes any statutory modification or replacement and any subordinate or delegated legislation issued under that legislation; and

 

(viii) a law includes any statute, regulation, by law, scheme, determination, ordinance, rule or other statutory provision (whether Commonwealth, State or municipal);

 

(e) if the day on or by which something must be done is not a business day, that thing must be done on the next business day;

 

(f) the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by ‘including’ or ‘for example’, or similar expressions; and

 

(g) no provision of this deed will be interpreted against a party just because that party prepared that provision.

 

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2 Conflict of interest

 

The Individual warrants that no conflict of interest, restriction or impediment exists or is likely to arise that would prevent the Individual from assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company or complying with the Obligations.

 

3 Confidentiality

 

(a) The Individual must keep secret and must not at any time (whether during or after the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company) use for the Individual’s own or another’s advantage, or reveal to any person, any Confidential Information. The restrictions contained in this clause will not apply to any disclosure or use authorised by the Company or required by law or by this deed.

 

(b) The Individual agrees that on the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, the Individual will immediately deliver to the Company all property belonging to the Company or the Group which may be in the possession of the Individual, including Confidential Information.

 

4 Intellectual property

 

(a) The Company will own all Works and Intellectual Property Rights in the Works.

 

(b) In particular, the Individual:

 

(i) unconditionally assigns to the Company all existing and future Intellectual Property Rights in the Works;

 

(ii) acknowledges that by virtue of this clause, all existing Intellectual Property Rights in the Works vest in the Company on creation; and

 

(iii) will execute all additional documentation that may be required by the Company from time to time to perfect that assignment of the Intellectual Property Rights.

 

(c) Clause 4(a) does not affect the ownership of any Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Individual in any existing material (if any) incorporated into or used to produce the Works, but the Individual grants to the Company a permanent, royalty free, worldwide, non-exclusive licence to use, copy, modify, exploit and sub licence any pre-existing material.

 

(d) The Individual must not make any claim that the Individual has any right, title or interest in the Intellectual Property Rights in the Works or to use those rights.

 

(e) The Individual warrants that:

 

(i) the Individual has the legal right to grant to the Company the assignment of Intellectual Property Rights in the Works under clause 4(b); and

 

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(ii) in undertaking the Individual’s obligations under this deed and delivering the Works, the Individual:

 

(A) will not breach any obligation owed to any person; and

 

(B) will not infringe any Intellectual Property Rights of any person.

 

5 Moral Rights

 

(a) The Individual gives consent for the Company to act in any way which may otherwise infringe the Individual’s Moral Rights in the Works.

 

(b) Without limiting the generality of clause 5(a), the Individual consents to the Company failing to identify the Individual as the author of the Works, falsely attributing authorship of any of the Works and/or subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment and, in particular:

 

(i) not identifying the Individual, whether by act or omission, as the author of the Works, including not allowing the inclusion of any watermark or imbedded mark in any of the Works which would identify the Individual as the creator or contributor of the Works;

 

(ii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Individual’s authorship of the Works, in any final or related or derivative products, programs or materials, including marketing and collateral material;

 

(iii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Individual’s authorship of the Works in any reproduction, adaptation, transmittal or publication; or

 

(iv) amending the shape, configuration, design, appearance or any other feature of the Works, subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment or changing the purpose of use of the Works for any reason, including use of the design on the Internet or any other medium for promotional purposes.

 

(c) The Individual warrants that the Individual will execute further documentation as may be required by the Company to perfect the consents and undertakings the Individual has given to the Company regarding the Individual’s Moral Rights.

 

(d) The Individual acknowledges that any consents which have been given in respect of the Individual’s Moral Rights are given genuinely.

 

6 Restraint

 

(a) After the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, for the Restricted Period, the Individual must not, directly or indirectly, do any of the following:

 

(i) solicit, canvass, approach or accept any approach from any person who is, or was during the 12 months immediately preceding the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, a client, customer or supplier of the Company with whom the Individual has or has had contact of a business related type, with a view to establishing a relationship with or obtaining the custom of that person in the capacity which is the same as or substantially similar to the relationship that person has or had with the Company; or

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

(ii) solicit, canvass, induce or encourage any person who is an employee of the Company with whom the Individual has or has had contact of a business related type to leave his or her employment.

 

(b) The Individual acknowledges that:

 

(i) in assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, the Individual will establish personal contacts and relationships with the Company’s customers, clients and suppliers and that these relationships form part of the goodwill of the Company and are of great value to the Company;

 

(ii) the restraints contained in this clause are fair and reasonable in terms of their extent and duration, do not unreasonably restrict the Individual’s right to carry on services similar to the Services that the Individual assists the Contractor to provide to the Company, and go no further than what is necessary to protect the goodwill and interests of the Company; and

 

(iii) the Company is relying on the acknowledgments in clauses 6(b)(i) and 6(b)(ii) in allowing the Individual to assist the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company.

 

(c) Each restraint in this clause (resulting from any combination of the wording in clause 6 (and the relevant definitions) constitutes a separate restraint that is severable from the other restraints. If any part of the restraint (including any associated definition) is judged to be void or unenforceable or illegal because it goes beyond what is reasonable to protect the interests of the Company or for any other reason, it will be read down so as to be valid and enforceable. If it cannot be so read down, the provisions (or where possible, the offending words) will be severed from this clause without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions (or parts of those provisions) of this clause, which will continue to have full force and effect.

 

7 Severability

 

If any provision of this deed is invalid or not enforceable in accordance with its terms in any jurisdiction, it is to be read down for the purposes of that jurisdiction, if possible, so as to be valid and enforceable and will otherwise be capable of being severed to the extent of the invalidity or unenforceability without affecting the remaining provisions of this deed or affecting the validity or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

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8 Costs

 

Each party must pay that party’s own costs and expenses in respect of:

 

(a) the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this deed and of any documents entered into under or in respect of this deed; and

 

(b) the performance of that party’s obligations under this deed.

 

9 Entire agreement

 

This deed constitutes the entire agreement between the parties about its subject matter and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings or agreements between the parties on the subject matter.

 

10 Counterparts

 

This deed may be signed in any number of counterparts. All signed counterparts taken together constitute one deed.

 

11 Governing law and jurisdiction

 

11.1 Governing law

 

This deed is governed by the laws in force in the state specified in item 13 of the schedule of the Independent Contractor Agreement.

 

11.2 Jurisdiction of courts

 

The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the state specified in item 13 of the schedule of the Independent Contractor Agreement and the Federal Court of Australia and any courts that may hear appeals from those courts about any proceedings in connection with this deed.

 

EXECUTED as a deed.

 

30

 

 

Annexure A

 

 

Signing page

 

SIGNED SEALED AND DELIVERED by SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by being signed by the following officers:
   
     
/s/ Andrew Leece   /s/ Wolfgang Schubert
Signature of director   Signature of director / company secretary
     
Andrew Leece   Wolfgang Schubert
Name of director (please print)   Name of director / company secretary (please print)

 

SIGNED by JAMES MANNING
in the presence of:
   
     
/s/ Nick Hughes-Jones   /s/ James Manning
Signature of witness   Signature of James Manning
     
Nick Hughes-Jones    
Name of witness (please print)    

 

31

 

Exhibit 10.17

 

Independent contractor agreement - corporate

 

 

Date of the agreement is the date specified in item 1 of the schedule

 

Parties

 

The party described in item 2 of the schedule (Company)

 

The party described in item 3 of the schedule (Parent Company)

 

The party described in item 4 of the schedule (Contractor)

 

Recitals

 

A The Company agrees to appoint the Contractor to provide the Services and the Contractor agrees to the appointment on the terms and conditions set out in this agreement.

 

B The Contractor will engage the Key Person to assist the Contractor to provide the Services.

 

C The Parent Company is a party to this agreement for the purpose of guaranteeing the performance of the Company’s obligations under this agreement.

 

The parties agree

 

1Definitions and interpretation

 

1.1 Definitions

 

In this agreement:

 

Claim includes a claim, action, proceeding, judgment, damage, loss, cost, expense or liability, however arising and whether present, unascertained, immediate, future or contingent.

 

Commencement Date means the date specified in item 6 of the schedule.

 

Company means the entity described in item 2 of the schedule.

 

Company Representative means the person named in item 14 of the schedule or as otherwise advised by the Company from time to time.

 

Confidential Information means:

 

(a) any information whether or not in a material form that directly or indirectly relates to the business and/or products of the Company, the Group and/or their clients, customers and suppliers including information relating to any patents (actual or pending), trade secrets, formulas, designs, accounts, marketing plans, sales plans, models, prospects, research, management information systems, computer systems, processes and any data base, data surveys, clients, customers, suppliers, client lists, customer lists, specifications, drawings, records, reports, software or other documents, whether in writing or otherwise concerning the Company or the Group or any of their clients, customers or suppliers;

 

 

 

 

(b) any other information or know how whether or not in a material form that relates to the business of the Company or the Group which the Contractor or any of its employees or personnel, including the Key Person, become aware of either before or after the date of this agreement, or generate in the course of, or in connection with, the carrying out of the Contractor’s obligations under this agreement; and

 

(c) any information relating to the Company or the Group which is not in the public domain.

 

Contractor means the entity described in item 4 of the schedule.

 

Fees means the fees specified in item 7 of the schedule.

 

Group means:

 

(a) the Company;

 

(b) the Parent Company;

 

(c) Related Bodies Corporate of the Company;

 

(d) any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company; and

 

(e) any other entity that is connected with the Company, or any other member of the Group, by a common directorship or by a common interest in an economic enterprise for example, a partner of another member of a joint venture.

 

Group Company means the Company and each Company which forms part of the Group.

 

GST has the meaning given to it by the GST Act.

 

GST Act means the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth).

 

Guaranteed Obligations means every obligation on the part of the Company (whether alone or not) which at any time arises under or in connection with this agreement including the payment or reimbursement of any costs, expenses, liabilities, losses or damages, but excluding any claim for entitlements contemplated in clause 20.3 and superannuation.

 

Intellectual Property Rights means:

 

(a) any patent, registered and common law trade mark, trade name, business name, company name, domain name, copyright, registered or other design right, circuit layout right and any corresponding property right, together with any right to apply for the grant or registration of the same; and

 

(b) any right in respect of an idea, invention, discovery, trade secret, improvement, technical information, specification, know how, data, algorithm, formula or Confidential Information.

 

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Insolvency Event means, in relation to a body corporate, a liquidation or winding up, the appointment of a controller, administrator, receiver, manager or similar insolvency administrator to a party or any substantial part of its assets or the entering into a scheme or arrangement with creditors or, in relation to an individual, becoming bankrupt or entering into a scheme or arrangement with creditors, or in relation to a body corporate or an individual, the occurrence of any event that has a substantially similar effect to any of the above events.

 

Moral Rights means moral rights as defined in section 189 of Part IX of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) (namely the right of attribution of authorship, the right not to have authorship falsely attributed and the right of integrity of authorship).

 

Invoice Period means the period specified at item 8 of the schedule.

 

Key Person means the individual described in item 5 of the schedule.

 

Payment Period means the period specified at item 9 of the schedule.

 

Related Bodies Corporate has the meaning given in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

 

Restricted Period means:

 

(a) 12 months or,

 

(b) 9 months or,

 

(c) 6 months or,

 

(d) 3 months.

 

Services means the services specified in item 12 of the schedule and any other services as reasonably requested from time to time by the Company.

 

Superannuation Law means Superannuation Guarantee Charge Act 1992 (Cth) and the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth) and/or any other acts, regulations or ordinances that govern the payment of superannuation contributions.

 

Tax Administration Act means the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (Cth) as amended.

 

Term means the term as specified in clause 3.

 

Works means any work product, including any concepts, ideas, designs, models, artwork, engravings, images, computer programs, data, information, processes, techniques, inventions, research results, documents or materials or parts, adaptations or drafts, in any form, resulting directly or indirectly from the Contractor providing the Services to the Company.

 

1.2 Interpretation

 

In this agreement, headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of this agreement, and unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa;

 

(b) words importing a gender include the other genders;

 

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(c) if words or phrases are defined, their other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning;

 

(d) a reference to:

 

(i) a person includes an individual, a partnership, a body corporate, a joint venture, an association (whether incorporated or not), a government and a government authority or agency;

 

(ii) a party includes the party’s executors, legal personal representatives, successors, transferees and assigns;

 

(iii) a part, clause, schedule or party is a reference to a part, clause or schedule of, or a party to, this agreement;

 

(iv) a right includes a benefit, remedy, discretion, authority or power;

 

(v) an obligation includes a warranty or representation and a reference to a failure to observe or perform an obligation includes a breach of a warranty or representation;

 

(vi) this agreement includes the recitals and any schedules, annexures, exhibits or attachments to this agreement;

 

(vii) ‘$’ or dollars means Australian dollars and a reference to payment means payment in Australian dollars;

 

(viii) writing includes any mode of representing or reproducing words in tangible and permanently visible form and includes facsimile transmissions;

 

(ix) legislation includes any statutory modification or replacement and any subordinate or delegated legislation issued under that legislation; and

 

(x) a law includes any statute, regulation, by law, scheme, determination, ordinance, rule or other statutory provision (whether Commonwealth, State or municipal);

 

(e) a reference to an insolvency event includes:

 

(i) in the case of an individual:

 

(A) the committing of an act of bankruptcy in respect of the individual within the meaning of section 40 of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth);

 

(B) the signing of an authority by the individual under Part X of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth); or

 

(C) the making of a sequestration order in respect of the estate of the individual within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth); or

 

(ii) in the case of a corporation:

 

(A) the appointment of a controller to the property of the corporation;

 

(B) the appointment of an administrator in respect of the corporation;

 

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(C) the corporation failing to comply with a statutory demand within the period for compliance;

 

(D) the making of a winding up order by a court in respect of the corporation;

 

(E) the passing of a resolution for winding up under Part 5.5 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth); or

 

(F) in respect of a Part 5.7 body, the commencement of a winding up under Part 5.7 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of that body;

 

(f) the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by ‘including’ or ‘for example’, or similar expressions; and

 

(g) no provision of this agreement will be interpreted against a party just because that party prepared that provision.

 

1.3 Representatives of Contractor

 

Despite anything else contained in this agreement:

 

(a) where an obligation is imposed on the Contractor by or under this agreement to do, or not to do, any act or thing, the Contractor must ensure and procure the compliance with that obligation of the Key Person and any other of the Contractor’s employees and personnel who assist the Contractor in the provision of the Services to the Company; and

 

(b) the Contractor must procure the execution by the Key Person and any other of the Contractor’s employees and personnel who assist in the provision of the Services to the Company, of a deed in the form set out in Annexure A.

 

2 Appointment of Contractor

 

The Company appoints and the Contractor accepts the appointment of the Contractor to provide the Services with assistance from the Key Person in accordance with the terms and conditions of this agreement.

 

3 Term

 

This agreement commences on the Commencement Date and will operate for the period specified in item 15 of the schedule unless terminated in accordance with clause 13.

 

4 Fees

 

(a) In consideration of the provision of the Services, the Company must pay the Contractor the Fees.

 

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(b) The Company is only liable to pay the Fees to the Contractor for Services actually provided by the Contractor under this agreement to a standard acceptable to the Company.

 

(c) The Fees are payable by the Company in the Payment Period on receipt of an invoice from the Contractor, to be forwarded at the end of each Invoice Period.

 

5 Expenses

 

The Contractor will be responsible for any expenses incurred by the Contractor or the Key Person in providing the Services to the Company, unless the Contractor or the Key Person, as the case may be, obtains approval from the Company prior to incurring a particular expense, and subject to the provision to the Company of a tax receipt for that expense. The Company may approve or refuse approval in its absolute discretion.

 

6 Appointment of the Key Person

 

(a) The Contractor agrees to provide the Key Person to assist the Contractor to provide the Services.

 

(b) The Contractor acknowledges that the Key Person is suitably qualified to assist the Contractor to provide the Services in a safe, thorough, workmanlike and competent manner and with all reasonable expedition and at a rate of progress satisfactory to the Company.

 

(c) The Contractor agrees to obtain the written consent of the Company prior to providing any personnel other than the Key Person to assist the Contractor with providing the Services.

 

(d) The Contractor must pay all costs relating to its employees and personnel, including the Key Person and any other person who assists the Contractor in the provision of the Services to the Company, including salaries, wages, bonuses, allowances, workers’ compensation premiums if applicable, superannuation guarantee contributions, fringe benefits, payments in respect of leave entitlements and any taxes in relation to them.

 

7 Obligations of Contractor

 

7.1 Duties

 

The Contractor must:

 

(a) provide the Services, with assistance from the Key Person, in accordance with the terms of this agreement;

 

(b) act efficiently, honestly and fairly at all times in relation to the Contractor’s provision of the Services under this agreement;

 

(c) faithfully and diligently perform its obligations under this agreement;

 

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(d) provide the Services at the location specified in item 13 of the schedule or any other location as reasonably required by the Company from time to time;

 

(e) provide any and all equipment necessary for the Contractor and/or the Key Person to provide the Services;

 

(f) follow and comply with any directions provided by the Company Representative from time to time relating to the provision of the Services;

 

(g) not act in any manner so as to bring the character or reputation of the Company, the Group or any of their officers or employees into disrepute;

 

(h) notify the Company immediately of any difficulties encountered in relation to the Contractor’s provision of the Services;

 

(i) not bind the Company in contract without the prior written approval of the Company Representative;

 

(j) comply with all state and federal equal opportunity, affirmative action and anti-discrimination legislation;

 

(k) comply with all of the Company’s internal policies, including its policies relating to discrimination and harassment and email and internet use, however these policies do not form part of this agreement; and

 

(l) notify the Company as soon as possible if the Key Person or any of the Contractor’s employees or personnel who assist the Contractor in the provision of the Services to the Company are unable to provide that assistance due to poor health or for any other reason.

 

7.2 Business records

 

The Contractor must maintain proper business records with respect to the Key Person assisting the Contractor to provide the Services under this agreement and permit the Company to inspect such records during office hours on the Company giving reasonable written notice to the Contractor.

 

8 Obligations of the Company

 

(a) The Company must provide all reasonable assistance to the Contractor and the Key Person to carry out the obligations of the Contractor under this agreement.

 

(b) Subject to clause 8(c), where the Company requests or requires the Contractor to provide the Key Person to act as a director of the Company, the Company must indemnify, and the Parent Company must also indemnify, the Key Person acting as director or officer of the Company, or of a related body corporate of the Company against:

 

(i) every liability incurred by the person in that capacity (except a liability for legal costs); and

 

(ii) all legal costs incurred in defending or resisting (or otherwise in connection with) proceedings, whether civil or criminal or of an administrative or investigatory nature, in which the person becomes involved because of that capacity,

 

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(c) Clause 8(b) does not apply to the extent that:

 

(i) the Company or Parent Company is forbidden by the Corporations Act or other statute to indemnify the person against the liability or legal costs; or

 

(ii) an indemnity by the Company or Parent Company of the person against the liability or legal costs would, if given, be made void by the Corporations Act or other statute.

 

9 Guarantee

 

(a) The Parent Company unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the due and punctual:

 

(i) performance and observance by the Company of all Guaranteed Obligations; and

 

(ii) payment by the Company of any money or any other award obligation(s) under an equity incentive or renumeration program but not any claim for entitlements contemplated in clause 20.3 and superannuation.

 

(b) If the Company defaults on any Guaranteed Obligations or payments outlined in clause 9(a)and that default is not remedied within 30 days, the Parent Company will on demand made on it by the Contractor:

 

(i) duly and punctually perform the Guaranteed Obligations; and

 

(ii) duly and punctually pay to the Contractor any money.

 

(c) The Contractor is not required to:

 

(i) take any steps to enforce its rights under this agreement; or

 

(ii) incur any expense or make any payment,

 

before enforcing its rights against the Parent Company under this agreement.

 

10 Warranties and Indemnities

 

10.1 Warranties

 

The Contractor warrants to the Company on the date of this agreement and on each day during the Term, that:

 

(a) the Contractor will carry out the Services in a proper manner:

 

(i) in compliance with all laws; and

 

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(ii) to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company;

 

(b) if required by law, the Contractor maintains any insurance required under relevant legislation;

 

(c) the Contractor will not infringe any third party’s intellectual property rights;

 

(d) the Contractor will comply with all of its obligations under this agreement;

 

(e) the Contractor is a genuine independent contractor for all purposes and acknowledges that the Company has relied on this representation in entering into this agreement;

 

(f) the Contractor has capacity to enter into this agreement;

 

(g) the Contractor is not subject to an Insolvency Event; and

 

(h) on execution of this agreement, its obligations under this agreement will be valid, binding and enforceable.

 

11 Claims

 

11.1 Notice of Claim

 

The Contractor must immediately notify the Company on becoming aware of any Claim or potential Claim or circumstances which may lead to a Claim being made against the Contractor, the Key Person or the Company directly or indirectly related to the Services provided under this agreement.

 

11.2 Costs of Claims

 

The Contractor must reimburse to the Company any excess or deductible amount payable by the Company as a result of a client complaint or Claim against the Company and any costs, expenses, charges and fees (including legal fees) incurred by the Company in connection with the conduct of the Contractor, its employees or personnel (including the Key Person) and any other person who represents or acts on its behalf.

 

12 Insurance

 

12.1 Amount of insurance

 

The Contractor must take out and maintain appropriate insurance covering the Services provided.

 

12.2 Workers’ compensation insurance

 

The Contractor is required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance where required by law.

 

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12.3 Evidence of insurances

 

The Contractor must provide the Company with satisfactory evidence of the insurances required under clause 12 when requested by the Company.

 

13 Termination

 

13.1 Company may terminate

 

The Company may immediately terminate this agreement at any time by written notice served on the Contractor if any one or more of the following occurs:

 

(a) the Contractor, in the reasonable opinion of the Company:

 

(i) commits a serious or material breach of its obligations under this agreement; or

 

(ii) commits any other breach of its obligations under this agreement of which the Contractor is notified by the Company and which is not rectified by the Contractor within 14 days of notification of the breach by the Company;

 

(b) the Contractor or the Key Person engages in any conduct which in the reasonable opinion of the Company:

 

(i) may cause harm to or injure the reputation or standing of the Company or the Group or any of their authorised representatives;

 

(ii) is prejudicial to the interests of the Company or the Group or any of their authorised representatives; or

 

(iii) is unprofessional or unethical;

 

(c) the Contractor (or the Key Person) ceases to hold lawful authority to attend or remain at any location where the Services are to be provided, including the location specified in item 13 of the schedule;

 

(d) the Contractor becoming insolvent, under administration or an externally administered body corporate;

 

(e) the Contractor attempting to assign or sub-contract any of its rights under this agreement or there is a change of control of the Contractor; or

 

(f) the Contractor or the Key Person being convicted of an indictable offence.

 

13.2 Termination with notice

 

(a) Either the Company or the Contractor may terminate this agreement by providing the written notice to the other specified in item 11 of the schedule.

 

(b) The Company may elect to make payment in lieu of part or the whole period of notice in which case the amount payable to the Contractor will be the equivalent of the Fees the Contractor would likely have been paid for providing the Services during the relevant period based on an average of the Fees paid to the Contractor in the four weeks immediately preceding the termination.

 

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13.3 Effect of termination

 

If this agreement is terminated, then in addition to any other rights or remedies provided by law:

 

(a) each party is released from its obligations under this agreement, other than in relation to clause 15 (Confidentiality), clause 16 (Intellectual Property) and clause 17 (Restraint); and

 

(b) each party retains any rights, entitlements or remedies it had against any other party in connection with any breach or Claim that has arisen before termination.

 

13.4 Liability

 

(a) On termination all entitlements of the Contractor to the Fees under clause 4 will cease with the exception of any Fees owing at the date of termination.

 

(b) Termination of this agreement will not affect, limit, reduce or bring to an end any liability of the Company or the Contractor to pay any amount that is or becomes due and payable to the other prior to termination.

 

(c) The Company acknowledges and agrees that if the Company, any Group Company, or any employees or officers of the Company brings any claim or dispute against the Contractor or a Key Person, liability is limited to the Fees the Contractor is entitled to within the 45 days immediately before a written notice is issued under clause 26(b) of this agreement.

 

(d) The Parent Company acknowledges and agrees that:

 

(i) any breach by the Company extends to the Parent Company;

 

(ii) the Parent Company is liable in the event the Company cannot meet its obligations under this agreement.

 

13.5Acknowledgment

 

The Contractor acknowledges that the Company will not be liable in connection with any of the acts and/or omissions of the Contractor or the Key Person from the date of termination.

 

13.6 Deductions

 

On termination of this agreement, or at any other time, the Company reserves the right to deduct from the Fees any money which the Contractor may owe to the Company including:

 

(a) any debts owing to the Company by the Contractor;

 

(b) overpayments of the Fees;

 

(c) the replacement value of any property of the Company not returned by the Contractor;

 

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(d) losses suffered by the Company as a result of the non-performance or breach of this agreement by the Contractor and/or its employees and personnel (including the Key Person); and

 

(e) if the Contractor fails to provide the Company with the period of notice required under clause 13.2(a), the amount of the Fees the Contractor would likely have received for providing the Services during the non-completed part of the required notice period based on an average of the Fees paid to the Contractor in the four weeks immediately preceding the termination.

 

14 Conflict of interest

 

14.1 Declaration of conflict of interest

 

The Contractor warrants that no conflict of interest, restriction or impediment exists or is likely to arise that would prevent the Contractor from providing the Services or complying with their obligations under this agreement.

 

14.2 Other business activities during the Term

 

(a) The Contractor operates an independent enterprise and the parties expressly agree that the Contractor may engage in business activities other than the provision of the Services to the Company during the Term, including that the Contractor may provide similar services to others subject to clauses 14.2(b) and 14.2(c).

 

(b) The Contractor must ensure that the business activities in which the Contractor engages do not create, or are not perceived to create, a conflict of interest with the Company’s interests or the Services being provided to the Company under this agreement.

 

(c) If the Contractor engages in business activities which he considers are, or may, create a conflict of interest with the Company’s interests or the Services provided to the Company under this agreement, the Contractor is required to notify the Company Representative immediately.

 

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this agreement precludes the Company from engaging any other person or entity to perform services similar to the Services, and the Company does and will obtain similar services from others.

 

15 Confidentiality

 

(a) The Contractor must keep secret and must not at any time (whether during or after this agreement) use for the Contractor’s own or another’s advantage, or reveal to any person, any Confidential Information. The restrictions contained in this clause will not apply to any disclosure or use authorised by the Company or required by law or by this agreement.

 

(b) The Contractor must require that each of its employees and personnel assisting the Contractor, including the Key Person, to provide the Services comply with the requirements of this clause.

 

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(c) The Contractor agrees that on the termination of this agreement (however occurring) the Contractor will immediately deliver to the Company all property belonging to the Company or the Group which may be in the possession of the Contractor or the employees or personnel of the Contractor (including the Key Person) including Confidential Information.

 

16 Intellectual property

 

(a) The Company will own all Works and Intellectual Property Rights in the Works.

 

(b) In particular, the Contractor:

 

(i) unconditionally assigns to the Company all existing and future Intellectual Property Rights in the Works;

 

(ii) acknowledges that by virtue of this clause, all existing Intellectual Property Rights in the Works vest in the Company on creation; and

 

(iii) will execute all additional documentation that may be required by the Company from time to time to perfect that assignment of the Intellectual Property Rights.

 

(c) Clause 16(a) does not affect the ownership of any Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Contractor in any existing material (if any) incorporated into or used to produce the Works, but the Contractor grants to the Company a permanent, royalty free, worldwide, non-exclusive licence to use, copy, modify, exploit and sub licence that pre-existing material.

 

(d) The Contractor must not make any claim that the Contractor has any right, title or interest in the Intellectual Property Rights in the Works or to use those rights.

 

(e) The Contractor warrants that:

 

(i) the Contractor has the legal right to grant to the Company the assignment of Intellectual Property Rights in the Works under clause 16(b); and

 

(ii) in undertaking the Contractor’s obligations under this agreement and delivering the Works, the Contractor:

 

(A) will not breach any obligation owed to any person; and

 

(B) will not infringe any Intellectual Property Rights of any person.

 

17 Moral rights

 

(a) The Contractor gives consent for the Company to act in any way which may otherwise infringe the Contractor’s Moral Rights in the Works.

 

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(b) Without limiting the generality of clause 15(a), the Contractor consents to the Company failing to identify the Contractor as the author of the Works, falsely attributing authorship of any of the Works and/or subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment and, in particular:

 

(i) not identifying the Contractor, whether by act or omission, as the author of the Works, including not allowing the inclusion of any watermark or imbedded mark in any of the Works which would identify the Contractor as the creator or contributor of the Works;

 

(ii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Contractor’s authorship to the Works, any final or related or derivative products, programs or materials, including marketing and collateral material;

 

(iii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Contractor’s authorship of the Works in any reproduction, adaptation, transmittal or publication; or

 

(iv) amending the shape, configuration, design, appearance or any other feature of the Works, subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment or changing the purpose of use of the Works for any reason, including use of the design on the Internet or any other medium for promotional purposes.

 

(c) The Contractor warrants that the Contractor will execute further documentation as may be required by the Company to perfect the consents and undertakings the Contractor has given to the Company regarding the Contractor’s Moral Rights.

 

(d) The Contractor acknowledges that any consents which have been given in respect of the Contractor’s Moral Rights are given genuinely.

 

18 Restraint

 

(a) After the termination of this agreement for the Restricted Period, the Contractor must not, directly or indirectly, do any of the following:

 

(i) solicit, canvass, approach or accept any approach from any person who is, or was during the 12 months immediately preceding the termination of this agreement, a client, customer or supplier of the Company with whom the Contractor has or has had contact of a business related type, with a view to establishing a relationship with or obtaining the custom of that person in the capacity which is the same as or substantially similar to the relationship that person has or had with the Company; or

 

(ii) solicit, canvass, induce or encourage any person who is an employee of the Company with whom the Contractor has or has had contact of a business related type to leave his or her employment.

 

(b) The Contractor acknowledges that:

 

(i) in providing the Services the Contractor will establish personal contacts and relationships with the Company’s customers, clients and suppliers and that these relationships form part of the goodwill of the Company and are of great value to the Company;

 

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(ii) the restraints contained in this clause are fair and reasonable in terms of their extent and duration, do not unreasonably restrict its right to carry on the Services or similar services to those provided by the Contractor to the Company, and go no further than what is necessary to protect the goodwill and interests of the Company; and

 

(iii) the Company is relying on the acknowledgments in clauses 18(b)(i) and 18(b)(ii) in entering into this agreement.

 

(c) Each restraint in this clause (resulting from any combination of the wording in clause 17 and the relevant definitions) constitutes a separate restraint that is severable from the other restraints. If any part of the restraint (including any associated definition) is judged to be void or unenforceable or illegal because it goes beyond what is reasonable to protect the interests of the Company or for any other reason, it will be read down so as to be valid and enforceable. If it cannot be so read down, the provisions (or where possible, the offending words) will be severed from this clause without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions (or parts of those provisions) of this clause, which will continue to have full force and effect.

 

19 Costs and expenses

 

Each party must pay that party’s own costs and expenses in respect of:

 

(a) the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this agreement and of any documents entered into under or in respect of this agreement; and

 

(b) the performance of that party’s obligations under this agreement.

 

20 Independent contractor status

 

20.1 Independent contractor

 

The Contractor, including the Key Person, warrants to the Company that they are a genuine independent contractor for all purposes and acknowledges that the Company has relied on this representation in entering into this agreement.

 

20.2 Nature of relationship

 

Nothing in this agreement will be construed as establishing the relationship of employer and employee between the Company and the Key Person nor as creating a partnership between the parties, but the relationship between the Company and the Key Person will at all times be that of principal and contractor and not otherwise. Should any provision of this agreement be inconsistent with this clause, this clause will prevail to the extent of any inconsistency.

 

20.3 No claim for employment entitlements

 

(a) No principal, employee or personnel of the Contractor, including the Key Person, will be entitled to claim from the Company any form of leave including personal leave, annual leave, long service leave or any other form of leave, or any other employment-related entitlements such as termination pay, redundancy pay, entitlements under industrial instruments and statute or at common law.

 

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(b) In the event the Contractor claims or the Company becomes otherwise liable for the entitlements set out in clause 20.3(a), the Contractor indemnifies the Company on a full indemnity basis for such payments (including all costs, penalties, fines and fees in respect of such payments).

 

21 Health and safety

 

(a) In carrying out the Services, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that:

 

(i) it, the Key Person and any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of the Services observe all relevant work health and safety laws;

 

(ii) it, the Key Person and any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services are aware of and comply with the health and safety policies and procedures of the Company; and

 

(iii) the Key Person and any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services will not consume or be under the influence of alcohol or any drug (except where legally available or prescribed medication).

 

(b) Prior to the Commencement Date, the Contractor must:

 

(i) inform the Company of any specific health problems, pre-existing disabilities or injuries of the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services that may be directly or indirectly relevant to the Contractor providing the Services; and

 

(ii) inform the Company of any duties the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services are unable to perform that are directly or indirectly relevant to the Contractor providing the Services.

 

(c) During the Term, the Contractor must immediately advise the Company if:

 

(i) the working conditions are unsafe;

 

(ii) the Contractor, the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor sustains an injury while providing the Services; or

 

(iii) the Contractor, the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor develops any health problem, illness or injury which may restrict, impede or prevent the Contractor from performing the Services.

 

22 Workers’ Compensation

 

(a) Where the Company is deemed to be the employer of the Key Person or any other employee or personnel of the Contractor for the purposes of applicable workers’ compensation legislation, the Company will provide workers’ compensation insurance.

 

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(b) Where the Company is not deemed to be the employer of the Key Person or any other employee or personnel of the Contractor for the purposes of applicable workers’ compensation legislation, the Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the Contractor and each of the Contractor’s employees or personnel including the Key Person have adequate accident and sickness insurance and the Company will have no liability in this regard.

 

(c) To assist the Company in determining whether it is required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for the Key Person or any other employee or personnel of the Contractor, the Company may request certain information from the Contractor and the Contractor must provide that information in a timely manner.

 

23 Superannuation

 

The Company will not pay superannuation on behalf of the Contractor or any employee or personnel of the Contractor including the Key Person, on the basis that they are not common law employees of the Company and are not deemed employees of the Company under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth). In the event the Company is required to pay superannuation for any employee or personnel of the Contractor including the Key Person, the Contractor indemnifies the Company against any superannuation payment.

 

24 GST

 

24.1 Interpretation

 

Words and expressions used in this clause 24 which are not defined in this agreement, but which are defined in the GST Act, have the meaning given to them in the GST Act.

 

24.2 Consideration does not include GST

 

The consideration for any supply made under or in connection with this agreement does not include an amount for GST, unless it is expressly stated in this agreement to be inclusive of GST.

 

24.3 Recovery of GST

 

To the extent that GST is or becomes payable on any supply made under or in connection with this agreement (not being a supply for which the consideration is expressly stated in this agreement to be inclusive of GST), the party required to provide the consideration for the supply must pay, in addition to and at the same time as the consideration is to be provided, an amount equal to the amount of GST on the supply.

 

24.4 Reimbursement or indemnity payments

 

Where a party is required under this agreement to pay, reimburse or indemnify another party for any loss, cost or expense, the amount to be reimbursed or indemnified will be the amount of the loss, cost or expense reduced by an amount equal to any input tax credit that the other party is entitled to claim for the loss, cost or expense and increased by the amount of any GST payable in accordance with clause 24.3.

 

17

 

 

24.5 Tax invoice

 

The Company need not make a payment for a taxable supply made under or in connection with this agreement until it receives a tax invoice for the supply to which the payment relates.

 

25 Notices

 

25.1 Giving of notice

 

A notice required or permitted to be given by one party to another under this agreement must be in writing and will be treated as being duly given and received if it is:

 

(a) delivered personally to that other party;

 

(b) left at that other party’s address;

 

(c) sent by pre-paid mail to that other party’s address; or

 

(d) transmitted by email to that other party.

 

25.2 Address for service

 

For the purposes of this clause, the address of a party is the address set out in item 10 of the schedule or another address of which that party may from time to time give notice to each other party.

 

26 Dispute resolution

 

(a) Except where interim or urgent interlocutory relief is sought, prior to the commencement of any legal proceedings, whether in a court or by way of arbitration, the parties agree to use reasonable endeavours to resolve a dispute.

 

(b) If a party considers that a dispute exists, then that party must give written notice to the other party that it considers a dispute exists specifying the dispute, including identifying any event, matter or omission that the party relies on as giving rise to the dispute.

 

(c) The parties must meet within 28 days of the date of the notice given under clause 26(b) for the purpose of seeking to resolve the Dispute (Resolution Period).

 

(d) If the dispute is not resolved during the Resolution Period, then any of the disputing parties may refer the dispute for determination by arbitration no later than five business days after the end of the Resolution Period.

 

18

 

 

(e) Any dispute referred for arbitration under clause 26(d) must be conducted in accordance with the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators of Australia Rules for the Conduct of Commercial Arbitrations and:

 

(i) be conducted by an arbitrator agreed on by the disputing parties; or

 

(ii) if the disputing parties are unable to agree on an arbitrator five business days of the date of the submission to arbitration under clause 26(d), be conducted by an arbitrator appointed by the then current president or acting president of the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators Australia following a request from any of the disputing parties.

 

(f) The parties agree that an award made by the arbitrator will, in the absence of manifest error, be binding on the parties.

 

(g) The cost of any arbitrator will be shared equally between each of the disputing parties participating in the arbitration. Subject to any award of costs made by the arbitrator, the disputing parties will each bear their own costs of any arbitration.

 

(h) Failure by a party to a dispute to comply with clause 26 may be pleaded in bar to the continuance of any proceeding initiated by that party until this clause has been complied with.

 

27 Further steps

 

Each party agrees to promptly do all things reasonably necessary or desirable to give full effect to this agreement and the transactions contemplated by it, including obtaining consents and signing documents.

 

28 No merger

 

On completion or termination of the transactions contemplated by this agreement, the rights and obligations of the parties set out in this agreement will not merge and any provision that has not been fulfilled remains in force.

 

29 Entire agreement

 

This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties about its subject matter and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings or agreements between the parties on the subject matter.

 

30 Amendment

 

This agreement may only be amended or varied in writing signed by each party.

 

19

 

 

31 Waiver

 

31.1 No waiver

 

No failure to exercise or delay in exercising any right given by or under this agreement to a party constitutes a waiver and the party may still exercise that right in the future.

 

31.2 Waiver must be in writing

 

Waiver of any provision of this agreement or a right created under it must be in writing signed by the party giving the waiver and is only effective to the extent set out in that written waiver.

 

32 Severability

 

If any provision of this agreement is invalid or not enforceable in accordance with its terms in any jurisdiction, it is to be read down for the purposes of that jurisdiction, if possible, so as to be valid and enforceable and will otherwise be capable of being severed to the extent of the invalidity or unenforceability without affecting the remaining provisions of this agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

33 Assignment

 

The Contractor must not, at law or in equity, assign, transfer or otherwise deal with any of its rights or obligations under this agreement without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

34 Counterparts

 

This agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts. All signed counterparts taken together constitute one agreement.

 

35 Governing law and jurisdiction

 

35.1 Governing law

 

This agreement is governed by the laws in force in the state specified in item 16 of the schedule.

 

35.2 Jurisdiction

 

The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts of the state specified in item 16 of the schedule and the Federal Court of Australia and any courts that may hear appeals from those courts about any proceedings in connection with this agreement.

 

EXECUTED as an agreement.

 

20

 

 

Independent contractor agreement - corporate

 

 

Schedule

 

1 Date of agreement

 

14 October 2024

 

2 Details of the Company

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
of 303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2006

 

3 Details of the Parent Company

 

SharonAI Inc or any subsequent parent company of SharonAI Pty Ltd.

 

4 Details of the Contractor

 

Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd ACN 632 357 638

of 29 Yarrabung Road, St Ives NSW 2075

 

5 Details of Key Person

 

Tim Broadfoot

 

Email: tim@broadfootgroup.com.au

 

Phone number: 0447097271

 

6 Commencement Date

 

1 July 2024

 

7 Fees

 

Fees payable by the Company will be on the basis of $111,500 exclusive of GST

 

8 Invoice Period

 

Monthly

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

9 Payment Period

 

Seven days

 

10 Address for service

 

Contact details as set out in items 2, 3 and 5 of this schedule

 

11 Notice

 

3 months

 

12 Services

 

CFO services and Provision of EA services to the CFO

 

13 Location and hours

 

13.1 Location

 

Sydney CBD / North Sydney / Remote or other such location as agreed

 

13.2 Hours

 

The Contractor will provide the Services 20 hours per week or other such times as agreed from time to time by the Contractor & the Company representative

 

14 Company representative

 

The Chairman of the Board or in there alternate the Chief Executive Officer

 

15 Term

 

Ongoing

 

16 Jurisdiction

 

New South Wales

 

22

 

 

Independent contractor agreement - corporate

 

 

Signing page

 

EXECUTED by SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by being signed by the following officers:
   
     
     
Signature of sole director and sole company secretary   Name of sole director and sole company secretary (please print)
     
EXECUTED by SHARONAI INC
by its authorised signatory:
   
     
     
Signature of signatory    
     
   
Name of signatory (please print)    

 

EXECUTED by BROADFOOT GROUP PTY LTD ACN 632 357 638

in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by being signed by the following officers:

 
   
     
Signature of sole director and sole company secretary    

 

23

 

 

Annexure A

 

 

Deed

 

Date

 

Parties

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN ACN 645 215 194 of 303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2006 (Company)

 

Timothy Broadfoot of 29 Yarrabung Road, St Ives NSW 2075 (Individual)

 

Recitals

 

A The Individual is employed or engaged by Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd (Contractor).

 

B The Contractor provides services (Services) to the Company under an agreement entered into by the Company and the Contractor dated 14 October 2024 (Independent Contractor Agreement).

 

C As part of the Individual’s employment or engagement by the Contractor, the Individual assists the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company under the Independent Contractor Agreement.

 

D Due to the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, the Individual owes certain obligations to the Company (Obligations).

 

E The parties have agreed to set out their agreement as to the Obligations on the terms set out in this deed.

 

The parties agree

 

1 Definitions and interpretation

 

1.1 Definitions

 

In this deed:

 

Claim includes a claim, action, proceeding, judgment, damage, loss, cost, expense or liability, however arising and whether present, unascertained, immediate, future or contingent.

 

Confidential Information means:

 

(a) any information whether or not in a material form that directly or indirectly relates to the business and/or products of the Company, the Group and/or their clients, customers and suppliers including information relating to any patents (actual or pending), trade secrets, formulas, designs, accounts, marketing plans, sales plans, models, prospects, research, management information systems, computer systems, processes and any data base, data surveys, clients, customers, suppliers, client lists, customer lists, specifications, drawings, records, reports, software or other documents, whether in writing or otherwise concerning the Company or the Group or any of their clients, customers or suppliers;

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

(b) any other information or knowhow whether or not in a material form that relates to the business of the Company or the Group which the Individual becomes aware of either before or after the date of this deed, or generates in the course of, or in connection with assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company; and

 

(c) any information relating to the Company or the Group which is not in the public domain.

 

Group means:

 

(a) the Company;

 

(b) Related Bodies Corporate of the Company;

 

(c) any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company; and

 

(d) any other entity that is connected with the Company, or any other member of the Group, by a common directorship or by a common interest in an economic enterprise, for example, a partner of another member of a joint venture.

 

Intellectual Property Rights means:

 

(a) any patent, registered and common law trade mark, trade name, business name, company name, domain name, copyright, registered or other design right, circuit layout right and any corresponding property right, together with any right to apply for the grant or registration of the same; and

 

(b) any right in respect of an idea, invention, discovery, trade secret, improvement, technical information, specification, know how, data, algorithm, formula or Confidential Information.

 

Moral Rights means moral rights as defined in section 189 of Part IX of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) (namely the right of attribution of authorship, the right not to have authorship falsely attributed and the right of integrity of authorship).

 

Related Bodies Corporate has the meaning defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

 

Restricted Period means:

 

(a) 12 months or,

 

(b) 9 months or,

 

(c) 6 months or,

 

(d) 3 months.

 

Works means any work product, including any concepts, ideas, designs, models, artwork, engravings, images, computer programs, data, information, processes, techniques, inventions, research results, documents or materials or parts, adaptations or drafts, in any form, resulting directly or indirectly from the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company.

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

1.2 Interpretation

 

In this deed, headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of this deed, and unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa;

 

(b) words importing a gender include the other gender;

 

(c) if words or phrases are defined, their other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning;

 

(d) a reference to:

 

(i) a party includes the party’s executors, legal personal representatives, successors, transferees and assigns;

 

(ii) a part, clause, schedule or party is a reference to a part, clause or schedule of, or a party to, this deed;

 

(iii) a document, including this deed, is to the document or instrument as amended, varied, novated, supplemented or replaced from time to time;

 

(iv) a person includes an individual, a partnership, a body corporate, a joint venture, an association (whether incorporated or not), a government and a government authority or agency;

 

(v) this deed includes the recitals;

 

(vi) ‘$’ or dollars means Australian dollars and a reference to payment means payment in Australian dollars;

 

(vii) legislation includes any statutory modification or replacement and any subordinate or delegated legislation issued under that legislation; and

 

(viii) a law includes any statute, regulation, by law, scheme, determination, ordinance, rule or other statutory provision (whether Commonwealth, State or municipal);

 

(e) if the day on or by which something must be done is not a business day, that thing must be done on the next business day;

 

(f) the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by ‘including’ or ‘for example’, or similar expressions; and

 

(g) no provision of this deed will be interpreted against a party just because that party prepared that provision.

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

2 Conflict of interest

 

The Individual warrants that no conflict of interest, restriction or impediment exists or is likely to arise that would prevent the Individual from assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company or complying with the Obligations.

 

3 Confidentiality

 

(a) The Individual must keep secret and must not at any time (whether during or after the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company) use for the Individual’s own or another’s advantage, or reveal to any person, any Confidential Information. The restrictions contained in this clause will not apply to any disclosure or use authorised by the Company or required by law or by this deed.

 

(b) The Individual agrees that on the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, the Individual will immediately deliver to the Company all property belonging to the Company or the Group which may be in the possession of the Individual, including Confidential Information.

 

4 Intellectual property

 

(a) The Company will own all Works and Intellectual Property Rights in the Works.

 

(b) In particular, the Individual:

 

(i) unconditionally assigns to the Company all existing and future Intellectual Property Rights in the Works;

 

(ii) acknowledges that by virtue of this clause, all existing Intellectual Property Rights in the Works vest in the Company on creation; and

 

(iii) will execute all additional documentation that may be required by the Company from time to time to perfect that assignment of the Intellectual Property Rights.

 

(c) Clause 4(a) does not affect the ownership of any Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Individual in any existing material (if any) incorporated into or used to produce the Works, but the Individual grants to the Company a permanent, royalty free, worldwide, non-exclusive licence to use, copy, modify, exploit and sub licence any pre-existing material.

 

(d) The Individual must not make any claim that the Individual has any right, title or interest in the Intellectual Property Rights in the Works or to use those rights.

 

(e) The Individual warrants that:

 

(i) the Individual has the legal right to grant to the Company the assignment of Intellectual Property Rights in the Works under clause 4(b); and

 

27

 

 

 

 

 

(ii) in undertaking the Individual’s obligations under this deed and delivering the Works, the Individual:

 

(A) will not breach any obligation owed to any person; and

 

(B) will not infringe any Intellectual Property Rights of any person.

 

5 Moral Rights

 

(a) The Individual gives consent for the Company to act in any way which may otherwise infringe the Individual’s Moral Rights in the Works.

 

(b) Without limiting the generality of clause 5(a), the Individual consents to the Company failing to identify the Individual as the author of the Works, falsely attributing authorship of any of the Works and/or subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment and, in particular:

 

(i) not identifying the Individual, whether by act or omission, as the author of the Works, including not allowing the inclusion of any watermark or imbedded mark in any of the Works which would identify the Individual as the creator or contributor of the Works;

 

(ii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Individual’s authorship of the Works, in any final or related or derivative products, programs or materials, including marketing and collateral material;

 

(iii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Individual’s authorship of the Works in any reproduction, adaptation, transmittal or publication; or

 

(iv) amending the shape, configuration, design, appearance or any other feature of the Works, subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment or changing the purpose of use of the Works for any reason, including use of the design on the Internet or any other medium for promotional purposes.

 

(c) The Individual warrants that the Individual will execute further documentation as may be required by the Company to perfect the consents and undertakings the Individual has given to the Company regarding the Individual’s Moral Rights.

 

(d) The Individual acknowledges that any consents which have been given in respect of the Individual’s Moral Rights are given genuinely.

 

6 Restraint

 

(a) After the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, for the Restricted Period, the Individual must not, directly or indirectly, do any of the following:

 

(i) solicit, canvass, approach or accept any approach from any person who is, or was during the 12 months immediately preceding the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, a client, customer or supplier of the Company with whom the Individual has or has had contact of a business related type, with a view to establishing a relationship with or obtaining the custom of that person in the capacity which is the same as or substantially similar to the relationship that person has or had with the Company; or

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

(ii) solicit, canvass, induce or encourage any person who is an employee of the Company with whom the Individual has or has had contact of a business related type to leave his or her employment.

 

(b) The Individual acknowledges that:

 

(i) in assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, the Individual will establish personal contacts and relationships with the Company’s customers, clients and suppliers and that these relationships form part of the goodwill of the Company and are of great value to the Company;

 

(ii) the restraints contained in this clause are fair and reasonable in terms of their extent and duration, do not unreasonably restrict the Individual’s right to carry on services similar to the Services that the Individual assists the Contractor to provide to the Company, and go no further than what is necessary to protect the goodwill and interests of the Company; and

 

(iii) the Company is relying on the acknowledgments in clauses 6(b)(i) and 6(b)(ii) in allowing the Individual to assist the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company.

 

(c) Each restraint in this clause (resulting from any combination of the wording in clause 6 (and the relevant definitions) constitutes a separate restraint that is severable from the other restraints. If any part of the restraint (including any associated definition) is judged to be void or unenforceable or illegal because it goes beyond what is reasonable to protect the interests of the Company or for any other reason, it will be read down so as to be valid and enforceable. If it cannot be so read down, the provisions (or where possible, the offending words) will be severed from this clause without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions (or parts of those provisions) of this clause, which will continue to have full force and effect.

 

7 Severability

 

If any provision of this deed is invalid or not enforceable in accordance with its terms in any jurisdiction, it is to be read down for the purposes of that jurisdiction, if possible, so as to be valid and enforceable and will otherwise be capable of being severed to the extent of the invalidity or unenforceability without affecting the remaining provisions of this deed or affecting the validity or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

29

 

 

 

 

 

8 Costs

 

Each party must pay that party’s own costs and expenses in respect of:

 

(a) the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this deed and of any documents entered into under or in respect of this deed; and

 

(b) the performance of that party’s obligations under this deed.

 

9 Entire agreement

 

This deed constitutes the entire agreement between the parties about its subject matter and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings or agreements between the parties on the subject matter.

 

10 Counterparts

 

This deed may be signed in any number of counterparts. All signed counterparts taken together constitute one deed.

 

11 Governing law and jurisdiction

 

11.1 Governing law

 

This deed is governed by the laws in force in the state specified in item 13 of the schedule of the Independent Contractor Agreement.

 

11.2 Jurisdiction of courts

 

The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the state specified in item 13 of the schedule of the Independent Contractor Agreement and the Federal Court of Australia and any courts that may hear appeals from those courts about any proceedings in connection with this deed.

 

EXECUTED as a deed.

 

30

 

 

Annexure A

 

 

Signing page

 

SIGNED SEALED AND DELIVERED by SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by being signed by the following officers:
   
     
     
Signature of director   Signature of director / company secretary
     
     
Name of director (please print)   Name of director / company secretary (please print)

 

SIGNED by TIM BROADFOOT
in the presence of:
   
     
     
Signature of witness   Signature of Tim Broadfoot
     
     
Name of witness (please print)    

 

31

 

Exhibit 10.18

 

Independent contractor agreement - corporate

 

 

Date of the agreement is the date specified in item 1 of the schedule

 

Parties

 

The party described in item 2 of the schedule (Company)

 

The party described in item 3 of the schedule (Parent Company)

 

The party described in item 4 of the schedule (Contractor)

 

Recitals

 

A The Company agrees to appoint the Contractor to provide the Services and the Contractor agrees to the appointment on the terms and conditions set out in this agreement.

 

B The Contractor will engage the Key Person to assist the Contractor to provide the Services.

 

C The Parent Company is a party to this agreement for the purpose of guaranteeing the performance of the Company’s obligations under this agreement.

 

The parties agree

 

1Definitions and interpretation

 

1.1 Definitions

 

In this agreement:

 

Claim includes a claim, action, proceeding, judgment, damage, loss, cost, expense or liability, however arising and whether present, unascertained, immediate, future or contingent.

 

Commencement Date means the date specified in item 6 of the schedule.

 

Company means the entity described in item 2 of the schedule.

 

Company Representative means the person named in item 14 of the schedule or as otherwise advised by the Company from time to time.

 

Confidential Information means:

 

(a) any information whether or not in a material form that directly or indirectly relates to the business and/or products of the Company, the Group and/or their clients, customers and suppliers including information relating to any patents (actual or pending), trade secrets, formulas, designs, accounts, marketing plans, sales plans, models, prospects, research, management information systems, computer systems, processes and any data base, data surveys, clients, customers, suppliers, client lists, customer lists, specifications, drawings, records, reports, software or other documents, whether in writing or otherwise concerning the Company or the Group or any of their clients, customers or suppliers;

 

 

 

 

(b) any other information or know how whether or not in a material form that relates to the business of the Company or the Group which the Contractor or any of its employees or personnel, including the Key Person, become aware of either before or after the date of this agreement, or generate in the course of, or in connection with, the carrying out of the Contractor’s obligations under this agreement; and

 

(c) any information relating to the Company or the Group which is not in the public domain.

 

Contractor means the entity described in item 4 of the schedule.

 

Fees means the fees specified in item 7 of the schedule.

 

Group means:

 

(a) the Company;

 

(b) the Parent Company;

 

(c) Related Bodies Corporate of the Company;

 

(d) any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company; and

 

(e) any other entity that is connected with the Company, or any other member of the Group, by a common directorship or by a common interest in an economic enterprise for example, a partner of another member of a joint venture.

 

Group Company means the Company and each Company which forms part of the Group.

 

GST has the meaning given to it by the GST Act.

 

GST Act means the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth).

 

Guaranteed Obligations means every obligation on the part of the Company (whether alone or not) which at any time arises under or in connection with this agreement including the payment or reimbursement of any costs, expenses, liabilities, losses or damages, but excluding any claim for entitlements contemplated in clause 20.3 and superannuation.

 

Intellectual Property Rights means:

 

(a) any patent, registered and common law trade mark, trade name, business name, company name, domain name, copyright, registered or other design right, circuit layout right and any corresponding property right, together with any right to apply for the grant or registration of the same; and

 

(b) any right in respect of an idea, invention, discovery, trade secret, improvement, technical information, specification, know how, data, algorithm, formula or Confidential Information.

 

2

 

 

Insolvency Event means, in relation to a body corporate, a liquidation or winding up, the appointment of a controller, administrator, receiver, manager or similar insolvency administrator to a party or any substantial part of its assets or the entering into a scheme or arrangement with creditors or, in relation to an individual, becoming bankrupt or entering into a scheme or arrangement with creditors, or in relation to a body corporate or an individual, the occurrence of any event that has a substantially similar effect to any of the above events.

 

Moral Rights means moral rights as defined in section 189 of Part IX of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) (namely the right of attribution of authorship, the right not to have authorship falsely attributed and the right of integrity of authorship).

 

Invoice Period means the period specified at item 8 of the schedule.

 

Key Person means the individual described in item 5 of the schedule.

 

Payment Period means the period specified at item 9 of the schedule.

 

Related Bodies Corporate has the meaning given in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

 

Restricted Period means:

 

(a) 12 months or,

 

(b) 9 months or,

 

(c) 6 months or,

 

(d) 3 months.

 

Services means the services specified in item 12 of the schedule and any other services as reasonably requested from time to time by the Company.

 

Superannuation Law means Superannuation Guarantee Charge Act 1992 (Cth) and the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth) and/or any other acts, regulations or ordinances that govern the payment of superannuation contributions.

 

Tax Administration Act means the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (Cth) as amended.

 

Term means the term as specified in clause 3.

 

Works means any work product, including any concepts, ideas, designs, models, artwork, engravings, images, computer programs, data, information, processes, techniques, inventions, research results, documents or materials or parts, adaptations or drafts, in any form, resulting directly or indirectly from the Contractor providing the Services to the Company.

 

1.2 Interpretation

 

In this agreement, headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of this agreement, and unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa;

 

(b) words importing a gender include the other genders;

 

3

 

 

(c) if words or phrases are defined, their other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning;

 

(d) a reference to:

 

(i) a person includes an individual, a partnership, a body corporate, a joint venture, an association (whether incorporated or not), a government and a government authority or agency;

 

(ii) a party includes the party’s executors, legal personal representatives, successors, transferees and assigns;

 

(iii) a part, clause, schedule or party is a reference to a part, clause or schedule of, or a party to, this agreement;

 

(iv) a right includes a benefit, remedy, discretion, authority or power;

 

(v) an obligation includes a warranty or representation and a reference to a failure to observe or perform an obligation includes a breach of a warranty or representation;

 

(vi) this agreement includes the recitals and any schedules, annexures, exhibits or attachments to this agreement;

 

(vii) ‘$’ or dollars means Australian dollars and a reference to payment means payment in Australian dollars;

 

(viii) writing includes any mode of representing or reproducing words in tangible and permanently visible form and includes facsimile transmissions;

 

(ix) legislation includes any statutory modification or replacement and any subordinate or delegated legislation issued under that legislation; and

 

(x) a law includes any statute, regulation, by law, scheme, determination, ordinance, rule or other statutory provision (whether Commonwealth, State or municipal);

 

(e) a reference to an insolvency event includes:

 

(i) in the case of an individual:

 

(A) the committing of an act of bankruptcy in respect of the individual within the meaning of section 40 of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth);

 

(B) the signing of an authority by the individual under Part X of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth); or

 

(C) the making of a sequestration order in respect of the estate of the individual within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth); or

 

(ii) in the case of a corporation:

 

(A) the appointment of a controller to the property of the corporation;

 

(B) the appointment of an administrator in respect of the corporation;

 

4

 

 

(C) the corporation failing to comply with a statutory demand within the period for compliance;

 

(D) the making of a winding up order by a court in respect of the corporation;

 

(E) the passing of a resolution for winding up under Part 5.5 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth); or

 

(F) in respect of a Part 5.7 body, the commencement of a winding up under Part 5.7 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of that body;

 

(f) the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by ‘including’ or ‘for example’, or similar expressions; and

 

(g) no provision of this agreement will be interpreted against a party just because that party prepared that provision.

 

1.3 Representatives of Contractor

 

Despite anything else contained in this agreement:

 

(a) where an obligation is imposed on the Contractor by or under this agreement to do, or not to do, any act or thing, the Contractor must ensure and procure the compliance with that obligation of the Key Person and any other of the Contractor’s employees and personnel who assist the Contractor in the provision of the Services to the Company; and

 

(b) the Contractor must procure the execution by the Key Person and any other of the Contractor’s employees and personnel who assist in the provision of the Services to the Company, of a deed in the form set out in Annexure A.

 

2 Appointment of Contractor

 

The Company appoints and the Contractor accepts the appointment of the Contractor to provide the Services with assistance from the Key Person in accordance with the terms and conditions of this agreement.

 

3 Term

 

This agreement commences on the Commencement Date and will operate for the period specified in item 15 of the schedule unless terminated in accordance with clause 13.

 

4 Fees

 

(a) In consideration of the provision of the Services, the Company must pay the Contractor the Fees.

 

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(b) The Company is only liable to pay the Fees to the Contractor for Services actually provided by the Contractor under this agreement to a standard acceptable to the Company.

 

(c) The Fees are payable by the Company in the Payment Period on receipt of an invoice from the Contractor, to be forwarded at the end of each Invoice Period.

 

5 Expenses

 

The Contractor will be responsible for any expenses incurred by the Contractor or the Key Person in providing the Services to the Company, unless the Contractor or the Key Person, as the case may be, obtains approval from the Company prior to incurring a particular expense, and subject to the provision to the Company of a tax receipt for that expense. The Company may approve or refuse approval in its absolute discretion.

 

6 Appointment of the Key Person

 

(a) The Contractor agrees to provide the Key Person to assist the Contractor to provide the Services.

 

(b) The Contractor acknowledges that the Key Person is suitably qualified to assist the Contractor to provide the Services in a safe, thorough, workmanlike and competent manner and with all reasonable expedition and at a rate of progress satisfactory to the Company.

 

(c) The Contractor agrees to obtain the written consent of the Company prior to providing any personnel other than the Key Person to assist the Contractor with providing the Services.

 

(d) The Contractor must pay all costs relating to its employees and personnel, including the Key Person and any other person who assists the Contractor in the provision of the Services to the Company, including salaries, wages, bonuses, allowances, workers’ compensation premiums if applicable, superannuation guarantee contributions, fringe benefits, payments in respect of leave entitlements and any taxes in relation to them.

 

7 Obligations of Contractor

 

7.1 Duties

 

The Contractor must:

 

(a) provide the Services, with assistance from the Key Person, in accordance with the terms of this agreement;

 

(b) act efficiently, honestly and fairly at all times in relation to the Contractor’s provision of the Services under this agreement;

 

(c) faithfully and diligently perform its obligations under this agreement;

 

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(d) provide the Services at the location specified in item 13 of the schedule or any other location as reasonably required by the Company from time to time;

 

(e) provide any and all equipment necessary for the Contractor and/or the Key Person to provide the Services;

 

(f) follow and comply with any directions provided by the Company Representative from time to time relating to the provision of the Services;

 

(g) not act in any manner so as to bring the character or reputation of the Company, the Group or any of their officers or employees into disrepute;

 

(h) notify the Company immediately of any difficulties encountered in relation to the Contractor’s provision of the Services;

 

(i) not bind the Company in contract without the prior written approval of the Company Representative;

 

(j) comply with all state and federal equal opportunity, affirmative action and anti-discrimination legislation;

 

(k) comply with all of the Company’s internal policies, including its policies relating to discrimination and harassment and email and internet use, however these policies do not form part of this agreement; and

 

(l) notify the Company as soon as possible if the Key Person or any of the Contractor’s employees or personnel who assist the Contractor in the provision of the Services to the Company are unable to provide that assistance due to poor health or for any other reason.

 

7.2 Business records

 

The Contractor must maintain proper business records with respect to the Key Person assisting the Contractor to provide the Services under this agreement and permit the Company to inspect such records during office hours on the Company giving reasonable written notice to the Contractor.

 

8 Obligations of the Company

 

(a) The Company must provide all reasonable assistance to the Contractor and the Key Person to carry out the obligations of the Contractor under this agreement.

 

(b) Subject to clause 8(c), where the Company requests or requires the Contractor to provide the Key Person to act as a director of the Company, the Company must indemnify, and the Parent Company must also indemnify, the Key Person acting as director or officer of the Company, or of a related body corporate of the Company against:

 

(i) every liability incurred by the person in that capacity (except a liability for legal costs); and

 

(ii) all legal costs incurred in defending or resisting (or otherwise in connection with) proceedings, whether civil or criminal or of an administrative or investigatory nature, in which the person becomes involved because of that capacity,

 

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(c) Clause 8(b) does not apply to the extent that:

 

(i) the Company or Parent Company is forbidden by the Corporations Act or other statute to indemnify the person against the liability or legal costs; or

 

(ii) an indemnity by the Company or Parent Company of the person against the liability or legal costs would, if given, be made void by the Corporations Act or other statute.

 

9 Guarantee

 

(a) The Parent Company unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the due and punctual:

 

(i) performance and observance by the Company of all Guaranteed Obligations; and

 

(ii) payment by the Company of any money or any other award obligation(s) under an equity incentive or renumeration program but not any claim for entitlements contemplated in clause 20.3 and superannuation.

 

(b) If the Company defaults on any Guaranteed Obligations or payments outlined in clause 9(a)and that default is not remedied within 30 days, the Parent Company will on demand made on it by the Contractor:

 

(i) duly and punctually perform the Guaranteed Obligations; and

 

(ii) duly and punctually pay to the Contractor any money.

 

(c) The Contractor is not required to:

 

(i) take any steps to enforce its rights under this agreement; or

 

(ii) incur any expense or make any payment,

 

before enforcing its rights against the Parent Company under this agreement.

 

10 Warranties and Indemnities

 

10.1 Warranties

 

The Contractor warrants to the Company on the date of this agreement and on each day during the Term, that:

 

(a) the Contractor will carry out the Services in a proper manner:

 

(i) in compliance with all laws; and

 

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(ii) to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company;

 

(b) if required by law, the Contractor maintains any insurance required under relevant legislation;

 

(c) the Contractor will not infringe any third party’s intellectual property rights;

 

(d) the Contractor will comply with all of its obligations under this agreement;

 

(e) the Contractor is a genuine independent contractor for all purposes and acknowledges that the Company has relied on this representation in entering into this agreement;

 

(f) the Contractor has capacity to enter into this agreement;

 

(g) the Contractor is not subject to an Insolvency Event; and

 

(h) on execution of this agreement, its obligations under this agreement will be valid, binding and enforceable.

 

11 Claims

 

11.1 Notice of Claim

 

The Contractor must immediately notify the Company on becoming aware of any Claim or potential Claim or circumstances which may lead to a Claim being made against the Contractor, the Key Person or the Company directly or indirectly related to the Services provided under this agreement.

 

11.2 Costs of Claims

 

The Contractor must reimburse to the Company any excess or deductible amount payable by the Company as a result of a client complaint or Claim against the Company and any costs, expenses, charges and fees (including legal fees) incurred by the Company in connection with the conduct of the Contractor, its employees or personnel (including the Key Person) and any other person who represents or acts on its behalf.

 

12 Insurance

 

12.1 Amount of insurance

 

The Contractor must take out and maintain appropriate insurance covering the Services provided.

 

12.2 Workers’ compensation insurance

 

The Contractor is required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance where required by law.

 

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12.3 Evidence of insurances

 

The Contractor must provide the Company with satisfactory evidence of the insurances required under clause 12 when requested by the Company.

 

13 Termination

 

13.1 Company may terminate

 

The Company may immediately terminate this agreement at any time by written notice served on the Contractor if any one or more of the following occurs:

 

(a) the Contractor, in the reasonable opinion of the Company:

 

(i) commits a serious or material breach of its obligations under this agreement; or

 

(ii) commits any other breach of its obligations under this agreement of which the Contractor is notified by the Company and which is not rectified by the Contractor within 14 days of notification of the breach by the Company;

 

(b) the Contractor or the Key Person engages in any conduct which in the reasonable opinion of the Company:

 

(i) may cause harm to or injure the reputation or standing of the Company or the Group or any of their authorised representatives;

 

(ii) is prejudicial to the interests of the Company or the Group or any of their authorised representatives; or

 

(iii) is unprofessional or unethical;

 

(c) the Contractor (or the Key Person) ceases to hold lawful authority to attend or remain at any location where the Services are to be provided, including the location specified in item 13 of the schedule;

 

(d) the Contractor becoming insolvent, under administration or an externally administered body corporate;

 

(e) the Contractor attempting to assign or sub-contract any of its rights under this agreement or there is a change of control of the Contractor; or

 

(f) the Contractor or the Key Person being convicted of an indictable offence.

 

13.2 Termination with notice

 

(a) Either the Company or the Contractor may terminate this agreement by providing the written notice to the other specified in item 11 of the schedule.

 

(b) The Company may elect to make payment in lieu of part or the whole period of notice in which case the amount payable to the Contractor will be the equivalent of the Fees the Contractor would likely have been paid for providing the Services during the relevant period based on an average of the Fees paid to the Contractor in the four weeks immediately preceding the termination.

 

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13.3 Effect of termination

 

If this agreement is terminated, then in addition to any other rights or remedies provided by law:

 

(a) each party is released from its obligations under this agreement, other than in relation to clause 15 (Confidentiality), clause 16 (Intellectual Property) and clause 17 (Restraint); and

 

(b) each party retains any rights, entitlements or remedies it had against any other party in connection with any breach or Claim that has arisen before termination.

 

13.4 Liability

 

(a) On termination all entitlements of the Contractor to the Fees under clause 4 will cease with the exception of any Fees owing at the date of termination.

 

(b) Termination of this agreement will not affect, limit, reduce or bring to an end any liability of the Company or the Contractor to pay any amount that is or becomes due and payable to the other prior to termination.

 

(c) The Company acknowledges and agrees that if the Company, any Group Company, or any employees or officers of the Company brings any claim or dispute against the Contractor or a Key Person, liability is limited to the Fees the Contractor is entitled to within the 45 days immediately before a written notice is issued under clause 26(b) of this agreement.

 

(d) The Parent Company acknowledges and agrees that:

 

(i) any breach by the Company extends to the Parent Company;

 

(ii) the Parent Company is liable in the event the Company cannot meet its obligations under this agreement.

 

13.5Acknowledgment

 

The Contractor acknowledges that the Company will not be liable in connection with any of the acts and/or omissions of the Contractor or the Key Person from the date of termination.

 

13.6 Deductions

 

On termination of this agreement, or at any other time, the Company reserves the right to deduct from the Fees any money which the Contractor may owe to the Company including:

 

(a) any debts owing to the Company by the Contractor;

 

(b) overpayments of the Fees;

 

(c) the replacement value of any property of the Company not returned by the Contractor;

 

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(d) losses suffered by the Company as a result of the non-performance or breach of this agreement by the Contractor and/or its employees and personnel (including the Key Person); and

 

(e) if the Contractor fails to provide the Company with the period of notice required under clause 13.2(a), the amount of the Fees the Contractor would likely have received for providing the Services during the non-completed part of the required notice period based on an average of the Fees paid to the Contractor in the four weeks immediately preceding the termination.

 

14 Conflict of interest

 

14.1 Declaration of conflict of interest

 

The Contractor warrants that no conflict of interest, restriction or impediment exists or is likely to arise that would prevent the Contractor from providing the Services or complying with their obligations under this agreement.

 

14.2 Other business activities during the Term

 

(a) The Contractor operates an independent enterprise and the parties expressly agree that the Contractor may engage in business activities other than the provision of the Services to the Company during the Term, including that the Contractor may provide similar services to others subject to clauses 14.2(b) and 14.2(c).

 

(b) The Contractor must ensure that the business activities in which the Contractor engages do not create, or are not perceived to create, a conflict of interest with the Company’s interests or the Services being provided to the Company under this agreement.

 

(c) If the Contractor engages in business activities which he considers are, or may, create a conflict of interest with the Company’s interests or the Services provided to the Company under this agreement, the Contractor is required to notify the Company Representative immediately.

 

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this agreement precludes the Company from engaging any other person or entity to perform services similar to the Services, and the Company does and will obtain similar services from others.

 

15 Confidentiality

 

(a) The Contractor must keep secret and must not at any time (whether during or after this agreement) use for the Contractor’s own or another’s advantage, or reveal to any person, any Confidential Information. The restrictions contained in this clause will not apply to any disclosure or use authorised by the Company or required by law or by this agreement.

 

(b) The Contractor must require that each of its employees and personnel assisting the Contractor, including the Key Person, to provide the Services comply with the requirements of this clause.

 

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(c) The Contractor agrees that on the termination of this agreement (however occurring) the Contractor will immediately deliver to the Company all property belonging to the Company or the Group which may be in the possession of the Contractor or the employees or personnel of the Contractor (including the Key Person) including Confidential Information.

 

16 Intellectual property

 

(a) The Company will own all Works and Intellectual Property Rights in the Works.

 

(b) In particular, the Contractor:

 

(i) unconditionally assigns to the Company all existing and future Intellectual Property Rights in the Works;

 

(ii) acknowledges that by virtue of this clause, all existing Intellectual Property Rights in the Works vest in the Company on creation; and

 

(iii) will execute all additional documentation that may be required by the Company from time to time to perfect that assignment of the Intellectual Property Rights.

 

(c) Clause 16(a) does not affect the ownership of any Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Contractor in any existing material (if any) incorporated into or used to produce the Works, but the Contractor grants to the Company a permanent, royalty free, worldwide, non-exclusive licence to use, copy, modify, exploit and sub licence that pre-existing material.

 

(d) The Contractor must not make any claim that the Contractor has any right, title or interest in the Intellectual Property Rights in the Works or to use those rights.

 

(e) The Contractor warrants that:

 

(i) the Contractor has the legal right to grant to the Company the assignment of Intellectual Property Rights in the Works under clause 16(b); and

 

(ii) in undertaking the Contractor’s obligations under this agreement and delivering the Works, the Contractor:

 

(A) will not breach any obligation owed to any person; and

 

(B) will not infringe any Intellectual Property Rights of any person.

 

17 Moral rights

 

(a) The Contractor gives consent for the Company to act in any way which may otherwise infringe the Contractor’s Moral Rights in the Works.

 

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(b) Without limiting the generality of clause 15(a), the Contractor consents to the Company failing to identify the Contractor as the author of the Works, falsely attributing authorship of any of the Works and/or subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment and, in particular:

 

(i) not identifying the Contractor, whether by act or omission, as the author of the Works, including not allowing the inclusion of any watermark or imbedded mark in any of the Works which would identify the Contractor as the creator or contributor of the Works;

 

(ii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Contractor’s authorship to the Works, any final or related or derivative products, programs or materials, including marketing and collateral material;

 

(iii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Contractor’s authorship of the Works in any reproduction, adaptation, transmittal or publication; or

 

(iv) amending the shape, configuration, design, appearance or any other feature of the Works, subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment or changing the purpose of use of the Works for any reason, including use of the design on the Internet or any other medium for promotional purposes.

 

(c) The Contractor warrants that the Contractor will execute further documentation as may be required by the Company to perfect the consents and undertakings the Contractor has given to the Company regarding the Contractor’s Moral Rights.

 

(d) The Contractor acknowledges that any consents which have been given in respect of the Contractor’s Moral Rights are given genuinely.

 

18 Restraint

 

(a) After the termination of this agreement for the Restricted Period, the Contractor must not, directly or indirectly, do any of the following:

 

(i) solicit, canvass, approach or accept any approach from any person who is, or was during the 12 months immediately preceding the termination of this agreement, a client, customer or supplier of the Company with whom the Contractor has or has had contact of a business related type, with a view to establishing a relationship with or obtaining the custom of that person in the capacity which is the same as or substantially similar to the relationship that person has or had with the Company; or

 

(ii) solicit, canvass, induce or encourage any person who is an employee of the Company with whom the Contractor has or has had contact of a business related type to leave his or her employment.

 

(b) The Contractor acknowledges that:

 

(i) in providing the Services the Contractor will establish personal contacts and relationships with the Company’s customers, clients and suppliers and that these relationships form part of the goodwill of the Company and are of great value to the Company;

 

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(ii) the restraints contained in this clause are fair and reasonable in terms of their extent and duration, do not unreasonably restrict its right to carry on the Services or similar services to those provided by the Contractor to the Company, and go no further than what is necessary to protect the goodwill and interests of the Company; and

 

(iii) the Company is relying on the acknowledgments in clauses 18(b)(i) and 18(b)(ii) in entering into this agreement.

 

(c) Each restraint in this clause (resulting from any combination of the wording in clause 17 and the relevant definitions) constitutes a separate restraint that is severable from the other restraints. If any part of the restraint (including any associated definition) is judged to be void or unenforceable or illegal because it goes beyond what is reasonable to protect the interests of the Company or for any other reason, it will be read down so as to be valid and enforceable. If it cannot be so read down, the provisions (or where possible, the offending words) will be severed from this clause without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions (or parts of those provisions) of this clause, which will continue to have full force and effect.

 

19 Costs and expenses

 

Each party must pay that party’s own costs and expenses in respect of:

 

(a) the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this agreement and of any documents entered into under or in respect of this agreement; and

 

(b) the performance of that party’s obligations under this agreement.

 

20 Independent contractor status

 

20.1 Independent contractor

 

The Contractor, including the Key Person, warrants to the Company that they are a genuine independent contractor for all purposes and acknowledges that the Company has relied on this representation in entering into this agreement.

 

20.2 Nature of relationship

 

Nothing in this agreement will be construed as establishing the relationship of employer and employee between the Company and the Key Person nor as creating a partnership between the parties, but the relationship between the Company and the Key Person will at all times be that of principal and contractor and not otherwise. Should any provision of this agreement be inconsistent with this clause, this clause will prevail to the extent of any inconsistency.

 

20.3 No claim for employment entitlements

 

(a) No principal, employee or personnel of the Contractor, including the Key Person, will be entitled to claim from the Company any form of leave including personal leave, annual leave, long service leave or any other form of leave, or any other employment-related entitlements such as termination pay, redundancy pay, entitlements under industrial instruments and statute or at common law.

 

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(b) In the event the Contractor claims or the Company becomes otherwise liable for the entitlements set out in clause 20.3(a), the Contractor indemnifies the Company on a full indemnity basis for such payments (including all costs, penalties, fines and fees in respect of such payments).

 

21 Health and safety

 

(a) In carrying out the Services, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that:

 

(i) it, the Key Person and any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of the Services observe all relevant work health and safety laws;

 

(ii) it, the Key Person and any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services are aware of and comply with the health and safety policies and procedures of the Company; and

 

(iii) the Key Person and any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services will not consume or be under the influence of alcohol or any drug (except where legally available or prescribed medication).

 

(b) Prior to the Commencement Date, the Contractor must:

 

(i) inform the Company of any specific health problems, pre-existing disabilities or injuries of the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services that may be directly or indirectly relevant to the Contractor providing the Services; and

 

(ii) inform the Company of any duties the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services are unable to perform that are directly or indirectly relevant to the Contractor providing the Services.

 

(c) During the Term, the Contractor must immediately advise the Company if:

 

(i) the working conditions are unsafe;

 

(ii) the Contractor, the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor sustains an injury while providing the Services; or

 

(iii) the Contractor, the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor develops any health problem, illness or injury which may restrict, impede or prevent the Contractor from performing the Services.

 

22 Workers’ Compensation

 

(a) Where the Company is deemed to be the employer of the Key Person or any other employee or personnel of the Contractor for the purposes of applicable workers’ compensation legislation, the Company will provide workers’ compensation insurance.

 

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(b) Where the Company is not deemed to be the employer of the Key Person or any other employee or personnel of the Contractor for the purposes of applicable workers’ compensation legislation, the Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the Contractor and each of the Contractor’s employees or personnel including the Key Person have adequate accident and sickness insurance and the Company will have no liability in this regard.

 

(c) To assist the Company in determining whether it is required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for the Key Person or any other employee or personnel of the Contractor, the Company may request certain information from the Contractor and the Contractor must provide that information in a timely manner.

 

23 Superannuation

 

The Company will not pay superannuation on behalf of the Contractor or any employee or personnel of the Contractor including the Key Person, on the basis that they are not common law employees of the Company and are not deemed employees of the Company under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth). In the event the Company is required to pay superannuation for any employee or personnel of the Contractor including the Key Person, the Contractor indemnifies the Company against any superannuation payment.

 

24 GST

 

24.1 Interpretation

 

Words and expressions used in this clause 24 which are not defined in this agreement, but which are defined in the GST Act, have the meaning given to them in the GST Act.

 

24.2 Consideration does not include GST

 

The consideration for any supply made under or in connection with this agreement does not include an amount for GST, unless it is expressly stated in this agreement to be inclusive of GST.

 

24.3 Recovery of GST

 

To the extent that GST is or becomes payable on any supply made under or in connection with this agreement (not being a supply for which the consideration is expressly stated in this agreement to be inclusive of GST), the party required to provide the consideration for the supply must pay, in addition to and at the same time as the consideration is to be provided, an amount equal to the amount of GST on the supply.

 

24.4 Reimbursement or indemnity payments

 

Where a party is required under this agreement to pay, reimburse or indemnify another party for any loss, cost or expense, the amount to be reimbursed or indemnified will be the amount of the loss, cost or expense reduced by an amount equal to any input tax credit that the other party is entitled to claim for the loss, cost or expense and increased by the amount of any GST payable in accordance with clause 24.3.

 

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24.5 Tax invoice

 

The Company need not make a payment for a taxable supply made under or in connection with this agreement until it receives a tax invoice for the supply to which the payment relates.

 

25 Notices

 

25.1 Giving of notice

 

A notice required or permitted to be given by one party to another under this agreement must be in writing and will be treated as being duly given and received if it is:

 

(a) delivered personally to that other party;

 

(b) left at that other party’s address;

 

(c) sent by pre-paid mail to that other party’s address; or

 

(d) transmitted by email to that other party.

 

25.2 Address for service

 

For the purposes of this clause, the address of a party is the address set out in item 10 of the schedule or another address of which that party may from time to time give notice to each other party.

 

26 Dispute resolution

 

(a) Except where interim or urgent interlocutory relief is sought, prior to the commencement of any legal proceedings, whether in a court or by way of arbitration, the parties agree to use reasonable endeavours to resolve a dispute.

 

(b) If a party considers that a dispute exists, then that party must give written notice to the other party that it considers a dispute exists specifying the dispute, including identifying any event, matter or omission that the party relies on as giving rise to the dispute.

 

(c) The parties must meet within 28 days of the date of the notice given under clause 26(b) for the purpose of seeking to resolve the Dispute (Resolution Period).

 

(d) If the dispute is not resolved during the Resolution Period, then any of the disputing parties may refer the dispute for determination by arbitration no later than five business days after the end of the Resolution Period.

 

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(e) Any dispute referred for arbitration under clause 26(d) must be conducted in accordance with the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators of Australia Rules for the Conduct of Commercial Arbitrations and:

 

(i) be conducted by an arbitrator agreed on by the disputing parties; or

 

(ii) if the disputing parties are unable to agree on an arbitrator five business days of the date of the submission to arbitration under clause 26(d), be conducted by an arbitrator appointed by the then current president or acting president of the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators Australia following a request from any of the disputing parties.

 

(f) The parties agree that an award made by the arbitrator will, in the absence of manifest error, be binding on the parties.

 

(g) The cost of any arbitrator will be shared equally between each of the disputing parties participating in the arbitration. Subject to any award of costs made by the arbitrator, the disputing parties will each bear their own costs of any arbitration.

 

(h) Failure by a party to a dispute to comply with clause 26 may be pleaded in bar to the continuance of any proceeding initiated by that party until this clause has been complied with.

 

27 Further steps

 

Each party agrees to promptly do all things reasonably necessary or desirable to give full effect to this agreement and the transactions contemplated by it, including obtaining consents and signing documents.

 

28 No merger

 

On completion or termination of the transactions contemplated by this agreement, the rights and obligations of the parties set out in this agreement will not merge and any provision that has not been fulfilled remains in force.

 

29 Entire agreement

 

This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties about its subject matter and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings or agreements between the parties on the subject matter.

 

30 Amendment

 

This agreement may only be amended or varied in writing signed by each party.

 

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31 Waiver

 

31.1 No waiver

 

No failure to exercise or delay in exercising any right given by or under this agreement to a party constitutes a waiver and the party may still exercise that right in the future.

 

31.2 Waiver must be in writing

 

Waiver of any provision of this agreement or a right created under it must be in writing signed by the party giving the waiver and is only effective to the extent set out in that written waiver.

 

32 Severability

 

If any provision of this agreement is invalid or not enforceable in accordance with its terms in any jurisdiction, it is to be read down for the purposes of that jurisdiction, if possible, so as to be valid and enforceable and will otherwise be capable of being severed to the extent of the invalidity or unenforceability without affecting the remaining provisions of this agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

33 Assignment

 

The Contractor must not, at law or in equity, assign, transfer or otherwise deal with any of its rights or obligations under this agreement without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

34 Counterparts

 

This agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts. All signed counterparts taken together constitute one agreement.

 

35 Governing law and jurisdiction

 

35.1 Governing law

 

This agreement is governed by the laws in force in the state specified in item 16 of the schedule.

 

35.2 Jurisdiction

 

The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts of the state specified in item 16 of the schedule and the Federal Court of Australia and any courts that may hear appeals from those courts about any proceedings in connection with this agreement.

 

EXECUTED as an agreement.

 

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Independent contractor agreement - corporate

 

 

Schedule

 

1 Date of agreement

 

14 October 2024

 

2 Details of the Company

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
of 303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2006

 

3 Details of the Parent Company

 

SharonAI Inc or any subsequent parent company of SharonAI Pty Ltd.

 

4 Details of the Contractor

 

INBOCALUPO CONSULTING PTY LTD ACN 663 737 791
of 19 OZONE PARADE DEE WHY NSW 2099

 

5 Details of Key Person

 

Nick Hughes Jones

 

Email: nickhughesjones@gmail.com

 

Phone number: 0433 260 343

 

6 Commencement Date

 

1 March 2024

 

7 Fees

 

Fees payable by the Company will be on the basis of $133,800 per annum exclusive of GST

 

8 Invoice Period

 

Monthly

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

9 Payment Period

 

Seven days

 

10 Address for service

 

Contact details as set out in items 2, 3 and 5 of this schedule

 

11 Notice

 

3 months

 

12 Services

 

Provide Business development, capital raising and investor relations services

 

13 Location and hours

 

13.1 Location

 

Sydney CBD / North Sydney / or other such location as agreed

 

13.2 Hours

 

The Contractor will provide the Services between 8.30 am to 6.00 pm, Thursday to Friday or other such times as agreed from time to time by the Contractor & the Company representative

 

14 Company representative

 

The Chairman of the Board or in there alternate the Chief Executive Officer

 

15 Term

 

Ongoing

 

16 Jurisdiction

 

New South Wales

 

22

 

 

Independent contractor agreement - corporate

 

 

Signing page

 

EXECUTED by SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by being signed by the following officers:
   
     
/s/ Andrew Leece   Andrew Leece
Signature of sole director and sole company secretary   Name of sole director and sole company secretary (please print)
     
EXECUTED by SHARONAI INC
by its authorised signatory:
   
     
/s/ Wolfgang Schubert    
Signature of signatory    
     
Wolfgang Schubert    
Name of signatory (please print)    

 

EXECUTED by INBOCALUPO CONSULTING PTY LTD ACN 663 737 791
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by being signed by the following officers:

   
     
/s/ Nick Hughes Jones   Nick Hughes Jones
Signature of sole director and sole company secretary   Name of sole director and sole company secretary (please print)

 

23

 

 

Annexure A

 

 

Deed

 

Date

 

Parties

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN ACN 645 215 194 of 303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2006 (Company)

 

Nicholas Hughes-Jones of 19 Ozone Parade, Dee Why NSW 2099 (Individual)

 

Recitals

 

A The Individual is employed or engaged by Inbocalupo Consulting Pty Ltd (Contractor).

 

B The Contractor provides services (Services) to the Company under an agreement entered into by the Company and the Contractor dated 14 October 2024 (Independent Contractor Agreement).

 

C As part of the Individual’s employment or engagement by the Contractor, the Individual assists the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company under the Independent Contractor Agreement.

 

D Due to the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, the Individual owes certain obligations to the Company (Obligations).

 

E The parties have agreed to set out their agreement as to the Obligations on the terms set out in this deed.

 

The parties agree

 

1 Definitions and interpretation

 

1.1 Definitions

 

In this deed:

 

Claim includes a claim, action, proceeding, judgment, damage, loss, cost, expense or liability, however arising and whether present, unascertained, immediate, future or contingent.

 

Confidential Information means:

 

(a) any information whether or not in a material form that directly or indirectly relates to the business and/or products of the Company, the Group and/or their clients, customers and suppliers including information relating to any patents (actual or pending), trade secrets, formulas, designs, accounts, marketing plans, sales plans, models, prospects, research, management information systems, computer systems, processes and any data base, data surveys, clients, customers, suppliers, client lists, customer lists, specifications, drawings, records, reports, software or other documents, whether in writing or otherwise concerning the Company or the Group or any of their clients, customers or suppliers;

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

(b) any other information or knowhow whether or not in a material form that relates to the business of the Company or the Group which the Individual becomes aware of either before or after the date of this deed, or generates in the course of, or in connection with assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company; and

 

(c) any information relating to the Company or the Group which is not in the public domain.

 

Group means:

 

(a) the Company;

 

(b) Related Bodies Corporate of the Company;

 

(c) any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company; and

 

(d) any other entity that is connected with the Company, or any other member of the Group, by a common directorship or by a common interest in an economic enterprise, for example, a partner of another member of a joint venture.

 

Intellectual Property Rights means:

 

(a) any patent, registered and common law trade mark, trade name, business name, company name, domain name, copyright, registered or other design right, circuit layout right and any corresponding property right, together with any right to apply for the grant or registration of the same; and

 

(b) any right in respect of an idea, invention, discovery, trade secret, improvement, technical information, specification, know how, data, algorithm, formula or Confidential Information.

 

Moral Rights means moral rights as defined in section 189 of Part IX of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) (namely the right of attribution of authorship, the right not to have authorship falsely attributed and the right of integrity of authorship).

 

Related Bodies Corporate has the meaning defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

 

Restricted Period means:

 

(a) 12 months or,

 

(b) 9 months or,

 

(c) 6 months or,

 

(d) 3 months.

 

Works means any work product, including any concepts, ideas, designs, models, artwork, engravings, images, computer programs, data, information, processes, techniques, inventions, research results, documents or materials or parts, adaptations or drafts, in any form, resulting directly or indirectly from the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company.

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

1.2 Interpretation

 

In this deed, headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of this deed, and unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa;

 

(b) words importing a gender include the other gender;

 

(c) if words or phrases are defined, their other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning;

 

(d) a reference to:

 

(i) a party includes the party’s executors, legal personal representatives, successors, transferees and assigns;

 

(ii) a part, clause, schedule or party is a reference to a part, clause or schedule of, or a party to, this deed;

 

(iii) a document, including this deed, is to the document or instrument as amended, varied, novated, supplemented or replaced from time to time;

 

(iv) a person includes an individual, a partnership, a body corporate, a joint venture, an association (whether incorporated or not), a government and a government authority or agency;

 

(v) this deed includes the recitals;

 

(vi) ‘$’ or dollars means Australian dollars and a reference to payment means payment in Australian dollars;

 

(vii) legislation includes any statutory modification or replacement and any subordinate or delegated legislation issued under that legislation; and

 

(viii) a law includes any statute, regulation, by law, scheme, determination, ordinance, rule or other statutory provision (whether Commonwealth, State or municipal);

 

(e) if the day on or by which something must be done is not a business day, that thing must be done on the next business day;

 

(f) the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by ‘including’ or ‘for example’, or similar expressions; and

 

(g) no provision of this deed will be interpreted against a party just because that party prepared that provision.

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

2 Conflict of interest

 

The Individual warrants that no conflict of interest, restriction or impediment exists or is likely to arise that would prevent the Individual from assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company or complying with the Obligations.

 

3 Confidentiality

 

(a) The Individual must keep secret and must not at any time (whether during or after the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company) use for the Individual’s own or another’s advantage, or reveal to any person, any Confidential Information. The restrictions contained in this clause will not apply to any disclosure or use authorised by the Company or required by law or by this deed.

 

(b) The Individual agrees that on the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, the Individual will immediately deliver to the Company all property belonging to the Company or the Group which may be in the possession of the Individual, including Confidential Information.

 

4 Intellectual property

 

(a) The Company will own all Works and Intellectual Property Rights in the Works.

 

(b) In particular, the Individual:

 

(i) unconditionally assigns to the Company all existing and future Intellectual Property Rights in the Works;

 

(ii) acknowledges that by virtue of this clause, all existing Intellectual Property Rights in the Works vest in the Company on creation; and

 

(iii) will execute all additional documentation that may be required by the Company from time to time to perfect that assignment of the Intellectual Property Rights.

 

(c) Clause 4(a) does not affect the ownership of any Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Individual in any existing material (if any) incorporated into or used to produce the Works, but the Individual grants to the Company a permanent, royalty free, worldwide, non-exclusive licence to use, copy, modify, exploit and sub licence any pre-existing material.

 

(d) The Individual must not make any claim that the Individual has any right, title or interest in the Intellectual Property Rights in the Works or to use those rights.

 

(e) The Individual warrants that:

 

(i) the Individual has the legal right to grant to the Company the assignment of Intellectual Property Rights in the Works under clause 4(b); and

 

27

 

 

 

 

 

(ii) in undertaking the Individual’s obligations under this deed and delivering the Works, the Individual:

 

(A) will not breach any obligation owed to any person; and

 

(B) will not infringe any Intellectual Property Rights of any person.

 

5 Moral Rights

 

(a) The Individual gives consent for the Company to act in any way which may otherwise infringe the Individual’s Moral Rights in the Works.

 

(b) Without limiting the generality of clause 5(a), the Individual consents to the Company failing to identify the Individual as the author of the Works, falsely attributing authorship of any of the Works and/or subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment and, in particular:

 

(i) not identifying the Individual, whether by act or omission, as the author of the Works, including not allowing the inclusion of any watermark or imbedded mark in any of the Works which would identify the Individual as the creator or contributor of the Works;

 

(ii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Individual’s authorship of the Works, in any final or related or derivative products, programs or materials, including marketing and collateral material;

 

(iii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Individual’s authorship of the Works in any reproduction, adaptation, transmittal or publication; or

 

(iv) amending the shape, configuration, design, appearance or any other feature of the Works, subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment or changing the purpose of use of the Works for any reason, including use of the design on the Internet or any other medium for promotional purposes.

 

(c) The Individual warrants that the Individual will execute further documentation as may be required by the Company to perfect the consents and undertakings the Individual has given to the Company regarding the Individual’s Moral Rights.

 

(d) The Individual acknowledges that any consents which have been given in respect of the Individual’s Moral Rights are given genuinely.

 

6 Restraint

 

(a) After the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, for the Restricted Period, the Individual must not, directly or indirectly, do any of the following:

 

(i) solicit, canvass, approach or accept any approach from any person who is, or was during the 12 months immediately preceding the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, a client, customer or supplier of the Company with whom the Individual has or has had contact of a business related type, with a view to establishing a relationship with or obtaining the custom of that person in the capacity which is the same as or substantially similar to the relationship that person has or had with the Company; or

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

(ii) solicit, canvass, induce or encourage any person who is an employee of the Company with whom the Individual has or has had contact of a business related type to leave his or her employment.

 

(b) The Individual acknowledges that:

 

(i) in assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, the Individual will establish personal contacts and relationships with the Company’s customers, clients and suppliers and that these relationships form part of the goodwill of the Company and are of great value to the Company;

 

(ii) the restraints contained in this clause are fair and reasonable in terms of their extent and duration, do not unreasonably restrict the Individual’s right to carry on services similar to the Services that the Individual assists the Contractor to provide to the Company, and go no further than what is necessary to protect the goodwill and interests of the Company; and

 

(iii) the Company is relying on the acknowledgments in clauses 6(b)(i) and 6(b)(ii) in allowing the Individual to assist the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company.

 

(c) Each restraint in this clause (resulting from any combination of the wording in clause 6 (and the relevant definitions) constitutes a separate restraint that is severable from the other restraints. If any part of the restraint (including any associated definition) is judged to be void or unenforceable or illegal because it goes beyond what is reasonable to protect the interests of the Company or for any other reason, it will be read down so as to be valid and enforceable. If it cannot be so read down, the provisions (or where possible, the offending words) will be severed from this clause without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions (or parts of those provisions) of this clause, which will continue to have full force and effect.

 

7 Severability

 

If any provision of this deed is invalid or not enforceable in accordance with its terms in any jurisdiction, it is to be read down for the purposes of that jurisdiction, if possible, so as to be valid and enforceable and will otherwise be capable of being severed to the extent of the invalidity or unenforceability without affecting the remaining provisions of this deed or affecting the validity or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

29

 

 

 

 

 

8 Costs

 

Each party must pay that party’s own costs and expenses in respect of:

 

(a) the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this deed and of any documents entered into under or in respect of this deed; and

 

(b) the performance of that party’s obligations under this deed.

 

9 Entire agreement

 

This deed constitutes the entire agreement between the parties about its subject matter and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings or agreements between the parties on the subject matter.

 

10 Counterparts

 

This deed may be signed in any number of counterparts. All signed counterparts taken together constitute one deed.

 

11 Governing law and jurisdiction

 

11.1 Governing law

 

This deed is governed by the laws in force in the state specified in item 13 of the schedule of the Independent Contractor Agreement.

 

11.2 Jurisdiction of courts

 

The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the state specified in item 13 of the schedule of the Independent Contractor Agreement and the Federal Court of Australia and any courts that may hear appeals from those courts about any proceedings in connection with this deed.

 

EXECUTED as a deed.

 

30

 

 

Annexure A

 

 

Signing page

 

SIGNED SEALED AND DELIVERED by SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by being signed by the following officers:
   
     
/s/ Andrew Leece    
Signature of director   Signature of director / company secretary
     
Andrew Leece    
Name of director (please print)   Name of director / company secretary (please print)

 

SIGNED by NICK HUGHES JONES
in the presence of:
   
     
/s/ James Manning   /s/ Nick Hughes Jones
Signature of witness   Signature of Nick Hughes Jones
     
James Manning    
Name of witness (please print)    

 

31

 

Exhibit 10.19

 

 
   
   
 

Level 14, 60 Martin Place

Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

   
  T  +61 2 8248 5800  |  F  +61 2 8248 5899

 

 

Deed of Variation

to Independent Contractor Agreement

 

 

between

 

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd

ACN 645 215 194

(Company)

 

 

and

 

 

SharonAI Inc.

(Parent Company)

 

 

and

 

 

Inbocalupo Consulting Pty Ltd

ACN 663 737 791

(Contractor)

 

 

 

 

Table of contents

 

1 Definitions and interpretation   1
  1.1 Definitions and interpretation   1
         
2 Variation of Independent Contractor Agreement   1
       
3 Effective date   2
       
4 General   2
  4.1 Notices   2
  4.2 Legal costs   2
  4.3 Governing law and jurisdiction   2
  4.4 Severability   2
  4.5 Further steps   2
  4.6 Consents   3
  4.7 Rights cumulative   3
  4.8 Waiver and exercise of rights   3
  4.9 Survival   3
  4.10 Amendment   3
  4.11 Assignment   3
  4.12 Counterparts   3

 

 

 

 

This deed is made on 2025

 

between

SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194 of 303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2006 (Company)

   
and SharonAI Inc. of 745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500, New York, NY 10151 United States (Parent Company)
   
and

Inbocalupo Consulting Pty Ltd ACN 663 737 791 of Ozone Parade, Dee Why NSW 2099 (Contractor)

 

Recitals

 

A The parties entered into the Independent Contractor Agreement on 14 October 2024 under which the Company engaged the Contractor to provide services on and from 1 March 2024.

 

B The parties have now agreed to vary certain provisions of the Independent Contractor Agreement as set out in this deed.

 

Now it is covenanted and agreed as follows:

 

1Definitions and interpretation

 

1.1Definitions and interpretation

 

In this deed:

 

(a)Effective Date means the date of this deed;

 

(b)Independent Contractor Agreement means the Independent Contractor Agreement entered into between the Company, Parent Company and Contractor dated 14 October 2024;

 

(c)a word which is capitalised but not defined in this deed, has the same meaning as given to that term in the Independent Contractor Agreement; and

 

(d)the interpretation provisions in clause 1.2 of the Independent Contractor Agreement apply to this deed.

 

2Variation of Independent Contractor Agreement

 

The Independent Contractor Agreement is amended by deleting item 7, 12, 13.2 and 14 of the Schedule and replacing it with the following:

 

7Fees

 

The Company will be charged fees at a,daily rate of $1,200 per day excluding GST. For clarity, the Company will be liable to pay the daily rate in respect of each calendar day on which Contractor provides the services (as agreed in writing by the Contractor and the Company representative) irrespective of how many hours are actually worked by the Contractor on that day.

 

12Services

 

Provide services as requested by the CEO on a case by case basis

 

 

Page 2

 

13.2Hours

 

The Contractor will provide the Services from time to time as agreed in writing by the Contractor & the Company representative provided that the Company will offer for the Contractor to provide the Services subject to the express condition that the Services will be performed on a full working day basis, and the Contractor shall not be obligated to accept or provide Services for periods of less than a full working day unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing by both parties.

 

14Company representative

 

The Chief Executive Officer of Parent Company.

 

3Effective date

 

The amendments to the Independent Contractor Agreement set out in this deed take effect on and from the date of this deed.

 

4General

 

4.1Notices

 

The notice provisions of the Independent Contractor Agreement apply to a notice given under this deed.

 

4.2Legal costs

 

Each party must pay its own legal and other costs and expenses of negotiating, preparing, executing and performing its obligations under this deed.

 

4.3Governing law and jurisdiction

 

(a)This deed is governed by and is to be construed in accordance with the laws applicable in New South Wales, Australia.

 

(b)Each party irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales, Australia and any courts which have jurisdiction to hear appeals from any of those courts and waives any right to object to any proceedings being brought in those courts.

 

4.4Severability

 

(a)Subject to clause 4.4(b), if a provision of this deed is illegal or unenforceable in any relevant jurisdiction, it may be severed for the purposes of that jurisdiction without affecting the enforceability of the other provisions of this deed.

 

(b)Clause 4.4(a) does not apply if severing the provision:

 

(i)materially alters the:

 

(A)scope and nature of this deed; or

 

(B)the relative commercial or financial positions of the parties; or

 

(ii)would be contrary to public policy.

 

4.5Further steps

 

Each party must promptly do whatever any other party reasonably requires of it to give effect to this deed and to perform its obligations under it.

 

 

Page 3

 

4.6Consents

 

Except as expressly stated otherwise in this deed, a party may give or withhold consent to be given under this deed and is not obliged to give reasons for doing so.

 

4.7Rights cumulative

 

Except as expressly stated otherwise in this deed, the rights of a party under this deed are cumulative and are in addition to any other rights of that party.

 

4.8Waiver and exercise of rights

 

(a)A single or partial exercise or waiver by a party of a right relating to this deed does not prevent any other exercise of that right or the exercise of any other right.

 

(b)A party is not liable for any loss, cost or expense of any other party caused or contributed to by the waiver, exercise, attempted exercise, failure to exercise or delay in the exercise of a right.

 

4.9Survival

 

The rights and obligations of the parties do not merge on termination or expiration of this deed.

 

4.10Amendment

 

This deed may only be varied or replaced by a deed executed by the parties.

 

4.11Assignment

 

A party must not assign or deal with its rights under this deed without the prior written consent of the other party.

 

4.12Counterparts

 

This deed may consist of a number of counterparts and, if so, the counterparts taken together constitute one deed.

 

Executed as a deed

 

 

Page 4

 

Executed by SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth):

   
     
     
*Director/*Company Secretary   Director
     
     

Name of *Director/*Company Secretary

(BLOCK LETTERS)

 

Name of Director

(BLOCK LETTERS)

 

* please delete as appropriate

 

Executed by SharonAI Inc.
by its authorised signatory:

 
   
   
Signature of signatory  
   
   

Name of signatory

(BLOCK LETTERS)

 

 

Executed by Inbocalupo Consulting Pty Ltd ACN 663 737 791
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth):

   
     
     
*Director/*Company Secretary   Director
     
     

Name of *Director/*Company Secretary

(BLOCK LETTERS)

 

Name of Director

(BLOCK LETTERS)

 

* please delete as appropriate

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.20

 

Independent contractor agreement - corporate

 

 

Date of the agreement is the date specified in item 1 of the schedule

 

Parties

 

The party described in item 2 of the schedule (Company)

 

The party described in item 3 of the schedule (Parent Company)

 

The party described in item 4 of the schedule (Contractor)

 

Recitals

 

A The Company agrees to appoint the Contractor to provide the Services and the Contractor agrees to the appointment on the terms and conditions set out in this agreement.

 

B The Contractor will engage the Key Person to assist the Contractor to provide the Services.

 

C The Parent Company is a party to this agreement for the purpose of guaranteeing the performance of the Company’s obligations under this agreement.

 

The parties agree

 

1Definitions and interpretation

 

1.1 Definitions

 

In this agreement:

 

Claim includes a claim, action, proceeding, judgment, damage, loss, cost, expense or liability, however arising and whether present, unascertained, immediate, future or contingent.

 

Commencement Date means the date specified in item 6 of the schedule.

 

Company means the entity described in item 2 of the schedule.

 

Company Representative means the person named in item 14 of the schedule or as otherwise advised by the Company from time to time.

 

Confidential Information means:

 

(a) any information whether or not in a material form that directly or indirectly relates to the business and/or products of the Company, the Group and/or their clients, customers and suppliers including information relating to any patents (actual or pending), trade secrets, formulas, designs, accounts, marketing plans, sales plans, models, prospects, research, management information systems, computer systems, processes and any data base, data surveys, clients, customers, suppliers, client lists, customer lists, specifications, drawings, records, reports, software or other documents, whether in writing or otherwise concerning the Company or the Group or any of their clients, customers or suppliers;

 

 

 

 

(b) any other information or know how whether or not in a material form that relates to the business of the Company or the Group which the Contractor or any of its employees or personnel, including the Key Person, become aware of either before or after the date of this agreement, or generate in the course of, or in connection with, the carrying out of the Contractor’s obligations under this agreement; and

 

(c) any information relating to the Company or the Group which is not in the public domain.

 

Contractor means the entity described in item 4 of the schedule.

 

Fees means the fees specified in item 7 of the schedule.

 

Group means:

 

(a) the Company;

 

(b) the Parent Company;

 

(c) Related Bodies Corporate of the Company;

 

(d) any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company; and

 

(e) any other entity that is connected with the Company, or any other member of the Group, by a common directorship or by a common interest in an economic enterprise for example, a partner of another member of a joint venture.

 

Group Company means the Company and each Company which forms part of the Group.

 

GST has the meaning given to it by the GST Act.

 

GST Act means the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth).

 

Guaranteed Obligations means every obligation on the part of the Company (whether alone or not) which at any time arises under or in connection with this agreement including the payment or reimbursement of any costs, expenses, liabilities, losses or damages, but excluding any claim for entitlements contemplated in clause 20.3 and superannuation.

 

Intellectual Property Rights means:

 

(a) any patent, registered and common law trade mark, trade name, business name, company name, domain name, copyright, registered or other design right, circuit layout right and any corresponding property right, together with any right to apply for the grant or registration of the same; and

 

(b) any right in respect of an idea, invention, discovery, trade secret, improvement, technical information, specification, know how, data, algorithm, formula or Confidential Information.

 

2

 

 

Insolvency Event means, in relation to a body corporate, a liquidation or winding up, the appointment of a controller, administrator, receiver, manager or similar insolvency administrator to a party or any substantial part of its assets or the entering into a scheme or arrangement with creditors or, in relation to an individual, becoming bankrupt or entering into a scheme or arrangement with creditors, or in relation to a body corporate or an individual, the occurrence of any event that has a substantially similar effect to any of the above events.

 

Moral Rights means moral rights as defined in section 189 of Part IX of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) (namely the right of attribution of authorship, the right not to have authorship falsely attributed and the right of integrity of authorship).

 

Invoice Period means the period specified at item 8 of the schedule.

 

Key Person means the individual described in item 5 of the schedule.

 

Payment Period means the period specified at item 9 of the schedule.

 

Related Bodies Corporate has the meaning given in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

 

Restricted Period means:

 

(a) 12 months or,

 

(b) 9 months or,

 

(c) 6 months or,

 

(d) 3 months.

 

Services means the services specified in item 12 of the schedule and any other services as reasonably requested from time to time by the Company.

 

Superannuation Law means Superannuation Guarantee Charge Act 1992 (Cth) and the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth) and/or any other acts, regulations or ordinances that govern the payment of superannuation contributions.

 

Tax Administration Act means the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (Cth) as amended.

 

Term means the term as specified in clause 3.

 

Works means any work product, including any concepts, ideas, designs, models, artwork, engravings, images, computer programs, data, information, processes, techniques, inventions, research results, documents or materials or parts, adaptations or drafts, in any form, resulting directly or indirectly from the Contractor providing the Services to the Company.

 

1.2 Interpretation

 

In this agreement, headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of this agreement, and unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa;

 

(b) words importing a gender include the other genders;

 

3

 

 

(c) if words or phrases are defined, their other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning;

 

(d) a reference to:

 

(i) a person includes an individual, a partnership, a body corporate, a joint venture, an association (whether incorporated or not), a government and a government authority or agency;

 

(ii) a party includes the party’s executors, legal personal representatives, successors, transferees and assigns;

 

(iii) a part, clause, schedule or party is a reference to a part, clause or schedule of, or a party to, this agreement;

 

(iv) a right includes a benefit, remedy, discretion, authority or power;

 

(v) an obligation includes a warranty or representation and a reference to a failure to observe or perform an obligation includes a breach of a warranty or representation;

 

(vi) this agreement includes the recitals and any schedules, annexures, exhibits or attachments to this agreement;

 

(vii) ‘$’ or dollars means Australian dollars and a reference to payment means payment in Australian dollars;

 

(viii) writing includes any mode of representing or reproducing words in tangible and permanently visible form and includes facsimile transmissions;

 

(ix) legislation includes any statutory modification or replacement and any subordinate or delegated legislation issued under that legislation; and

 

(x) a law includes any statute, regulation, by law, scheme, determination, ordinance, rule or other statutory provision (whether Commonwealth, State or municipal);

 

(e) a reference to an insolvency event includes:

 

(i) in the case of an individual:

 

(A) the committing of an act of bankruptcy in respect of the individual within the meaning of section 40 of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth);

 

(B) the signing of an authority by the individual under Part X of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth); or

 

(C) the making of a sequestration order in respect of the estate of the individual within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth); or

 

(ii) in the case of a corporation:

 

(A) the appointment of a controller to the property of the corporation;

 

(B) the appointment of an administrator in respect of the corporation;

 

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(C) the corporation failing to comply with a statutory demand within the period for compliance;

 

(D) the making of a winding up order by a court in respect of the corporation;

 

(E) the passing of a resolution for winding up under Part 5.5 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth); or

 

(F) in respect of a Part 5.7 body, the commencement of a winding up under Part 5.7 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of that body;

 

(f) the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by ‘including’ or ‘for example’, or similar expressions; and

 

(g) no provision of this agreement will be interpreted against a party just because that party prepared that provision.

 

1.3 Representatives of Contractor

 

Despite anything else contained in this agreement:

 

(a) where an obligation is imposed on the Contractor by or under this agreement to do, or not to do, any act or thing, the Contractor must ensure and procure the compliance with that obligation of the Key Person and any other of the Contractor’s employees and personnel who assist the Contractor in the provision of the Services to the Company; and

 

(b) the Contractor must procure the execution by the Key Person and any other of the Contractor’s employees and personnel who assist in the provision of the Services to the Company, of a deed in the form set out in Annexure A.

 

2 Appointment of Contractor

 

The Company appoints and the Contractor accepts the appointment of the Contractor to provide the Services with assistance from the Key Person in accordance with the terms and conditions of this agreement.

 

3 Term

 

This agreement commences on the Commencement Date and will operate for the period specified in item 15 of the schedule unless terminated in accordance with clause 13.

 

4 Fees

 

(a) In consideration of the provision of the Services, the Company must pay the Contractor the Fees.

 

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(b) The Company is only liable to pay the Fees to the Contractor for Services actually provided by the Contractor under this agreement to a standard acceptable to the Company.

 

(c) The Fees are payable by the Company in the Payment Period on receipt of an invoice from the Contractor, to be forwarded at the end of each Invoice Period.

 

5 Expenses

 

The Contractor will be responsible for any expenses incurred by the Contractor or the Key Person in providing the Services to the Company, unless the Contractor or the Key Person, as the case may be, obtains approval from the Company prior to incurring a particular expense, and subject to the provision to the Company of a tax receipt for that expense. The Company may approve or refuse approval in its absolute discretion.

 

6 Appointment of the Key Person

 

(a) The Contractor agrees to provide the Key Person to assist the Contractor to provide the Services.

 

(b) The Contractor acknowledges that the Key Person is suitably qualified to assist the Contractor to provide the Services in a safe, thorough, workmanlike and competent manner and with all reasonable expedition and at a rate of progress satisfactory to the Company.

 

(c) The Contractor agrees to obtain the written consent of the Company prior to providing any personnel other than the Key Person to assist the Contractor with providing the Services.

 

(d) The Contractor must pay all costs relating to its employees and personnel, including the Key Person and any other person who assists the Contractor in the provision of the Services to the Company, including salaries, wages, bonuses, allowances, workers’ compensation premiums if applicable, superannuation guarantee contributions, fringe benefits, payments in respect of leave entitlements and any taxes in relation to them.

 

7 Obligations of Contractor

 

7.1 Duties

 

The Contractor must:

 

(a) provide the Services, with assistance from the Key Person, in accordance with the terms of this agreement;

 

(b) act efficiently, honestly and fairly at all times in relation to the Contractor’s provision of the Services under this agreement;

 

(c) faithfully and diligently perform its obligations under this agreement;

 

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(d) provide the Services at the location specified in item 13 of the schedule or any other location as reasonably required by the Company from time to time;

 

(e) provide any and all equipment necessary for the Contractor and/or the Key Person to provide the Services;

 

(f) follow and comply with any directions provided by the Company Representative from time to time relating to the provision of the Services;

 

(g) not act in any manner so as to bring the character or reputation of the Company, the Group or any of their officers or employees into disrepute;

 

(h) notify the Company immediately of any difficulties encountered in relation to the Contractor’s provision of the Services;

 

(i) not bind the Company in contract without the prior written approval of the Company Representative;

 

(j) comply with all state and federal equal opportunity, affirmative action and anti-discrimination legislation;

 

(k) comply with all of the Company’s internal policies, including its policies relating to discrimination and harassment and email and internet use, however these policies do not form part of this agreement; and

 

(l) notify the Company as soon as possible if the Key Person or any of the Contractor’s employees or personnel who assist the Contractor in the provision of the Services to the Company are unable to provide that assistance due to poor health or for any other reason.

 

7.2 Business records

 

The Contractor must maintain proper business records with respect to the Key Person assisting the Contractor to provide the Services under this agreement and permit the Company to inspect such records during office hours on the Company giving reasonable written notice to the Contractor.

 

8 Obligations of the Company

 

(a) The Company must provide all reasonable assistance to the Contractor and the Key Person to carry out the obligations of the Contractor under this agreement.

 

(b) Subject to clause 8(c), where the Company requests or requires the Contractor to provide the Key Person to act as a director of the Company, the Company must indemnify, and the Parent Company must also indemnify, the Key Person acting as director or officer of the Company, or of a related body corporate of the Company against:

 

(i) every liability incurred by the person in that capacity (except a liability for legal costs); and

 

(ii) all legal costs incurred in defending or resisting (or otherwise in connection with) proceedings, whether civil or criminal or of an administrative or investigatory nature, in which the person becomes involved because of that capacity,

 

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(c) Clause 8(b) does not apply to the extent that:

 

(i) the Company or Parent Company is forbidden by the Corporations Act or other statute to indemnify the person against the liability or legal costs; or

 

(ii) an indemnity by the Company or Parent Company of the person against the liability or legal costs would, if given, be made void by the Corporations Act or other statute.

 

9 Guarantee

 

(a) The Parent Company unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees the due and punctual:

 

(i) performance and observance by the Company of all Guaranteed Obligations; and

 

(ii) payment by the Company of any money or any other award obligation(s) under an equity incentive or renumeration program but not any claim for entitlements contemplated in clause 20.3 and superannuation.

 

(b) If the Company defaults on any Guaranteed Obligations or payments outlined in clause 9(a)and that default is not remedied within 30 days, the Parent Company will on demand made on it by the Contractor:

 

(i) duly and punctually perform the Guaranteed Obligations; and

 

(ii) duly and punctually pay to the Contractor any money.

 

(c) The Contractor is not required to:

 

(i) take any steps to enforce its rights under this agreement; or

 

(ii) incur any expense or make any payment,

 

before enforcing its rights against the Parent Company under this agreement.

 

10 Warranties and Indemnities

 

10.1 Warranties

 

The Contractor warrants to the Company on the date of this agreement and on each day during the Term, that:

 

(a) the Contractor will carry out the Services in a proper manner:

 

(i) in compliance with all laws; and

 

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(ii) to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company;

 

(b) if required by law, the Contractor maintains any insurance required under relevant legislation;

 

(c) the Contractor will not infringe any third party’s intellectual property rights;

 

(d) the Contractor will comply with all of its obligations under this agreement;

 

(e) the Contractor is a genuine independent contractor for all purposes and acknowledges that the Company has relied on this representation in entering into this agreement;

 

(f) the Contractor has capacity to enter into this agreement;

 

(g) the Contractor is not subject to an Insolvency Event; and

 

(h) on execution of this agreement, its obligations under this agreement will be valid, binding and enforceable.

 

11 Claims

 

11.1 Notice of Claim

 

The Contractor must immediately notify the Company on becoming aware of any Claim or potential Claim or circumstances which may lead to a Claim being made against the Contractor, the Key Person or the Company directly or indirectly related to the Services provided under this agreement.

 

11.2 Costs of Claims

 

The Contractor must reimburse to the Company any excess or deductible amount payable by the Company as a result of a client complaint or Claim against the Company and any costs, expenses, charges and fees (including legal fees) incurred by the Company in connection with the conduct of the Contractor, its employees or personnel (including the Key Person) and any other person who represents or acts on its behalf.

 

12 Insurance

 

12.1 Amount of insurance

 

The Contractor must take out and maintain appropriate insurance covering the Services provided.

 

12.2 Workers’ compensation insurance

 

The Contractor is required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance where required by law.

 

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12.3 Evidence of insurances

 

The Contractor must provide the Company with satisfactory evidence of the insurances required under clause 12 when requested by the Company.

 

13 Termination

 

13.1 Company may terminate

 

The Company may immediately terminate this agreement at any time by written notice served on the Contractor if any one or more of the following occurs:

 

(a) the Contractor, in the reasonable opinion of the Company:

 

(i) commits a serious or material breach of its obligations under this agreement; or

 

(ii) commits any other breach of its obligations under this agreement of which the Contractor is notified by the Company and which is not rectified by the Contractor within 14 days of notification of the breach by the Company;

 

(b) the Contractor or the Key Person engages in any conduct which in the reasonable opinion of the Company:

 

(i) may cause harm to or injure the reputation or standing of the Company or the Group or any of their authorised representatives;

 

(ii) is prejudicial to the interests of the Company or the Group or any of their authorised representatives; or

 

(iii) is unprofessional or unethical;

 

(c) the Contractor (or the Key Person) ceases to hold lawful authority to attend or remain at any location where the Services are to be provided, including the location specified in item 13 of the schedule;

 

(d) the Contractor becoming insolvent, under administration or an externally administered body corporate;

 

(e) the Contractor attempting to assign or sub-contract any of its rights under this agreement or there is a change of control of the Contractor; or

 

(f) the Contractor or the Key Person being convicted of an indictable offence.

 

13.2 Termination with notice

 

(a) Either the Company or the Contractor may terminate this agreement by providing the written notice to the other specified in item 11 of the schedule.

 

(b) The Company may elect to make payment in lieu of part or the whole period of notice in which case the amount payable to the Contractor will be the equivalent of the Fees the Contractor would likely have been paid for providing the Services during the relevant period based on an average of the Fees paid to the Contractor in the four weeks immediately preceding the termination.

 

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13.3 Effect of termination

 

If this agreement is terminated, then in addition to any other rights or remedies provided by law:

 

(a) each party is released from its obligations under this agreement, other than in relation to clause 15 (Confidentiality), clause 16 (Intellectual Property) and clause 17 (Restraint); and

 

(b) each party retains any rights, entitlements or remedies it had against any other party in connection with any breach or Claim that has arisen before termination.

 

13.4 Liability

 

(a) On termination all entitlements of the Contractor to the Fees under clause 4 will cease with the exception of any Fees owing at the date of termination.

 

(b) Termination of this agreement will not affect, limit, reduce or bring to an end any liability of the Company or the Contractor to pay any amount that is or becomes due and payable to the other prior to termination.

 

(c) The Company acknowledges and agrees that if the Company, any Group Company, or any employees or officers of the Company brings any claim or dispute against the Contractor or a Key Person, liability is limited to the Fees the Contractor is entitled to within the 45 days immediately before a written notice is issued under clause 26(b) of this agreement.

 

(d) The Parent Company acknowledges and agrees that:

 

(i) any breach by the Company extends to the Parent Company;

 

(ii) the Parent Company is liable in the event the Company cannot meet its obligations under this agreement.

 

13.5Acknowledgment

 

The Contractor acknowledges that the Company will not be liable in connection with any of the acts and/or omissions of the Contractor or the Key Person from the date of termination.

 

13.6 Deductions

 

On termination of this agreement, or at any other time, the Company reserves the right to deduct from the Fees any money which the Contractor may owe to the Company including:

 

(a) any debts owing to the Company by the Contractor;

 

(b) overpayments of the Fees;

 

(c) the replacement value of any property of the Company not returned by the Contractor;

 

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(d) losses suffered by the Company as a result of the non-performance or breach of this agreement by the Contractor and/or its employees and personnel (including the Key Person); and

 

(e) if the Contractor fails to provide the Company with the period of notice required under clause 13.2(a), the amount of the Fees the Contractor would likely have received for providing the Services during the non-completed part of the required notice period based on an average of the Fees paid to the Contractor in the four weeks immediately preceding the termination.

 

14 Conflict of interest

 

14.1 Declaration of conflict of interest

 

The Contractor warrants that no conflict of interest, restriction or impediment exists or is likely to arise that would prevent the Contractor from providing the Services or complying with their obligations under this agreement.

 

14.2 Other business activities during the Term

 

(a) The Contractor operates an independent enterprise and the parties expressly agree that the Contractor may engage in business activities other than the provision of the Services to the Company during the Term, including that the Contractor may provide similar services to others subject to clauses 14.2(b) and 14.2(c).

 

(b) The Contractor must ensure that the business activities in which the Contractor engages do not create, or are not perceived to create, a conflict of interest with the Company’s interests or the Services being provided to the Company under this agreement.

 

(c) If the Contractor engages in business activities which he considers are, or may, create a conflict of interest with the Company’s interests or the Services provided to the Company under this agreement, the Contractor is required to notify the Company Representative immediately.

 

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this agreement precludes the Company from engaging any other person or entity to perform services similar to the Services, and the Company does and will obtain similar services from others.

 

15 Confidentiality

 

(a) The Contractor must keep secret and must not at any time (whether during or after this agreement) use for the Contractor’s own or another’s advantage, or reveal to any person, any Confidential Information. The restrictions contained in this clause will not apply to any disclosure or use authorised by the Company or required by law or by this agreement.

 

(b) The Contractor must require that each of its employees and personnel assisting the Contractor, including the Key Person, to provide the Services comply with the requirements of this clause.

 

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(c) The Contractor agrees that on the termination of this agreement (however occurring) the Contractor will immediately deliver to the Company all property belonging to the Company or the Group which may be in the possession of the Contractor or the employees or personnel of the Contractor (including the Key Person) including Confidential Information.

 

16 Intellectual property

 

(a) The Company will own all Works and Intellectual Property Rights in the Works.

 

(b) In particular, the Contractor:

 

(i) unconditionally assigns to the Company all existing and future Intellectual Property Rights in the Works;

 

(ii) acknowledges that by virtue of this clause, all existing Intellectual Property Rights in the Works vest in the Company on creation; and

 

(iii) will execute all additional documentation that may be required by the Company from time to time to perfect that assignment of the Intellectual Property Rights.

 

(c) Clause 16(a) does not affect the ownership of any Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Contractor in any existing material (if any) incorporated into or used to produce the Works, but the Contractor grants to the Company a permanent, royalty free, worldwide, non-exclusive licence to use, copy, modify, exploit and sub licence that pre-existing material.

 

(d) The Contractor must not make any claim that the Contractor has any right, title or interest in the Intellectual Property Rights in the Works or to use those rights.

 

(e) The Contractor warrants that:

 

(i) the Contractor has the legal right to grant to the Company the assignment of Intellectual Property Rights in the Works under clause 16(b); and

 

(ii) in undertaking the Contractor’s obligations under this agreement and delivering the Works, the Contractor:

 

(A) will not breach any obligation owed to any person; and

 

(B) will not infringe any Intellectual Property Rights of any person.

 

17 Moral rights

 

(a) The Contractor gives consent for the Company to act in any way which may otherwise infringe the Contractor’s Moral Rights in the Works.

 

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(b) Without limiting the generality of clause 15(a), the Contractor consents to the Company failing to identify the Contractor as the author of the Works, falsely attributing authorship of any of the Works and/or subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment and, in particular:

 

(i) not identifying the Contractor, whether by act or omission, as the author of the Works, including not allowing the inclusion of any watermark or imbedded mark in any of the Works which would identify the Contractor as the creator or contributor of the Works;

 

(ii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Contractor’s authorship to the Works, any final or related or derivative products, programs or materials, including marketing and collateral material;

 

(iii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Contractor’s authorship of the Works in any reproduction, adaptation, transmittal or publication; or

 

(iv) amending the shape, configuration, design, appearance or any other feature of the Works, subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment or changing the purpose of use of the Works for any reason, including use of the design on the Internet or any other medium for promotional purposes.

 

(c) The Contractor warrants that the Contractor will execute further documentation as may be required by the Company to perfect the consents and undertakings the Contractor has given to the Company regarding the Contractor’s Moral Rights.

 

(d) The Contractor acknowledges that any consents which have been given in respect of the Contractor’s Moral Rights are given genuinely.

 

18 Restraint

 

(a) After the termination of this agreement for the Restricted Period, the Contractor must not, directly or indirectly, do any of the following:

 

(i) solicit, canvass, approach or accept any approach from any person who is, or was during the 12 months immediately preceding the termination of this agreement, a client, customer or supplier of the Company with whom the Contractor has or has had contact of a business related type, with a view to establishing a relationship with or obtaining the custom of that person in the capacity which is the same as or substantially similar to the relationship that person has or had with the Company; or

 

(ii) solicit, canvass, induce or encourage any person who is an employee of the Company with whom the Contractor has or has had contact of a business related type to leave his or her employment.

 

(b) The Contractor acknowledges that:

 

(i) in providing the Services the Contractor will establish personal contacts and relationships with the Company’s customers, clients and suppliers and that these relationships form part of the goodwill of the Company and are of great value to the Company;

 

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(ii) the restraints contained in this clause are fair and reasonable in terms of their extent and duration, do not unreasonably restrict its right to carry on the Services or similar services to those provided by the Contractor to the Company, and go no further than what is necessary to protect the goodwill and interests of the Company; and

 

(iii) the Company is relying on the acknowledgments in clauses 18(b)(i) and 18(b)(ii) in entering into this agreement.

 

(c) Each restraint in this clause (resulting from any combination of the wording in clause 17 and the relevant definitions) constitutes a separate restraint that is severable from the other restraints. If any part of the restraint (including any associated definition) is judged to be void or unenforceable or illegal because it goes beyond what is reasonable to protect the interests of the Company or for any other reason, it will be read down so as to be valid and enforceable. If it cannot be so read down, the provisions (or where possible, the offending words) will be severed from this clause without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions (or parts of those provisions) of this clause, which will continue to have full force and effect.

 

19 Costs and expenses

 

Each party must pay that party’s own costs and expenses in respect of:

 

(a) the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this agreement and of any documents entered into under or in respect of this agreement; and

 

(b) the performance of that party’s obligations under this agreement.

 

20 Independent contractor status

 

20.1 Independent contractor

 

The Contractor, including the Key Person, warrants to the Company that they are a genuine independent contractor for all purposes and acknowledges that the Company has relied on this representation in entering into this agreement.

 

20.2 Nature of relationship

 

Nothing in this agreement will be construed as establishing the relationship of employer and employee between the Company and the Key Person nor as creating a partnership between the parties, but the relationship between the Company and the Key Person will at all times be that of principal and contractor and not otherwise. Should any provision of this agreement be inconsistent with this clause, this clause will prevail to the extent of any inconsistency.

 

20.3 No claim for employment entitlements

 

(a) No principal, employee or personnel of the Contractor, including the Key Person, will be entitled to claim from the Company any form of leave including personal leave, annual leave, long service leave or any other form of leave, or any other employment-related entitlements such as termination pay, redundancy pay, entitlements under industrial instruments and statute or at common law.

 

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(b) In the event the Contractor claims or the Company becomes otherwise liable for the entitlements set out in clause 20.3(a), the Contractor indemnifies the Company on a full indemnity basis for such payments (including all costs, penalties, fines and fees in respect of such payments).

 

21 Health and safety

 

(a) In carrying out the Services, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that:

 

(i) it, the Key Person and any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of the Services observe all relevant work health and safety laws;

 

(ii) it, the Key Person and any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services are aware of and comply with the health and safety policies and procedures of the Company; and

 

(iii) the Key Person and any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services will not consume or be under the influence of alcohol or any drug (except where legally available or prescribed medication).

 

(b) Prior to the Commencement Date, the Contractor must:

 

(i) inform the Company of any specific health problems, pre-existing disabilities or injuries of the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services that may be directly or indirectly relevant to the Contractor providing the Services; and

 

(ii) inform the Company of any duties the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor who assist with the provision of Services are unable to perform that are directly or indirectly relevant to the Contractor providing the Services.

 

(c) During the Term, the Contractor must immediately advise the Company if:

 

(i) the working conditions are unsafe;

 

(ii) the Contractor, the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor sustains an injury while providing the Services; or

 

(iii) the Contractor, the Key Person or any other employees or personnel of the Contractor develops any health problem, illness or injury which may restrict, impede or prevent the Contractor from performing the Services.

 

22 Workers’ Compensation

 

(a) Where the Company is deemed to be the employer of the Key Person or any other employee or personnel of the Contractor for the purposes of applicable workers’ compensation legislation, the Company will provide workers’ compensation insurance.

 

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(b) Where the Company is not deemed to be the employer of the Key Person or any other employee or personnel of the Contractor for the purposes of applicable workers’ compensation legislation, the Contractor will be responsible for ensuring that the Contractor and each of the Contractor’s employees or personnel including the Key Person have adequate accident and sickness insurance and the Company will have no liability in this regard.

 

(c) To assist the Company in determining whether it is required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for the Key Person or any other employee or personnel of the Contractor, the Company may request certain information from the Contractor and the Contractor must provide that information in a timely manner.

 

23 Superannuation

 

The Company will not pay superannuation on behalf of the Contractor or any employee or personnel of the Contractor including the Key Person, on the basis that they are not common law employees of the Company and are not deemed employees of the Company under the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth). In the event the Company is required to pay superannuation for any employee or personnel of the Contractor including the Key Person, the Contractor indemnifies the Company against any superannuation payment.

 

24 GST

 

24.1 Interpretation

 

Words and expressions used in this clause 24 which are not defined in this agreement, but which are defined in the GST Act, have the meaning given to them in the GST Act.

 

24.2 Consideration does not include GST

 

The consideration for any supply made under or in connection with this agreement does not include an amount for GST, unless it is expressly stated in this agreement to be inclusive of GST.

 

24.3 Recovery of GST

 

To the extent that GST is or becomes payable on any supply made under or in connection with this agreement (not being a supply for which the consideration is expressly stated in this agreement to be inclusive of GST), the party required to provide the consideration for the supply must pay, in addition to and at the same time as the consideration is to be provided, an amount equal to the amount of GST on the supply.

 

24.4 Reimbursement or indemnity payments

 

Where a party is required under this agreement to pay, reimburse or indemnify another party for any loss, cost or expense, the amount to be reimbursed or indemnified will be the amount of the loss, cost or expense reduced by an amount equal to any input tax credit that the other party is entitled to claim for the loss, cost or expense and increased by the amount of any GST payable in accordance with clause 24.3.

 

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24.5 Tax invoice

 

The Company need not make a payment for a taxable supply made under or in connection with this agreement until it receives a tax invoice for the supply to which the payment relates.

 

25 Notices

 

25.1 Giving of notice

 

A notice required or permitted to be given by one party to another under this agreement must be in writing and will be treated as being duly given and received if it is:

 

(a) delivered personally to that other party;

 

(b) left at that other party’s address;

 

(c) sent by pre-paid mail to that other party’s address; or

 

(d) transmitted by email to that other party.

 

25.2 Address for service

 

For the purposes of this clause, the address of a party is the address set out in item 10 of the schedule or another address of which that party may from time to time give notice to each other party.

 

26 Dispute resolution

 

(a) Except where interim or urgent interlocutory relief is sought, prior to the commencement of any legal proceedings, whether in a court or by way of arbitration, the parties agree to use reasonable endeavours to resolve a dispute.

 

(b) If a party considers that a dispute exists, then that party must give written notice to the other party that it considers a dispute exists specifying the dispute, including identifying any event, matter or omission that the party relies on as giving rise to the dispute.

 

(c) The parties must meet within 28 days of the date of the notice given under clause 26(b) for the purpose of seeking to resolve the Dispute (Resolution Period).

 

(d) If the dispute is not resolved during the Resolution Period, then any of the disputing parties may refer the dispute for determination by arbitration no later than five business days after the end of the Resolution Period.

 

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(e) Any dispute referred for arbitration under clause 26(d) must be conducted in accordance with the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators of Australia Rules for the Conduct of Commercial Arbitrations and:

 

(i) be conducted by an arbitrator agreed on by the disputing parties; or

 

(ii) if the disputing parties are unable to agree on an arbitrator five business days of the date of the submission to arbitration under clause 26(d), be conducted by an arbitrator appointed by the then current president or acting president of the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators Australia following a request from any of the disputing parties.

 

(f) The parties agree that an award made by the arbitrator will, in the absence of manifest error, be binding on the parties.

 

(g) The cost of any arbitrator will be shared equally between each of the disputing parties participating in the arbitration. Subject to any award of costs made by the arbitrator, the disputing parties will each bear their own costs of any arbitration.

 

(h) Failure by a party to a dispute to comply with clause 26 may be pleaded in bar to the continuance of any proceeding initiated by that party until this clause has been complied with.

 

27 Further steps

 

Each party agrees to promptly do all things reasonably necessary or desirable to give full effect to this agreement and the transactions contemplated by it, including obtaining consents and signing documents.

 

28 No merger

 

On completion or termination of the transactions contemplated by this agreement, the rights and obligations of the parties set out in this agreement will not merge and any provision that has not been fulfilled remains in force.

 

29 Entire agreement

 

This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties about its subject matter and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings or agreements between the parties on the subject matter.

 

30 Amendment

 

This agreement may only be amended or varied in writing signed by each party.

 

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31 Waiver

 

31.1 No waiver

 

No failure to exercise or delay in exercising any right given by or under this agreement to a party constitutes a waiver and the party may still exercise that right in the future.

 

31.2 Waiver must be in writing

 

Waiver of any provision of this agreement or a right created under it must be in writing signed by the party giving the waiver and is only effective to the extent set out in that written waiver.

 

32 Severability

 

If any provision of this agreement is invalid or not enforceable in accordance with its terms in any jurisdiction, it is to be read down for the purposes of that jurisdiction, if possible, so as to be valid and enforceable and will otherwise be capable of being severed to the extent of the invalidity or unenforceability without affecting the remaining provisions of this agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

33 Assignment

 

The Contractor must not, at law or in equity, assign, transfer or otherwise deal with any of its rights or obligations under this agreement without the prior written consent of the Company.

 

34 Counterparts

 

This agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts. All signed counterparts taken together constitute one agreement.

 

35 Governing law and jurisdiction

 

35.1 Governing law

 

This agreement is governed by the laws in force in the state specified in item 16 of the schedule.

 

35.2 Jurisdiction

 

The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts of the state specified in item 16 of the schedule and the Federal Court of Australia and any courts that may hear appeals from those courts about any proceedings in connection with this agreement.

 

EXECUTED as an agreement.

 

20

 

 

Independent contractor agreement - corporate

 

 

Schedule

 

1 Date of agreement

 

14 October 2024

 

2 Details of the Company

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
of 303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2006

 

3 Details of the Parent Company

 

SharonAI Inc or any subsequent parent company of SharonAI Pty Ltd.

 

4 Details of the Contractor

 

Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd ACN 632 357 638
of 29 Yarrabung Road, St Ives NSW 2075

 

5 Details of Key Person

 

Tim Broadfoot

 

Email: tim@broadfootgroup.com.au

 

Phone number: 0447097271

 

6 Commencement Date

 

1 July 2024

 

7 Fees

 

Fees payable by the Company will be on the basis of $111,500 exclusive of GST

 

8 Invoice Period

 

Monthly

 

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9 Payment Period

 

Seven days

 

10 Address for service

 

Contact details as set out in items 2, 3 and 5 of this schedule

 

11 Notice

 

3 months

 

12 Services

 

CFO services and Provision of EA services to the CFO

 

13 Location and hours

 

13.1 Location

 

Sydney CBD / North Sydney / Remote or other such location as agreed

 

13.2 Hours

 

The Contractor will provide the Services 20 hours per week or other such times as agreed from time to time by the Contractor & the Company representative

 

14 Company representative

 

The Chairman of the Board or in there alternate the Chief Executive Officer

 

15 Term

 

Ongoing

 

16 Jurisdiction

 

New South Wales

 

22

 

 

Independent contractor agreement - corporate

 

 

Signing page

 

EXECUTED by SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by being signed by the following officers:
   
     
/s/ Andrew Leece   Andrew Leece
Signature of sole director and sole company secretary   Name of sole director and sole company secretary (please print)
     
EXECUTED by SHARONAI INC
by its authorised signatory:
   
     
/s/ Wolf Schubert    
Signature of signatory    
     
Wolf Schubert    
Name of signatory (please print)    

 

EXECUTED by BROADFOOT GROUP PTY LTD ACN 632 357 638
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by being signed by the following officers:

 
   
/s/ Tim Broadfoot  
Signature of sole director and sole company secretary  

 

23

 

 

Annexure A

 

 

Deed

 

Date

 

Parties

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN ACN 645 215 194 of 303/44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2006 (Company)

 

Timothy Broadfoot of 29 Yarrabung Road, St Ives NSW 2075 (Individual)

 

Recitals

 

A The Individual is employed or engaged by Broadfoot Group Pty Ltd (Contractor).

 

B The Contractor provides services (Services) to the Company under an agreement entered into by the Company and the Contractor dated 14 October 2024 (Independent Contractor Agreement).

 

C As part of the Individual’s employment or engagement by the Contractor, the Individual assists the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company under the Independent Contractor Agreement.

 

D Due to the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, the Individual owes certain obligations to the Company (Obligations).

 

E The parties have agreed to set out their agreement as to the Obligations on the terms set out in this deed.

 

The parties agree

 

1 Definitions and interpretation

 

1.1 Definitions

 

In this deed:

 

Claim includes a claim, action, proceeding, judgment, damage, loss, cost, expense or liability, however arising and whether present, unascertained, immediate, future or contingent.

 

Confidential Information means:

 

(a) any information whether or not in a material form that directly or indirectly relates to the business and/or products of the Company, the Group and/or their clients, customers and suppliers including information relating to any patents (actual or pending), trade secrets, formulas, designs, accounts, marketing plans, sales plans, models, prospects, research, management information systems, computer systems, processes and any data base, data surveys, clients, customers, suppliers, client lists, customer lists, specifications, drawings, records, reports, software or other documents, whether in writing or otherwise concerning the Company or the Group or any of their clients, customers or suppliers;

 

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(b) any other information or knowhow whether or not in a material form that relates to the business of the Company or the Group which the Individual becomes aware of either before or after the date of this deed, or generates in the course of, or in connection with assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company; and

 

(c) any information relating to the Company or the Group which is not in the public domain.

 

Group means:

 

(a) the Company;

 

(b) Related Bodies Corporate of the Company;

 

(c) any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company; and

 

(d) any other entity that is connected with the Company, or any other member of the Group, by a common directorship or by a common interest in an economic enterprise, for example, a partner of another member of a joint venture.

 

Intellectual Property Rights means:

 

(a) any patent, registered and common law trade mark, trade name, business name, company name, domain name, copyright, registered or other design right, circuit layout right and any corresponding property right, together with any right to apply for the grant or registration of the same; and

 

(b) any right in respect of an idea, invention, discovery, trade secret, improvement, technical information, specification, know how, data, algorithm, formula or Confidential Information.

 

Moral Rights means moral rights as defined in section 189 of Part IX of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) (namely the right of attribution of authorship, the right not to have authorship falsely attributed and the right of integrity of authorship).

 

Related Bodies Corporate has the meaning defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

 

Restricted Period means:

 

(a) 12 months or,

 

(b) 9 months or,

 

(c) 6 months or,

 

(d) 3 months.

 

Works means any work product, including any concepts, ideas, designs, models, artwork, engravings, images, computer programs, data, information, processes, techniques, inventions, research results, documents or materials or parts, adaptations or drafts, in any form, resulting directly or indirectly from the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company.

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

1.2 Interpretation

 

In this deed, headings are inserted for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of this deed, and unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a) words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa;

 

(b) words importing a gender include the other gender;

 

(c) if words or phrases are defined, their other grammatical forms have a corresponding meaning;

 

(d) a reference to:

 

(i) a party includes the party’s executors, legal personal representatives, successors, transferees and assigns;

 

(ii) a part, clause, schedule or party is a reference to a part, clause or schedule of, or a party to, this deed;

 

(iii) a document, including this deed, is to the document or instrument as amended, varied, novated, supplemented or replaced from time to time;

 

(iv) a person includes an individual, a partnership, a body corporate, a joint venture, an association (whether incorporated or not), a government and a government authority or agency;

 

(v) this deed includes the recitals;

 

(vi) ‘$’ or dollars means Australian dollars and a reference to payment means payment in Australian dollars;

 

(vii) legislation includes any statutory modification or replacement and any subordinate or delegated legislation issued under that legislation; and

 

(viii) a law includes any statute, regulation, by law, scheme, determination, ordinance, rule or other statutory provision (whether Commonwealth, State or municipal);

 

(e) if the day on or by which something must be done is not a business day, that thing must be done on the next business day;

 

(f) the meaning of general words is not limited by specific examples introduced by ‘including’ or ‘for example’, or similar expressions; and

 

(g) no provision of this deed will be interpreted against a party just because that party prepared that provision.

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

2 Conflict of interest

 

The Individual warrants that no conflict of interest, restriction or impediment exists or is likely to arise that would prevent the Individual from assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company or complying with the Obligations.

 

3 Confidentiality

 

(a) The Individual must keep secret and must not at any time (whether during or after the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company) use for the Individual’s own or another’s advantage, or reveal to any person, any Confidential Information. The restrictions contained in this clause will not apply to any disclosure or use authorised by the Company or required by law or by this deed.

 

(b) The Individual agrees that on the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, the Individual will immediately deliver to the Company all property belonging to the Company or the Group which may be in the possession of the Individual, including Confidential Information.

 

4 Intellectual property

 

(a) The Company will own all Works and Intellectual Property Rights in the Works.

 

(b) In particular, the Individual:

 

(i) unconditionally assigns to the Company all existing and future Intellectual Property Rights in the Works;

 

(ii) acknowledges that by virtue of this clause, all existing Intellectual Property Rights in the Works vest in the Company on creation; and

 

(iii) will execute all additional documentation that may be required by the Company from time to time to perfect that assignment of the Intellectual Property Rights.

 

(c) Clause 4(a) does not affect the ownership of any Intellectual Property Rights owned by the Individual in any existing material (if any) incorporated into or used to produce the Works, but the Individual grants to the Company a permanent, royalty free, worldwide, non-exclusive licence to use, copy, modify, exploit and sub licence any pre-existing material.

 

(d) The Individual must not make any claim that the Individual has any right, title or interest in the Intellectual Property Rights in the Works or to use those rights.

 

(e) The Individual warrants that:

 

(i) the Individual has the legal right to grant to the Company the assignment of Intellectual Property Rights in the Works under clause 4(b); and

 

27

 

 

 

 

 

(ii) in undertaking the Individual’s obligations under this deed and delivering the Works, the Individual:

 

(A) will not breach any obligation owed to any person; and

 

(B) will not infringe any Intellectual Property Rights of any person.

 

5 Moral Rights

 

(a) The Individual gives consent for the Company to act in any way which may otherwise infringe the Individual’s Moral Rights in the Works.

 

(b) Without limiting the generality of clause 5(a), the Individual consents to the Company failing to identify the Individual as the author of the Works, falsely attributing authorship of any of the Works and/or subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment and, in particular:

 

(i) not identifying the Individual, whether by act or omission, as the author of the Works, including not allowing the inclusion of any watermark or imbedded mark in any of the Works which would identify the Individual as the creator or contributor of the Works;

 

(ii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Individual’s authorship of the Works, in any final or related or derivative products, programs or materials, including marketing and collateral material;

 

(iii) not mentioning or acknowledging the Individual’s authorship of the Works in any reproduction, adaptation, transmittal or publication; or

 

(iv) amending the shape, configuration, design, appearance or any other feature of the Works, subjecting the Works to derogatory treatment or changing the purpose of use of the Works for any reason, including use of the design on the Internet or any other medium for promotional purposes.

 

(c) The Individual warrants that the Individual will execute further documentation as may be required by the Company to perfect the consents and undertakings the Individual has given to the Company regarding the Individual’s Moral Rights.

 

(d) The Individual acknowledges that any consents which have been given in respect of the Individual’s Moral Rights are given genuinely.

 

6 Restraint

 

(a) After the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, for the Restricted Period, the Individual must not, directly or indirectly, do any of the following:

 

(i) solicit, canvass, approach or accept any approach from any person who is, or was during the 12 months immediately preceding the cessation of the Individual assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, a client, customer or supplier of the Company with whom the Individual has or has had contact of a business related type, with a view to establishing a relationship with or obtaining the custom of that person in the capacity which is the same as or substantially similar to the relationship that person has or had with the Company; or

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

(ii) solicit, canvass, induce or encourage any person who is an employee of the Company with whom the Individual has or has had contact of a business related type to leave his or her employment.

 

(b) The Individual acknowledges that:

 

(i) in assisting the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company, the Individual will establish personal contacts and relationships with the Company’s customers, clients and suppliers and that these relationships form part of the goodwill of the Company and are of great value to the Company;

 

(ii) the restraints contained in this clause are fair and reasonable in terms of their extent and duration, do not unreasonably restrict the Individual’s right to carry on services similar to the Services that the Individual assists the Contractor to provide to the Company, and go no further than what is necessary to protect the goodwill and interests of the Company; and

 

(iii) the Company is relying on the acknowledgments in clauses 6(b)(i) and 6(b)(ii) in allowing the Individual to assist the Contractor to provide the Services to the Company.

 

(c) Each restraint in this clause (resulting from any combination of the wording in clause 6 (and the relevant definitions) constitutes a separate restraint that is severable from the other restraints. If any part of the restraint (including any associated definition) is judged to be void or unenforceable or illegal because it goes beyond what is reasonable to protect the interests of the Company or for any other reason, it will be read down so as to be valid and enforceable. If it cannot be so read down, the provisions (or where possible, the offending words) will be severed from this clause without affecting the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions (or parts of those provisions) of this clause, which will continue to have full force and effect.

 

7 Severability

 

If any provision of this deed is invalid or not enforceable in accordance with its terms in any jurisdiction, it is to be read down for the purposes of that jurisdiction, if possible, so as to be valid and enforceable and will otherwise be capable of being severed to the extent of the invalidity or unenforceability without affecting the remaining provisions of this deed or affecting the validity or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

29

 

 

 

 

 

8 Costs

 

Each party must pay that party’s own costs and expenses in respect of:

 

(a) the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this deed and of any documents entered into under or in respect of this deed; and

 

(b) the performance of that party’s obligations under this deed.

 

9 Entire agreement

 

This deed constitutes the entire agreement between the parties about its subject matter and supersedes all previous communications, representations, understandings or agreements between the parties on the subject matter.

 

10 Counterparts

 

This deed may be signed in any number of counterparts. All signed counterparts taken together constitute one deed.

 

11 Governing law and jurisdiction

 

11.1 Governing law

 

This deed is governed by the laws in force in the state specified in item 13 of the schedule of the Independent Contractor Agreement.

 

11.2 Jurisdiction of courts

 

The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the state specified in item 13 of the schedule of the Independent Contractor Agreement and the Federal Court of Australia and any courts that may hear appeals from those courts about any proceedings in connection with this deed.

 

EXECUTED as a deed.

 

30

 

 

Annexure A

 

 

Signing page

 

SIGNED SEALED AND DELIVERED by SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194
in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) by being signed by the following officers:
   
     
/s/ Andrew Leece    
Signature of director   Signature of director / company secretary
     
Andrew Leece    
Name of director (please print)   Name of director / company secretary (please print)

 

SIGNED by Tim Broadfoot
in the presence of:
   
     
/s/ James Manning   /s/ Tim Broadfoot
Signature of witness   Signature of Tim Broadfoot
     
James Manning    
Name of witness (please print)    

 

31

 

Exhibit 10.21

 

Execution Version

 

NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THIS NOTE IS CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE. THESE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.

 

SHARONAI, INC.

 

Convertible Promissory Note

 

Original Principal Amount: :$500,000

Issuance Date: July 15, 2025

Number: SHARON-1

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, SHARONAI, INC., an entity organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), hereby promises to pay to the order of YA II PN, LTD., or its registered assigns (the “Holder”), the amount set out above as the Original Principal Amount (or such lesser amount as reduced pursuant to the terms hereof pursuant to repayment, redemption, conversion or otherwise, the “Principal”) and the Payment Premium or the Redemption Premium, as applicable, in each case when due, and to pay interest (“Interest”) on any outstanding Principal at the applicable Interest Rate (as defined below) from the date set out above as the Issuance Date (the “Issuance Date”) until the same becomes due and payable, whether upon the Maturity Date or acceleration, conversion, redemption or otherwise (in each case in accordance with the terms hereof). Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section (12). The Issuance Date is the date of the first issuance of this Convertible Promissory Note (as amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, this “Note”) regardless of the number of transfers and regardless of the number of instruments, which may be issued to evidence such Note. This Note was issued with a 5% original issue discount. The Company and the Holder are referred to herein at times, collectively, as the “Parties,” and each, a “Party.”

 

This Note is initially being issued pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Note Purchase Agreement (“NPA”) between the Company and the Holder, with the first and second tranches expected to be issued pursuant to the terms of the NPA.

 

 

 

 

Following the closing of that certain Business Combination Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”) dated January 28, 2025, by and among, amongst others, the Company and Roth CH Holdings, Inc. (who concurrently with the closing of the Business Combination Agreement will change its name to SharonAI Holdings, Inc.), it is expected that (i) the Company will assign this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and SharonAI Holdings Inc. will assume the obligations under this Note and (ii) SharonAI Holdings, Inc. will enter into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “SEPA”) (as may be amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “SEPA”), by and between the SharonAI Holding and YA II PN, Ltd., as the Investor. Thereafter, this Note may be repaid in accordance with the terms of the SEPA, including, without limitation, pursuant to Investor Notices and corresponding Advance Notices deemed given by SharonAI Holdings, Inc. in connection with such Investor Notices. The Holder also has the option of converting on one or more occasions all or part of the then outstanding balance under this Note by delivering to the Company (or any assignee of the Note) one or more Conversion Notices in accordance with Section 3 of this Note.

 

Following the closing of the Business Combination Agreement and the assignment of this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., all references in this Note to the Company shall refer to SharonAI Holdings, Inc.

 

(1) GENERAL TERMS

 

(a) Maturity Date. On the Maturity Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder an amount in cash representing all outstanding Principal, accrued and unpaid Interest, and any other amounts outstanding pursuant to the terms of this Note. The “Maturity Date” shall be July 15, 2026, as may be extended at the option of the Holder. Other than as specifically permitted by this Note, the Company may not prepay or redeem any portion of the outstanding Principal and accrued and unpaid Interest.

 

(b) Interest Rate and Payment of Interest. Interest shall accrue on the outstanding Principal balance hereof at an annual rate equal to 10% (“Interest Rate”), which Interest Rate shall increase to an annual rate of 18% upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (for so long as such event remains uncured). Interest shall be calculated based on a 365-day year and the actual number of days elapsed, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

 

(c) Monthly Payments.

 

(A) If the Business Combination has not closed by the Business Combination Deadline, the Company shall make monthly cash payments beginning on the 5th Trading Day after the Business Combination Deadline and continuing on the same day of each successive Calendar Month until the entire outstanding principal amount shall have been repaid. Each monthly cash payment shall be in an amount equal to the sum of (i) $400,000 of Principal amount in the aggregate among this Note and all Other Notes plus (ii) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of each payment date.

 

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(B) If, any time after the completion of the Business Combination, and from time to time thereafter, an Amortization Event has occurred, then the Company shall make monthly cash payments beginning on the seventh (7th) Trading Day after the Amortization Event Date and continuing on the same day of each successive Calendar Month until the entire outstanding principal amount shall have been repaid. Each monthly cash payment shall be in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Principal amount in the aggregate among this Note and all Other Notes equal to the Amortization Principal Amount plus (ii) the Payment Premium in respect of such Amortization Principal Amount, plus (iii) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of each payment date. The obligation of the Company to make monthly cash payments related to an Amortization Event shall cease (with respect to any payment that has not yet come due) if at any time after the Amortization Event Date (A) in the event of a Floor Price Event, either (i) on the date that is the 10th consecutive Trading Day that the daily VWAP is greater than the Floor Price then in effect, or (ii) the Company provides the Holder with a reset notice (“Reset Notice”) setting forth a reduced Floor Price which shall be equal to no more than 75% of the closing price on the Trading Day immediately prior to such Reset Notice (and in no event greater than the then- effective Floor Price), (B) in the event of an Exchange Cap Event, the date the Company has obtained stockholder approval to increase the number of Common Shares under the Exchange Cap and/or the Exchange Cap no longer applies, or (C) in the event of a Registration Event, the condition or event causing the Registration Event has been cured or the Holder is able to resell the Common Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, unless a subsequent Amortization Event occurs.

 

(d) Optional Redemption. The Company at its option shall have the right, but not the obligation, to redeem (“Optional Redemption”) early a portion or all amounts outstanding under this Note as described in this Section; provided, that the Company provides the Holder with written notice (each, a “Redemption Notice”) of its desire to exercise an Optional Redemption, which Redemption Notice (i) shall be delivered to the Holder after the close of regular trading hours on a Trading Day, and (ii) following closing of the Business Combination Agreement and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., may only be given if the VWAP of the Common Shares was less than the Fixed Price on the date such Redemption Notice is delivered, unless otherwise agreed by the Holder. Each Redemption Notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the outstanding balance of the Note to be redeemed and the Redemption Amount. The “Redemption Amount” shall be an amount equal to (a) the outstanding Principal balance being redeemed by the Company plus (b) the Redemption Premium in respect of such Principal amount plus (c) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of the date of such redemption. After receipt of a Redemption Notice, the Holder shall have ten (10) Trading Days (beginning with the Trading Day immediately following the date such Redemption Notice is delivered to the Holder in accordance with this term of this Section 1(d)) to elect to convert all or any portion of this Note. On the eleventh (11th) Trading Day following the delivery of the applicable Redemption Notice, the Company shall deliver to the Holder the Redemption Amount with respect to the Principal amount redeemed to the extent not converted and otherwise after giving effect to conversions or other payments made during such ten (10) Trading Day period.

 

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(e) Payment Dates. Whenever any payment or other obligation hereunder shall be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

(f) Other than as specifically set forth in this Note, the Company shall not have the ability to make any early repayments without the consent of or at the request of the Holder.

 

(2) EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

 

(a) An “Event of Default”, wherever used herein, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court, or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) shall have occurred:

 

(i) The Company’s failure to pay to the Holder any amount of Principal, Redemption Amount, Payment Premium, Interest, or other amounts when and as due under this Note or any other Transaction Document within five (5) Trading Days after such payment is due;

 

(ii) (A) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall commence, or there shall be commenced against the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company any proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws as now or hereafter in effect or any successor thereto, or the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company commences any other proceeding under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect relating to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, in any such bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding which remains undismissed for a period of sixty one (61) days; (B) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; (C) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company suffers any appointment of any custodian, private or court appointed receiver or the like for it or all or substantially all of its property which continues undischarged or unstayed for a period of sixty one (61) days; (D) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company makes a general assignment of all or substantially all of its assets for the benefit of creditors; (E) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall fail to pay, or shall state that it is unable to pay, or shall be unable to pay, its debts generally as they become due; (F) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall call a meeting of its creditors with a view to arranging a composition, adjustment or restructuring of its debts; (G) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall by any act or failure to act expressly indicate its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing; or (H) any corporate or other action is taken by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

(iii) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall default, in any of its obligations under any note, debenture, mortgage, credit agreement or other facility, indenture agreement, factoring agreement or other instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for borrowed money or money due under any long term leasing or factoring arrangement of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in an amount exceeding $500,000, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, and such default is not cured within the time prescribed by the documents governing such indebtedness or if no time is prescribed, within ten (10) Trading Days, and as a result, such indebtedness becomes or is declared due and payable;

 

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(iv) A final judgment or judgments for the payment of money in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate are rendered against the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries and which judgments are not, within thirty (30) days after the entry thereof, bonded, discharged, settled or stayed pending appeal, or are not discharged within thirty (30) days after the expiration of such stay; provided, however, any judgment which is covered by insurance or an indemnity from a creditworthy party shall not be included in calculating the $500,000 amount set forth above so long as the Company provides the Holder a written statement from such insurer or indemnity provider (which written statement shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Holder) to the effect that such judgment is covered by insurance or an indemnity and the Company or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) will receive the proceeds of such insurance or indemnity within thirty (30) days of the issuance of such judgment;

 

(v) Following closing of the Business Combination and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., and if and after the Common Shares become listed on the Principal Market after the Issuance Date of this Note, the Common Shares shall cease to be quoted or listed for trading, as applicable, on any Principal Market for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days;

 

(vi) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall be a party to any Change of Control Transaction, other than in connection with the closing of the Business Combination, unless in connection with such Change of Control Transaction this Note is retired;

 

(vii) The Company’s (A) failure to deliver the required number of Common Shares to the Holder within two (2) Trading Days after the applicable Share Delivery Date or (B) notice, written or oral, to any holder of this Note, including by way of public announcement, at any time, of its intention not to comply with a request for conversion of all or a portion of this Note into Common Shares that is tendered in accordance with the provisions of this Note;

 

(viii) The Company shall fail for any reason to deliver the payment in cash pursuant to a Buy-In (as defined below) within five (5) Business Days after such payment is due;

 

(ix) The Company’s failure to timely file with the Commission any Periodic Report on or before the due date of such filing as established by the Commission, it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that due date includes any permitted filing deadline extension under Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act;

 

(x) Any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by or on behalf of the Company in or in connection with any Transaction Document, or any waiver hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (or, in the case of any such representation or warranty already qualified by materiality, such representation or warranty shall prove to have been incorrect) when made or deemed made;

 

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(xi) (A) Any material provision of any Transaction Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, ceases to be in full force and effect; (B) the Company or any other Person contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Transaction Document; or (C) the Company denies in writing that it has any further liability or obligation under any Transaction Document, or purports in writing to revoke, terminate (other than in accordance with the relevant termination provisions) or rescind any Transaction Document;

 

(xii) The Company uses the proceeds of the issuance of this Note, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof), or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose; or

 

(xiii) Any Event of Default (as defined in the Other Notes or in any Transaction Document other than this Note) occurs with respect to any Other Notes, or any breach of any material term of any other debenture, note, or instrument held by the Holder in the Company or any agreement between or among the Company and the Holder;

 

(xiv) The Company shall fail to observe or perform any material covenant, agreement or warranty contained in, or otherwise commit any material breach or default of any provision of this Note (except as may be otherwise covered by Sections (2)(a)(i) through (2)(a)(xiii) hereof) or any other Transaction Document, which is not cured or remedied within the time prescribed or if no time is prescribed within ten (10) Business Days;

 

(xv) The Company’s failure or inability for any reason to assign this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. within 2-Business Days of receipt of written notice from the Holder directing the Company to do the same, which notice is sent after the closing of the Business Combination; or

 

(xvi) SharonAI Holdings, Inc.’s failure to deliver to the Holder a copy of the SEPA duly executed and validly signed by SharonAI Holdings, Inc. within 2-Business Days of the Company’s receipt of the notice referred to in Section (2)(a)(xv).

 

(b) During the time that any portion of this Note is outstanding, if any Event of Default has occurred (other than an event with respect to the Company described in Section (2)(a)(ii)), the full unpaid Principal amount of this Note, together with the Payment Premium in respect of such Principal Amount and all interest and other amounts owing in respect of this Note to the date of acceleration, shall become, at the Holder’s election given by notice pursuant to Section (5), immediately due and payable in cash; provided that, in the case of any event with respect to the Company described in Section (2)(a)(ii), the full unpaid Principal amount of this Note, together with the Payment Premium in respect of such Principal Amount and all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing in respect of this Note to the date of

 

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acceleration, shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Company. Furthermore, in addition to any other remedies, the Holder shall have the right (but not the obligation) to convert, on one or more occasions all or part of the Note in accordance with Section (3) (and subject to the limitations set out in Section (3)(c)(i) and Section (3)(c)(ii)) at any time after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing until all amounts outstanding under this Note have been repaid in full. The Holder need not provide, and the Company hereby waives, any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, (other than required notice of conversion) and the Holder may immediately enforce any and all of its rights and remedies hereunder and all other remedies available to it under applicable law. Such declaration may be rescinded and annulled by the Holder in writing at any time prior to payment hereunder. No such rescission or annulment shall affect any subsequent Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

(3) CONVERSION OF NOTE. This Note shall be convertible into Common Shares, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (3).

 

(a) Conversion Right. Subject to the limitations of Section (3)(c), at any time or times on or after the earlier of (i) the closing of the Business Combination and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., and (ii) the Business Combination Deadline, the Holder shall be entitled to convert any portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount into fully paid and nonassessable Common Shares in accordance with Section (3)(b), at the Conversion Price. The number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of any Conversion Amount pursuant to this Section (3)(a) shall be determined by dividing (x) such Conversion Amount by (y) the Conversion Price. The Company shall not issue any fraction of a Common Share upon any conversion. All calculations under this Section (3) shall be rounded to the nearest $0.0001. If the issuance would result in the issuance of a fraction of a Common Share, the Company shall round such fraction of a Common Share up to the nearest whole share. The Company shall pay any and all transfer, stamp and similar taxes that may be payable with respect to the issuance and delivery of Common Shares upon conversion of any Conversion Amount.

 

(b) Mechanics of Conversion.

 

(i) Optional Conversion. To convert any Conversion Amount into Common Shares on any date (a “Conversion Date”), the Holder shall (A) transmit by email (or otherwise deliver), for receipt on or prior to 11:59 p.m., New York Time, on such date, a copy of an executed notice of conversion in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I (the “Conversion Notice”) to the Company and (B) if required by Section (3)(b)(iii), surrender this Note to a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for delivery to the Company (or an indemnification undertaking reasonably satisfactory to the Company with respect to this Note in the case of its loss, theft or destruction). On or before the first (1st) Trading Day following the date of receipt of a Conversion Notice (the “Share Delivery Date”), the Company shall (X) if legends are not required to be placed on certificates or the book-entry position of the Common Shares and provided that the Transfer Agent is participating in the Depository Trust Company’s (“DTC”) Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, instruct such transfer agent to credit such aggregate number of Common Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled to the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission system or (Y) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program,

 

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issue and deliver to the address as specified in the Conversion Notice, a certificate or book-entry position, registered in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends unless required pursuant to rules and regulations of the Commission. If this Note is physically surrendered for conversion and the outstanding Principal of this Note is greater than the Principal portion of the Conversion Amount being converted, then the Company shall as soon as practicable and in no event later than three (3) Business Days after receipt of this Note and at its own expense, issue and deliver to the holder a new Note representing the outstanding Principal not converted. The Person or Persons entitled to receive the Common Shares issuable upon a conversion of this Note shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Common Shares upon the transmission of a Conversion Notice.

 

(ii) Company’s Failure to Timely Convert. If the Company shall fail, for any reason or for no reason, on or prior to the applicable Share Delivery Date to issue and deliver a certificate to the Holder or credit the Holder’s balance account with DTC for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled upon such Holder’s conversion of any Conversion Amount (a “Conversion Failure”), and if on or after such Trading Day the Holder purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) Common Shares to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of Common Shares issuable upon such conversion that the Holder anticipated receiving from the Company (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall, within three (3) Business Days after the Holder’s request and in the Holder’s discretion, either (i) pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions and other out of pocket expenses, if any) for the Common Shares so purchased (the “Buy-In Price”), at which point the Company’s obligation to deliver such certificate (and to issue such Common Shares) shall terminate, or (ii) promptly honor its obligation to deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates representing such Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled with respect to such Conversion Notice and pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Buy-In Price over the product of (A) such number of Common Shares multiplied by (B) the Closing Price on the Conversion Date.

 

(iii) Book-Entry. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, upon conversion of any portion of this Note in accordance with the terms hereof, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Note to the Company unless (A) the full Conversion Amount represented by this Note is being converted or (B) the Holder has provided the Company with prior written notice (which notice may be included in a Conversion Notice) requesting reissuance of this Note upon physical surrender of this Note. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the Principal and Interest converted and the dates of such conversions or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and the Company, so as not to require physical surrender of this Note upon conversion.

 

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(c) Limitations on Conversions.

 

(i) Beneficial Ownership. The Holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of this Note to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the Holder, together with any affiliate thereof, would beneficially own (as determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder) in excess of 4.99% of the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion. Since the Holder will not be obligated to report to the Company the number of Common Shares it may hold at the time of a conversion hereunder, unless the conversion at issue would result in the issuance of Common Shares in excess of 4.99% of the then outstanding Common Shares without regard to any other shares which may be beneficially owned by the Holder or an affiliate thereof, the Holder shall have the authority and obligation to determine whether the restriction contained in this Section will limit any particular conversion hereunder and to the extent that the Holder determines that the limitation contained in this Section applies, the determination of which portion of the Principal amount of this Note is convertible shall be the responsibility and obligation of the Holder. If the Holder has delivered a Conversion Notice for a Principal amount of this Note that, without regard to any other shares that the Holder or its affiliates may beneficially own, would result in the issuance in excess of the permitted amount hereunder, the Company shall notify the Holder of this fact and shall honor the conversion for the maximum Principal amount permitted to be converted on such Conversion Date in accordance with Section (3)(a) and, any Principal amount tendered for conversion in excess of the permitted amount hereunder shall remain outstanding under this Note. The provisions of this Section may be waived by a Holder (but only as to itself and not to any other Holder) upon not less than 65 days prior notice to the Company. Other Holders shall be unaffected by any such waiver.

 

(ii) Principal Market Limitation. Notwithstanding anything in this Note to the contrary, the Company shall not issue any Common Shares upon conversion of this Note, or otherwise, if the issuance of such Common Shares, together with any Common Shares issued in connection the SEPA and any other related transactions that may be considered part of the same series of transactions, would exceed the aggregate number Common Shares that the Company may issue in a transaction in compliance with the Company’s obligations under the rules or regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq” and shall be referred to as the “Exchange Cap,” except that such limitation shall not apply if the Company’s stockholders have approved such issuances on such terms in excess of the Exchange Cap in accordance with the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.

 

(iii) Limitation on Monthly Conversions. The Holder shall not effect the conversion of this Note to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the aggregate Conversion Amount that has been converted into shares of Common Stock by the Holder during the calendar month in which such Conversion Date occurred (the “Monthly Conversion Period”) exceeds the greater of (x) $1,000,000 and (y) 20% of the aggregate daily dollar trading volume for the Common Stock on the Principal Market during such Monthly Conversion Period as reported by Bloomberg, and provided further that the Conversion Cap shall not apply (A) following the occurrence of an Event of Default, (B) to any conversion at the Fixed Price, or (C) at any time after the Business Combination Deadline so long as the closing of the Business Combination and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. has not occurred.

 

(d) Other Provisions.

 

(i) All calculations under this Section (3) shall be rounded to the nearest $0.0001 or whole share.

 

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(ii) So long as this Note or any Other Notes remain outstanding, promptly following the closing of the Business Combination Agreement and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized share capital, and shall have instructed the Transfer Agent to irrevocably reserve, the maximum number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note and the Other Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) this Note and such Other Notes are convertible at the Floor Price as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Note or Other Notes set forth herein or therein (the “Required Reserve Amount”)), provided that at no time shall the number of Common Shares reserved pursuant to this Section (3)(d)(ii) be reduced other than pursuant to the conversion of this Note and the Other Notes in accordance with their terms, and/or cancellation, or reverse stock split. If at any time while this Note or any Other Notes remain outstanding, the Company does not have a sufficient number of authorized and unreserved Common Shares to satisfy the obligation to reserve for the issuance the Required Reserve Amount, the Company will promptly take all corporate action necessary to propose to a meeting of its shareholders an increase of its authorized share capital necessary to meet the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Note, and cause its board of directors to recommend to the shareholders that they approve such proposal. If at any time following the closing of the Business Combination and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. the number of Common Shares that remain available for issuance under the Exchange Cap is less than 100% of the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of all the Notes and Other Notes then outstanding (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) the Notes are convertible at the Conversion Price then in effect, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Note, other than the Floor Price then in effect but solely with respect to the Variable Price), the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly call and hold a shareholder meeting for the purpose of seeking the approval of its shareholders as required by the applicable rules of the Principal Market, for issuances of shares in excess of the Exchange Cap. The Company covenants that, upon issuance in accordance with conversion of this Note in accordance with its terms, the Common Shares, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(iii) Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue actual damages or declare an Event of Default pursuant to Section (2) herein for the Company’s failure to deliver certificates representing Common Shares upon conversion within the period specified herein and such Holder shall have the right to pursue all remedies available to it at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief, in each case without the need to post a bond or provide other security. The exercise of any such rights shall not prohibit the Holder from seeking to enforce damages pursuant to any other Section hereof or under applicable law.

 

(iv) Legal Opinions. The Company is obligated to cause its legal counsel to deliver legal opinions to the Company’s transfer agent in connection with any legend removal upon the expiration of any holding period or other requirement for which the Underlying Shares may bear legends restricting the transfer thereof. To the extent that a legal opinion is not provided (either timely or at all), then, in addition to being an Event of Default hereunder, the Company agrees to reimburse the Holder for all reasonable costs incurred by the Holder in connection with any legal opinions paid for by the Holder in connection with the sale or transfer of the Underlying Common Shares. The Holder shall notify the Company of any such costs and expenses it incurs that are referred to in this section from time to time and all amounts owed hereunder shall be paid by the Company with reasonable promptness.

 

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(e) Adjustment of Conversion Price upon Subdivision or Combination of Common Shares. If the Company, at any time while this Note is outstanding, shall (i) pay a stock dividend or otherwise make a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Shares or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in Common Shares, (ii) subdivide outstanding Common Shares into a larger number of shares, (iii) combine (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding Common Shares into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issue by reclassification of Common Shares any shares of capital stock of the Company, then each of the Fixed Price and the Floor Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of Common Shares (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of Common Shares outstanding after such event. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section shall become effective, in the case of a dividend distribution, immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution or, in the case of a subdivision, combination or re- classification, and shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such subdivision, combination or re-classification.

 

(f) Reserved.

 

(g) Other Corporate Events. In addition to and not in substitution for any other rights hereunder, prior to the consummation of any Fundamental Transaction pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive securities or other assets with respect to or in exchange for Common Shares (a “Corporate Event”), the Company shall make appropriate provision to ensure that the Holder will thereafter have the right to receive upon a conversion of this Note, at the Holder’s option, (i) in addition to the Common Shares receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets to which the Holder would have been entitled with respect to such Common Shares had such Common Shares been held by the Holder upon the consummation of such Corporate Event (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of this Note) or (ii) in lieu of the Common Shares otherwise receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets received by the holders of Common Shares in connection with the consummation of such Corporate Event in such amounts as the Holder would have been entitled to receive had this Note initially been issued with conversion rights for the form of such consideration (as opposed to Common Shares) at a conversion rate for such consideration commensurate with the Conversion Price. Provision made pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be in a form and substance satisfactory to the Required Holders. The provisions of this Section shall apply similarly and equally to successive Corporate Events and shall be applied without regard to any limitations on the conversion or redemption of this Note.

 

(h) Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted pursuant to Section (3) hereof, the Company shall promptly provide the Holder with a written notice setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 

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(i) In case of any (1) merger or consolidation of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company with or into another Person, or (2) sale by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of more than one-half of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions, a Holder shall have the right to (A) exercise any rights under Section (2)(a)(xiii), (B) convert the aggregate amount of this Note then outstanding into the shares of stock and other securities, cash and property receivable upon or deemed to be held by holders of Common Shares following such merger, consolidation or sale, and such Holder shall be entitled upon such event or series of related events to receive such amount of securities, cash and property as the Common Shares into which such aggregate Principal amount of this Note could have been converted immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or sales would have been entitled, or (C) in the case of a merger or consolidation, require the surviving entity to issue to the Holder a convertible Note with a Principal amount equal to the aggregate Principal amount of this Note then held by such Holder, plus all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing thereon, which such newly issued convertible Note shall have terms identical (including with respect to conversion) to the terms of this Note, and shall be entitled to all of the rights and privileges of the Holder of this Note set forth herein and the agreements pursuant to which this Note was issued. In the case of clause (C), the conversion price applicable for the newly issued shares of convertible preferred stock or convertible debentures shall be based upon the amount of securities, cash and property that each Common Shares would receive in such transaction and the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness or closing date for such transaction. The terms of any such merger, sale or consolidation shall include such terms so as to continue to give the Holder the right to receive the securities, cash and property set forth in this Section upon any conversion or redemption following such event. This provision shall similarly apply to successive such events.

 

(4) REISSUANCE OF THIS NOTE.

 

(a) Transfer. If this Note is to be transferred, the Holder shall surrender this Note to the Company, whereupon the Company will forthwith issue and deliver upon the order of the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)), registered in the name of the registered transferee or assignee, representing the outstanding Principal being transferred by the Holder (along with any accrued and unpaid interest thereof) and, if less than the entire outstanding Principal is being transferred, a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) to the Holder representing the outstanding Principal not being transferred. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Note, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of Section (3)(b)(iii) following conversion or redemption of any portion of this Note, the outstanding Principal represented by this Note may be less than the Principal stated on the face of this Note. In addition, the parties agree that the Note may be assigned from the Company to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. following the closing of the Business Combination Agreement.

 

(b) Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Note. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of any indemnification undertaking by the Holder to the Company in customary form and substance and, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) representing the outstanding Principal.

 

(c) Note Exchangeable for Different Denominations. This Note is exchangeable, upon the surrender hereof by the Holder at the principal office of the Company, for a new Note or Notes (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) representing in the aggregate the outstanding Principal of this Note, and each such new Note will represent such portion of such outstanding Principal as is designated by the Holder at the time of such surrender.

 

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(d) Issuance of New Notes. Whenever the Company is required to issue a new Note pursuant to the terms hereof, such new Note (i) shall be of like tenor with this Note, (ii) shall represent, as indicated on the face of such new Note, the Principal remaining outstanding (or in the case of a new Note being issued pursuant to Section (4)(a) or Section (4)(c), the Principal designated by the Holder which, when added to the Principal represented by the other new Note(s) issued in connection with such issuance, does not exceed the Principal remaining outstanding under this Note immediately prior to such issuance of such new Note), (iii) shall have an issuance date, as indicated on the face of such new Note, which is the same as the Issuance Date of this Note, (iv) shall have the same rights and conditions as this Note, and (v) shall represent accrued and unpaid Interest from the Issuance Date.

 

(5) NOTICES. Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms hereof must be in writing by letter or electronic mail (“e-mail”) and will be deemed to have been delivered (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally, (ii) one (1) Business Day after deposit with an overnight courier service with next day delivery specified, as applicable or (iii) receipt, when sent by e-mail, and, in each case of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses and e-mail addresses for such communications shall be:

 

If to the Company prior to the Business Combination, to:   SharonAI, Inc.
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151
Attention: CEO
E-mail: wolf@sharonai.com
     
If to the Company following the Business Combination, to:   SharonAI Holdings, Inc.
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151
Attention: CEO
E-mail: wolf@sharonai.com
     
With copies (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:   Sheppard Mullin LLP
12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92130
Attention: Chad R. Ensz, Esq.
E-mail: censz@sheppardmullin.com
     
If to the Holder:  

YA II PN, Ltd
c/o Yorkville Advisors Global, LLC
1012 Springfield Avenue
Mountainside, NJ 07092
Attention: Mark Angelo

Email: Legal@yorkvilleadvisors.com

 

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or at such other address and/or e-mail address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party in accordance with this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (a) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (b) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, recipient email address or (c) provided by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt from a nationally recognized overnight delivery service or receipt by e-mail in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.

 

(6) Except as expressly provided herein, no provision of this Note shall alter or impair the obligations of the Company, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the Principal of, and interest and other charges (if any) on, this Note at the time, place, and rate, and in the currency, herein prescribed. This Note is a direct obligation of the Company. As long as this Note is outstanding, the Company shall not and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries not to, without the consent of the Holder, (i) amend its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other charter documents so as to adversely affect any rights of the Holder; (ii) repay, repurchase or offer to repay, repurchase or otherwise acquire shares of its Common Shares or other equity securities; (iii) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing, or (iv) enter into any agreement, arrangement or transaction in or of which the terms thereof would restrict, materially delay, conflict with or impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under the this Note, including, without limitation, the obligation of the Company to make cash payments hereunder.

 

(7) This Note shall not entitle the Holder to any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including without limitation, the right to vote, to receive dividends and other distributions, or to receive any notice of, or to attend, meetings of stockholders or any other proceedings of the Company, unless and to the extent converted into Common Shares in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(8) CHOICE OF LAW; VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

 

(a) Governing Law. This Note and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall, in all respects, be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws (excluding the principles of conflict of laws) of the State of New York (the “Governing Jurisdiction”) (including Section 5-1401 and Section 5-1402 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York), including all matters of construction, validity and performance.

 

(b) Jurisdiction; Venue; Service.

 

(i) The Company hereby irrevocably consents to the non- exclusive personal jurisdiction of the state courts of the Governing Jurisdiction and, if a basis for federal jurisdiction exists, the non-exclusive personal jurisdiction of any United States District Court for the Governing Jurisdiction.

 

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(ii) The Company agrees that venue shall be proper in any court of the Governing Jurisdiction selected by the Holder or, if a basis for federal jurisdiction exists, in any United States District Court in the Governing Jurisdiction selected by the Holder. The Company waives any right to object to the maintenance of any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, in any of the state or federal courts of the Governing Jurisdiction on the basis of improper venue or inconvenience of forum.

 

(iii) Any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or tort or otherwise, brought by the Company against the Holder arising out of or based upon this Note or any matter relating to this Note, or any other Transaction Document, or any contemplated transaction, shall be brought in a court only in the Governing Jurisdiction. The Company shall not file any counterclaim against the Holder in any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding brought by the Holder against the Company in a jurisdiction outside of the Governing Jurisdiction unless under the rules of the court in which the Holder brought such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding the counterclaim is mandatory, and not permissive, and would be considered waived unless filed as a counterclaim in the suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding instituted by the Holder against the Company. The Company agrees that any forum outside the Governing Jurisdiction is an inconvenient forum and that any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding brought by the Company against the Holder in any court outside the Governing Jurisdiction should be dismissed or transferred to a court located in the Governing Jurisdiction. Furthermore, the Company irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not bring or commence any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against the Holder arising out of or based upon this Note or any matter relating to this Note, or any other Transaction Document, or any contemplated transaction, in any forum other than the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County, and the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State Court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in such federal court. The Company and the Holder agree that a final judgment in any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

(iv) The Company and the Holder irrevocably consent to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding by e-mail or the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail postage prepaid, to it at the e-mail address or physical address, as applicable, provided for notices in this Note, such service to become effective thirty (30) days after the date of such e-mail or mailing, as applicable. The Company and the Holder each irrevocably waive any defense it may have on the grounds of insufficient or improper service with respect to service of process effected in accordance with this Section (8)(b)(iv).

 

(v) Nothing herein shall affect the right of the Holder to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or to otherwise proceed against the Company or any other Person in the Governing Jurisdiction or in any other jurisdiction.

 

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(c) THE PARTIES MUTUALLY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ALL CLAIMS OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS NOTE OR ANY MATTER RELATING TO THIS NOTE, OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, OR ANY CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTION. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A WAIVER OF A LEGAL RIGHT AND THAT THE PARTIES EACH MAKE THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY AFTER CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CHOICE. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL SUCH CLAIMS SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A JUDGE OF A COURT HAVING JURISDICTION, WITHOUT A JURY.

 

(9) If the Company fails to strictly comply with the terms of this Note, then the Company shall reimburse the Holder promptly for all fees, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Holder in any action in connection with this Note, including, without limitation, those incurred: (i) during any workout, attempted workout, and/or in connection with the rendering of legal advice as to the Holder’s rights, remedies and obligations, (ii) collecting any sums which become due to the Holder, (iii) defending or prosecuting any proceeding or any counterclaim to any proceeding or appeal; or (iv) the protection, preservation or enforcement of any rights or remedies of the Holder.

 

(10) Any waiver by the Holder of a breach of any provision of this Note shall not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other breach of such provision or of any breach of any other provision of this Note. The failure of the Holder to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Note on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Note. Any waiver must be in writing.

 

(11) If any provision of this Note is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the balance of this Note shall remain in effect, and if any provision is inapplicable to any person or circumstance, it shall nevertheless remain applicable to all other persons and circumstances. If it shall be found that any interest or other amount deemed interest due hereunder shall violate applicable laws governing usury, the applicable rate of interest due hereunder shall automatically be lowered to equal the maximum permitted rate of interest. The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law or other law which would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the Principal of or interest on this Note as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Note, and the Company (to the extent it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefits or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Holder, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

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(12) CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Note, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Amortization Event” shall mean, following closing of the Business Combination Agreement and assignment of the Note from the Company to SharonAI Holdings, Inc: (i) the daily VWAP is less than the Floor Price then in effect for any five (5) Trading Days during a period of seven (7) consecutive Trading Days (a “Floor Price Event”), (ii) the Company has issued to the Investor, pursuant to the transactions contemplated in this Note, the Other Notes and the SEPA, in excess of 99% of the Common Shares available under the Exchange Cap, where applicable (an “Exchange Cap Event”), or (iii) at any time after the Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), the Investor is unable to utilize a Registration Statement to resell Underlying Shares for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days (a “Registration Event”)] (the last day of each such occurrence, an “Amortization Event Date”).

 

(b) “Amortization Principal Amount” shall mean $1,000,000, provided however, in the event that the full $7,500,000 of Pre-Paid Advances have not been issued pursuant to the SEPA, then such amount shall be reduced pro rata in accordance with total amount issued.

 

(c) “Applicable Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(d) “Approved Stock Plan” means any employee benefit plan or share incentive plan which has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, pursuant to which the Company’s securities may be issued to any employee, officer or director for services provided to the Company.

 

(e) “Bloomberg” means Bloomberg Financial Markets.

 

(f) “Business Combination” shall mean the merger and other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement.

 

(g) “Business Combination Deadline” shall mean October 31, 2025, unless extended with the agreement of the Holder.

 

(h) “Business Day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be a federal legal holiday in the United States or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close.

 

(i) “Buy-In” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(j) “Buy-In Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(k) “Calendar Month” means one of the twelve months of the year.

 

(l) “Change of Control Transaction” means the occurrence of (a) an acquisition after the date hereof by an individual or legal entity or “group” (as described in Rule 13d-5(b)(1) promulgated under the Exchange Act) of effective control (whether through legal or beneficial ownership of capital stock of the Company, by contract or otherwise) of in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the Company (except that the acquisition of voting securities by the Holder or any other current holder of convertible securities of the Company shall not constitute a Change of Control Transaction for purposes hereof), (b) a replacement at one time or over time of more than one-half of the members of the board of directors of the Company (other than as due to the death or disability of a member of the board of directors) which is not approved by a majority of those individuals who are members of the board of directors on the date hereof

 

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(or by those individuals who are serving as members of the board of directors on any date whose nomination to the board of directors was approved by a majority of the members of the board of directors who are members on the date hereof), (c) the merger, consolidation or sale of fifty percent (50%) or more of the assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in one or a series of related transactions with or into another entity, or (d) the execution by the Company of an agreement to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, providing for any of the events set forth above in (a), (b) or (c). No transfer to a wholly-owned Subsidiary shall be deemed a Change of Control Transaction under this provision.

 

(m) “Closing Price” means the price per share in the last reported trade of the Common Shares on a Principal Market or on the exchange which the Common Shares are then listed as quoted by Bloomberg.

 

(n) “Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(o) “Common Shares” means (A) prior to assignment of this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., the share of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company and (B) following assignment of this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001, of SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and stock of any other class into which such shares may hereafter be changed or reclassified.

 

(p) “Conversion Amount” means the portion of the Principal, Interest, or other amounts outstanding under this Note to be converted, redeemed or otherwise with respect to which this determination is being made.

 

(q) “Conversion Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(r) “Conversion Failure” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(s) “Conversion Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(t) “Conversion Price” means, as of any Conversion Date or other date of determination, (A) prior to the close of trading on the fifth day following the closing of the Business Combination (“Market Price Date”), $60.62, and (B) after the Market Price Date, the lower of (i) 120% of the average of the daily VWAPs during the five (5) consecutive Trading Day period ending on the Market Price Date (the “Fixed Price”), or (ii) 95% of the lowest daily VWAP during the 10 consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the Conversion Date or other date of determination (the “Variable Price”), but which Variable Price shall not be lower than the Floor Price then in effect. On the earlier of the effective date of the initial Registration Statement, the Effectiveness Deadline (the “Fixed Price Reset Date”), the Fixed Price shall be adjusted (downwards only) to equal the average VWAP for the three (3) Trading Days immediately prior to the Fixed Price Reset Date; provided, however, that until the Note is assigned SharonAI Holdings, Inc., the Conversion Price shall remain at $60.62. The Conversion Price shall be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the other terms and conditions of this Note.

 

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(u) “Convertible Securities” means any stock or securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares.

 

(v) “Dilutive Issuance” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(w) “Effectiveness Deadline” shall have the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

(x) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(y) “Excluded Securities” means any Common Shares issued or issuable or deemed to be issued by the Company: (i) under any Approved Stock Plan, (ii) upon conversion of any securities issued pursuant to the SEPA (including Common Shares issued in connection with this Note and any of the Other Notes); (iii) upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Options or Convertible Securities which are outstanding on the day immediately preceding the date of the SEPA; provided, that such issuance of Common Shares upon exercise of such Options or Convertible Securities is made pursuant to the terms of such Options or Convertible Securities in effect on such date and such Options or Convertible Securities are not amended, modified or changed on or after such date, or (iv) upon a stock split, reverse stock split, distribution of bonus shares, combination or other recapitalization events.

 

(z) “Floor Price” solely with respect to the Variable Price, shall mean 20% of the Closing Price on the Market Price Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may reduce the Floor Price to any amounts set forth in a written notice to the Holder; provided that such reduction shall be irrevocable and shall not be subject to increase thereafter.

 

(aa) “Fundamental Transaction” means any of the following: (1) the Company effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person and the Company is the non-surviving company (other than a merger or consolidation with a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of redomiciling the Company), (2) the Company effects any sale of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (3) any tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are permitted to tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property, or (4) the Company effects any reclassification of the Common Shares or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Shares is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property.

 

(bb) “New Issuance Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(cc) “Other Notes” means any other notes issued pursuant to the SEPA and any other debentures, notes, or other instruments issued in exchange, replacement, or modification of the foregoing.

 

(dd) “Payment Premium” means 10% of the Principal amount being paid.

 

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(ee) “Periodic Reports” shall mean all of the Company’s reports required to be filed by the Company with the Commission under applicable laws and regulations (including, without limitation, Regulation S-K), including annual reports (on Form 10-K), quarterly reports (on Form 10-Q), and current reports (on Form 8-K), for so long as any amounts are outstanding under this Note or any Other Note; provided that all such Periodic Reports shall include, when filed, all information, financial statements, audit reports (when applicable) and other information required to be included in such Periodic Reports in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

(ff) “Person” means a corporation, an association, a partnership, organization, a business, an individual, a government or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.

 

(gg) “Principal Market” means any of The New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, and any successor to any of the foregoing markets or exchanges.

 

(hh) “Redemption Premium” means 10% of the Principal amount being redeemed.

 

(ii) “Registration Rights Agreement” means the registration rights agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B to be entered into between SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and the Holder on the date hereof.

 

(jj) “Registration Statement” means a registration statement meeting the requirements set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement covering among other things the resale of the Underlying Shares and naming the Holder as a “selling stockholder” thereunder.

 

(kk) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(ll) “Share Delivery Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(mm) “Subsidiary” shall mean any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, (x) owns a majority of the outstanding capital stock or holds a majority of the equity or similar interest of such Person or (y) controls or operates all or substantially all of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and the foregoing are collectively referred to herein as “Subsidiaries.”

 

(nn) “Trading Day” means a day on which the Common Shares are quoted or traded on a Principal Market on which the Common Shares are then quoted or listed.

 

(oo) “Transaction Document” means this Note, the Other Notes and the NPA and following assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and execution of the SEPA, and the Registration Rights Agreement, the SEPA and the Registration Rights Agreement and any and all other documents, agreements, instruments or other items executed or delivered in connection with this Note or any of the foregoing.

 

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(pp) “Underlying Shares” means the Common Shares of SharonAI Holdings, Inc, if and when such Note is assigned to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. issuable upon conversion of this Note or as payment of interest in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(qq) “VWAP” means, for any Trading Day, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for such Trading Day on the Principal Market during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P.

 

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Convertible Promissory Note to be duly executed by a duly authorized officer as of the date set forth above.

 

SHARONAI INC.
     
  By: /s/ Wolfgang Schubert
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO

 

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Exhibit A

 

Form of SEPA

 

(see attached)

 

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STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of _________________ 2025 is made by and between YA II PN, LTD., a Cayman Islands exempt limited company (the “Investor”), and SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC. a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”). The Investor and the Company may be referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, on July ___, 2025, SharonAI, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“SharonAI”) entered into that Note Purchase Agreement (the “NPA”) pursuant to which the Investor agreed to provide advances to SharonAI in the principal amount of up to $2,500,000 as evidenced by convertible promissory notes issued to the Investor (the “SharonAI Notes”) pursuant to and in accordance with the NPA.

 

WHEREAS, on January 28, 2025, the Company (who was then known as “Roth CH Holdings, Inc.), SharonAI, Roth CH Acquisition Co., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“Parent”) and Roth CH Merger Sub (“Merger Sub”) entered into that certain Business Combination Agreement (as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”).

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement the proposed business combination was effected in two steps: (i) Parent continued out of the Cayman Islands and into the State of Delaware so as to re-domicile as and become a Delaware corporation by means of a merger (the “Domestication Merger”) of Parent with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving company pursuant to the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as amended, and, thereafter (ii)(a) the Merger Sub was merged with and into the SharonAI, (b) the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub thereupon ceased, and the SharonAI was the surviving corporation, and (c) SharonAI became a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company (the “Acquisition Merger,” and together with the Domestication Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”). Upon completion of the Business Combination, Roth CH Holdings, Inc. changed its name to “SharonAI Holdings, Inc.”

 

WHEREAS, in accordance with the terms of the SharonAI Notes, upon the closing of the Business Combination, the SharonAI Notes were transferred and assigned to the Company.

 

WHEREAS, the Parties desire that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, the Company shall have the right to issue and sell to the Investor, from time to time as provided herein, and the Investor shall purchase from the Company, up to $50,000,000 of the Company’s shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Shares”);

 

WHEREAS, in addition to the commitment to purchase Common Shares hereunder, and in addition to the $2,500,000 in advances made available pursuant to the NPA, the Investor shall commit to provide the Company prepaid advances in an original principal amount of up to $5,000,000, which shall be funded in two tranches as set forth in this Agreement.

 

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WHEREAS, following the closing of the Business Combination and becoming eligible to do so, it is expected that the Company will attempt to have the Common Shares listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market;

 

WHEREAS, the offer and sale of the Common Shares issuable hereunder will be made in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Securities Act”), or upon such other exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act as may be available with respect to any or all of the transactions to be made hereunder;

 

WHEREAS, the Parties are concurrently entering into a Registration Rights Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit B hereto (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company shall register the resale of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein; and

 

WHEREAS, SharonAI and certain other Subsidiaries of SharonAI are entering into a Guaranty Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit E hereto (the “Guaranty Agreement”), pursuant to which the parties thereto shall guaranty all of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement, the Promissory Notes, and all other instruments, agreements or other items executed or delivered

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereto agree as follows:

 

Article I.

Certain Definitions

 

Capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in Annex I hereto, and hereby made a part hereof, or as otherwise set forth in this Agreement.

 

Article II.

Pre-Paid Advances

 

Section 2.01 Pre-Paid Advances. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Annex II attached hereto, the Investor shall advance to the Company the principal amount of up to $5,000,000 (collectively, along with the $2,500,000 in advances made available pursuant to the NPA, the “Pre-Paid Advance”), which shall be evidenced by convertible promissory notes in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (each, a “Promissory Note”) in two tranches. The first tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance pursuant to this Agreement shall be in a principal amount of up to $2,500,000 and, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Annex II attached hereto, shall be advanced within two Business Days of the closing of the Business Combination (the “First Pre-Advance Closing”). The second tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance shall be in a principal amount of up to $2,500,000 and, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Annex II attached hereto, shall be advanced on the sixtieth day following the date the initial Registration Statement first becomes effective (the “Second Pre-Advance Closing”) (each of the First Pre-Advance Closing and the Second Pre-Advance Closing individually referred to as a “Pre-Advance Closing” and collectively referred to as the “Pre-Advance Closings”).

 

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Section 2.02 Pre-Advance Closing. Each Pre-Advance Closing shall occur remotely by conference call and electronic delivery of documentation. The First Pre-Advance Closing shall take place at 10:00 a.m., New York time, on or about the second Business Day after the closing of the Business Combination, provided that the conditions set forth on Annex II have been satisfied (or such other date as is mutually agreed to by the Company and the Investor). The Second Pre-Advance Closing shall take place at 10:00 a.m., New York time, on the sixtieth day following the date the initial Registration Statement first becomes effective, provided that the conditions set forth on Annex II have been satisfied (or such other date as is mutually agreed to by the Company and the Investor). At each Pre-Advance Closing, the Investor shall advance to the Company the principal amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance, less a discount in the amount equal to 5% of the principal amount of such tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance netted from the purchase price due and structured as an original issue discount (the “Original Issue Discount”), in immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing, and the Company shall deliver a Promissory Note with a principal amount equal to the full amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance, duly executed on behalf of the Company. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Original Issue Discount (i) shall not be funded but shall be deemed to be fully earned at each Pre-Advance Closing, and (ii) shall not reduce the principal amount of each Promissory Note.

 

Section 2.03 Reduction to Pre-Paid Advance. Prior to the filing of the initial Registration Statement, the amount to be advanced at the Second Pre-Advance Closing may be reduced (i) at the election of the Company to any amount, and (ii) if the market capitalization of the Company as of the date that is 10 Trading Days following the Effective Date is less than $50 million, at the election of the Investor to any amount. The amount to be advanced at any other Pre-Advance Closing may be modified at the mutual consent of the Parties.

 

Article III.

Advances

 

Section 3.01 Advances; Mechanics. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, during the Commitment Period, (i) the Company, at its sole discretion, shall have the right, but not the obligation, to issue and sell to the Investor, and the Investor shall subscribe for and purchase from the Company, Advance Shares by the delivery to the Investor of Advance Notices, provided (x) no balance is outstanding under a Promissory Note, or, (y) if there is a balance outstanding under a Promissory Note, then in accordance with Section 3.01(a)(iii) hereof; and (ii) for as long as there is a balance outstanding under a Promissory Note, the Investor, at its sole discretion, shall have the right, but not the obligation, by the delivery to the Company of Investor Notices, to cause an Advance Notice to be deemed delivered to the Investor and the issuance and sale of Shares to the Investor pursuant to an Advance, on the following terms:

 

(a) Advance Notice. At any time during the Commitment Period, the Company may require the Investor to purchase Shares by delivering an Advance Notice to the Investor, subject to the satisfaction or waiver by the Investor of the conditions set forth in Annex III, and in accordance with the following provisions:

 

(i) The Company shall, in its sole discretion, select the number of Advance Shares, not to exceed the Maximum Advance Amount (unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Company and the Investor), it desires to issue and sell to the Investor in each Advance Notice, the time it desires to deliver each Advance Notice.

 

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(ii) There shall be no mandatory minimum Advances and there shall be no non-usage fee for not utilizing the Commitment Amount or any part thereof.

 

(iii) For so long as any amount remains outstanding under a Promissory Note, without the prior written consent of the Investor, the Company may only (other than with respect to a deemed Advance Notice pursuant to an Investor Notice) submit an Advance Notice (A) if an Amortization Event has occurred and the obligation of the Company to make monthly prepayments under the Promissory Note has not ceased, and (B) the aggregate purchase price owed to the Company from such Advances (“Advance Proceeds”) shall be paid by the Investor by offsetting the amount of the Advance Proceeds against an equal amount outstanding under the subject Promissory Note (first towards accrued and unpaid interest, and then towards outstanding principal).

 

(b) Investor Notice. At any time during the Commitment Period, provided that there is a balance remaining outstanding under a Promissory Note, the Investor may, by delivering an Investor Notice to the Company, cause an Advance Notice to be deemed delivered to the Investor and the issuance and sale of Shares to the Investor pursuant to an Advance, in accordance with the following provisions:

 

(i) The Investor shall, in its sole discretion, select the amount of the Advance up to the Maximum Advance Amount applicable to the Investor, and the time it desires to deliver each Investor Notice; provided that the amount of the Advance selected shall not exceed the balance owed under all Promissory Notes outstanding on the date of delivery of the Investor Notice.

 

(ii) The Purchase Price of the Shares in respect of any Advance Notice deemed delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice shall be equal to the Conversion Price (as defined in the Promissory Note) that would be applicable to the amount of the Advance selected by the Investor if such amount were to be converted as of the date of delivery of the Investor Notice in accordance with the Promissory Note. The Investor shall pay the Purchase Price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to the Investor Notice by offsetting the amount of the Purchase Price to be paid by the Investor against an equal amount outstanding under a Promissory Note (first towards accrued and unpaid interest, if any, then towards principal).

 

(iii) Each Investor Notice shall set forth the amount of the Advance requested, the Purchase Price (determined in accordance with Section 3.01(b)(ii)) along with a report by Bloomberg L.P. indicating the relevant VWAP used in calculating the Conversion Price, the number of Shares to be issued by the Company and purchased by the Investor, the aggregate amount of accrued and unpaid interest under the subject Promissory Note (if any) that shall be offset by the issuance of Shares, the aggregate amount of principal of the Promissory Note that shall be offset by the issuance of Shares, and the total amount of the applicable Promissory Note or Promissory Notes that shall be outstanding following the closing of the Advance, and each Investor Notice shall serve as the Settlement Document in respect of such Advance.

 

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(iv) Upon the delivery of an Investor Notice, a corresponding Advance Notice shall simultaneously and automatically be deemed to have been delivered by the Company to the Investor requesting the amount of the Advance set forth in the Investor Notice, and any conditions precedent to such Advance Notice under the terms of this Agreement that have not been satisfied shall be deemed to have been waived by the Investor.

 

(c) Date of Delivery of Advance Notice. Advance Notices shall be delivered in accordance with the instructions set forth on the bottom of Exhibit C attached hereto. An Advance Notice shall be deemed delivered on (i) the day it is received by the Investor if such notice is received by e-mail at or before 9:00 a.m. New York City time (or at such later time if agreed to by the Investor in its sole discretion), or (ii) the immediately succeeding day if it is received by e-mail after 9:00 a.m. New York City time. An Advance Notice deemed delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice shall be deemed delivered on the same date upon which the Investor Notice is received by the Company. Upon receipt of an Advance Notice, the Investor shall promptly provide written confirmation (which may be by e-mail) of receipt of such Advance Notice.

 

Section 3.02 Advance Limitations, Regulatory. Regardless of the Advance requested in an Advance Notice, including an Advance Notice deemed delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice (except with respect to the limitations in 3.02(b) and 3.02(d) below, which shall not apply to Investor Notices), and notwithstanding any provision to the contrary herein, the final number of Shares to be issued and sold pursuant to such Advance Notice shall be reduced (if at all) in accordance with each of the following limitations:

 

(a) Ownership Limitation; Commitment Amount. At the request of the Company, the Investor shall inform the Company of the number of Common Shares the Investor beneficially owns. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Investor shall not be obligated to purchase or acquire, and shall not purchase or acquire, any Common Shares under this Agreement which, when aggregated with all other Common Shares beneficially owned by the Investor and its Affiliates (as calculated pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and Rule 13d-3 promulgated thereunder), would result in the beneficial ownership by the Investor and its Affiliates (on an aggregated basis) of a number of Common Shares exceeding 4.99% of the then outstanding voting power or number of Common Shares (the “Ownership Limitation”). Upon the written request of the Investor, the Company shall promptly (but no later than the next Business Day on which the transfer agent for the Common Shares is open for business) confirm orally or in writing to the Investor the number of Common Shares then outstanding. In connection with each Advance Notice, any portion of an Advance that would (i) cause the Investor to exceed the Ownership Limitation or (ii) cause the aggregate number of Shares issued and sold to the Investor hereunder to exceed the Commitment Amount shall automatically be withdrawn with no further action required by the Company, and such Advance Notice shall be deemed automatically modified to reduce the Advance by an amount equal to such withdrawn portion; provided that in the event of any such automatic withdrawal and automatic modification, the Investor will promptly notify the Company of such event.

 

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(b) Registration Limitation. In no event shall an Advance exceed the number of Common Shares registered in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby under the Registration Statement then in effect (the “Registration Limitation”). In connection with each Advance Notice, any portion of an Advance that would exceed the Registration Limitation shall automatically be withdrawn with no further action required by the Company and such Advance Notice shall be deemed automatically modified to reduce the aggregate amount of the requested Advance by an amount equal to such withdrawn portion; provided that in the event of any such automatic withdrawal and automatic modification, the Investor will promptly notify the Company of such event.

 

(c) Compliance with Rules of Principal Market. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company shall not affect any sales under this Agreement and the Investor shall not have the obligation to purchase Common Shares under this Agreement to the extent (but only to the extent) that after giving effect to such purchase and sale the aggregate number of Common Shares issued under this Agreement would exceed 19.99% of the aggregate number of Common Shares issued and outstanding as of the Effective Date (subject to adjustment for any stock splits, combinations or the like), calculated in accordance with the rules of the Principal Market, which number shall be reduced, on a share-for-share basis, by the number of Common Shares issued or issuable pursuant to any transaction or series of transactions that may be aggregated with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the applicable rules of the Principal Market (such maximum number of shares, the “Exchange Cap”) provided that, the Exchange Cap will not apply if the Company’s stockholders have approved the issuance of Common Shares pursuant to this Agreement in excess of the Exchange Cap in accordance with the applicable rules of the Principal Market. In connection with each Advance Notice, any portion of an Advance that would exceed the Exchange Cap shall automatically be withdrawn with no further action required by the Company and such Advance Notice shall be deemed automatically modified to reduce the aggregate amount of the requested Advance by an amount equal to such withdrawn portion in respect of each Advance Notice.

 

Section 3.03 Advance Limitations, Minimum Acceptable Price.

 

(a) With respect to each Advance Notice the Company may notify the Investor of the Minimum Acceptable Price with respect to such Advance by indicating a Minimum Acceptable Price on such Advance Notice. If no Minimum Acceptable Price is specified in an Advance Notice, then no Minimum Acceptable Price shall be in effect in connection with such Advance. Each Trading Day during the Pricing Period for which (A) with respect to each Advance Notice with a Minimum Acceptable Price, the VWAP of the Common Shares is below the Minimum Acceptable Price in effect with respect to such Advance Notice, or (B) there is no VWAP (each such day, in the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), an “Excluded Day”), shall result in an automatic reduction to the number of Advance Shares set forth in such Advance Notice by one third (1/3) (the resulting amount of each Advance being the “Adjusted Advance Amount”), and each Excluded Day shall be excluded from the Pricing Period for purposes of determining the Market Price.

 

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(b) The total Advance Shares in respect of each Advance with any Excluded Day(s) (after reductions have been made to arrive at the Adjusted Advance Amount) shall be automatically increased by such number of Common Shares (the “Additional Shares”) equal to the greater of (a) the number of Common Shares sold by the Investor on such Excluded Day(s), if any, or (b) such number of Common Shares elected to be subscribed for by the Investor, and the subscription price per share for each Additional Share shall be equal to the Minimum Acceptable Price in effect with respect to such Advance Notice multiplied by 97%, provided that this increase shall not cause the total Advance Shares to exceed the amount set forth in the applicable Advance Notice or any limitations set forth in Section 3.02.

 

Section 3.04 Unconditional Contract. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the Company and the Investor acknowledge and agree that upon the Investor’s receipt of a valid Advance Notice from the Company the Parties shall be deemed to have entered into an unconditional contract binding on both Parties for the purchase and sale of the applicable number of Advance Shares pursuant to such Advance Notice in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and (i) subject to Applicable Laws and (ii) subject to Section 7.22, the Investor may sell Common Shares during the Pricing Period for such Advance Notice (including with respect to any Advance Shares subject to such Pricing Period).

 

Section 3.05 Closings. The closing of each Advance and each sale and purchase of Advance Shares (whether pursuant to an Advance Notice delivered by the Company or in connection with an Advance Notice deemed delivered by the Company in connection with an Investor Notice) (each, a “Closing”) shall take place as soon as practicable on or after each applicable Advance Date in accordance with the procedures set forth below. The Company acknowledges that, other than in connection with an Investor Notice, the Purchase Price is not known at the time an Advance Notice is delivered (at which time the Investor is irrevocably bound) but shall be determined on each Closing based on the daily prices of the Common Shares that are the inputs to the determination of the Purchase Price. In connection with each Closing, the Company and the Investor shall fulfill each of its obligations as set forth below:

 

(a) On or prior to each Advance Date, the Investor shall deliver to the Company a Settlement Document along with a report by Bloomberg L.P. (or, if not reported on Bloomberg L.P., another reporting service reasonably agreed to by the parties) indicating the VWAP for each of the Trading Days during the Pricing Period or period for determining the applicable Conversion Price, in each case in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. In connection with an Investor Notice, the Investor Notice shall serve as the Settlement Document.

 

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(b) Promptly after receipt of the Settlement Document with respect to each Advance (and, in any event, not later than one Trading Day after such receipt), the Company will, or will cause its transfer agent to, electronically transfer such number of Advance Shares to be purchased by the Investor (as set forth in the Settlement Document) by crediting the Investor’s account or its designee’s account at the Depository Trust Company through its Deposit Withdrawal at Custodian System or by such other means of delivery as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto, and transmit notification to the Investor that such share transfer has been requested. Promptly upon receipt of such notification, the Investor shall pay to the Company the aggregate purchase price of the Shares (as set forth in the Settlement Document) either (i) in the case of an Advance Notice submitted other than after the occurrence of an Amortization Event, in cash in immediately available funds to an account designated by the Company in writing and transmit notification to the Company that such funds transfer has been requested, or (ii) in the case of an Investor Notice or an Advance Notice submitted after the occurrence of an Amortization Event, as an offset of amounts owed under the Promissory Note as described Section 3.01(b). No fractional shares shall be issued, and any fractional shares that would otherwise be issued in connection with an Advance shall be rounded to the next higher whole number of shares. To facilitate the transfer of the Common Shares by the Investor, the Common Shares will not bear any restrictive legends so long as there is an effective Registration Statement covering the resale of such Common Shares (it being understood and agreed by the Investor that notwithstanding the lack of restrictive legends, the Investor may only sell such Common Shares pursuant to the Plan of Distribution set forth in the Prospectus included in the applicable Registration Statement and otherwise in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act (including any applicable prospectus delivery requirements) or pursuant to an available exemption).

 

(c) On or prior to the Advance Date, each of the Company and the Investor shall deliver to the other all documents, instruments and writings expressly required to be delivered by either of them pursuant to this Agreement in order to implement and effect the transactions contemplated herein.

 

(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, other than in respect of Advance Notices deemed to be given pursuant to Investor Notices, if on any day during the Pricing Period (i) the Company notifies Investor that a Material Outside Event has occurred, or (ii) the Company notifies the Investor of a Black Out Period, the parties agree that any pending Advance shall end and the final number of Advance Shares to be purchased by the Investor at the Closing for such Advance shall be equal to the number of Common Shares sold by the Investor during the applicable Pricing Period prior to the notification from the Company of a Material Outside Event or Black Out Period.

 

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Section 3.06 Hardship. In the event the Company fails to perform its obligations as mandated in this Agreement after the Investor’s receipt (or deemed receipt, in the case of an Investor Notice) of an Advance Notice, the Company agrees that in addition to and in no way limiting the rights and obligations set forth in Article VI hereto and in addition to any other remedy to which the Investor is entitled at law or in equity, including, without limitation, specific performance, it will hold the Investor harmless against any loss, claim, damage, or expense (including reasonable legal fees and expenses), as incurred, arising out of or in connection with such default by the Company and acknowledges that irreparable damage may occur in the event of any such default. It is accordingly agreed that the Investor shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent such breaches of this Agreement and to specifically enforce (subject to Applicable Laws and the rules of the Principal Market), without the posting of a bond or other security, the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

 

Article IV.

Representations and Warranties of the Investor

 

The Investor represents, warrants, and covenants to the Company, as of the date hereof, as of each Advance Notice Date and as of each Advance Date that:

 

Section 4.01 Organization and Authorization. The Investor is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the Cayman Islands and has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and to purchase or acquire the Shares in accordance with the terms hereof. The decision to invest and the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party by the Investor, the performance by the Investor of its obligations hereunder and the consummation by the Investor of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized and require no other proceedings on the part of the Investor. The undersigned has the right, power and authority to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and all other instruments on behalf of the Investor or its shareholders. This Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is a party have been duly executed and delivered by the Investor and, assuming the execution and delivery hereof and acceptance thereof by the Company, will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Investor, enforceable against the Investor in accordance with its terms.

 

Section 4.02 Evaluation of Risks. The Investor has such knowledge and experience in financial, tax and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of, and bearing the economic risks entailed by, an investment in the Common Shares and of protecting its interests in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. The Investor acknowledges and agrees that its investment in the Company involves a high degree of risk, and that the Investor may lose all or a part of its investment.

 

Section 4.03 No Legal, Investment or Tax Advice from the Company. The Investor acknowledges that it had the opportunity to review the Transaction Documents, and the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents with its own legal counsel and investment and tax advisors. The Investor is relying solely on such counsel and advisors and not on any statements or representations of the Company or any of the Company’s representatives or agents for legal, tax, investment or other advice with respect to the Investor’s acquisition of Common Shares hereunder, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the laws of any jurisdiction, and the Investor acknowledges that the Investor may lose all or a part of its investment.

 

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Section 4.04 Investment Purpose. The Investor is acquiring the Common Shares and any Promissory Note for its own account, for investment purposes and not with a view towards, or for resale in connection with, the public sale or distribution thereof, except pursuant to sales registered under or exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act; provided, however, that by making the representations herein, the Investor does not agree, or make any representation or warranty, to hold any of the Shares for any minimum or other specific term and reserves the right to dispose of the Shares at any time in accordance with, or pursuant to, a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement or an applicable exemption under the Securities Act. The Investor does not presently have any agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any Person to sell or distribute any of the Shares. This Investor is acquiring the Shares and the Promissory Note hereunder in the ordinary course of its business.

 

Section 4.05 Accredited Investor. The Investor is an “Accredited Investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a)(3) of Regulation D.

 

Section 4.06 Reliance on Exemptions. The Investor understands that the Common Shares are being offered and sold to it in reliance on specific exemptions from the registration requirements of United States federal and state securities laws and that the Company is relying in part upon the truth and accuracy of, and the Investor’s compliance with, the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Investor set forth herein in order to determine the availability of such exemptions and the eligibility of the Investor to acquire the Common Shares.

 

Section 4.07 Information. The Investor and its advisors (and its counsel), if any, have been furnished with all materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Company and information the Investor deemed material to making an informed investment decision. The Investor and its advisors (and its counsel), if any, have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Company and its management and have received answers to such questions. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigations conducted by such Investor or its advisors (and its counsel), if any, or its representatives shall modify, amend or affect the Investor’s right to rely on the Company’s representations and warranties contained in this Agreement. The Investor acknowledges and agrees that the Company has not made to the Investor, and the Investor acknowledges and agrees it has not relied upon, any representations and warranties of the Company, its employees or any third party other than the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this Agreement. The Investor understands that its investment involves a high degree of risk. The Investor has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice, as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 4.08 Not an Affiliate. The Investor is not an officer, director or a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company or any “Affiliate” of the Company (as that term is defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act).

 

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Section 4.09 General Solicitation. Neither the Investor, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged or will engage in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D) in connection with any offer or sale of the Common Shares by the Investor. The Investor became interested in purchasing the Common Shares solely because of a substantive, pre-existing relationship with the Company and direct contact by the Company or one or more of its officers, directors, controlling persons, or agents, and the Investor acknowledges that neither the Company nor any other person offered to sell the Common Shares to it by means of any form of general solicitation or advertising, including but not limited to: (A) any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or (B) any seminar or meeting whose attendees were invited by any general solicitation or general advertising.

 

Section 4.10 Trading Activities. The Investor has not directly or indirectly, nor has any Person acting on behalf of or pursuant to any understanding with the Investor, engaged in any transactions in the securities of the Company (including, without limitation, any Short Sales (as defined below) involving the Company’s securities) during the period commencing as of the time that the Investor first contacted the Company or the Company’s agents regarding the specific investment in the Company contemplated by this Agreement and ending immediately prior to the execution of this Agreement by the Investor.

 

Section 4.11 Non-US Investor. If the Investor is not a United States person (as defined by Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code), the Investor hereby represents that it has satisfied itself as to the full observance of the laws of its jurisdiction in connection with any offer or sale of the Common Shares, including (a) the legal requirements within its jurisdiction for the purchase of the Common Shares, (b) any foreign exchange restrictions applicable to such purchase, (c) any governmental or other consents that may need to be obtained, and (d) the income tax and other tax consequences, if any, that may be relevant to the purchase, holding, redemption, sale, or transfer of the Common Shares.

 

Section 4.12 Designated Parties. Neither the Investor, nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, stockholders or partners, is: (a) organized under the laws of, ordinarily resident in, or located in a country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive laws and regulations pertaining to trade and economic sanctions administered by the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom (collectively, “Sanctions”) (which as of the date of this Agreement comprise Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine (“Restricted Countries”)); (b) 50% or more owned or controlled by the government of a Restricted Country; or (c) (i) designated on a sanctioned parties list administered by the United States, European Union, or United Kingdom, including, without limitation, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, Foreign Sanctions Evaders List, Sectoral Sanctions Identification List, the Consolidated List of Persons, Groups, and Entities Subject to EU Financial Sanctions, and the UK’s Consolidated Sanctions List (collectively, “Designated Parties”); or (i) 50% or more owned or, where relevant under applicable Sanctions, controlled, individually or in the aggregate, by one or more Designated Party, in each case only to the extent that dealings with such persons are prohibited pursuant to applicable Sanctions.

 

Section 4.13 Applicable Jurisdiction. The office of the Investor in which it has its principal place of business is identified in the address of the Investor set forth in Article XI.

 

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Article V.

Representations and Warranties of the Company

 

Except as set forth in the SEC Documents, the Company represents and warrants to the Investor that, as of the date hereof, each Advance Notice Date and each Advance Date (other than representations and warranties which address matters only as of a certain date, which shall be true and correct as written as of such certain date):

 

Section 5.01 Organization and Qualification. The Company, and each of its Subsidiaries are entities duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the laws of their respective jurisdiction of organization and has the requisite power and authority to own its properties and to carry on its business as now being conducted. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in every jurisdiction in which the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified or be in good standing has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.02 Authorization, Enforcement, Compliance with Other Instruments. The Company has the requisite corporate power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and to issue the Shares in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Shares) have been or (with respect to consummation) will be duly authorized by each company’s board of directors and no further consent or authorization will be required by the Company, its board of directors or its shareholders except where necessary to issue Shares in excess of the Exchange Cap. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party have been (or, when executed and delivered, will be) duly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the execution and delivery thereof and acceptance by the Investor, constitute (or, when duly executed and delivered, will be) the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity or applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, liquidation or other laws relating to, or affecting generally, the enforcement of applicable creditors’ rights and remedies and except as rights to indemnification and to contribution may be limited by federal or state securities law.

 

Section 5.03 Authorization of the Shares. The Shares to be issued under this Agreement have been, or with respect to Shares to be purchased by the Investor pursuant to an Advance Notice, will be, when issued and delivered pursuant to the terms approved by the board of directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof, or a duly authorized executive committee, against payment therefor as provided herein, duly and validly authorized and issued and fully paid and nonassessable, free and clear of any pledge, lien, encumbrance, security interest or other claim, including any statutory or contractual preemptive rights, resale rights, rights of first refusal or other similar rights, and will be registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act. The Shares, when issued, will conform to the description thereof set forth in or incorporated into the Prospectus. As of the date of each Pre-Advance Closing, and at all times thereafter, the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized capital stock not less than the number of shares of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of all Promissory Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) such Promissory Note is convertible at a conversion price equal to the Floor Price as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Promissory Note set forth therein).

 

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Section 5.04 No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Company and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including, without limitation, the issuance of the Shares) will not (i) result in a violation of the articles of incorporation or other organizational documents of the Company, or any Subsidiaries (with respect to consummation, as the same may be amended prior to the date on which any of the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated), (ii) conflict with, or constitute a default (or an event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become a default) under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration or cancellation of, any agreement, indenture or instrument to which the Company, or any Subsidiaries is a party, or (iii) result in a violation of any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree (including federal and state securities laws and regulations) applicable to the Company or any Subsidiaries or by which any property or asset of the Company, or any Subsidiaries is bound or affected except, in the case of clause (ii) or (iii) above, to the extent such violations have not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.05 Acknowledgment. The Company understands and acknowledges that the number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of the Promissory Notes will increase in certain circumstances. The Company further acknowledges its obligation to issue the Common Shares upon conversion of the Promissory Notes in accordance with the terms thereof or upon delivery of an Advance Notice (including upon receipt of an Investor Notice) is absolute and unconditional regardless of the dilutive effect that such issuance may have on the ownership interests of other stockholders of the Company.

 

Section 5.06 SEC Documents; Financial Statements. Since the Company has been subject to the requirements of Section 12 of the Exchange Act, the Company has filed all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to be filed by it with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, the Current Report, each Registration Statement, as the same may be amended from time to time, the Prospectus contained therein and each Prospectus Supplement thereto, and all information contained in such filings and all documents and disclosures that have been or may in the future be incorporated by reference therein (all such documents hereinafter referred to as the “SEC Documents,” and which, for the avoidance of doubt shall also include the Form S-4) and all such filings required to be filed within the last 12 months (or since the Company has been subject to the requirements of Section 12 of the Exchange Act, if shorter) have been made on a timely basis (giving effect to permissible extensions in accordance with Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act). The Company has delivered or made available to the Investor through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, true and complete copies of the SEC Documents, as applicable. Except as disclosed in amendments or subsequent filings to the SEC Documents, as of its filing date (or, if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date hereof, on the date of such amended or superseded filing), each of the SEC Documents complied in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder applicable to the SEC Documents, and did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

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Section 5.07 Financial Statements. The consolidated financial statements of the Company included or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents (including the Form S-4), together with the related notes and schedules, present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the consolidated results of operations, cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity of the Company for the periods specified and have been prepared in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act and Exchange Act and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis (except for (i) such adjustments to accounting standards and practices as are noted therein, (ii) in the case of unaudited interim financial statements, to the extent such financial statements may not include footnotes required by GAAP or may be condensed or summary statements and (iii) such adjustments which are not material, either individually or in the aggregate) during the periods involved; the other financial and statistical data with respect to the Company and the Subsidiaries contained or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents are accurately and fairly presented and prepared on a basis consistent with the financial statements and books and records of the Company; there are no financial statements (historical or pro forma) that are required to be included or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents that are not included or incorporated by reference as required; the Company and the Subsidiaries do not have any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent (including any off-balance sheet obligations), not described in the SEC Documents (excluding the exhibits thereto); and all disclosures contained or incorporated by reference in the SEC Documents regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC) comply in all material respects with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, to the extent applicable.

 

Section 5.08 Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Company and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement meet the requirements for and comply with the conditions for the use of Form S-1 under the Securities Act. Each Registration Statement and the offer and sale of Shares as contemplated hereby, if and when filed, will meet the requirements of Rule 415 under the Securities Act and comply in all material respects with said rule. Any statutes, regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to be described in a Registration Statement or a Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or to be filed as exhibits to a Registration Statement have been so described or filed. Copies of each Registration Statement, any Prospectus, and any such amendments or supplements thereto and all documents incorporated by reference therein that were filed with the SEC on or prior to the date of this Agreement have been delivered, or are available through EDGAR, to the Investor and its counsel. The Company has not distributed and, prior to the later to occur of each Advance Notice Date and completion of the distribution of the Shares, will not distribute any offering material in connection with the offering or sale of the Shares other than a Registration Statement, the Prospectus contained therein, and any required prospectus supplement, in each case as reviewed and consented to by the Investor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned.

 

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Section 5.09 No Misstatement or Omission. Each Registration Statement, when it became or becomes effective, and any Prospectus, on the date of such Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, conformed and will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act. At each Advance Notice Date and Advance Date, the Registration Statement, and the Prospectus, as of such date, will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act. Each Registration Statement, when it became or becomes effective, did not, and will not, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. Each Prospectus did not, or will not, include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The documents incorporated by reference in a Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement did not, and any further documents filed and incorporated by reference therein will not, when filed with the SEC, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated in such document or necessary to make the statements in such document, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The foregoing shall not apply to statements in, or omissions from, any such document made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Company by the Investor specifically for use in the preparation thereof.

 

Section 5.10 Conformity with Securities Act and Exchange Act. Each Registration Statement, each Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, and the documents incorporated by reference in each Registration Statement, Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, when such documents were or are filed with the SEC under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or became or become effective under the Securities Act, as the case may be, conformed or will conform in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as applicable.

 

Section 5.11 Equity Capitalization.

 

(a) Authorized and Outstanding Capital Stock. As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 917,816,948 shares of which (i) 906,816,948 shares are common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), which is subdivided into two series consisting of 900,000,000 shares designated as Class A Ordinary Common Stock, (the “Class A Common Stock”), of which 567,098,640 are issued and outstanding, and 6,816,948 shares designated as Class B Super Common Stock (the “Class B Common Stock”), of which 6,816,948 shares are issued and outstanding and (ii) 1,000,000 shares are preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Preferred Stock”), of which no shares our outstanding. As of the date hereof, the Company has reserved _______________________ Common Shares for issuance to parties or Persons other than the Investor.

 

(b) Valid Issuance; Available Shares. All of such outstanding shares are duly authorized and have been validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.

 

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(c) Existing Securities; Obligations. Except as disclosed in the SEC Documents: (A) none of the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s shares, interests or capital stock is subject to preemptive rights or any other similar rights or liens suffered or permitted by the Company or any Subsidiary; (B) there are no outstanding options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any shares, interests or capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to issue additional shares, interests or capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or options, warrants, scrip, rights to subscribe to, calls or commitments of any character whatsoever relating to, or securities or rights convertible into, or exercisable or exchangeable for, any shares, interests or capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (C) there are no agreements or arrangements under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to register the sale of any of their securities under the Securities Act (except pursuant to this Agreement); (D) there are no outstanding securities or instruments of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which contain any redemption or similar provisions, and there are no contracts, commitments, understandings or arrangements by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may become bound to redeem a security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (E) there are no securities or instruments containing anti-dilution or similar provisions that will be triggered by the issuance of the Shares; and (F) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has entered into any Variable Rate Transaction.

 

Section 5.12 Intellectual Property Rights. The Company and its Subsidiaries own or possess adequate rights or licenses to use all material trademarks, trade names, service marks, service mark registrations, service names, patents, patent rights, copyrights, inventions, licenses, approvals, governmental authorizations, trade secrets and rights, if any, necessary to conduct their respective businesses as now conducted, except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and its Subsidiaries have not received written notice of any infringement by the Company or its Subsidiaries of trademark, trade name rights, patents, patent rights, copyrights, inventions, licenses, service names, service marks, service mark registrations, or trade secrets, except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of the Company, there is no claim, action or proceeding being made or brought against, or to the Company’s knowledge, being threatened against the Company or its Subsidiaries regarding trademark, trade name, patents, patent rights, invention, copyright, license, service names, service marks, service mark registrations, trade secret or other infringement; and, except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company is not aware of any facts or circumstances which might give rise to any of the foregoing.

 

Section 5.13 Employee Relations. Neither the Company nor or any of its Subsidiaries is involved in any labor dispute nor, to the knowledge of the Company, or any of its Subsidiaries, has any such dispute threatened, in each case which is reasonable likely to cause a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 5.14 Environmental Laws. The Company and its Subsidiaries (i) have not received written notice alleging any failure to comply in all material respects with all Environmental Laws (as defined below), (ii) have received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (iii) have not received written notice alleging any failure to comply with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license or approval, except, in each of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect. The term “Environmental Laws” means all applicable federal, state and local laws relating to pollution or protection of human health or the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata), including, without limitation, laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, or toxic or hazardous substances or wastes (collectively, “Hazardous Materials”) into the environment, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials, as well as all authorizations, codes, decrees, demands or demand letters, injunctions, judgments, licenses, notices or notice letters, orders, permits, plans or regulations issued, entered, promulgated or approved thereunder.

 

Section 5.15 Title. Except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company (or its Subsidiaries) has indefeasible fee simple or leasehold title to its properties and material assets owned by it, free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest, encumbrance, claim or equitable interest other than such as are not material to the business of the Company. Any real property and facilities held under lease by the Company and its Subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

Section 5.16 Insurance. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are insured by insurers of recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and in such amounts as management of the Company believes to be prudent and customary in the businesses in which the Company and its Subsidiaries are engaged. The Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.17 Regulatory Permits. Except as has not had and would not be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, the Company and its Subsidiaries possess all material certificates, authorizations and permits issued by the appropriate federal, state or foreign regulatory authorities necessary to own their respective businesses, and neither the Company nor any such Subsidiary has received any written notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any such certificate, authorization or permits.

 

Section 5.18 Internal Accounting Controls. The Company [maintains a system of internal accounting controls] sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability, (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences, and management is not aware of any material weaknesses that are not disclosed in the SEC Documents as and when required.

 

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Section 5.19 Absence of Litigation. There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or by any court, public board, government agency, self-regulatory organization or body pending against or affecting the Company, the Common Shares or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries, wherein an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding would have or be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.20 Absence of Certain Changes. Since the date of the Company’s most recent audited financial statements contained in the Form S-4 or in a Form 10-K, as applicable, there has been no Material Adverse Effect, nor any event or occurrence specifically affecting the Company, or its Subsidiaries that would be reasonably expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of the Company’s most recent audited financial statements contained in the Form S-4 or in a Form 10-K, as applicable, except as disclosed in the SEC Documents, neither the Company, nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i) declared or paid any dividends, (ii) sold any material assets, individually or in the aggregate, outside of the ordinary course of business, or (iii) made any material capital expenditures, individually or in the aggregate, outside of the ordinary course of business. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken any steps to seek protection pursuant to any law or statute relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, liquidation or winding up, nor does the Company or any Subsidiary have any knowledge or reason to believe that any of their respective creditors intend to initiate involuntary bankruptcy proceedings. The Company is Solvent.

 

Section 5.21 Tax Status. Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries (i) has timely filed (including any filings under lawful extension) all foreign, federal and state income and all other tax returns, reports and declarations required by any jurisdiction to which it is subject, (ii) has timely paid all taxes and other governmental assessments and charges that are material in amount, shown or determined to be due on such returns, reports and declarations, except those being contested in good faith and (iii) has set aside on its books provision reasonably adequate for the payment of all taxes for periods subsequent to the periods to which such returns, reports or declarations apply. The Company has not received written notification of any unpaid taxes in any material amount claimed to be due by the taxing authority of any jurisdiction, and the officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries know of no basis for any such claim where the failure to pay would have or would be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.22 Certain Transactions. Except as not required to be disclosed pursuant to Applicable Laws, none of the officers or directors of the Company are presently a party to any transaction with the Company (other than for services as employees, officers and directors), including any contract, agreement or other arrangement providing for the furnishing of services to or by, providing for rental of real or personal property to or from, or otherwise requiring payments to or from any officer or director, or to the knowledge of the Company, any corporation, partnership, trust or other entity in which any officer or director has a substantial interest or is an officer, director, trustee or partner.

 

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Section 5.23 Rights of First Refusal. The Company and its Subsidiaries are not obligated to offer the Common Shares or the Promissory Notes offered hereunder on a right of first refusal basis or otherwise to any third parties including, but not limited to, current or former stockholders of the Company, underwriters, brokers, agents or other third parties.

 

Section 5.24 Dilution. The Company and SharonAI is aware and acknowledges that issuance of Common Shares hereunder could cause dilution to existing stockholders and could significantly increase the outstanding number of Common Shares.

 

Section 5.25 Acknowledgment Regarding Investor’s Purchase of Shares. The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Investor is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length investor with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder. The Company further acknowledge that the Investor is not acting as a financial advisor or fiduciary of the Company (or in any similar capacity) with respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder and any advice given by the Investor or any of its representatives or agents in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder is merely incidental to the Investor’s purchase of the Shares hereunder or the Promissory Note. The Company is aware and acknowledges that it shall not be able to request Advances under this Agreement if a Registration Statement is not effective or if any issuances of Common Shares pursuant to any Advances would violate any rules of the Principal Market. The Company acknowledges and agrees that it is capable of evaluating and understanding, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Section 5.26 Finder’s Fees. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has incurred any liability for any finder’s fees, brokerage commissions or similar payments in connection with the transactions herein contemplated.

 

Section 5.27 Relationship of the Parties. Neither the Company, nor any of its Subsidiaries, affiliates, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any person acting on its or their behalf is a client or customer of the Investor or any of its affiliates and neither the Investor nor any of its affiliates has provided, or will provide, any services to the Company or any of its affiliates, its subsidiaries, or, to the knowledge of the Company, any person acting on its or their behalf. The Investor’s relationship to Company is solely as investor as provided for in the Transaction Documents.

 

Section 5.28 Operations. The operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in material compliance with all material Applicable Law and neither the Company nor the Subsidiaries, nor any director, officer, or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any agent, affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary has, not complied in all material respects with all material Applicable Law; and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any governmental authority involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to Applicable Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

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Section 5.29 Forward-Looking Statements. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, no forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in the Registration Statement or a Prospectus prepared pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement will be made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.

 

Section 5.30 Compliance with Laws. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with Applicable Law; the Company has not received a notice of non-compliance, nor knows of, nor has reasonable grounds to know of, any facts that any director, officer, or employee of the Company or any Subsidiary nor, to the Company’s knowledge, any agent, Affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary has, has not complied with Applicable Laws, or could give rise to a notice of non-compliance with Applicable Laws; in each case that would have or would be reasonably expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Section 5.31 Sanctions Matters. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer or controlled Affiliate of the Company or any director or officer of any Subsidiary, is a Person that is, or is owned or controlled by a Person that is (i) the subject of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authorities, including, without limitation, designation on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List or OFAC’s Foreign Sanctions Evaders List or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), or (ii) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions that broadly prohibit dealings with that country or territory (including, without limitation, the Crimea, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions of Ukraine, the Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic in Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Sudan and Syria (the “Sanctioned Countries”)). Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds from the sale of Advance Shares or any Pre-Paid Advance, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person (a) for the purpose of funding or facilitating any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject of Sanctions or is a Sanctioned Country, or (b) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions or Applicable Laws by any Person (including any Person participating in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise). For the past five years, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has engaged in, and is now not engaged in, any dealings or transactions with any Person, or in any country or territory, that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject of Sanctions or was a Sanctioned Country. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any director, officer or controlled Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has ever had funds blocked by a United States bank or financial institution, temporarily or otherwise, as a result of OFAC concerns.

 

Section 5.32 General Solicitation. Neither the Company, nor any of its affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf, has engaged or will engage in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the meaning of Regulation D) in connection with the offer or sale of the Common Shares.

 

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Article VI.

Indemnification

 

The Investor, and the Company represent to the other the following with respect to itself:

 

Section 6.01 Indemnification by the Company. In consideration of the Investor’s execution and delivery of this Agreement and acquiring the Shares hereunder, and in addition to all of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement, the Company shall defend, protect, indemnify and hold harmless the Investor, its investment manager, Yorkville Advisors Global, LP, and their respective Affiliates, and each of the foregoing’s respective officers, directors, managers, members, partners, employees and agents (including, without limitation, those retained in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) and each person who controls any of the foregoing within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (collectively, the “Investor Indemnitees”) from and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, claims, losses, costs, penalties, fees, liabilities and damages, and reasonable and documented expenses in connection therewith (irrespective of whether any such Investor Indemnitee is a party to the action for which indemnification hereunder is sought), and including reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees and disbursements (the “Indemnified Liabilities”), incurred by the Investor Indemnitees or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to (a) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement for the registration of the Shares as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any related prospectus, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Investor specifically for inclusion therein; (b) any material misrepresentation or breach of any material representation or material warranty made by the Company in this Agreement or any other certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby; or (c) any material breach of any material covenant, material agreement or material obligation of the Company contained in this Agreement or any other certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby. To the extent that the foregoing undertaking by the Company may be unenforceable under Applicable Law, the Company shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities, which is permissible under Applicable Law.

 

Section 6.02 Indemnification by the Investor. In consideration of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company, and in addition to all of the Investor’s other obligations under this Agreement, the Investor shall defend, protect, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, Company, and all of its officers, directors, stockholders, employees and agents (including, without limitation, those retained in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (collectively, the “Company Indemnitees”) from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by the Company Indemnitees or any of them as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to (a) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material

 

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fact contained in the Registration Statement for the registration of the Shares as originally filed or in any amendment thereof, or in any related prospectus, or in any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that the Investor will only be liable for written information relating to the Investor furnished to the Company or by or on behalf of the Investor specifically for inclusion in the documents referred to in the foregoing indemnity, and will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon any such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made therein in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Investor by or on behalf of the Company specifically for inclusion therein; (b) any misrepresentation or breach of any representation or warranty made by the Investor in this Agreement or any instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby executed by the Investor; or (c) any breach of any covenant, agreement or obligation of the Investor contained in this Agreement or any other certificate, instrument or document contemplated hereby or thereby executed by the Investor. To the extent that the foregoing undertaking by the Investor may be unenforceable under Applicable Laws, the Investor shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities, which is permissible under Applicable Laws.

 

Section 6.03 Notice of Claim. Promptly after receipt by an Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving an Indemnified Liability, such Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee, as applicable, shall, if a claim for an Indemnified Liability in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under this Article VI, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof; but the failure to so notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it of liability under this Article VI except to the extent the indemnifying party is prejudiced by such failure. The indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, to assume control of the defense thereof with counsel mutually reasonably satisfactory to the indemnifying party and the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee, as the case may be; provided, however, that an Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee shall have the right to retain its own counsel with the actual and reasonable third party fees and expenses of not more than one counsel for such Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee to be paid by the indemnifying party, if, in the reasonable opinion of counsel retained by the indemnifying party, the representation by such counsel of the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee and the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee shall cooperate fully with the indemnifying party in connection with any negotiation or defense of any such action or claim by the indemnifying party and shall furnish to the indemnifying party all information reasonably available to the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee which relates to such action or claim. The indemnifying party shall keep the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee reasonably apprised as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its prior written consent, provided,

 

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however, that the indemnifying party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated to all rights of the Investor Indemnitee or Company Indemnitee with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the matter for which indemnification has been made. The indemnification required by this Article VI shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received and payment therefor is due.

 

Section 6.04 Remedies. The remedies provided for in this Article VI are not exclusive and shall not limit any right or remedy which may be available to any indemnified person at law or equity. The obligations of the parties to indemnify or make contribution under this Article VI shall survive expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

Section 6.05 Limitation of liability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Party shall seek, nor shall any be entitled to recover from the other Party, nor be liable for, punitive or exemplary damages.

 

Article VII.
Covenants

 

The Company covenants with the Investor, and the Investor covenants with the Company, as follows, which covenants of one party are for the benefit of the other party, during the term of this Agreement:

 

Section 7.01 Effective Registration Statement. During the Commitment Period, the Company shall maintain the continuous effectiveness of each Registration Statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act pursuant to and in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement; provided, however, that in the event there are no Pre-Paid Advances outstanding, the Company shall only be required to use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the continuous effectiveness of the Registration Statement and each subsequent Registration Statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act pursuant to and in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement. During such time that the Investor is informed that a Registration Statement is no longer effective, the Investor agrees not to sell any Common Shares pursuant to such Registration Statement, but may sell shares pursuant to an exemption from registration, if available, subject to the Investor’s compliance with Applicable Laws.

 

Section 7.02 Registration and Listing. The Company shall cause the Common Shares to continue to be registered as a class of securities under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and to comply with its reporting and filing obligations under the Exchange Act, and shall not take any action or file any document (whether or not permitted by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act) to terminate or suspend such registration or to terminate or suspend its reporting and filing obligations under the Exchange Act or Securities Act, except as permitted herein. The Company shall continue the listing and trading of its Common Shares and the listing of the Shares purchased by the Investor

 

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hereunder on the Principal Market and to comply with the Company’s reporting, filing and other obligations under the rules and regulations of the Principal Market, if and after the Common Shares become listed on the Principal Market after the date of this Agreement. If the Company receives any final and non-appealable notice that the listing or quotation of the Common Shares on the Principal Market shall be terminated on a date certain after the Common Shares have become listed on the Principal Market after the date of this Agreement, the Company shall promptly (and in any case within 24 hours) notify the Investor of such fact in writing and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Common Shares to be listed or quoted on another Principal Market.

 

Section 7.03 Reserved.

 

Section 7.04 Blue Sky. The Company shall take such action, if any, as is necessary by the Company in order to obtain an exemption for or to qualify the Shares for sale by the Company to the Investor pursuant to the Transaction Documents, and at the request of the Investor, the subsequent resale of Registrable Securities by the Investor, in each case, under applicable state securities or “Blue Sky” laws and shall provide evidence of any such action so taken to the Investor from time to time during the Commitment Period; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (x) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify, (y) subject itself to general taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction. The Company shall promptly notify the Investor of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the registration or qualification of any of the Common Shares for sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in the United States or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

Section 7.05 Suspension of Registration Statement.

 

(a) Establishment of a Black Out Period. During the Commitment Period, the Company from time to time may suspend the use of a Registration Statement by written notice to the Investor in the event that the Company determines in good faith that such suspension is necessary to (i) delay the disclosure of material non-public information concerning the Company, the disclosure of which at the time is not, in the good faith opinion of the Company, in the best interests of the Company, or (ii) amend or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus so that such Registration Statement or Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (a “Black Out Period”).

 

(b) No Sales by Investor During the Black Out Period. During such Black Out Period, the Investor agrees not to sell any Common Shares of the Company pursuant to such Registration Statement, but may sell shares pursuant to an exemption from registration, if available, subject to the Investor’s compliance with Applicable Laws.

 

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(c) Limitations on the Black Out Period. The Company shall not impose any Black Out Period that is longer than 30 days or in a manner that is more restrictive (including, without limitation, as to duration) than the comparable restrictions that the Company may impose on transfers of the Company’s equity securities by its directors and senior executive officers. In addition, the Company shall not deliver any Advance Notice during any Black Out Period. If the public announcement of such material, nonpublic information is made during a Black Out Period, the Black Out Period shall terminate immediately after such announcement, and the Company shall immediately notify the Investor of the termination of the Black Out Period.

 

Section 7.06 Listing of Common Shares. As of each Advance Notice Date and the applicable Advance Date, the Shares to be sold by the Company from time to time hereunder will have been registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and approved for listing on the Principal Market, subject to official notice of issuance.

 

Section 7.07 Opinion of Counsel. Prior to the date of the delivery by the Company of the first Advance Notice and the First Pre-Paid Advance, the Investor shall have received an opinion letter from counsel to the Company in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Investor.

 

Section 7.08 Exchange Act Registration. The Company will file in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of it as a reporting company under the Exchange Act and, during the Commitment Period, will not take any action or file any document (whether or not permitted by Exchange Act or the rules thereunder) to terminate or suspend its reporting and filing obligations under the Exchange Act.

 

Section 7.09 Transfer Agent Instructions. During the Commitment Period (or such shorter time as permitted by Section 2.04 of this Agreement) and subject to Applicable Laws, the Company shall cause (including, if necessary, by causing legal counsel for the Company to deliver an opinion) the transfer agent for the Common Shares to remove restrictive legends from Common Shares purchased by the Investor pursuant to this Agreement, provided that counsel for the Company shall have been furnished with such documents as they may require for the purpose of enabling them to render the opinions or make the statements requested by the transfer agent, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the covenants, obligations or conditions, contained herein.

 

Section 7.10 Corporate Existence. The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to preserve and continue the corporate existence of the Company.

 

Section 7.11 Notice of Certain Events Affecting Registration; Suspension of Right to Make an Advance. The Company will promptly notify the Investor, and confirm in writing, upon its becoming aware of the occurrence of any of the following events in respect of a Registration Statement or related Prospectus (in each of which cases the information provided to Investor will be kept strictly confidential): (i) receipt of any request for additional information by the SEC or any other Federal or state governmental authority during the period of effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the response to which would require any post-effective amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or any request for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus; (ii) the issuance by the SEC or any other Federal governmental authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose; (iii) receipt of any

 

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notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Common Shares for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or written threat of any proceeding for such purpose; (iv) the happening of any event that makes any statement made in the Registration Statement or related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in the Registration Statement, related Prospectus or documents so that, in the case of the Registration Statement, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and that in the case of the related Prospectus, it will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or of the necessity to amend the Registration Statement or supplement a related Prospectus to comply with the Securities Act or any other law (and the Company will promptly make available to the Investor any such supplement or amendment to the related Prospectus; provided, however, the Company shall not be required to furnish any document to the extent such document is available on EDGAR); (v) the Company’s reasonable determination that a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement would be required under Applicable Law; (vi) the Common Shares shall cease to be authorized for listing on the Principal Market; or (vii) the Company fails to file in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of it as a reporting company under the Exchange Act. The Company shall not deliver to the Investor any Advance Notice, and the Company shall not sell any Shares pursuant to any pending Advance Notice (other than as required pursuant to Section 3.05(d)), during the continuation of any of the foregoing events (each of the events described in the immediately preceding clauses (i) through (vii), inclusive, a “Material Outside Event”).

 

Section 7.12 Consolidation. If an Advance Notice has been delivered to the Investor, then the Company shall not affect any consolidation of the Company with or into, or a transfer of all or substantially all the assets of the Company to another entity before the transaction contemplated in such Advance Notice has been closed in accordance with Section 2.02 hereof, and all Shares in connection with such Advance have been received by the Investor.

 

Section 7.13 Issuance of the Company’s Common Shares. The issuance and sale of the Common Shares hereunder shall be made in accordance with the provisions and requirements of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities law. For purposes of this Section 7.13, Investor agrees that the Company is entitled to rely on the representations and warranties of the Investor set forth in Article IV of this Agreement.

 

Section 7.14 Reservation of Shares. As of the date of this Agreement, and at all times thereafter, the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized capital stock not less than the number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of all Promissory Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) such Promissory Note is convertible at a conversion price equal to the Floor Price as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Promissory Note set forth therein). Unless shareholder approval has previously been obtained, if at any time the number of Common Shares that remain available for issuance under the Exchange Cap have an aggregate market value of less than two

 

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times the outstanding principal balance of all Promissory Notes that are then outstanding (based on a price per Common Share equal to the average VWAP over the prior five (5) Trading Day period), the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to promptly call and hold a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of seeking the approval of its stockholders as required by the applicable rules of the Principal Market, for issuances of shares in excess of the Exchange Cap, and the board of directors of the Company will recommend that the Company’s stockholders vote in favor of such resolution.

 

Section 7.15 Expenses. The Company, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereunder are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, will pay all expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder, including but not limited to (i) the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement and each amendment and supplement thereto, of each Prospectus and of each amendment and supplement thereto; (ii) the preparation, issuance and delivery of any Shares issued pursuant to this Agreement, (iii) all fees and disbursements of the Company’s counsel, accountants and other advisors (but not, for the avoidance doubt, the fees and disbursements of Investor’s counsel, accountants and other advisors), (iv) the qualification of the Shares under securities laws in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, including filing fees in connection therewith, (v) the delivery of copies of any Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto requested by the Investor, (vi) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing or qualification of the Shares for trading on the Principal Market, and (vii) filing fees of the SEC and the Principal Market.

 

Section 7.16 Current Report. The Company shall, not later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the second business day after the date of this Agreement, file with the SEC a current report on Form 8-K describing all the material terms of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents in the form required by the Exchange Act and attaching all the material Transaction Documents (including any exhibits thereto, the “Current Report”). The Company shall provide the Investor and its legal counsel a reasonable opportunity to comment on a draft of the Current Report including any exhibits to be filed related thereto, as applicable, prior to filing the Current Report with the SEC and shall reasonably consider all such comments. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company expressly agrees that from and after the filing of the Current Report with the SEC, the Company shall have publicly disclosed all material, non-public information provided to the Investor (or the Investor’s representatives or agents) by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents or representatives (if any) in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries and each of its and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents not to, provide the Investor with any material, non-public information regarding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries without the express prior written consent of the Investor (which may be granted or withheld in the Investor’s sole discretion and, if granted, must include an agreement to keep such information confidential until publicly disclosed). Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company expressly agrees that it shall publicly disclose in the Current Report or otherwise make publicly available any information communicated to the Investor by or, to the knowledge of the Company, on behalf of the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, which, following the Effective Date would, if not so

 

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disclosed, constitute material, non-public information regarding the Company or its Subsidiaries. The Company understands and confirms that the Investor will rely on the foregoing representations in effecting resales of Shares. In addition, effective upon the filing of the Current Report, the Company acknowledges and agrees that any and all confidentiality or similar obligations with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents under any agreement, whether written or oral, between the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, Affiliates, employees or agents, on the one hand, and Investor or any of its respective officers, directors, Affiliates, employees or agents, on the other hand, shall terminate. Unless specifically agreed to in writing, in no event shall the Investor have a duty of confidentiality or be deemed to have agreed to maintain information in confidence with respect to the delivery of any Advance Notice.

 

Section 7.17 Advance Notice Limitation. The Company shall not deliver an Advance Notice if a shareholder meeting or corporate action, or the record date for any shareholder meeting or any corporate action, would fall during the period beginning two Trading Days prior to the date of delivery of such Advance Notice and ending two Trading Days following the Closing of such Advance.

 

Section 7.18 Use of Proceeds; Subsidiary Guaranty.

 

(a) Use of Proceeds. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary will, without the prior written consent of the Investor directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of any Pre-Paid Advance to repay any advances or loans to any executives, directors, or employees of the Company or any Subsidiary or to make any payments in respect of any related party obligations, including without limitation any payables or notes payable to related parties of the Company or any Subsidiary whether or not such amounts are described on the balance sheets of the Company in any SEC Documents and any Subsidiary or described in any “Related Party Transactions” section of any SEC Documents. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds from the transactions contemplated herein, or lend, contribute, facilitate, or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person (a) for the purpose of funding or facilitating, directly or indirectly, any activities or business of or with any Person or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is or whose government is, the subject of Sanctions or is a Sanctioned Country, or (b) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions or Applicable Laws by any Person (including any Person participating in the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise). The Company shall not without the prior written consent of the Investor loan, invest, transfer or “downstream” any cash proceeds, or assets or property acquired with cash proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Promissory Note to any Subsidiary that has not signed and delivered a Guaranty Agreement to Investor.

 

(b) Prior to the First Pre-Advance Closing, each Subsidiary shall enter into a subsidiary guaranty with the Investor in the form of the Global Guaranty Agreement.

 

Section 7.19 Compliance with Laws. The Company shall comply in all material respects with all Applicable Laws.

 

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Section 7.20 Market Activities. Neither the Company, nor any Subsidiary, nor any of their respective officers, directors or controlling persons will, directly or indirectly, (i) take any action designed to cause or result in, or that constitutes or might reasonably be expected to constitute or result, in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of Common Shares or (ii) sell, bid for, or purchase Common Shares in violation of Regulation M, or pay anyone any compensation for soliciting purchases of the Shares.

 

Section 7.21 Trading Information. Upon the Company’s request, the Investor agrees to provide the Company with trading reports setting forth the number and average sales prices of Common Shares sold by the Investor during the prior trading week.

 

Section 7.22 Selling Restrictions. Except as expressly set forth below, the Investor covenants that from and after the date hereof through and including the Trading Day next following the expiration or termination of this Agreement as provided in Section 10.01 (the “Restricted Period”), none of the Investor any of its officers, or any entity managed or controlled by the Investor (collectively, the “Restricted Persons” and each of the foregoing is referred to herein as a “Restricted Person”) shall, directly or indirectly, engage in any “short sale” (as such term is defined in Rule 200 of Regulation SHO of the Exchange Act) of the Common Shares, either for its own principal account or for the principal account of any other Restricted Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is expressly understood and agreed that nothing contained herein shall (without implication that the contrary would otherwise be true) prohibit any Restricted Person during the Restricted Period from: (1) selling “long” (as defined under Rule 200 promulgated under Regulation SHO) any Common Shares; (2) selling a number of Common Shares equal to the number of Advance Shares that such Restricted Person is unconditionally obligated to purchase under a pending Advance Notice but has not yet received from the Company or the transfer agent pursuant to this Agreement; or (3) selling a number of shares of Common Shares equal to the number of Common Shares that the Investor is entitled to receive, but has not yet received from the Company or the transfer agent, upon the completion of a pending conversion of the Promissory Note for which a valid Conversion Notice (as defined in the Promissory Note) has been submitted to the Company.

 

Section 7.23 Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. No Party shall have any power or any right to assign or transfer, in whole or in part, this Agreement, or any of its rights or any of its obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, any right to pursue any claim for damages pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, or to pursue any claim for any breach or default of this Agreement, or any right arising from the purported assignor’s due performance of its obligations hereunder, without the prior written consent of the other Party and any such purported assignment in contravention of the provisions herein shall be null and void and of no force or effect. Without the consent of the Investor, the Company shall not have the right to assign or transfer any of its rights or provide any third party the right to bind or obligate the Company, to deliver Advance Notices or effect Advances hereunder.

 

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Section 7.24 No Variable Rate Transactions, Etc.

 

(a) No Frustration. The Company shall not enter into, announce or recommend to its stockholders any agreement, plan, arrangement or transaction in or of which the terms thereof would restrict, materially delay, conflict with or impair the ability or right of the Company to perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, including, without limitation, the obligation of the Company to deliver the Shares to the Investor in respect of an Advance Notice (including an Advance Notice deemed delivered in respect of an Investor Notice).

 

(b) No Variable Rate Transactions or Related Party Payments. From the date hereof until the date upon which the Promissory Notes to be issued hereunder has been repaid in full, the Company shall not (i) repay any loans to any executives or employees of the Company or to make any payments in respect of any related party debt, (ii) repay, incur, guaranty, or assume any Indebtedness of Parent other than Permitted Indebtedness, including without limitation, any loans or advances made by the sponsor of Parent or affiliates of its sponsor, unless other funds are raised specifically for the purposes of making such payments or such payments are disclosed in the Form S-4, provided that payments disclosed in the Form S-4 may not be repaid from the funds of any Pre-Paid Advance, or (iii) effect or enter into an agreement to effect any issuance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of Common Shares or any security which entitles the holder to acquire Common Shares (or a combination of units thereof) involving a Variable Rate Transaction, other than involving a Variable Rate Transaction with the Investor. The Investor shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief against the Company and its Subsidiaries to preclude any such issuance, which remedy shall be in addition to any right to collect damages, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required.

 

(c) During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the date upon which the Promissory Note(s) to be issued hereunder have been repaid in full, the Company shall not affect any reverse stock split or share consolidation, without the prior consent of the Investor, not to be unreasonably withheld, unless the purpose of such reverse stock split or share consolidation is to satisfy or maintain the listing of the Common Shares on the Principal Market.

 

(d) From the date hereof until the Promissory Notes to be issued hereunder have been repaid in full, without the prior written consent of the Investor, neither the Company, nor any Subsidiary shall, directly or indirectly (i) other than Permitted Indebtedness, enter into, create, incur, assume, guarantee or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, or (ii) other than Permitted Liens, enter into, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on or with respect to any of its property or assets now owned or hereafter acquired or any interest therein or any income or profits therefrom.

 

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Article VIII.
Non-Exclusive Agreement

 

Subject to Section 8.01 hereof, this Agreement and the rights awarded to the Investor hereunder are non-exclusive, and the Company may, at any time throughout the term of this Agreement and thereafter, issue and allot, or undertake to issue and allot, any shares and/or securities and/or convertible notes, bonds, debentures, options to acquire shares or other securities and/or other facilities which may be converted into or replaced by Common Shares or other securities of the Company, and to extend, renew and/or recycle any bonds and/or debentures, and/or grant any rights with respect to its existing and/or future share capital.

 

Article IX.
Choice of Law/Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial

 

Section 9.01 This Agreement, and any and all claims, proceedings or causes of action relating to this Agreement or arising from this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, including, without limitation, tort claims, statutory claims and contract claims, shall be interpreted, construed, governed and enforced under and solely in accordance with the substantive and procedural laws of the State of New York, in each case as in effect from time to time and as the same may be amended from time to time, and as applied to agreements performed wholly within the State of New York. The Parties further agree that any action between them shall be heard in New York County, New York, and expressly consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the Supreme Court of New York, sitting in New York County, New York and the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, sitting in New York, New York, for the adjudication of any civil action asserted pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Section 9.02 EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, THE PERFORMANCE THEREOF OR THE FINANCINGS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTY HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS PARAGRAPH.

 

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Article X.

Termination

 

Section 10.01 Termination.

 

(a) Unless earlier terminated as provided hereunder, this Agreement shall terminate automatically on the earlier of (i) the 24-month anniversary of the Effective Date, provided that if any Promissory Notes are then outstanding, such termination shall be delayed until such date that all Promissory Note that were outstanding have been repaid, or (ii) the date on which the Investor shall have made payment of Advances pursuant to this Agreement for Common Shares equal to the Commitment Amount, or (iii) the termination of the Business Combination Agreement without the consummation of the Business Combination.

 

(b) The Company may terminate this Agreement effective upon five Trading Days’ prior written notice to the Investor; provided that (i) there are no outstanding Advance Notices under which Common Shares have yet to be issued, (ii) there is not an outstanding Promissory Note, and (iii) the Company has paid all amounts owed to the Investor pursuant to this Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by the mutual written consent of the parties, effective as of the date of such mutual written consent unless otherwise provided in such written consent.

 

(c) In the event that the Business Combination has not occurred by the Business Combination Deadline (unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Investor), then the Investor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement, effective immediately, at any time on or after the close of business on such date without liability to any other party.

 

(d) Nothing in this Section 10.01 shall be deemed to release the Company or the Investor from any liability for any breach under this Agreement prior to the valid termination hereof, or to impair the rights of the Company and the Investor to compel specific performance by the other party of its obligations under this Agreement prior to the valid termination hereof. The indemnification provisions contained in Article VI shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

Article XI.

Notices

 

Other than with respect to Advance Notices, which must be in writing delivered in accordance with Section 3.01 and will be deemed delivered on the day set forth in Section 2.01(b), any notices, consents, waivers, or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally; (ii) upon receipt, when sent by e-mail if sent on a Trading Day, or, if not sent on a Trading Day, on the immediately following Trading Day; (iii) 5 days after being sent by U.S. certified mail, return receipt requested, or (iv) 1 day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, in each case properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses for such communications (except for Advance Notices which shall be delivered in accordance with Exhibit C hereof) shall be:

 

If to the Company, to:   SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151
Attn: Wolf Schubert
E-mail: CEO

 

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With copies (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:

 

Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

12275 El Camino Real San Diego, CA 92130-2089

Attn: Chad Ensz, Esq.

E-mail: censz@sheppardmullin.com

     
If to the Investor:  

YA II PN, Ltd.
1012 Springfield Avenue
Mountainside, NJ 07092

    Attn: Mark Angelo
    E-mail: mangelo@yorkvilleadvisors.com
     

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:

 

David Fine, Esq.
1012 Springfield Avenue
Mountainside, NJ 07092

    E-mail: legal@yorkvilleadvisors.com

 

or at such other address and/or e-mail and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party three Business Days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (i) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (ii) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, and recipient email address or (iii) provided by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service shall be rebuttable evidence of delivery in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.

 

Article XII.

Miscellaneous

 

Section 12.01 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, both which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Facsimile or other electronically scanned and delivered signatures (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com), including by e-mail attachment, shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid as originals and effective for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

Section 12.02 Entire Agreement; Amendments. This Agreement supersedes all other prior oral or written agreements between the Investor, the Company, their respective Affiliates and persons acting on their behalf with respect to the matters discussed herein, and this Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the matters covered herein and, except as specifically set forth herein, neither the Company nor the Investor makes any representation, warranty, covenant or undertaking with respect to such matters. No provision of this Agreement may be waived or amended other than by an instrument in writing signed by the parties to this Agreement.

 

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Section 12.03 Reporting Entity for Common Shares. The reporting entity relied upon for the determination of the trading price or trading volume of the Common Shares on any given Trading Day for the purposes of this Agreement shall be Bloomberg L.P. or any successor thereto. The written mutual consent of the Investor and the Company shall be required to employ any other reporting entity.

 

Section 12.04 Commitment and Structuring Fee. Each of the parties shall pay its own fees and expenses (including the fees of any attorneys, accountants, appraisers or others engaged by such party) in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except that the Company or SharonAI has already paid the Investor or its designee a structuring fee in the amount of $25,000. The Company shall pay a commitment fee to the Investor in an amount equal to 1.00% of the Commitment Amount (the “Commitment Fee”), which shall be due and payable on the earliest of (a) the date of effectiveness of the initial Registration Statement, (b) the Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), and (c) the 180th day from the date hereof. The Commitment Fee may be paid, at the option of the Company, either in cash, or, provided that the Business Combination shall have occurred, by the issuance to the Investor of such number of Common Shares that is equal to the Commitment Fee divided by the average of the daily VWAPs of the Common Shares during the 3 Trading Days immediately prior to such due date (collectively, the “Commitment Shares”).

 

Section 12.05 Brokerage. Each of the parties hereto represents that it has had no dealings in connection with this transaction with any finder or broker who will demand payment of any fee or commission from the other party. The Company on the one hand, and the Investor, on the other hand, agree to indemnify the other against and hold the other harmless from any and all liabilities to any person claiming brokerage commissions or finder’s fees on account of services purported to have been rendered on behalf of the indemnifying party in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Standby Equity Purchase Agreement to be executed by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first set forth above.

 

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

   
  By:  
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO
   
  INVESTOR:
  YA II PN, Ltd.
   
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP
  Its: Investment Manager
     
 

 

By:

Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC

    Its: General Partner
     
    By:  
    Name: Matthew Beckman
    Title: Manager

 

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ANNEX I TO THE

STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Additional Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03.

 

Adjusted Advance Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03

 

Advance” shall mean any issuance and sale of Advance Shares by the Company to the Investor pursuant to this Agreement.

 

Advance Date” shall mean the first Trading Day after expiration of the applicable Pricing Period for each Advance, provided that, with respect to an Advance pursuant to an Investor Notice, the Advance Date shall be the first Trading Day after the date of delivery of such Investor Notice.

 

Advance Notice” shall mean a written notice in the form of Exhibit C attached hereto to the Investor executed by an officer of the Company and setting forth the number of Advance Shares that the Company desires to issue and sell to the Investor.

 

Advance Notice Date” shall mean each date the Company is deemed to have delivered (in accordance with Section 3.01(c) of this Agreement) an Advance Notice to the Investor, subject to the terms of this Agreement.

 

Advance Shares” shall mean the Common Shares that the Company shall issue and sell to the Investor pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

 

Affiliate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.08.

 

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

Amortization Event” shall have the meaning set forth in the Promissory Note.

 

Applicable Laws” shall mean all applicable laws, statutes, rules, regulations, orders, executive orders, directives, policies, guidelines and codes having the force of law, whether local, national, or international, as amended from time to time, including without limitation (i) all applicable laws that relate to money laundering, terrorist financing, financial record keeping and reporting, (ii) all applicable laws that relate to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, books and records and internal controls, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, and (iii) any Sanctions laws.

 

Black Out Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.04.

 

Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.05.

 

Comment Letter” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.03.

 

Commitment Amount” shall mean $50,000,000 of Common Shares.

 

Commitment Fee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.04.

 

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Commitment Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.04.

 

Commitment Period” shall mean the period commencing on the Effective Date and expiring upon the date of termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 10.01.

 

Common Share Equivalents” shall mean any securities of the Company or its Subsidiaries which entitle the holder thereof to acquire at any time Common Shares, including, without limitation, any debt, preferred stock, rights, options, warrants or other instrument that is at any time convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for, or otherwise entitles the holder thereof to receive, Common Shares.

 

Common Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

Company Indemnitees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.02.

 

Condition Satisfaction Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Annex III.

 

Conversion Price” shall have the meaning set forth in the Promissory Note.

 

Daily Traded Amount” shall mean the daily trading volume of the Company’s Common Shares on the Principal Market during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P.

 

Effective Date” shall mean the date of closing of the Business Combination.

 

Environmental Laws” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.

 

Event of Default” shall have the meaning set forth in the Promissory Note.

 

Exchange Act” shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Exchange Cap” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(c).

 

Excluded Day” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.03.

 

Form S-4” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.03.

 

Fixed Price” shall have the meaning set forth in the Promissory Note.

 

Floor Price” shall have the meaning set forth in each Promissory Note.

 

Global Guaranty Agreement” shall mean the global guaranty agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F.

 

Hazardous Materials” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.14.

 

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Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication (i) all indebtedness for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations issued, undertaken or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (including, without limitation, “capital leases” in accordance with GAAP) (other than trade payables entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice), (iii) all reimbursement or payment obligations with respect to letters of credit, surety bonds and other similar instruments, (iv) all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, including obligations so evidenced incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses, (v) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, or incurred as financing, in either case with respect to any property or assets acquired with the proceeds of such indebtedness (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or bank under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (vi) all monetary obligations under any leasing or similar arrangement which, in connection with GAAP, consistently applied for the periods covered thereby, is classified as a capital lease, (vii) all indebtedness referred to in clauses (i) through (f) above secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon or in any property or assets (including accounts and contract rights) owned by any Person, even though the Person which owns such assets or property has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such indebtedness, and (viii) all Contingent Obligations in respect of indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) above.

 

Indemnified Liabilities” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

 

Initial Comment Letter” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.03.

 

Investor” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.

 

Investor Notice” shall mean a written notice to the Company in the form set forth herein as Exhibit E attached hereto.

 

Investor Indemnitees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.01.

 

Lien” shall mean any (i) mortgage, (ii) right of way, (iii) easement, (iv) encroachment, (v) restriction on use, (vi) servitude, (vii) pledge, (viii) lien, (ix) charge, (x) hypothecation, (xi) security interest, (xii) encumbrance, (xiii) adverse right, interest or claim, (xiv) community or other marital property interest, (xv) condition, (xvi) equitable interest, (xvii) encumbrance, (xviii) license, (xix) covenant, (xx) title defect, (xxi) option, (xxii) right of first refusal or offer or similar restriction, (xxiii) voting right, (xxiv) transfer restriction, or (xxv) receipt of income or exercise of any other attribute of ownership.

 

Market Price” shall mean the lowest daily VWAP of the Common Shares during the Pricing Period, other than the daily VWAP on an Excluded Day.

 

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Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any event, occurrence or condition that has had or would reasonably be expected to have (i) a material adverse effect on the legality, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein, (ii) a material adverse effect on the results of operations, assets, business or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (iii) a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to perform in any material respect on a timely basis its obligations under this Agreement; provided, however, that a Material Adverse Effect shall not be deemed to include effects (and solely to the extent of such effects) resulting from (a) general economic or political conditions; (b) conditions generally affecting the industries in which such Person or its Subsidiaries operates; (c) any changes in financial, banking or securities markets in general, including any disruption thereof; (d) acts of war (whether or not declared), armed hostilities or terrorism, or the escalation or worsening thereof; (e) any action required or permitted by this Agreement or any action or omission taken by the Company with the written consent or at the request of Investor or any action or omission taken by Investor with the written consent or at the request of the Company; (f) any changes in Applicable Laws or accounting rules (including U.S. GAAP) or the enforcement, implementation or interpretation thereof; (g) the announcement, pendency or completion of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (h) any natural or man-made disaster, acts of God or epidemic, pandemic or other disease outbreak or the worsening thereof; or (i) any failure by a party to meet any internal or published projections, forecasts or revenue or earnings predictions, except to the extent such events have a disproportionate effect on the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, relative to other companies in the same industry, (it being understood that the facts or occurrences giving rise or contributing to such failure that are not otherwise excluded from the definition of a “Material Adverse Effect” may be taken into account in determining whether there has been a Material Adverse Effect).

 

Material Outside Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.11.

 

Maximum Advance Amount” means (A) in respect of each Advance Notice delivered by the Company pursuant to Section 3.01(a) of this Agreement, an amount equal to 4.99% of the number of outstanding Common Shares immediately preceding an Advance Notice, and (B) in respect of each Advance Notice deemed delivered by the Company pursuant to an Investor Notice, the amount selected by the Investor in such Investor Notice, which amount shall not exceed the limitations set forth in Section 3.02 of this Agreement.

 

Minimum Acceptable Price” shall mean the minimum price notified by the Company to the Investor in each Advance Notice, if applicable.

 

OFAC” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.31.

 

Original Issue Discount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.02.

 

Ownership Limitation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(a).

 

Permitted Indebtedness” shall mean: (i) indebtedness in respect of the Promissory Notes; (ii) indebtedness (A) the repayment of which has been subordinated to the payment of the Promissory Notes on terms and conditions acceptable to the Investor, including with regard to interest payments and repayment of principal, (B) which does not mature or otherwise require or permit redemption or repayment prior to or on the 91st day after the maturity date of the Promissory Note; and (C) which is not secured by any assets; and (iii) any indebtedness (other than the indebtedness set out in (i) – (ii) above) incurred after the date hereof, provided that such indebtedness does not exceed $250,000 at any given time.

 

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Permitted Liens” shall mean (i) any security interest granted to the Investor, (ii) inchoate Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies (A) not yet due, as to which the grace period, if any, related thereto has not yet expired, or (B) being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (iii) Liens of carriers, materialmen, warehousemen, mechanics and landlords and other similar Liens which secure amounts which are not yet overdue by more than 60 days or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (iv) licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases granted to other persons not materially interfering with the conduct of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary; (v) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers compensation claims, unemployment insurance, pension liabilities and social security benefits and Liens securing the performance of bids, tenders, leases and contracts in the ordinary course of business, statutory obligations, surety bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (other than appeal bonds) incurred in the ordinary course of business (exclusive of obligations in respect of the payment for borrowed money); and (vi) Liens in favor of a banking institution arising by operation of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and contractual set-off rights held by such banking institution and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry and only burdening deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a creditor depository institution.

 

Person” shall mean an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, a trust or other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.

 

Plan of Distribution” shall mean the section of a Registration Statement disclosing the plan of distribution of the Shares.

 

Pre-Advance Closing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

 

Pre-Paid Advance” shall mean have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

 

Pricing Period” shall mean the three consecutive Trading Days commencing on the Advance Notice Date.

 

Principal Market” shall mean the Nasdaq Stock Market; provided, however, that in the event the Common Shares are ever listed or traded on the New York Stock Exchange or the NYSE American, the “Principal Market” shall mean such other market or exchange on which the Common Shares are then listed or traded to the extent such other market or exchange is the principal trading market or exchange for the Common Shares.

 

Promissory Note” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01.

 

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Prospectus” shall mean any prospectus (including, without limitation, all amendments and supplements thereto) used by the Company in connection with a Registration Statement, including documents incorporated by reference therein.

 

Prospectus Supplement” shall mean any prospectus supplement to a Prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, including documents incorporated by reference therein.

 

Purchase Price” shall mean (i) the price per Advance Share obtained by multiplying the Market Price by 97% in respect of an Advance Notice delivered by the Company, or (ii) in the case of any Advance Notice delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice, the Purchase Price set forth in Section 3.01(b)(ii).

 

Registration Limitation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(b).

 

Registration Statement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Registrable Securities” shall have the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

Regulation D” shall mean the provisions of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

Sanctions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.31.

 

Sanctioned Countries” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.31.

 

SEC” shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

SEC Documents” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.06.

 

Securities Act” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

Settlement Document” in respect of an Advance Notice delivered by the Company, shall mean a settlement document in the form set out on Exhibit D, and in respect of an Advance Notice deemed delivered pursuant to an Investor Notice, shall mean the Investor Notice containing the information set forth on Exhibit E.

 

Shares” shall mean the Commitment Shares and the Common Shares to be issued from time to time hereunder pursuant to an Advance.

 

Solvent” shall mean, as to any Person as of any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair saleable value of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature and (d) such Person is not engaged in a business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in a business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital. The amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all of the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

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Subsidiaries” shall mean any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, (x) owns a majority of the outstanding capital stock or holds a majority of the equity or similar interest of such Person or (y) controls or operates all or substantially all of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and the foregoing are collectively referred to herein as “Subsidiaries.”

 

Trading Day” shall mean any day during which the Principal Market shall be open for business.

 

Transaction Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, any Promissory Notes issued by the Company hereunder, and each of the other agreements and instruments entered into or delivered by any of the parties hereto in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, as may be amended from time to time.

 

Variable Rate Transaction” shall mean a transaction in which the Company (i) issues or sells any Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents that are convertible into, exchangeable or exercisable for, or include the right to receive additional Common Shares either (A) at a conversion price, exercise price, exchange rate or other price that is based upon and/or varies with the trading prices of or quotations for the Common Shares at any time after the initial issuance of Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents, or (B) with a conversion, exercise or exchange price that is subject to being reset at some future date after the initial issuance of such equity or debt security or upon the occurrence of specified or contingent events directly or indirectly related to the business of the Company or the market for the Common Shares (including, without limitation, any “full ratchet,” “share ratchet,” “price ratchet,” or “weighted average” anti-dilution provisions, but not including any standard anti-dilution protection for any reorganization, recapitalization, non-cash dividend, stock split or other similar transaction), (ii) enters into, or effects a transaction under, any agreement, including but not limited to an “equity line of credit” or other continuous offering or similar offering of Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents, (iii) issues or sells any Common Shares or Common Share Equivalents (or any combination thereof) at an implied discount (taking into account all the securities issuable in such offering) to the market price of the Common Shares at the time of the offering in excess of 30% or (iv) enters into or effects any forward purchase agreement, equity pre-paid forward transaction or other similar offering of securities where the purchaser of securities of the Company receives an upfront or periodic payment of all, or a portion of, the value of the securities so purchased, and the Company receives proceeds from such purchaser based on a price or value that varies with the trading prices of the Common Shares.

 

VWAP” shall mean for any Trading Day or specified period, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for such Trading Day on the Principal Market during regular trading hours, or such specified period, as reported by Bloomberg L.P through its “AQR” function. All such determinations shall be appropriately adjusted for any stock dividend, stock split, stock combination, recapitalization or other similar transaction during such period.

 

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ANNEX II TO THE

STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE INVESTOR’S OBLIGATION TO FUND A PRE-PAID ADVANCE

 

The obligation of the Investor to advance to the Company a particular tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance hereunder at each Pre-Advance Closing is subject to the satisfaction, as of the date of such Pre-Advance Closing, of each of the following conditions, provided that these conditions are for the Investor’s sole benefit and may be waived by the Investor at any time in its sole discretion by providing the Company with prior written notice thereof:

 

(a) The Company shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party, and the Company shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor a Promissory Note with a principal amount corresponding to the amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance (before any deductions made thereto).

 

(b) Each Subsidiary shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor the Global Guaranty Agreement.

 

(c) The Company shall have delivered to the Investor a compliance certificate executed by the chief executive officer of the Company certifying that Company has complied with all of the conditions precedent to the Pre-Advance Closing set forth herein and which may be relied upon by the Investor as evidence of satisfaction of such conditions without any obligation to independently verify.

 

(d) The Investor shall have received an opinion of counsel to the Company, dated on or before the Pre-Advance Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Investor.

 

(e) The Investor shall have received a closing statement in a form to be agreed by the parties, duly executed by an officer of the Company, setting forth wire transfer instructions of the Company for the payment of the amount of the applicable tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance, the amount to be paid by the Investor, which shall be the full principal amount of such tranche of the Pre-Paid Advance less the Original Issue Discount and any other deductions that may be agreed by the parties.

 

(f) The Company shall have delivered to the Investor certified copies of its and each of its Subsidiaries’ charter or certificate of formation, bylaws or operating agreement and any other material organizational documents.

 

(g) The Company shall have delivered to the Investor a certificate evidencing the incorporation and good standing of the Company as of a date within ten (10) days of the applicable Pre-Advance Closing.

 

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(h) (I) The board of directors of the Company has approved the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, (II) said approval has not been amended, rescinded or modified and remains in full force and effect as of the date hereof, and (III) a true, correct and complete copy of such resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors of the Company shall have been provided to the Investor.

 

(i) Each and every representation and warranty of the Company shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than representations and warranties qualified by materiality, which shall be true and correct in all respects) as of the date when made and as of the date of the Pre-Advance Closing as though originally made at that time (except for representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such specific date), and the Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions set forth in each Transaction Document required to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior to the applicable Pre-Advance Closing.

 

(j) No Suspension of Trading in or Delisting of Common Shares. (I) Trading in the Common Shares shall not have been suspended by the SEC, the Principal Market (if and when the Common Shares are listed with the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement) or FINRA, (II) the Company shall not have received any notice that the listing or quotation of the Common Shares on the Principal Market shall be terminated if and when the Common Shares have been listed on the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement, nor shall there have been imposed any suspension of, or restriction on, accepting additional deposits of the Common Shares, electronic trading or book-entry services by DTC with respect to the Common Shares that is continuing, and (III) the Company shall not have received any notice from DTC to the effect that a suspension of, or restriction on, accepting additional deposits of the Common Shares, electronic trading or book-entry services by DTC with respect to the Common Shares is being imposed or is contemplated.

 

(k) The Company shall have obtained all governmental, regulatory or third-party consents and approvals, if any, necessary for the sale of the Common Shares.

 

(l) No statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by any court or governmental entity of competent jurisdiction that prohibits the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

 

(m) Since the date of execution of this Agreement, no event or series of events shall have occurred that has resulted in or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or an Event of Default.

 

(n) (I) No material breach of this Agreement or any Transaction Document shall have occurred, (II) no Event of Default shall have occurred (assuming that the applicable Promissory Note had been outstanding as of each Pre-Advance Closing, and (III) no event has occurred and no condition exists that with the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute a material breach of this Agreement or any Transaction Document or an Event of Default (assuming that the applicable Promissory note had been outstanding as of each Pre-Advance Closing).

 

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(o) Following listing of the Common Shares on the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement, if at all, the Company shall have notified the Principal Market of the issuance of all of the Shares hereunder, the Principal Market shall have completed its review of the related Listing of Additional Share form, and the Company shall have obtained approval of the Principal Market to list or designate for quotation (as the case may be) the maximum number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to the Promissory Note to be issued at the Pre-Advance Closing.

 

(p) Solely with respect to the First Pre-Advance Closing, (a) the Company shall have consummated the Business Combination on or before the Business Combination Deadline on the terms and conditions set forth in the Business Combination Agreement and there shall have been no amendment, waiver or modification to the Business Combination Agreement since the date of this Agreement that materially and adversely affects the economic benefits that the Investor would reasonably expect to receive in connection with the transaction, except to the extent consented to in writing by the Investor, (b) and the Common Shares shall be listed for trading on Nasdaq.

 

(q) Solely with respect to the Second Pre-Advance Closing, the Registration Statement shall be effective in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement for a period of 60 consecutive days.

 

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ANNEX III TO THE

STANDBY EQUITY PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO THE RIGHT OF THE COMPANY TO DELIVER AN ADVANCE NOTICE

 

The right of the Company to deliver an Advance Notice and the obligations of the Investor hereunder with respect to an Advance are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, on each Advance Notice Date (a “Condition Satisfaction Date”), of each of the following conditions:

 

(a) Accuracy of the Company’s Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Advance Notice Date, except to the extent such representations and warranties are as of another date, such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such other date.

 

(b) Issuance of Commitment Shares. The Company shall have paid the Commitment Fee or issued the Commitment Shares to an account designated by the Investor on or prior to the Effective Date, in accordance with Section 12.04, all of which Commitment Fee shall be fully earned and non-refundable on the Effective Date, regardless of whether any Advance Notices are made or settled hereunder or any subsequent termination of this Agreement.

 

(c) Registration of the Common Shares with the SEC. There is an effective Registration Statement pursuant to which the Investor is permitted to utilize the prospectus thereunder to resell all of the Common Shares issuable pursuant to such Advance Notice. The Current Report shall have been filed with the SEC, and the Company shall have filed with the SEC in a timely manner all reports, notices and other documents required under the Exchange Act and applicable SEC regulations during the twelve-month period immediately preceding the applicable Condition Satisfaction Date.

 

(d) Authority. The Company shall have obtained all permits and qualifications required by any applicable state for the offer and sale of all the Common Shares issuable pursuant to such Advance Notice or shall have the availability of exemptions therefrom. The sale and issuance of such Common Shares shall be legally permitted by all laws and regulations to which the Company is subject.

 

(e) Board. (I) The board of directors of the Company has approved the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, (II) said approval has not been amended, rescinded or modified and remains in full force and effect as of the date hereof, and (III) a true, correct and complete copy of such resolutions duly adopted by the board of directors of the Company shall have been provided to the Investor.

 

(f) No Material Outside Event. No Material Outside Event shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

(g) Performance by the Company. The Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with all covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior the applicable Condition Satisfaction Date.

 

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(h) No Injunction. No statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by any court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction that prohibits or materially and adversely affects any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.

 

(i) No Suspension of Trading in or Delisting of Common Shares. (I) Trading in the Common Shares shall not have been suspended by the SEC, the Principal Market (if the Common Shares are listed with the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement) or FINRA, (II) the Company shall not have received any notice that the listing or quotation of the Common Shares on the Principal Market shall be terminated if the Common Shares have been listed on the Principal Market after the date of the Agreement, nor shall there have been imposed any suspension of, or restriction on, accepting additional deposits of the Common Shares, electronic trading or book-entry services by DTC with respect to the Common Shares that is continuing, and (III) the Company shall not have received any notice from DTC to the effect that a suspension of, or restriction on, accepting additional deposits of the Common Shares, electronic trading or book-entry services by DTC with respect to the Common Shares is being imposed or is contemplated.

 

(j) Authorized. All of the Common Shares issuable pursuant to the applicable Advance Notice shall have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company. All Common Shares relating to all prior Advance Notices required to have been received by the Investor under this Agreement shall have been delivered to the Investor in accordance with this Agreement.

 

(k) Executed Advance Notice. The representations contained in the applicable Advance Notice shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the applicable Condition Satisfaction Date.

 

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EXHIBIT A

CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE

 

See attached.

 

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Exhibit Version

 

NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THIS NOTE IS CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE. THESE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

Convertible Promissory Note

 

Original Principal Amount: [$________]

Issuance Date: [_________]

Number: SHARON HOLDINGS-[1][2][3][4]

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC., an entity organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), hereby promises to pay to the order of YA II PN, LTD., or its registered assigns (the “Holder”), the amount set out above as the Original Principal Amount (or such lesser amount as reduced pursuant to the terms hereof pursuant to repayment, redemption, conversion or otherwise, the “Principal”) and the Payment Premium or the Redemption Premium, as applicable, in each case when due, and to pay interest (“Interest”) on any outstanding Principal at the applicable Interest Rate (as defined below) from the date set out above as the Issuance Date (the “Issuance Date”) until the same becomes due and payable, whether upon the Maturity Date or acceleration, conversion, redemption or otherwise (in each case in accordance with the terms hereof). Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section (12). The Issuance Date is the date of the first issuance of this Convertible Promissory Note (as amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, this “Note”) regardless of the number of transfers and regardless of the number of instruments, which may be issued to evidence such Note. This Note was issued with a 5% original issue discount. The Company and the Holder are referred to herein at times, collectively, as the “Parties,” and each, a “Party.”

 

This Note is being issued pursuant to Section 2.01 of the Standby Equity Purchase Agreement dated _______________ (as may be amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “SEPA”), by and between the Company and YA II PN, Ltd., as the Investor. This Note may be repaid in accordance with the terms of the SEPA, including, without limitation, pursuant to Investor Notices and corresponding Advance Notices deemed given by the Company in connection with such Investor Notices. The Holder also has the option of converting on one or more occasions all or part of the then outstanding balance under this Note by delivering to the Company (or any assignee of the Note) one or more Conversion Notices in accordance with Section 3 of this Note.

 

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(1) GENERAL TERMS

 

(a) Maturity Date. On the Maturity Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder an amount in cash representing all outstanding Principal, accrued and unpaid Interest, and any other amounts outstanding pursuant to the terms of this Note. The “Maturity Date” shall be [_________], 20261, as may be extended at the option of the Holder. Other than as specifically permitted by this Note, the Company may not prepay or redeem any portion of the outstanding Principal and accrued and unpaid Interest.

 

(b) Interest Rate and Payment of Interest. Interest shall accrue on the outstanding Principal balance hereof at an annual rate equal to 10% (“Interest Rate”), which Interest Rate shall increase to an annual rate of 18% upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (for so long as such event remains uncured). Interest shall be calculated based on a 365-day year and the actual number of days elapsed, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

 

(c) Monthly Payments.

 

(A) If an Amortization Event has occurred, then the Company shall make monthly cash payments beginning on the seventh (7th) Trading Day after the Amortization Event Date and continuing on the same day of each successive Calendar Month until the entire outstanding principal amount shall have been repaid. Each monthly cash payment shall be in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Principal amount in the aggregate among this Note and all Other Notes equal to the Amortization Principal Amount plus (ii) the Payment Premium in respect of such Amortization Principal Amount, plus (iii) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of each payment date. The obligation of the Company to make monthly cash payments related to an Amortization Event shall cease (with respect to any payment that has not yet come due) if at any time after the Amortization Event Date (A) in the event of a Floor Price Event, either (i) on the date that is the 10th consecutive Trading Day that the daily VWAP is greater than the Floor Price then in effect, or (ii) the Company provides the Holder with a reset notice (“Reset Notice”) setting forth a reduced Floor Price which shall be equal to no more than 75% of the closing price on the Trading Day immediately prior to such Reset Notice (and in no event greater than the then- effective Floor Price), (B) in the event of an Exchange Cap Event, the date the Company has obtained stockholder approval to increase the number of Common Shares under the Exchange Cap and/or the Exchange Cap no longer applies, or (C) in the event of a Registration Event, the condition or event causing the Registration Event has been cured or the Holder is able to resell the Common Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, unless a subsequent Amortization Event occurs.

 

 

 
1 Note to Draft: Shall be the date that is 12 months from the closing date of the First Pre-Paid Advance.

 

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(d) Optional Redemption. The Company at its option shall have the right, but not the obligation, to redeem (“Optional Redemption”) early a portion or all amounts outstanding under this Note as described in this Section; provided, that the Company provides the Holder with written notice (each, a “Redemption Notice”) of its desire to exercise an Optional Redemption, which Redemption Notice (i) shall be delivered to the Holder after the close of regular trading hours on a Trading Day, and (ii) may only be given if the VWAP of the Common Shares was less than the Fixed Price on the date such Redemption Notice is delivered, unless otherwise agreed by the Holder. Each Redemption Notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the outstanding balance of the Note to be redeemed and the Redemption Amount. The “Redemption Amount” shall be an amount equal to (a) the outstanding Principal balance being redeemed by the Company plus (b) the Redemption Premium in respect of such Principal amount plus (c) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of the date of such redemption. After receipt of a Redemption Notice, the Holder shall have ten (10) Trading Days (beginning with the Trading Day immediately following the date such Redemption Notice is delivered to the Holder in accordance with this term of this Section 1(d)) to elect to convert all or any portion of this Note. On the eleventh (11th) Trading Day following the delivery of the applicable Redemption Notice, the Company shall deliver to the Holder the Redemption Amount with respect to the Principal amount redeemed to the extent not converted and otherwise after giving effect to conversions or other payments made during such ten (10) Trading Day period.

 

(e) Payment Dates. Whenever any payment or other obligation hereunder shall be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

(f) Other than as specifically set forth in this Note, the Company shall not have the ability to make any early repayments without the consent of or at the request of the Holder.

 

(2) EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

 

(a) An “Event of Default”, wherever used herein, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court, or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) shall have occurred:

 

(i) The Company’s failure to pay to the Holder any amount of Principal, Redemption Amount, Payment Premium, Interest, or other amounts when and as due under this Note or any other Transaction Document within five (5) Trading Days after such payment is due;

 

(ii) (A) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall commence, or there shall be commenced against the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company any proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws as now or hereafter in effect or any successor thereto, or the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company commences any other proceeding under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect relating to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, in any such bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding which remains undismissed for a period of sixty one (61) days; (B) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; (C) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company suffers any appointment of any custodian, private or court appointed receiver or the like for it or all or substantially all of its property which continues undischarged or unstayed for a period of sixty one (61) days; (D) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company makes a general assignment of all or substantially all of its assets for the benefit of creditors; (E) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall fail to pay, or shall state that it is unable to pay, or shall be unable to pay, its debts generally as they become due; (F) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall call a meeting of its creditors with a view to arranging a composition, adjustment or restructuring of its debts; (G) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall by any act or failure to act expressly indicate its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing; or (H) any corporate or other action is taken by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

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(iii) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall default, in any of its obligations under any note, debenture, mortgage, credit agreement or other facility, indenture agreement, factoring agreement or other instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for borrowed money or money due under any long term leasing or factoring arrangement of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in an amount exceeding $500,000, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, and such default is not cured within the time prescribed by the documents governing such indebtedness or if no time is prescribed, within ten (10) Trading Days, and as a result, such indebtedness becomes or is declared due and payable;

 

(iv) A final judgment or judgments for the payment of money in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate are rendered against the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries and which judgments are not, within thirty (30) days after the entry thereof, bonded, discharged, settled or stayed pending appeal, or are not discharged within thirty (30) days after the expiration of such stay; provided, however, any judgment which is covered by insurance or an indemnity from a creditworthy party shall not be included in calculating the $500,000 amount set forth above so long as the Company provides the Holder a written statement from such insurer or indemnity provider (which written statement shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Holder) to the effect that such judgment is covered by insurance or an indemnity and the Company or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) will receive the proceeds of such insurance or indemnity within thirty (30) days of the issuance of such judgment;

 

(v) The Common Shares shall cease to be quoted or listed for trading, as applicable, on any Principal Market for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days;

 

(vi) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall be a party to any Change of Control Transaction unless in connection with such Change of Control Transaction this Note is retired;

 

(vii) The Company’s (A) failure to deliver the required number of Common Shares to the Holder within two (2) Trading Days after the applicable Share Delivery Date or (B) notice, written or oral, to any holder of this Note, including by way of public announcement, at any time, of its intention not to comply with a request for conversion of all or a portion of this Note into Common Shares that is tendered in accordance with the provisions of this Note;

 

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(viii) The Company shall fail for any reason to deliver the payment in cash pursuant to a Buy-In (as defined below) within five (5) Business Days after such payment is due;

 

(ix) The Company’s failure to timely file with the Commission any Periodic Report on or before the due date of such filing as established by the Commission, it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that due date includes any permitted filing deadline extension under Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act;

 

(x) Any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by or on behalf of the Company in or in connection with any Transaction Document, or any waiver hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (or, in the case of any such representation or warranty already qualified by materiality, such representation or warranty shall prove to have been incorrect) when made or deemed made;

 

(xi) (A) Any material provision of any Transaction Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, ceases to be in full force and effect; (B) the Company or any other Person contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Transaction Document; or (C) the Company denies in writing that it has any further liability or obligation under any Transaction Document, or purports in writing to revoke, terminate (other than in accordance with the relevant termination provisions) or rescind any Transaction Document;

 

(xii) The Company uses the proceeds of the issuance of this Note, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof), or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose; or

 

(xiii) Any Event of Default (as defined in the Other Notes or in any Transaction Document other than this Note) occurs with respect to any Other Notes, or any breach of any material term of any other debenture, note, or instrument held by the Holder in the Company or any agreement between or among the Company and the Holder;

 

(xiv) The Company shall fail to observe or perform any material covenant, agreement or warranty contained in, or otherwise commit any material breach or default of any provision of this Note (except as may be otherwise covered by Sections (2)(a)(i) through (2)(a)(xiii) hereof) or any other Transaction Document, which is not cured or remedied within the time prescribed or if no time is prescribed within ten (10) Business Days.

 

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(b) During the time that any portion of this Note is outstanding, if any Event of Default has occurred (other than an event with respect to the Company described in Section (2)(a)(ii)), the full unpaid Principal amount of this Note, together with the Payment Premium in respect of such Principal Amount and all interest and other amounts owing in respect of this Note to the date of acceleration, shall become, at the Holder’s election given by notice pursuant to Section (5), immediately due and payable in cash; provided that, in the case of any event with respect to the Company described in Section (2)(a)(ii), the full unpaid Principal amount of this Note, together with the Payment Premium in respect of such Principal Amount and all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing in respect of this Note to the date of acceleration, shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Company. Furthermore, in addition to any other remedies, the Holder shall have the right (but not the obligation) to convert, on one or more occasions all or part of the Note in accordance with Section (3) (and subject to the limitations set out in Section (3)(c)(i) and Section (3)(c)(ii)) at any time after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing until all amounts outstanding under this Note have been repaid in full. The Holder need not provide, and the Company hereby waives, any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, (other than required notice of conversion) and the Holder may immediately enforce any and all of its rights and remedies hereunder and all other remedies available to it under applicable law. Such declaration may be rescinded and annulled by the Holder in writing at any time prior to payment hereunder. No such rescission or annulment shall affect any subsequent Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

(3) CONVERSION OF NOTE. This Note shall be convertible into Common Shares, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (3).

 

(a) Conversion Right. Subject to the limitations of Section (3)(c), at any time or times on or after the Issuance Date, the Holder shall be entitled to convert any portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount into fully paid and nonassessable Common Shares in accordance with Section (3)(b), at the Conversion Price. The number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of any Conversion Amount pursuant to this Section (3)(a) shall be determined by dividing (x) such Conversion Amount by (y) the Conversion Price. The Company shall not issue any fraction of a Common Share upon any conversion. All calculations under this Section (3) shall be rounded to the nearest $0.0001. If the issuance would result in the issuance of a fraction of a Common Share, the Company shall round such fraction of a Common Share up to the nearest whole share. The Company shall pay any and all transfer, stamp and similar taxes that may be payable with respect to the issuance and delivery of Common Shares upon conversion of any Conversion Amount.

 

(b) Mechanics of Conversion.

 

(i) Optional Conversion. To convert any Conversion Amount into Common Shares on any date (a “Conversion Date”), the Holder shall (A) transmit by email (or otherwise deliver), for receipt on or prior to 11:59 p.m., New York Time, on such date, a copy of an executed notice of conversion in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I (the “Conversion Notice”) to the Company and (B) if required by Section (3)(b)(iii), surrender this Note to a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for delivery to the Company (or an indemnification undertaking reasonably satisfactory to the Company with respect to this Note in the case of its loss, theft or destruction). On or before the first (1st) Trading Day following the date of receipt of a Conversion Notice (the “Share Delivery Date”), the Company shall (X) if legends are not required to be placed on certificates or the book-entry position of the Common Shares and

 

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provided that the Transfer Agent is participating in the Depository Trust Company’s (“DTC”) Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, instruct such transfer agent to credit such aggregate number of Common Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled to the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission system or (Y) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, issue and deliver to the address as specified in the Conversion Notice, a certificate or book-entry position, registered in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends unless required pursuant to rules and regulations of the Commission. If this Note is physically surrendered for conversion and the outstanding Principal of this Note is greater than the Principal portion of the Conversion Amount being converted, then the Company shall as soon as practicable and in no event later than three (3) Business Days after receipt of this Note and at its own expense, issue and deliver to the holder a new Note representing the outstanding Principal not converted. The Person or Persons entitled to receive the Common Shares issuable upon a conversion of this Note shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Common Shares upon the transmission of a Conversion Notice.

 

(ii) Company’s Failure to Timely Convert. If the Company shall fail, for any reason or for no reason, on or prior to the applicable Share Delivery Date to issue and deliver a certificate to the Holder or credit the Holder’s balance account with DTC for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled upon such Holder’s conversion of any Conversion Amount (a “Conversion Failure”), and if on or after such Trading Day the Holder purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) Common Shares to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of Common Shares issuable upon such conversion that the Holder anticipated receiving from the Company (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall, within three (3) Business Days after the Holder’s request and in the Holder’s discretion, either (i) pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions and other out of pocket expenses, if any) for the Common Shares so purchased (the “Buy-In Price”), at which point the Company’s obligation to deliver such certificate (and to issue such Common Shares) shall terminate, or (ii) promptly honor its obligation to deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates representing such Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled with respect to such Conversion Notice and pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Buy-In Price over the product of (A) such number of Common Shares multiplied by (B) the Closing Price on the Conversion Date.

 

(iii) Book-Entry. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, upon conversion of any portion of this Note in accordance with the terms hereof, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Note to the Company unless (A) the full Conversion Amount represented by this Note is being converted or (B) the Holder has provided the Company with prior written notice (which notice may be included in a Conversion Notice) requesting reissuance of this Note upon physical surrender of this Note. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the Principal and Interest converted and the dates of such conversions or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and the Company, so as not to require physical surrender of this Note upon conversion.

 

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(c) Limitations on Conversions.

 

(i) Beneficial Ownership. The Holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of this Note to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the Holder, together with any affiliate thereof, would beneficially own (as determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder) in excess of 4.99% of the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion. Since the Holder will not be obligated to report to the Company the number of Common Shares it may hold at the time of a conversion hereunder, unless the conversion at issue would result in the issuance of Common Shares in excess of 4.99% of the then outstanding Common Shares without regard to any other shares which may be beneficially owned by the Holder or an affiliate thereof, the Holder shall have the authority and obligation to determine whether the restriction contained in this Section will limit any particular conversion hereunder and to the extent that the Holder determines that the limitation contained in this Section applies, the determination of which portion of the Principal amount of this Note is convertible shall be the responsibility and obligation of the Holder. If the Holder has delivered a Conversion Notice for a Principal amount of this Note that, without regard to any other shares that the Holder or its affiliates may beneficially own, would result in the issuance in excess of the permitted amount hereunder, the Company shall notify the Holder of this fact and shall honor the conversion for the maximum Principal amount permitted to be converted on such Conversion Date in accordance with Section (3)(a) and, any Principal amount tendered for conversion in excess of the permitted amount hereunder shall remain outstanding under this Note. The provisions of this Section may be waived by a Holder (but only as to itself and not to any other Holder) upon not less than 65 days prior notice to the Company. Other Holders shall be unaffected by any such waiver.

 

(ii) Principal Market Limitation. Notwithstanding anything in this Note to the contrary, the Company shall not issue any Common Shares upon conversion of this Note, or otherwise, if the issuance of such Common Shares, together with any Common Shares issued in connection the SEPA and any other related transactions that may be considered part of the same series of transactions, would exceed the aggregate number Common Shares that the Company may issue in a transaction in compliance with the Company’s obligations under the rules or regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq” and shall be referred to as the “Exchange Cap,” except that such limitation shall not apply if the Company’s stockholders have approved such issuances on such terms in excess of the Exchange Cap in accordance with the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.

 

(iii) Limitation on Monthly Conversions. The Holder shall not effect the conversion of this Note to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the aggregate Conversion Amount that has been converted into shares of Common Stock by the Holder during the calendar month in which such Conversion Date occurred (the “Monthly Conversion Period”) exceeds the greater of (x) $1,000,000 and (y) 20% of the aggregate daily dollar trading volume for the Common Stock on the Principal Market during such Monthly Conversion Period as reported by Bloomberg, and provided further that the Conversion Cap shall not apply (A) following the occurrence of an Event of Default, or (B) to any conversion at the Fixed Price.

 

(d) Other Provisions.

 

(i) All calculations under this Section (3) shall be rounded to the nearest $0.0001 or whole share.

 

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(ii) So long as this Note or any Other Notes remain outstanding, the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized share capital, and shall have instructed the Transfer Agent to irrevocably reserve, the maximum number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note and the Other Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) this Note and such Other Notes are convertible at the Floor Price as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Note or Other Notes set forth herein or therein (the “Required Reserve Amount”)), provided that at no time shall the number of Common Shares reserved pursuant to this Section (3)(d)(ii) be reduced other than pursuant to the conversion of this Note and the Other Notes in accordance with their terms, and/or cancellation, or reverse stock split. If at any time while this Note or any Other Notes remain outstanding, the Company does not have a sufficient number of authorized and unreserved Common Shares to satisfy the obligation to reserve for the issuance the Required Reserve Amount, the Company will promptly take all corporate action necessary to propose to a meeting of its shareholders an increase of its authorized share capital necessary to meet the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Note, and cause its board of directors to recommend to the shareholders that they approve such proposal. If at any time the number of Common Shares that remain available for issuance under the Exchange Cap is less than 100% of the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of all the Notes and Other Notes then outstanding (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) the Notes are convertible at the Conversion Price then in effect, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Note, other than the Floor Price then in effect but solely with respect to the Variable Price), the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly call and hold a shareholder meeting for the purpose of seeking the approval of its shareholders as required by the applicable rules of the Principal Market, for issuances of shares in excess of the Exchange Cap. The Company covenants that, upon issuance in accordance with conversion of this Note in accordance with its terms, the Common Shares, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(iii) Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue actual damages or declare an Event of Default pursuant to Section (2) herein for the Company’s failure to deliver certificates representing Common Shares upon conversion within the period specified herein and such Holder shall have the right to pursue all remedies available to it at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief, in each case without the need to post a bond or provide other security. The exercise of any such rights shall not prohibit the Holder from seeking to enforce damages pursuant to any other Section hereof or under applicable law.

 

(iv) Legal Opinions. The Company is obligated to cause its legal counsel to deliver legal opinions to the Company’s transfer agent in connection with any legend removal upon the expiration of any holding period or other requirement for which the Underlying Shares may bear legends restricting the transfer thereof. To the extent that a legal opinion is not provided (either timely or at all), then, in addition to being an Event of Default hereunder, the Company agrees to reimburse the Holder for all reasonable costs incurred by the Holder in connection with any legal opinions paid for by the Holder in connection with the sale or transfer of the Underlying Common Shares. The Holder shall notify the Company of any such costs and expenses it incurs that are referred to in this section from time to time and all amounts owed hereunder shall be paid by the Company with reasonable promptness.

 

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(e) Adjustment of Conversion Price upon Subdivision or Combination of Common Shares. If the Company, at any time while this Note is outstanding, shall (i) pay a stock dividend or otherwise make a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Shares or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in Common Shares, (ii) subdivide outstanding Common Shares into a larger number of shares, (iii) combine (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding Common Shares into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issue by reclassification of Common Shares any shares of capital stock of the Company, then each of the Fixed Price and the Floor Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of Common Shares (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of Common Shares outstanding after such event. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section shall become effective, in the case of a dividend distribution, immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution or, in the case of a subdivision, combination or re- classification, and shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such subdivision, combination or re-classification.

 

(f) Reserved.

 

(g) Other Corporate Events. In addition to and not in substitution for any other rights hereunder, prior to the consummation of any Fundamental Transaction pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive securities or other assets with respect to or in exchange for Common Shares (a “Corporate Event”), the Company shall make appropriate provision to ensure that the Holder will thereafter have the right to receive upon a conversion of this Note, at the Holder’s option, (i) in addition to the Common Shares receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets to which the Holder would have been entitled with respect to such Common Shares had such Common Shares been held by the Holder upon the consummation of such Corporate Event (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of this Note) or (ii) in lieu of the Common Shares otherwise receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets received by the holders of Common Shares in connection with the consummation of such Corporate Event in such amounts as the Holder would have been entitled to receive had this Note initially been issued with conversion rights for the form of such consideration (as opposed to Common Shares) at a conversion rate for such consideration commensurate with the Conversion Price. Provision made pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be in a form and substance satisfactory to the Required Holders. The provisions of this Section shall apply similarly and equally to successive Corporate Events and shall be applied without regard to any limitations on the conversion or redemption of this Note.

 

(h) Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted pursuant to Section (3) hereof, the Company shall promptly provide the Holder with a written notice setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 

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(i) In case of any (1) merger or consolidation of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company with or into another Person, or (2) sale by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of more than one-half of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions, a Holder shall have the right to (A) exercise any rights under Section (2)(a)(xiii), (B) convert the aggregate amount of this Note then outstanding into the shares of stock and other securities, cash and property receivable upon or deemed to be held by holders of Common Shares following such merger, consolidation or sale, and such Holder shall be entitled upon such event or series of related events to receive such amount of securities, cash and property as the Common Shares into which such aggregate Principal amount of this Note could have been converted immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or sales would have been entitled, or (C) in the case of a merger or consolidation, require the surviving entity to issue to the Holder a convertible Note with a Principal amount equal to the aggregate Principal amount of this Note then held by such Holder, plus all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing thereon, which such newly issued convertible Note shall have terms identical (including with respect to conversion) to the terms of this Note, and shall be entitled to all of the rights and privileges of the Holder of this Note set forth herein and the agreements pursuant to which this Note was issued. In the case of clause (C), the conversion price applicable for the newly issued shares of convertible preferred stock or convertible debentures shall be based upon the amount of securities, cash and property that each Common Shares would receive in such transaction and the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness or closing date for such transaction. The terms of any such merger, sale or consolidation shall include such terms so as to continue to give the Holder the right to receive the securities, cash and property set forth in this Section upon any conversion or redemption following such event. This provision shall similarly apply to successive such events.

 

(4) REISSUANCE OF THIS NOTE.

 

(a) Transfer. If this Note is to be transferred, the Holder shall surrender this Note to the Company, whereupon the Company will forthwith issue and deliver upon the order of the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)), registered in the name of the registered transferee or assignee, representing the outstanding Principal being transferred by the Holder (along with any accrued and unpaid interest thereof) and, if less than the entire outstanding Principal is being transferred, a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) to the Holder representing the outstanding Principal not being transferred. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Note, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of Section (3)(b)(iii) following conversion or redemption of any portion of this Note, the outstanding Principal represented by this Note may be less than the Principal stated on the face of this Note.

 

(b) Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Note. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of any indemnification undertaking by the Holder to the Company in customary form and substance and, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) representing the outstanding Principal.

 

(c) Note Exchangeable for Different Denominations. This Note is exchangeable, upon the surrender hereof by the Holder at the principal office of the Company, for a new Note or Notes (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) representing in the aggregate the outstanding Principal of this Note, and each such new Note will represent such portion of such outstanding Principal as is designated by the Holder at the time of such surrender.

 

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(d) Issuance of New Notes. Whenever the Company is required to issue a new Note pursuant to the terms hereof, such new Note (i) shall be of like tenor with this Note, (ii) shall represent, as indicated on the face of such new Note, the Principal remaining outstanding (or in the case of a new Note being issued pursuant to Section (4)(a) or Section (4)(c), the Principal designated by the Holder which, when added to the Principal represented by the other new Note(s) issued in connection with such issuance, does not exceed the Principal remaining outstanding under this Note immediately prior to such issuance of such new Note), (iii) shall have an issuance date, as indicated on the face of such new Note, which is the same as the Issuance Date of this Note, (iv) shall have the same rights and conditions as this Note, and (v) shall represent accrued and unpaid Interest from the Issuance Date.

 

(5) NOTICES. Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms hereof must be in writing by letter or electronic mail (“e-mail”) and will be deemed to have been delivered (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally, (ii) one (1) Business Day after deposit with an overnight courier service with next day delivery specified, as applicable or (iii) receipt, when sent by e-mail, and, in each case of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses and e-mail addresses for such communications shall be:

 

If to the Company, to:   SharonAI Holdings, Inc.
    745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
    New York, NY 10151
    Attention: CEO
    E-mail: wolf@sharonai.com
     
With copies (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:  

Sheppard Mullin LLP

12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100

San Diego, CA 92130

Attention: Chad R. Ensz, Esq.

E-mail: censz@sheppardmullin.com

     
If to the Holder:    YA II PN, Ltd
    c/o Yorkville Advisors Global, LLC
    1012 Springfield Avenue
    Mountainside, NJ 07092
    Attention: Mark Angelo
    Email: Legal@yorkvilleadvisors.com

 

or at such other address and/or e-mail address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party in accordance with this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (a) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (b) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, recipient email address or (c) provided by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt from a nationally recognized overnight delivery service or receipt by e-mail in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.

 

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(6) Except as expressly provided herein, no provision of this Note shall alter or impair the obligations of the Company, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the Principal of, and interest and other charges (if any) on, this Note at the time, place, and rate, and in the currency, herein prescribed. This Note is a direct obligation of the Company. As long as this Note is outstanding, the Company shall not and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries not to, without the consent of the Holder, (i) amend its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other charter documents so as to adversely affect any rights of the Holder; (ii) repay, repurchase or offer to repay, repurchase or otherwise acquire shares of its Common Shares or other equity securities; (iii) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing, or (iv) enter into any agreement, arrangement or transaction in or of which the terms thereof would restrict, materially delay, conflict with or impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under the this Note, including, without limitation, the obligation of the Company to make cash payments hereunder.

 

(7) This Note shall not entitle the Holder to any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including without limitation, the right to vote, to receive dividends and other distributions, or to receive any notice of, or to attend, meetings of stockholders or any other proceedings of the Company, unless and to the extent converted into Common Shares in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(8) CHOICE OF LAW; VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

 

(a) Governing Law. This Note and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall, in all respects, be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws (excluding the principles of conflict of laws) of the State of New York (the “Governing Jurisdiction”) (including Section 5-1401 and Section 5-1402 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York), including all matters of construction, validity and performance.

 

(b) Jurisdiction; Venue; Service.

 

(i) The Company hereby irrevocably consents to the non- exclusive personal jurisdiction of the state courts of the Governing Jurisdiction and, if a basis for federal jurisdiction exists, the non-exclusive personal jurisdiction of any United States District Court for the Governing Jurisdiction.

 

(ii) The Company agrees that venue shall be proper in any court of the Governing Jurisdiction selected by the Holder or, if a basis for federal jurisdiction exists, in any United States District Court in the Governing Jurisdiction selected by the Holder. The Company waives any right to object to the maintenance of any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, in any of the state or federal courts of the Governing Jurisdiction on the basis of improper venue or inconvenience of forum.

 

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(iii) Any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or tort or otherwise, brought by the Company against the Holder arising out of or based upon this Note or any matter relating to this Note, or any other Transaction Document, or any contemplated transaction, shall be brought in a court only in the Governing Jurisdiction. The Company shall not file any counterclaim against the Holder in any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding brought by the Holder against the Company in a jurisdiction outside of the Governing Jurisdiction unless under the rules of the court in which the Holder brought such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding the counterclaim is mandatory, and not permissive, and would be considered waived unless filed as a counterclaim in the suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding instituted by the Holder against the Company. The Company agrees that any forum outside the Governing Jurisdiction is an inconvenient forum and that any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding brought by the Company against the Holder in any court outside the Governing Jurisdiction should be dismissed or transferred to a court located in the Governing Jurisdiction. Furthermore, the Company irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not bring or commence any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against the Holder arising out of or based upon this Note or any matter relating to this Note, or any other Transaction Document, or any contemplated transaction, in any forum other than the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County, and the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State Court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in such federal court. The Company and the Holder agree that a final judgment in any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

(iv) The Company and the Holder irrevocably consent to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding by e-mail or the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail postage prepaid, to it at the e-mail address or physical address, as applicable, provided for notices in this Note, such service to become effective thirty (30) days after the date of such e-mail or mailing, as applicable. The Company and the Holder each irrevocably waive any defense it may have on the grounds of insufficient or improper service with respect to service of process effected in accordance with this Section (8)(b)(iv).

 

(v) Nothing herein shall affect the right of the Holder to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or to otherwise proceed against the Company or any other Person in the Governing Jurisdiction or in any other jurisdiction.

 

(c) THE PARTIES MUTUALLY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ALL CLAIMS OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS NOTE OR ANY MATTER RELATING TO THIS NOTE, OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, OR ANY CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTION. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A WAIVER OF A LEGAL RIGHT AND THAT THE PARTIES EACH MAKE THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY AFTER CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CHOICE. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL SUCH CLAIMS SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A JUDGE OF A COURT HAVING JURISDICTION, WITHOUT A JURY.

 

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(9) If the Company fails to strictly comply with the terms of this Note, then the Company shall reimburse the Holder promptly for all fees, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Holder in any action in connection with this Note, including, without limitation, those incurred: (i) during any workout, attempted workout, and/or in connection with the rendering of legal advice as to the Holder’s rights, remedies and obligations, (ii) collecting any sums which become due to the Holder, (iii) defending or prosecuting any proceeding or any counterclaim to any proceeding or appeal; or (iv) the protection, preservation or enforcement of any rights or remedies of the Holder.

 

(10) Any waiver by the Holder of a breach of any provision of this Note shall not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other breach of such provision or of any breach of any other provision of this Note. The failure of the Holder to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Note on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Note. Any waiver must be in writing.

 

(11) If any provision of this Note is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the balance of this Note shall remain in effect, and if any provision is inapplicable to any person or circumstance, it shall nevertheless remain applicable to all other persons and circumstances. If it shall be found that any interest or other amount deemed interest due hereunder shall violate applicable laws governing usury, the applicable rate of interest due hereunder shall automatically be lowered to equal the maximum permitted rate of interest. The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law or other law which would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the Principal of or interest on this Note as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Note, and the Company (to the extent it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefits or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Holder, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

(12) CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Note, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Amortization Event” shall mean: (i) the daily VWAP is less than the Floor Price then in effect for any five (5) Trading Days during a period of seven (7) consecutive Trading Days (a “Floor Price Event”), (ii) the Company has issued to the Investor, pursuant to the transactions contemplated in this Note, the Other Notes and the SEPA, in excess of 99% of the Common Shares available under the Exchange Cap, where applicable (an “Exchange Cap Event”), or (iii) at any time after the Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), the Investor is unable to utilize a Registration Statement to resell Underlying Shares for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days (a “Registration Event”)] (the last day of each such occurrence, an “Amortization Event Date”).

 

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(b) “Amortization Principal Amount” shall mean $1,000,000, provided however, in the event that the full $7,500,000 of Pre-Paid Advances have not been issued pursuant to the SEPA, then such amount shall be reduced pro rata in accordance with total amount issued.

 

(c) “Applicable Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(d) “Approved Stock Plan” means any employee benefit plan or share incentive plan which has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, pursuant to which the Company’s securities may be issued to any employee, officer or director for services provided to the Company.

 

(e) “Bloomberg” means Bloomberg Financial Markets.

 

(f) “Business Combination” shall have the meaning set forth in the SEPA.

 

(g) “Business Day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be a federal legal holiday in the United States or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close.

 

(h) “Buy-In” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(i) “Buy-In Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(j) “Calendar Month” means one of the twelve months of the year.

 

(k) “Change of Control Transaction” means the occurrence of (a) an acquisition after the date hereof by an individual or legal entity or “group” (as described in Rule 13d-5(b)(1) promulgated under the Exchange Act) of effective control (whether through legal or beneficial ownership of capital stock of the Company, by contract or otherwise) of in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the Company (except that the acquisition of voting securities by the Holder or any other current holder of convertible securities of the Company shall not constitute a Change of Control Transaction for purposes hereof), (b) a replacement at one time or over time of more than one-half of the members of the board of directors of the Company (other than as due to the death or disability of a member of the board of directors) which is not approved by a majority of those individuals who are members of the board of directors on the date hereof (or by those individuals who are serving as members of the board of directors on any date whose nomination to the board of directors was approved by a majority of the members of the board of directors who are members on the date hereof), (c) the merger, consolidation or sale of fifty percent (50%) or more of the assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in one or a series of related transactions with or into another entity, or (d) the execution by the Company of an agreement to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, providing for any of the events set forth above in (a), (b) or (c). No transfer to a wholly-owned Subsidiary shall be deemed a Change of Control Transaction under this provision.

 

(l) “Closing Price” means the price per share in the last reported trade of the Common Shares on a Principal Market or on the exchange which the Common Shares are then listed as quoted by Bloomberg.

 

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(m) “Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(n) “Common Shares” means the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001, of the Company and stock of any other class into which such shares may hereafter be changed or reclassified.

 

(o) “Conversion Amount” means the portion of the Principal, Interest, or other amounts outstanding under this Note to be converted, redeemed or otherwise with respect to which this determination is being made.

 

(p) “Conversion Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(q) “Conversion Failure” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(r) “Conversion Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(s) “Conversion Price” means, as of any Conversion Date or other date of determination, (A) prior to the close of trading on the fifth day following the closing of the Business Combination (“Market Price Date”), $60.62, and (B) after the Market Price Date, the lower of (i) 120% of the average of the daily VWAPs during the five (5) consecutive Trading Day period ending on the Market Price Date (the “Fixed Price”), or (ii) 95% of the lowest daily VWAP during the 10 consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the Conversion Date or other date of determination (the “Variable Price”), but which Variable Price shall not be lower than the Floor Price then in effect. On the earlier of the effective date of the initial Registration Statement, the Effectiveness Deadline (the “Fixed Price Reset Date”), the Fixed Price shall be adjusted (downwards only) to equal the average VWAP for the three (3) Trading Days immediately prior to the Fixed Price Reset Date. The Conversion Price shall be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the other terms and conditions of this Note.

 

(t) “Convertible Securities” means any stock or securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares.

 

(u) “Dilutive Issuance” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(v) “Effectiveness Deadline” shall have the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

(w) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

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(x) “Excluded Securities” means any Common Shares issued or issuable or deemed to be issued by the Company: (i) under any Approved Stock Plan, (ii) upon conversion of any securities issued pursuant to the SEPA (including Common Shares issued in connection with this Note and any of the Other Notes); (iii) upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Options or Convertible Securities which are outstanding on the day immediately preceding the date of the SEPA; provided, that such issuance of Common Shares upon exercise of such Options or Convertible Securities is made pursuant to the terms of such Options or Convertible Securities in effect on such date and such Options or Convertible Securities are not amended, modified or changed on or after such date, or (iv) upon a stock split, reverse stock split, distribution of bonus shares, combination or other recapitalization events.

 

(y) “Floor Price” solely with respect to the Variable Price, shall mean 20% of the Closing Price on the Market Price Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may reduce the Floor Price to any amounts set forth in a written notice to the Holder; provided that such reduction shall be irrevocable and shall not be subject to increase thereafter.

 

(z) “Fundamental Transaction” means any of the following: (1) the Company effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person and the Company is the non-surviving company (other than a merger or consolidation with a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of redomiciling the Company), (2) the Company effects any sale of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (3) any tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are permitted to tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property, or (4) the Company effects any reclassification of the Common Shares or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Shares is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property.

 

(aa) “New Issuance Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(bb) “Other Notes” means any other notes issued pursuant to the SEPA and any other debentures, notes, or other instruments issued in exchange, replacement, or modification of the foregoing.

 

(cc) “Payment Premium” means 10% of the Principal amount being paid.

 

(dd) “Periodic Reports” shall mean all of the Company’s reports required to be filed by the Company with the Commission under applicable laws and regulations (including, without limitation, Regulation S-K), including annual reports (on Form 10-K), quarterly reports (on Form 10-Q), and current reports (on Form 8-K), for so long as any amounts are outstanding under this Note or any Other Note; provided that all such Periodic Reports shall include, when filed, all information, financial statements, audit reports (when applicable) and other information required to be included in such Periodic Reports in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

(ee) “Person” means a corporation, an association, a partnership, organization, a business, an individual, a government or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.

 

(ff) “Principal Market” means any of The New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, and any successor to any of the foregoing markets or exchanges.

 

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(gg) “Redemption Premium” means 10% of the Principal amount being redeemed.

 

(hh) “Registration Rights Agreement” means the registration rights agreement entered into between the Company and the Holder on the date hereof.

 

(ii) “Registration Statement” means a registration statement meeting the requirements set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement covering among other things the resale of the Underlying Shares and naming the Holder as a “selling stockholder” thereunder.

 

(jj) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(kk) “Share Delivery Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(ll) “Subsidiary” shall mean any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, (x) owns a majority of the outstanding capital stock or holds a majority of the equity or similar interest of such Person or (y) controls or operates all or substantially all of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and the foregoing are collectively referred to herein as “Subsidiaries.”

 

(mm) “Trading Day” means a day on which the Common Shares are quoted or traded on a Principal Market on which the Common Shares are then quoted or listed.

 

(nn) “Transaction Document” means this Note, the Other Notes and the NPA and following assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and execution of the SEPA, and the Registration Rights Agreement, the SEPA and the Registration Rights Agreement and any and all other documents, agreements, instruments or other items executed or delivered in connection with this Note or any of the foregoing.

 

(oo) “Underlying Shares” means the Common Shares of the Company issuable upon conversion of this Note or as payment of interest in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(pp) “VWAP” means, for any Trading Day, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for such Trading Day on the Principal Market during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P.

 

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Convertible Promissory Note to be duly executed by a duly authorized officer as of the date set forth above.

 

  SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.
     
  By:  
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO

 

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EXHIBIT I

CONVERSION NOTICE

 

(To be executed by the Holder in order to Convert the Note)

 

TO: [___________]

 

Via Email:

 

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to convert a portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount of Note No. SHARON-[1][2][3][4] into Common Shares of [___________], according to the conditions stated therein, as of the Conversion Date written below.

 

Conversion Date:

 

Principal Amount to be Converted:

 

Accrued Interest to be Converted:

 

Total Conversion Amount to be converted:

 

Fixed Price:

 

Variable Price:

 

Applicable Conversion Price:

 

Number of Common Shares to be issued:

 

Please issue the Common Shares in the following name and deliver them to the following account:

 

Issue to:

 

Broker DTC Participant Code:

 

Account Number:

 

Authorized Signature:  
   
Name:  
   
Title:  

 

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EXHIBIT B

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

See attached.

 

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REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of _________________ is made by and between YA II PN, LTD., a Cayman Islands exempt limited company (the “Investor”), and SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). The Investor and the Company may be referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Investor have entered into that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company may issue, from time to time, to the Investor up to $50,000,000 of newly issued shares of the Company’s shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Shares”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of, and in consideration for the Investor entering into, the Purchase Agreement, and to induce the Investor to execute and deliver the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide the Investor with certain registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or any similar successor statute (collectively, the “Securities Act”).

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Investor hereby agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS.

 

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Applicable Date” means the earlier to occur of (I) the first date on which the initial Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC (and each Prospectus contained therein is available for use on such date) or (II) the first date on which all of the Registrable Securities are eligible to be resold by the Investor pursuant to Rule 144.

 

(b) “Business Day” shall mean any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, other than any day on which commercial banks are authorized or required to be closed in New York City.

 

(c) “Effectiveness Deadline” means, with respect to the initial Registration Statement filed hereunder, the 90th calendar day following the date hereof, provided, however, in the event the Company is notified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that the Registration Statement will not be reviewed or is no longer subject to further review and comments, the Effectiveness Deadline as to such Registration Statement shall be the fifth Business Day following the date on which the Company is so notified if such date precedes the date required above.

 

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(d) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(e) “Filing Deadline” means, with respect to the initial Registration Statement required hereunder, the 30th calendar day following date hereof.

 

(f) “Person” means a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a partnership, an organization, a business, an individual, a governmental or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.

 

(g) “Prospectus” means the prospectus included in a Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement, and all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.

 

(h) “Registrable Securities” means all of (i) the Shares (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and (ii) any capital stock issued or issuable with respect to the Shares, including, without limitation, (1) as a result of any stock split, stock dividend or other distribution, recapitalization or similar event or otherwise, and (2) shares of capital stock of the Company into which the Common Shares are converted or exchanged and shares of capital stock of a successor entity into which the Common Shares are converted or exchanged.

 

(i) “Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company filed pursuant to this Agreement, including the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement or Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

 

(j) “Required Registration Amount” means (i) with respect to the initial Registration Statement, at least 41,240 shares of Common Shares issued or to be issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and the Commitment Shares, and (ii) with respect to subsequent Registration Statements, such number of shares of Common Stock as requested by the Investor not to exceed 300% of the maximum number of shares of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of all Promissory Notes then outstanding (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) such Promissory Notes are convertible at the Conversion Price (as defined in each respective Promissory Note) in effect as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Promissory Notes set forth therein), in each case subject to any cutback set forth in Section 2(e).

 

(k) “Rule 144” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto.

 

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(l) “Rule 415” means Rule 415 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

 

(m) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency administering the Securities Act and the Exchange Act at the time.

 

(n) “Securities Act” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals above.

 

2. REGISTRATION.

 

(a) The Company’s registration obligations set forth in this Section 2 including its obligations to file Registration Statements, obtain effectiveness of Registration Statements, and maintain the continuous effectiveness of any Registration Statement that has been declared effective shall begin on the date hereof and continue until all the earlier of (i) the date on which the Investor has sold all of the Registrable Securities and (ii) the date of termination of the Purchase Agreement if as of such termination date the Investor holds no Registrable Securities (the “Registration Period”).

 

(b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company shall (i) as soon as practicable, but in no case later than the Filing Deadline, prepare and file with the SEC an initial Registration Statement on Form S-1 (or, if the Company is then eligible, on Form S-3) or any successor form thereto covering the resale by the Investor of the Required Registration Amount in accordance with applicable SEC rules, regulations and interpretations so as to permit the resale of such Registrable Securities by the Investor under Rule 415 at then prevailing market prices (and not fixed prices). The Registration Statement shall contain “Selling Stockholders” and “Plan of Distribution” sections. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC as soon as practicable, but in no event later than the Effectiveness Deadline. By 9:30 am on the business day following the date of effectiveness, the Company shall file with the SEC in accordance with Rule 424 under the Securities Act the final Prospectus to be used in connection with sales pursuant to such Registration Statement. Prior to the filing of the Registration Statement with the SEC, the Company shall furnish a draft of the Registration Statement to the Investor for their review and comment.

 

(c) Sufficient Number of Shares Registered. If at any time all Registrable Securities are not covered by a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2(a) as a result of Section 2(e) or otherwise, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC one (1) or more additional Registration Statements so as to cover all of the Registrable Securities not covered by such initial Registration Statement, in each case as soon as practicable (taking into account any position of the staff of the SEC with respect to the date on which the Staff will permit such additional Registration Statement(s) to be filed with the SEC and the rules and regulations of the SEC). The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause each such new Registration Statement to become effective as soon as reasonably practicable following the filling thereof with the SEC.

 

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(d) During the Registration Period, the Company shall (i) promptly prepare and file with the SEC such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to a Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection with a Registration Statement, which Prospectus is to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 promulgated under the Securities Act, as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective at all times during the Registration Period, (ii) prepare and file with the SEC additional Registration Statements in order to register for resale under the Securities Act all of the Registrable Securities; (iii) cause the related Prospectus to be amended or supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement (subject to the terms of this Agreement), and as so supplemented or amended to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (iv) respond as promptly as reasonably possible to any comments received from the SEC with respect to a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto and as promptly as reasonably possible provide the Investor true and complete copies of all correspondence from and to the SEC relating to a Registration Statement (provided that the Company may excise any information contained therein which would constitute material non-public information as to any Investor which has not executed a confidentiality agreement with the Company); and (v) comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities of the Company covered by such Registration Statement until such time as all of such Registrable Securities shall have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the seller or sellers thereof as set forth in such Registration Statement. In the case of amendments and supplements to a Registration Statement which are required to be filed pursuant to this Agreement (including pursuant to this Section 2(c)) by reason of the Company’s filing a report on Form 10-K, Form 10- Q, or Form 8-K or any analogous report under the Exchange Act, the Company shall incorporate such report by reference into the Registration Statement, if applicable, or shall file such amendments or supplements with the SEC on the same day on which the Exchange Act report is filed which created the requirement for the Company to amend or supplement the Registration Statement.

 

(e) Reduction of Registrable Securities Included in a Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in the event that the SEC requires the Company to reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included in a Registration Statement in order to allow the Company to rely on Rule 415 with respect to a Registration Statement, then the Company shall reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included in such Registration Statement (after consultation with the Investor as to the specific Registrable Securities to be removed therefrom) to the maximum number of securities as is permitted to be registered by the SEC. In the event of any reduction in Registrable Securities pursuant to this paragraph, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file one (1) or more New Registration Statements with the Commission in accordance with Section 2(c) until such time as all Registrable Securities have been included in Registration Statements that have been declared effective and the Prospectuses contained therein are available for use by the Investor.

 

(f) Failure to File or Obtain Effectiveness of the Registration Statement or Remain Current. If: (i) a Registration Statement is not filed on or prior to its Filing Date, or (ii) a Registration Statement is not declared effective on or prior to the Effectiveness Deadline, or the Company fails to file with the SEC a request for acceleration in accordance with Rule 461 promulgated under the Securities Act, within five (5) Business Days of the date that the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that a Registration Statement will not be “reviewed,” or not subject to further review, or (iii) after the effectiveness, a Registration Statement ceases for any reason to remain continuously effective as to all Registrable Securities for which it is required to be effective, or (iv) the Investor is not permitted to utilize the Prospectus

 

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therein to resell such Registrable Securities for more than 15 consecutive calendar days or more than an aggregate of 30 calendar days during any 12-month period (which need not be consecutive calendar days), or (v) if after the date that is six (6) months from the date hereof, the Company does not have available adequate current public information as set forth in Rule 144(c) (any such failure or breach being referred to as an “Event”), then in addition to any other rights the Investor may have hereunder or under applicable law, such Event shall constitute a Registration Event (as defined in each respective Promissory Notes), and the Company shall be in breach of the term and conditions of this Agreement and such Event shall be deemed an Event of Default (as defined in each respective Promissory Notes) for so long as such Event remains uncured. During the period of the existence of an uncured Event, the Investor shall have no obligation to accept an Advance Notice or accept or purchase any Advance Shares (other than any Advance Shares purchased by the Investor prior to the occurrence of the Event).

 

(g) Piggy-Back Registrations. If at any time there is not an effective Registration Statement covering all of the Registrable Securities and the Company proposes to register the offer and sale of any Common Shares under the Securities Act (other than a registration (i) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (or other registration solely relating to an offering or sale to employees or directors of the Company pursuant to any employee stock plan or other employee benefit arrangement), (ii) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (or similar form that relates to a transaction subject to Rule 145 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto), or (iii) in connection with any dividend or distribution reinvestment or similar plan), whether for its own account or for the account of one (1) or more stockholders of the Company and the form of Registration Statement to be used may be used for any registration of Registrable Securities, the Company shall give prompt written notice (in any event no later than five (5) days prior to the filing of such Registration Statement) to the holders of Registrable Securities of its intention to effect such a registration and, shall include in such registration all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion from the holders of Registrable Securities; provided, however, that, the Company shall not be required to register any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2(g) that have been sold or may permanently be sold without any restrictions pursuant to Rule 144, as determined by the counsel to the Company pursuant to a written opinion letter to such effect, addressed and acceptable to the Company’s transfer agent.

 

(h) No Inclusion of Other Securities; Other Registration Statements. In no event shall the Company (i) include any securities other than Registrable Securities on any Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(b) or Section 2(c) without the Investor’s prior written consent or (ii) prior to the Applicable Date, or at any time thereafter while any Registration Statement is not effective or the Prospectus contained therein is not available for use, the Company shall not file a registration statement or an offering statement under the Seecurities Act relating to securities that are not the Registrable Securities (other than a registration statement on Form S-8 or such supplements or amendments to registration statements that are outstanding and have been declared effective by the SEC as of the date hereof) (solely to the extent necessary to keep such registration statements effective and available and not for any other reason).

 

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3. RELATED OBLIGATIONS.

 

(a) The Company shall, not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the filing of each Registration Statement and not less than one (1) business day prior to the filing of any related amendments and supplements to all Registration Statements (except for annual reports on Form 10-K, supplements and amendments to update the Registration Statement solely for information reflected in the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K), furnish to each Investor copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, which documents (other than those incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference) will be subject to the reasonable and prompt review of such Investor. The Company shall not file a Registration Statement or any such Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto to which the Investor shall reasonably object in good faith; provided that, the Company is notified of such objection in writing no later than two (2) Trading Days after the Investor have been so furnished copies of a Registration Statement.

 

(b) The Company shall furnish to each Investor whose Registrable Securities are included in any Registration Statement, without charge (i) at least one (1) copy (which may be in electronic form) of such Registration Statement as declared effective by the SEC and any amendment(s) thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated therein by reference, all exhibits and each preliminary prospectus, (ii) at least one (1) copy (which may be in electronic form) of the final prospectus included in such Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto, and (iii) any documents, which are not publicly available through EDGAR, as such Investor may reasonably request from time to time in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Investor.

 

(c) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to (i) register and qualify the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as any Investor reasonably requests, (ii) prepare and file in those jurisdictions, such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registrations and qualifications as may be necessary to maintain the effectiveness thereof during the Registration Period, (iii) take such other actions as may be necessary to maintain such registrations and qualifications in effect at all times during the Registration Period, and (iv) take all other actions reasonably necessary or advisable to qualify the Registrable Securities for sale in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (w) make any change to its articles of incorporation or by-laws, (x) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(c), (y) subject itself to general taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction. The Company shall promptly notify each Investor who holds Registrable Securities of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the registration or qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in the United States or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

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(d) As promptly as practicable after becoming aware of such event or development, the Company shall notify each Investor in writing of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in a Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (provided that in no event shall such notice contain any material, nonpublic information), and promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such Registration Statement to correct such untrue statement or omission and deliver one (1) electronic copy of such supplement or amendment to the Investor. The Company shall also promptly notify each Investor in writing (i) when a Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and when a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment has become effective (notification of such effectiveness shall be delivered to each Investor by email on the same day of such effectiveness), (ii) of any request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or related prospectus or related information, and (iii) of the Company’s reasonable determination that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement would be appropriate. The Company shall respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to any comments received from the SEC with respect to a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto.

 

(e) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or the suspension of the qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction within the United States of America and, if such an order or suspension is issued, to obtain the withdrawal of such order or suspension at the earliest possible moment and to notify each Investor who holds Registrable Securities being sold of the issuance of such order and the resolution thereof or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

(f) Without limiting any obligation of the Company under the Purchase Agreement, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause all of the Registrable Securities covered by each Registration Statement to be listed on the Principal Market. The Company shall pay all fees and expenses in connection with satisfying its obligation under this Section 3(f).

 

(g) The Company shall hold in confidence and not make any disclosure of information concerning the Investor provided to the Company unless (i) disclosure of such information is necessary to comply with federal or state securities laws, (ii) the disclosure of such information is necessary to avoid or correct a material misstatement or omission in any Registration Statement, (iii) the release of such information is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other final, non-appealable order from a court or governmental body of competent jurisdiction, or (iv) such information has been made generally available to the public other than by disclosure in violation of this Agreement or any other agreement. The Company agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such information concerning the Investor is sought in or by a court or governmental body of competent jurisdiction or through other means, give prompt written notice to the Investor and allow the Investor, at the Investor’s expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of, or to obtain a protective order for, such information.

 

(h) The Company shall cooperate with the holders of the Registrable Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144 free of any restrictive legends and representing such number of Common Shares and registered in such names as the holders of the Registrable Securities may reasonably request prior to sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144; provided, that the Company may satisfy its obligations hereunder without issuing physical stock certificates through the use of The Depository Trust Company’s Direct Registration System.

 

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(i) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Securities to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities.

 

(j) The Company shall otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC in connection with any registration hereunder.

 

(k) Within two (2) Business Days after a Registration Statement which covers Registrable Securities is declared effective by the SEC, the Company shall deliver, and shall cause legal counsel for the Company to deliver, to the transfer agent for such Registrable Securities (with copies to the Investor whose Registrable Securities are included in such Registration Statement) confirmation that such Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC.

 

(l) The Company shall take all other reasonable actions necessary to expedite and facilitate disposition by each Investor of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement.

 

4. OBLIGATIONS OF THE INVESTOR.

 

(a) The Investor agrees that upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(d) the Investor shall as soon as reasonably practicable discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities until the Investor’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 3(d) or receipt of notice that no supplement or amendment is required. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, subject to compliance with the securities laws, the Company shall cause its transfer agent to deliver unlegended certificates for Common Shares to a transferee of the Investor in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement in connection with any sale of Registrable Securities with respect to which the Investor has entered into a contract for sale prior to the Investor’s receipt of a notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(d) and for which the Investor has not yet settled.

 

(b) The Investor covenants and agrees that it will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act as applicable to it or an exemption therefrom in connection with sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement.

 

(c) The Investor, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities, agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of each Registration Statement hereunder, unless the Investor has notified the Company in writing of the Investor’s election to exclude all of the Investor’s Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.

 

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5. EXPENSES OF REGISTRATION.

 

All expenses incurred by the Company in complying with its obligations pursuant to this Agreement and in connection with the registration and disposition of Registrable Securities shall be paid by the Company, including, without limitation, all registration, listing and qualifications fees, printers, fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and accountants (except legal fees of Investor’s counsel associated with the review of the Registration Statement).

 

6. INDEMNIFICATION.

 

With respect to Registrable Securities which are included in a Registration Statement under this Agreement:

 

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company will, and hereby does, indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Investor and its directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, and representatives, and each Person, if any, who controls the Investor within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each, an “Investor Indemnified Person”), against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties, charges, costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees, amounts paid in settlement or expenses, joint or several (collectively, “Indemnified Damages”), incurred in investigating, preparing or defending any action, claim, suit, inquiry, proceeding, investigation or appeal taken from the foregoing by or before any court or governmental, administrative or other regulatory agency, body or the SEC, whether pending or threatened, whether or not an indemnified party is or may be a party thereto (“Claims”), to which any of them may become subject insofar as such Claims (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in a Registration Statement or any post- effective amendment thereto or in any filing made in connection with the qualification of the offering under the securities or other “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in which Registrable Securities are offered (“Blue Sky Filing”), or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any final prospectus (as amended or supplemented, if the Company files any amendment or supplement thereto with the SEC) or the omission or alleged omission to state therein any material fact necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which the statements therein were made, not misleading; or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement (the matters in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii) being, collectively, “Violations”). The Company shall reimburse the Investor and each such Investor Indemnified Person promptly as Indemnified Damages are incurred and are due and payable, including reasonable legal fees, disbursements and other expenses incurred by an Investor Indemnified Person in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 6(a): (x) shall not apply to a Claim arising out of or based upon a Violation which occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by such Investor Indemnified Person expressly for use in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement or any such amendment thereof or supplement thereto; (y) shall not be available to the extent such Claim is based on a failure of the Investor to deliver or to cause to be delivered the prospectus made available by the Company, if such prospectus was timely made available by the Company pursuant to Section 3(c); and (z) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of an Investor Indemnified Person.

 

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(b) In connection with a Registration Statement, the Investor agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend, to the same extent and in the same manner as is set forth in Section 6(a), the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers, employees, representatives, or agents and each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each a “Company Indemnified Person”), against any Claim or Indemnified Damages to which any of them may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such Claim or Indemnified Damages arise out of or is based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent, and only to the extent, that such Violation occurs (i) in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Investor expressly for use in connection with such Registration Statement or (ii) from the Investor’s violation of any prospectus delivery requirements under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement; and, subject to Section 6(d), such Investor will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim; provided, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6(b) and the agreement with respect to contribution contained in Section 7 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Investor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, further, that, other than in connection with fraud or gross negligence on the part of the Investor, the Investor shall be liable under this Section 6(b) for only that amount of a Claim or Indemnified Damages as does not exceed the net proceeds to such Investor as a result of the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Company Indemnified Person. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 6(b) with respect to any prospectus shall not inure to the benefit of any Company Indemnified Person if the untrue statement or omission of material fact contained in the prospectus was corrected and such new prospectus was delivered to the Investor prior to such Investor’s use of the prospectus to which the Claim relates.

 

(c) Promptly after receipt by an Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person under this Section 6 of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving a Claim, such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall, if indemnification in respect of such Claim is to be sought from any indemnifying party under this Section 6, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof, and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, assume control of the defense thereof with counsel reasonably and mutually satisfactory to the indemnifying party and the Investor Indemnified Person or the Company Indemnified Person, as the case may be; provided, however, that an Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own

 

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counsel with the fees and expenses of not more than one (1) counsel for such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person to be paid by the indemnifying party, if, in the reasonable opinion of counsel retained by the indemnifying party, the representation by such counsel of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person and the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall reasonably cooperate with the indemnifying party in connection with any negotiation or defense of any Claim by the indemnifying party and shall furnish to the indemnifying party all information reasonably available to the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person which relates to such action or claim. The indemnifying party shall keep the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person fully apprised at all times as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its prior written consent; provided, however, that the indemnifying party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person, as the case may be, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person of a full and unconditional release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated to all rights of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the Claim(s) for which indemnification has been made. The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such Claim shall not relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person under this Section 6, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is prejudiced in its ability to defend such Claim.

 

(d) The indemnification required by this Section 6 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or Indemnified Damages are incurred.

 

(e) The indemnity agreements contained herein shall be in addition to (i) any cause of action or similar right of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person against the indemnifying party or others and (ii) any liabilities the indemnifying party may be subject to pursuant to the law.

 

7. CONTRIBUTION.

 

To the extent any indemnification by an indemnifying party is prohibited or limited by law, the indemnifying party agrees to make the maximum contribution with respect to any amounts for which it would otherwise be liable under Section 6 to the fullest extent permitted by law; provided, however, that: (i) no seller of Registrable Securities guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any seller of Registrable Securities who was not guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation and (ii) contribution by any seller of Registrable Securities shall be limited in amount to the net amount of proceeds received by such seller from the sale of such Registrable Securities.

 

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8. REPORTS UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT.

 

With a view to making available to the Investor the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or any similar rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Investor to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration, and as a material inducement to the Investor’s purchase of the Promissory Notes, the Company represents, warrants, and covenants to the following:

 

(a) The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and has timely filed (giving effect to permissible extensions in accordance with Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act). all required reports under section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the 12 months prior to the date hereof (or for such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports), other than Form 8-K reports.

 

(b) During the Registration Period, the Company shall file with the SEC in a timely manner all required reports under section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (it being understood that nothing herein shall limit the Company’s obligations under the Purchase Agreement) and such reports shall conform to the requirement of the Exchange Act and the SEC for filing thereunder.

 

(c) The Company shall furnish to the Investor so long as such Investor owns Registrable Securities, promptly upon request, (i) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company, and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested to permit the Investor to sell such securities pursuant to Rule 144 without registration.

 

9. AMENDMENT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS.

 

Provisions of this Agreement may be amended and the observance thereof may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the Company and the Investor. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this Section 9 shall be binding upon each of the Investor and the Company. No such amendment shall be effective to the extent that it applies to fewer than all of the holders of the Registrable Securities. No consideration shall be offered or paid to any Person to amend or consent to a waiver or modification of any provision of any of this Agreement unless the same consideration also is offered to all of the parties to this Agreement.

 

10. MISCELLANEOUS.

 

(a) A Person is deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities whenever such Person owns or is deemed to own of record such Registrable Securities or owns the right to receive the Registrable Securities. If the Company receives conflicting instructions, notices or elections from two (2) or more Persons with respect to the same Registrable Securities, the Company shall act upon the basis of instructions, notice or election received from the registered owner of such Registrable Securities.

 

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(b) Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations of the Investor or the Company hereunder may be assigned to any other Person, except for assignments by the Investor to any of its affiliates.

 

(c) Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered pursuant to the notice provisions of the Purchase Agreement or to such other address and/or electronic mail address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party five (5) days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (A) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (B) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, and recipient email or (C) provided by a courier or overnight courier service shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt by email or receipt from a nationally recognized overnight delivery service in accordance with this section.

 

(d) Failure of any party to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement or otherwise, or delay by a party in exercising such right or remedy, shall not operate as a waiver thereof.

 

(e) The laws of the State of New York shall govern all issues concerning the relative rights of the Company and the Investor as its stockholder. All other questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, sitting in New York County, New York and federal courts for the Southern District of New York sitting New York, New York, for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof to such party at the address for such notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in that jurisdiction or the validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

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(f) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the permitted successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto.

 

(g) The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

(h) This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, both of which shall be considered one (1) and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Electronically scanned and delivered signatures (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com), including by e-mail attachment, shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

(i) Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as the other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(j) The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent and no rules of strict construction will be applied against any party.

 

(k) This Agreement is intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other Person.

 

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Investor and the Company have caused their signature page to this Registration Rights Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

  COMPANY:
  Sharonai Holdings, Inc.
     
  By:  
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO

 

  INVESTOR:
  YA II PN, Ltd.
     
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP
  Its: Investment Manager
     
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC
  Its: General Partner
     
  By:  
  Name: Matthew Beckman
  Title: Manager

 

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EXHIBIT C
ADVANCE NOTICE

 

Dated: ______________ Advance Notice Number: ____

 

The undersigned, _______________________, hereby certifies, with respect to the sale of Common Shares of SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Company”) issuable in connection with this Advance Notice, delivered pursuant to that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of [____________] (the “Agreement”), as follows (with capitalized terms used herein without definition having the same meanings as given to them in the Agreement):

 

1. The undersigned is the duly elected ______________ of the Company.

 

2. There are no fundamental changes to the information set forth in the Registration Statement which would require the Company to file a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement.

 

3. The Company has performed in all material respects all covenants and agreements to be performed by the Company contained in the Agreement on or prior to the Advance Notice Date. All conditions to the delivery of this Advance Notice are satisfied as of the date hereof.

 

4. The number of Advance Shares the Company is requesting is _____________________.

 

5. The Minimum Acceptable Price with respect to this Advance Notice is ____________ (if left blank then no Minimum Acceptable Price will be applicable to this Advance).

 

6. The number of Common Shares of the Company outstanding as of the date hereof is ___________.

 

The undersigned has executed this Advance Notice as of the date first set forth above.

 

  SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.
     
By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

 

Please deliver this Advance Notice by email to:

Email: Trading@yorkvilleadvisors.com

Attention: Trading Department and Compliance Officer

Confirmation Telephone Number: (201) 985-8300.

 

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EXHIBIT D

SETTLEMENT DOCUMENT

 

VIA EMAIL

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

Attn:

Email:

 

Below please find the settlement information with respect to the Advance Notice Date of:  
1. Number of Common Shares requested in the Advance Notice  
2. Minimum Acceptable Price for this Advance (if any)  
3. Number of Excluded Days (if any)  
4. Adjusted Advance Amount (if applicable)  
5. Market Price  
6. Purchase Price (Market Price x 97%) per share  
7. Number of Advance Shares due to the Investor  
8. Total Purchase Price due to Company (row 6 x row 7)  

 

If there were any Excluded Days then add the following

 

9. Number of Additional Shares to be issued to the Investor  
10. Additional amount to be paid to the Company by the Investor (Additional Shares in row 9 x Minimum Acceptable Price x 97%)  
11. Total Amount to be paid to the Company (Purchase Price in row 8 + additional amount in row 10)  
12. Total Advance Shares to be issued to the Investor (Advance Shares due to the Investor in row 7 + Additional Shares in row 9)  

 

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Please issue the number of Advance Shares due to the Investor to the account of the Investor as follows:

 

Investor’s DTC participant #:  
   

ACCOUNT NAME:

 

ACCOUNT NUMBER:

 

ADDRESS:

 

CITY:

 

COUNTRY:

 

Contact person:

 

Number and/or email:

 
   
Sincerely,  
   
YA II PN, LTD.  
   

 

Agreed and approved by:  
   
SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.  
     
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

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EXHIBIT E

INVESTOR NOTICE,

CORRESPONDING ADVANCE NOTICE,

AND SETTLEMENT DOCUMENT

 

YA II PN, LTD.

 

Dated: ______________ Investor Notice Number: ____

 

On behalf of YA II PN, LTD. (the “Investor”), the undersigned hereby certifies, with respect to the purchase of Common Shares of SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC. (the “Company”) issuable in connection with this Investor Notice, delivered pursuant to that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of [_____________], as amended and supplemented from time to time (the “Agreement”), as follows:

 

1. Advance requested in the Advance Notice  
2. Purchase Price (equal to the Conversion Price as defined in the Promissory Note)  
3. Number of Shares due to Investor  

 

The aggregate purchase price of the Shares to be paid by Investor pursuant to this Investor Notice and corresponding Advance Notice shall be offset against amounts outstanding under the Pre-Paid Advance evidenced by the Promissory Note, dated [___________], (first towards accrued and unpaid interest, and then towards outstanding principal) as follows (and this information shall satisfy the obligations of the Investor to deliver a Settlement Document pursuant to the Agreement):

 

1. Amount offset against accrued and unpaid Interest $[____________]
2. Amount offset against Principal $[____________]
3. Total amount of the Promissory Note outstanding following the Advance $[____________]

 

Please issue the number of Shares due to the Investor to the account of the Investor as follows:

 

Investor’s DTC participant #:  
   

ACCOUNT NAME:

 

ACCOUNT NUMBER:

 

ADDRESS:

 

CITY:

 

 

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The undersigned has executed this Investor Notice as of the date first set forth above.

 

YA II PN, Ltd.  
     
By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP  
Its: Investment Manager  
       
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC  
  Its: General Partner  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

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EXHIBIT F

FORM OF GLOBAL GUARANTY AGREEMENT

 

See attached.

 

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GLOBAL GUARANTY AGREEMENT

 

This Guaranty (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Guaranty”) is made as of [●], 2025, by SHARONAI, INC., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Debtor (“SharonAI”), [●], a [●] (“[●]” and collectively with [●] and any subsequent party that may join in this Guaranty, the “Guarantors”) in favor of YA II PN, LTD. (“YA II” or the “Creditor”), with respect to all obligations of SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Debtor”) owed to the Creditor.

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Creditor and the Debtor have entered into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Agreement”) dated as of [●] 2025, pursuant to which the Creditor has provided and shall provide advances to the Debtor (the “Pre-Paid Advance”) evidenced by promissory notes issued or to be issued to the Creditor (the “Promissory Notes”), pursuant to and upon the terms and conditions of the Agreement, in the aggregate amount of up to $7,500,000;

 

WHEREAS, it is a condition precedent to the Creditor’s obligation to provide the Pre-Paid Advances to the Debtor that each Guarantor guarantees all of the Debtor’s obligations under the Agreement, the Pre-Paid Advances issued thereunder, each Promissory Note evidencing the Pre- Paid Advances, and all other instruments, agreements or other items executed or delivered (collectively, the “Transaction Documents”) by the Debtor to the Creditor in connection with or related to the Agreement. The Creditor is only willing to enter into the Agreement and provide the Pre-Paid Advances to the Debtor if each Guarantor agrees to execute and deliver to the Creditor this Guaranty; and

 

WHEREAS, the Guarantors are, or will be wholly-owned, or majority-owned subsidiaries of the Creditor and will benefit, directly or indirectly, from the Debtor entering into the Agreement, the making of the Pre-Paid Advances, and other Transaction Documents and extensions of credit the Creditor will make to Debtor;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each Guarantor covenants and agrees as follows:

 

1. Guaranty of Payment and Performance. Each Guarantor, jointly and severally, hereby guarantees to the Creditor the full, prompt and unconditional payment when due (whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), and the performance, of all liabilities, agreements and other obligations of the Debtor to the Creditor contained in the Transaction Documents (all the foregoing, collectively, the “Obligations”). This Guaranty is an absolute, unconditional and continuing guaranty of the full and punctual payment and performance of the Obligations and not of their collectability only and is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that the Creditor first attempt to collect or require the performance of any of the Obligations from the Debtor or resort to any security or other means of obtaining their payment. Should the Debtor default in the payment or performance of any of the Obligations, the obligations of the Guarantors hereunder shall become immediately due and payable to the Creditor, without demand or notice of any nature, all of which are expressly waived by the Guarantors.

 

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2. Limited Guaranty. The liability of the Guarantors hereunder shall be limited to the amount of the Obligations due to the Creditor.

 

3. Waivers by Guarantors; Creditor’s Freedom to Act. Each Guarantor hereby agrees that the Obligations will be paid and performed strictly in accordance with their terms regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of the Creditor with respect thereto. Each Guarantor waives presentment, demand, protest, notice of acceptance, notice of Obligations incurred and all other notices of any kind, all defenses that may be available by virtue of any valuation, stay, moratorium law or other similar law now or hereafter in effect (other than payment in full of the Obligations), any right to require the marshalling of assets of the Debtor, and all suretyship defenses generally. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor agrees to the provisions of any instrument evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation and agrees that the obligations of such Guarantor hereunder shall not be released or discharged, in whole or in part, or otherwise affected by (i) the failure of the Creditor to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Debtor; (ii) any extensions or renewals of, or alteration of the terms of, any Obligation or any portion thereof unless entered into by the Creditor; (iii) any rescissions, waivers, amendments or modifications of any of the terms or provisions of any agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation unless entered into by the Creditor; (iv) the substitution or release of any entity primarily or secondarily liable for any Obligation; (v) the adequacy of any rights the Creditor may have against any collateral or other means of obtaining payment or performance of the Obligations; (vi) the impairment of any collateral securing the Obligations, including without limitation the failure to perfect or preserve any rights the Creditor might have in such collateral or the substitution, exchange, surrender, release, loss or destruction of any such collateral; (vii) failure to obtain or maintain a right of contribution for the benefit of such Guarantor; (viii) errors or omissions in connection with the Creditor’s administration of the Obligations (except behavior constituting bad faith); or (ix) any other act or omission that might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or otherwise operate as a release or discharge of any Guarantor, all of which may be done without notice to any Guarantor, in each case other than as a result of payment in full of the Obligations then due and owing.

 

4. Unenforceability of Obligations Against Debtor. If for any reason the Debtor is under no legal obligation to discharge or perform any of the Obligations, or if any of the Obligations have become irrecoverable from the Debtor by operation of law or for any other reason, this Guaranty shall nevertheless be binding on the Guarantors to the same extent as if the Guarantors at all times had been the principal obligors on all such Obligations, in each case other than as a result of payment in full of the Obligations then due and owing. In the event that acceleration of the time for payment of the Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Debtor, or for any other reason, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any agreement evidencing, securing or otherwise executed in connection with any Obligation shall be immediately due and payable by the Guarantors.

 

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5. Subrogation; Subordination. Until the payment and performance in full of all Obligations then due and owing, the Guarantors shall not exercise any rights against the Debtor arising as a result of payment by the Guarantors hereunder, by way of subrogation or otherwise, and will not prove any claim in competition with the Creditor in respect of any payment hereunder in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings of any nature; the Guarantors will not claim any set-off or counterclaim against the Debtor in respect of any liability of the Guarantors to the Debtor; and the Guarantors waive any benefit of and any right to participate in any collateral that may be held by the Creditor. The payment of any amounts due with respect to any indebtedness of the Debtor now or hereafter held by the Guarantor is hereby subordinated to the prior payment in full of the Obligations then due and owing. The Guarantor agrees that after the occurrence and during the continuance of any default in the payment or performance of the Obligations, the Guarantors will not demand, sue for or otherwise attempt to collect any such indebtedness of the Debtor to the Guarantors until the Obligations then due and owing shall have been paid or performed in full. If, notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Guarantors shall collect, enforce or receive any amounts in respect of such indebtedness, such amounts shall be collected, enforced and received by the Guarantor as trustee for the Creditor and be paid over to the Creditor on account of the Obligations without affecting in any manner the liability of the Guarantors under the other provisions of this Guaranty.

 

6. Termination; Reinstatement. This Guaranty is irrevocable and shall continue until such time as the Obligations then due and owing have been paid or performed in full. This Guaranty shall be reinstated if at any time any payment made or value received with respect to an Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be returned by the Creditor upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Debtor, or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made or value received.

 

7. Successors and Assigns. This Guaranty shall be binding upon each Guarantor, its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Creditor and the Creditor’s shareholders, officers, directors, agents, successors and assigns.

 

8. Amendments and Waivers. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty nor consent to any departure by the Guarantor therefrom shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Creditor. No failure on the part of the Creditor to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right.

 

9. Notices. All notices and other communications called for hereunder to the Creditor or the Debtor shall be made in writing as provided in the Agreement. All notices and other communications called for hereunder to the Guarantors shall be made in writing as provided on Schedule I attached hereto or as the Guarantors may otherwise notify the Creditor.

 

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10. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Guaranty is intended to take effect as a sealed instrument and shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York (excluding the laws applicable to conflicts or choice of law). The Guarantor agrees that any suit for the enforcement of this Guaranty may be brought in the courts of the State of New York, New York County and consents to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such court and to service of process in any such suit’s being made upon any Guarantor by mail at the address set forth at the head of this Guaranty. The Guarantor hereby waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such suit or any such court or that such suit was brought in an inconvenient court. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN, THE PERFORMANCE THEREOF OR THE FINANCINGS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTY HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS GUARANTY BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS PARAGRAPH.

 

11. Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Guaranty may be executed in identical counterparts, both which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Facsimile or other electronically scanned and delivered signatures (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com), including by e-mail attachment, shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes of this Guaranty.

 

 

[Rest of page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be executed and delivered as a sealed instrument as of the date appearing on page one.

 

SHARONAI, INC.
     
By:  
Name:  
Title:  
     
[●]
     
By:  
Name:  
Title:  

 

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Schedule I

The Guarantors

 

SHARONAI, INC.

 

Contact Info:

[______________]

[______________]

 

Email: [______________]

Telephone: [____________]

 

[●]

 

Contact Info:

[______________]

[______________]

 

Email: [______________]

Telephone: [____________]

 

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Exhibit B

 

Form of Registration Rights Agreement

 

(see attached)

 

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REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

 

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) dated as of _________________ is made by and between YA II PN, LTD., a Cayman Islands exempt limited company (the “Investor”), and SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”). The Investor and the Company may be referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Investor have entered into that certain Standby Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company may issue, from time to time, to the Investor up to $50,000,000 of newly issued shares of the Company’s shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Shares”); and

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of, and in consideration for the Investor entering into, the Purchase Agreement, and to induce the Investor to execute and deliver the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide the Investor with certain registration rights under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or any similar successor statute (collectively, the “Securities Act”).

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Investor hereby agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS.

 

Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Applicable Date” means the earlier to occur of (I) the first date on which the initial Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC (and each Prospectus contained therein is available for use on such date) or (II) the first date on which all of the Registrable Securities are eligible to be resold by the Investor pursuant to Rule 144.

 

(b) “Business Day” shall mean any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, other than any day on which commercial banks are authorized or required to be closed in New York City.

 

(c) “Effectiveness Deadline” means, with respect to the initial Registration Statement filed hereunder, the 90th calendar day following the date hereof, provided, however, in the event the Company is notified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that the Registration Statement will not be reviewed or is no longer subject to further review and comments, the Effectiveness Deadline as to such Registration Statement shall be the fifth Business Day following the date on which the Company is so notified if such date precedes the date required above.

 

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(d) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(e) “Filing Deadline” means, with respect to the initial Registration Statement required hereunder, the 30th calendar day following date hereof.

 

(f) “Person” means a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a partnership, an organization, a business, an individual, a governmental or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.

 

(g) “Prospectus” means the prospectus included in a Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A promulgated under the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement, and all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.

 

(h) “Registrable Securities” means all of (i) the Shares (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) and (ii) any capital stock issued or issuable with respect to the Shares, including, without limitation, (1) as a result of any stock split, stock dividend or other distribution, recapitalization or similar event or otherwise, and (2) shares of capital stock of the Company into which the Common Shares are converted or exchanged and shares of capital stock of a successor entity into which the Common Shares are converted or exchanged.

 

(i) “Registration Statement” means any registration statement of the Company filed pursuant to this Agreement, including the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration statement or Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such registration statement.

 

(j) “Required Registration Amount” means (i) with respect to the initial Registration Statement, at least 41,240 shares of Common Shares issued or to be issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and the Commitment Shares, and (ii) with respect to subsequent Registration Statements, such number of shares of Common Stock as requested by the Investor not to exceed 300% of the maximum number of shares of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of all Promissory Notes then outstanding (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) such Promissory Notes are convertible at the Conversion Price (as defined in each respective Promissory Note) in effect as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Promissory Notes set forth therein), in each case subject to any cutback set forth in Section 2(e).

 

(k) “Rule 144” means Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto.

 

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(l) “Rule 415” means Rule 415 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.

 

(m) “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency administering the Securities Act and the Exchange Act at the time.

 

(n) “Securities Act” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals above.

 

2. REGISTRATION.

 

(a) The Company’s registration obligations set forth in this Section 2 including its obligations to file Registration Statements, obtain effectiveness of Registration Statements, and maintain the continuous effectiveness of any Registration Statement that has been declared effective shall begin on the date hereof and continue until all the earlier of (i) the date on which the Investor has sold all of the Registrable Securities and (ii) the date of termination of the Purchase Agreement if as of such termination date the Investor holds no Registrable Securities (the “Registration Period”).

 

(b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company shall (i) as soon as practicable, but in no case later than the Filing Deadline, prepare and file with the SEC an initial Registration Statement on Form S-1 (or, if the Company is then eligible, on Form S-3) or any successor form thereto covering the resale by the Investor of the Required Registration Amount in accordance with applicable SEC rules, regulations and interpretations so as to permit the resale of such Registrable Securities by the Investor under Rule 415 at then prevailing market prices (and not fixed prices). The Registration Statement shall contain “Selling Stockholders” and “Plan of Distribution” sections. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC as soon as practicable, but in no event later than the Effectiveness Deadline. By 9:30 am on the business day following the date of effectiveness, the Company shall file with the SEC in accordance with Rule 424 under the Securities Act the final Prospectus to be used in connection with sales pursuant to such Registration Statement. Prior to the filing of the Registration Statement with the SEC, the Company shall furnish a draft of the Registration Statement to the Investor for their review and comment.

 

(c) Sufficient Number of Shares Registered. If at any time all Registrable Securities are not covered by a Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2(a) as a result of Section 2(e) or otherwise, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file with the SEC one (1) or more additional Registration Statements so as to cover all of the Registrable Securities not covered by such initial Registration Statement, in each case as soon as practicable (taking into account any position of the staff of the SEC with respect to the date on which the Staff will permit such additional Registration Statement(s) to be filed with the SEC and the rules and regulations of the SEC). The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause each such new Registration Statement to become effective as soon as reasonably practicable following the filling thereof with the SEC.

 

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(d) During the Registration Period, the Company shall (i) promptly prepare and file with the SEC such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to a Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection with a Registration Statement, which Prospectus is to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 promulgated under the Securities Act, as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective at all times during the Registration Period, (ii) prepare and file with the SEC additional Registration Statements in order to register for resale under the Securities Act all of the Registrable Securities; (iii) cause the related Prospectus to be amended or supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement (subject to the terms of this Agreement), and as so supplemented or amended to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (iv) respond as promptly as reasonably possible to any comments received from the SEC with respect to a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto and as promptly as reasonably possible provide the Investor true and complete copies of all correspondence from and to the SEC relating to a Registration Statement (provided that the Company may excise any information contained therein which would constitute material non-public information as to any Investor which has not executed a confidentiality agreement with the Company); and (v) comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities of the Company covered by such Registration Statement until such time as all of such Registrable Securities shall have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the seller or sellers thereof as set forth in such Registration Statement. In the case of amendments and supplements to a Registration Statement which are required to be filed pursuant to this Agreement (including pursuant to this Section 2(c)) by reason of the Company’s filing a report on Form 10-K, Form 10- Q, or Form 8-K or any analogous report under the Exchange Act, the Company shall incorporate such report by reference into the Registration Statement, if applicable, or shall file such amendments or supplements with the SEC on the same day on which the Exchange Act report is filed which created the requirement for the Company to amend or supplement the Registration Statement.

 

(e) Reduction of Registrable Securities Included in a Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in the event that the SEC requires the Company to reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included in a Registration Statement in order to allow the Company to rely on Rule 415 with respect to a Registration Statement, then the Company shall reduce the number of Registrable Securities to be included in such Registration Statement (after consultation with the Investor as to the specific Registrable Securities to be removed therefrom) to the maximum number of securities as is permitted to be registered by the SEC. In the event of any reduction in Registrable Securities pursuant to this paragraph, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file one (1) or more New Registration Statements with the Commission in accordance with Section 2(c) until such time as all Registrable Securities have been included in Registration Statements that have been declared effective and the Prospectuses contained therein are available for use by the Investor.

 

(f) Failure to File or Obtain Effectiveness of the Registration Statement or Remain Current. If: (i) a Registration Statement is not filed on or prior to its Filing Date, or (ii) a Registration Statement is not declared effective on or prior to the Effectiveness Deadline, or the Company fails to file with the SEC a request for acceleration in accordance with Rule 461 promulgated under the Securities Act, within five (5) Business Days of the date that the Company is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that a Registration Statement will not be “reviewed,” or not subject to further review, or (iii) after the effectiveness, a Registration Statement ceases for any reason to remain continuously effective as to all Registrable Securities for which it is required to be effective, or (iv) the Investor is not permitted to utilize the Prospectus

 

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therein to resell such Registrable Securities for more than 15 consecutive calendar days or more than an aggregate of 30 calendar days during any 12-month period (which need not be consecutive calendar days), or (v) if after the date that is six (6) months from the date hereof, the Company does not have available adequate current public information as set forth in Rule 144(c) (any such failure or breach being referred to as an “Event”), then in addition to any other rights the Investor may have hereunder or under applicable law, such Event shall constitute a Registration Event (as defined in each respective Promissory Notes), and the Company shall be in breach of the term and conditions of this Agreement and such Event shall be deemed an Event of Default (as defined in each respective Promissory Notes) for so long as such Event remains uncured. During the period of the existence of an uncured Event, the Investor shall have no obligation to accept an Advance Notice or accept or purchase any Advance Shares (other than any Advance Shares purchased by the Investor prior to the occurrence of the Event).

 

(g) Piggy-Back Registrations. If at any time there is not an effective Registration Statement covering all of the Registrable Securities and the Company proposes to register the offer and sale of any Common Shares under the Securities Act (other than a registration (i) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (or other registration solely relating to an offering or sale to employees or directors of the Company pursuant to any employee stock plan or other employee benefit arrangement), (ii) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (or similar form that relates to a transaction subject to Rule 145 under the Securities Act or any successor rule thereto), or (iii) in connection with any dividend or distribution reinvestment or similar plan), whether for its own account or for the account of one (1) or more stockholders of the Company and the form of Registration Statement to be used may be used for any registration of Registrable Securities, the Company shall give prompt written notice (in any event no later than five (5) days prior to the filing of such Registration Statement) to the holders of Registrable Securities of its intention to effect such a registration and, shall include in such registration all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion from the holders of Registrable Securities; provided, however, that, the Company shall not be required to register any Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2(g) that have been sold or may permanently be sold without any restrictions pursuant to Rule 144, as determined by the counsel to the Company pursuant to a written opinion letter to such effect, addressed and acceptable to the Company’s transfer agent.

 

(h) No Inclusion of Other Securities; Other Registration Statements. In no event shall the Company (i) include any securities other than Registrable Securities on any Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(b) or Section 2(c) without the Investor’s prior written consent or (ii) prior to the Applicable Date, or at any time thereafter while any Registration Statement is not effective or the Prospectus contained therein is not available for use, the Company shall not file a registration statement or an offering statement under the Seecurities Act relating to securities that are not the Registrable Securities (other than a registration statement on Form S-8 or such supplements or amendments to registration statements that are outstanding and have been declared effective by the SEC as of the date hereof) (solely to the extent necessary to keep such registration statements effective and available and not for any other reason).

 

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3. RELATED OBLIGATIONS.

 

(a) The Company shall, not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the filing of each Registration Statement and not less than one (1) business day prior to the filing of any related amendments and supplements to all Registration Statements (except for annual reports on Form 10-K, supplements and amendments to update the Registration Statement solely for information reflected in the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K), furnish to each Investor copies of all such documents proposed to be filed, which documents (other than those incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference) will be subject to the reasonable and prompt review of such Investor. The Company shall not file a Registration Statement or any such Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto to which the Investor shall reasonably object in good faith; provided that, the Company is notified of such objection in writing no later than two (2) Trading Days after the Investor have been so furnished copies of a Registration Statement.

 

(b) The Company shall furnish to each Investor whose Registrable Securities are included in any Registration Statement, without charge (i) at least one (1) copy (which may be in electronic form) of such Registration Statement as declared effective by the SEC and any amendment(s) thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated therein by reference, all exhibits and each preliminary prospectus, (ii) at least one (1) copy (which may be in electronic form) of the final prospectus included in such Registration Statement and all amendments and supplements thereto, and (iii) any documents, which are not publicly available through EDGAR, as such Investor may reasonably request from time to time in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Investor.

 

(c) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to (i) register and qualify the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as any Investor reasonably requests, (ii) prepare and file in those jurisdictions, such amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registrations and qualifications as may be necessary to maintain the effectiveness thereof during the Registration Period, (iii) take such other actions as may be necessary to maintain such registrations and qualifications in effect at all times during the Registration Period, and (iv) take all other actions reasonably necessary or advisable to qualify the Registrable Securities for sale in such jurisdictions; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to (w) make any change to its articles of incorporation or by-laws, (x) qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this Section 3(c), (y) subject itself to general taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (z) file a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction. The Company shall promptly notify each Investor who holds Registrable Securities of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the registration or qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale under the securities or “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in the United States or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

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(d) As promptly as practicable after becoming aware of such event or development, the Company shall notify each Investor in writing of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in a Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading (provided that in no event shall such notice contain any material, nonpublic information), and promptly prepare a supplement or amendment to such Registration Statement to correct such untrue statement or omission and deliver one (1) electronic copy of such supplement or amendment to the Investor. The Company shall also promptly notify each Investor in writing (i) when a Prospectus or any Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment has been filed, and when a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment has become effective (notification of such effectiveness shall be delivered to each Investor by email on the same day of such effectiveness), (ii) of any request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or related prospectus or related information, and (iii) of the Company’s reasonable determination that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement would be appropriate. The Company shall respond as promptly as reasonably practicable to any comments received from the SEC with respect to a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto.

 

(e) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or other suspension of effectiveness of a Registration Statement, or the suspension of the qualification of any of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction within the United States of America and, if such an order or suspension is issued, to obtain the withdrawal of such order or suspension at the earliest possible moment and to notify each Investor who holds Registrable Securities being sold of the issuance of such order and the resolution thereof or its receipt of actual notice of the initiation or threat of any proceeding for such purpose.

 

(f) Without limiting any obligation of the Company under the Purchase Agreement, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause all of the Registrable Securities covered by each Registration Statement to be listed on the Principal Market. The Company shall pay all fees and expenses in connection with satisfying its obligation under this Section 3(f).

 

(g) The Company shall hold in confidence and not make any disclosure of information concerning the Investor provided to the Company unless (i) disclosure of such information is necessary to comply with federal or state securities laws, (ii) the disclosure of such information is necessary to avoid or correct a material misstatement or omission in any Registration Statement, (iii) the release of such information is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other final, non-appealable order from a court or governmental body of competent jurisdiction, or (iv) such information has been made generally available to the public other than by disclosure in violation of this Agreement or any other agreement. The Company agrees that it shall, upon learning that disclosure of such information concerning the Investor is sought in or by a court or governmental body of competent jurisdiction or through other means, give prompt written notice to the Investor and allow the Investor, at the Investor’s expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of, or to obtain a protective order for, such information.

 

(h) The Company shall cooperate with the holders of the Registrable Securities to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing the Registrable Securities to be sold pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144 free of any restrictive legends and representing such number of Common Shares and registered in such names as the holders of the Registrable Securities may reasonably request prior to sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement or Rule 144; provided, that the Company may satisfy its obligations hereunder without issuing physical stock certificates through the use of The Depository Trust Company’s Direct Registration System.

 

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(i) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Registrable Securities to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities.

 

(j) The Company shall otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC in connection with any registration hereunder.

 

(k) Within two (2) Business Days after a Registration Statement which covers Registrable Securities is declared effective by the SEC, the Company shall deliver, and shall cause legal counsel for the Company to deliver, to the transfer agent for such Registrable Securities (with copies to the Investor whose Registrable Securities are included in such Registration Statement) confirmation that such Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC.

 

(l) The Company shall take all other reasonable actions necessary to expedite and facilitate disposition by each Investor of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement.

 

4. OBLIGATIONS OF THE INVESTOR.

 

(a) The Investor agrees that upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(d) the Investor shall as soon as reasonably practicable discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to any Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities until the Investor’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 3(d) or receipt of notice that no supplement or amendment is required. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, subject to compliance with the securities laws, the Company shall cause its transfer agent to deliver unlegended certificates for Common Shares to a transferee of the Investor in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement in connection with any sale of Registrable Securities with respect to which the Investor has entered into a contract for sale prior to the Investor’s receipt of a notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(d) and for which the Investor has not yet settled.

 

(b) The Investor covenants and agrees that it will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act as applicable to it or an exemption therefrom in connection with sales of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement.

 

(c) The Investor, by its acceptance of the Registrable Securities, agrees to cooperate with the Company as reasonably requested by the Company in connection with the preparation and filing of each Registration Statement hereunder, unless the Investor has notified the Company in writing of the Investor’s election to exclude all of the Investor’s Registrable Securities from such Registration Statement.

 

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5. EXPENSES OF REGISTRATION.

 

All expenses incurred by the Company in complying with its obligations pursuant to this Agreement and in connection with the registration and disposition of Registrable Securities shall be paid by the Company, including, without limitation, all registration, listing and qualifications fees, printers, fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel and accountants (except legal fees of Investor’s counsel associated with the review of the Registration Statement).

 

6. INDEMNIFICATION.

 

With respect to Registrable Securities which are included in a Registration Statement under this Agreement:

 

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company will, and hereby does, indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Investor and its directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, and representatives, and each Person, if any, who controls the Investor within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each, an “Investor Indemnified Person”), against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties, charges, costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees, amounts paid in settlement or expenses, joint or several (collectively, “Indemnified Damages”), incurred in investigating, preparing or defending any action, claim, suit, inquiry, proceeding, investigation or appeal taken from the foregoing by or before any court or governmental, administrative or other regulatory agency, body or the SEC, whether pending or threatened, whether or not an indemnified party is or may be a party thereto (“Claims”), to which any of them may become subject insofar as such Claims (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon: (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in a Registration Statement or any post- effective amendment thereto or in any filing made in connection with the qualification of the offering under the securities or other “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction in which Registrable Securities are offered (“Blue Sky Filing”), or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any final prospectus (as amended or supplemented, if the Company files any amendment or supplement thereto with the SEC) or the omission or alleged omission to state therein any material fact necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which the statements therein were made, not misleading; or (iii) any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement (the matters in the foregoing clauses (i) through (iii) being, collectively, “Violations”). The Company shall reimburse the Investor and each such Investor Indemnified Person promptly as Indemnified Damages are incurred and are due and payable, including reasonable legal fees, disbursements and other expenses incurred by an Investor Indemnified Person in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 6(a): (x) shall not apply to a Claim arising out of or based upon a Violation which occurs in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by such Investor Indemnified Person expressly for use in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement or any such amendment thereof or supplement thereto; (y) shall not be available to the extent such Claim is based on a failure of the Investor to deliver or to cause to be delivered the prospectus made available by the Company, if such prospectus was timely made available by the Company pursuant to Section 3(c); and (z) shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of an Investor Indemnified Person.

 

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(b) In connection with a Registration Statement, the Investor agrees to indemnify, hold harmless and defend, to the same extent and in the same manner as is set forth in Section 6(a), the Company, each of its directors, each of its officers, employees, representatives, or agents and each Person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (each a “Company Indemnified Person”), against any Claim or Indemnified Damages to which any of them may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such Claim or Indemnified Damages arise out of or is based upon any Violation, in each case to the extent, and only to the extent, that such Violation occurs (i) in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by such Investor expressly for use in connection with such Registration Statement or (ii) from the Investor’s violation of any prospectus delivery requirements under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, any other law, including, without limitation, any state securities law, or any rule or regulation thereunder relating to the offer or sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement; and, subject to Section 6(d), such Investor will reimburse any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Claim; provided, that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6(b) and the agreement with respect to contribution contained in Section 7 shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any Claim if such settlement is effected without the prior written consent of the Investor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, further, that, other than in connection with fraud or gross negligence on the part of the Investor, the Investor shall be liable under this Section 6(b) for only that amount of a Claim or Indemnified Damages as does not exceed the net proceeds to such Investor as a result of the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Company Indemnified Person. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the indemnification agreement contained in this Section 6(b) with respect to any prospectus shall not inure to the benefit of any Company Indemnified Person if the untrue statement or omission of material fact contained in the prospectus was corrected and such new prospectus was delivered to the Investor prior to such Investor’s use of the prospectus to which the Claim relates.

 

(c) Promptly after receipt by an Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person under this Section 6 of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving a Claim, such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall, if indemnification in respect of such Claim is to be sought from any indemnifying party under this Section 6, deliver to the indemnifying party a written notice of the commencement thereof, and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in and, to the extent the indemnifying party so desires, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly noticed, assume control of the defense thereof with counsel reasonably and mutually satisfactory to the indemnifying party and the Investor Indemnified Person or the Company Indemnified Person, as the case may be; provided, however, that an Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own

 

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counsel with the fees and expenses of not more than one (1) counsel for such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person to be paid by the indemnifying party, if, in the reasonable opinion of counsel retained by the indemnifying party, the representation by such counsel of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person and the indemnifying party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person shall reasonably cooperate with the indemnifying party in connection with any negotiation or defense of any Claim by the indemnifying party and shall furnish to the indemnifying party all information reasonably available to the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person which relates to such action or claim. The indemnifying party shall keep the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person fully apprised at all times as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its prior written consent; provided, however, that the indemnifying party shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person, as the case may be, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person of a full and unconditional release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the indemnifying party shall be subrogated to all rights of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the Claim(s) for which indemnification has been made. The failure to deliver written notice to the indemnifying party within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such Claim shall not relieve such indemnifying party of any liability to the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person under this Section 6, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is prejudiced in its ability to defend such Claim.

 

(d) The indemnification required by this Section 6 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or Indemnified Damages are incurred.

 

(e) The indemnity agreements contained herein shall be in addition to (i) any cause of action or similar right of the Investor Indemnified Person or Company Indemnified Person against the indemnifying party or others and (ii) any liabilities the indemnifying party may be subject to pursuant to the law.

 

7. CONTRIBUTION.

 

To the extent any indemnification by an indemnifying party is prohibited or limited by law, the indemnifying party agrees to make the maximum contribution with respect to any amounts for which it would otherwise be liable under Section 6 to the fullest extent permitted by law; provided, however, that: (i) no seller of Registrable Securities guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any seller of Registrable Securities who was not guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation and (ii) contribution by any seller of Registrable Securities shall be limited in amount to the net amount of proceeds received by such seller from the sale of such Registrable Securities.

 

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8. REPORTS UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT.

 

With a view to making available to the Investor the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or any similar rule or regulation of the SEC that may at any time permit the Investor to sell securities of the Company to the public without registration, and as a material inducement to the Investor’s purchase of the Promissory Notes, the Company represents, warrants, and covenants to the following:

 

(a) The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and has timely filed (giving effect to permissible extensions in accordance with Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act). all required reports under section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the 12 months prior to the date hereof (or for such shorter period that the issuer was required to file such reports), other than Form 8-K reports.

 

(b) During the Registration Period, the Company shall file with the SEC in a timely manner all required reports under section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (it being understood that nothing herein shall limit the Company’s obligations under the Purchase Agreement) and such reports shall conform to the requirement of the Exchange Act and the SEC for filing thereunder.

 

(c) The Company shall furnish to the Investor so long as such Investor owns Registrable Securities, promptly upon request, (i) a written statement by the Company that it has complied with the reporting requirements of Rule 144, (ii) a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company and such other reports and documents so filed by the Company, and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably requested to permit the Investor to sell such securities pursuant to Rule 144 without registration.

 

9. AMENDMENT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS.

 

Provisions of this Agreement may be amended and the observance thereof may be waived (either generally or in a particular instance and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the Company and the Investor. Any amendment or waiver effected in accordance with this Section 9 shall be binding upon each of the Investor and the Company. No such amendment shall be effective to the extent that it applies to fewer than all of the holders of the Registrable Securities. No consideration shall be offered or paid to any Person to amend or consent to a waiver or modification of any provision of any of this Agreement unless the same consideration also is offered to all of the parties to this Agreement.

 

10. MISCELLANEOUS.

 

(a) A Person is deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities whenever such Person owns or is deemed to own of record such Registrable Securities or owns the right to receive the Registrable Securities. If the Company receives conflicting instructions, notices or elections from two (2) or more Persons with respect to the same Registrable Securities, the Company shall act upon the basis of instructions, notice or election received from the registered owner of such Registrable Securities.

 

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(b) Neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations of the Investor or the Company hereunder may be assigned to any other Person, except for assignments by the Investor to any of its affiliates.

 

(c) Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and will be deemed to have been delivered pursuant to the notice provisions of the Purchase Agreement or to such other address and/or electronic mail address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party five (5) days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (A) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (B) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, and recipient email or (C) provided by a courier or overnight courier service shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt by email or receipt from a nationally recognized overnight delivery service in accordance with this section.

 

(d) Failure of any party to exercise any right or remedy under this Agreement or otherwise, or delay by a party in exercising such right or remedy, shall not operate as a waiver thereof.

 

(e) The laws of the State of New York shall govern all issues concerning the relative rights of the Company and the Investor as its stockholder. All other questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York. Each party hereby irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, sitting in New York County, New York and federal courts for the Southern District of New York sitting New York, New York, for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper. Each party hereby irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such suit, action or proceeding by mailing a copy thereof to such party at the address for such notices to it under this Agreement and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice thereof. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in that jurisdiction or the validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

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(f) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the permitted successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto.

 

(g) The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

 

(h) This Agreement may be executed in identical counterparts, both of which shall be considered one (1) and the same agreement and shall become effective when counterparts have been signed by each party and delivered to the other party. Electronically scanned and delivered signatures (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com), including by e-mail attachment, shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

(i) Each party shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as the other party may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

(j) The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent and no rules of strict construction will be applied against any party.

 

(k) This Agreement is intended for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other Person.

 

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Investor and the Company have caused their signature page to this Registration Rights Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

 

  COMPANY:
  Sharonai Holdings, Inc.
     
  By:  
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO

 

  INVESTOR:
  YA II PN, Ltd.
     
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP
  Its: Investment Manager
     
  By: Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC
  Its: General Partner
     
  By:  
  Name: Matthew Beckman
  Title: Manager

 

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EXHIBIT I

CONVERSION NOTICE

 

(To be executed by the Holder in order to Convert the Note)

 

TO: [___________]

 

Via Email:

 

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to convert a portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount of Note No. SHARON-[1][2][3][4] into Common Shares of [___________], according to the conditions stated therein, as of the Conversion Date written below.

 

Conversion Date:

 

Principal Amount to be Converted:

 

Accrued Interest to be Converted:

 

Total Conversion Amount to be converted:

 

Fixed Price:

 

Variable Price:

 

Applicable Conversion Price:

 

Number of Common Shares to be issued:

 

Please issue the Common Shares in the following name and deliver them to the following account:

 

Issue to:

 

Broker DTC Participant Code:

 

Account Number:

 

Authorized Signature:  
   
Name:  
   
Title:  

 

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Exhibit 10.22

 

NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THIS NOTE IS CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE. THESE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.

 

SHARONAI, INC.

 

Convertible Promissory Note

 

Original Principal Amount: $2,000,000

Issuance Date: October 1, 2025

Number: SHARON-2

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, SHARONAI, INC., an entity organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Company”), hereby promises to pay to the order of YA II PN, LTD., or its registered assigns (the “Holder”), the amount set out above as the Original Principal Amount (or such lesser amount as reduced pursuant to the terms hereof pursuant to repayment, redemption, conversion or otherwise, the “Principal”) and the Payment Premium or the Redemption Premium, as applicable, in each case when due, and to pay interest (“Interest”) on any outstanding Principal at the applicable Interest Rate (as defined below) from the date set out above as the Issuance Date (the “Issuance Date”) until the same becomes due and payable, whether upon the Maturity Date or acceleration, conversion, redemption or otherwise (in each case in accordance with the terms hereof). Certain capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section (12). The Issuance Date is the date of the first issuance of this Convertible Promissory Note (as amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, this “Note”) regardless of the number of transfers and regardless of the number of instruments, which may be issued to evidence such Note. This Note was issued with a 5% original issue discount. The Company and the Holder are referred to herein at times, collectively, as the “Parties,” and each, a “Party.”

 

This Note is initially being issued pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Note Purchase Agreement (“NPA”) between the Company and the Holder, with the first and second tranches expected to be issued pursuant to the terms of the NPA.

 

 

 

 

Following the closing of that certain Business Combination Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”) dated January 28, 2025, by and among, amongst others, the Company and Roth CH Holdings, Inc. (who concurrently with the closing of the Business Combination Agreement will change its name to SharonAI Holdings, Inc.), it is expected that (i) the Company will assign this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and SharonAI Holdings Inc. will assume the obligations under this Note and (ii) SharonAI Holdings, Inc. will enter into a Standby Equity Purchase Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “SEPA”) (as may be amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “SEPA”), by and between the SharonAI Holding and YA II PN, Ltd., as the Investor. Thereafter, this Note may be repaid in accordance with the terms of the SEPA, including, without limitation, pursuant to Investor Notices and corresponding Advance Notices deemed given by SharonAI Holdings, Inc. in connection with such Investor Notices. The Holder also has the option of converting on one or more occasions all or part of the then outstanding balance under this Note by delivering to the Company (or any assignee of the Note) one or more Conversion Notices in accordance with Section 3 of this Note.

 

Following the closing of the Business Combination Agreement and the assignment of this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., all references in this Note to the Company shall refer to SharonAI Holdings, Inc.

 

(1) GENERAL TERMS

 

(a) Maturity Date. On the Maturity Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder an amount in cash representing all outstanding Principal, accrued and unpaid Interest, and any other amounts outstanding pursuant to the terms of this Note. The “Maturity Date” shall be July 15, 2026, as may be extended at the option of the Holder. Other than as specifically permitted by this Note, the Company may not prepay or redeem any portion of the outstanding Principal and accrued and unpaid Interest.

 

(b) Interest Rate and Payment of Interest. Interest shall accrue on the outstanding Principal balance hereof at an annual rate equal to 10% (“Interest Rate”), which Interest Rate shall increase to an annual rate of 18% upon the occurrence of an Event of Default (for so long as such event remains uncured). Interest shall be calculated based on a 365-day year and the actual number of days elapsed, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

 

(c) Monthly Payments.

 

(A) If the Business Combination has not closed by the Business Combination Deadline, the Company shall make monthly cash payments beginning on the 5th Trading Day after the Business Combination Deadline and continuing on the same day of each successive Calendar Month until the entire outstanding principal amount shall have been repaid. Each monthly cash payment shall be in an amount equal to the sum of (i) $400,000 of Principal amount in the aggregate among this Note and all Other Notes plus (ii) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of each payment date.

 

2

 

 

(B) If, any time after the completion of the Business Combination, and from time to time thereafter, an Amortization Event has occurred, then the Company shall make monthly cash payments beginning on the seventh (7th) Trading Day after the Amortization Event Date and continuing on the same day of each successive Calendar Month until the entire outstanding principal amount shall have been repaid. Each monthly cash payment shall be in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Principal amount in the aggregate among this Note and all Other Notes equal to the Amortization Principal Amount plus (ii) the Payment Premium in respect of such Amortization Principal Amount, plus (iii) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of each payment date. The obligation of the Company to make monthly cash payments related to an Amortization Event shall cease (with respect to any payment that has not yet come due) if at any time after the Amortization Event Date (A) in the event of a Floor Price Event, either (i) on the date that is the 10th consecutive Trading Day that the daily VWAP is greater than the Floor Price then in effect, or (ii) the Company provides the Holder with a reset notice (“Reset Notice”) setting forth a reduced Floor Price which shall be equal to no more than 75% of the closing price on the Trading Day immediately prior to such Reset Notice (and in no event greater than the then-effective Floor Price), (B) in the event of an Exchange Cap Event, the date the Company has obtained stockholder approval to increase the number of Common Shares under the Exchange Cap and/or the Exchange Cap no longer applies, or (C) in the event of a Registration Event, the condition or event causing the Registration Event has been cured or the Holder is able to resell the Common Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, unless a subsequent Amortization Event occurs.

 

(d) Optional Redemption. The Company at its option shall have the right, but not the obligation, to redeem (“Optional Redemption”) early a portion or all amounts outstanding under this Note as described in this Section; provided, that the Company provides the Holder with written notice (each, a “Redemption Notice”) of its desire to exercise an Optional Redemption, which Redemption Notice (i) shall be delivered to the Holder after the close of regular trading hours on a Trading Day, and (ii) following closing of the Business Combination Agreement and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., may only be given if the VWAP of the Common Shares was less than the Fixed Price on the date such Redemption Notice is delivered, unless otherwise agreed by the Holder. Each Redemption Notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the outstanding balance of the Note to be redeemed and the Redemption Amount. The “Redemption Amount” shall be an amount equal to (a) the outstanding Principal balance being redeemed by the Company plus (b) the Redemption Premium in respect of such Principal amount plus (c) all accrued and unpaid interest hereunder as of the date of such redemption. After receipt of a Redemption Notice, the Holder shall have ten (10) Trading Days (beginning with the Trading Day immediately following the date such Redemption Notice is delivered to the Holder in accordance with this term of this Section 1(d)) to elect to convert all or any portion of this Note. On the eleventh (11th) Trading Day following the delivery of the applicable Redemption Notice, the Company shall deliver to the Holder the Redemption Amount with respect to the Principal amount redeemed to the extent not converted and otherwise after giving effect to conversions or other payments made during such ten (10) Trading Day period.

 

3

 

 

(e) Payment Dates. Whenever any payment or other obligation hereunder shall be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

(f) Other than as specifically set forth in this Note, the Company shall not have the ability to make any early repayments without the consent of or at the request of the Holder.

 

(2) EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

 

(a) An “Event of Default”, wherever used herein, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court, or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) shall have occurred:

 

(i) The Company’s failure to pay to the Holder any amount of Principal, Redemption Amount, Payment Premium, Interest, or other amounts when and as due under this Note or any other Transaction Document within five (5) Trading Days after such payment is due;

 

(ii) (A) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall commence, or there shall be commenced against the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company any proceeding under any applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws as now or hereafter in effect or any successor thereto, or the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company commences any other proceeding under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect relating to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, in any such bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding which remains undismissed for a period of sixty one (61) days; (B) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; (C) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company suffers any appointment of any custodian, private or court appointed receiver or the like for it or all or substantially all of its property which continues undischarged or unstayed for a period of sixty one (61) days; (D) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company makes a general assignment of all or substantially all of its assets for the benefit of creditors; (E) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall fail to pay, or shall state that it is unable to pay, or shall be unable to pay, its debts generally as they become due; (F) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall call a meeting of its creditors with a view to arranging a composition, adjustment or restructuring of its debts; (G) the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall by any act or failure to act expressly indicate its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing; or (H) any corporate or other action is taken by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

 

(iii) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall default, in any of its obligations under any note, debenture, mortgage, credit agreement or other facility, indenture agreement, factoring agreement or other instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for borrowed money or money due under any long term leasing or factoring arrangement of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in an amount exceeding $500,000, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, and such default is not cured within the time prescribed by the documents governing such indebtedness or if no time is prescribed, within ten (10) Trading Days, and as a result, such indebtedness becomes or is declared due and payable;

 

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(iv) A final judgment or judgments for the payment of money in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate are rendered against the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries and which judgments are not, within thirty (30) days after the entry thereof, bonded, discharged, settled or stayed pending appeal, or are not discharged within thirty (30) days after the expiration of such stay; provided, however, any judgment which is covered by insurance or an indemnity from a creditworthy party shall not be included in calculating the $500,000 amount set forth above so long as the Company provides the Holder a written statement from such insurer or indemnity provider (which written statement shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Holder) to the effect that such judgment is covered by insurance or an indemnity and the Company or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) will receive the proceeds of such insurance or indemnity within thirty (30) days of the issuance of such judgment;

 

(v) Following closing of the Business Combination and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., and if and after the Common Shares become listed on the Principal Market after the Issuance Date of this Note, the Common Shares shall cease to be quoted or listed for trading, as applicable, on any Principal Market for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days;

 

(vi) The Company or any Subsidiary of the Company shall be a party to any Change of Control Transaction, other than in connection with the closing of the Business Combination, unless in connection with such Change of Control Transaction this Note is retired;

 

(vii) The Company’s (A) failure to deliver the required number of Common Shares to the Holder within two (2) Trading Days after the applicable Share Delivery Date or (B) notice, written or oral, to any holder of this Note, including by way of public announcement, at any time, of its intention not to comply with a request for conversion of all or a portion of this Note into Common Shares that is tendered in accordance with the provisions of this Note;

 

(viii) The Company shall fail for any reason to deliver the payment in cash pursuant to a Buy-In (as defined below) within five (5) Business Days after such payment is due;

 

(ix) The Company’s failure to timely file with the Commission any Periodic Report on or before the due date of such filing as established by the Commission, it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that due date includes any permitted filing deadline extension under Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act;

 

(x) Any representation or warranty made or deemed to be made by or on behalf of the Company in or in connection with any Transaction Document, or any waiver hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (or, in the case of any such representation or warranty already qualified by materiality, such representation or warranty shall prove to have been incorrect) when made or deemed made;

 

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(xi) (A) Any material provision of any Transaction Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, ceases to be in full force and effect; (B) the Company or any other Person contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Transaction Document; or (C) the Company denies in writing that it has any further liability or obligation under any Transaction Document, or purports in writing to revoke, terminate (other than in accordance with the relevant termination provisions) or rescind any Transaction Document;

 

(xii) The Company uses the proceeds of the issuance of this Note, whether directly or indirectly, and whether immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry margin stock (within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X of the Federal Reserve Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof), or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock or to refund indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose; or

 

(xiii) Any Event of Default (as defined in the Other Notes or in any Transaction Document other than this Note) occurs with respect to any Other Notes, or any breach of any material term of any other debenture, note, or instrument held by the Holder in the Company or any agreement between or among the Company and the Holder;

 

(xiv) The Company shall fail to observe or perform any material covenant, agreement or warranty contained in, or otherwise commit any material breach or default of any provision of this Note (except as may be otherwise covered by Sections (2)(a)(i) through (2)(a)(xiii) hereof) or any other Transaction Document, which is not cured or remedied within the time prescribed or if no time is prescribed within ten (10) Business Days;

 

(xv) The Company’s failure or inability for any reason to assign this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. within 2-Business Days of receipt of written notice from the Holder directing the Company to do the same, which notice is sent after the closing of the Business Combination; or

 

(xvi) SharonAI Holdings, Inc.’s failure to deliver to the Holder a copy of the SEPA duly executed and validly signed by SharonAI Holdings, Inc. within 2-Business Days of the Company’s receipt of the notice referred to in Section (2)(a)(xv).

 

(b) During the time that any portion of this Note is outstanding, if any Event of Default has occurred (other than an event with respect to the Company described in Section (2)(a)(ii)), the full unpaid Principal amount of this Note, together with the Payment Premium in respect of such Principal Amount and all interest and other amounts owing in respect of this Note to the date of acceleration, shall become, at the Holder’s election given by notice pursuant to Section (5), immediately due and payable in cash; provided that, in the case of any event with respect to the Company described in Section (2)(a)(ii), the full unpaid Principal amount of this Note, together with the Payment Premium in respect of such Principal Amount and all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing in respect of this Note to the date of

 

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acceleration, shall automatically become due and payable, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Company. Furthermore, in addition to any other remedies, the Holder shall have the right (but not the obligation) to convert, on one or more occasions all or part of the Note in accordance with Section (3) (and subject to the limitations set out in Section (3)(c)(i) and Section (3)(c)(ii)) at any time after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing until all amounts outstanding under this Note have been repaid in full. The Holder need not provide, and the Company hereby waives, any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, (other than required notice of conversion) and the Holder may immediately enforce any and all of its rights and remedies hereunder and all other remedies available to it under applicable law. Such declaration may be rescinded and annulled by the Holder in writing at any time prior to payment hereunder. No such rescission or annulment shall affect any subsequent Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

(3) CONVERSION OF NOTE. This Note shall be convertible into Common Shares, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section (3).

 

(a) Conversion Right. Subject to the limitations of Section (3)(c), at any time or times on or after the earlier of (i) the closing of the Business Combination and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., and (ii) the Business Combination Deadline, the Holder shall be entitled to convert any portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount into fully paid and nonassessable Common Shares in accordance with Section (3)(b), at the Conversion Price. The number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of any Conversion Amount pursuant to this Section (3)(a) shall be determined by dividing (x) such Conversion Amount by (y) the Conversion Price. The Company shall not issue any fraction of a Common Share upon any conversion. All calculations under this Section (3) shall be rounded to the nearest $0.0001. If the issuance would result in the issuance of a fraction of a Common Share, the Company shall round such fraction of a Common Share up to the nearest whole share. The Company shall pay any and all transfer, stamp and similar taxes that may be payable with respect to the issuance and delivery of Common Shares upon conversion of any Conversion Amount.

 

(b) Mechanics of Conversion.

 

(i) Optional Conversion. To convert any Conversion Amount into Common Shares on any date (a “Conversion Date”), the Holder shall (A) transmit by email (or otherwise deliver), for receipt on or prior to 11:59 p.m., New York Time, on such date, a copy of an executed notice of conversion in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I (the “Conversion Notice”) to the Company and (B) if required by Section (3)(b)(iii), surrender this Note to a nationally recognized overnight delivery service for delivery to the Company (or an indemnification undertaking reasonably satisfactory to the Company with respect to this Note in the case of its loss, theft or destruction). On or before the first (1st) Trading Day following the date of receipt of a Conversion Notice (the “Share Delivery Date”), the Company shall (X) if legends are not required to be placed on certificates or the book-entry position of the Common Shares and provided that the Transfer Agent is participating in the Depository Trust Company’s (“DTC”) Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program, instruct such transfer agent to credit such aggregate number of Common Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled to the Holder’s or its designee’s balance account with DTC through its Deposit Withdrawal Agent Commission system or (Y) if the Transfer Agent is not participating in the DTC Fast Automated Securities Transfer Program,

 

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issue and deliver to the address as specified in the Conversion Notice, a certificate or book-entry position, registered in the name of the Holder or its designee, for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled which certificates shall not bear any restrictive legends unless required pursuant to rules and regulations of the Commission. If this Note is physically surrendered for conversion and the outstanding Principal of this Note is greater than the Principal portion of the Conversion Amount being converted, then the Company shall as soon as practicable and in no event later than three (3) Business Days after receipt of this Note and at its own expense, issue and deliver to the holder a new Note representing the outstanding Principal not converted. The Person or Persons entitled to receive the Common Shares issuable upon a conversion of this Note shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such Common Shares upon the transmission of a Conversion Notice.

 

(ii) Company’s Failure to Timely Convert. If the Company shall fail, for any reason or for no reason, on or prior to the applicable Share Delivery Date to issue and deliver a certificate to the Holder or credit the Holder’s balance account with DTC for the number of Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled upon such Holder’s conversion of any Conversion Amount (a “Conversion Failure”), and if on or after such Trading Day the Holder purchases (in an open market transaction or otherwise) Common Shares to deliver in satisfaction of a sale by the Holder of Common Shares issuable upon such conversion that the Holder anticipated receiving from the Company (a “Buy-In”), then the Company shall, within three (3) Business Days after the Holder’s request and in the Holder’s discretion, either (i) pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the Holder’s total purchase price (including brokerage commissions and other out of pocket expenses, if any) for the Common Shares so purchased (the “Buy-In Price”), at which point the Company’s obligation to deliver such certificate (and to issue such Common Shares) shall terminate, or (ii) promptly honor its obligation to deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates representing such Common Shares to which the Holder is entitled with respect to such Conversion Notice and pay cash to the Holder in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Buy-In Price over the product of (A) such number of Common Shares multiplied by (B) the Closing Price on the Conversion Date.

 

(iii) Book-Entry. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, upon conversion of any portion of this Note in accordance with the terms hereof, the Holder shall not be required to physically surrender this Note to the Company unless (A) the full Conversion Amount represented by this Note is being converted or (B) the Holder has provided the Company with prior written notice (which notice may be included in a Conversion Notice) requesting reissuance of this Note upon physical surrender of this Note. The Holder and the Company shall maintain records showing the Principal and Interest converted and the dates of such conversions or shall use such other method, reasonably satisfactory to the Holder and the Company, so as not to require physical surrender of this Note upon conversion.

 

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(c) Limitations on Conversions.

 

(i) Beneficial Ownership. The Holder shall not have the right to convert any portion of this Note to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the Holder, together with any affiliate thereof, would beneficially own (as determined in accordance with Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act and the rules promulgated thereunder) in excess of 4.99% of the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after giving effect to such conversion. Since the Holder will not be obligated to report to the Company the number of Common Shares it may hold at the time of a conversion hereunder, unless the conversion at issue would result in the issuance of Common Shares in excess of 4.99% of the then outstanding Common Shares without regard to any other shares which may be beneficially owned by the Holder or an affiliate thereof, the Holder shall have the authority and obligation to determine whether the restriction contained in this Section will limit any particular conversion hereunder and to the extent that the Holder determines that the limitation contained in this Section applies, the determination of which portion of the Principal amount of this Note is convertible shall be the responsibility and obligation of the Holder. If the Holder has delivered a Conversion Notice for a Principal amount of this Note that, without regard to any other shares that the Holder or its affiliates may beneficially own, would result in the issuance in excess of the permitted amount hereunder, the Company shall notify the Holder of this fact and shall honor the conversion for the maximum Principal amount permitted to be converted on such Conversion Date in accordance with Section (3)(a) and, any Principal amount tendered for conversion in excess of the permitted amount hereunder shall remain outstanding under this Note. The provisions of this Section may be waived by a Holder (but only as to itself and not to any other Holder) upon not less than 65 days prior notice to the Company. Other Holders shall be unaffected by any such waiver.

 

(ii) Principal Market Limitation. Notwithstanding anything in this Note to the contrary, the Company shall not issue any Common Shares upon conversion of this Note, or otherwise, if the issuance of such Common Shares, together with any Common Shares issued in connection the SEPA and any other related transactions that may be considered part of the same series of transactions, would exceed the aggregate number Common Shares that the Company may issue in a transaction in compliance with the Company’s obligations under the rules or regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq” and shall be referred to as the “Exchange Cap,” except that such limitation shall not apply if the Company’s stockholders have approved such issuances on such terms in excess of the Exchange Cap in accordance with the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.

 

(iii) Limitation on Monthly Conversions. The Holder shall not effect the conversion of this Note to the extent that after giving effect to such conversion, the aggregate Conversion Amount that has been converted into shares of Common Stock by the Holder during the calendar month in which such Conversion Date occurred (the “Monthly Conversion Period”) exceeds the greater of (x) $1,000,000 and (y) 20% of the aggregate daily dollar trading volume for the Common Stock on the Principal Market during such Monthly Conversion Period as reported by Bloomberg, and provided further that the Conversion Cap shall not apply (A) following the occurrence of an Event of Default, (B) to any conversion at the Fixed Price, or (C) at any time after the Business Combination Deadline so long as the closing of the Business Combination and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. has not occurred.

 

(d) Other Provisions.

 

(i) All calculations under this Section (3) shall be rounded to the nearest $0.0001 or whole share.

 

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(ii) So long as this Note or any Other Notes remain outstanding, promptly following the closing of the Business Combination Agreement and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., the Company shall have reserved from its duly authorized share capital, and shall have instructed the Transfer Agent to irrevocably reserve, the maximum number of Common Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note and the Other Notes (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) this Note and such Other Notes are convertible at the Floor Price as of the date of determination, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Note or Other Notes set forth herein or therein (the “Required Reserve Amount”)), provided that at no time shall the number of Common Shares reserved pursuant to this Section (3)(d)(ii) be reduced other than pursuant to the conversion of this Note and the Other Notes in accordance with their terms, and/or cancellation, or reverse stock split. If at any time while this Note or any Other Notes remain outstanding, the Company does not have a sufficient number of authorized and unreserved Common Shares to satisfy the obligation to reserve for the issuance the Required Reserve Amount, the Company will promptly take all corporate action necessary to propose to a meeting of its shareholders an increase of its authorized share capital necessary to meet the Company’s obligations pursuant to this Note, and cause its board of directors to recommend to the shareholders that they approve such proposal. If at any time following the closing of the Business Combination and assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. the number of Common Shares that remain available for issuance under the Exchange Cap is less than 100% of the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of all the Notes and Other Notes then outstanding (assuming for purposes hereof that (x) the Notes are convertible at the Conversion Price then in effect, and (y) any such conversion shall not take into account any limitations on the conversion of the Note, other than the Floor Price then in effect but solely with respect to the Variable Price), the Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly call and hold a shareholder meeting for the purpose of seeking the approval of its shareholders as required by the applicable rules of the Principal Market, for issuances of shares in excess of the Exchange Cap. The Company covenants that, upon issuance in accordance with conversion of this Note in accordance with its terms, the Common Shares, when issued, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

(iii) Nothing herein shall limit a Holder’s right to pursue actual damages or declare an Event of Default pursuant to Section (2) herein for the Company’s failure to deliver certificates representing Common Shares upon conversion within the period specified herein and such Holder shall have the right to pursue all remedies available to it at law or in equity including, without limitation, a decree of specific performance and/or injunctive relief, in each case without the need to post a bond or provide other security. The exercise of any such rights shall not prohibit the Holder from seeking to enforce damages pursuant to any other Section hereof or under applicable law.

 

(iv) Legal Opinions. The Company is obligated to cause its legal counsel to deliver legal opinions to the Company’s transfer agent in connection with any legend removal upon the expiration of any holding period or other requirement for which the Underlying Shares may bear legends restricting the transfer thereof. To the extent that a legal opinion is not provided (either timely or at all), then, in addition to being an Event of Default hereunder, the Company agrees to reimburse the Holder for all reasonable costs incurred by the Holder in connection with any legal opinions paid for by the Holder in connection with the sale or transfer of the Underlying Common Shares. The Holder shall notify the Company of any such costs and expenses it incurs that are referred to in this section from time to time and all amounts owed hereunder shall be paid by the Company with reasonable promptness.

 

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(e) Adjustment of Conversion Price upon Subdivision or Combination of Common Shares. If the Company, at any time while this Note is outstanding, shall (i) pay a stock dividend or otherwise make a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Shares or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in Common Shares, (ii) subdivide outstanding Common Shares into a larger number of shares, (iii) combine (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding Common Shares into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issue by reclassification of Common Shares any shares of capital stock of the Company, then each of the Fixed Price and the Floor Price shall be multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of Common Shares (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of Common Shares outstanding after such event. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section shall become effective, in the case of a dividend distribution, immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution or, in the case of a subdivision, combination or re- classification, and shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such subdivision, combination or re-classification.

 

(f) Reserved.

 

(g) Other Corporate Events. In addition to and not in substitution for any other rights hereunder, prior to the consummation of any Fundamental Transaction pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive securities or other assets with respect to or in exchange for Common Shares (a “Corporate Event”), the Company shall make appropriate provision to ensure that the Holder will thereafter have the right to receive upon a conversion of this Note, at the Holder’s option, (i) in addition to the Common Shares receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets to which the Holder would have been entitled with respect to such Common Shares had such Common Shares been held by the Holder upon the consummation of such Corporate Event (without taking into account any limitations or restrictions on the convertibility of this Note) or (ii) in lieu of the Common Shares otherwise receivable upon such conversion, such securities or other assets received by the holders of Common Shares in connection with the consummation of such Corporate Event in such amounts as the Holder would have been entitled to receive had this Note initially been issued with conversion rights for the form of such consideration (as opposed to Common Shares) at a conversion rate for such consideration commensurate with the Conversion Price. Provision made pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be in a form and substance satisfactory to the Required Holders. The provisions of this Section shall apply similarly and equally to successive Corporate Events and shall be applied without regard to any limitations on the conversion or redemption of this Note.

 

(h) Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted pursuant to Section (3) hereof, the Company shall promptly provide the Holder with a written notice setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment.

 

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(i) In case of any (1) merger or consolidation of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company with or into another Person, or (2) sale by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of more than one-half of the assets of the Company in one or a series of related transactions, a Holder shall have the right to (A) exercise any rights under Section (2)(a)(xiii), (B) convert the aggregate amount of this Note then outstanding into the shares of stock and other securities, cash and property receivable upon or deemed to be held by holders of Common Shares following such merger, consolidation or sale, and such Holder shall be entitled upon such event or series of related events to receive such amount of securities, cash and property as the Common Shares into which such aggregate Principal amount of this Note could have been converted immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or sales would have been entitled, or (C) in the case of a merger or consolidation, require the surviving entity to issue to the Holder a convertible Note with a Principal amount equal to the aggregate Principal amount of this Note then held by such Holder, plus all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts owing thereon, which such newly issued convertible Note shall have terms identical (including with respect to conversion) to the terms of this Note, and shall be entitled to all of the rights and privileges of the Holder of this Note set forth herein and the agreements pursuant to which this Note was issued. In the case of clause (C), the conversion price applicable for the newly issued shares of convertible preferred stock or convertible debentures shall be based upon the amount of securities, cash and property that each Common Shares would receive in such transaction and the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness or closing date for such transaction. The terms of any such merger, sale or consolidation shall include such terms so as to continue to give the Holder the right to receive the securities, cash and property set forth in this Section upon any conversion or redemption following such event. This provision shall similarly apply to successive such events.

 

(4) REISSUANCE OF THIS NOTE.

 

(a) Transfer. If this Note is to be transferred, the Holder shall surrender this Note to the Company, whereupon the Company will forthwith issue and deliver upon the order of the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)), registered in the name of the registered transferee or assignee, representing the outstanding Principal being transferred by the Holder (along with any accrued and unpaid interest thereof) and, if less than the entire outstanding Principal is being transferred, a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) to the Holder representing the outstanding Principal not being transferred. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Note, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of Section (3)(b)(iii) following conversion or redemption of any portion of this Note, the outstanding Principal represented by this Note may be less than the Principal stated on the face of this Note. In addition, the parties agree that the Note may be assigned from the Company to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. following the closing of the Business Combination Agreement.

 

(b) Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Note. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note, and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of any indemnification undertaking by the Holder to the Company in customary form and substance and, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) representing the outstanding Principal.

 

(c) Note Exchangeable for Different Denominations. This Note is exchangeable, upon the surrender hereof by the Holder at the principal office of the Company, for a new Note or Notes (in accordance with Section (4)(d)) representing in the aggregate the outstanding Principal of this Note, and each such new Note will represent such portion of such outstanding Principal as is designated by the Holder at the time of such surrender.

 

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(d) Issuance of New Notes. Whenever the Company is required to issue a new Note pursuant to the terms hereof, such new Note (i) shall be of like tenor with this Note, (ii) shall represent, as indicated on the face of such new Note, the Principal remaining outstanding (or in the case of a new Note being issued pursuant to Section (4)(a) or Section (4)(c), the Principal designated by the Holder which, when added to the Principal represented by the other new Note(s) issued in connection with such issuance, does not exceed the Principal remaining outstanding under this Note immediately prior to such issuance of such new Note), (iii) shall have an issuance date, as indicated on the face of such new Note, which is the same as the Issuance Date of this Note, (iv) shall have the same rights and conditions as this Note, and (v) shall represent accrued and unpaid Interest from the Issuance Date.

 

(5) NOTICES. Any notices, consents, waivers or other communications required or permitted to be given under the terms hereof must be in writing by letter or electronic mail (“e-mail”) and will be deemed to have been delivered (i) upon receipt, when delivered personally, (ii) one (1) Business Day after deposit with an overnight courier service with next day delivery specified, as applicable or (iii) receipt, when sent by e-mail, and, in each case of the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), properly addressed to the party to receive the same. The addresses and e-mail addresses for such communications shall be:

 

If to the Company prior to the Business Combination, to:   SharonAI, Inc.
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151
Attention: CEO
E-mail: wolf@sharonai.com
     
If to the Company following the Business Combination, to:   SharonAI Holdings, Inc.
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151
Attention: CEO
E-mail: wolf@sharonai.com
     
With copies (which shall not constitute notice or delivery of process) to:   Sheppard Mullin LLP
12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92130
Attention: Chad R. Ensz, Esq.
E-mail: censz@sheppardmullin.com
     
If to the Holder:  

YA II PN, Ltd
c/o Yorkville Advisors Global, LLC
1012 Springfield Avenue
Mountainside, NJ 07092
Attention: Mark Angelo

Email: Legal@yorkvilleadvisors.com

 

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or at such other address and/or e-mail address and/or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by written notice given to each other party in accordance with this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effectiveness of such change. Written confirmation of receipt (a) given by the recipient of such notice, consent, waiver or other communication, (b) electronically generated by the sender’s email service provider containing the time, date, recipient email address or (c) provided by a nationally recognized overnight delivery service, shall be rebuttable evidence of personal service, receipt from a nationally recognized overnight delivery service or receipt by e-mail in accordance with clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respectively.

 

(6) Except as expressly provided herein, no provision of this Note shall alter or impair the obligations of the Company, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the Principal of, and interest and other charges (if any) on, this Note at the time, place, and rate, and in the currency, herein prescribed. This Note is a direct obligation of the Company. As long as this Note is outstanding, the Company shall not and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries not to, without the consent of the Holder, (i) amend its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other charter documents so as to adversely affect any rights of the Holder; (ii) repay, repurchase or offer to repay, repurchase or otherwise acquire shares of its Common Shares or other equity securities; (iii) enter into any agreement with respect to any of the foregoing, or (iv) enter into any agreement, arrangement or transaction in or of which the terms thereof would restrict, materially delay, conflict with or impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under the this Note, including, without limitation, the obligation of the Company to make cash payments hereunder.

 

(7) This Note shall not entitle the Holder to any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including without limitation, the right to vote, to receive dividends and other distributions, or to receive any notice of, or to attend, meetings of stockholders or any other proceedings of the Company, unless and to the extent converted into Common Shares in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(8) CHOICE OF LAW; VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

 

(a) Governing Law. This Note and the rights and obligations of the Parties hereunder shall, in all respects, be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws (excluding the principles of conflict of laws) of the State of New York (the “Governing Jurisdiction”) (including Section 5-1401 and Section 5-1402 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York), including all matters of construction, validity and performance.

 

(b) Jurisdiction; Venue; Service.

 

(i) The Company hereby irrevocably consents to the non- exclusive personal jurisdiction of the state courts of the Governing Jurisdiction and, if a basis for federal jurisdiction exists, the non-exclusive personal jurisdiction of any United States District Court for the Governing Jurisdiction.

 

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(ii) The Company agrees that venue shall be proper in any court of the Governing Jurisdiction selected by the Holder or, if a basis for federal jurisdiction exists, in any United States District Court in the Governing Jurisdiction selected by the Holder. The Company waives any right to object to the maintenance of any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, in any of the state or federal courts of the Governing Jurisdiction on the basis of improper venue or inconvenience of forum.

 

(iii) Any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or tort or otherwise, brought by the Company against the Holder arising out of or based upon this Note or any matter relating to this Note, or any other Transaction Document, or any contemplated transaction, shall be brought in a court only in the Governing Jurisdiction. The Company shall not file any counterclaim against the Holder in any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding brought by the Holder against the Company in a jurisdiction outside of the Governing Jurisdiction unless under the rules of the court in which the Holder brought such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding the counterclaim is mandatory, and not permissive, and would be considered waived unless filed as a counterclaim in the suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding instituted by the Holder against the Company. The Company agrees that any forum outside the Governing Jurisdiction is an inconvenient forum and that any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding brought by the Company against the Holder in any court outside the Governing Jurisdiction should be dismissed or transferred to a court located in the Governing Jurisdiction. Furthermore, the Company irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not bring or commence any suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against the Holder arising out of or based upon this Note or any matter relating to this Note, or any other Transaction Document, or any contemplated transaction, in any forum other than the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County, and the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State Court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in such federal court. The Company and the Holder agree that a final judgment in any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

(iv) The Company and the Holder irrevocably consent to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such suit, claim, action, litigation or proceeding by e-mail or the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail postage prepaid, to it at the e-mail address or physical address, as applicable, provided for notices in this Note, such service to become effective thirty (30) days after the date of such e-mail or mailing, as applicable. The Company and the Holder each irrevocably waive any defense it may have on the grounds of insufficient or improper service with respect to service of process effected in accordance with this Section (8)(b)(iv).

 

(v) Nothing herein shall affect the right of the Holder to serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence legal proceedings or to otherwise proceed against the Company or any other Person in the Governing Jurisdiction or in any other jurisdiction.

 

15

 

 

(c) THE PARTIES MUTUALLY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ALL CLAIMS OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR BASED UPON THIS NOTE OR ANY MATTER RELATING TO THIS NOTE, OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, OR ANY CONTEMPLATED TRANSACTION. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A WAIVER OF A LEGAL RIGHT AND THAT THE PARTIES EACH MAKE THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY AFTER CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CHOICE. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL SUCH CLAIMS SHALL BE TRIED BEFORE A JUDGE OF A COURT HAVING JURISDICTION, WITHOUT A JURY.

 

(9) If the Company fails to strictly comply with the terms of this Note, then the Company shall reimburse the Holder promptly for all fees, costs and expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Holder in any action in connection with this Note, including, without limitation, those incurred: (i) during any workout, attempted workout, and/or in connection with the rendering of legal advice as to the Holder’s rights, remedies and obligations, (ii) collecting any sums which become due to the Holder, (iii) defending or prosecuting any proceeding or any counterclaim to any proceeding or appeal; or (iv) the protection, preservation or enforcement of any rights or remedies of the Holder.

 

(10) Any waiver by the Holder of a breach of any provision of this Note shall not operate as or be construed to be a waiver of any other breach of such provision or of any breach of any other provision of this Note. The failure of the Holder to insist upon strict adherence to any term of this Note on one or more occasions shall not be considered a waiver or deprive that party of the right thereafter to insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this Note. Any waiver must be in writing.

 

(11) If any provision of this Note is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the balance of this Note shall remain in effect, and if any provision is inapplicable to any person or circumstance, it shall nevertheless remain applicable to all other persons and circumstances. If it shall be found that any interest or other amount deemed interest due hereunder shall violate applicable laws governing usury, the applicable rate of interest due hereunder shall automatically be lowered to equal the maximum permitted rate of interest. The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law or other law which would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the Principal of or interest on this Note as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Note, and the Company (to the extent it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefits or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Holder, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

16

 

 

(12) CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Note, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a) “Amortization Event” shall mean, following closing of the Business Combination Agreement and assignment of the Note from the Company to SharonAI Holdings, Inc: (i) the daily VWAP is less than the Floor Price then in effect for any five (5) Trading Days during a period of seven (7) consecutive Trading Days (a “Floor Price Event”), (ii) the Company has issued to the Investor, pursuant to the transactions contemplated in this Note, the Other Notes and the SEPA, in excess of 99% of the Common Shares available under the Exchange Cap, where applicable (an “Exchange Cap Event”), or (iii) at any time after the Effectiveness Deadline (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), the Investor is unable to utilize a Registration Statement to resell Underlying Shares for a period of ten (10) consecutive Trading Days (a “Registration Event”)] (the last day of each such occurrence, an “Amortization Event Date”).

 

(b) “Amortization Principal Amount” shall mean $1,000,000, provided however, in the event that the full $7,500,000 of Pre-Paid Advances have not been issued pursuant to the SEPA, then such amount shall be reduced pro rata in accordance with total amount issued.

 

(c) “Applicable Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(d) “Approved Stock Plan” means any employee benefit plan or share incentive plan which has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, pursuant to which the Company’s securities may be issued to any employee, officer or director for services provided to the Company.

 

(e) “Bloomberg” means Bloomberg Financial Markets.

 

(f) “Business Combination” shall mean the merger and other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement.

 

(g) “Business Combination Deadline” shall mean October 31, 2025, unless extended with the agreement of the Holder.

 

(h) “Business Day” means any day except Saturday, Sunday and any day which shall be a federal legal holiday in the United States or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other government action to close.

 

(i) “Buy-In” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(j) “Buy-In Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(k) “Calendar Month” means one of the twelve months of the year.

 

(l) “Change of Control Transaction” means the occurrence of (a) an acquisition after the date hereof by an individual or legal entity or “group” (as described in Rule 13d-5(b)(1) promulgated under the Exchange Act) of effective control (whether through legal or beneficial ownership of capital stock of the Company, by contract or otherwise) of in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the Company (except that the acquisition of voting securities by the Holder or any other current holder of convertible securities of the Company shall not constitute a Change of Control Transaction for purposes hereof), (b) a replacement at one time or over time of more than one-half of the members of the board of directors of the Company (other than as due to the death or disability of a member of the board of directors) which is not approved by a majority of those individuals who are members of the board of directors on the date hereof

 

17

 

 

(or by those individuals who are serving as members of the board of directors on any date whose nomination to the board of directors was approved by a majority of the members of the board of directors who are members on the date hereof), (c) the merger, consolidation or sale of fifty percent (50%) or more of the assets of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company in one or a series of related transactions with or into another entity, or (d) the execution by the Company of an agreement to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound, providing for any of the events set forth above in (a), (b) or (c). No transfer to a wholly-owned Subsidiary shall be deemed a Change of Control Transaction under this provision.

 

(m) “Closing Price” means the price per share in the last reported trade of the Common Shares on a Principal Market or on the exchange which the Common Shares are then listed as quoted by Bloomberg.

 

(n) “Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

(o) “Common Shares” means (A) prior to assignment of this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc., the share of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share of the Company and (B) following assignment of this Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. the shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001, of SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and stock of any other class into which such shares may hereafter be changed or reclassified.

 

(p) “Conversion Amount” means the portion of the Principal, Interest, or other amounts outstanding under this Note to be converted, redeemed or otherwise with respect to which this determination is being made.

 

(q) “Conversion Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(r) “Conversion Failure” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(ii).

 

(s) “Conversion Notice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(t) “Conversion Price” means, as of any Conversion Date or other date of determination, (A) prior to the close of trading on the fifth day following the closing of the Business Combination (“Market Price Date”), $60.62, and (B) after the Market Price Date, the lower of (i) 120% of the average of the daily VWAPs during the five (5) consecutive Trading Day period ending on the Market Price Date (the “Fixed Price”), or (ii) 95% of the lowest daily VWAP during the 10 consecutive Trading Days immediately preceding the Conversion Date or other date of determination (the “Variable Price”), but which Variable Price shall not be lower than the Floor Price then in effect. On the earlier of the effective date of the initial Registration Statement, the Effectiveness Deadline (the “Fixed Price Reset Date”), the Fixed Price shall be adjusted (downwards only) to equal the average VWAP for the three (3) Trading Days immediately prior to the Fixed Price Reset Date; provided, however, that until the Note is assigned SharonAI Holdings, Inc., the Conversion Price shall remain at $60.62. The Conversion Price shall be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the other terms and conditions of this Note.

 

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(u) “Convertible Securities” means any stock or securities directly or indirectly convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Common Shares.

 

(v) “Dilutive Issuance” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(w) “Effectiveness Deadline” shall have the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

(x) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(y) “Excluded Securities” means any Common Shares issued or issuable or deemed to be issued by the Company: (i) under any Approved Stock Plan, (ii) upon conversion of any securities issued pursuant to the SEPA (including Common Shares issued in connection with this Note and any of the Other Notes); (iii) upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Options or Convertible Securities which are outstanding on the day immediately preceding the date of the SEPA; provided, that such issuance of Common Shares upon exercise of such Options or Convertible Securities is made pursuant to the terms of such Options or Convertible Securities in effect on such date and such Options or Convertible Securities are not amended, modified or changed on or after such date, or (iv) upon a stock split, reverse stock split, distribution of bonus shares, combination or other recapitalization events.

 

(z) “Floor Price” solely with respect to the Variable Price, shall mean 20% of the Closing Price on the Market Price Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may reduce the Floor Price to any amounts set forth in a written notice to the Holder; provided that such reduction shall be irrevocable and shall not be subject to increase thereafter.

 

(aa) “Fundamental Transaction” means any of the following: (1) the Company effects any merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another Person and the Company is the non-surviving company (other than a merger or consolidation with a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company for the purpose of redomiciling the Company), (2) the Company effects any sale of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of related transactions, (3) any tender offer or exchange offer (whether by the Company or another Person) is completed pursuant to which holders of Common Shares are permitted to tender or exchange their shares for other securities, cash or property, or (4) the Company effects any reclassification of the Common Shares or any compulsory share exchange pursuant to which the Common Shares is effectively converted into or exchanged for other securities, cash or property.

 

(bb) “New Issuance Price” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(f).

 

(cc) “Other Notes” means any other notes issued pursuant to the SEPA and any other debentures, notes, or other instruments issued in exchange, replacement, or modification of the foregoing.

 

(dd) “Payment Premium” means 10% of the Principal amount being paid.

 

19

 

 

(ee) “Periodic Reports” shall mean all of the Company’s reports required to be filed by the Company with the Commission under applicable laws and regulations (including, without limitation, Regulation S-K), including annual reports (on Form 10-K), quarterly reports (on Form 10-Q), and current reports (on Form 8-K), for so long as any amounts are outstanding under this Note or any Other Note; provided that all such Periodic Reports shall include, when filed, all information, financial statements, audit reports (when applicable) and other information required to be included in such Periodic Reports in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

 

(ff) “Person” means a corporation, an association, a partnership, organization, a business, an individual, a government or political subdivision thereof or a governmental agency.

 

(gg) “Principal Market” means any of The New York Stock Exchange, the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or the Nasdaq Global Select Market, and any successor to any of the foregoing markets or exchanges.

 

(hh) “Redemption Premium” means 10% of the Principal amount being redeemed.

 

(ii) “Registration Rights Agreement” means the registration rights agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B to be entered into between SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and the Holder on the date hereof.

 

(jj) “Registration Statement” means a registration statement meeting the requirements set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement covering among other things the resale of the Underlying Shares and naming the Holder as a “selling stockholder” thereunder.

 

(kk) “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

(ll) “Share Delivery Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section (3)(b)(i).

 

(mm) “Subsidiary” shall mean any Person in which the Company, directly or indirectly, (x) owns a majority of the outstanding capital stock or holds a majority of the equity or similar interest of such Person or (y) controls or operates all or substantially all of the business, operations or administration of such Person, and the foregoing are collectively referred to herein as “Subsidiaries.”

 

(nn) “Trading Day” means a day on which the Common Shares are quoted or traded on a Principal Market on which the Common Shares are then quoted or listed.

 

(oo) “Transaction Document” means this Note, the Other Notes and the NPA and following assignment of the Note to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and execution of the SEPA, and the Registration Rights Agreement, the SEPA and the Registration Rights Agreement and any and all other documents, agreements, instruments or other items executed or delivered in connection with this Note or any of the foregoing.

 

20

 

 

(pp) “Underlying Shares” means the Common Shares of SharonAI Holdings, Inc, if and when such Note is assigned to SharonAI Holdings, Inc. issuable upon conversion of this Note or as payment of interest in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

(qq) “VWAP” means, for any Trading Day, the daily volume weighted average price of the Common Shares for such Trading Day on the Principal Market during regular trading hours as reported by Bloomberg L.P.

 

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

21

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Convertible Promissory Note to be duly executed by a duly authorized officer as of the date set forth above.

 

  SHARONAI INC.
     
  By: /s/ Wolfgang Schubert
  Name: Wolfgang Schubert
  Title: CEO

 

22

 

 

Exhibit A

 

Form of SEPA

 

(see attached)

 

A-1

 

 

Exhibit B

 

Form of Registration Rights Agreement

 

(see attached)

 

B-1

 

 

EXHIBIT I

CONVERSION NOTICE

 

(To be executed by the Holder in order to Convert the Note)

 

TO: [___________]

 

Via Email:

 

The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to convert a portion of the outstanding and unpaid Conversion Amount of Note No. SHARON-[1][2][3][4] into Common Shares of [___________], according to the conditions stated therein, as of the Conversion Date written below.

 

Conversion Date:

 

Principal Amount to be Converted:

 

Accrued Interest to be Converted:

 

Total Conversion Amount to be converted:

 

Fixed Price:

 

Variable Price:

 

Applicable Conversion Price:

 

Number of Common Shares to be issued:

 

Please issue the Common Shares in the following name and deliver them to the following account:

 

Issue to:

 

Broker DTC Participant Code:

 

Account Number:

 

Authorized Signature:  
   
Name:  
   
Title:  

 

I-1

 

Exhibit 10.23

 

FIRST AMENDMENT TO

CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTES

 

This First Amendment to Convertible Promissory Notes (this “Amendment”) is effective as of October 21, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), by and between SharonAI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and YA II PN, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempt limited company (the “Investor”).

 

RECITALS

 

A. The Company has issued to and for the benefit of the Investor that certain Convertible Promissory Note dated July 15, 2025, for the Original Principal Amount of $500,000 (the “First Note”), and that certain Convertible Promissory Note dated October 1, 2025, for the Original Principal Amount of $2,000,000 (the “Second Note,” and together with the First Note, the “Notes,” and each, a “Note”); and

 

B. The Company and the Investor desire to amend the Notes pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Amendment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants and conditions set forth below, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this Amendment, all capitalized terms herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Notes.

 

2. Consideration. The parties agree that the consideration for this Amendment consists of the mutual benefits arising from the modifications set out below.

 

3. Business Combination Deadline Definition. The definition of “Business Combination” in Section 12 of each of the Notes is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

 

“(d) ‘Business Combination Deadline’ shall mean December 31, 2025, unless extended with the agreement of the Holder.”

 

4. Binding Agreement. All of the terms and provisions of this Amendment shall be binding upon each party hereto and their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

 

5. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in multiple counterparts and transmitted by facsimile, by electronic mail in portable document format (“PDF”) form or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a party’s signature, with each such counterpart, facsimile or PDF signature constituting an original and all of which together constituting one and the same original.

 

6. Continuing Validity. Except as expressly modified by this Amendment, the terms and conditions of the Notes will remain unchanged and in full force and effect, and are expressly incorporated by reference in this Amendment. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Amendment and either Note, the terms of this Amendment will prevail.

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the Effective Date.

 

COMPANY: INVESTOR:
       
SharonAI Inc. YA II PN, Ltd.
       
By:/s/ Wolfgang Schubert  By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP
Name:Wolfgang Schubert  Its: Investment Manager
Title:CEO     
    By: Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC
    Its: General Partner
       
    By: /s/ Matt Beckman
    Name: Matt Beckman
    Title: Member

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.24

 

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

 

This Limited Liability Company Agreement of Texas Critical Data Centers LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), is entered into as of January 21, 2025 by and among the Company, SharonAI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“SharonAI”), and New Era Helium Inc., a Nevada corporation (“NEHC”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company was formed under the laws of the State of Delaware by the filing of a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State of Delaware (the “Secretary of State”) on November 22, 2024 (the “Certificate of Formation”) for the purpose set forth in Section 2.05 of this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, SharonAI and NEHC have each agreed to contribute, or cause to be contributed, to the Company certain assets and liabilities in exchange for Membership Interests; and

 

WHEREAS, the Members wish to enter into this Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions governing the operation and management of the Company.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

Article I
DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01 Definitions. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.01:

 

Additional Capital Contributions” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(a).

 

Adjusted Capital Account Deficit” means, with respect to any Member, the deficit balance, if any, in such Member’s Capital Account as of the end of the relevant Fiscal Year, after giving effect to the following adjustments:

 

(a) crediting to such Capital Account any amount that such Member is obligated to restore or is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c), 1.704-2(g)(1), and 1.704-2(i); and

 

(b) debiting to such Capital Account the items described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5), and (6).

 

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person who, directly or indirectly (including through one or more intermediaries), controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person. For purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any specified Person, shall mean the power, direct or indirect, to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through ownership of voting securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract, or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” shall have correlative meanings. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Affiliate” does not, when used with respect to a Member or Manager, include the Company and vice versa.

 

 

 

 

Agreement” means this Limited Liability Company Agreement, as executed and as it may be amended, modified, supplemented, or restated from time to time, as provided herein.

 

Applicable Law” means all applicable provisions of (a) constitutions, treaties, statutes, laws (including the common law), rules, regulations, decrees, ordinances, codes, proclamations, declarations, or orders of any Governmental Authority; (b) any consents or approvals of any Governmental Authority; and (c) any orders, decisions, advisory or interpretative opinions, injunctions, judgments, awards, decrees of, or agreements with, any Governmental Authority.

 

Asserting Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13.

 

Bankruptcy” means, with respect to a Member, the occurrence of any of the following: (a) the filing of an application by such Member for, or a consent to, the appointment of a trustee of such Member’s assets; (b) the filing by such Member of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or the filing of a pleading in any court of record admitting in writing such Member’s inability to pay its debts as they come due; (c) the making by such Member of a general assignment for the benefit of such Member’s creditors; (d) the filing by such Member of an answer admitting the material allegations of, or such Member’s consenting to, or defaulting in answering a bankruptcy petition filed against such Member in any bankruptcy proceeding; or (e) the expiration of sixty (60) days following the entry of an order, judgment, or decree by any court of competent jurisdiction adjudicating such Member bankrupt or appointing a trustee of such Member’s assets.

 

BBA” means the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.

 

Board” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01.

 

Book Depreciation” means, with respect to any Company asset for each Fiscal Year, the Company’s depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deductions determined for federal income tax purposes, except that if the Book Value of an asset differs from its adjusted tax basis at the beginning of such Fiscal Year, Book Depreciation shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to such beginning Book Value as the federal income tax depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction for such Fiscal Year bears to such beginning adjusted tax basis; provided, that if the adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes of an asset at the beginning of such Fiscal Year is zero and the Book Value of the asset is positive, Book Depreciation shall be determined with reference to such beginning Book Value using any permitted method selected by the Board in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g)(3).

 

Book Value” means, with respect to any Company asset, the adjusted basis of such asset for federal income tax purposes, except as follows:

 

(a) the initial Book Value of any Company asset contributed by a Member to the Company shall be the gross Fair Market Value of such Company asset as of the date of such contribution;

 

-2-

 

 

(b) immediately prior to the distribution by the Company of any Company asset to a Member, the Book Value of such asset shall be adjusted to its gross Fair Market Value as of the date of such distribution;

 

(c) the Book Value of all Company assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective gross Fair Market Values, as reasonably determined (except as otherwise provided in Section 12.03(d)) by unanimous consent of the Members, as of the following times:

 

(i) the acquisition of an additional Membership Interest by a new or existing Member in consideration for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution;

 

(ii) the distribution by the Company to a Member of more than a de minimis amount of property (other than cash) as consideration for all or a part of such Member’s Membership Interest; and

 

(iii) the liquidation of the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g);

 

provided, that adjustments pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above need not be made if the Board reasonably determines that such adjustment is not necessary or appropriate to reflect the relative economic interests of the Members and that the absence of such adjustment does not adversely and disproportionately affect any Member;

 

(d) the Book Value of each Company asset shall be increased or decreased, as the case may be, to reflect any adjustments to the adjusted tax basis of such Company asset pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b), but only to the extent that such adjustments are taken into account in determining Capital Account balances pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m); provided, that Book Values shall not be adjusted pursuant to this paragraph (d) to the extent that an adjustment pursuant to paragraph (c) above is made in conjunction with a transaction that would otherwise result in an adjustment pursuant to this paragraph (d); and

 

(e) if the Book Value of a Company asset has been determined pursuant to paragraph (a) or adjusted pursuant to paragraphs (c) or (d) above, such Book Value shall thereafter be adjusted to reflect the Book Depreciation taken into account with respect to such Company asset for purposes of computing Net Income and Net Losses.

 

Budget” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.11(a).

 

Business” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a).

 

Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or other day on which commercial banks in the City of New York are authorized or required to close.

 

-3-

 

 

Buy-Out Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).

 

Buy-Sell Closing” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(d).

 

Buy-Sell Election Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(c).

 

Buy-Sell Offer Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).

 

Buy-Sell Purchase Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(e).

 

Buy-Sell Purchasing Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(d).

 

Buy-Sell Selling Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(d).

 

Capital Account” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03.

 

Capital Contribution” means, for any Member, the total amount of cash and cash equivalents and the Book Value of any property contributed to the Company by such Member.

 

Certificate of Formation” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

Chairperson” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.08.

 

Class A Manager” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.02(a)(i).

 

Class B Manager” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.02(a)(ii).

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

Company” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

 

Company Interest Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02(c).

 

Company Minimum Gain” means “partnership minimum gain” as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(2), substituting the term “Company” for the term “partnership” as the context requires.

 

Competitor” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02.

 

Confidential Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.01(a).

 

Contributing Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(b).

 

Covered Person” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(a).

 

Deadlock” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(a).

 

Default Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(b).

 

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Default Loan” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(b).

 

Default Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(b).

 

Defaulting Member” means a Member that has breached in any material respect any of Section 3.01 or Section 3.02 of this Agreement and such breach, if capable of cure, remains uncured for 30 days after written notice of such breach to such Member.

 

Delaware Act” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, Title 6, Chapter 18, §§ 18-101, et seq.

 

Dissolution” means, with respect to a Member, the occurrence of any of the following: (a) if such Member is a partnership or limited liability company, the dissolution and commencement of winding up of such partnership or limited liability company; or (b) if such Member is a corporation, the dissolution of the corporation or the revocation of its charter.

 

Electronic Transmission” means any form of communication not directly involving the physical transmission of paper, including the use of, or participation in, one or more electronic networks or databases (including one or more distributed electronic networks or databases), that creates a record that may be retained, retrieved, and reviewed by a recipient thereof and that may be directly reproduced in paper form by such a recipient through an automated process.

 

Encumbrance” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(d).

 

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

Fair Market Value” of any asset as of any date means the purchase price that a willing buyer having all relevant knowledge would pay a willing seller for such asset in an arm’s-length transaction. Unless otherwise provided herein, Fair Market Value shall be as determined unanimously by the Members; provided, that if the Members are unable to agree on the fair market value of such asset within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed a period of ten days), such fair market value shall be determined by a nationally recognized investment banking, accounting, or valuation firm selected by unanimous agreement of the Members or, if the Members are unable to agree on a firm within a five day period, Houlihan Lokey, or if Houlihan Lokey is unavailable to perform the services, Kroll. The determination of such firm shall be final, conclusive, and binding and the fees and expenses of such valuation firm shall be borne by the Company.

 

Fiscal Year” means the calendar year, unless the Company is required to have a taxable year other than the calendar year, in which case Fiscal Year shall be the period that conforms to its taxable year.

 

Fundamental Matter” shall mean any of the following regarding the Company:

 

(a) An amendment, modification, or waiver of the Certificate of Formation or this Agreement, other than as provided in Section 13.09;

 

(b) A material change to the nature of the business conducted by the Company or its entry into any business other than the Business;

 

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(c) Any issuance, repurchase, or redemption of any Membership Interest or other equity interest or any securities convertible into or exercisable for any Membership Interest or other equity interest, or acceptance of any Capital Contribution other than the Initial Capital Contributions or Additional Capital Contributions;

 

(d) Adoption, amendment, or waiver of the Budget;

 

(e) Authorization or incurrence of expenses that are more than 110% of the corresponding amounts set forth in the Budget;

 

(f) Any determination to request Capital Contributions from the Members (other than with respect to Additional Capital Contributions that are provided for in the then approved Budget);

 

(g) Any material change in tax or accounting methods or policies (other than as required by GAAP);

 

(h) Except as provided in Section 7.13, initiation or settlement of any lawsuit, legal action, dispute, arbitration, or other judicial or administrative proceeding, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business, or any agreement to the provision of any equitable relief; or

 

(i) Initiation of a bankruptcy proceeding (or consent to any involuntary bankruptcy proceeding) or, other than as contemplated by ARTICLE XII, dissolve, wind-up, or liquidate the Company.

 

GAAP” means United States generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time.

 

Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, local, or foreign government or political subdivision thereof, or any agency or instrumentality of such government or political subdivision, or any self-regulated organization or other non-governmental regulatory authority or quasi-governmental authority (to the extent that the rules, regulations, or orders of such organization or authority have the force of law), or any arbitrator, court, or tribunal of competent jurisdiction.

 

Initial Budget” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.11(a).

 

Initial Capital Contribution” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

 

Initial Members” means SharonAI and NEHC.

 

Initiating Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).

 

Joinder Agreement” means the joinder agreement in form and substance attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

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JV Agreements” means any agreement between the Company and one or more Members relating to the provision of services or assets to the Company by such Member(s).

 

Liquidator” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.03(a).

 

Losses” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03(a).

 

Manager” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01.

 

Managers Schedule” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.03(d).

 

Member” means (a) each Initial Member and (b) each Person who is hereafter admitted as a member in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Delaware Act. The Members shall constitute the “members” (as that term is defined in the Delaware Act) of the Company.

 

SharonAI” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

NEHC” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

 

Member Indemnitors” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03(f).

 

Member Nonrecourse Debt” means “partner nonrecourse debt” as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4), substituting the term “Company” for the term “partnership” and the term “Member” for the term “partner” as the context requires.

 

Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain” means an amount, with respect to each Member Nonrecourse Debt, equal to the Company Minimum Gain that would result if the Member Nonrecourse Debt were treated as a Nonrecourse Liability, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(3).

 

Member Nonrecourse Deduction” means “partner nonrecourse deduction” as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i), substituting the term “Member” for the term “partner” as the context requires.

 

Membership Interest” means an interest in the Company owned by a Member, including such Member’s right to (a) its distributive share of Net Income, Net Losses, and other items of income, gain, loss, and deduction of the Company; (b) its distributive share of the assets of the Company; (c) vote on, consent to, or otherwise participate in any decision of the Members as provided in this Agreement; and (d) any and all other benefits to which such Member may be entitled as provided in this Agreement or the Delaware Act. The Membership Interest of each Member shall be expressed as a Percentage Interest.

 

Net Income” and “Net Loss” mean, for each Fiscal Year or other period specified in this Agreement, an amount equal to the Company’s taxable income or taxable loss, or particular items thereof, determined in accordance with Code Section 703(a) (where, for this purpose, all items of income, gain, loss, or deduction required to be stated separately pursuant to Code Section 703(a)(1) shall be included in taxable income or taxable loss), but with the following adjustments:

 

(a) any income realized by the Company that is exempt from federal income taxation, as described in Code Section 705(a)(1)(B), shall be added to such taxable income or taxable loss, notwithstanding that such income is not includable in gross income;

 

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(b) any expenditures of the Company described in Code Section 705(a)(2)(B), including any items treated under Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(I) as items described in Code Section 705(a)(2)(B), shall be subtracted from such taxable income or taxable loss, notwithstanding that such expenditures are not deductible for federal income tax purposes;

 

(c) any gain or loss resulting from any disposition of Company property with respect to which gain or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Book Value of the property so disposed, notwithstanding that the adjusted tax basis of such property differs from its Book Value;

 

(d) any items of depreciation, amortization, and other cost recovery deductions with respect to Company property having a Book Value that differs from its adjusted tax basis shall be computed by reference to the property’s Book Value (as adjusted for Book Depreciation) in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g);

 

(e) if the Book Value of any Company property is adjusted as provided in the definition of Book Value, then the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain or loss and included in the computation of such taxable income or taxable loss; and

 

(f) to the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company property pursuant to Code Sections 732(d), 734(b), or 743(b) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis).

 

Non-Contributing Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.02(b).

 

Nonrecourse Deductions” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b).

 

Nonrecourse Liability” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(3).

 

Officers” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.09.

 

Percentage Interest” means, with respect to a Member at any time, the percentage set forth opposite such Member’s name on Schedule A hereto (such percentage being understood to be reflective of the economic interest in the Company represented by such Member’s Membership Interest). The Percentage Interests shall at all times aggregate to one hundred percent (100%).

 

Permitted Transfer” means a Transfer of a Membership Interest carried out pursuant to Section 9.02.

 

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Permitted Transferee” means a recipient of a Permitted Transfer.

 

Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, Governmental Authority, unincorporated organization, trust, association, or other entity.

 

Regulatory Allocations” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(e).

 

Related-Party Agreement” means any agreement, arrangement, transaction, or understanding between the Company and any Member or Manager or any Affiliate of a Member or Manager.

 

Representative” means, with respect to any Person, any and all directors, managers, officers, employees, consultants, financial advisors, counsel, accountants, and other agents of such Person.

 

Responding Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).

 

Response Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(c).

 

Restricted Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02.

 

Revised Partnership Audit Rules” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.04(c).

 

Secretary of State” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933.

 

Sell-Out Price” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.03(b).

 

Site” means a real property site in Penwell, Texas, sufficient in size and characteristics for the Business.

 

Specified Indemnified Persons” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03(f).

 

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person of which at least a majority of the outstanding shares or other equity interests having the power to vote for directors or comparable managers are owned, directly or indirectly, by the first Person.

 

Tax Matters Representative” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.04(a).

 

Taxing Authority” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02(b).

 

Term” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.06.

 

Transfer” means to, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, hypothecate, or similarly dispose of, either voluntarily or involuntarily, by operation of law or otherwise, or to enter into any contract, option, or other arrangement or understanding with respect to the sale, transfer, assignment, Encumbrance, hypothecation, or similar disposition of, any Membership Interest owned by a Person or any interest (including a beneficial interest or any direct or indirect economic or voting interest) in any Membership Interest owned by a Person. “Transfer” when used as a noun shall have a correlative meaning. “Transferor” and “Transferee” mean a Person who makes or receives a Transfer, respectively.

 

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Transferring Member” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02.

 

Treasury Regulations” means the final or temporary regulations issued by the United States Department of Treasury pursuant to its authority under the Code, and any successor regulations.

 

Withholding Advances” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02(b).

 

Section 1.02 Interpretation. For purposes of this Agreement: (a) the words “include,” “includes,” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (b) the word “or” is not exclusive; and (c) the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereto,” and “hereunder” refer to this Agreement as a whole. The definitions given for any defined terms in this Agreement shall apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine, and gender-neutral forms. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein: (i) to Articles, Sections, and Exhibits mean the Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits attached to, this Agreement; (ii) to an agreement, instrument, or other document means such agreement, instrument, or other document as amended, supplemented, or modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof; and (iii) to a statute means such statute as amended from time to time and includes any successor legislation thereto and any regulations promulgated thereunder. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting an instrument or causing any instrument to be drafted. The Exhibits and Schedules referred to herein shall be construed with, and as an integral part of, this Agreement to the same extent as if they were set forth verbatim herein.

 

Article II
ORGANIZATION

 

Section 2.01 Formation.

 

(a) The Company was formed on November 22, 2024, pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act, upon the filing of the Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State.

 

(b) This Agreement shall constitute the “limited liability company agreement” (as that term is used in the Delaware Act) of the Company. The rights, powers, duties, obligations, and liabilities of the Members shall be determined pursuant to the Delaware Act and this Agreement. To the extent that the rights, powers, duties, obligations, and liabilities of any Member are different by reason of any provision of this Agreement than they would be under the Delaware Act in the absence of such provision, this Agreement shall, to the extent permitted by the Delaware Act, control.

 

Section 2.02 Name. The name of the Company is “Texas Critical Data Centers LLC”.

 

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Section 2.03 Principal Office. The principal office of the Company is located at 4501 Santa Rosa Dr., Midland, TX 79707, or such other place as may from time to time be determined by the Board. The Board shall give prompt notice of any such change to each of the Members.

 

Section 2.04 Registered Office; Registered Agent.

 

(a) The registered office of the Company shall be the office of the initial registered agent named in the Certificate of Formation or such other office (which need not be a place of business of the Company) as the Board may designate from time to time in the manner provided by the Delaware Act and Applicable Law.

 

(b) The registered agent for service of process on the Company in the State of Delaware shall be the initial registered agent named in the Certificate of Formation or such other Person or Persons as the Board may designate from time to time in the manner provided by the Delaware Act and Applicable Law.

 

Section 2.05 Purpose; Powers.

 

(a) The purpose of the Company is to engage in (i) the purchase, building and development of a site in Texas with an initial 250MW gas-fired power plant and corresponding data center (the “Business”), (ii) the operation of the site and (iii) any and all lawful activities necessary or incidental thereto.

 

(b) The Company shall have all the powers necessary or convenient to carry out the purpose for which it is formed, including the powers granted by the Delaware Act.

 

Section 2.06 Term. The term of the Company (“Term”) commenced on the date the Certificate of Formation was filed with the Secretary of State and shall continue in existence perpetually until the Company is dissolved in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

Section 2.07 No State-Law Partnership. The Members intend that the Company shall not be a partnership or common law joint venture, and that no Member, Manager, or Officer of the Company shall be a partner or joint venturer of any other Member, Manager, or Officer of the Company, for any purposes other than as set forth in Section 11.03.

 

Article III
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS; CAPITAL ACCOUNTS

 

Section 3.01 Initial Capital Contributions.

 

(a) Contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement (and as soon as a bank account has been established for the Company), the Initial Members have made the following initial Capital Contributions (each, an “Initial Capital Contribution”) to the Company in exchange for the Membership Interest in the amount set forth opposite such Initial Member’s name on Schedule A hereto:

 

(i) SharonAI has contributed the amount set forth opposite its name on Schedule A; and

 

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(ii) NEHC has contributed the amount set forth opposite its name on Schedule A.

 

(b) The Board shall update Schedule A hereto upon the Transfer of any Membership Interest to any new or existing Member in accordance with this Agreement, upon the Company’s receipt of notice of a change of address of a Member, or as otherwise required by the terms hereof.

 

Section 3.02 Additional Capital Contributions.

 

(a) In addition to their Initial Capital Contributions, the Members shall make additional Capital Contributions in cash, in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests, as determined by the Board from time to time to be reasonably necessary to pay any operating, capital, or other expenses relating to the Business (such additional Capital Contributions, the “Additional Capital Contributions”); provided, that such Additional Capital Contributions shall not exceed the corresponding amounts expressly provided for in the then approved Budget. Upon the Board making such determination to call for Additional Capital Contributions, the Board shall deliver to the Members a written notice of the Company’s need for Additional Capital Contributions, which notice shall specify in reasonable detail (i) the purpose for such Additional Capital Contributions, (ii) the aggregate amount of such Additional Capital Contributions, (iii) each Member’s pro rata share of such aggregate amount of Additional Capital Contributions (based upon such Member’s Percentage Interest), and (iv) the date (which date shall not be less than ten (10) Business Days following the date that such notice is given) on which such Additional Capital Contributions shall be required to be made by the Members.

 

(b) If any Member shall fail to timely make, or notifies the other Member that it shall not make, all or any portion of any Additional Capital Contribution which such Member is obligated to make under Section 3.02(a), then such Member shall be deemed to be a “Non-Contributing Member.” A Member that is not a Defaulting Member (a “Contributing Member”) shall be entitled, but not obligated, to loan to the Non-Contributing Member, by contributing to the Company on its behalf, all or any part of the amount (the “Default Amount”) that the Non-Contributing Member failed to contribute to the Company (each such loan, a “Default Loan”); provided, that such Contributing Member shall have contributed to the Company its pro rata share of the applicable Additional Capital Contribution. The proceeds of such Default Loan shall be treated as an Additional Capital Contribution by the Non-Contributing Member. Each Default Loan shall bear interest (compounded monthly on the first day of each calendar month) on the unpaid principal amount thereof from time to time remaining from the date advanced until repaid, at the lesser of (i) 12% per annum and (ii) the maximum rate permitted at law (the “Default Rate”) and shall be recourse debt of the Non-Contributing Member, secured by the Membership Interest of the Non-Contributing Member. Until such time as all Default Loans made to a Non-Contributing Member, together with interest thereon, have been repaid to the Contributing Member by such Non-Contributing Member, (x) distributions payable to the Non-Contributing Member pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid to the Contributing Member as and to the extent provided in Section 6.01(b)(i) and (y) any such amounts paid to the Contributing Member shall not be treated as a payment of any principal

 

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or interest on any Default Loan nor as an advance on any other distributions to which the Contributing Member may otherwise be entitled. So long as a Default Loan is outstanding, the Non-Contributing Member shall have the right to repay it (together with interest then due and owing) in whole or in part. Upon its repayment in full of a Default Loan made to such Non-Contributing Member, such Non-Contributing Member shall (so long as it does not have any other outstanding Default Loans and is not otherwise a Non-Contributing Member with respect to any other Additional Capital Contributions) cease to be a Non-Contributing Member. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a Contributing Member may in its sole discretion demand payment of any outstanding Default Loan at any time by delivering a notice to the Non-Contributing Member, at which time such Default Loan and any accrued and unpaid interest thereon shall be immediately due and payable to the Contributing Member.

 

(c) Any Default Amount that is not funded pursuant to a Default Loan shall bear interest at the Default Rate (compounded monthly on the first day of each calendar month) from the date such Additional Capital Contribution was due until paid in full to the Company by the Non-Contributing Member. Upon payment in full of any such Default Amount, together with interest accrued thereon, such Non-Contributing Member shall (so long as it does not have any outstanding Default Loans and is not otherwise a Non-Contributing Member with respect to any other Additional Capital Contributions) cease to be a Non-Contributing Member.

 

(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Non-Contributing Member has an unpaid Additional Capital Contribution that has not been funded pursuant to a Default Loan and such Additional Capital Contribution remains unpaid for thirty (30) days after the date the Contributing Member delivers written notice to the Non-Contributing Member stating the default and demanding payment of the unpaid Additional Capital Contribution, without limitation of any other rights or remedies that may be available, a Contributing Member may:

 

(i) institute proceedings against the Non-Contributing Member, either in the Contributing Member’s own name or on behalf of the Company, to obtain payment of such unpaid Additional Capital Contribution, together with interest accrued thereon at the Default Rate from the date that such Additional Capital Contribution was due until the date that such Additional Capital Contribution is made, at the cost and expense of the Non-Contributing Member; or

 

(ii) purchase the Membership Interest of the Non-Contributing Member at a price equal to the lesser of (i) the Non-Contributing Member’s Capital Account balance and (ii) the Fair Market Value of its Membership Interest; or

 

(iii) force a sale of the Company to a third party (not an Affiliate of a Member or Manager) on commercially reasonable market terms as reasonably determined by the Managers designated by the Contributing Member (and, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, without regard to any requirement to obtain the approval of the Non-Contributing Member or Managers designated by the Non-Contributing Member in order to effectuate such sale).

 

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(e) Each Member acknowledges and agrees that it would be impracticable or extremely difficult to determine the actual damages incurred by a Contributing Member as a result of a failure of a Member to fund its portion of an Additional Capital Contribution, and that the entitlement of a Contributing Member to exercise the remedies described in this Section 3.02 is fair and reasonable.

 

(f) Except as set forth in this Section 3.02 or Section 3.05, no Member shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions or make loans to the Company.

 

Section 3.03 Maintenance of Capital Accounts. The Company shall establish and maintain for each Member a separate capital account (a “Capital Account”) on its books and records in accordance with this Section 3.03. Each Capital Account shall be established and maintained in accordance with the following provisions:

 

(a) Each Member’s Capital Account shall be increased by the amount of:

 

(i) such Member’s Capital Contributions, including such Member’s initial Capital Contribution and any Additional Capital Contributions;

 

(ii) any Net Income or other item of income or gain allocated to such Member pursuant to ARTICLE V; and

 

(iii) any liabilities of the Company that are assumed by such Member or secured by any property distributed to such Member.

 

(b) Each Member’s Capital Account shall be decreased by:

 

(i) the cash amount or Book Value of any property distributed to such Member pursuant to ARTICLE VI and Section 12.03(c);

 

(ii) the amount of any Net Loss or other item of loss or deduction allocated to such Member pursuant to ARTICLE V; and

 

(iii) the amount of any liabilities of such Member assumed by the Company or that are secured by any property contributed by such Member to the Company.

 

Section 3.04 Succession Upon Transfer. In the event that any Membership Interest is Transferred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Transferee shall succeed to the Capital Account of the Transferor to the extent it relates to the Transferred Membership Interest and, subject to Section 5.04, shall receive allocations and distributions pursuant to ARTICLE V, ARTICLE VI, and ARTICLE XII in respect of such Membership Interest.

 

Section 3.05 Negative Capital Accounts. In the event that any Member shall have a deficit balance in its Capital Account, such Member shall have no obligation, including during the Term or upon dissolution or liquidation of the Company, to restore such negative balance or make any Capital Contributions to the Company by reason thereof, except as may be required by Applicable Law or in respect of any negative balance resulting from a withdrawal of capital or dissolution in contravention of this Agreement.

 

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Section 3.06 No Withdrawals from Capital Accounts. No Member shall be entitled to withdraw any part of its Capital Account or to receive any distribution from the Company, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. No Member shall receive any interest, salary, management, or service fees, or drawing with respect to its Capital Contributions or its Capital Account, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or any JV Agreement. The Capital Accounts are maintained for the sole purpose of allocating items of income, gain, loss, and deduction among the Members and shall have no effect on the amount of any distributions to any Members, in liquidation or otherwise.

 

Section 3.07 Loans From Members. Loans by any Member to the Company shall not be considered Capital Contributions and shall not affect the maintenance of such Member’s Capital Account, other than to the extent provided in Section 3.03(a)(iii), if applicable.

 

Section 3.08 Modifications. The foregoing provisions and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b) and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with such Treasury Regulations. If the Board determines that it is prudent to modify the manner in which the Capital Accounts, or any increases or decreases to the Capital Accounts, are computed in order to comply with such Treasury Regulations, the Board may authorize such modifications.

 

Article IV
MEMBERS

 

Section 4.01 Admission of New Members.

 

(a) A new Member may be admitted from time to time in connection with a Transfer of a Membership Interest in accordance with this Agreement, subject to compliance with the provisions of ARTICLE IX, and following compliance with the provisions of Section 4.01(b).

 

(b) In order for any Person not already a Member of the Company to be admitted as a Member, such Person shall have executed and delivered to the Company a written undertaking substantially in the form of the Joinder Agreement. Upon the amendment of Schedule A hereto and the satisfaction of any applicable conditions as may reasonably be deemed necessary by the Board to effect such admission, such Person shall be admitted as a Member and deemed listed as such on the books and records of the Company. The Board shall also adjust the Capital Accounts of the Members as necessary in accordance with Section 3.03 or Section 3.04.

 

(c) Any Member that proposes to Transfer its Membership Interest shall (i) be responsible for the payment of expenses incurred by it in connection with such Transfer, whether or not consummated, and (ii) except in connection with a Transfer pursuant to Section 3.02(d), or Section 9.03, reimburse the Company and the other Member for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by or on behalf of the Company or such other Member in connection with such proposed Transfer, whether or not consummated.

 

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Section 4.02 Representations and Warranties of Members. By execution and delivery of this Agreement or a Joinder Agreement, as applicable, each of the Members, whether admitted as of the date hereof or pursuant to Section 4.01, represents and warrants to the Company and acknowledges that:

 

(a) The Membership Interest has not been registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction, are issued in reliance upon federal and state exemptions for transactions not involving a public offering, and cannot be disposed of unless (i) it is subsequently registered or exempted from registration under the Securities Act and (ii) the provisions of this Agreement have been complied with;

 

(b) Such Member (i) is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501 promulgated under the Securities Act and (ii) agrees to furnish any additional information requested by the Company to assure compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws in connection with the purchase and sale of the Membership Interest;

 

(c) Such Member’s Membership Interest is being acquired for such Member’s own account solely for investment and not with a view to resale or distribution thereof;

 

(d) Such Member has a preexisting personal or business relationship with the Company or one or more of its officers, directors or controlling persons or by reason of the undersigned’s business or financial experience, or by reason of the business or financial experience of the undersigned’s financial advisor who is unaffiliated with and who is not compensated, directly or indirectly, by the Company or any affiliate or selling agent of the Company, the undersigned is capable of evaluating the risks and merits of an investment in the Membership Interest and of protecting the undersigned’s own interests in connection with such investment;

 

(e) Such Member acknowledges that neither the Company nor any other person offered to sell the Membership Interest to it by means of any form of general solicitation or advertising, including but not limited to: (A) any advertisement, article, notice or other communication published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or broadcast over television or radio or (B) any seminar or meeting whose attendees were invited by any general solicitation or general advertising;

 

(f) Such Member has been advised to obtain independent counsel to advise them individually in connection with the drafting, preparation, negotiation, and/or review of this Agreement and, if applicable, the Joinder Agreement. Such Member has conducted their own independent review and analysis of the business, operations, assets, liabilities, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects of the Company and such Member acknowledges having been provided adequate access to the personnel, properties, premises, and records of the Company for such purpose;

 

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(g) The determination of such Member to acquire Membership Interest has been made by such Member independent of any other Member and independent of any statements or opinions as to the advisability of such purchase or as to the business, operations, assets, liabilities, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects of the Company that may have been made or given by any other Member or the Company or by any of their Affiliates or Representatives;

 

(h) Such Member has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of an investment in the Company and making an informed decision with respect thereto;

 

(i) Such Member is able to bear the economic and financial risk of an investment in the Company for an indefinite period of time;

 

(j) Such Member is a resident of the state or other jurisdiction set forth in the notice provision of Section 13.03 and is not acquiring the Membership Interest as a nominee or agent or otherwise for any other person;

 

(k) The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement or the Joinder Agreement by such Member (i) if it is an entity, have been duly authorized by all requisite entity action on the part of such Member and do not require such Member to obtain any consent or approval that has not been duly obtained; and (ii) do not contravene in any material respect or result in a default under (A) any provision of any law or regulation applicable to such Member; (B) if such Member is an entity, its governing documents; or (C) any agreement or instrument to which such Member is a party or by which such Member is bound; and

 

(l) This Agreement is valid, binding, and enforceable against such Member in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights or general equity principles (regardless of whether considered at law or in equity).

 

Section 4.03 No Personal Liability. Except as otherwise provided in the Delaware Act, by Applicable Law, or expressly in this Agreement, no Member will be obligated personally for any debt, obligation, or liability of the Company or another Member, whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise, solely by reason of being a Member.

 

Section 4.04 No Withdrawal. So long as a Member continues to hold any Membership Interest, such Member shall not have the ability to withdraw or resign as a Member prior to the dissolution and winding up of the Company and any such withdrawal or resignation or attempted withdrawal or resignation by a Member prior to the dissolution or winding up of the Company shall be null and void. As soon as any Person who is a Member ceases to hold any Membership Interests, such Person shall no longer be a Member. A Member shall not cease to be a Member as a result of its Bankruptcy or any other events specified in Section 18-304 of the Delaware Act.

 

Section 4.05 No Interest in Company Property. No real or personal property of the Company shall be deemed to be owned by any Member individually, but shall be owned by, and title shall be vested solely in, the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, each Member hereby irrevocably waives during the term of the Company any right that such Member may have to maintain any action for partition with respect to the property of the Company.

 

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Section 4.06 Certification of Membership Interests.

 

(a) Upon request of a Member, the Board shall issue a certificate to such Member representing its Membership Interest.

 

(b) If the Board issues certificates representing Membership Interests, then in addition to any other legend required by Applicable Law, all certificates representing issued and outstanding Membership Interests shall bear a legend substantially in the following form:

 

“THE MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT AMONG THE COMPANY AND ITS MEMBERS, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE COMPANY. NO TRANSFER, SALE, ASSIGNMENT, PLEDGE, HYPOTHECATION, OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THE MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE MADE EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SUCH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT.

 

THE MEMBERSHIP INTERESTS REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNDER ANY OTHER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO (A) A REGISTRATION STATEMENT EFFECTIVE UNDER SUCH ACT AND LAWS OR (B) AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION THEREUNDER.”

 

Article V
ALLOCATIONS

 

Section 5.01 Allocation of Net Income and Net Loss. For each Fiscal Year (or portion thereof), after giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section 5.02, Net Income and Net Loss of the Company shall be allocated among the Members pro rata in accordance with their Membership Interests.

 

Section 5.02 Regulatory and Special Allocations. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.01:

 

(a) If there is a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain (determined according to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(d)(1)) during any Fiscal Year, each Member shall be specially allocated Net Income for such Fiscal Year (and, if necessary, subsequent Fiscal Years) in an amount equal to such Member’s share of the net decrease in Company Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(g). The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(f)(6) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This Section 5.02 is intended to comply with the “minimum gain chargeback” requirement in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

 

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(b) Member Nonrecourse Deductions shall be allocated in the manner required by Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i). Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4), if there is a net decrease in Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain during any Fiscal Year, each Member that has a share of such Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain shall be specially allocated Net Income for such Fiscal Year (and, if necessary, subsequent Fiscal Years) in an amount equal to that Member’s share of the net decrease in Member Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain. Items to be allocated pursuant to this paragraph shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This Section 5.02(b) is intended to comply with the “minimum gain chargeback” requirements in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

 

(c) Nonrecourse Deductions shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with their Membership Interests.

 

(d) In the event any Member unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5), or (6), Net Income shall be specially allocated to such Member in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate the Adjusted Capital Account Deficit created by such adjustments, allocations, or distributions as quickly as possible. This Section 5.02(d) is intended to comply with the qualified income offset requirement in Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

 

(e) The allocations set forth in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) above (the “Regulatory Allocations”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of the Treasury Regulations under Code Section 704. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this ARTICLE V (other than the Regulatory Allocations), the Regulatory Allocations shall be taken into account in allocating Net Income and Net Losses among Members so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of such allocations of Net Income and Net Losses and other items and the Regulatory Allocations to each Member shall be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to such Member if the Regulatory Allocations had not occurred.

 

Section 5.03 Tax Allocations.

 

(a) Subject to Section 5.03(b), Section 5.03(c), and Section 5.03(d), all income, gains, losses, and deductions of the Company shall be allocated, for federal, state, and local income tax purposes, among the Members in accordance with the allocation of such income, gains, losses, and deductions pursuant to Section 5.01 and Section 5.02, except that if any such allocation for tax purposes is not permitted by the Code or other Applicable Law, the Company’s subsequent income, gains, losses, and deductions shall be allocated among the Members for tax purposes, to the extent permitted by the Code and other Applicable Law, so as to reflect as nearly as possible the allocation set forth in Section 5.01 and Section 5.02.

 

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(b) Items of Company taxable income, gain, loss, and deduction with respect to any property contributed to the capital of the Company shall be allocated among the Members in accordance with Code Section 704(c) and the traditional method with curative allocations of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(c), so as to take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the Company for federal income tax purposes and its Book Value.

 

(c) If the Book Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f) as provided in clause (c) of the definition of Book Value in Section 1.01, subsequent allocations of items of taxable income, gain, loss, and deduction with respect to such asset shall take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such asset for federal income tax purposes and its Book Value in the same manner as under Code Section 704(c).

 

(d) Allocations of tax credit, tax credit recapture, and any items related thereto shall be allocated to the Members according to their interests in such items as determined by the Board, taking into account the principles of Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(ii).

 

(e) Allocations pursuant to this Section 5.03 are solely for purposes of federal, state, and local taxes and shall not affect, or in any way be taken into account in computing, any Member’s Capital Account or share of Net Income, Net Losses, distributions, or other items pursuant to any provisions of this Agreement.

 

Section 5.04 Allocations in Respect of Transferred Membership Interests. In the event of a Transfer of a Membership Interest during any Fiscal Year made in compliance with the provisions of ARTICLE IX, Net Income, Net Losses, and other items of income, gain, loss, and deduction of the Company attributable to such Membership Interest for such Fiscal Year shall be determined using the interim closing of the books method.

 

Article VI
DISTRIBUTIONS

 

Section 6.01 General.

 

(a) Any available cash of the Company, after allowance for payment of all Company obligations then due and payable, including debt service and operating expenses, and such other reasonable reserves as the Board may determine, shall be distributed to the Members, on at least a quarterly basis (unless the Board and Members unanimously agree otherwise), pro rata in accordance with their Percentage Interests.

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary:

 

(i) If a Non-Contributing Member has an outstanding Default Loan due to another Member, any amount that otherwise would be distributed to such Non-Contributing Member pursuant to Section 6.01 or ARTICLE XII shall not be paid to such Non-Contributing Member but shall be deemed distributed to such Non-Contributing Member and paid on behalf of such Non-Contributing Member to the other Member that funded such Default Loan in accordance with Section 3.02(b).

 

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(ii) If a Non-Contributing Member has an unpaid Additional Capital Contribution that has not been funded pursuant to a Default Loan, any amount that otherwise would be distributed to such Member pursuant to Section 6.01 or ARTICLE XII (up to the amount of such unpaid Additional Capital Contribution, together with interest accrued thereon in accordance with Section 3.02(c)) shall not be paid to such Member but shall be deemed distributed to such Member and repaid to the Company (which payment shall first be applied to pay any accrued interest on such Additional Capital Contribution and thereafter to reduce the amount of the unpaid Additional Capital Contribution).

 

(c) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company shall not make any distribution to the Members if such distribution would violate Section 18-607 of the Delaware Act or other Applicable Law or if such distribution is prohibited by the Company’s then-applicable debt financing agreements.

 

Section 6.02 Tax Withholding; Withholding Advances.

 

(a) Each Member agrees to furnish the Company with any representations and forms as shall be reasonably requested by the Board to assist the Company in determining the extent of, and in fulfilling, any withholding obligations it may have under Applicable Law.

 

(b) The Company is hereby authorized at all times to make payments (“Withholding Advances”) with respect to each Member in amounts required to discharge any obligation of the Company (as determined by the Board based on the advice of legal or tax counsel to the Company) to withhold or make payments to any federal, state, local, or foreign taxing authority (a “Taxing Authority”) with respect to any distribution or allocation by the Company of income or gain to such Member and to withhold the same from distributions to such Member. Any funds withheld from a distribution by reason of this Section 6.02(b) shall nonetheless be deemed distributed to the Member in question for all purposes under this Agreement.

 

(c) Any Withholding Advance made by the Company to a Taxing Authority on behalf of a Member and not simultaneously withheld from a distribution to that Member shall, with interest thereon accruing from the date of payment at a rate equal to the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal on the date of payment plus two percent (2.0%) per annum (the “Company Interest Rate”):

 

(i) be promptly repaid to the Company by the Member on whose behalf the Withholding Advance was made (which repayment by the Member shall not constitute a Capital Contribution, but shall credit the Member’s Capital Account if the Board shall have initially charged the amount of the Withholding Advance to the Capital Account); or

 

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(ii) with the consent of the Board (not including, for purposes of such vote any Managers designated by the Member on whose behalf the Withholding Advance has been made), be repaid by reducing the amount of the next succeeding distribution or distributions to be made to such Member (which reduction amount shall be deemed to have been distributed to the Member, but which shall not further reduce the Member’s Capital Account if the Board shall have initially charged the amount of the Withholding Advance to the Capital Account).

 

Interest shall cease to accrue from the time the Member on whose behalf the Withholding Advance was made repays such Withholding Advance (and all accrued interest) by either method of repayment described above.

 

(d) Each Member hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and the other Members from and against any liability with respect to taxes, interest, or penalties that may be asserted by reason of the Company’s failure to deduct and withhold tax on amounts distributable or allocable to such Member. The Company may pursue and enforce all rights and remedies it may have against each Member under this Section 6.02, including bringing a lawsuit to collect repayment with interest of any Withholding Advances.

 

(e) Neither the Company nor any Manager shall be liable for any excess taxes withheld in respect of any distribution or allocation of income or gain to a Member. In the event of an excess withholding, a Member’s sole recourse shall be to apply for a refund from the appropriate Taxing Authority.

 

(f) The provisions of this Section 6.02 and the obligations of a Member pursuant to Section 6.02 shall survive the termination, dissolution, liquidation, and winding up of the Company and the withdrawal of such Member from the Company or Transfer of its Membership Interest.

 

Section 6.03 Distributions in Kind. No Member has the right to demand or receive property other than cash in payment for its share of any distribution made in accordance with this Agreement. Except as provided in Section 12.03(d), non-cash distributions are not permitted without the unanimous consent of the Members (other than a Defaulting Member).

 

Article VII
MANAGEMENT

 

Section 7.01 Establishment of the Board. A board of managers of the Company (the “Board”) is hereby established and shall be comprised of natural Persons (each such Person, a “Manager”) who shall be designated in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.02 and constitute the “managers” (as that term is defined the Delaware Act) of the Company. The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed, operated, and controlled by or under the direction of the Board, and the Board shall have, and is hereby granted, the full, complete, and exclusive power, authority, and discretion for, on behalf of, and in the name of the Company, to take such actions as it may in its sole discretion deem necessary or advisable to carry out any and all of the objectives and purposes of the Company, subject only to the terms of this Agreement. No Manager, acting in such Manager’s capacity as such, shall have any authority to bind the Company with respect to any matter except pursuant to a resolution authorizing such action that is duly adopted by the Board by the affirmative vote required with respect to such matter pursuant to this Agreement. Except as expressly provided herein or by Applicable Law, no Member, in its capacity as a Member, shall have any power or authority over the business and affairs of the Company or any power or authority to act for or on behalf of, or to bind, the Company.

 

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Section 7.02 Board Composition.

 

(a) The Company and the Members shall take such actions as may be required to ensure that the number of Managers constituting the Board is at all times two (2) Managers. The Board shall be comprised as follows:

 

(i) one (1) individual designated by SharonAI (the “Class A Manager”), who shall initially be Wolfgang Schubert; and

 

(ii) one (1) individual designated by NEHC (the “Class B Manager”), who shall initially be E. Will Gray.

 

(b) At all times, the composition of any board of directors, board of managers, or similar governing body of any Subsidiary of the Company shall be the same as that of the Board. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the quorum, removal rights, meeting procedures, and voting requirements set forth in this ARTICLE VII with respect to the Board shall apply mutatis mutandis to Subsidiaries of the Company and the boards of directors, boards of managers, or similar governing bodies of such Subsidiaries.

 

Section 7.03 Removal; Resignation; Vacancies.

 

(a) Each Member may remove any Manager designated by it pursuant to Section 7.02(a) at any time with or without cause, effective upon written notice to the other Member and the Chairperson. No Manager may be removed except in accordance with this Section 7.03(a).

 

(b) A Manager may resign at any time from the Board by delivering such Manager’s written resignation to the Chairperson. Any such resignation shall be effective upon receipt thereof unless it is specified to be effective at some other time or upon the occurrence of some other event. The Board’s or Company’s acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

 

(c) Any vacancy on the Board resulting from the resignation, removal, death, or disability of a Manager shall be filled by the same Member that designated such Manager pursuant to Section 7.02(a), with such appointment to become effective immediately upon delivery of such written notice of such appointment to the other Member and the Chairperson.

 

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(d) The Board shall maintain a schedule of all Managers with their respective mailing addresses (the “Managers Schedule”), and shall update the Managers Schedule upon the designation, removal, or replacement of any Manager in accordance with Section 7.02 or this Section 7.03.

 

(e) Each party hereto shall take all necessary action to carry out fully the provisions of Section 7.02 and the foregoing provisions of this Section 7.03 to ensure that the Board and the board of directors or other governing body of any Subsidiary of the Company consists of the Managers that are duly designated in accordance with such sections.

 

Section 7.04 Meetings.

 

(a) Regular meetings of the Board shall, unless otherwise agreed by the Board, be held on at least a quarterly basis on such dates and at such times as shall be determined by the Board. Special meetings of the Board may be called at any time at the written request of any Manager who makes such request in good faith. Meetings of the Board may be held either in person at the executive office of the Company or by telephone or video conference or other communication device that permits all Managers participating in the meeting to hear each other.

 

(b) The Chairperson shall provide written notice of each regular meeting of the Board stating the place, date, and time of the meeting and a proposed agenda of the business to be transacted thereat, together with any relevant supporting material sufficient to inform the Managers of such business, to each Manager by electronic mail no less than fifteen (15) days before the date of such meeting; provided, however, that the business to be transacted at any regular meeting shall not be limited to the matters set forth on any agenda circulated prior to the meeting. Each Manager shall, not later than five (5) days following such Manager’s receipt of such proposed agenda, provide the Chairperson with notice of any additional agenda items that such Manager desires to be considered at the meeting, together with any relevant supporting material sufficient to inform the other Managers of such additional matters. If any additional agenda items are provided to the Chairperson, the Chairperson shall circulate an updated agenda incorporating such additional items to all Managers, together with any relevant supporting material provided to the Chairperson, not later than five (5) days prior to such regular meeting.

 

(c) A Manager calling a special meeting shall provide written notice of the special meeting of the Board stating the place, date, and time of the meeting and a proposed agenda of the business to be transacted thereat, together with any relevant supporting material sufficient to inform the Managers of such business, to each Manager by electronic mail or facsimile no less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting; provided that, in the case of a special meeting, the Chairperson or the Manager requesting the meeting may reduce the advance notice period to not less than five (5) days if the Chairperson or Manager determines, acting reasonably and in good faith, that it is necessary and in the best interests of the Company for the Board to take action within a time period of less than ten (10) days. Each Manager shall, not later than three (3) days following such Manager’s receipt of such proposed agenda, provide the Chairperson with notice of any additional agenda items such Manager desires to be considered at such meeting, together with any relevant supporting material sufficient to inform the other Managers of such additional matters. If any additional agenda items are provided to the Chairperson, the Chairperson shall circulate an updated agenda incorporating any such additional items to all Managers, together with any relevant supporting material provided to the Chairperson, not later than one (1) day before the date of such special meeting. The business to be transacted at any special meeting shall, unless otherwise agreed unanimously by the Managers present at such meeting, be limited to the matters set forth on the agenda last circulated prior to the meeting.

 

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(d) Notice of any meeting may be waived in writing by any Manager. Presence at a meeting shall constitute waiver of any deficiency of notice under Section 7.04(b) or Section 7.04(c), except when a Manager attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting was not called or convened in accordance with this Agreement and does not otherwise attend the meeting.

 

(e) The decisions and resolutions of the Board shall be recorded in minutes prepared by the Chairperson (or such other Person as may be designated by the Board from time to time), which shall state the date, time, and place of the meeting (or the date of any written consent in lieu of a meeting), the Managers present at the meeting, the resolutions put to a vote (or the subject of a written consent), and the results of such voting or written consent. The Chairperson (or such other Person as may be designated by the Board) shall circulate a draft of the minutes of each meeting to the Managers within ten (10) Business Days following the date of such meeting. The minutes shall be entered in a minute book kept at the principal office of the Company.

 

Section 7.05 Quorum; Manner of Acting.

 

(a) The presence of both (i) the Class A Manager and (ii) the Class B Manager shall constitute a quorum; provided, however, that if and for so long as a Member is a Defaulting Member, the presence of such Member’s Manager shall not be required to achieve a quorum unless a decision is made at such meeting regarding a Fundamental Matter; provided, further, however, that the presence of all Managers shall be required at any meeting for the approval of a Fundamental Matter.

 

(b) Any Manager may participate in a meeting of the Board by telephone or video conference or other communications device that permits all Managers participating in the meeting to hear each other, and participation in a meeting by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting. A Manager may vote or be present at a meeting either in person or by proxy in accordance with Section 7.05(d).

 

(c) Each Manager shall have one vote on all matters submitted to the Board; provided, however, that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary and without limitation of any other rights or remedies that may be available, if and for so long as one of the Members (but not both) is a Defaulting Member, all decisions of the Board, except regarding any Fundamental Matter, shall be made solely by the Manager designated by the Member that is not a Defaulting Member. Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the Managers in attendance at any meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present shall be required to authorize any action by the Board and shall constitute the action of the Board for all purposes; provided that such vote must include the affirmative vote of the Manager designated by each Member that is not a Defaulting Member; provided, further, that any approval or decision with respect to a Fundamental Matter shall require the unanimous agreement of all Managers.

 

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(d) Each Manager may authorize another individual (who may or may not be a Manager) to act for such Manager by proxy at any meeting of the Board, or to express consent or dissent to a Company action in writing without a meeting. Any such proxy may be granted in writing, by Electronic Transmission or as otherwise permitted by Applicable Law.

 

Section 7.06 Action By Written Consent. Any action of the Board may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action to be taken, is signed unanimously by all the Managers. Such consent shall have the same force and effect as a vote at a meeting where a quorum was present and may be stated as such in any document or instrument filed with the Secretary of State.

 

Section 7.07 Compensation; No Employment.

 

(a) Each Manager shall serve without compensation in their capacity as such. Each Manager shall be entitled to reimbursement from the Company for such Manager’s reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as a Manager, pursuant to such policies as may from time to time be established by the Board.

 

(b) This Agreement does not, and is not intended to, confer upon any Manager any rights with respect to employment by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, and nothing herein shall be construed to have created any employment agreement or relationship with any Manager.

 

Section 7.08 Chairperson of the Board. One Manager shall be designated in accordance with this Section 7.08 to serve as chairperson of the Board (“Chairperson”). The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Board at which such Chairperson is present, subject to the ultimate authority of the Board to appoint an alternate presiding chairperson (who shall, unless otherwise determined by unanimous agreement of the Managers, be a Manager designated by the same Member as the then serving Chairperson) at any meeting. During the first twelve-month period following the date hereof, the Chairperson shall be a Class A Manager designated by SharonAI. During the second twelve-month period following the date hereof, the Chairperson shall be a Class B Manager designated by NEHC. Thereafter, the Chairperson shall rotate in successive twelve-month periods between a Class A Manager and a Class B Manager, in each case designated by the Member that designated such Manager. A Manager shall not be considered to be an officer of the Company by virtue of holding the position of Chairperson and, except as expressly provided herein, shall not have any rights or powers different from any other Manager other than with respect to any procedural matters to the extent delegated by unanimous agreement of the Managers or as expressly set forth in this Agreement; provided, however, that any procedural rights or powers granted to the Chairperson shall not be in derogation of any rights or powers granted by this Agreement to any Manager. The Chairperson may not cut off debate on any matter being considered by the Board and shall, at the request of a Manager, call for a vote on any item under consideration by the Board.

 

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Section 7.09 Officers. The Board may appoint individuals as officers of the Company (the “Officers”) as it deems necessary or desirable to carry on the business of the Company and the Board may delegate to such Officers such powers and authorities as the Board deems advisable. No Officer need be a Member or Manager. Any individual may hold two or more offices of the Company. Each Officer shall hold office until such Officer’s successor is appointed by the Board or until such Officer’s earlier death, resignation, or removal. Any Officer may resign at any time on written notice to the Board. Any Officer may be removed by the Board with or without cause at any time. A vacancy in any office occurring because of death, resignation, removal, or otherwise, may, but need not, be filled by the Board.

 

Section 7.10 No Personal Liability. Except as otherwise provided in the Delaware Act or by Applicable Law, no Manager or Officer will be obligated personally for any debt, obligation, or liability of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise, solely by reason of being a Manager or Officer.

 

Section 7.11 Budget.

 

(a) The initial business plan and annual budget for the Company through the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2025 (collectively, the “Initial Budget”), which have previously been approved by the Initial Members, are attached hereto as Schedule B. The Board shall operate or cause to be operated the Company in accordance with the Initial Budget, as it may thereafter be amended, modified, or replaced in accordance with Section 7.11(b) (as so amended, modified, or replaced and in effect from time to time, the “Budget”).

 

(b) At least sixty (60) days before the beginning of each Fiscal Year (commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2026), the Officers shall prepare and submit to the Board proposed revisions to the Budget for such upcoming Fiscal Year. The Company shall operate in accordance with the then approved Budget until a revised Budget is approved by the Board.

 

Section 7.12 Other Activities. Except as provided in Section 10.02, nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent any Member or Manager or any of their Affiliates from engaging in any other activities or businesses, regardless of whether those activities or businesses are similar to or competitive with the Business; provided that such Member or Manager or Affiliate does not engage in such activity or business as a result of or using Confidential Information. None of the Members or Managers or any of their Affiliates shall be obligated to account to the Company or to the Members for any profits or income earned or derived from such other activities or businesses. None of the Members or Managers or any of their Affiliates shall be obligated to inform the Company or any Member of any business opportunity of any type or description.

 

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Section 7.13 Claims Under JV Agreements. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event of a breach or alleged breach by a Member or its Affiliate of an obligation owed by such Member or Affiliate to the Company under any JV Agreement, the other Member, so long as it is not a Defaulting Member (the “Asserting Member”), shall be entitled, at the sole and reasonable cost and expense of the Company, to assert a claim (or otherwise enforce any other available actions or remedies), either in such Asserting Member’s own name or on behalf of the Company, in respect of such breach or alleged breach. The Company shall cooperate and comply with any reasonable instructions provided by the Asserting Member in connection with any of the foregoing actions. If a claim or other action taken by or on behalf of a Company by or at the direction of an Asserting Member under this Section 7.13 is unsuccessful, the Asserting Member shall promptly reimburse the Company and the other Member for any expenses incurred or advanced by them in connection with such claim.

 

Article VIII
EXCULPATION AND INDEMNIFICATION

 

Section 8.01 Exculpation of Covered Persons.

 

(a) As used herein, the term “Covered Person” shall mean each (i) Member; (ii) officer, director, shareholder, partner, member, Affiliate, employee, agent, or representative of each Member, and each of their controlling Affiliates; (iii) Manager, Officer, employee, agent, or representative of the Company; and (iv) Tax Matters Representative.

 

(b) No Covered Person shall be liable to the Company or any Member for any loss, damage, or claim incurred by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken by such Covered Person in their capacity as a Covered Person, whether or not such Person continues to be a Covered Person at the time such loss, damage, or claim is incurred or imposed, so long as such action or omission does not constitute fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct, or a material breach or knowing violation by such Covered Person of any of such Covered Person’s or such Covered Person’s Affiliates’ agreements contained herein or in any JV Agreements.

 

(c) A Covered Person shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Company and upon such information, opinions, reports, or statements (including financial statements and information, opinions, reports, or statements as to the value or amount of the assets, liabilities, Net Income, or Net Losses of the Company, or any facts pertinent to the existence and amount of assets from which distributions might properly be paid) of the following Persons or groups: (i) a Manager; (ii) one or more Officers or employees of the Company; (iii) any attorney, independent accountant, appraiser, or other expert or professional employed or engaged by or on behalf of the Company; or (iv) any other Person selected in good faith by or on behalf of the Company, in each case as to matters that such relying Person reasonably believes to be within such other Person’s professional or expert competence. The preceding sentence shall in no way limit any Person’s right to rely on information to the extent provided in Section 18-406 of the Delaware Act.

 

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Section 8.02 Liabilities and Duties of Covered Persons.

 

(a) This Agreement is not intended to, and does not, create or impose any fiduciary duty on any Covered Person. Furthermore, each of the Members and the Company hereby waives any and all fiduciary duties that, absent such waiver, may be implied by Applicable Law, and in doing so, acknowledges and agrees that the duties and obligations of each Covered Person to each other and to the Company are only as expressly set forth in this Agreement and the JV Agreements. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict the duties and liabilities of a Covered Person otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Members to replace such other duties and liabilities of such Covered Person.

 

(b) Whenever in this Agreement a Covered Person is permitted or required to make a decision (including a decision that is in such Covered Person’s “discretion” or under a grant of similar authority or latitude), such Covered Person shall be entitled to consider only such interests and factors as such Covered Person desires, including such Covered Person’s own interests (or, in the case of a Manager, the interests of the Member that designated such Manager or such Member’s Affiliates), and shall have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting the Company, the Members, or any other Person. Whenever in this Agreement a Covered Person is permitted or required to make a decision in such Covered Person’s “good faith,” the Covered Person shall act under such express standard and shall not be subject to any other or different standard imposed by this Agreement or any other Applicable Law.

 

Section 8.03 Indemnification.

 

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware Act, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, substituted, or replaced (but, in the case of any such amendment, substitution, or replacement, only to the extent that such amendment, substitution, or replacement permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than the Delaware Act permitted the Company to provide prior to such amendment, substitution, or replacement), the Company shall indemnify, hold harmless, defend, pay, and reimburse any Covered Person from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, judgments, fines, or liabilities, including reasonable legal fees or other expenses incurred in investigating or defending against such losses, claims, damages, judgments, fines, or liabilities, and any amounts expended in settlement of any claims (other than in connection with any claims brought by (A) a Member or its Affiliate against another Member or its Affiliate or (B) the Company) (collectively, “Losses”) to which such Covered Person may become subject by reason of:

 

(i) any act or omission or alleged act or omission performed or omitted to be performed on behalf of the Company in connection with the Business of the Company; or

 

(ii) such Covered Person being or acting in connection with the Business of the Company as a Member, an Affiliate of a Member, a Manager, or an Officer, or that such Covered Person is or was serving at the request of the Company as a member, manager, partner, director, officer, employee, or agent of any other Person;

 

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provided, that (x) such Covered Person acted in good faith and in a manner believed by such Covered Person to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company and within the scope of such Covered Person’s authority conferred on such Covered Person by the Company and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful, and (y) such Covered Person’s conduct did not constitute fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct, or a material breach or knowing violation by such Covered Person of any of such Covered Person’s or such Covered Person’s Affiliates’ agreements contained herein or in any JV Agreements, unless otherwise required by Applicable Law or ordered by a court, (A) at least a majority of the Managers who have not, and whose Affiliates have not, been named parties to the claim or proceeding in respect of which indemnification is sought, acting in good faith, or (B) if there are no such disinterested Managers, or if such disinterested Managers so direct, by independent counsel in a written opinion. In connection with the foregoing, the termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the Covered Person did not act in good faith or, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that such Covered Person’s conduct was unlawful, or that the Covered Person’s conduct constituted fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct, or a material breach or knowing violation by such Covered Person of any of such Covered Person’s or such Covered Person’s Affiliates’ agreements contained herein or in any JV Agreements.

 

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) incurred by a Covered Person in connection with investigating, preparing to defend, or defending any claim relating to any Losses for which such Covered Person may be entitled to be indemnified pursuant to Section 8.03(a) shall, from time to time, be advanced by the Company prior to a final determination that, in respect of such matter, such Covered Person is not entitled to indemnification for such Losses; provided, however, that the Covered Person shall have provided to the Company (i) written affirmation of such Covered Person’s good faith belief that such Covered Person has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification for such Losses under Section 8.03(a); and (ii) an undertaking to repay all such advanced amounts if it shall ultimately be determined that such Covered Person is not entitled to such indemnification.

 

(c) The indemnification provided by this Section 8.03 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to indemnification to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any agreement or otherwise. The provisions of this Section 8.03 shall continue to afford protection to each Covered Person regardless of whether such Covered Person remains in the position or capacity pursuant to which such Covered Person became entitled to indemnification under this Section 8.03 and shall inure to the benefit of the executors, administrators, legatees, and distributees of such Covered Person.

 

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(d) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing in this ARTICLE VIII shall (or shall be construed to) (i) relieve any Member or other Person from any liability or obligation of such Person pursuant to any JV Agreement, or to in any way impair the enforceability of any provision of any JV Agreement against any party thereto or (ii) require the Company to indemnify, hold harmless, defend, pay, or reimburse any Covered Person with respect to any Loss to the extent a Member or its Affiliate is required pursuant to the terms of a JV Agreement to which such Member or Affiliate is a party to indemnify, hold harmless, defend, pay, or reimburse such Covered Person with respect to such Loss.

 

(e) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any indemnity by the Company relating to the matters covered in this Section 8.03 shall be provided out of and to the extent of Company assets only, and no Member (unless such Member otherwise agrees in writing) shall have personal liability on account thereof solely by reason of being a Member or shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions to help satisfy such indemnity by the Company.

 

(f) The Company hereby acknowledges that certain Covered Persons (the “Specified Indemnified Persons”) may have or be granted rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by a Member or its Affiliate (directly or by insurance provided by such Person) (collectively, the “Member Indemnitors”). The Company hereby agrees that it is the indemnitor of first resort of the Specified Indemnified Persons with respect to matters for which indemnification is provided to them under this Agreement and that the Company shall be obligated to make all payments due to or for the benefit of a Specified Indemnified Person under this Agreement without regard to any rights that such Specified Indemnified Person may have against a Member Indemnitor. The Company hereby waives and releases any and all equitable and other rights or claims to contribution, subrogation, or indemnification from the Member Indemnitors in respect of any amounts paid to a Specified Indemnified Person hereunder. The Company further agrees that no payment of Losses or expenses by any Member Indemnitor to or for the benefit of a Specified Indemnified Person shall affect the obligations of the Company hereunder, and that the Company shall be obligated to repay the Member Indemnitors for all amounts so paid or reimbursed to the extent that the Company has an obligation to indemnify a Specified Indemnified Person for such Losses or expenses hereunder. The Member Indemnitors are third-party beneficiaries of and shall have the power and authority to enforce the provisions of this Section 8.03(f).

 

(g) If this Section 8.03 or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Company shall nevertheless indemnify and hold harmless each Covered Person pursuant to this Section 8.03 to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Section 8.03 that shall not have been invalidated and to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law.

 

(h) The provisions of this Section 8.03 shall be a contract between the Company, on the one hand, and each Covered Person who served in such capacity at any time while this Section 8.03 is in effect, on the other hand, pursuant to which the Company and each such Covered Person intend to be legally bound. No amendment, modification, or repeal of this Section 8.03 that adversely affects the rights of a Covered Person to indemnification for Losses incurred or relating to a state of facts existing prior to such amendment, modification, or repeal shall apply in such a way as to eliminate or reduce such Covered Person’s entitlement to indemnification for such Losses without the Covered Person’s prior written consent.

 

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Section 8.04 Survival. The provisions of this ARTICLE VIII shall survive the dissolution, liquidation, winding up, and termination of the Company.

 

Article IX
TRANSFER

 

Section 9.01 Restrictions on Transfer.

 

(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.02(d) or this ARTICLE IX, no Member (or any Permitted Transferee of such Member) shall Transfer all or any portion of its Membership Interest without the written consent of the other Member, which consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of the other Member. No Transfer of a Membership Interest to a Person not already a Member of the Company shall be deemed completed until the prospective Transferee is admitted as a Member of the Company in accordance with Section 4.01(b).

 

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (including Section 9.02), each Member agrees that it will not Transfer all or any portion of its Membership Interest, and the Company agrees that it shall not issue any Membership Interests:

 

(i) except as permitted under the Securities Act and other applicable federal or state securities or blue sky laws, and then, with respect to a Transfer of Membership Interests, only upon delivery to the Company of an opinion of counsel in form and substance satisfactory to the Company to the effect that such Transfer may be effected without registration under the Securities Act;

 

(ii) if such Transfer or issuance would cause the Company to be considered a “publicly traded partnership” under Code Section 7704(b);

 

(iii) if such Transfer or issuance would affect the Company’s existence or qualification as a limited liability company under the Delaware Act;

 

(iv) if such Transfer or issuance would cause the Company to lose its status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes;

 

(v) if such Transfer or issuance would cause the Company to be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940; or

 

(vi) if such Transfer or issuance would cause the assets of the Company to be deemed “Plan Assets” as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or its accompanying regulations or result in any “prohibited transaction” thereunder involving the Company.

 

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(c) Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of any Membership Interest in contravention of this Agreement shall be null and void, no such Transfer shall be recorded on the Company’s books or otherwise recognized by the Company, and the purported Transferee in any such Transfer shall not be treated as the owner of such Membership Interest for any purposes of this Agreement or have any rights as a Member (and the purported Transferor shall continue to be treated as the owner of such Membership Interest and as a Member).

 

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, any Transfer of a Membership Interest permitted by this Agreement shall be deemed a sale, transfer, assignment, or other disposal of such Membership Interest in its entirety as intended by the parties to such Transfer, and shall not be deemed a sale, transfer, assignment, or other disposal of any less than all of the rights and benefits described in the definition of the term “Membership Interest,” unless otherwise explicitly agreed to by the parties to such Transfer.

 

Section 9.02 Permitted Transfers. The provisions of Section 9.01(a) shall not apply to any Transfer by a Member that is not a Defaulting Member (a “Transferring Member”) of all of its Membership Interest to an Affiliate of such Transferring Member that is an entity wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by the ultimate parent of such Transferring Member; provided that

 

(a) such Transferring Member shall have guaranteed in a writing delivered to the Company and the other Member the performance by the Transferee of all of such Transferring Member’s obligations under this Agreement and all of its and its Affiliates’ obligations under any JV Agreement to which such Transferring Member or its Affiliate is a party or otherwise bound; and

 

(b) if at any time such Transferee ceases to be an Affiliate of such Transferring Member that is wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by the ultimate parent of such Transferring Member, the Company, such Transferring Member, and such Transferee shall take such action as is necessary to cause there to be an immediate and unconditional reconveyance of the Membership Interest to either (in the sole discretion of such Transferring Member) such Transferring Member or any wholly owned Affiliate of such Transferring Member.

 

Section 9.03 Deadlock.

 

(a) If at two (2) successive meetings, the Board is unable to reach a decision by the required vote regarding a Fundamental Matter, the Chairperson shall promptly refer such matter to the Members, who shall attempt to resolve such matter within the following thirty (30) day period (or, if mutually agreed by the Members, a longer period of time). Any resolution on such matter agreed to by the Members shall be final and binding on the Company and the Members. If the Members are unable to resolve such matter within such period, then a “Deadlock” shall be in effect and either Member, so long as it is not a Defaulting Member, shall be entitled to exercise the buy-sell right set forth in this Section 9.03 by delivering a Buy-Sell Offer Notice in accordance with Section 9.03(b).

 

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(b) If a Deadlock is in effect and a Member (other than a Defaulting Member) wishes to exercise the buy-sell right set forth in this Section 9.03, such Member (the “Initiating Member”) shall deliver to the other Member (the “Responding Member”) an unconditional and irrevocable written notice (the “Buy-Sell Offer Notice”) of such election, which notice shall include (i) a description of the Deadlock and (ii) the purchase price (which shall be payable exclusively in cash (unless otherwise agreed by the Members in their sole discretion)) at which the Initiating Member shall (A) purchase the entire Membership Interest owned by the Responding Member (the “Buy-Out Price”) or (B) sell its entire Membership Interest to the Responding Member (the “Sell-Out Price”); provided, however, that the Buy-Out Price and Sell-Out Price shall be the same unless the Members’ Percentage Interests are not equal, in which case the difference between the Buy-Out Price and Sell-Out Price shall be solely to give effect to the Members’ proportionate ownership of the Company (based on their Percentage Interests), without giving effect to any minority or other discount or premium based on differences in such interests; provided, further, however, that the Buy-Sell Purchase Price paid at closing shall be subject to adjustment, if applicable, in accordance with Section 9.03(e).

 

(c) Within thirty (30) days after the Buy-Sell Offer Notice is received (the “Buy-Sell Election Date”), the Responding Member shall deliver to the Initiating Member an unconditional and irrevocable written notice (the “Response Notice”) stating whether it elects to (i) sell its entire Membership Interest to the Initiating Member for the Buy-Out Price or (ii) buy the entire Membership Interest owned by the Initiating Member for the Sell-Out Price. The failure of the Responding Member to deliver the Response Notice by the Buy-Sell Election Date shall be deemed to be an unconditional and irrevocable election to sell its entire Membership Interest to the Initiating Member at the Buy-Out Price.

 

(d) The Member selling its Membership Interest pursuant to this Section 9.03 (the “Buy-Sell Selling Member”) shall, at the closing of such sale (“Buy-Sell Closing”), represent and warrant to the Member purchasing the Buy-Sell Selling Member’s Membership Interest (the “Buy-Sell Purchasing Member”) that (i) the Buy-Sell Selling Member has full right, title, and interest in and to such Membership Interest, (ii) the Buy-Sell Selling Member has all necessary power and authority and has taken all necessary action to sell such Membership Interest as contemplated by this Section 9.03, and (iii) such Membership Interest is free and clear of any mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, security interest, claim, or other encumbrance (“Encumbrance”), other than those arising as a result of or under the terms of this Agreement and other than restrictions arising under Applicable Law (including applicable securities laws).

 

(e) The Buy-Sell Closing shall take place thirty (30) days after the Response Notice is delivered or deemed to have been delivered or on any other date as may be mutually agreed on by the Members. The Buy-Sell Purchasing Member shall pay the Buy-Out Price or the Sell-Out Price, as the case may be (the “Buy-Sell Purchase Price”), at the Buy-Sell Closing by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in writing by the Buy-Sell Selling Member; provided that (i) if the Buy-Sell Selling Member is a Non-Contributing Member, the Buy-Sell Purchase Price shall be decreased by the amount of any unpaid Additional Capital Contribution or Default Loan, including any accrued but unpaid interest thereon, owed by the Buy-Sell Selling Member; and (ii) if the Buy-Sell Selling Member has funded any Default Loan that remains outstanding, it shall be paid in full by the Buy-Sell Purchasing Member, including any accrued but unpaid interest thereon, at (and as a condition to the closing of) the Buy-Sell Closing.

 

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(f) At the Buy-Sell Closing, the Buy-Sell Selling Member shall deliver to the Buy-Sell Purchasing Member (i) any certificate representing the Membership Interest to be sold, accompanied by an assignment of the certificate to the Buy-Sell Purchasing Member or its assignee pursuant to Section 9.03(i); (ii) the resignation of each of the Managers the Buy-Sell Selling Member designated to the Board; and (iii) a certificate meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446(f)-2(b)(2) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.1445-2(b)(2) to the effect that the Buy-Sell Selling Member is not a foreign person within the meaning of Code Section 1446(f) or Code Section 1445; and (iv) any other deliveries as may be reasonably requested by the Buy-Sell Purchasing Member.

 

(g) Without limitation of the other provisions of this Section 9.03, each Member agrees to cooperate and take all actions and execute all documents reasonably necessary or appropriate to reflect the purchase of the Buy-Sell Selling Member’s Membership Interest by the Buy-Sell Purchasing Member pursuant to this Section 9.03.

 

(h) If the Buy-Sell Purchasing Member defaults in any of its material closing obligations, then the Buy-Sell Selling Member shall, in addition to any other remedies that may be available to it, have the option to purchase the Buy-Sell Purchasing Member’s entire Membership Interest at a purchase price that is equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Buy-Sell Purchase Price, as adjusted proportionately solely to reflect any difference in the Members’ Percentage Interests, without giving effect to any minority or other discount or premium based on differences in such interests. If the Buy-Sell Selling Member defaults in its obligation to sell its Membership Interest in accordance with this Section 9.03, the Buy-Sell Purchasing Member shall have the right, in addition to any other remedies that may be available to it, to specific performance of the Buy-Sell Selling Member’s obligations under this Section 9.03 and the Members expressly agree that the remedy at law of damages for such breach of the Buy-Sell Selling Member’s obligations set forth in this Section 9.03 is inadequate in view of the (i) complexities and uncertainties in measuring the actual damage to be sustained by the Buy-Sell Purchasing Member on account of the default by the Buy-Sell Selling Member and (ii) uniqueness of the Business and relationships of the Members.

 

(i) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each Member agrees that, to preserve the character of the Company and consummate the purchase of the Buy-Sell Selling Member’s entire Membership Interest, the Buy-Sell Purchasing Member may assign its purchase obligation under this Section 9.03 in whole or in part to any Affiliate who, upon the Buy-Sell Closing, shall become a Member, and that such purchase obligation shall be assignable by the Buy-Sell Purchasing Member without the consent of the Buy-Sell Selling Member; provided that the Buy-Sell Purchasing Member (i) delivers notice to the Buy-Sell Selling Member of such assignment and of the identity of the assignee prior to the Buy-Sell Closing and (ii) shall be responsible for any failure of such assignee to perform its obligations under this Section 9.03 with respect to such assigned purchase obligation.

 

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(j) During the continuation of any Deadlock and prior to any Buy-Sell Closing, the Company shall continue to operate in a manner consistent with its prior practices and this Agreement.

 

Article X
COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS OF THE MEMBERS

 

Section 10.01 Confidentiality.

 

(a) Each Member acknowledges that it may have access to and become acquainted with trade secrets, proprietary information, and confidential information belonging to the Company that are not generally known to the public, including information concerning business plans, financial statements, and other information provided pursuant to this Agreement, operating practices and methods, expansion plans, strategic plans, marketing plans, contracts, customer lists, or other business documents that the Company treats as confidential, in any format whatsoever (including oral, written, electronic, or any other form or medium) (collectively, “Confidential Information”). In addition, each Member acknowledges that: (i) the Company has invested, and continues to invest, substantial time, expense, and specialized knowledge in developing its Confidential Information; (ii) the Confidential Information provides the Company with a competitive advantage over others in the marketplace; and (iii) the Company would be irreparably harmed if the Confidential Information were disclosed to competitors or made available to the public. Without limiting the applicability of any other agreement to which any Member is subject, no Member shall, directly or indirectly, disclose or use (other than in connection with the conduct of the Company’s business or the monitoring of its investment in the Company), including use for personal, commercial, or proprietary advantage or profit, either during its association with the Company or thereafter, any Confidential Information of which such Member is or becomes aware. Each Member in possession of Confidential Information shall take all appropriate steps to safeguard such information and to protect it against disclosure, misuse, espionage, loss, and theft.

 

(b) Nothing contained in Section 10.01(a) shall prevent any Member from disclosing Confidential Information: (i) upon the order of any court or administrative agency; (ii) upon the request or demand of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over such Member; (iii) to the extent compelled by legal process or required or requested pursuant to subpoena, interrogatories, or other discovery requests; (iv) to the extent necessary to assert any right or defend any claim arising under this Agreement or any JV Agreement; (v) to the other Member or its Affiliates; or (vi) to such Member’s Affiliates or Representatives who, in the reasonable judgment of such Member, need to know such Confidential Information and agree to be bound by the provisions of this Section 10.01 as if a Member; provided, that in the case of clause (i), (ii), or (iii), such Member shall notify the Company and the other Member of the proposed disclosure as far in advance of such disclosure as practicable (but in no event make any such disclosure before notifying the Company and the other Member) and use reasonable efforts to ensure that any Confidential Information so disclosed is accorded confidential treatment satisfactory to the Company and the other Member, when and if available.

 

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(c) The restrictions of Section 10.01 shall not apply to Confidential Information that: (i) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by such Member or its Affiliate or Representative in breach of this Agreement; (ii) is or has been independently developed or conceived by such Member or its Affiliate without use of Confidential Information; or (iii) becomes available to such Member or any of its Affiliates or Representatives on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Company, the other Member, or any of their respective Representatives, provided, that such source is not known by the receiving Member to be bound by a confidentiality agreement regarding the Company.

 

(d) The obligations of each Member under this Section 10.01 shall survive (i) the termination, dissolution, liquidation, and winding up of the Company and (ii) such Member’s Transfer of its Membership Interest.

 

Section 10.02 Non-Circumvent. Subject to and without limiting Section 10.01 above, it is further agreed that for so long as each of NEHC and SharonAI remain Members of the Company and for a period of two (2) years after either party shall cease to be a Member of the Company, NEHC and SharonAI shall not

 

(a) Directly approach the other party’s suppliers for a direct supply of equipment, goods, or other materials related to the construction of SharonAI’s data center or NEHC’s power plant, as applicable, including ancillary infrastructure.

 

(b) Engage, employ or solicit personnel from the other party.

 

(c) Copy any of each other’s infrastructure designs regarding the data center or power plant, as applicable, or ancillary infrastructure.

 

Section 10.03 Related-Party Agreements. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement or in any JV Agreement, the Company shall not, directly or indirectly, enter into, enter into any commitment to enter into, extend, amend in any material respect, waive, supplement, or terminate (other than pursuant to its terms) any Related-Party Agreement (including any JV Agreement) other than (a) to the extent approved by unanimous agreement of the Managers or (b) as are reasonably required by the Company on terms that are no less favorable to the Company than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction entered into with an unaffiliated third party on an arm’s-length basis.

 

Article XI
ACCOUNTING; TAX MATTERS

 

Section 11.01 Financial Statements. The Company shall furnish to each Member the following reports:

 

(a) As soon as available, and in any event within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each Fiscal Year, audited consolidated balance sheets of the Company as at the end of each such Fiscal Year and audited consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and Members’ equity for such Fiscal Year, in each case setting forth in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, accompanied by the certification of independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing selected by the Board, certifying to the effect that, except as set forth therein, such financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, applied on a basis consistent with prior years, and fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Company as of the dates thereof and the results of their operations and changes in their cash flows and Members’ equity for the periods covered thereby.

 

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(b) As soon as available, and in any event within forty-five (45) days after the end of each quarterly accounting period in each Fiscal Year (other than the last fiscal quarter of the Fiscal Year), unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Company as at the end of each such fiscal quarter and for the current Fiscal Year to date and unaudited consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and Members’ equity for such fiscal quarter and for the current Fiscal Year to date, in each case setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding periods of the previous fiscal quarter, all in reasonable detail and all prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of notes thereto), and certified by the principal financial or accounting officer of the Company.

 

(c) As soon as available, and in any event within thirty (30) days after the end of each monthly accounting period in each fiscal quarter (other than the last month of the fiscal quarter), unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Company as at the end of each such monthly period and for the current Fiscal Year to date and unaudited consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and Members’ equity for each such monthly period and for the current Fiscal Year to date, all in reasonable detail and all prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of notes thereto).

 

Section 11.02 Inspection Rights. Subject to Section 10.01, upon reasonable notice from a Member, the Company shall afford such Member and its Representatives access during normal business hours for any purpose reasonably related to such Member’s interest as a Member to:

 

(a) the Company’s properties, offices, plants, and other facilities;

 

(b) the corporate, financial, and similar records, reports, and documents of the Company, including all books and records, minutes of proceedings, internal management documents, reports of operations, reports of adverse developments, and copies of any management letters and communications with Members (which right of access shall include the right to examine such documents and to make copies thereof or extracts therefrom); and

 

(c) any Officers, senior employees, and accountants of the Company for the purpose of discussing and advising on the affairs, finances, and accounts of the Company (and the Company hereby authorizes each such Officer, senior employee, and accountant to engage in such discussions with such Member and its Representatives);

 

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provided, however, that (i) a requesting Member shall bear its own and its Representatives’ expenses and all reasonable expenses incurred by the Company in connection with any inspection or examination requested by such Member pursuant to this Section 11.02; and (ii) if the Company provides or makes available any report or written analysis to or for any Member or Representative of such Member pursuant to this Section 11.02, it shall promptly provide or make available such report or analysis to or for the other Member.

 

Section 11.03 Income Tax Status. It is the intent of the Company and the Members that the Company shall be treated as a partnership for U.S., federal, state, and local income tax purposes. Neither the Company nor any Member shall make an election for the Company to be classified as other than a partnership pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 301.7701-3.

 

Section 11.04 Tax Matters Representative.

 

(a) The Members hereby appoint NEHC as the “partnership representative” as provided in Code Section 6223(a) (the “Tax Matters Representative”). The Tax Matters Representative may resign at any time. The Tax Matters Representative may be removed at any time by the Board. In the event of the resignation or removal of the Tax Matters Representative, the Board shall select a replacement.

 

(b) The Tax Matters Representative is authorized to represent the Company in connection with all examinations of the Company’s affairs by Taxing Authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Company funds for professional services and costs associated therewith. The Tax Matters Representative shall promptly notify the Members in writing of the commencement of any tax audit of the Company, upon receipt of a tax assessment and upon the receipt of a notice of final partnership adjustment, and shall keep the Members reasonably informed of the status of any tax audit and resulting administrative and judicial proceedings. The Tax Matters Representative shall not take any actions in a tax audit or proceeding, including extending the statute of limitations, filing a request for administrative adjustment, filing suit relating to any Company tax refund or deficiency, entering into any settlement agreement relating to items of income, gain, loss, or deduction of the Company, or making any elections or other determinations, without the approval of the Board.

 

(c) To the extent permitted by applicable law and regulations, the Tax Matters Representative will cause the Company to annually elect out of the partnership audit procedures set forth in Subchapter C of Chapter 63 of the Code as amended by the BBA (the “Revised Partnership Audit Rules”) pursuant to Code Section 6221(b). For any year in which applicable law and regulations do not permit the Company to elect out of the Revised Partnership Audit Rules, then within forty-five (45) days of any notice of final partnership adjustment, the Tax Matters Representative shall cause the Company to elect the alternative procedure under Code Section 6226, and furnish to the Internal Revenue Service and each Member during the year or years to which the notice of final partnership adjustment relates a statement of the Member’s share of any adjustment set forth in the notice of final partnership adjustment.

 

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(d) Each Member agrees that such Member shall not treat any Company item inconsistently on such Member’s federal, state, foreign, or other income tax return with the treatment of the item on the Company’s return. Any deficiency for taxes imposed on any Member (including penalties, additions to tax or interest imposed with respect to such taxes, and any taxes imposed pursuant to Code Section 6226) will be paid by such Member and if required to be paid (and actually paid) by the Company, will be recoverable from such Member as provided in Section 6.02(d).

 

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Representative in carrying out their responsibilities and duties in such capacity under this Agreement shall be an expense of the Company for which the Tax Matters Representative shall be reimbursed by the Company.

 

(f) The Company will make an election under Code Section 754, if requested in writing by a Member.

 

(g) The provisions of this Section 11.04 and the obligations of a Member or former Member pursuant to Section 11.04 shall survive the termination, dissolution, liquidation, and winding up of the Company and the Transfer of a Member’s Membership Interest.

 

Section 11.05 Tax Returns. At the expense of the Company, the Board (or any Officer that it may designate) shall cause the preparation and timely filing (including extensions) of all tax returns required to be filed by the Company pursuant to the Code as well as all other required tax returns in each jurisdiction in which the Company owns property or does business. As soon as reasonably possible after the end of each Fiscal Year, the Board or designated Officer will cause to be delivered to each Person who was a Member at any time during such Fiscal Year, IRS Schedule K-1 to Form 1065 and such other information with respect to the Company as may be necessary for the preparation of such Person’s federal, state, and local income tax returns for such Fiscal Year.

 

Section 11.06 Company Funds. All funds of the Company shall be deposited in its name in such checking, savings, or other bank accounts, or held in its name in the form of such other investments as shall be designated by the Board. The funds of the Company shall not be commingled with the funds of any other Person. All withdrawals of such deposits or liquidations of such investments by the Company shall be made exclusively upon the signature or signatures of such Officer or Officers as the Board may designate.

 

Article XII
DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION

 

Section 12.01 Events of Dissolution. The Company shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up only upon the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

(a) The unanimous determination of the Members to dissolve the Company;

 

(b) The Bankruptcy or Dissolution of a Member, unless within ten (10) days after the occurrence of such Bankruptcy or Dissolution, the other Member agrees in writing to continue the business of the Company;

 

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(c) The sale, exchange, involuntary conversion, or other disposition or transfer of all or substantially all the assets of the Company; or

 

(d) The entry of a decree of judicial dissolution under Section 18-802 of the Delaware Act.

 

Section 12.02 Effectiveness of Dissolution. Dissolution of the Company shall be effective on the day on which the event described in Section 12.01 occurs, but the Company shall not terminate until the winding up of the Company has been completed, the assets of the Company have been distributed as provided in Section 12.03, and the Certificate of Formation shall have been cancelled as provided in Section 12.04.

 

Section 12.03 Liquidation. If the Company is dissolved pursuant to Section 12.01, the Company shall be liquidated and its business and affairs wound up in accordance with the Delaware Act and the following provisions:

 

(a) The Board shall act as liquidator to wind up the Company (the “Liquidator”); provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if the Company is being dissolved pursuant to Section 12.01(b) based on the Bankruptcy or Dissolution of a Member, the other Member shall act as Liquidator. The Liquidator shall have full power and authority to sell, assign, and encumber any or all of the Company’s assets and to wind up and liquidate the affairs of the Company in an orderly and business-like manner; provided that, if the Board is the Liquidator, it shall act in accordance with the governance provisions in ARTICLE VII until the winding up occurs.

 

(b) As promptly as possible after dissolution and again after final liquidation, the Liquidator shall cause a proper accounting to be made by a recognized firm of certified public accountants of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and operations through the last day of the calendar month in which the dissolution occurs or the final liquidation is completed, as applicable.

 

(c) The Liquidator shall liquidate the assets of the Company and distribute the proceeds of such liquidation in the following order of priority, unless otherwise required by mandatory provisions of Applicable Law:

 

(i) first, to the payment of all of the Company’s debts and liabilities to its creditors (including Members, if applicable) and the expenses of liquidation (including sales commissions incident to any sales of assets of the Company);

 

(ii) second, to the establishment of and additions to reserves that are determined by the Liquidator to be reasonably necessary for any contingent or unforeseen liabilities or obligations of the Company; and

 

(iii) third, to the Members in accordance with the positive balances in their respective Capital Accounts, as determined after taking into account all Capital Account adjustments for the taxable year of the Company during which the liquidation of the Company occurs.

 

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(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 12.03(c) that require the liquidation of the assets of the Company, but subject to the order of priorities set forth in Section 12.03(c), if upon dissolution of the Company the Liquidator reasonably determines that an immediate sale of part or all of the Company’s assets would be impractical or could cause undue loss to the Members, the Liquidator may defer the liquidation of any assets except those necessary to satisfy Company liabilities and reserves, and may, upon unanimous consent of the Members, distribute to the Members, in lieu of cash, as tenants in common and in accordance with the provisions of Section 12.03(c), undivided interests in such Company assets as the Liquidator deems not suitable for liquidation. Any such distribution in kind shall be subject to such conditions relating to the disposition and management of such properties as the Liquidator deems reasonable and equitable and to any agreements governing the operation of such properties at such time. For purposes of any such distribution, any property to be distributed will be valued at its Fair Market Value, as determined by the Liquidator in good faith.

 

Section 12.04 Cancellation of Certificate. Upon completion of the distribution of the assets of the Company as provided in Section 12.03(c), the Company shall be terminated and the Liquidator shall cause the cancellation of the Certificate of Formation in the State of Delaware and of all qualifications and registrations of the Company as a foreign limited liability company in jurisdictions other than the State of Delaware and shall take such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company.

 

Section 12.05 Survival of Rights, Duties and Obligations. Dissolution, liquidation, winding up, or termination of the Company for any reason shall not release any party from any Loss that at the time of such dissolution, liquidation, winding up, or termination already had accrued to any other party or thereafter may accrue in respect of any act or omission prior to such dissolution, liquidation, winding up, or termination. For the avoidance of doubt, none of the foregoing shall replace, diminish, or otherwise adversely affect any Member’s right to indemnification pursuant to Section 8.03.

 

Section 12.06 Recourse for Claims. Each Member shall look solely to the assets of the Company for all distributions with respect to the Company, such Member’s Capital Account, and such Member’s share of Net Income, Net Loss, and other items of income, gain, loss, and deduction, and shall have no recourse therefor (upon dissolution or otherwise) against the Liquidator or any other Member.

 

Article XIII
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 13.01 Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors, and accountants, incurred in connection with the preparation and execution of this Agreement, or any amendment or waiver hereof, and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses.

 

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Section 13.02 Further Assurances. In connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, the Company and each Member hereby agrees, at the request of the Company or any Member, to execute and deliver such additional documents, instruments, conveyances, and assurances and to take such further actions as may be required to carry out the provisions hereof and give effect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 13.03 Notices. All notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers, and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given: (a) when delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt); (b) when received by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier (receipt requested); (c) on the date sent by email of a PDF document (with confirmation of transmission) if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, and on the next Business Day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient; or (d) on the third day after the date mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid. Such communications must be sent to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 13.03):

 

If to the Company:  

Texas Critical Data Centers LLC
4501 Santa Rosa Drive
Midland, Texas 79707

    Email:  will@newerahelium.com
      wolf@sharonai.com
    Attention:  Will Gray
      Wolfgang Schubert
       
If to SharonAI:  

SharonAI, Inc.
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151

    Email:  legal@sharonai.ai
    Attention:  Chief Legal Officer
       
with a copy to:  

Sheppard Mullin Richter and Hampton LLP
12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92130

    Email:  censz@sheppardmullin.com
    Attention:  Chad Ensz
     
If to NEHC:  

New Era Helium Inc.
4501 Santa Rosa Drive
Midland, Texas 79707

    Email:  will@newerahelium.com
    Attention:  CEO
     
with a copy to:  

Lynch, Chappell & Alsup, PC
300 N. Marienfeld, Suite 700

Midland, Texas 79701

    Email:  mnorwood@lcalawfirm.com
    Attention:  Matthew Norwood

 

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Section 13.04 Headings. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience or reference only and are in no way intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope, extent, or intent of this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement.

 

Section 13.05 Severability. If any term or provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable under Applicable Law in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Agreement or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Except as provided in Section 8.03(g) or Error! Reference source not found., upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

 

Section 13.06 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Certificate of Formation, the JV Agreements and all related Exhibits and Schedules, constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties to this Agreement with respect to the subject matter contained herein and therein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter.

 

Section 13.07 Successors and Assigns. Subject to the restrictions on Transfers set forth herein, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned by any Member except as permitted by this Agreement and any assignment in violation of this Agreement shall be null and void.

 

Section 13.08 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except as provided in ARTICLE VIII, which shall be for the benefit of and enforceable by Covered Persons and Member Indemnitors as described therein, this Agreement is for the sole benefit of the parties hereto (and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and permitted assigns) and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person, including any creditor of the Company, any legal or equitable right, benefit, or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

Section 13.09 Amendment. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or modified except by an instrument in writing executed by both Members. Any such written amendment or modification will be binding upon the Company and each Member. Notwithstanding the foregoing, amendments to Schedule A hereto that are necessary to reflect any Transfer of a Membership Interest in accordance with this Agreement or change of address of a Member shall be made by the Board without the consent of or execution by the Members.

 

Section 13.10 Waiver. No waiver by any party of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the party so waiving. No waiver by any party shall operate or be construed as a waiver in respect of any failure, breach, or default not expressly identified by such written waiver, whether of a similar or different character, and whether occurring before or after that waiver. No failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power, or privilege arising from this Agreement shall operate or be construed as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power, or privilege. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing contained in this Section 13.10 shall diminish any of the explicit and implicit waivers described in this Agreement, including in Section 13.13 hereof.

 

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Section 13.11 Governing Law. All issues and questions concerning the application, construction, validity, interpretation, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than those of the State of Delaware.

 

Section 13.12 Submission to Jurisdiction. The parties hereby 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, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, shall be brought in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware or in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware), so long as one of such courts shall have subject matter jurisdiction over such suit, action, or proceeding, and that any cause of action arising out of this Agreement shall be deemed to have arisen from a transaction of business in the State of Delaware. Each of the parties hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action, or proceeding and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action, or proceeding in any such court or that any such suit, action, or proceeding that is brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient form. Service of process, summons, notice, or other document by registered mail to the address set forth in Section 13.03 shall be effective service of process for any suit, action, or other proceeding brought in any such court.

 

Section 13.13 Waiver of Jury Trial. Each party hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that any controversy that may arise under this Agreement is likely to involve complicated and difficult issues and, therefore, each such party irrevocably and unconditionally waives any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any legal action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

Section 13.14 Equitable Remedies. Each party hereto acknowledges that a breach or threatened breach by such party of any of its obligations under this Agreement would give rise to irreparable harm to the other parties, for which monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy, and hereby agrees that in the event of a breach or a threatened breach by such party of any such obligations, each of the other parties hereto shall, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies that may be available to them in respect of such breach, be entitled to equitable relief, including a temporary restraining order, an injunction, specific performance, and any other relief that may be available from a court of competent jurisdiction (without any requirement to post bond).

 

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Section 13.15 Remedies Cumulative. Except as expressly provided herein to the contrary, the rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and are in addition to and not in substitution for any other rights and remedies available at law or in equity or otherwise.

 

Section 13.16 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same agreement. A signed copy of this Agreement delivered by facsimile, email, or other means of Electronic Transmission shall be deemed to have the same legal effect as delivery of an original signed copy of this Agreement.

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

  The Company:
     
  TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS LLC
     
  By:  
    Name: Wolfgang Schubert
    Title: Chairperson

 

  The Members:
     
  SHARONAI, INC.
     
  By:  
    Name: Wolfgang Schubert
    Title: Chairperson

 

  NEW ERA HELIUM INC.
     
  By:  
    Name: E. Will Gray II
    Title: CEO

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

Reference is hereby made to the Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated January 21, 2025, as amended from time to time (the “LLC Agreement”), among SharonAI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“SharonAI”), New Era Helium Inc., a Nevada corporation (“NEHC”) and Texas Critical Data Centers LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”). Pursuant to and in accordance with Section 4.01 or 4.02, as applicable, of the LLC Agreement, the undersigned hereby acknowledges that it has received and reviewed a complete copy of the LLC Agreement and agrees that upon execution of this Joinder, such Person shall become a party to the LLC Agreement and shall be fully bound by, and subject to, all of the covenants, terms, and conditions of the LLC Agreement as though an original party thereto and shall be deemed, and is hereby admitted as, a Member for all purposes thereof and entitled to all the rights incidental thereto.

 

Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the LLC Agreement.

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of [  ].

 

  [NEW MEMBER]
     
  By:  
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

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SCHEDULE A MEMBERS SCHEDULE

 

Member Name and Address  Percentage Interest   [Capital Contribution]1 
SharonAI, Inc.
745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151
   50%  $75,000 
New Era Helium Inc.
4501 Santa Rosa Drive
Midland, Texas 79707
   50%  $75,000 
Total:   100%     

 

 
1 

 

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SCHEDULE B –

 

BUDGET

 

Data center: $6,000,000 per MW of capacity

Power plant: $1,300,000 per MW of capacity

CO2 capture equipment: $335,000 per MW of capacity

Miscellaneous costs and equipment: $30,000,000

 

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Exhibit 10.25

 

CONTRACT TO PURCHASE

 

THIS CONTRACT TO PURCHASE (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into on the 17th day of July, 2025, by and between ODESSA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION d/b/a GROW ODESSA, a Texas nonprofit corporation with a mailing address of 301 S Grant Ave., Odessa, Texas 79761 (“Seller”), and TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with a mailing address of 4501 Santa Rosa Dr., Midland, Texas 79707 (“Purchaser”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, Seller is the owner of approximately two hundred thirty-five (±235) acres of real property located in Block 41, T-2-S, T&P RR Co. Survey, Ector County, Texas, which real property is more particularly described on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, together with the existing buildings thereon and all other improvements, appurtenances, rights, privileges, and easements appurtenant thereto, and any and all easements, rights-of-way, and other appurtenances used in connection with the beneficial use and enjoyment of such real property (collectively, the “Property”); and

 

WHEREAS, Purchaser wishes to acquire the Property from Seller for the purpose of constructing and operating a commercial data center on the Property (the “Proposed Business”); and

 

WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell the Property to Purchaser, and Purchaser desires to purchase the Property, upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. SALE AND PURCHASE OF PROPERTY. Subject to, and in accordance with, the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Seller agrees to sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase from Seller, all of Seller’s right, title, and interest in and to the Property (including all buildings, appurtenances, and fixtures located thereon). The Property is being sold AS IS WHERE IS according to the provision attached hereto as Exhibit C.

 

2. DEPOSIT.

 

Within three (3) business days of the execution of this Agreement by both parties, Purchaser shall deposit with Basin Abstract & Title Company, having an address of 4526 East University Bldg. 2 Suite A, Odessa, TX 79762 (the “Title Company”), the sum of Fifteen Thousand Two Hundred Seventy-Five and No/100 Dollars ($15,275.00) (the “Deposit”) to be held in an escrow account by Title Company as earnest money in accordance with the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Deposit shall be credited against the Purchase Price at Closing (as defined herein).

 

 

 

 

3. PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT.

 

The total base purchase price of the Property is One Million Five Hundred Twenty-Seven Thousand Five Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($1,527,500.00) (the “Purchase Price”); provided, however, that the Purchase Price shall be adjusted based upon the Survey such that the final Purchase Price payable to Seller at Closing shall be calculated as the product of (x) the number of acres comprising the Property which will be acquired by Purchaser at Closing as shown on the Survey, times (y) Six Thousand Five Hundred and No/100 Dollars ($6,500.00).

 

4. ACCESS AND RIGHT OF ENTRY.

 

4.1 Access Rights. Seller hereby grants to Purchaser and Purchaser’s officers, directors, employees, engineers, surveyors, representatives, agents, and assigns the right to enter upon the Property and the right of ingress and egress over, through, and across the Property for the purpose of inspecting; testing; making surveys; conducting surface and sub-surface soil, geologic, environmental, and other tests (including, without limitation, Phase I and Phase II environmental investigations); performing soil and groundwater sampling and analysis; asbestos testing; underground tank and piping tightness testing; engineering borings; and making such other reasonable observations and inspections as are deemed reasonably necessary or appropriate by Purchaser, in its sole discretion, and for obtaining governmental consents and authorizations that Purchaser deems necessary or desirable for its intended development and use of the Property. Where required by applicable law, regulation, or order, Purchaser is hereby authorized to report the results of any system tightness testing and soil or groundwater sampling or analysis from its investigations to federal, state, or local authorities.

 

4.2 Indemnity. With respect to the right of entry granted to Purchaser in this Section 4, Purchaser shall indemnify and hold Seller harmless from and against any losses, damages, demands, claims, suits and other liabilities, including reasonable attorney fees and other expenses of litigation, concerning personal or bodily injury or property damage that results directly from Purchaser’s presence on or use of the Property for such testing, except to the extent arising out of the negligence or willful misconduct of Seller or Seller’s agents, representatives, or employees. Purchaser shall return the surface of the Property to substantially the same condition as before such testing, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

 

5. SURVEY AND TITLE. Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Purchaser, at Seller’s cost and expense, the following items within seven (7) days of receipt of this fully executed Agreement:

 

(i) A commitment for title insurance (the “Title Commitment”) for the benefit of Purchaser issued by Title Company setting forth the status of the title of the Property and all exceptions or conditions to such title and showing all liens, claims, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, encroachments, reservations, restrictions, outstanding mineral interests, and any other matters, if any, relating to the Property and all matters which would appear in the Owner’s title policy, if issued, and containing the express commitment to issue a title policy as herein described to Purchaser in the amount of the Purchase Price;

 

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(ii) A true, complete and legible copy of all exception documents referred to in the Title Commitment, including (without limitation) plats, deeds, lien instruments, reservations, restrictions, and easements (collectively, the “Title Documents”); and

 

(iii) An accurate survey of the Property made by a registered professional land surveyor acceptable to the Title Company in accordance with ALTA/NSPS standards, or otherwise in a form acceptable to Purchaser and Title Company, showing all easements, appurtenances, encroachments and improvements and containing a metes and bounds legal description of the Property, as well as a plot plan (the “Survey”).

 

Purchaser shall notify Seller, in writing, of Purchaser’s objections to the status of title to the Property and matters shown on the Title Commitment and Survey (collectively, the “Title and Survey Objections”) within ten (10) days after Purchaser’s receipt of all of the Title Commitment, Title Documents and Survey; provided, however, that if Purchaser does not receive the Title Commitment, Survey and all Title Documents at least ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date, then Purchaser shall have ten (10) days after Purchaser actually receives all such items to deliver objections to Seller (and Closing Date shall be automatically extended for a corresponding number of days). Seller shall use reasonable efforts to cure the Title and Survey Objections prior to the Closing Date. If Seller fails to cure any of the Title and Survey Objections to Purchaser’s satisfaction, as determined by Purchaser in its sole and absolute discretion, prior to the Closing Date, then Purchaser may either (i) terminate this Agreement, in which case the Deposit shall be immediately refunded to Purchaser; or (ii) waive the uncured Title and Survey Objections (except those items Seller is still obligated to cure as provided below) and proceed to Closing to purchase the Property subject to such objections; provided, however, that if Purchaser waives uncured Title and Survey Objections and proceeds to Closing, then Seller, at the Seller’s sole cost, shall still remain obligated to cure or remove (i) all mortgages, deeds of trust, judgment liens, mechanics and materialmen’s liens, and other monetary liens against the Property at or before Closing, and (ii) those certain easements burdening the Property which are described on Schedule 5 attached hereto (the “Objection Easements”) no later than the date which is ninety (90) days after the Closing Date.

 

6. SELLER’S REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AND COVENANTS. Seller represents, warrants, and covenants that:

 

6.1 Seller’s Status and Authority.

 

6.1.1 Seller is not a “Foreign Person” within the meaning of Section 1445(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), and Seller will deliver to Purchaser at the Closing an affidavit stating: (i) that Seller is not a Foreign Person; (ii) Seller’s name, United States taxpayer identification number, and address; and (iii) such other information as may be required by the Code and regulations promulgated under the Code. Seller acknowledges that if Seller is a Foreign Person, federal law requires that a portion of the Purchase Price be set aside by Purchaser to satisfy certain tax obligations of Seller; and Seller agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold Purchaser harmless from any loss, penalties, charges, claims, or liability arising under the Code and the regulations promulgated under the Code, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses, related to Seller’s status as a Foreign Person.

 

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6.1.2 There are no bankruptcy, insolvency, rearrangement or similar actions or proceedings, either voluntary or involuntary, pending against Seller or any of its owners or affiliates, and Seller and its owners and affiliates have no intention of filing or commencing any such action or proceeding.

 

6.1.3 Seller has the full legal right and authority to enter into, execute, and carry out the provisions of this Agreement. Seller (and each of its owners in the case where Seller is an entity comprised of one or more other entities) is in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation, is duly qualified to do business in the state in which the Property is located, and has taken all action and has the power and authority necessary to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. Each individual executing this Agreement on behalf of Seller is duly authorized on behalf of Seller to enter into and execute this Agreement and has the power to bind Seller and cause Seller to sell the Property; and all court or other governmental approvals that are necessary, if any, in connection with this Agreement and the performance of Seller’s obligations under this Agreement have been obtained, are in full force and effect, and shall remain in full force and effect through the Closing.

 

6.2 Fee Simple Title. Seller has, or shall have at or prior to the Closing, good, marketable and insurable fee simple title to the entire Property.

 

6.3 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.4 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.5 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.6 Commitment of Property. Seller has not granted any option or other commitment to sell, lease, or encumber all or any part of the Property to anyone other than Purchaser.

 

6.7 Agreement Violation. Neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Closing violates any contract, agreement, or other document to which Seller is a party.

 

6.8 Notice of Condemnation. Seller has received no written notice of, and Seller has no knowledge of, any pending or threatened condemnation action affecting the Property.

 

6.9 Seller’s Rights to the Property. Except as disclosed on Schedule 6.9 attached hereto, there are no leases, tenancies, occupancy agreements, or other rights affecting Seller’s full possession of and rights to the Property or any portion thereof.

 

6.10 Mechanic’s or Materialman’s Liens. There are no contracts to which Seller is a party affecting the Property or pursuant to which any contractor, subcontractor, materialman, or other person may be entitled to a mechanic’s or materialman’s lien against the Property.

 

6.11 Legal Proceedings. There are no pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened legal proceedings affecting the Property in any manner or Seller’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement, nor has Seller received notice of: (i) any proceeding for the imposition of any special tax or assessment; (ii) any existing, pending, or threatened investigation or inquiry by any governmental authority; or (iii) any pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened lawsuit by a third party; that in any event would affect/impact the economic value of the Property or Purchaser’s intended use thereof.

 

-4-

 

 

6.12 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.13 Maintenance of the Property. Seller shall keep the Property in good condition and repair and shall not permit or commit any waste, impairment, or deterioration of the Property (other than ordinary wear and tear) or commit, suffer, or permit any act upon or use of the Property in violation of any applicable law, order, permit, or license of any governmental authority.

 

6.14 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.15 Governmental or Regulatory Consent. No authorization, approval, or consent of, and no registration or filing with, any governmental or regulatory official, body, or authority or other third party is required in connection with the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement or the other agreements and instruments referenced herein required to be executed, delivered, or performed by Seller.

 

6.16 Taxes. All taxes relating to the Property which are due on or prior to Closing have been (or will be) paid before or at Closing; provided, however, that taxes on the Property for the current year shall be prorated at Closing as between Seller and Purchaser as provided for herein.

 

6.17 Absence of Certain Changes. Intentionally deleted.

 

6.18 Lien or Encumbrances. There are no obligations or liabilities of any nature whatsoever, whether contingent or otherwise, that are or could become a lien or other encumbrance on the Property.

 

6.19 OFAC Disclosure. Seller represents and warrants to Purchaser that: (i) neither Seller nor, if Seller is an entity, any person or entity that directly or indirectly owns any interest in Seller, nor any of its officers, directors, or managing members, is a person or entity with whom United States persons or entities are restricted from doing business under regulations of the Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”) of the United States Department of the Treasury (including those named on OFAC’s Specially Designated and Blocked Persons List) or under any statute, executive order (including, but not limited to, Executive Order 13224, signed on September 24, 2001, and entitled “Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism” (the “Executive Order”)), or other governmental action, (ii) Seller’s activities do not violate the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 or the regulations or orders promulgated thereunder (as amended from time to time, the “Money Laundering Act”); and (iii) so long as this Agreement is in full force and effect, Seller shall comply with the Executive Order and the Money Laundering Act.

 

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6.20 Lease Agreement. Seller has provided Purchaser with a complete and correct copy of the Commercial Lease between Seller, as lessor, and Dragon Products, LLC, as lessee, which is disclosed on Schedule 6.9 to this Contract (the “Acquired Lease”). The Acquired Lease is in full force and effect; and, to the best of Seller’s knowledge, no party to the Acquired Lease is in default thereunder. Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to secure all approvals, consents, and waivers (collectively, the “Consents”) necessary to transfer and assign to Purchaser the Acquired Lease at Closing; provided, however, that if such Consents are not obtained on or before Closing and Purchaser elects to proceed with Closing in the absence of such Consents, Seller shall continue to seek such Consents after Closing and cooperate with Purchaser in connection therewith.

 

6.21 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.22 True and Correct Representations. All of Seller’s representations and warranties stated in Sections 6.1 through 6.21 shall be true and correct as of the date of Seller’s execution of this Agreement and as of the Closing.

 

6.23 Application and Notification of Changes. Seller shall immediately notify Purchaser in writing if Seller acquires knowledge of any fact or circumstance which would make any one or more of the representations and warranties stated in Sections 6.1 through 6.21 untrue.

 

6.24 Survival. The provisions of this Section 6 shall survive the Closing.

 

7. CLOSING, CLOSING DELIVERABLES, AND CLOSING COSTS.

 

7.1 Closing. Subject to the other terms of this Agreement, and except as otherwise agreed between the parties, the closing of the sale of the Property to Purchaser (the “Closing”) shall take place on or before July 25, 2025 (the “Closing Date”, as the same may be extended in accordance with this Agreement); provided that Purchaser and Seller may mutually agree in writing to a different date for Closing. The Closing shall be accomplished via mail or courier service, or may be held at the office of the Title Company or such other location as mutually agreed upon by the parties.

 

7.2 Closing Deliverables. The following deliverables shall be required at Closing:

 

7.2.1 Seller shall provide proof and documentation evidencing that Seller has the full legal right and authority to enter into, execute, and carry out the provisions of this Agreement. Seller (and each of its owners in the case where Seller is an entity comprised of one or more other entities) will provide proof that it is in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation, is duly qualified to do business in the state in which the Property is located, and has taken all action and has the power and authority necessary to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. Seller shall provide documentation showing that: (i) the individual executing this Agreement on behalf of Seller is duly authorized on behalf of Seller to enter into and execute this Agreement; and (ii) all court and other governmental approvals that are necessary, if any, in connection with this Agreement and the performance of Seller’s obligations under this Agreement have been obtained, are in full force and effect, and shall remain in full force and effect through the Closing;

 

7.2.2 Seller shall execute and deliver to Purchaser a properly executed special warranty deed (the “Special Warranty Deed”), substantially in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto, which is in recordable form and conveys fee simple title to the Property to Purchaser free from all encumbrances; except those permitted exceptions agreed to by Purchaser in writing;

 

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7.2.3 Intentionally deleted;

 

7.2.4 The parties shall execute and deliver an assignment and assumption agreement transferring to Purchaser the rights and obligations from and after the Closing with respect to the Acquired Lease. Seller shall deliver to Purchaser all required Consents with respect to such assignment;

 

7.2.5 Intentionally deleted.

 

7.2.6 Seller shall execute and deliver to Purchaser a Certification pursuant to Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code that Seller is not a Foreign Person within the meaning of such Code section;

 

7.2.7 Seller shall furnish Purchaser proof that all real property taxes and personal property taxes that are a lien against the Property are paid or prorated to the date of Closing and calculated upon reasonable and equitable estimates where necessary;

 

7.2.8 Seller shall execute an affidavit stating that there are no liens upon the Property nor outstanding orders or unpaid bills for goods, labor, or materials that may become a lien upon the Property;

 

7.2.9 Purchaser shall transfer to the Title Company in escrow, for delivery to the Seller at Closing, funds in immediately available US Dollars equal to the Purchase Price specified in this Agreement, as the same may be adjusted in accordance with this Agreement, and for prorated items due Seller pursuant to the closing statement.

 

7.2.10 Intentionally deleted;

 

7.2.11 To the extent consistent with the other provisions of this Agreement, the parties shall execute and deliver such other documents, conveyances, and affidavits requested by the other party or Title Company that are: (i) required by applicable federal, state, or local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, judgments, orders, writs, injunctions, decrees, and governmental permits; (ii) required by the Title Company in order to issue the title insurance policy to Purchaser; or (iii) customarily given in the appropriate jurisdiction to accomplish transfer of assets of the type involved.

 

7.2.12 Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, Seller shall deliver Purchaser possession and occupancy of the Property at the Closing free from all liens, encumbrances, restrictions, assessments, easements, tenancies, and occupancies of every nature except for those exceptions accepted by Purchaser in writing.

 

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7.3 Closing Conditions.

 

7.3.1 Purchaser’s obligations to purchase the Property and perform its other Closing obligations are contingent upon all of the following conditions being satisfied at the time of the Closing: (i) Seller not having defaulted under, or breached in any material respect, any of the terms of this Agreement; (ii) no material adverse change occurring in the condition of the Property prior to Closing, including, but not limited to, any change in environmental condition; (iii) Purchaser receiving a binding commitment from the Title Company for the issuance of an ALTA Owner’s Extended Coverage Policy of Title Insurance insuring that good and marketable fee simple absolute title to the Property is vested in Purchaser (or a “marked up” version of a title commitment that irrevocably and unconditionally commits to issue such an owner’s title policy); (iv) no lawsuits, governmental actions, or similar proceedings which are adverse to the Property, or Purchaser’s intended use thereof having been instituted or threatened, including, but not limited to, any condemnation or eminent domain proceedings; and (v) Seller timely providing all deliverables to Purchaser as may be required in Section 7.2 above. If any of the foregoing conditions is not satisfied at the time of Closing, Purchaser may, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, (x) terminate this Agreement, in which case the Deposit shall be immediately refunded to Purchaser, and/or (y) exercise any other right or seek any other remedy available to Purchaser at law or in equity, including specific performance.

 

7.3.2 Seller’s obligations to sell the Property and perform its other Closing obligations are contingent upon all of the following conditions being satisfied at the time of the Closing: (i) Purchaser not having defaulted under, or breached in any material respect, any of the terms of this Agreement; and (ii) Purchaser timely providing all deliverables to Seller as may be required in Section 7.2 above. If any of the foregoing conditions is not satisfied at the time of Closing, Seller may terminate this Agreement as Seller’s sole and exclusive remedy, in which case the Deposit shall be immediately released to Seller and the parties shall have no further obligations under this Agreement.

 

7.4 Closing Costs. At Closing, (i) Purchaser shall pay all transfer taxes and recording costs due in connection with the recording of the Special Warranty Deed and the cost of any endorsements or enhancements to the title policy requested by Purchaser; and (ii) Seller shall pay the cost of recording the instruments releasing any liens or encumbrances on the Property other than those accepted by Purchaser in writing, the cost of the title commitment, and the premium for the owner’s title policy based on the Purchase Price. The parties shall each pay half of the escrow fee charged by the Title Company. Each of the parties shall pay their own attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

 

8. PRORATIONS, CREDITS AND ADJUSTMENTS.

 

8.1 Calculations. All prorations to be made under this Article “as of the date of Closing” shall be made as of 11:59 P.M. local time on the date of the Closing, with the effect that Seller shall pay the portions of the expenses being prorated which are allocable to periods on, or prior to, the date the Closing occurs and Purchaser shall pay the portions of such expenses which are allocable to periods after the date the Closing occurs.

 

8.2 Property Taxes. Property taxes and assessments (general and special, public and private) levied against the Property for the year in which Closing takes place shall be prorated between Seller and Purchaser as of the date of Closing and paid at Closing based on the most recently available bills or assessments, and Seller shall also pay any unpaid property taxes and assessments (general and special, public and private) levied against the Property that are allocable to prior years at such time. If any such property taxes and assessments cannot be paid at Closing, Purchaser shall receive a credit against the Purchase Price equal to Seller’s share thereof, and Purchaser shall thereafter be responsible for tendering the amount of such credit to the proper taxing authority.

 

-8-

 

 

8.3 Intentionally deleted.

 

8.4 Intentionally deleted.

 

8.5 Survival. The provisions of this Section 8 shall survive the Closing.

 

9. RISK OF LOSS, CASUALTY, AND CONDEMNATION.

 

9.1 Risk of Loss. The risk of condemnation and risk of loss from whatever cause, except for a loss caused by Purchaser because of its presence on the Property pursuant to Section 4, of all or any part of the Property shall be upon Seller until the Closing.

 

9.2 Intentionally deleted.

 

9.3 Condemnation. If any part of the Property shall have been condemned or if a notice of condemnation or proposed condemnation shall have been given at any time prior to the Closing, then Seller shall immediately give written notice thereof to Purchaser. Such written notice shall specify all of the details of the condemnation, notice of condemnation, or proposed condemnation. In the event of any such condemnation, notice of condemnation, or proposed condemnation, Purchaser may, at its sole election, cancel this Agreement and, upon such cancellation, Purchaser shall be relieved of any and all obligations under this Agreement and all Deposit shall be returned to Purchaser; or, alternatively, Purchaser may elect to proceed with the Closing and have Seller assign, transfer, and set over to Purchaser all of Seller’s right, title, and interest in and to all awards that may be made for or in connection with such condemnation.

 

10. Environmental Matters. Environmental matters concerning the Property are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in Exhibit D, attached hereto.

 

11. Intentionally deleted.

 

12. PURCHASE OPTION AFTER CLOSING. Purchaser grants to Seller and Seller hereby receives from Purchaser the right to repurchase the Property according to the terms and conditions included in Exhibit E, attached hereto.

 

13. CERTAIN DEFAULT AND REMEDIES.

 

13.1 Certain Seller Defaults. If Seller breaches this Agreement by failing to convey the Property to Purchaser in accordance with the terms hereof and Seller does not cure such breach within five (5) days after Purchaser gives written notice of such breach, then Purchaser may (i) obtain specific performance of this Agreement; or (ii) terminate this Agreement, and receive a refund of the Deposit as its sole remedy.

 

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13.2 Certain Purchaser Defaults. If Purchaser breaches this Agreement by failing to purchase the Property when it is required to do so hereunder and Purchaser does not cure such breach within five (5) days after Seller gives written notice of such breach, then Seller may, as its sole and exclusive remedy, terminate this Agreement and receive the Deposit as full and agreed upon liquidated damages. Purchaser and Seller agree that said liquidated damages are reasonable given the circumstances now existing, including, but not limited to, the range of harm to Seller that is reasonably foreseeable and the anticipation that proof of Seller’s actual damages would be costly, impractical and inconvenient. SELLER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT: (i) HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THIS SECTION; AND (ii) SPECIFICALLY WAIVES AND RELINQUISHES ALL OTHER REMEDIES WHICH IT MAY BE ENTITLED TO PURSUE AT LAW OR IN EQUITY DUE TO PURCHASER’S FAILURE TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY IN BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.

 

13.3 Other Defaults. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 13.1 and 13.2, if Seller or Purchaser breaches any of the terms of this Agreement and does not cure such breach within thirty (30) days after it is notified of the same by the non-breaching party, in writing, then the non-breaching party shall have the right to obtain any remedy available at law or in equity, including, but not limited to, the right to recover the actual damages that it suffers or incurs as a result of the breach. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in no event shall either party be liable for indirect, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages as a result of its breach of this Agreement.

 

14. POST-CLOSING COVENANTS.

 

14.1 Pro-Rations. If the amount paid by either party with respect to items and periods covered by the pro-rations referenced in Article 8 differs from the amount of the actual pro-rated amounts due as provided herein, then each party shall have thirty (30) calendar days after the Closing date in which to notify the other party in writing of the amount of such difference, giving appropriate supporting documentation; and the party being so notified shall pay such difference within ten (10) business days following receipt of such notification. Any claim for reimbursement not submitted within said thirty (30) day period is hereby waived by both parties notwithstanding survival of the pro-ration provisions of this Agreement beyond Closing.

 

14.2 Intentionally deleted.

 

14.3 Further Cooperation. After Closing, each party shall execute and deliver such other certificates, agreements, conveyances, and other documents and shall take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the other party in order to fully consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

14.4 Survival. The terms and provisions of this Section 14 shall expressly survive the Closing.

 

15. Intentionally deleted

 

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16. CONFIDENTIALITY.

 

Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, Seller and Purchaser shall keep confidential (i) the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any and all related documents, and (ii) the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except for disclosures required by law, disclosures of information which is already in the public domain, disclosures to their respective attorneys or other professional advisors who have a reasonable need to know such information in connection with evaluating the transactions contemplated under this Agreement and who are bound by confidentiality obligations, and disclosures made in connection with the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Agreement.

 

17. PRESS RELEASES. Except as may be required by applicable laws or regulations, neither party shall issue any press release or other announcement without the prior written consent of the other party.

 

18. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

 

18.1 Law. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed under, the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to any provision thereof that would result in the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

 

18.2 Brokers. Each party shall pay and shall indemnify and hold the other party harmless from and against any loss, liability, damage, cost, claim, or expense incurred by reason of any brokerage, commission, or finder’s fee alleged to be payable to any broker or other third party as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement pursuant to an agreement between such third party and such indemnifying party.

 

18.3 Entire Agreement. This writing is intended by the parties as the final, complete, and exclusive statement of the terms and conditions of their agreement, and is intended to supersede all previous agreements and understandings between the parties, relating to its subject matter. No prior stipulation, agreement, understanding, or course of dealing between the parties or their agents with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement shall be valid or enforceable unless embodied in the Agreement. No amendment, modification, or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid or enforceable unless in writing and signed by both parties.

 

18.4 Headings. The descriptive headings in the Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not control or affect the meaning, construction, or interpretation of or constitute a part of this Agreement.

 

18.5 Assignment. Purchaser may assign its rights and interests under this Agreement to an affiliate of Purchaser without obtaining Seller’s consent; provided, however, no such assignment shall release Purchaser from its obligations and liabilities hereunder. Any assignment completed as contemplated herein shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of Purchaser and Seller and their respective heirs, successors, personal representatives, and assigns.

 

18.6 Notice. Any notice or other communication required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered in person, by electronic mail, by overnight carrier service, or by certified mail (return receipt requested), as follows:

 

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If to Purchaser, to:  
   
  Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC
  4501 Santa Rosa Dr.
  Midland, Texas 79707
  Attn: E. Will Gray
  Email: __________________________

 

With a copy to:

 

  Lynch, Chappell & Alsup, PC
  300 N. Marienfeld, Suite 700
  Midland, Texas 79701
  Attn: Matthew Norwood
  Email: mnorwood@lcalawfirm.com

 

If to Seller, to:  
   
  ODESSA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
  301 S Grant Ave.
  Odessa, Texas 79761
  Attn: ___________________________
  Email: __________________________

 

With a copy to:

 

  The Terry Law Firm, PLLC
  Attn: Christopher Terry
  4526 E. University Ste 2A
  Odessa, Texas 79762
  cterry@cterrylaw.com

 

18.6.1 Any notice, request, or communication hereunder shall be deemed to have been given on (a) the date on which it is delivered by hand at the address specified above; (b) the date on which it is sent by electronic mail; (c) two (2) days after it is post marked and deposited in the mail, postage prepaid; or (d) one (1) day after it is placed with a recognized overnight carrier.

 

18.6.2 Any party may change the address to which notices are to be sent to it by giving notice of such change of address to the other parties in the manner herein provided for giving notice.

 

18.7 Attorney Fees. In the event any action or proceeding is commenced by either party to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable experts’ and attorneys’ fees.

 

18.8 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, unenforceable, or invalid, such provision(s) shall be severed and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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18.9 Waiver. The failure of either party hereto in any one or more instances to insist upon the strict performance of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such party’s rights with respect to any continuing or subsequent breach of those or any other terms or conditions, and the same shall remain in full force and effect.

 

18.10 Exhibits and Schedules. All references to Exhibits and Schedules herein are to the Exhibits and Schedules attached hereto, which are incorporated by reference into this Agreement.

 

18.11 Ambiguity. Although the initial draft of this Agreement has been drafted by Purchaser’s attorney, Seller and/or Seller’s attorney have thoroughly reviewed this Agreement and have had the opportunity to request changes to this Agreement. As such, if there is ever any ambiguity with respect to any provision hereof, the parties agree that no court or arbitrator shall construe this Agreement for or against either party pursuant to any rule of construction applicable to the drafter of a document.

 

18.12 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

 

18.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. Signed counterparts of this Agreement may be delivered by facsimile, scanned .pdf image, or other electronic means; and such signed counterparts shall have the same force and effect as an original signed counterpart; provided that, after a request by any party hereto for such original signed counterpart, each party uses commercially reasonable efforts to deliver to each other party original signed counterparts as soon as possible thereafter.

 

18.14 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER THEORY).

 

18.15 Limitation of Liability. Except as set forth otherwise herein and with respect to indemnification for third party claims as provided for herein, in no event shall either party be liable to the other party for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages, even if it has been advised of the possibility of these damages.

 

18.16 Time for Performance. Any time period provided herein ending on a Saturday, Sunday, or other day that is not a business day will be extended to the next full business day. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “business day” means a day on which federally chartered banks in the state where the Property is located are open for business, excluding Saturdays and Sundays.

 

18.17 Survival. The provisions of this Section 18 shall survive the Closing or other termination of this Agreement.

 

 

[Signatures on the following pages]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Seller and Purchaser have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

  SELLER:
   
  ODESSA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
  CORPORATION d/b/a GROW ODESSA
       
 

By:

 
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

  PURCHASER:
   
  TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC
       
 

By:

 
    Name:  
    Title:  

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

TO CONTRACT TO PURCHASE

 

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

 

METES & BOUNDS DESCRIPTION
OF A 235.00-ACRE TRACT
LOCATED IN A 221.51-ACRE TRACT IN
DOCUMENT NO. 2008-00010071 &
A 13.49-ACRE TRACT IN
DOCUMENT NO. 2010-00001417
OF THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF ECTOR COUNTY, TEXAS

 

BEING A 235.00-ACRE TRACT OF WHICH 221.51-ACRES ARE IN THAT CERTAIN 519.59-ACRE TRACT AS DESCRIBED IN DOCUMENT NO. 2008-00010071, AND 13.19-ACRES ARE IN THAT CERTAIN 33.06-ACRE TRACT AS DESCRIBED IN DOCUMENT NO. 2010-00001417 THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF ECTOR COUNTY, TEXAS LOCATED IN A PORTION OF THE GEE McMEANS SURVEY NUMBER 1 AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 2, PAGE 174, PATENT RECORDS OF ECTOR COUNTY, TEXAS, A PORTION OF THE MAT ATWOOD PRE-EMPTION SURVEY AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 2, PAGE 38, PATENT RECORDS OF ECTOR COUNTY, TEXAS, THE J.B. ATWOOD PRE-EMPTION SURVEY AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 2 PAGE 108 OF THE PATENT RECORDS OF ECTOR COUNTY, TEXAS AND THE SIDNEY PITT PRE-EMPTION SURVEY AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 2, PAGE 35 OF THE ECTOR COUNTY PATENT RECORDS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BELOW:

 

BEGINNING at (Y= 10,635,916.72’ & X= 1,681,192.44’) a ½” Iron Rod with cap marked “LCA ODESSA TX” set at the northwest corner of this tract on the west line of said Gee McMeans Survey and the east line of Section 37, Block 42, T-2-S, T&P RR Co. Survey, Ector County Texas, whence a 3” Brass Disk found in concrete (Control Monument) marked “TESCO” at the north west corner of said Gee McMeans Survey and the northeast corner of said Section 37 and the northwest corner of said 519.59-Acre Tract bears North 14°10’11” West, a distance of 1,670.39 feet;

 

THENCE North 75°48’51” East through said 519.59-Acre Tract and said 33.06-Acre Tract, pass the common east line of said 519.59-Acre Tract and the west line of said 33.06-Acre Tract at 5,268.69 feet, in all a total distance of 5,557.77 feet to a ½” Iron Rod with cap marked “LCA ODESSA TX” set at the north east corner of this tract on the east line of said 33.06-acre tract and the west curved right-of-way line of LOOP 338 EAST, a 200-foot right-of-way as described in Volume 1159, Page 1086 of the Deed Records of Ector County, Texas and having a radial bearing of South 73°16’00” West;

 

THENCE along said curve to the right in a southeasterly direction, having a radius length of 11,359.15 feet, a delta angle of 02°35’43”, an arc length of 514.52 feet, a chord length of 514.47 feet bearing South 15°26’09” East to a ½” Iron Rod with cap marked ‘‘LCA ODESSA TX” (Control Monument) found at the Point of Tangency;

 

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THENCE South 14°08’17” East with the east line of said 33.06-Acre Tract and the west right-of-way line of said LOOP 338 EAST, a distance of 1,447.22 feet to a½” Iron Rod with cap marked “LCA ODESSA TX” set at the southeast corner of this tract;

 

THENCE South 75°08’19” West through said 519.59-Acre Tract and said 33.06-Acre Tract, pass the common east line of said 519.59-Acre Tract and the west line of said 33.06-Acre Tract at 299.78 feet, in all a total distance of 4,718.68 feet to a ½” Iron Rod with cap marked “LCA ODESSA TX” set at the southernmost southwest corner of this tract and the southeast corner of a surveyed 20.00-Acre Tract, whence a Railroad Spike (Control Monument) found in asphalt at the southeast corner of said Section 37 bears South 14°10’11” East, a distance of 2,619.65 feet;

 

THENCE North 14°10’11” West with the east line of said 20.00-Acre Tract, a distance of 1,019.64 feet to a½” Iron Rod with cap marked “LCA ODESSA TX” set for an ell corner of this tract and the northeast corner of said 20.00-Acre Tract;

 

THENCE South 75°48’51” West with the north line od said 20.00-Acre Tract, a distance of 850.00 feet to a ½” Iron Rod with cap marked “LCA ODESSA TX” set at the westernmost southwest corner of this tract and the northwest corner of said 20-Acre Tract on the west line of said Sidney Pitt Survey and the east line of said Section 37; and

 

THENCE North 14°10’11” West with the west line of said 519.59-Acre Tract, the west line of said Sidney Pitt Survey and the west line of said Section 37, a distance of 997.55 feet to the Point of the Beginning containing 235.00-surface acres.

 

-16-

 

 

EXHIBIT B
TO
CONTRACT TO PURCHASE

 

SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED

 

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY RIGHTS: If you are a natural person, you may remove or strike any of the following information from this instrument before it is filed for record in the public records: Your social security number or your driver’s license number.

 

SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED

 

THE STATE OF TEXAS §  
  § KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
COUNTY OF ECTOR §  

 

That ODESSA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION d/b/a GROW ODESSA, a Texas not-for-profit corporation, (“Grantor”), in consideration of the sum of TEN AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($10.00) and other valuable consideration, to it in hand paid by TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC (“Grantee”), ALL CASH, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged; HAS GRANTED, SOLD, CONVEYED, and by these presents does Grant, Sell and Convey unto the said Grantee, that certain lot, tract or parcel of land situated in Ector County, Texas, being described as follows, to-wit:

 

[insert legal description]

 

This Conveyance is SUBJECT TO all prior reservations of oil, gas and other minerals, to any outstanding oil and gas leases, to all easements and rights-of-way of record in the Office of the County Clerk, Ector County, Texas, and are visible or open and apparent on the ground as shown on the survey prepared by Landgraf, Crutcher & Associates; and other reservations of record, to the extent the same are valid and subsisting and accruing taxes.

 

This Conveyance is also SUBJECT TO “as is, where is” matters and environmental matters set forth as follows:

 

As Is, Where Is Matters

 

THIS CONTRACT UPON WHICH THIS TRANSACTION IS BASED IS AN ARM’S-LENGTH AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS BARGAINED ON THE BASIS OF AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” TRANSACTION AND REFLECTS THE AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES THAT THERE ARE NO REPRESENTATIONS, DISCLOSURES, OR EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND SELLER’S REPRESENTATIONS TO GRANTEE, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THAT CERTAIN REAL ESTATE SALES CONTRACT DATED JULY 17, 2025 (THE “CONTRACT”) AND THE SPECIAL WARRANTY OF TITLE CONTAINED IN THIS DEED.

 

-17-

 

 

THE PROPERTY IS CONVEYED TO GRANTEE IN AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” CONDITION, WITH ALL FAULTS. SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTY OF CONDITION, MERCHANTABILITY, OR SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

 

GRANTEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT GRANTEE IS RELYING SOLELY ON GRANTEE’S EXAMINATION OF THE PROPERTY. GRANTEE IS NOT RELYING ON ANY INFORMATION OR DISCLOSURES PROVIDED BY GRANTOR.

 

GRANTEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THE CONTRACT, GRANTOR HAS MADE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE AVAILABILITY, QUALITY OR QUANTITY OF ANY WATER TO SAID PROPERTY.

 

Environmental Matters

 

AFTER CLOSING, AS BETWEEN GRANTEE AND GRANTOR, THE RISK OF LIABILITY OR EXPENSE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ON THE PROPERTY, EVEN IF ARISING FROM EVENTS BEFORE CLOSING, WILL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF GRANTEE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS WERE KNOWN OR UNKNOWN AT CLOSING. ONCE CLOSING HAS OCCURRED, GRANTEE INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS, AND RELEASES GRANTOR FROM LIABILITY FOR ANY LATENT DEFECTS WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPERTY, INCLUDING LIABILITY UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA), THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY ACT (RCRA), THE TEXAS SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ACT, OR THE TEXAS WATER CODE. GRANTEE INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS, AND RELEASES GRANTOR FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY ARISING AS THE RESULT THEORIES OF PRODUCTS LIABILITY AND STRICT LIABILITY, OR UNDER NEW LAWS OR CHANGES TO EXISTING LAWS ENACTED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE THAT WOULD OTHERWISE IMPOSE ON GRANTOR IN THIS TYPE OF TRANSACTION NEW LIABILITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY. THE INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS AND RELEASES SET FORTH HEREIN SHALL NOT APPLY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR ON ANY PROPERTY OWNED BY GRANTOR IN PROXIMITY TO THE PROPERTY AND RESULT IN ANY MIGRATION OF CONTAMINANTS ONTO THE PROPERTY.

 

Grantee, by the acceptance of this Special Warranty Deed agrees to abide by the covenants contained in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof for all purposes TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above-described premises together with all and singular the rights and appurtenances thereto in anywise belonging unto the said Grantees, their successors and assigns, forever, and Grantor does hereby bind itself, its successors and assigns, to warrant and forever defend, all and singular the premises unto said Grantees, their successors and assigns, against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming, or to claim the same, or any part thereof, by, through or under it, but not otherwise. This Special Warranty Deed is made with full rights of substitution and subrogation of Grantee, in and to all covenants and warranties of title heretofore given or made by others with respect to the property, or any part thereof, and Grantor hereby transfers and conveys to Grantee all Grantor’s rights under any and all such covenants and warranties of title that Grantor is entitled to enforce.

 

-18-

 

 

EXECUTED this ___ day of July, 2025

 

  ODESSA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
   
   
  By: RUSSELL TIPPIN, President

 

ATTEST:  
   
   
Jimmy Cox, Vice-President  

 

THE STATE OF TEXAS §  
  §  
COUNTY OF ECTOR §  

 

This instrument was acknowledged before me on the ____ day of July, 2025, by Russell Tippin, President of Odessa Industrial Development Corporation d/b/a Grow Odessa, a Texas not-for-profit corporation, on behalf of said corporation.

 

   
NOTARY PUBLIC, STATE OF TEXAS

 

-19-

 

 

APPROVED AND ACCEPTED BY GRANTEE:  
   
TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC  
   
   
NAME:    
TITLE:    

 

THE STATE OF TEXAS §  
  §  
COUNTY OF _________________ §  

 

This instrument was acknowledged before me on the ___ day of July, 2025, by ________________, as __________________ of TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, on behalf of said company.

 

   
NOTARY PUBLIC, STATE OF TEXAS

 

-20-

 

 

Special Warranty Deed
Exhibit A

 

Right to Repurchase

 

Odessa Industrial Development Corporation d/b/a Grow Odessa (“Seller”) shall be entitled to repurchase the property described herein upon the occurrence of any of the following (each a “Triggering Event”): (i) if within six (6) months of the date of this Special Warranty Deed (the “Closing Date”), the Property Owner has not filed an application with the City of Odessa for the purpose of creating of an industrial district; (ii) if within nine (9) months of the Closing Date, the Property Owner has failed to enter into a definitive power supply agreement with a customer committing the customer to a material number of payment(s) regardless of power usage (“Power Supply Agreement”); and (iii) within twenty four (24) months after the Closing Date, the laying of a foundation for a permanent structure for operation of a data center has not been completed. As used herein, the term “Property Owner” shall mean TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TCDC”), for so long as TCDC owns fee simple title to the Property; provided, however, that if TCDC transfers fee simple title to the Property to any third party, the term Property Owner shall mean such third party successor owner of fee simple title to the Property.

 

The Property Owner shall give GROW written notice once it has filed the application for the creation of an Industrial District, and if, six (6) months after the Closing Date, the Property Owner has not filed such application, then GROW shall be entitled to repurchase the Property, together with any and all improvements thereon, at any point thereafter, by refunding ninety-five percent (95%) of the purchase price of the property, (the purchase price being $1,527,500.00).

 

The Property Owner shall give GROW written notice once it has entered into a Power Supply Agreement. If, nine (9) months after the Closing Date, the Property Owner has failed to enter into a Power Supply Agreement, then GROW shall be entitled to repurchase the Property, together with any and all improvements thereon, by refunding eighty percent (80%) of the purchase price of the property, (the purchase price being $1,527,500.00).

 

If, twenty-four (24) months after the Closing Date, the laying of a foundation for a permanent structure for operation of a data center has not been completed, then GROW shall be entitled to repurchase the Property together with any and all improvements thereon by refunding sixty-five percent (65%) of the purchase price of the property, (the purchase price being $1,527,500.00).

 

Upon the occurrence of any Triggering Event, GROW may notify the Property Owner, by certified letter, mailed to the Property Owner’s last known address, of its repurchase of the Property together with all improvements thereon, and shall simultaneously tender payment to a title company of GROW’s choice to be paid over to the Property Owner upon delivery of the special warranty deed by the Property Owner. The Property Owner shall, within sixty (60) days of the receipt of said notice, consummate said repurchase by delivery of a good and sufficient special warranty deed conveying the Property to GROW. Should the said repurchase not be so consummated at the termination of said sixty (60) day period, title to the above-described Property shall automatically revert to and vest in GROW, its successors and assigns, and GROW shall be entitled to immediate possession of the premises and improvements thereon if any; provided, however, that such reversion shall not affect any mortgage or lien which may be in good faith legally existing upon said premises or upon any improvements thereon.

 

If after the date hereof it is determined that no Triggering Events shall occur and that GROW shall not be entitled to repurchase the Property from Property Owner, then GROW shall promptly thereafter execute and deliver to Property Owner, in recordable form, any and all documentation reasonably requested to provide record notice of the termination and release of GROW’s right to repurchase created herein.

 

-21-

 

 

SCHEDULE 5 OBJECTION EASEMENTS

 

1. Pipe Line Easement recorded on December 26, 1963 at Volume 445, Page 587, Deed Records of Ector County, Texas

 

2. Those certain easements shown on the survey dated May 10, 2008 (attached hereto on the next page) and designated as follows:

 

a. V. 445, Pg. 587 (E&F) E.C.D.R.

 

b. V. 445, Pg. 587 (G) E.C.D.R.

 

c. V. 445, Pg. 587 (H) E.C.D.R.

 

d. V. 445, Pg. 587 (I) E.C.D.R.

 

-22-

 

 

 

-23-

 

 

SCHEDULE 6.9

 

EXISTING LEASES AND OCCUPANCY RIGHTS

 

1. Commercial Lease between GROW ODESSA, as lessor, and Dragon Products, LLC, as lessee, commencing on March 1, 2025 and terminating on February 28, 2026

 

-24-

 

 

Exhibit C

 

“As Is, Where Is” Provision

 

THIS CONTRACT IS AN ARM’S-LENGTH AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS BARGAINED ON THE BASIS OF AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” TRANSACTION AND REFLECTS THE AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES THAT THERE ARE NO REPRESENTATIONS, DISCLOSURES, OR EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND SELLER’S REPRESENTATIONS TO BUYER, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS CONTRACT AND THE SPECIAL WARRANTY OF TITLE IN THE DEED.

 

THE PROPERTY WILL BE CONVEYED TO BUYER IN AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” CONDITION, WITH ALL FAULTS. SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTY OF CONDITION, MERCHANTABILITY, OR SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ALL WARRANTIES.

 

BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT BUYER IS RELYING SOLELY ON BUYER’S EXAMINATION OF THE PROPERTY. BUYER IS NOT RELYING ON ANY INFORMATION OR DISCLOSURES PROVIDED BY SELLER.

 

BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SELLER HAS MADE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE AVAILABILITY, QUALITY OR QUANTITY OF ANY WATER TO SAID PROPERTY.

 

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT C REGARDING THE PROPERTY WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE DEED WITH APPROPRIATE MODIFICATIONS OF TERMS AS THE CONTEXT REQUIRES.

 

-25-

 

 

Exhibit D

 

Environmental Matters

 

AFTER CLOSING, AS BETWEEN BUYER AND SELLER, THE RISK OF LIABILITY OR EXPENSE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, EVEN IF ARISING FROM EVENTS BEFORE CLOSING, WILL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF BUYER, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS WERE KNOWN OR UNKNOWN AT CLOSING. ONCE CLOSING HAS OCCURRED, BUYER INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS AND RELEASES SELLER FROM LIABILITY FOR ANY LATENT DEFECTS AND FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY, INCLUDING LIABILITY UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA), THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY ACT (RCRA), THE TEXAS SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ACT, OR THE TEXAS WATER CODE. ONCE CLOSING HAS OCCURRED, BUYER INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS AND RELEASES SELLER FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY ARISING AS THE RESULT OF SELLER’S OWN NEGLIGENCE OR THE NEGLIGENCE OF SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVES. ONCE CLOSING HAS OCCURRED, BUYER INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS AND RELEASES SELLER FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY ARISING AS THE RESULT OF THEORIES OF PRODUCTS LIABILITY AND STRICT LIABILITY, OR UNDER NEW LAWS OR CHANGES TO EXISTING LAWS ENACTED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE THAT WOULD OTHERWISE IMPOSE ON SELLERS IN THIS TYPE OF TRANSACTION NEW LIABILITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY.

 

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT D REGARDING THE PROPERTY WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE DEED WITH APPROPRIATE MODIFICATION OF TERMS AS THE CONTEXT REQUIRES

 

-26-

 

 

Exhibit E

 

Right to Repurchase

 

Odessa Industrial Development Corporation d/b/a Grow Odessa (“Seller”) shall be entitled to repurchase the property described herein upon the occurrence of any of the following (each a “Triggering Event”): (i) if within six (6) months of the Closing Date, the Property Owner has not filed an application with the City of Odessa for the purpose of creating of an industrial district; (ii) if within nine (9) months of the Closing Date, the Property Owner has failed to enter into a definitive power supply agreement with a customer committing the customer to a material number of payment(s) regardless of power usage (“Power Supply Agreement”); and (iii) within twenty four (24) months after the Closing Date, the laying of a foundation for a permanent structure for operation of a data center has not been completed. As used herein, the term “Property Owner” shall mean TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TCDC”), for so long as TCDC owns fee simple title to the Property; provided, however, that if TCDC transfers fee simple title to the Property to any third party, the term Property Owner shall mean such third party successor owner of fee simple title to the Property.

 

The Property Owner shall give GROW written notice once it has filed the application for the creation of an Industrial District, and if, six (6) months after the Closing Date, the Property Owner has not filed such application, then GROW shall be entitled to repurchase the Property, together with any and all improvements thereon, at any point thereafter, by refunding ninety-five percent (95%) of the purchase price of the property, (the purchase price being $1,527,500.00).

 

The Property Owner shall give GROW written notice once it has entered into a Power Supply Agreement. If, nine (9) months after the Closing Date, the Property Owner has failed to enter into a Power Supply Agreement, then GROW shall be entitled to repurchase the Property, together with any and all improvements thereon, by refunding eighty percent (80%) of the purchase price of the property, (the purchase price being $1,527,500.00).

 

If, twenty-four (24) months after the Closing Date, the laying of a foundation for a permanent structure for operation of a data center has not been completed, then GROW shall be entitled to repurchase the Property together with any and all improvements thereon by refunding sixty-five percent (65%) of the purchase price of the property, (the purchase price being $1,527,500.00).

 

Upon the occurrence of any Triggering Event, GROW may notify the Property Owner, by certified letter, mailed to the Property Owner’s last known address, of its repurchase of the Property together with all improvements thereon, and shall simultaneously tender payment to a title company of GROW’s choice to be paid over to the Property Owner upon delivery of the special warranty deed by the Property Owner. The Property Owner shall, within sixty (60) days of the receipt of said notice, consummate said repurchase by delivery of a good and sufficient special warranty deed conveying the Property to GROW. Should the said repurchase not be so consummated at the termination of said sixty (60) day period, title to the above-described Property shall automatically revert to and vest in GROW, its successors and assigns, and GROW shall be entitled to immediate possession of the premises and improvements thereon if any; provided, however, that such reversion shall not affect any mortgage or lien which may be in good faith legally existing upon said premises or upon any improvements thereon.

 

If after the date hereof it is determined that no Triggering Events shall occur and that GROW shall not be entitled to repurchase the Property from Property Owner, then GROW shall promptly thereafter execute and deliver to Property Owner, in recordable form, any and all documentation reasonably requested to provide record notice of the termination and release of GROW’s right to repurchase created herein.

 

-27-

 

Exhibit 10.26

 

AMENDMENT TO
CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTES AND NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This Amendment to Convertible Promissory Notes and Note Purchase Agreement (this “Amendment”) is effective as of December 15, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), by and between SharonAI, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and YA II PN, Ltd., a Cayman Islands exempt limited company (the “Investor”).

 

RECITALS

 

A. The Company has issued to and for the benefit of the Investor that certain Convertible Promissory Note dated July 15, 2025, for the Original Principal Amount of $500,000, and that certain Convertible Promissory Note dated October 1, 2025, for the Original Principal Amount of $2,000,000, each as amended by that certain First Amendment to Convertible Promissory Notes dated October 21, 2025 (the “First Note” and the “Second Note,” respectively, and together, the “Notes,” and each, a “Note”);

 

B. The Company and the Investor have entered into that certain Note Purchase Agreement dated July 15, 2025 (the “Note Purchase Agreement,” and together with the Notes, the “Agreements,” and each, an “Agreement”); and

 

C. The Company and the Investor desire to amend the Agreements pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Amendment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants and conditions set forth below, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

 

1. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined in this Amendment, all capitalized terms herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Note Purchase Agreement or the Notes and if such Agreements do not consistently define such term, the order of precedence shall first be the definition in the Note Purchase Agreement, then the First Note and then the Second Note.

 

2. Consideration. The parties agree that the consideration for this Amendment consists of the mutual benefits arising from the modifications set out below.

 

3. Delay and Suspension and Repayment. During the period starting on the Effective Date and ending on January 20, 2026 (the “Suspension Period”), (A) the following obligations of the Company shall be suspended: (a) the obligation to assign the Notes to SharonAI Holding, Inc. (“Holdings”), (b) the obligation to cause Holdings to assume the Note or enter the SEPA, and (c) the obligation to make any payments to the Investor under the Notes, and (B) the Investor shall not: (a) convert either Note into Common Shares, or (b) have any obligations to make any further Pre-Paid Advances; in each such case provided that the Company strictly complies with the covenants set forth in Section 4 of this Amendment. The Company agrees that upon the expiration or termination of the Suspension Period (unless the Notes are repaid in full as provided in Section 4 of this Amendment), the suspension of the obligations and payments due to be performed under any of the Agreements that may have arose during the Suspension Period shall be in full force and effect upon the termination of the Suspension Period.

 

 

 

 

4. Covenants of the Company. The Company shall pay to the Investor the following:

 

4.1. an initial payment within 4 business days of the date of this Amendment of $350,000, which is comprised of (a) $263,636 of Principal of the Second Note; (b) a Redemption Premium in respect of such Principal in the amount of $26,364; and (c) $60,000 of accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes (representing all accrued and unpaid interest as of December 11, 2025);

 

4.2. a final payment on or before the expiration of the Suspension Period in an amount equal to the aggregate of the following as of the date of such payment: (a) the outstanding Principal of each Note; (b) a Redemption Premium in respect of such Principal amount; (c) the accrued and unpaid Interest of each Note; and (d) a $250,000 fee, which aggregate payment shall be in complete payment and satisfaction of all amounts owed and other obligations under all of the Agreements and the Agreements shall terminate and be of no further effect upon the Company making such payment and none of the parties, nor any of their respective successors in interest or permitted assigns, shall have any further rights or obligations or any continuing liability under the Agreements after such payment is made by the Company.

 

5. Acknowledgement of Obligations. The Company hereby acknowledges, confirms, and agrees that as of the date hereof, the Company is indebted to the Investor under the Notes in an amount equal to $2,500,000 of Principal plus $60,000 of interest that has accrued thereon (as of December 11, 2025). The Company hereby acknowledges, confirms and agrees that: (a) each of the Agreements to which it is a party has been duly executed and delivered to the Investor and each continues in full force and effect as of the date hereof, subject to the modifications and amendment set forth herein, and (b) the agreements and obligations of the Company contained in such documents and in this Amendment constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms.

 

6. Binding Agreement. All of the terms and provisions of this Amendment shall be binding upon each party hereto and their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

 

7. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in multiple counterparts and transmitted by facsimile, by electronic mail in portable document format (“PDF”) form or by any other electronic means intended to preserve the original graphic and pictorial appearance of a party’s signature, with each such counterpart, facsimile or PDF signature constituting an original and all of which together constituting one and the same original.

 

8. Continuing Validity. Except as expressly modified by this Amendment, the terms and conditions of the Notes will remain unchanged and in full force and effect, and are expressly incorporated by reference in this Amendment. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Amendment and either Note, the terms of this Amendment will prevail.

 

- 2 -

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the Effective Date.

 

COMPANY:   INVESTOR:
     
SharonAI Inc.   YA II PN, Ltd.
       
By: /s/ Wolfgang Schubert   By: Yorkville Advisors Global, LP
Name: Wolfgang Schubert   Its: Investment Manager
Title: CEO      
      By: Yorkville Advisors Global II, LLC
      Its: General Partner
       
      By: /s/ Matt Beckman
      Name: Matt Beckman
        Title: Manager

 

- 3 -

 

Exhibit 10.27

 

 

Sharon AI Inc

745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151

 

 

December 19, 2025

 

BY EMAIL

 

Mr. E. Will Gray II

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

New Era Energy & Digital Inc

4501 Santa Rosa Drive,

Midland, Texas 79707

 

Subject: Binding Term Sheet for Acquisition of Interest in Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC (TCDC)

 

Sharon and NUAI (each as defined below) are entering into this binding term sheet (this “Term Sheet”) setting forth the general terms and conditions of Sharon’s sale of 100% of its 50% interest in Texas Critical Data Centers LLC to NUAI (the “Transaction”). Upon execution by the parties, this Term Sheet shall constitute a binding agreement that will serve as an interim agreement between the parties until such date as customary definitive agreements (“Transaction Documents”) are executed by the parties. The parties agree to negotiate Transaction Documents in good faith that shall incorporate the terms of this Term Sheet and contain other customary terms and conditions to be negotiated in good faith by the parties, and to execute the Transaction Documents as expeditiously as possible, and no later than 15 January 2026 (the “Signing Date”).

 

1. Sharon Details

SharonAI Inc

Suite 500

745 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10151

“Sharon” or “Vendor”

2. Sharon Notices

Chief Legal Officer

legal@sharonai.com

 

with a copy to:

 

Mr. James Manning

Chairman

james@sharonai.com

 

and Sharon Legal

3. Sharon Legal:

Mr. Chad Ensz

Sheppard Mullin

12275 El Camino Real, Suite 100

San Diego, CA 92130-4092, USA

censz@sheppardmullin.com

4. Purchaser:

New Era Energy & Digital Inc

4501 Santa Rosa Drive,

Midland, Texas 79707

 

(“NUAI” or “Purchaser”)

             

 

Sharon AI Inc

745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151

 

5. Purchaser Notices:

E. Will Gray II

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

will@newerainfra.ai

6. Purchaser Legal:

Katherine Terrell Frank, Partner

Vinson & Elkins

2001 Ross Avenue, Ste.3900

Dallas, Texas 75201

kfrank@velaw.com

7. Target Asset

Texas Critical Data Centres LLC

(“TCDC”)

being a 50/50 joint venture between Purchaser and Sharon Undertaking a project in Ector County, TC, undertaking an AI Factory project on 438 acres of land.

8. Transaction description

Sale of the entire interest in TCDC held by Sharon to Purchaser for a total of seventy million dollars ($70,000,000), pursuant to the proposed Transaction Documents.

9. Payment/Consideration:

The contract for sale of member interest for a aggregate consideration of $70,000,000, is stated as follows:

     
      1. Deposit:
             
      Total payment of $10,000,000 to be paid by Purchaser to Sharon in cash by wire transfer(s):
       
        i.

$150,000 to be paid within 14 days of the date of this Term Sheet as a non-refundable deposit; and

           
        ii.

$9,850,000 to be paid on the earlier of (a) Purchaser’s receipt of funds from the Purchaser’s next bona fide equity capital offering (the “S3 Round”), and (b) a date no later than 31 March 2025,

           
        iii.

And in all circumstances, the S3 must be filed with the SEC on or before January 23, 2026.

           
      2.

Equity Payment:

       
       

Total payment of $10,000,000 to be paid by Purchaser to Sharon in shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share of Purchaser (“Purchaser Common Stock”) equal to the terms of the S3 Round offered to new investors. If the S3 Round involves more than solely shares of Purchaser Common Stock, such as, but not limited to, shares of Purchaser Common Stock together with warrants to purchase shares of Purchaser Common Stock (such security or securities referred to herein as “Units”), then in such Units:

 

- 2 -

Sharon AI Inc

745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151

 

   

The number of Shares/Units will be equal to:

 

$10,000,000 divided by the price per Share/Unit sold in the S3 Round.

 

Purchaser will agree to file the S-3 Registration statement on or before January 23, 2026. The Shares/Units will be issued to Sharon upon the closing of the S3 Round, but not later than 31 March 2026

 

The Shares/Units issued to Sharon shall be issued in a registered direct offering pursuant to a registration statement and freely tradable and not subject to any lock-up or other restrictions on transfer.

 

Ownership Restriction: At no time under the terms of this Equity Payment, shall Sharon hold a position greater than 9.99% of the Purchaser.

             
      3. Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note:
         
   

Total payment of $50,000,000 to be paid by Purchaser to Sharon by issuance of a senior secured convertible promissory note (the “Note”) with a right of Sharon to convert 20% of the note into Purchaser Common Stock, based on the prior 30-day VWAP based upon the due date of the Note.

 

The Note will be secured by all of Purchaser’s ownership and other interests in TCDC and guaranteed by TCDC and secured by all of the assets of TCDC

 

The Note shall have other terms and conditions consistent with market standard loans of this nature.

 

The Due Date for the Promissory Note shall be 30 June 2026.

  Conditions Precedent: The following items are conditions to closing the Transaction:
     
      1. TCDC 203-Acre Land Acquisition: The Purchaser agrees to fund Sharon’s portion of the 203-acre land acquisition, in the amount of $2.5 million (the “Land Funding”) so that closing can occur on or before December 19th.
       
      2. Mandatory Land Funding Reimbursement: Sharon shall reimburse Purchaser for Sharon’s portion of the Land Funding in the amount of $2.5 million on or before January 9, 2026.
         
      3. No Restrictive Covenants: Sharon shall not be required to agree to any restrictive covenant in connection with the Transaction (including, without limitation, any covenant not to compete) or any release of claims other than a release in customary form of claims arising solely in Sharon’s capacity as a member of TCDC.

 

- 3 -

Sharon AI Inc

745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151

 

10.

Representations and Warranties

The representations and warranties to be made by Sharon in connection with the Transaction shall be limited to representations and warranties related to authority, ownership and the ability to convey title to its ownership interest in TCDC, including, but not limited to, representations and warranties that (i) Sharon holds all right, title and interest in and to its ownership interest in TCDC, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances (other than those imposed by securities laws and the TCDC governing documents, (ii) the obligations of Sharon in connection with the Transaction have been duly authorized, if applicable, (iii) the documents to be entered into by Sharon have been duly executed by Sharon and delivered to the Purchaser and are enforceable (subject to customary limitations) against Sharon in accordance with their respective terms; and (iv) neither the execution and delivery of documents to be entered into by Sharon in connection with the Transaction, nor the performance of Sharon’s obligations thereunder, will cause a breach or violation of the terms of any agreement to which Sharon is a party, or any law or judgment, order or decree of any court or governmental agency that applies to Sharon.

11.

Exchange and Closing Date

The parties undertake to use best commercial endeavors to enter Transaction Documents by the Signing Date, or such other date as the parties may mutually agree.

 

Initial drafting of the Transaction Documents shall be prepared by Sharon.

         
12. Anticipated Transaction Documents: It is anticipated the Transaction Documents will include the following:
       
      1.

Membership sale agreement

         
      2.

Share subscription agreement

         
      3.

Note

         
      4. Guarantee
         
      5. Security documents (security agreement and pledge)

 

- 4 -

Sharon AI Inc

745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151

 

13. Exclusivity

Both parties are prohibited from and must ensure that their directors, shareholders, employees, professional advisers and related entities do not solicit, consider, accept or otherwise pursue and contemplate other proposals in respect of the specific Transaction for a period of 30 days commencing on the date of execution of this term sheet (Exclusivity Period).

 

During the Exclusivity Period, the parties will conduct due diligence on each other as they deem appropriate and each party agrees to provide such reasonable assistance to the other party to assist them with their due diligence enquiries.

 

During the Exclusivity Period the Purchaser and Sharon will jointly negotiate executable documents, working in good faith and in accordance with the terms set out in this letter. Both parties undertake to get appropriate consents and approvals required by either party prior to the end of the Exclusivity Period.

14. Break Fee

Not currently used.

15. Announcements

Neither party shall (orally or in writing) publicly disclose, issue any press release or make any other public statement, or otherwise communicate with the media, concerning the existence of this Term Sheet or the subject matter hereof, without the prior written approval of the other party [(which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed)], except if and to the extent that such party is required to make any public disclosure or filing (“Required Disclosure”) regarding the subject matter of this Term Sheet (i) by applicable law, (ii) pursuant to any rules or regulations of any securities exchange of which the securities of such party or any of its affiliates are listed or traded, or (iii) in connection with enforcing its rights under this Term Sheet. In each case pursuant to clauses (i) or (ii) of this Section 16, the party making any Required Disclosure shall consult with the other party regarding the substance of the Required Disclosure and provide the other party a reasonable opportunity (taking into account any legally mandated time constraints) to review and comment on the content of the Required Disclosure prior to its publication or filing.

16. Confidentiality

Keep Confidential

 

Subject to the terms of this Term Sheet, each party agrees to keep the terms and conditions of this Term Sheet and any other information they may obtain concerning the business or affairs of the other party or the affairs of the other party confidential and will not make any disclosure of same without the prior written consent of the other party, which will lapse at the earlier of closing of the Transaction or termination of this Term Sheet.

             

- 5 -

Sharon AI Inc

745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151

 

   

Permitted Disclosure

 

Nothing contained in this clause entitled “Confidentiality” will prevent the disclosure of any of the terms and conditions of this Term Sheet by any party where such disclosure:

     
      1. is of information already in the public domain;
         
      2. is made to their respective agents, officers or employees in their discretion, and to their respective legal counsel, advisors and representatives on a need to know basis;
         
      3. is required by any law of any jurisdiction or order of any court of competent jurisdiction;
         
      4. or is required pursuant to the rules or regulations of any other stock exchange or securities regulator.
17. Costs

Each party will bear its own expenses incurred in connection with this Term Sheet and negotiation and drafting of any Transaction Documents, which for clarity shall include legal, accounting, and consulting expenses.

18. Binding Terms

The provisions of this Term Sheet shall be binding obligations of the parties, enforceable in accordance with their terms. The parties shall execute Transaction Documents promptly after the date hereof.

19. Other Terms

The Transaction Documents will also contain such other terms which are customary for a sale of this nature.

20. Amendments

This Term Sheet represents the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions, agreements, and understandings. Any modification or variation of this Term Sheet must be in writing and signed by both parties.

21. Governing Law This Term Sheet shall be subject to Delaware Law, United States of America.
             

All figures present in the draft are in USD.

 

We look forward to working to Transaction Documents with you and your team.

 

Regards,

 

SharonAI Inc

 

/s/ James Manning

 

James Manning

Email:  james@sharonai.com

Mobile:  +61 499 400 900

 

- 6 -

Sharon AI Inc

745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500
New York, NY 10151

 

 

 

 

AGREED AND ACCEPTED

 

On behalf of New Era Energy & Digital Inc.

 

Signature:  /s/ E. Will Gray II  
Name:  E. Will Gray II  
Title:  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer  
     
Date:  December 19th, 2025  

 

- 7 -

 

Exhibit 10.28

 

NEITHER THIS CONVERTIBLE NOTE AGREEMENT NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THIS CONVERTIBLE NOTE AGREEMENT IS CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THESE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.

 

 

 

Convertible Note Agreement

 

 

 

between

 

 

SharonAI, Inc.

(Issuer, as such term is further defined below)

 

 

and

 

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd

ACN 645 215 194

(SharonAI)

 

 

and

 

 

The party listed in Schedule 1

(Noteholder)

 

 

 

 

Table of contents

 

1 Definitions and interpretation   1
  1.1 Definitions   1
  1.2 Interpretation   4
2 Issue of Notes to the Noteholder   5
  2.1 Subscription and issue   5
  2.2 Certificate   5
3 Terms of issue   5
  3.1 Notes   5
  3.2 Register   5
  3.3 Interest   5
  3.4 Release of Issuer’s liability   6
4 Conversion   6
  4.1 Conversion by Issuer   6
  4.2 IPO on ASX   6
  4.3 IPO other than on ASX   6
  4.4 Conversion on Maturity Date   7
  4.5 Conversion Effective   7
  4.6 Conversion Securities to be issued on conversion   7
  4.7 Conversion completion   9
  4.8 Limitations on Conversion   9
5 Redemption   9
  5.1 Redemption by Noteholder   9
  5.2 Events of Default   10
6 Acknowledgement   11
7 Transfers   11
  7.1 No Transfers Generally   11
  7.2 Other Transfer Restrictions   11
8 Title to Notes, non-recognition of equities   12
9 SharonAI warranties   12
10 Issuer Warranties   12
11 Noteholder Warranties   13
12 Notices   16
  12.1 General   16
  12.2 Issuer’s address   16
  12.3 SharonAI’s address   16
  12.4 Noteholder’s address   16
13 General   16
  13.1 Entire understanding   16
  13.2 Severability   17
  13.3 Variation   17
  13.4 Assignment   17
  13.5 Further assurance    17
  13.6 Waiver   17
  13.7 Costs and outlays   17
  13.8 Counterparts   17
  13.9 Governing law and jurisdiction   17
Schedule 1 – Noteholder details and details of Notes   18
Schedule 2 – Note Certificate   19
Schedule 3 – Conversion Notice   20

 

i

Page 1

 

This agreement is made on __________.

 

between   SharonAI, Inc. C/- SharonAI Pty Ltd - Unit 303, 44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 (Issuer)
     
and   SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194 of Unit 303, 44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 (SharonAI)
     
and   The party listed in Schedule 1 (Noteholder)

 

Recital

 

A SharonAI is proposing to conduct the Capital Raise.

 

B SharonAI has agreed to issue, and the Noteholder has agreed to subscribe for, the Notes in accordance with the terms of this agreement.

 

C SharonAI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Issuer.

 

D The Issuer has agreed to issue Conversion Securities in accordance with this agreement.

 

Now it is covenanted and agreed as follows:

 

Following the closing of that certain Business Combination Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the Business Combination Agreement) dated January 28, 2025, by and among, amongst others, the Issuer and Roth CH Holdings, Inc. (who concurrently with the closing of the Business Combination Agreement will change its name to SharonAI Holdings, Inc.) (Holdings), it is expected that the Issuer will assign and novate this agreement to Holdings and Holdings will assume the obligations of the Issuer under this agreement.

 

Following the closing of the Business Combination Agreement and the assignment of this agreement to Holdings, all references in this agreement to the Issuer shall refer to Holdings.

 

1 Definitions and interpretation

 

1.1 Definitions

 

In this agreement:

 

Applicable Coupon Rate means for the period:

 

(a) between the Interest Accrual Date and the First Anniversary Date, 12% per annum; and

 

(b) on and from the First Anniversary Date, 15% per annum;

 

ASIC means the Australian Securities and Investments Commission;

 

ASX means the Australian Securities Exchange;

 

Benchmark Date means the date that is 20 Business Days before the Maturity Date;

 

Business Combination means the merger and other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement;

 

 

Page 2

 

Business Day means a day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or any other day which is a public holiday or a bank holiday in the United States of America and in the state of New South Wales;

 

Capital Raise means a capital raise of approximately US$100 million through the issue of convertible notes, pursuant to which SharonAI reserves the right to accept additional over-subscriptions from corporate strategic partners up to a maximum of US$200 million until 15 January 2026;

 

Certificate means a certificate for a Note in the form of Schedule 2;

 

Conversion Date means the date on which the Issuer has satisfied its obligations under clause 4.7 in respect of a Note the subject of a Conversion Notice;

 

Conversion Notice means a notice in the form of Schedule 3;

 

Conversion Securities means the Issuer Stock to be issued to the Noteholder on conversion of the Notes in accordance with clause 4;

 

Corporate Event means any change of control transaction of the Issuer pursuant to which holders of Issuer Stock are entitled to receive securities or other assets with respect to or in exchange of their Issuer Stock and for the avoidance of any doubt excludes an IPO and the Business Combination;

 

Corporations Act means Corporations Act 2001 (Cth);

 

Discount Rate means for the period:

 

(a) prior to the First Anniversary Date, 0.80; and

 

(b) on and from the First Anniversary Date, 0.75,

 

Event of Default has the meaning given to that term in clause 5.2;

 

Face Value means US$1.00 per Note;

 

First Anniversary Date means the date that is 12 months after the Issue Date;

 

Fully Diluted Share Capital means the total number of Issuer Stock on issue on an as-converted basis, assuming the exercise, vesting, conversion or satisfaction of all rights to acquire Issuer Stock except as follows:

 

(a) the Notes (and for the avoidance of doubt, the Issuer Stock they are converted into) will not be counted; and

 

(b) convertible notes issued to investors (and for the avoidance of doubt, the Issuer Stock they are convertible into) on the same or substantially similar terms as the Notes will not be counted;

 

Government Agency means:

 

(a) a government or government department;

 

(b) a governmental, semi-governmental, regulatory or judicial entity or authority; or

 

(c) a person (whether autonomous or not) who is charged with the administration of a Law;

 

Immediately Available Funds means cash, bank cheque or telegraphic or other electronic means of transfer of cleared funds into a bank in Australia Dollars;

 

Insolvency Event means any of the following events:

 

(a) a party becomes insolvent or unable to pay its debts when they are due;

 

 

Page 3

 

(b) a party enters into any arrangement, compromise, or composition with, or assignment for the benefit of, its creditors;

 

(c) a receiver, receiver and manager, administrator, liquidator, or provisional liquidator is appointed to a party or any of its property;

 

(d) an application or order is made for the winding up or dissolution of a party, or a resolution is passed or steps are taken to do so, except for the purposes of a solvent reconstruction or amalgamation; or

 

(e) anything similar or equivalent to any event listed above happens to a party under the laws of any jurisdiction,

 

unless the event occurs as part of the Business Combination or another solvent reconstruction, amalgamation, merger or consolidation that has been approved in writing by the Noteholder;

 

Interest Accrual Date means the date that is 4 months following the Issue Date;

 

IPO means the initial public offering (if funds are proposed to be raised by the Issuer or IPO Vehicle, as the case may be) and admission of any shares of the Issuer (or any IPO Vehicle) to the official list of ASX, or equivalent admission to trading to or permission to deal on any other internationally recognised stock exchange, but excluding the Business Combination;

 

IPO Conditions means the following conditions precedent:

 

(a) (if the Issuer or IPO Vehicle (as the case may be) elects to raise funds) - the receipt by the Issuer or IPO Vehicle (as the case may be) of all application moneys and accompanying application forms in accordance with the requirements of the prospectus and the depositing of those moneys into a trust account in accordance with section 722 of the Corporations Act;

 

(b) the receipt by the Issuer or IPO Vehicle (as the case may be) of a letter from the ASX which approves the admission of the IPO Vehicle to the Official List of the ASX subject only to customary conditions (ASX Letter); and

 

(c) the serving of a written notice by the Issuer on the Noteholder confirming that:

 

(i) the matters in subclauses (a) (if applicable) and (b) have been fulfilled; and

 

(ii) the Company or IPO Vehicle (as the case may be) is able to satisfy, and will satisfy, the conditions set out in the ASX Letter by the date required by the ASX;

 

IPO Vehicle means a special purpose vehicle incorporated for the purposes of facilitating a reverse takeover (RTO) (but specifically excluding the Business Combination), or IPO;

 

Issue Date has the meaning set out in item 4 of Schedule 1;

 

Issuer Stock means (i) prior to the assignment of this agreement to Holdings, the:

 

(a) fully paid shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share; or

 

(b) if the Issuer undertakes an IPO on the ASX, CHESS depository interests,

 

of the Issuer, as the case may be; and (ii) following assignment and novation of this agreement to Holdings by the Issuer, the

 

(c) fully paid shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001, of Holdings and stock of any other class into which such shares may hereafter be changed or reclassified; or

 

(d) if Holdings undertakes an IPO on the ASX, CHESS depository interests,

 

of Holdings, as the case may be;

 

 

Page 4

 

Law(s) means any laws, statutes, enactments, rules, regulations, by-laws, subordinate legislation, judgments, authorisations, rulings, orders or decrees of any Government Agency, regulatory agency or other competent authority;

 

Listing Rules means the listing rules of the ASX;

 

Longstop Date means the date that is 6 months from the Issue Date;

 

Maturity Conversion Price has the meaning set out in item 5 of Schedule 1;

 

Maturity Date means the date that is 24 months from the Issue Date;

 

Note means an unsecured redeemable convertible note issued by SharonAI to the Noteholder pursuant to this agreement and “Notes” has a corresponding meaning;

 

Noteholder means a person entered on the Register as the holder of a Note, including the Noteholder upon the issue of Notes to the Noteholder pursuant to clause 2;

 

Principal Sum means the total amount subscribed by a Noteholder for the issue of Notes being the aggregate Face Value of the Notes;

 

Register means the register of Noteholders to be established and maintained pursuant to clause 3.2;

 

Securities has the meaning set out in clause 11(b);

 

Securities Act means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended;

 

Term means the period commencing on the date of this agreement and ending on the Maturity Date; and

 

Valuation Cap has the meaning set out in item 6 of Schedule 1.

 

1.2 Interpretation

 

(a) References to:

 

(i) one gender includes the other genders;

 

(ii) the singular includes the plural and the plural includes the singular;

 

(iii) a person includes a body corporate;

 

(iv) a party includes the party’s executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns; and

 

(v) a statute, regulation or provision of a statute or regulation (Statutory Provision) includes:

 

(A) that Statutory Provision as amended or re-enacted;

 

(B) a statute, regulation or provision enacted in replacement of that Statutory Provision; and

 

(C) another regulation or other statutory instrument made or issued under that Statutory Provision.

 

(b) Including and similar expressions are not words of limitation.

 

(c) Where a word or expression is given a particular meaning, other parts of speech and grammatical forms of that word or expression have a corresponding meaning.

 

(d) Headings and any table of contents or index are for convenience only and do not form part of this agreement or affect its interpretation.

 

 

Page 5

 

(e) A provision of this agreement must not be construed to the disadvantage of a party merely because that party was responsible for the preparation of the agreement or the inclusion of the provision in the agreement.

 

(f) References to “$” or “Dollars” are references to United States Dollars unless specified otherwise.

 

(g) If an act must be done on a specified day that is not a Business Day, it must be done instead on the next Business Day.

 

2 Issue of Notes to the Noteholder

 

2.1 Subscription and issue

 

On the Issue Date, the Noteholder must subscribe for, and SharonAI must issue to the Noteholder, such number of Notes specified in Item 3 of Schedule 1 and the Noteholder must pay to SharonAI, in Immediately Available Funds (to the account as notified by SharonAI to the Noteholder) an amount equal to the Face Value of each Note subscribed for, upon and subject to the terms of this agreement.

 

2.2 Certificate

 

Subject to the Noteholder complying with clause 2.1, SharonAI must issue a Certificate to the Noteholder on the Issue Date.

 

3 Terms of issue

 

3.1 Notes

 

The Notes:

 

(a) constitute a direct obligation of SharonAI and the Issuer in favour of the Noteholder;

 

(b) do not confer on the Noteholder any right to participate in new issues of Issuer Stock prior to conversion of the Note into Conversion Securities except as may be expressly set out herein;

 

(c) do not confer on the Noteholder any right to vote at general meetings of SharonAI or the Issuer prior to conversion of the Note into Conversion Securities; and

 

(d) confer rights on the Noteholder as an unsecured creditor of SharonAI.

 

3.2 Register

 

SharonAI must:

 

(a) establish and maintain, or cause to be established and maintained, a Register of Noteholders in accordance with all applicable Laws and record the details of the Noteholders’ interests;

 

(b) ensure that the Register is open on each Business Day during normal business hours for inspection free of charge by a Noteholder or any person authorised in writing by a Noteholder; and

 

(c) provide a copy of the Register or any part of it to a Noteholder within 2 Business Days of a request from the Noteholder. The Noteholder may rely on, and treat as genuine, the document provided by SharonAI in accordance with the request and purporting to be a copy.

 

3.3 Interest

 

(a) Interest shall accrue on each Note and:

 

 

Page 6

 

(i) is to be calculated daily on a simple interest basis on actual days elapsed; and

 

(ii) will be calculated at the Applicable Coupon Rate on the Principal Sum for the relevant number of days in the period referred to above in clause 3.3(a)(i).

 

(b) Interest on each Note accrues on and from the Interest Accrual Date and will cease to accrue on the date on which the Note is redeemed, cancelled or converted.

 

3.4 Release of Issuer’s liability

 

The Issuer and SharonAI will be immediately discharged and released from its liabilities, obligations and covenants under this agreement upon all Notes being either redeemed in accordance with this agreement or cancelled and converted into Conversion Securities in accordance with clause 4.

 

4 Conversion

 

4.1 Conversion by Issuer

 

(a) During the Term, SharonAI must procure the Issuer to (and the Issuer must) prior to the completion of a Corporate Event (if it becomes reasonably apparent to the SharonAI and the Issuer that a Corporate Event will occur), by giving a Conversion Notice to the Noteholder, convert all of the Notes held by the Noteholder into Conversion Securities calculated under clause 4.6(a).

 

(b) The Noteholder must deliver the original Note Certificate (or an indemnity for lost Note Certificate) to the Issuer within 5 Business Days of receiving the Conversion Notice.

 

4.2 IPO on ASX

 

(a) If:

 

(i) on the Benchmark Date, a prospectus has been lodged with ASIC and ASX but the IPO Conditions are not satisfied, then within 5 Business Days following the Benchmark Date the Issuer may, by giving a Conversion Notice to the Noteholder, convert all of the Convertible Notes held by the Noteholder into Conversion Securities in accordance with clause 4.6; or

 

(ii) prior to the Maturity Date and notwithstanding clause 4.2(a)(i), all the IPO Conditions are satisfied, SharonAI must procure the Issuer to (and the Issuer must), by giving a Conversion Notice to the Noteholder, convert all of the Convertible Notes held by the Noteholder into Conversion Securities in accordance with clause 4.6.

 

(b) The Noteholder must deliver the original Note Certificate (or an indemnity for lost Note Certificate) to the Issuer within 5 Business Days of receiving the Conversion Notice.

 

4.3 IPO other than on ASX

 

(a) If an IPO occurs on a securities exchange other than ASX and a subsequent IPO on ASX does not occur before the Longstop Date, the Noteholder may require the Issuer to (and the Issuer must), by giving a Conversion Notice to the Issuer within 5 Business Days of the Longstop Date, convert all of the Convertible Notes held by the Noteholder into Conversion Securities in accordance with clause 4.6.

 

(b) The Noteholder must deliver the original Note Certificate (or an indemnity for lost Note Certificate) to the Issuer within 5 Business Days of receiving the Conversion Notice.

 

 

Page 7

 

4.4 Conversion on Maturity Date

 

(a) Unless the Notes are converted earlier in accordance with clause 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3:

 

(i) no less than 5 Business Days prior to the Maturity Date, the Noteholder can elect to require the Issuer to (and the Issuer must) on the Maturity Date, by giving a Conversion Notice to the Issuer; or

 

(ii) if no election is made by the Noteholder under 4.4(a)(i), SharonAI can procure the Issuer to (and the Issuer must), immediately prior to the Maturity Date, by giving a Conversion Notice to the Noteholder,

 

convert all of the Notes held by the Noteholder into Conversion Securities calculated under clause 4.6(d).

 

(b) The Noteholder must deliver the original Note Certificate (or an indemnity for lost Note Certificate) to the Issuer within 5 Business Days of receiving or issuing (as the case may be) the Conversion Notice.

 

4.5 Conversion Effective

 

A Conversion Notice is effective on the Business Day it is received if received before 5.00pm, otherwise it is effective on the next Business Day.

 

4.6 Conversion Securities to be issued on conversion

 

(a) In relation to Notes which are the subject of a Conversion Notice under clause 4.1(a), the number of Conversion Securities which the Issuer must issue to the Noteholder will be determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

 

N

=

(FV + I)  
  C  

 

where:

 

  N = the number of Conversion Securities to be issued to the Noteholder;
     
  FV = the Face Value of the Notes being converted;
     
  I = interest accrued on the Notes under clause 3.3; and
     
  C = the lower of:

 

 

A)

(0.80 x the purchase price under the Corporate Event) divided by the number of Issuer Stock on issue immediately prior to the Corporate Event; and

   
  B) Valuation Cap.

 

(b) In relation to Notes which are the subject of a Conversion Notice under clause 4.2:

 

(i) SharonAI can elect for the interest accrued on the Notes under clause 3.3 to be paid in cash to the Noteholder on the completion of the conversion or included in ‘I’ of the formula set out below in clause 4.6(b)(ii); and

 

(ii) the number of Conversion Securities which the Issuer must issue to the Noteholder will be determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

 

N

=

(FV + I) *FX  
  C  

 

 

Page 8

 

where:

 

  N = the number of Conversion Securities to be issued to the Noteholder;
     
  FV = the Face Value of the Notes being converted;
     
  I = subject to clause 4.6(b)(i), interest accrued and unpaid on the Notes under clause 3.3;
       
  FX = the AUD/USD exchange rate as at 12:00am on the date of the Conversion Notice; and
     
  C = the lower of:

 

 

A)

(Discount Rate x the offer price of Issuer Stock offered in the IPO); and

   
  B) Valuation Cap * FX.

 

(c) In relation to Notes which are the subject of a Conversion Notice under clause 4.3:

 

(i) SharonAI can elect for the interest accrued on the Notes under clause 3.3 to be paid in cash to the Noteholder on the completion of the conversion or included in ‘I’ of the formula set out below in clause 4.6(c)(ii); and

 

(ii) the number of Conversion Securities which the Issuer must issue to the Noteholder will be determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

 

N

=

(FV + I)  
  C  

 

where:

 

  N = the number of Conversion Securities to be issued to the Noteholder;
     
  FV = the Face Value of the Notes being converted;
     
  I = subject to clause 4.6(b)(i), interest accrued and unpaid on the Notes under clause 3.3; and
     
  C = the lower of:

 

 

C)

(Discount Rate x the offer price of Issuer Stock offered in the IPO); and

   
  D) Valuation Cap.

 

(d) In relation to Notes which are the subject of a Conversion Notice under clause 4.4, the number of Conversion Securities which the Issuer must issue to the Noteholder will be determined in accordance with the following formula:

 

 

N

=

(FV + I)  
  C  

 

where:

 

  N = the number of Conversion Securities to be issued to the Noteholder;

 

 

Page 9

 

FV = the Face Value of the Notes being converted;

 

I = interest accrued on the Notes under clause 3.3; and

 

C = Maturity Conversion Price.

 

(e) If the number of Conversion Securities to be issued under clause 4.6 includes a fraction, the fraction will be rounded down to the nearest Conversion Security.

 

(f) Conversion Securities issued upon the conversion of a Note will rank equally and form one class with the “common stock”, “Class A Ordinary Common Stock” or “CHESS depository interest” of the Issuer on issue on the Conversion Date (as the case may be).

 

(g) In the event of any share splits, share issues, share dividends or consolidation of Issuer Shares, the number of Conversion Securities to be issued on conversion under this clause 4, will be adjusted to ensure that the Noteholder is neither disadvantaged or otherwise benefits from an advantage due to such reorganisation.

 

4.7 Conversion completion

 

(a) Within 5 Business Days of the Issuer giving a Conversion Notice to the Noteholder in accordance with this clause 4, SharonAI must procure the Issuer to (and the Issuer must):

 

(i) issue to the Noteholder, the number of Conversion Securities calculated in accordance with clauses 4.6(a), 4.6(b), 4.6(c) or 4.6(d) (as applicable);

 

(ii) enter the name of the Noteholder in the register of securityholders of the Issuer; and

 

(iii) issue to the Noteholder a holding statement concerning, or certificates for, the relevant Conversion Securities by delivering the statement (or certificates) to the Noteholder.

 

(b) A Note in respect of which a Conversion Notice has been given will be treated as having been cancelled and converted into Conversion Securities on the Conversion Date in respect of that Note.

 

4.8 Limitations on Conversion

 

Notwithstanding anything in this agreement to the contrary, the Issuer shall not issue any Conversion Securities upon conversion of Notes, or otherwise, and no person shall have the right to convert Notes into Conversion Securities, if the issuance of such Conversion Securities, together with any shares of Issuer Stock issued in connection any other Notes and any other related transactions that may be considered part of the same series of transactions, would exceed the aggregate number of shares of Issuer Stock that the Issuer may issue in a transaction in compliance with the Issuer’s obligations under the rules or regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq) and shall be referred to as the “Exchange Cap,” except that such limitation shall not apply if the Issuer’s stockholders have approved such issuances on such terms in excess of the Exchange Cap in accordance with the rules and regulations of Nasdaq.

 

5 Redemption

 

5.1 Redemption by Noteholder

 

(a) The Noteholder may require redemption of all outstanding Notes:

 

(i) on the Maturity Date (if it has not made an election of the kind referred to in clause 4.4(a)), by giving written notice to the Issuer no less than 5 Business Days prior to the Maturity Date; or

 

 

Page 10

 

(ii) by giving notice to the Issuer within 40 Business Days of the occurrence of an Event of Default,

 

(Redemption Notice).

 

(b) If a Redemption Notice is given, SharonAI must pay to the Noteholder in cash, an amount equal to the Face Value and interest accrued and unpaid in accordance with clause 3.3, in respect of the Notes.

 

5.2 Events of Default

 

Each of the following is an Event of Default:

 

(a) (Insolvency event) an Insolvency Event occurs in relation to SharonAI;

 

(b) (Unremedied breach) SharonAI defaults in the due performance of any undertaking, condition or obligation on its part to be performed in accordance with the Notes or this agreement and has not rectified such default within 20 Business Days of being requested to do so in writing by the Noteholder;

 

(c) (Failure to pay) SharonAI fails to pay to the Noteholder any amount of the Principal Sum, redemption amount, interest or other amounts when and as due under this agreement within 5 Business Days after such payment is due;

 

(d) (Default) SharonAI being in default of any of its obligations under any note, debenture, mortgage, credit agreement or other facility, indenture agreement, factoring agreement or other instrument under which there may be issued, or by which there may be secured or evidenced any indebtedness for borrowed money or money due under any long term leasing or factoring arrangement of SharonAI in an amount exceeding $500,000, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created, and such default is not cured within the time prescribed by the documents governing such indebtedness or if no time is prescribed, within ten Business Days, and as a result, such indebtedness becomes or is declared due and payable;

 

(e) (Judgement) a final judgment or judgments for the payment of money in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate are rendered against SharonAI and which judgments are not, within 30 days after the entry thereof, bonded, discharged, settled or stayed pending appeal, or are not discharged within 30 days after the expiration of such stay; provided, however, any judgment which is covered by insurance or an indemnity from a creditworthy party shall not be included in calculating the $500,000 amount set forth above so long as SharonAI provides the Noteholder a written statement from such insurer or indemnity provider (which written statement shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Noteholder) to the effect that such judgment is covered by insurance or an indemnity and SharonAI will receive the proceeds of such insurance or indemnity within 30 days of the issuance of such judgment; and

 

(f) (Failure to issue Conversion Securities) the Issuer’s:

 

(i) failure to deliver the required number of Conversion Securities to the Noteholder within 5 Business Days after the applicable Conversion Date; or

 

(ii) notice, written or oral, to any holder of this Note, including by way of public announcement, at any time, of its intention not to comply with a request for conversion of all or a portion of this Note into Conversion Securities that is tendered in accordance with the provisions of this Note.

 

 

Page 11

 

6 Acknowledgement

 

(a) By executing this agreement, the Noteholder acknowledges that as a condition for an IPO, some of the Conversion Securities may be subject to a period of mandatory escrow preventing the sale or other dealings in the Conversion Securities pursuant to the terms of the Listing Rules.

 

(b) In the event of an IPO:

 

(i) if the ASX determines that, as a condition for Conversion Securities to be quoted on the ASX, any Conversion Securities issued to the Noteholder must be subject to escrow restrictions and must be subject to a restriction agreement, the Noteholder (and any other associated parties) must execute any restriction agreement in relation to the Conversion Securities as required by the ASX; and

 

(ii) the Noteholder must co-operate in good faith with the Issuer and comply with any reasonable request by the Issuer including any restriction notices.

 

7 Transfers

 

7.1 No Transfers Generally

 

A Noteholder may not transfer any Notes without the consent of SharonAI.

 

7.2 Other Transfer Restrictions

 

(a) (Further Limitations on Disposition) Without in any way limiting the representations and warranties set forth in this agreement, the Noteholder agrees not to make any disposition of all or any portion of the Conversion Securities unless and until the transferee has agreed in writing for the benefit of the Issuer to make the representations and warranties set out in clause 10 of this agreement and:

 

(i) there is then in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such proposed disposition, and such disposition is made in connection with such registration statement; or

 

(ii) such Noteholder has (A) notified the Issuer of the proposed disposition; (B) furnished the Issuer with a detailed statement of the circumstances surrounding the proposed disposition; and (C) if requested by the Issuer, furnished the Issuer with an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer that such disposition will not require registration under the Securities Act.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (i) and (ii) above, no such registration statement or opinion of counsel shall be necessary for a transfer by the Noteholder to a partner (or retired partner) or member (or retired member) of the Noteholder in accordance with partnership or limited liability company interests, or transfers by gift, will or intestate succession to any spouse or lineal descendants or ancestors, if all transferees agree in writing to be subject to the terms hereof to the same extent as if they were the Noteholder hereunder. The Noteholder agrees that it will not make any disposition of any of the Conversion Securities to the Issuer’s competitors, as determined in good faith by the Issuer.

 

(b) (Legends) The Noteholder understands and acknowledges that the Conversion Securities may bear the following legend:

 

THIS INSTRUMENT AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON THE CONVERSION HEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”). THEY MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT OR UPON RECEIPT BY THE ISSUER OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE ACT.

 

 

Page 12

 

8 Title to Notes, non-recognition of equities

 

(a) SharonAI and the Issuer must recognise only the Noteholder whose name appears in the Register as the absolute owner of the Note in respect of which it is entered in the Register.

 

(b) SharonAI and the Issuer are not, except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by statute, bound to take notice of any trust or equity to which a Note may be subject or otherwise affecting the ownership of a Note or incidental rights. No details of any equity or trust contemplated by this clause 8(b) may be entered in the Register.

 

(c) The receipt by the Noteholder of any money payable on the redemption of a Note will have the effect of discharging the obligations of SharonAI and the Issuer in respect of the amount payable on redemption despite any notice SharonAI or the Issuer may have of the right, title or interest of any person to, or in, that Note or money.

 

9 SharonAI warranties

 

SharonAI represents and warrants the following:

 

(a) (Capacity and authority) that it is validly incorporated and holds the necessary power and authority to enter into, and comply with, this agreement;

 

(b) (Due execution) that it has properly signed and delivered this agreement. The agreement creates valid and binding obligations that can be enforced against SharonAI;

 

(c) (Laws) that entering into and performing this agreement does not break any law, regulation, or order that applies to it, and does not breach any other agreement or instrument that binds it;

 

(d) (No Insolvency Event) that it is not subject to an Insolvency Event;

 

(e) (No litigation) that, as at the date of this agreement, there are no current or threatened actions, claims, or proceedings before any court or agency that could have a material negative effect on SharonAI’s business or ability to meet its obligations under this agreement; and

 

(f) (Consents) that it has obtained all consents and approvals needed to enter into and perform this agreement and that those consents and approvals remain in force.

 

10 Issuer Warranties

 

The Issuer represents and warrants the following:

 

(a) (Qualification) the Issuer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has all requisite corporate power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted; and

 

(b) (Authorization) all corporate action has been taken on the part of the Issuer, its officers, directors and stockholders necessary for the authorization, execution and delivery of this agreement. The Issuer has taken all corporate action required to make all of the obligations of the Issuer reflected in the provisions of this agreement, the valid and enforceable obligations they purport to be, except as may be limited by:

 

 

Page 13

 

(i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights;

 

(ii) laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies; and

 

(iii) applicable usury laws, and

 

the Issuer Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes have been authorized or will be authorized prior to the issuance of such stock.

 

11 Noteholder Warranties

 

The Noteholder represents and warrants the following:

 

(a) (Authorization) this agreement constitutes the Noteholder’s valid and legally binding obligation, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by:

 

(i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights;

 

(ii) laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies; and

 

(iii) applicable usury laws, and

 

the Noteholder represents that it has full power and authority to enter into this agreement;

 

(b) (Investor) it is either:

 

(i) a sophisticated investor pursuant to section 708(8) of the Corporations Act;

 

(ii) a professional investor within the meaning of section 9 and pursuant to section 708(11) of the Corporations Act;

 

(iii) a person to whom an offer is made pursuant to section 708(10) of the Corporations Act; or

 

(iv) a person to whom Issuer Stock may be issued without disclosure under section 708 of the Corporations Act;

 

(c) (Purchase Entirely for Own Account) the Noteholder acknowledges that this agreement is made with Noteholder in reliance upon such Noteholder’s representation to the Issuer that the Notes, and any Conversion Securities issuable upon conversion of the Notes (collectively, the Securities) will be acquired for investment solely for the Noteholder’s own account, not as a nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof, and that the Noteholder has no present intention of selling, granting any participation in or otherwise distributing the same. By executing this agreement, the Noteholder further represents that such Noteholder does not have any contract, undertaking, agreement or arrangement with any person to sell, transfer or grant participations to such person or to any third person, with respect to the Securities;

 

(d) (Disclosure of Information) the Noteholder acknowledges that it has received all the information it considers necessary or appropriate for deciding whether to acquire the Securities. The Noteholder further represents that it has had an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the Issuer regarding the terms and conditions of the offering of the Securities and to obtain any additional information necessary to verify the accuracy of the information given the Noteholder;

 

 

Page 14

 

(e) (Investment Experience) the Noteholder is an investor in securities of companies in the development stage and acknowledges that it is able to fend for itself, can bear the economic risk of its investment and has such knowledge and experience in financial or business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment in the Securities. If other than an individual, the Noteholder also represents it has not been organized solely for the purpose of acquiring the Securities;

 

(f) (Economic Risk) the Noteholder understands that the Issuer has limited financial and operating history, and that investment in the Issuer involves substantial risks. The Noteholder understands that risks related to the purchase of the Securities. The Noteholder further acknowledges that the purchase of the Securities is a highly speculative investment. The Noteholder represents that it is able, without materially impairing its financial condition, to hold the Securities for an indefinite period of time and to suffer a complete loss of its investment;

 

(g) (Accredited Investor) the Noteholder is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act, and the Noreholder agrees to furnish any additional information requested by the Issuer to assure compliance with applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws in connection with the purchase and sale of the Securities. Among others, the Securities Act considers a person to be an “accredited investor” if they come within any of the following categories:

 

(i) Any corporation, partnership, or limited liability company, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000;

 

(ii) Any natural person whose individual net worth, or joint net worth with that person’s spouse or spousal equivalent, exceeds $1,000,000;

 

(iii) Any natural person who had an individual income in excess of $200,000 in each of the two most recent years or joint income with that person’s spouse or spousal equivalent in excess of $300,000 in each of those years and has a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year;

 

(iv) Any trust, with total assets in excess of $5,000,000, not formed for the specific purpose of acquiring the securities offered, whose purchase is directed by a sophisticated person; or

 

(v) Any entity in which all of the equity owners are accredited investors;

 

(h) (Observation of Laws) if the Noteholder is not a United States person (as defined by Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), the Noteholder hereby represents that it has satisfied itself as to the full observance of the laws of its jurisdiction in connection with any invitation to subscribe for the Securities or any use of this agreement, including:

 

(i) the legal requirements within its jurisdiction for the purchase of the Securities;

 

(ii) any foreign exchange restrictions applicable to such purchase;

 

(iii) any government or other consents that may need to be obtained; and

 

(iv) the income tax and other tax consequences, if any, that may be relevant to the purchase, holding, redemption, sale or transfer of the Securities, and

 

the Noteholder’s subscription and payment for and continued beneficial ownership of the Securities will not violate any applicable securities or other laws of the Noteholder’s jurisdiction;

 

 

Page 15

 

(i) (No General Solicitation) the Noteholder became interested in purchasing the Securities solely because of a substantive, pre-existing relationship with the Issuer and direct contact by the Issuer or one or more of its officers, directors, controlling persons, or agents. The Noteholder, and its officers, directors, employees, agents, stockholders or partners have not either directly or indirectly, including through a broker or finder, solicited offers for or offered or sold the Securities by means of any form of general solicitation or general advertising within the meaning of Rule 502 of Regulation D under the Securities Act or in any manner involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. The Noteholder acknowledges that neither the Issuer nor any other person offered to sell the Securities to it by means of any form of general solicitation or advertising within the meaning of Rule 502 of Regulation D under the Securities Act or in any manner involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act;

 

(j) (Residence) if the Noteholder is an individual, such Noteholder resides in the state or province identified in the address shown on such Noteholder’s signature page hereto. If the Noteholder is a partnership, corporation, limited liability company or other entity, such Noteholder’s principal place of business is located in the state or province identified in the address as set out in Schedule 1;

 

(k) (No “Bad Actor” Disqualification) neither (i) the Noteholder nor (ii) any entity that controls the Noteholder or is under the control of, or under common control with, the Noteholder, is subject to any of the “bad actor” disqualifications described in Rule 506(d)(1)(i) through (viii), as modified by Rules 506(d)(2) and (d)(3), under the Securities Act (Disqualification Events), except for Disqualification Events covered by Rule 506(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) or (d)(3) under the Securities Act and disclosed in writing in reasonable detail to the Issuer. The Noteholder represents that the Noteholder has exercised reasonable care to determine the accuracy of the representation made by the Noteholder in this paragraph and agrees to notify the Issuer if the Noteholder becomes aware of any fact that makes the representation given by the Noteholder hereunder inaccurate;

 

(l) (No Reliance) the Noteholder has relied solely on independent investigations conducted by Noteholder or Noteholder’s advisors in making a decision to purchase the Securities and acknowledges that no representations or agreements have been made to Noteholder, and Noteholder has not relied on any representations or agreements, other than those specifically set forth in this agreement. Noteholder is not relying on any oral representation of any officer or director of the Issuer or any person purported to be acting on behalf of the Issuer. Noteholder acknowledges that any valuations, projections, estimates of value or revenue or anticipated costs provided to or reviewed with Noteholder constitute or contain forward-looking statements that are not historical facts, but rather are based on the Issuer’s current expectations, estimates and projections and that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to some risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Issuer, are difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. Noteholder has not placed undue reliance on any forward-looking statements; and

 

(m) (Designated Parties) neither the Noteholder, nor any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, stockholders or partners, is: (i) organized under the laws of, ordinarily resident in, or located in a country or territory that is the subject of comprehensive laws and regulations pertaining to trade and economic sanctions administered by the United States, Australia, European Union, or United Kingdom (collectively, Sanctions) (which as of the date of this Agreement comprise Russia, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine (Restricted Countries)); (b) 50% or more owned or controlled by the government of a Restricted Country; or (c) (i) designated on a sanctioned parties list administered by the United States, Australia, European Union, or United Kingdom, including, without limitation, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, Foreign Sanctions Evaders List, Sectoral Sanctions Identification List, the Consolidated List of Persons, Groups, and Entities Subject to EU Financial Sanctions, and the UK’s Consolidated Sanctions List (collectively, Designated Parties); or (i) 50% or more owned or, where relevant under applicable Sanctions, controlled, individually or in the aggregate, by one or more Designated Party, in each case only to the extent that dealings with such persons are prohibited pursuant to applicable Sanctions.

 

 

Page 16

 

12 Notices

 

12.1 General

 

A notice or other communication connected with this agreement (Notice) has no legal effect unless it is in writing and in addition to any other method of service provided by law, the Notice may be:

 

(a) sent by prepaid post to the address of the addressee set out in this agreement or subsequently notified, in which case it must be treated as given to and received by the party to which it is addressed on the second Business Day (at the address to which it is posted) after posting;

 

(b) sent by email to the email address of the addressee if sent by before 5pm on a Business Day at the place of receipt it must be treated as given to and received by the party to which it is addressed on the day it is sent and otherwise on the next Business Day at the place of receipt; or

 

(c) delivered at the address of the addressee set out in this agreement or subsequently notified, in which case if delivered before 5pm on a Business Day at the place of delivery it must be treated as given to and received by the party to which it is addressed upon delivery, and otherwise on the next Business Day at the place of delivery.

 

12.2 Issuer’s address

 

The Issuer’s address for service and electronic mail address are:

 

  Name: SharonAI, Inc.
     
  Address: 745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500 New York, NY 10151
     
  Email address: legal@sharonai.com

 

12.3 SharonAI’s address

 

SharonAI’s address for service and electronic mail address are:

 

  Name: SharonAI Pty Ltd
     
  Address: c/- ‘Defender Asset Management Pty Ltd’, Unit 303, 44 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2060
     
  Email address: legal@sharonai.com

 

12.4 Noteholder’s address

 

The Noteholder’s address for service and electronic mail address are as set out in Schedule 1.

 

13 General

 

13.1 Entire understanding

 

(a) This agreement:

 

(i) is the entire agreement and understanding between the parties on everything connected with the subject matter of this agreement; and

 

(ii) supersedes any prior agreement or understanding on anything connected with that subject matter.

 

 

Page 17

 

(b) Each party has entered into this agreement without relying on any information or advice given or statement made (whether negligently or not) by any other party or any person purporting to represent that party.

 

13.2 Severability

 

If anything in this agreement is unenforceable, illegal or void then it is severed and the rest of this agreement remains in force.

 

13.3 Variation

 

An amendment or variation to this agreement is not effective unless it is in writing and signed by all of the parties.

 

13.4 Assignment

 

(a) A party may not assign or otherwise deal with this agreement except with the prior written consent of every other party. A party is not required to give consent or to justify the withholding of consent.

 

(b) The Issuer may assign and novate this agreement to Holdings at any time and the Noteholder and SharonAI consent to such assignment and novation.

 

13.5 Further assurance

 

Each party must promptly at its own cost do all things (including executing and if necessary delivering all documents) necessary or desirable to give full effect to this agreement.

 

13.6 Waiver

 

(a) A party’s failure or delay to exercise a power or right does not operate as a waiver of that power or right.

 

(b) The exercise of a power or right does not preclude either its exercise in the future or the exercise of any other power or right.

 

(c) A waiver is not effective unless it is in writing.

 

(d) Waiver of a power or right is effective only in respect of the specific instance to which it relates and for the specific purpose for which it is given.

 

13.7 Costs and outlays

 

(a) Each party must pay its own costs and outlays connected with the negotiation, preparation and execution of this agreement.

 

(b) The Issuer must pay all stamp duty payable in connection with this agreement and the issue of the Notes.

 

13.8 Counterparts

 

This agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts. Each counterpart is an original but the counterparts together are one and the same agreement.

 

13.9 Governing law and jurisdiction

 

This agreement and the Notes shall be governed by and construed under Laws of the State of New South Wales, Australia as applied to agreements among New York residents, made and to be performed entirely within the State of New South Wales, Australia.

 

 

Page 18

 

Schedule 1 – Noteholder details and details of Notes

 

1 Noteholder

[insert]

 

2 Address for service of Notice

[insert]

 

3 Number of Notes

[insert]

 

4 Issue Date

19 December 2025

 

5 Maturity Conversion Price

means a price equal to 75% of the Valuation Cap

 

6 Valuation Cap

means US$150 million divided by the Fully Diluted Share Capital on issue immediately prior to the occurrence of the relevant conversion event

 

 

 

Page 19

 

Schedule 2 – Note Certificate

 

NEITHER THIS NOTE CERTIFICATE NOR THE SECURITIES INTO WHICH THIS NOTE CERTIFICATE IS CONVERTIBLE HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR THE SECURITIES COMMISSION OF ANY STATE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THESE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN SOLD IN RELIANCE UPON AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE SECURITIES MAY BE PLEDGED IN CONNECTION WITH A BONA FIDE MARGIN ACCOUNT OR OTHER LOAN OR FINANCING ARRANGEMENT SECURED BY THE SECURITIES.

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd
(SharonAI)

 

Notes Certificate

 

This is to certify that:

 

______________________________________________________________________ (Noteholder)

 

of:    
  [address] [postcode]

 

is/are the registered holder(s) of Notes in SharonAI, ___________________________________ such Notes being constituted by, issued pursuant to, and subject to the benefit and obligations of the Convertible Note Agreement dated [insert] made between, SharonAI Inc, SharonAI and the Noteholder (Convertible Note Agreement).

 

Dated

 

Noteholders are entitled to the benefit of, and are bound by, and are taken to have notice of, all the provisions of the Convertible Note Agreement.

 

Executed by SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194 in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001:

   
     
     
*Director/*Company Secretary   Director
     
     

Name of *Director/*Company Secretary

(BLOCK LETTERS)
*please delete as appropriate

 

Name of Director
(BLOCK LETTERS)

 

 

Page 20

 

Schedule 3 – Conversion Notice

 

[SCHEDULE NOTE: Use yellow highlighted wording if SharonAI and Issuer issues a Conversion Notice otherwise use blue highlighted text if Noteholder issues a Conversion Notice]

 

To: [The Directors – use only if Noteholder is an entity, otherwise delete]

 

[Insert name of Noteholder] (Noteholder)

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd (SharonAI) and SharonAI, Inc. (Issuer) gives notice to convert the Notes specified below:

 

[Insert number of the Noteholder’s Notes/PRINCIPAL SUM/ACCRUED AND UNPAID INTEREST]

 

SharonAI and the Issuer hereby advises that they shall redeem the Notes specified above and apply the Principal Sum and accrued and unpaid interest (as referred to above) in consideration for the issue and allotment to the Noteholder of the Conversion Securities to which the Noteholder is entitled upon conversion of Notes in accordance with the Convertible Note Agreement dated [insert] made between, the Issuer, SharonAI and Noteholder.

 

Dated

 

Executed by SharonAI, Inc. in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, by its duly authorised officers:

   
     
     
*Director/*Company Secretary   Director
     
     

Name of *Director/*Company Secretary

(BLOCK LETTERS)
*please delete as appropriate

 

Name of Director

(BLOCK LETTERS)

 

 

Executed by SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194 in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001:

   
     
     
*Director/*Company Secretary   Director
     
     

Name of *Director/*Company Secretary

(BLOCK LETTERS)
*please delete as appropriate

 

Name of Director

(BLOCK LETTERS)

 

 

 

 

To: [The Directors]

 

SharonAI Pty Ltd (SharonAI) and SharonAI, Inc. (Issuer)

 

[

 

[Insert name of Noteholder] (Noteholder) gives notice to convert the Notes specified below:

 

[Insert number of the Noteholder’s Notes]

 

The Noteholder hereby requires the Issuer to redeem the Notes specified above and apply the Principal Sum and accrued and unpaid interest (as referred to above) in consideration for the issue and allotment to the Noteholder of the Conversion Securities to which the Noteholder is entitled upon conversion of Notes in accordance with the Convertible Note Agreement dated [insert] made between, the Issuer, SharonAI and Noteholder.

 

USE BELOW IF NOTEHOLDER IS A COMPANY

 

Executed by [insert name of company] [insert ACN] in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth):

   
     
     
Director   *Director/*Company Secretary
     
     

Name of Director

BLOCK LETTERS

 

Name of *Director/*Company Secretary

BLOCK LETTERS

*please strike out as appropriate

 

OR

 

USE BELOW IF NOTEHOLDER IS AN INDIVIDUAL

 

Signed by
[insert name]

   

in the presence of:

  [insert name]
     
     
Witness signature    
     
     
Name of witness
BLOCK LETTERS
   

 

 

Page 2

 

Executed as an agreement

 

Executed by SharonAI, Inc. in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, by its duly authorised officers:

   
     
     
*Director/*Company Secretary   Director
     
     

Name of *Director/*Company Secretary

(BLOCK LETTERS)

*please delete as appropriate

 

Name of Director

(BLOCK LETTERS)

     
     

Executed by SharonAI Pty Ltd ACN 645 215 194 in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001:

   
     
     
*Director/*Company Secretary   Director
     
     

Name of *Director/*Company Secretary

(BLOCK LETTERS)

*please delete as appropriate

 

Name of Director

(BLOCK LETTERS)

     
     

Executed by [insert details of Noteholder] in accordance with section 127 of the Corporations Act 2001:

   
     
     
*Director/*Company Secretary   Director
     
     

Name of *Director/*Company Secretary

(BLOCK LETTERS)

*please delete as appropriate

 

Name of Director

(BLOCK LETTERS)

 

 

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[OR]

 

Signed by
[Noteholder]

   

in the presence of:

  [insert name of Noteholder]
     
     
Witness signature    
     
     
Name of witness
BLOCK LETTERS
   

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.29

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

POLICY ON RECOVERY OF ERRONEOUSLY AWARDED COMPENSATION

 

December 18, 2025

 

1.Overview

 

The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to adopt this Policy to provide for the recovery of certain Incentive-Based Compensation in the event of an Accounting Restatement. This Policy is designed to comply with, and shall be interpreted to be consistent with, Section 10D of the Exchange Act, the regulations and rules promulgated by the SEC thereunder, including, without limitation, Rule 10D-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act (“Rule 10D-1”), and the applicable rules, regulations and listing standards of the Exchange (collectively, and as the same may be in effect from time to time, the “Applicable Rules”). Unless otherwise defined in this Policy, capitalized terms used in this Policy have the meanings given to them in Section 2.

 

2.Definitions

 

(a) “Accounting Restatement” means an accounting restatement of the Company’s financial statements due to the Company’s material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under U.S. securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period.

 

(b) “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted from time to time.

 

(c) “Clawback Eligible Incentive-Based Compensation” means, in connection with an Accounting Restatement and with respect to each individual who served as a Senior Executive at any time during the applicable performance period for any Incentive-Based Compensation (whether or not such Senior Executive is serving at the time the Erroneously Awarded Compensation is required to be recouped by the Company), all Incentive-Based Compensation Received by such Senior Executive (i) on or after the Effective Date, (ii) after beginning service as a Senior Executive, (iii) while the Company has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange, and (iv) during the applicable Look-Back Period.

 

(d) “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other committee or subcommittee of the Board, if any, duly appointed to administer this Policy and having such powers in each instance as shall be specified by the Board and as specified in Section 3 of this Policy. The Board may also serve as the Committee.

 

(e) “Company” means SharonAI Holdings, Inc. a Delaware corporation.

 

(f) “Effective Date” means December [   ], 2025.

 

(g) “Erroneously Awarded Compensation” means, with respect to each Senior Executive in connection with an Accounting Restatement, the amount of the Clawback Eligible Incentive-Based Compensation that exceeds the amount of the Incentive-Based Compensation that would have been Received had the amount of such Incentive-Based Compensation been calculated based on the restated amounts, as determined by the Committee, calculated by the Committee without regard to any taxes paid. With respect to Incentive-Based Compensation based on (or derived from) TSR or stock price, where the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in the applicable Accounting Restatement, the Committee shall determine the amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Accounting Restatement on the TSR or stock price upon which the Incentive-Based Compensation was Received.

 

(h) “Exchange” means The Nasdaq Stock Market.

 

(i) “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 

 

 

(j) “Financial Reporting Measure” means any measure that is determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company’s financial statements, and any measure that is derived wholly or in part from such measure, including but not limited to, “non-GAAP financial measures” for purposes of Exchange Act Regulation G and Item 10 of Regulation S-K, as well as other measures, metrics and ratios that are not non-GAAP measures, like same store sales. Financial Reporting Measures include but are not limited to the following (and any measures derived from the following): stock price; TSR; revenues; net income; operating income; profitability of one or more reportable segments; financial ratios (e.g., accounts receivable turnover and inventory turnover rates); earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; funds from operations and adjusted funds from operations; liquidity measures (e.g., working capital, operating cash flow); return measures (e.g., return on invested capital, return on assets); earnings measures (e.g., earnings per share); sales per square foot or same store sales, where sales is subject to an Accounting Restatement; revenue per user, or average revenue per user, where revenue is subject to an Accounting Restatement; cost per employee, where cost is subject to an Accounting Restatement; any of such financial reporting measures relative to a peer group, where the Company’s financial reporting measure is subject to an Accounting Restatement; and tax basis income. A Financial Reporting Measure need not be presented within the Company’s financial statements or included in a report or other document filed with the SEC.

 

(k) “Incentive-Based Compensation” means any compensation granted, earned or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure, measured on a pre-tax basis. Incentive-Based Compensation includes, without limitation: any non-equity incentive plan awards that are earned based wholly or in part on satisfying a Financial Reporting Measure performance goal; bonuses paid from a “bonus pool,” the size of which is determined based wholly or in part on satisfying a Financial Reporting Measure performance goal; other cash awards based on satisfaction of a Financial Reporting Measure performance goal; restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance share units, stock options, and stock appreciation rights that are granted or become vested based wholly or in part on satisfying a Financial Reporting Measure Performance Goal; and proceeds received upon the sale of shares acquired through an incentive plan that were granted or vested based wholly or in part on satisfying a Financial Reporting Measure performance goal.

 

(l) “Look-Back Period” means, with respect to an Accounting Restatement, the three completed fiscal years of the Company immediately preceding the Restatement Date and any transition period (that results from a change in the Company’s fiscal year) within or immediately following those three completed fiscal years (except that a transition period that comprises a period of at least nine months shall count as a completed fiscal year).

 

(m) “Policy” means this Policy on Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, and/or restated from time to time.

 

(n) “Received” means, with respect to Incentive-Based Compensation, actual or deemed receipt, and Incentive-Based Compensation shall be deemed “Received” in the Company’s fiscal period during which the applicable Financial Reporting Measure specified in the Incentive-Based Compensation award is attained, even if the payment or grant of such Incentive-Based Compensation occurs after the end of that period. If an equity award vests only upon satisfaction of a Financial Reporting Measure performance condition, the award shall be deemed Received in the fiscal period when it vests. Ministerial acts or other conditions necessary to effect issuance or payment, such as calculating the amount earned or obtaining Board approval of payment, do not affect the determination of the date Received.

 

(o) “Restatement Date” means the earlier to occur of (i) the date the Board, a committee of the Board, or the officer or officers of the Company authorized to take such action if Board action is not required, concludes, or reasonably should have concluded, that the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement or (ii) the date a court, regulator or other legally authorized body directs the Company to prepare an Accounting Restatement, in each case regardless of if or when the restated financial statements are filed.

 

(p) “SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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(q) “Senior Executives” means any person who was the Company’s president, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer (or if there is no such accounting officer, the controller), any vice-president of the Company in charge of a principal business unit, division, or function (such as sales, administration, or finance), any other officer who performed a policy-making function, or any other person who performed similar policy-making functions for the Company and any other “key employees” who were designated as “Senior Executives” by the Committee. Executive officers of the Company’s parents or subsidiaries may be deemed Senior Executives if they perform policy-making functions for the Company. For purposes of this definition, policy-making function is not intended to include policy-making functions that are not significant. All executive officers of the Company identified by the Board pursuant to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K shall be deemed Senior Executives.

 

(r) “TSR” means total stockholder return.

 

3.Administration of Policy

 

(a) The Policy shall be administrated by the Committee. All questions of interpretation or application of this Policy shall be determined by the Committee. All Committee decisions shall be final and binding upon all persons and shall be afforded the maximum deference permitted under applicable law. The Committee is authorized to make all determinations necessary, appropriate or advisable for the administration of this Policy and to use any of the Company’s resources it deems appropriate to recoup Erroneously Awarded Compensation.

 

(b) Determinations of financial and/or accounting irregularities for purposes of this Policy shall be made by the Committee independently of, and the Committee shall not be bound by, determinations by management or by any other committee of the Board.

 

(c) In the administration of this Policy, the Committee is authorized and directed to consult with the full Board or such other committees of the Board as may be necessary or appropriate as to matters within the scope of such other committee’s responsibility and authority. Subject to any limitation under applicable law, the Committee may authorize and empower any officer or employee of the Company to take any and all actions necessary or appropriate to carry out the purpose and intent of this Policy (other than with respect to any recovery under this Policy involving such officer or employee).

 

4.Accounting Restatements; Recoupment

 

(a) If the Company is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement, the Company shall determine, in accordance with this Policy and the Applicable Rules, the amount of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation for each Senior Executive in connection with such Accounting Restatement, irrespective of any fault, misconduct or responsibility of any Senior Executive for the Accounting Restatement, and thereafter the Company shall reasonably promptly recover such amount of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. In connection with the foregoing, the Committee, which may act in conjunction with the Company’s Audit Committee, shall take all such actions required by this Policy and the Applicable Rules.

 

(b) If there was Erroneously Awarded Compensation, the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion, the timing and method(s) for promptly recouping the same, which methods may include, without limitation, one or more of the following: (i) requiring reimbursement of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation; (ii) requiring reimbursement of any equity based compensation awarded; (iii) cancelling outstanding cash or equity-based awards, whether vested or unvested or paid or unpaid; (iv) cancelling or offsetting against any compensation otherwise owed by the Company to the Senior Executive, including any future cash or equity-based awards; (v) requiring the forfeiture of deferred compensation, subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder; (vi) seeking recovery of any gain realized on the vesting, exercise, settlement, sale, transfer, or other disposition of any equity-based awards; and (vii) pursuing any other reasonable remedies. Subject to compliance with applicable law, the Committee may effect recoupment under this Policy from any amount otherwise payable to a Senior Executive, including amounts payable to such individual under any otherwise applicable Company plan or program, including base salary, bonuses or commissions and compensation previously deferred by the Senior Executive.

 

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(c) To the extent that the Committee determines to recoup Erroneously Awarded Compensation from a Senior Executive by requiring the repayment of such Erroneously Awarded Compensation to the Company, and such Senior Executive fails to repay all Erroneously Awarded Compensation to the Company when due, the Company may take all actions reasonable and appropriate to recover such Erroneously Awarded Compensation from the applicable Senior Executive. The applicable Senior Executive shall be required to reimburse the Company for any and all expenses reasonably incurred (including legal fees) by the Company in recovering such Erroneously Awarded Compensation in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence.

 

(d) In the event of an Accounting Restatement, except to the extent permitted by the Applicable Rules, the Committee will generally treat all Senior Executives (including former employees) the same with respect to any actions seeking to recoup Erroneously Awarded Compensation.

 

5.Impracticability

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company shall not be required to recoup Erroneously Awarded Compensation under this Policy if the Compensation Committee of the Board, or in the absence of such a committee, a majority of the independent directors serving on the Board, has determined that recovery would be impracticable in accordance with the Applicable Rules and subject to the procedural and disclosure requirements in the Applicable Rules.

 

6.Other Recoupment Rights

 

The Board intends that this Policy shall be applied to the fullest extent of the law. Any right of recoupment under this Policy is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies or rights of recoupment that may be available to the Company under applicable law (including, without limitation, Section 304 of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or Section 954 of the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as amended), pursuant to the terms of any other policy of the Company, pursuant to the terms of any employment agreement, equity award agreement, severance or other agreement, and any other legal remedies available to the Company. Nothing herein, and no recoupment or recovery as contemplated by this Policy, shall (i) limit any claims, damages or other legal remedies the Company or any of its affiliates may have against a Senior Executive arising out of or resulting from any actions or omissions by the Senior Executive or (ii) limit the Company’s ability to seek recovery, in appropriate circumstances (including circumstances beyond the scope of this Policy) as permitted by applicable law, of any amounts from any employee, whether or not the employee is a Senior Executive.

 

7.No Indemnification or Company-Paid Insurance

 

Notwithstanding the terms of any indemnification or insurance policy or any contractual arrangement with any Senior Executive that may be interpreted to the contrary: (a) the Company shall not indemnify any Senior Executive against (i) the loss of any Erroneously Awarded Compensation that is recouped, repaid, returned or recovered pursuant to the terms of this Policy; or (ii) any claims relating to the Company’s enforcement of its rights under this Policy; and (b) the Company is prohibited from paying or reimbursing a Senior Executive for the cost of or premiums of any third-party insurance purchased to fund any potential obligations of a Senior Executive under this Policy. Further, the Company shall not enter into any agreement that exempts any Incentive-Based Compensation from the application of this Policy or that waives the Company’s right to recoup any Erroneously Awarded Compensation, and this Policy shall supersede any such agreement (whether entered into before, on or after the Effective Date).

 

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8.Committee Indemnification

 

No members of the Committee, nor any other members of the Board who assist in the administration of this Policy, nor any officer of employee of the Company authorized and empowered by the Committee who assists in the administration of this Policy shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made with respect to this Policy, and each of the foregoing shall be fully indemnified by the Company to the fullest extent under applicable law and Company policy with respect to any such action, determination or interpretation. The foregoing sentence shall not limit any other rights to indemnification of the members of the Board or any officer of employee of the Company under applicable law, Company policy or contractual arrangement.

 

9.Retroactive Application

 

This Policy applies to any Incentive-Based Compensation that is Received by a Senior Executive on or after the Effective Date, even if such Incentive-Based Compensation was approved, awarded, granted or paid to such Senior Executive prior to the Effective Date. Without limiting the generality of Section 4, and subject to applicable law, the Committee may recoup Erroneously Awarded Compensation under this Policy from any amount of compensation approved, awarded, granted, payable or paid to the Senior Executive prior to, on or after the Effective Date.

 

10.Notice to Senior Executives

 

The Company shall provide notice and seek written agreement to this Policy from each Senior Executive in form attached hereto; provided, that the failure to obtain such agreement shall have no impact on the applicability or enforceability of this Policy.

 

11.Amendment and Termination; Interpretation; Successors

 

(a) The Board may amend, modify, supplement, restate, rescind, terminate or replace all or any portion of this Policy at any time and from time to time in its sole discretion, including, without limitation, as the Board deems necessary to reflect and comply with applicable law or any of the Applicable Rules. To the extent of any inconsistency between this Policy and any of the Applicable Rules, the Applicable Rules shall control and this Policy shall be deemed amended to incorporate such Applicable Rules unless the Committee shall expressly determine otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no amendment, modification, supplement, restatement, rescission, termination or replacement of this Policy shall be effective if such amendment, modification, supplement, restatement, rescission, termination or replacement would (after taking into account any actions taken by the Company contemporaneously with such amendment, modification, supplement, restatement, rescission, termination or replacement) cause the Company to violate any of the Applicable Rules or other applicable law.

 

(b) This Policy shall be binding and enforceable against all Senior Executives and their beneficiaries, heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, to the fullest extent of the law.

 

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SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.
Agreement to the Policy on Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation

 

This agreement is made as of _____________, by and between SharonAI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and _____________ (the “Senior Executive”). Capitalized terms used in this agreement not defined in this agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Policy (as defined below).

 

In exchange for any compensation received by (or to be paid) or awarded (or to be awarded) to the Senior Executive under any Company plan, policy or arrangement or on a discretionary basis whether or not pursuant to any plan, which includes without limitation any Incentive-Based Compensation (the “Compensation”), the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. The Senior Executive agrees to be bound fully by the terms of the Company’s Policy on Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation (as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, and/or restated from time to time, the “Policy”), a copy of the present form of which has been provided to, and read and understood by, the Senior Executive.

 

2. The Senior Executive agrees to abide by the terms of the Policy, and in the event it is determined by the Committee that any amounts granted, awarded, earned or paid to the Senior Executive must be recouped or recovered by, or repaid, forfeited or reimbursed to, the Company in accordance with the Policy, the Senior Executive will promptly take any action necessary to effectuate the same.

 

3. The Policy applies to the Compensation notwithstanding any terms of the plan, policy or agreement under which it is granted or the terms of any employment agreement to which the Senior Executive is a party.

 

4. Any amendments, modifications, supplements, or restatements to or of the Policy, including without limitation any amendments to comply with applicable law, will be applicable to the Senior Executive.

 

5. The laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law provisions, shall govern the interpretation and validity of the provisions of this agreement and all questions relating to this agreement.

 

6. This agreement shall be binding on the Senior Executive and his/her heirs, successors and legal representatives, and on the Company and its successors.

 

7. If the terms of the Policy and this agreement conflict, the terms of the Policy shall prevail.

 

8. In the event that any provision of this agreement, or the application thereof, becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforceable, the remainder of this agreement shall continue in full force and effect and shall be interpreted so as reasonably to effect the intent of the parties hereto.

 

9. Any Compensation may be subject to reimbursement, clawback and/or forfeiture pursuant to applicable law, under circumstances that are different from those applicable under the Policy, and the Senior Executive consents to application of any such reimbursement, clawback or forfeiture.

 

This agreement, together with the Policy, which incorporated by reference herein, sets forth the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements, and other communications, whether oral or written, pertaining to the subject matter hereof; and this agreement shall not be modified or amended except by written agreement of the Company and the Senior Executive.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Senior Executive have executed this agreement effective as of the day and year first above written.

 

   
  [Name of Senior Executive]

 

  SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.
   
   
  By:
  Its:

 

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Exhibit 10.30

 

CONTRACT TO PURCHASE

 

THIS CONTRACT TO PURCHASE (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into on the 21st day of November, 2025, by and between ODESSA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION d/b/a GROW ODESSA, a Texas nonprofit corporation with a mailing address of 301 S Grant Ave., Odessa, Texas 79761 (“Seller”), and TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with a mailing address of 4501 Santa Rosa Dr., Midland, Texas 79707 (“Purchaser”).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, Seller is the owner of approximately two hundred and three (±203) acres of real property located in Block 41, T-2-S, T&P RR Co. Survey, Ector County, Texas, which real property is more particularly described on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, together with the existing buildings thereon and all other improvements, appurtenances, rights, privileges, and easements appurtenant thereto, and any and all easements, rights-of-way, and other appurtenances used in connection with the beneficial use and enjoyment of such real property (collectively, the “Property”); and

 

WHEREAS, Purchaser wishes to acquire the Property from Seller for the purpose of constructing and operating a commercial data center on the Property (the “Proposed Business”); and

 

WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell the Property to Purchaser, and Purchaser desires to purchase the Property, upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the mutual covenants set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. SALE AND PURCHASE OF PROPERTY. Subject to, and in accordance with, the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Seller agrees to sell to Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to purchase from Seller, all of Seller’s right, title, and interest in and to the Property (including all buildings, appurtenances, and fixtures located thereon). The Property is being sold AS IS WHERE IS according to the provision attached hereto as Exhibit C.

 

2. DEPOSIT.

 

Within three (3) business days of the execution of this Agreement by both parties, Purchaser shall deposit with Basin Abstract & Title Company, having an address of 4526 East University Bldg. 2 Suite A, Odessa, TX 79762 (the “Title Company”), the sum of Twenty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($25,000.00) (the “Deposit”) to be held in an escrow account by Title Company as earnest money in accordance with the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Deposit shall be credited against the Purchase Price at Closing (as defined herein).

 

 

 

 

3. PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT.

 

3.1 Purchase Price. The total base purchase price of the Property is Five Million Seventy-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($5,075,000.00) (the “Purchase Price”); provided, however, that the Purchase Price shall be adjusted based upon the Survey such that the final Purchase Price payable to Seller at Closing shall be calculated as the product of (x) the number of acres comprising the Property which will be acquired by Purchaser at Closing as shown on the Survey, times (y) Twenty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($25,000.00).

 

4. ACCESS AND RIGHT OF ENTRY.

 

4.1 Access Rights. Seller hereby grants to Purchaser and Purchaser’s officers, directors, employees, engineers, surveyors, representatives, agents, and assigns the right to enter upon the Property and the right of ingress and egress over, through, and across the Property for the purpose of inspecting; testing; making surveys; conducting surface and sub-surface soil, geologic, environmental, and other tests (including, without limitation, Phase I and Phase II environmental investigations); performing soil and groundwater sampling and analysis; asbestos testing; underground tank and piping tightness testing; engineering borings; and making such other reasonable observations and inspections as are deemed reasonably necessary or appropriate by Purchaser, in its sole discretion, and for obtaining governmental consents and authorizations that Purchaser deems necessary or desirable for its intended development and use of the Property. Where required by applicable law, regulation, or order, Purchaser is hereby authorized to report the results of any system tightness testing and soil or groundwater sampling or analysis from its investigations to federal, state, or local authorities.

 

4.2 Indemnity. With respect to the right of entry granted to Purchaser in this Section 4, Purchaser shall indemnify and hold Seller harmless from and against any losses, damages, demands, claims, suits and other liabilities, including reasonable attorney fees and other expenses of litigation, concerning personal or bodily injury or property damage that results directly from Purchaser’s presence on or use of the Property for such testing, except to the extent arising out of the negligence or willful misconduct of Seller or Seller’s agents, representatives, or employees. Purchaser shall return the surface of the Property to substantially the same condition as before such testing, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

 

5. SURVEY AND TITLE. Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Purchaser, at Seller’s cost and expense, the following items within ten (10) days of receipt of this fully executed Agreement:

 

(i) A commitment for title insurance (the “Title Commitment”) for the benefit of Purchaser issued by Title Company setting forth the status of the title of the Property and all exceptions or conditions to such title and showing all liens, claims, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, encroachments, reservations, restrictions, outstanding mineral interests, and any other matters, if any, relating to the Property and all matters which would appear in the Owner’s title policy, if issued, and containing the express commitment to issue a title policy as herein described to Purchaser in the amount of the Purchase Price;

 

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(ii) A true, complete and legible copy of all exception documents referred to in the Title Commitment, including (without limitation) plats, deeds, lien instruments, reservations, restrictions, and easements (collectively, the “Title Documents”); and

 

(iii) An accurate survey of the Property made by a registered professional land surveyor acceptable to the Title Company in accordance with ALTA/NSPS standards, or otherwise in a form acceptable to Purchaser and Title Company, showing all easements, appurtenances, encroachments and improvements and containing a metes and bounds legal description of the Property, as well as a plot plan (the “Survey”).

 

Purchaser shall notify Seller, in writing, of Purchaser’s objections to the status of title to the Property and matters shown on the Title Commitment and Survey (collectively, the “Title and Survey Objections”) within ten (10) days after Purchaser’s receipt of all of the Title Commitment, Title Documents and Survey; provided, however, that if Purchaser does not receive the Title Commitment, Survey and all Title Documents at least ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date, then Purchaser shall have ten (10) days after Purchaser actually receives all such items to deliver objections to Seller (and Closing Date shall be automatically extended for a corresponding number of days). Seller shall use reasonable efforts to cure the Title and Survey Objections prior to the Closing Date. If Seller fails to cure any of the Title and Survey Objections to Purchaser’s satisfaction, as determined by Purchaser in its sole and absolute discretion, prior to the Closing Date, then Purchaser may either (i) terminate this Agreement, in which case the Deposit shall be immediately refunded to Purchaser; or (ii) waive the uncured Title and Survey Objections (except those items Seller is still obligated to cure as provided below) and proceed to Closing to purchase the Property subject to such objections; provided, however, that if Purchaser waives uncured Title and Survey Objections and proceeds to Closing, then Seller, at the Seller’s sole cost, shall still remain obligated to cure or remove all mortgages, deeds of trust, judgment liens, mechanics and materialmen’s liens, and other monetary liens against the Property at or before Closing.

 

6. SELLER’S REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AND COVENANTS. Seller represents, warrants, and covenants that:

 

6.1 Seller’s Status and Authority.

 

6.1.1 Seller is not a “Foreign Person” within the meaning of Section 1445(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), and Seller will deliver to Purchaser at the Closing an affidavit stating: (i) that Seller is not a Foreign Person; (ii) Seller’s name, United States taxpayer identification number, and address; and (iii) such other information as may be required by the Code and regulations promulgated under the Code. Seller acknowledges that if Seller is a Foreign Person, federal law requires that a portion of the Purchase Price be set aside by Purchaser to satisfy certain tax obligations of Seller; and Seller agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold Purchaser harmless from any loss, penalties, charges, claims, or liability arising under the Code and the regulations promulgated under the Code, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses, related to Seller’s status as a Foreign Person.

 

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6.1.2 There are no bankruptcy, insolvency, rearrangement or similar actions or proceedings, either voluntary or involuntary, pending against Seller or any of its owners or affiliates, and Seller and its owners and affiliates have no intention of filing or commencing any such action or proceeding.

 

6.1.3 Seller has the full legal right and authority to enter into, execute, and carry out the provisions of this Agreement. Seller (and each of its owners in the case where Seller is an entity comprised of one or more other entities) is in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation, is duly qualified to do business in the state in which the Property is located, and has taken all action and has the power and authority necessary to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. Each individual executing this Agreement on behalf of Seller is duly authorized on behalf of Seller to enter into and execute this Agreement and has the power to bind Seller and cause Seller to sell the Property; and all court or other governmental approvals that are necessary, if any, in connection with this Agreement and the performance of Seller’s obligations under this Agreement have been obtained, are in full force and effect, and shall remain in full force and effect through the Closing.

 

6.2 Fee Simple Title. Seller has, or shall have at or prior to the Closing, good, marketable and insurable fee simple title to the entire Property.

 

6.3 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.4 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.5 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.6 Commitment of Property. Seller has not granted any option or other commitment to sell, lease, or encumber all or any part of the Property to anyone other than Purchaser.

 

6.7 Agreement Violation. Neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Closing violates any contract, agreement, or other document to which Seller is a party.

 

6.8 Notice of Condemnation. Seller has received no written notice of, and Seller has no knowledge of, any pending or threatened condemnation action affecting the Property.

 

6.9 Seller’s Rights to the Property. There are no leases, tenancies, occupancy agreements, or other rights affecting Seller’s full possession of and rights to the Property or any portion thereof.

 

Page 4

 

 

6.10 Mechanic’s or Materialman’s Liens. There are no contracts to which Seller is a party affecting the Property or pursuant to which any contractor, subcontractor, materialman, or other person may be entitled to a mechanic’s or materialman’s lien against the Property.

 

6.11 Legal Proceedings. There are no pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened legal proceedings affecting the Property in any manner or Seller’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement, nor has Seller received notice of: (i) any proceeding for the imposition of any special tax or assessment; (ii) any existing, pending, or threatened investigation or inquiry by any governmental authority; or (iii) any pending or, to the knowledge of Seller, threatened lawsuit by a third party; that in any event would affect/impact the economic value of the Property or Purchaser’s intended use thereof.

 

6.12 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.13 Maintenance of the Property. Seller shall keep the Property in good condition and repair and shall not permit or commit any waste, impairment, or deterioration of the Property (other than ordinary wear and tear) or commit, suffer, or permit any act upon or use of the Property in violation of any applicable law, order, permit, or license of any governmental authority.

 

6.14 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.15 Governmental or Regulatory Consent. No authorization, approval, or consent of, and no registration or filing with, any governmental or regulatory official, body, or authority or other third party is required in connection with the execution, delivery, or performance of this Agreement or the other agreements and instruments referenced herein required to be executed, delivered, or performed by Seller.

 

6.16 Taxes. All taxes relating to the Property which are due on or prior to Closing have been (or will be) paid before or at Closing; provided, however, that taxes on the Property for the current year shall be prorated at Closing as between Seller and Purchaser as provided for herein.

 

6.17 Absence of Certain Changes. Intentionally deleted.

 

6.18 Lien or Encumbrances. There are no obligations or liabilities of any nature whatsoever, whether contingent or otherwise, that are or could become a lien or other encumbrance on the Property.

 

6.19 OFAC Disclosure. Seller represents and warrants to Purchaser that: (i) neither Seller nor, if Seller is an entity, any person or entity that directly or indirectly owns any interest in Seller, nor any of its officers, directors, or managing members, is a person or entity with whom United States persons or entities are restricted from doing business under regulations of the Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”) of the United States Department of the Treasury (including those named on OFAC’s Specially Designated and Blocked Persons List) or under any statute, executive order (including, but not limited to, Executive Order 13224, signed on September 24, 2001, and entitled “Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism” (the “Executive Order”)), or other governmental action, (ii) Seller’s activities do not violate the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 or the regulations or orders promulgated thereunder (as amended from time to time, the “Money Laundering Act”); and (iii) so long as this Agreement is in full force and effect, Seller shall comply with the Executive Order and the Money Laundering Act.

 

Page 5

 

 

6.20 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.21 Intentionally deleted.

 

6.22 True and Correct Representations. All of Seller’s representations and warranties stated in Sections 6.1 through 6.21 shall be true and correct as of the date of Seller’s execution of this Agreement and as of the Closing.

 

6.23 Application and Notification of Changes. Seller shall immediately notify Purchaser in writing if Seller acquires knowledge of any fact or circumstance which would make any one or more of the representations and warranties stated in Sections 6.1 through 6.21 untrue.

 

6.24 Survival. The provisions of this Section 6 shall survive the Closing.

 

7. CLOSING, CLOSING DELIVERABLES, AND CLOSING COSTS.

 

7.1 Closing. Subject to the other terms of this Agreement, and except as otherwise agreed between the parties, the closing of the sale of the Property to Purchaser (the “Closing”) shall take place on or before Monday, December 22, 2025 (the “Closing Date”, as the same may be extended in accordance with this Agreement); provided that Purchaser and Seller may mutually agree in writing to a different date for Closing. The Closing shall be accomplished via mail or courier service, or may be held at the office of the Title Company or such other location as mutually agreed upon by the parties.

 

7.2 Closing Deliverables. The following deliverables shall be required at Closing:

 

7.2.1 Seller shall provide proof and documentation evidencing that Seller has the full legal right and authority to enter into, execute, and carry out the provisions of this Agreement. Seller (and each of its owners in the case where Seller is an entity comprised of one or more other entities) will provide proof that it is in good standing under the laws of the state of its formation, is duly qualified to do business in the state in which the Property is located, and has taken all action and has the power and authority necessary to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement. Seller shall provide documentation showing that: (i) the individual executing this Agreement on behalf of Seller is duly authorized on behalf of Seller to enter into and execute this Agreement; and (ii) all court and other governmental approvals that are necessary, if any, in connection with this Agreement and the performance of Seller’s obligations under this Agreement have been obtained, are in full force and effect, and shall remain in full force and effect through the Closing;

 

Page 6

 

 

7.2.2 Seller shall execute and deliver to Purchaser a properly executed special warranty deed (the “Special Warranty Deed”), substantially in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto, which is in recordable form and conveys fee simple title to the Property to Purchaser free from all encumbrances; except those permitted exceptions agreed to by Purchaser in writing;

 

7.2.3 Intentionally deleted;

 

7.2.4 Intentionally deleted.

 

7.2.5 Intentionally deleted.

 

7.2.6 Seller shall execute and deliver to Purchaser a Certification pursuant to Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code that Seller is not a Foreign Person within the meaning of such Code section;

 

7.2.7 Seller shall furnish Purchaser proof that all real property taxes and personal property taxes that are a lien against the Property are paid or prorated to the date of Closing and calculated upon reasonable and equitable estimates where necessary;

 

7.2.8 Seller shall execute an affidavit stating that there are no liens upon the Property nor outstanding orders or unpaid bills for goods, labor, or materials that may become a lien upon the Property;

 

7.2.9 Purchaser shall transfer to the Title Company in escrow, for delivery to the Seller at Closing, funds in immediately available US Dollars equal to the Purchase Price specified in this Agreement, as the same may be adjusted in accordance with this Agreement, and for prorated items due Seller pursuant to the closing statement.

 

7.2.10 Intentionally deleted;

 

7.2.11 To the extent consistent with the other provisions of this Agreement, the parties shall execute and deliver such other documents, conveyances, and affidavits requested by the other party or Title Company that are: (i) required by applicable federal, state, or local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, judgments, orders, writs, injunctions, decrees, and governmental permits; (ii) required by the Title Company in order to issue the title insurance policy to Purchaser; or (iii) customarily given in the appropriate jurisdiction to accomplish transfer of assets of the type involved.

 

Page 7

 

 

7.2.12 Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, Seller shall deliver Purchaser possession and occupancy of the Property at the Closing free from all liens, encumbrances, restrictions, assessments, easements, tenancies, and occupancies of every nature except for those exceptions accepted by Purchaser in writing.

 

7.3 Closing Conditions.

 

7.3.1 Purchaser’s obligations to purchase the Property and perform its other Closing obligations are contingent upon all of the following conditions being satisfied at the time of the Closing: (i) Seller not having defaulted under, or breached in any material respect, any of the terms of this Agreement; (ii) no material adverse change occurring in the condition of the Property prior to Closing, including, but not limited to, any change in environmental condition; (iii) Purchaser receiving a binding commitment from the Title Company for the issuance of an ALTA Owner’s Extended Coverage Policy of Title Insurance insuring that good and marketable fee simple absolute title to the Property is vested in Purchaser (or a “marked up” version of a title commitment that irrevocably and unconditionally commits to issue such an owner’s title policy); (iv) no lawsuits, governmental actions, or similar proceedings which are adverse to the Property, or Purchaser’s intended use thereof having been instituted or threatened, including, but not limited to, any condemnation or eminent domain proceedings; and (v) Seller timely providing all deliverables to Purchaser as may be required in Section 7.2 above. If any of the foregoing conditions is not satisfied at the time of Closing, Purchaser may, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, (x) terminate this Agreement, in which case the Deposit shall be immediately refunded to Purchaser, and/or (y) exercise any other right or seek any other remedy available to Purchaser at law or in equity, including specific performance.

 

7.3.2 Seller’s obligations to sell the Property and perform its other Closing obligations are contingent upon all of the following conditions being satisfied at the time of the Closing: (i) Purchaser not having defaulted under, or breached in any material respect, any of the terms of this Agreement; and (ii) Purchaser timely providing all deliverables to Seller as may be required in Section 7.2 above. If any of the foregoing conditions is not satisfied at the time of Closing, Seller may terminate this Agreement as Seller’s sole and exclusive remedy, in which case the Deposit shall be immediately released to Seller and the parties shall have no further obligations under this Agreement.

 

7.4 Closing Costs. At Closing, (i) Purchaser shall pay all transfer taxes and recording costs due in connection with the recording of the Special Warranty Deed and the cost of any endorsements or enhancements to the title policy requested by Purchaser; and (ii) Seller shall pay the cost of recording the instruments releasing any liens or encumbrances on the Property other than those accepted by Purchaser in writing, the cost of the title commitment, and the premium for the owner’s title policy based on the Purchase Price. The parties shall each pay half of the escrow fee charged by the Title Company. Each of the parties shall pay their own attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with the transaction contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Page 8

 

 

8. PRORATIONS, CREDITS AND ADJUSTMENTS.

 

8.1 Calculations. All prorations to be made under this Article “as of the date of Closing” shall be made as of 11:59 P.M. local time on the date of the Closing, with the effect that Seller shall pay the portions of the expenses being prorated which are allocable to periods on, or prior to, the date the Closing occurs and Purchaser shall pay the portions of such expenses which are allocable to periods after the date the Closing occurs.

 

8.2 Property Taxes. Property taxes and assessments (general and special, public and private) levied against the Property for the year in which Closing takes place shall be prorated between Seller and Purchaser as of the date of Closing and paid at Closing based on the most recently available bills or assessments, and Seller shall also pay any unpaid property taxes and assessments (general and special, public and private) levied against the Property that are allocable to prior years at such time. If any such property taxes and assessments cannot be paid at Closing, Purchaser shall receive a credit against the Purchase Price equal to Seller’s share thereof, and Purchaser shall thereafter be responsible for tendering the amount of such credit to the proper taxing authority.

 

8.3 Intentionally deleted.

 

8.4 Intentionally deleted.

 

8.5 Survival. The provisions of this Section 8 shall survive the Closing.

 

9. RISK OF LOSS, CASUALTY, AND CONDEMNATION.

 

9.1 Risk of Loss. The risk of condemnation and risk of loss from whatever cause, except for a loss caused by Purchaser because of its presence on the Property pursuant to Section 4, of all or any part of the Property shall be upon Seller until the Closing.

 

9.2 Casualty Loss. If any part of the Property shall be damaged prior to Closing such that the total value of the Property as a whole is materially impaired, Purchaser shall have the option to complete Closing of the Property in its materially impaired condition, with all insurance proceeds therefrom to be paid to Purchaser, or Purchaser may elect to terminate this Agreement, in which event Purchaser shall be relieved of any and all obligations hereunder, and the Deposit shall be returned to Purchaser. For purposes of this Section 9.2, materially impaired shall mean damage or loss to the Property that is estimated to exceed $500,000.00 in repair costs.

 

Page 9

 

 

9.3 Condemnation. If any part of the Property shall have been condemned or if a notice of condemnation or proposed condemnation shall have been given at any time prior to the Closing, then Seller shall immediately give written notice thereof to Purchaser. Such written notice shall specify all of the details of the condemnation, notice of condemnation, or proposed condemnation. In the event of any such condemnation, notice of condemnation, or proposed condemnation, Purchaser may, at its sole election, cancel this Agreement and, upon such cancellation, Purchaser shall be relieved of any and all obligations under this Agreement and all Deposit shall be returned to Purchaser; or, alternatively, Purchaser may elect to proceed with the Closing and have Seller assign, transfer, and set over to Purchaser all of Seller’s right, title, and interest in and to all awards that may be made for or in connection with such condemnation.

 

10. Environmental Matters. Environmental matters concerning the Property are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in Exhibit D, attached hereto.

 

11. Intentionally deleted.

 

12. PURCHASE OPTION AFTER CLOSING. Purchaser grants to Seller and Seller hereby receives from Purchaser the right to repurchase the Property according to the terms and conditions included in Exhibit E, attached hereto.

 

13. CERTAIN DEFAULT AND REMEDIES.

 

13.1 Certain Seller Defaults. If Seller breaches this Agreement by failing to convey the Property to Purchaser in accordance with the terms hereof and Seller does not cure such breach within five (5) days after Purchaser gives written notice of such breach, then Purchaser may (i) obtain specific performance of this Agreement; or (ii) terminate this Agreement, receive a refund of the Deposit, and seek to recover the actual damages that it suffers or incurs as a result of the breach.

 

13.2 Certain Purchaser Defaults. If Purchaser breaches this Agreement by failing to purchase the Property when it is required to do so hereunder and Purchaser does not cure such breach within five (5) days after Seller gives written notice of such breach, then Seller may, as its sole and exclusive remedy, terminate this Agreement and receive the Deposit as full and agreed upon liquidated damages. Purchaser and Seller agree that said liquidated damages are reasonable given the circumstances now existing, including, but not limited to, the range of harm to Seller that is reasonably foreseeable and the anticipation that proof of Seller’s actual damages would be costly, impractical and inconvenient. SELLER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT: (i) HAS READ AND UNDERSTANDS THIS SECTION; AND (ii) SPECIFICALLY WAIVES AND RELINQUISHES ALL OTHER REMEDIES WHICH IT MAY BE ENTITLED TO PURSUE AT LAW OR IN EQUITY DUE TO PURCHASER’S FAILURE TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY IN BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.

 

13.3 Other Defaults. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 13.1 and 13.2, if Seller or Purchaser breaches any of the terms of this Agreement and does not cure such breach within thirty (30) days after it is notified of the same by the non-breaching party, in writing, then the non-breaching party shall have the right to obtain any remedy available at law or in equity, including, but not limited to, the right to recover the actual damages that it suffers or incurs as a result of the breach. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in no event shall either party be liable for indirect, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages as a result of its breach of this Agreement.

 

Page 10

 

 

14. POST-CLOSING COVENANTS.

 

14.1 Pro-Rations. If the amount paid by either party with respect to items and periods covered by the pro-rations referenced in Article 8 differs from the amount of the actual pro-rated amounts due as provided herein, then each party shall have thirty (30) calendar days after the Closing date in which to notify the other party in writing of the amount of such difference, giving appropriate supporting documentation; and the party being so notified shall pay such difference within ten (10) business days following receipt of such notification. Any claim for reimbursement not submitted within said thirty (30) day period is hereby waived by both parties notwithstanding survival of the pro-ration provisions of this Agreement beyond Closing.

 

14.2 Intentionally deleted.

 

14.3 Further Cooperation. After Closing, each party shall execute and deliver such other certificates, agreements, conveyances, and other documents and shall take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the other party in order to fully consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

14.4 Survival. The terms and provisions of this Section 14 shall expressly survive the Closing.

 

15. Intentionally deleted

 

16. CONFIDENTIALITY.

 

Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, Seller and Purchaser shall keep confidential (i) the terms and conditions of this Agreement and any and all related documents, and (ii) the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except for disclosures required by law, disclosures of information which is already in the public domain, disclosures to their respective attorneys or other professional advisors who have a reasonable need to know such information in connection with evaluating the transactions contemplated under this Agreement and who are bound by confidentiality obligations, and disclosures made in connection with the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Agreement.

 

17. PRESS RELEASES. Except as may be required by applicable laws or regulations, neither party shall issue any press release or other announcement without the prior written consent of the other party.

 

Page 11

 

 

18. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

 

18.1 Law. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement shall be governed by, and construed under, the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to any provision thereof that would result in the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.

 

18.2 Brokers. Each party shall pay and shall indemnify and hold the other party harmless from and against any loss, liability, damage, cost, claim, or expense incurred by reason of any brokerage, commission, or finder’s fee alleged to be payable to any broker or other third party as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement pursuant to an agreement between such third party and such indemnifying party.

 

18.3 Entire Agreement. This writing is intended by the parties as the final, complete, and exclusive statement of the terms and conditions of their agreement, and is intended to supersede all previous agreements and understandings between the parties, relating to its subject matter. No prior stipulation, agreement, understanding, or course of dealing between the parties or their agents with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement shall be valid or enforceable unless embodied in the Agreement. No amendment, modification, or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid or enforceable unless in writing and signed by both parties.

 

18.4 Headings. The descriptive headings in the Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not control or affect the meaning, construction, or interpretation of or constitute a part of this Agreement.

 

18.5 Assignment. Purchaser may assign its rights and interests under this Agreement to an affiliate of Purchaser without obtaining Seller’s consent; provided, however, no such assignment shall release Purchaser from its obligations and liabilities hereunder. Any assignment completed as contemplated herein shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of Purchaser and Seller and their respective heirs, successors, personal representatives, and assigns.

 

18.6 Notice. Any notice or other communication required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sufficient in all respects if delivered in person, by electronic mail, by overnight carrier service, or by certified mail (return receipt requested), as follows:

 

If to Purchaser, to:  
   
  Texas Critical Data Centers, LLC
  4501 Santa Rosa Dr.
  Midland, Texas 79707
  Attn: E. Will Gray
  Email: __________________________

 

Page 12

 

 

With a copy to:

 

  Polsinelli PC
  Old Parkland-Resolute Tower
  4020 Maple Avenue, Suite 300
  Dallas, Texas 75219
  Attn: Robert Sarfatis
  Email: rsarfatis@polsinelli.com

 

If to Seller, to:  
   
  ODESSA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
  301 S Grant Ave.
  Odessa, Texas 79761
  Attn: ___________________________
  Email: __________________________

 

With a copy to:

 

  The Terry Law Firm, PLLC
  Attn: Christopher Terry
  4526 E. University Ste 2A
  Odessa, Texas 79762
  cterry@cterrylaw.com

 

18.6.1 Any notice, request, or communication hereunder shall be deemed to have been given on (a) the date on which it is delivered by hand at the address specified above; (b) the date on which it is sent by electronic mail; (c) two (2) days after it is post marked and deposited in the mail, postage prepaid; or (d) one (1) day after it is placed with a recognized overnight carrier.

 

18.6.2 Any party may change the address to which notices are to be sent to it by giving notice of such change of address to the other parties in the manner herein provided for giving notice.

 

18.7 Attorney Fees. In the event any action or proceeding is commenced by either party to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable experts’ and attorneys’ fees.

 

18.8 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, unenforceable, or invalid, such provision(s) shall be severed and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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18.9 Waiver. The failure of either party hereto in any one or more instances to insist upon the strict performance of any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such party’s rights with respect to any continuing or subsequent breach of those or any other terms or conditions, and the same shall remain in full force and effect.

 

18.10 Exhibits and Schedules. All references to Exhibits and Schedules herein are to the Exhibits and Schedules attached hereto, which are incorporated by reference into this Agreement.

 

18.11 Ambiguity. Although the initial draft of this Agreement has been drafted by Purchaser’s attorney, Seller and/or Seller’s attorney have thoroughly reviewed this Agreement and have had the opportunity to request changes to this Agreement. As such, if there is ever any ambiguity with respect to any provision hereof, the parties agree that no court or arbitrator shall construe this Agreement for or against either party pursuant to any rule of construction applicable to the drafter of a document.

 

18.12 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

 

18.13 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. Signed counterparts of this Agreement may be delivered by facsimile, scanned .pdf image, or other electronic means; and such signed counterparts shall have the same force and effect as an original signed counterpart; provided that, after a request by any party hereto for such original signed counterpart, each party uses commercially reasonable efforts to deliver to each other party original signed counterparts as soon as possible thereafter.

 

18.14 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER THEORY).

 

18.15 Limitation of Liability. Except as set forth otherwise herein and with respect to indemnification for third party claims as provided for herein, in no event shall either party be liable to the other party for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages, even if it has been advised of the possibility of these damages.

 

18.16 Time for Performance. Any time period provided herein ending on a Saturday, Sunday, or other day that is not a business day will be extended to the next full business day. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “business day” means a day on which federally chartered banks in the state where the Property is located are open for business, excluding Saturdays and Sundays.

 

18.17 Survival. The provisions of this Section 18 shall survive the Closing or other termination of this Agreement.

 

 

[Signatures on the following pages]

 

Page 14

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Seller and Purchaser have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

  SELLER:
   
  ODESSA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
  CORPORATION d/b/a GROW ODESSA
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

  PURCHASER:
   
  TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

Page 15

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

TO

CONTRACT TO PURCHASE

 

LEGAL DESCRIPTION

 

 

[To be completed]

 

Page 16

 

 

EXHIBIT B
TO
CONTRACT TO PURCHASE

 

SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED

 

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY RIGHTS: If you are a natural person, you may remove or strike any of the following information from this instrument before it is filed for record in the public records: Your social security number or your driver’s license number.

 

SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED

 

THE STATE OF TEXAS §  
  § KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
COUNTY OF ECTOR §  

 

That ODESSA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION d/b/a GROW ODESSA, a Texas not-for-profit corporation, (“Grantor”), in consideration of the sum of TEN AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($10.00) and other valuable consideration, to it in hand paid by TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC (“Grantee”), ALL CASH, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged; HAS GRANTED, SOLD, CONVEYED, and by these presents does Grant, Sell and Convey unto the said Grantee, that certain lot, tract or parcel of land situated in Ector County, Texas, being described as follows, to-wit:

 

[insert legal description]

 

This Conveyance is SUBJECT TO all prior reservations of oil, gas and other minerals, to any outstanding oil and gas leases, to all easements and rights-of-way of record in the Office of the County Clerk, Ector County, Texas, and are visible or open and apparent on the ground as shown on the survey prepared by Landgraf, Crutcher & Associates; and other reservations of record, to the extent the same are valid and subsisting and accruing taxes.

 

This Conveyance is also SUBJECT TO “as is, where is” matters and environmental matters set forth as follows:

 

As Is, Where Is Matters

 

THIS CONTRACT UPON WHICH THIS TRANSACTION IS BASED IS AN ARM’S-LENGTH AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS BARGAINED ON THE BASIS OF AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” TRANSACTION AND REFLECTS THE AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES THAT THERE ARE NO REPRESENTATIONS, DISCLOSURES, OR EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND SELLER’S REPRESENTATIONS TO GRANTEE, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THAT CERTAIN REAL ESTATE SALES CONTRACT DATED [___________], 2025 (THE “CONTRACT”) AND THE SPECIAL WARRANTY OF TITLE CONTAINED IN THIS DEED.

 

Page 17

 

 

THE PROPERTY IS CONVEYED TO GRANTEE IN AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” CONDITION, WITH ALL FAULTS. SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTY OF CONDITION, MERCHANTABILITY, OR SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

 

GRANTEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT GRANTEE IS RELYING SOLELY ON GRANTEE’S EXAMINATION OF THE PROPERTY. GRANTEE IS NOT RELYING ON ANY INFORMATION OR DISCLOSURES PROVIDED BY GRANTOR.

 

GRANTEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THE CONTRACT, GRANTOR HAS MADE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE AVAILABILITY, QUALITY OR QUANTITY OF ANY WATER TO SAID PROPERTY.

 

Environmental Matters

 

AFTER CLOSING, AS BETWEEN GRANTEE AND GRANTOR, THE RISK OF LIABILITY OR EXPENSE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ON THE PROPERTY, EVEN IF ARISING FROM EVENTS BEFORE CLOSING, WILL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF GRANTEE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS WERE KNOWN OR UNKNOWN AT CLOSING. ONCE CLOSING HAS OCCURRED, GRANTEE INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS, AND RELEASES GRANTOR FROM LIABILITY FOR ANY LATENT DEFECTS WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPERTY, INCLUDING LIABILITY UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA), THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY ACT (RCRA), THE TEXAS SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ACT, OR THE TEXAS WATER CODE. GRANTEE INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS, AND RELEASES GRANTOR FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY ARISING AS THE RESULT THEORIES OF PRODUCTS LIABILITY AND STRICT LIABILITY, OR UNDER NEW LAWS OR CHANGES TO EXISTING LAWS ENACTED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE THAT WOULD OTHERWISE IMPOSE ON GRANTOR IN THIS TYPE OF TRANSACTION NEW LIABILITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY. THE INDEMNIFICATION OBLIGATIONS AND RELEASES SET FORTH HEREIN SHALL NOT APPLY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR ON ANY PROPERTY OWNED BY GRANTOR IN PROXIMITY TO THE PROPERTY AND RESULT IN ANY MIGRATION OF CONTAMINANTS ONTO THE PROPERTY.

 

Grantee, by the acceptance of this Special Warranty Deed agrees to abide by the covenants contained in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof for all purposes

 

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above-described premises together with all and singular the rights and appurtenances thereto in anywise belonging unto the said Grantees, their successors and assigns, forever, and Grantor does hereby bind itself, its successors and assigns, to warrant and forever defend, all and singular the premises unto said Grantees, their successors and assigns, against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming, or to claim the same, or any part thereof, by, through or under it, but not otherwise. This Special Warranty Deed is made with full rights of substitution and subrogation of Grantee, in and to all covenants and warranties of title heretofore given or made by others with respect to the property, or any part thereof, and Grantor hereby transfers and conveys to Grantee all Grantor’s rights under any and all such covenants and warranties of title that Grantor is entitled to enforce.

 

Page 18

 

 

EXECUTED this ___ day of __________, 2025

 

  ODESSA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
   
   
  By: RUSSELL TIPPIN, President

 

ATTEST:  
   
   
Jimmy Cox, Vice-President  

 

THE STATE OF TEXAS §  
  §  
COUNTY OF ECTOR §  

 

This instrument was acknowledged before me on the ___ day of __________, 2025, by Russell Tippin, President of Odessa Industrial Development Corporation d/b/a Grow Odessa, a Texas not-for-profit corporation, on behalf of said corporation.

 

   
NOTARY PUBLIC, STATE OF TEXAS

 

Page 19

 

 

APPROVED AND ACCEPTED BY GRANTEE:  
   
TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC  
   
   
NAME:    
TITLE:    

 

THE STATE OF TEXAS §  
  §  
COUNTY OF _________________ §  

 

This instrument was acknowledged before me on the ___ day of __________, 2025, by ___________________, as ______________________ of TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, on behalf of said company.

 

   
NOTARY PUBLIC, STATE OF TEXAS

 

Page 20

 

 

Special Warranty Deed
Exhibit A

 

Right to Repurchase

 

Odessa Industrial Development Corporation d/b/a Grow Odessa (“Seller”) shall be entitled to repurchase the property described herein upon the occurrence of any of the following (each a “Triggering Event”): (i) if within six (6) months of the date of this Special Warranty Deed (the “Closing Date”), the Property Owner has not filed an application with the City of Odessa for the purpose of creating of an industrial district; (ii) if within nine (9) months of the Closing Date, the Property Owner has failed to enter into a definitive power supply agreement with a customer committing the customer to a material number of payment(s) regardless of power usage (“Power Supply Agreement”); and (iii) within twenty four (24) months after the Closing Date, the laying of a foundation for a permanent structure for operation of a data center has not been completed. As used herein, the term “Property Owner” shall mean TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TCDC”), for so long as TCDC owns fee simple title to the Property; provided, however, that if TCDC transfers fee simple title to the Property to any third party, the term Property Owner shall mean such third party successor owner of fee simple title to the Property.

 

The Property Owner shall give GROW written notice once it has filed the application for the creation of an Industrial District, and if, six (6) months after the Closing Date, the Property Owner has not filed such application, then GROW shall be entitled to repurchase the Property, together with any and all improvements thereon, at any point thereafter, by refunding ninety-five percent (95%) of the purchase price of the property, (the purchase price being $5,075,000.00).

 

The Property Owner shall give GROW written notice once it has entered into a Power Supply Agreement. If, nine (9) months after the Closing Date, the Property Owner has failed to enter into a Power Supply Agreement, then GROW shall be entitled to repurchase the Property, together with any and all improvements thereon, by refunding eighty percent (80%) of the purchase price of the property, (the purchase price being $5,075,000.00).

 

If, twenty-four (24) months after the Closing Date, the laying of a foundation for a permanent structure for operation of a data center has not been completed, then GROW shall be entitled to repurchase the Property together with any and all improvements thereon by refunding sixty-five percent (65%) of the purchase price of the property, (the purchase price being $[5,075,000.00]).

 

Upon the occurrence of any Triggering Event, GROW may notify the Property Owner, by certified letter, mailed to the Property Owner’s last known address, of its repurchase of the Property together with all improvements thereon, and shall simultaneously tender payment to a title company of GROW’s choice to be paid over to the Property Owner upon delivery of the special warranty deed by the Property Owner. The Property Owner shall, within sixty (60) days of the receipt of said notice, consummate said repurchase by delivery of a good and sufficient special warranty deed conveying the Property to GROW. Should the said repurchase not be so consummated at the termination of said sixty (60) day period, title to the above-described Property shall automatically revert to and vest in GROW, its successors and assigns, and GROW shall be entitled to immediate possession of the premises and improvements thereon if any; provided, however, that such reversion shall not affect any mortgage or lien which may be in good faith legally existing upon said premises or upon any improvements thereon.

 

If after the date hereof it is determined that no Triggering Events shall occur and that GROW shall not be entitled to repurchase the Property from Property Owner, then GROW shall promptly thereafter execute and deliver to Property Owner, in recordable form, any and all documentation reasonably requested to provide record notice of the termination and release of GROW’s right to repurchase created herein.

 

Page 21

 

 

Exhibit C

 

“As Is, Where Is” Provision

 

THIS CONTRACT IS AN ARM’S-LENGTH AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS BARGAINED ON THE BASIS OF AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” TRANSACTION AND REFLECTS THE AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES THAT THERE ARE NO REPRESENTATIONS, DISCLOSURES, OR EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND SELLER’S REPRESENTATIONS TO BUYER, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS CONTRACT AND THE SPECIAL WARRANTY OF TITLE IN THE DEED.

 

THE PROPERTY WILL BE CONVEYED TO BUYER IN AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” CONDITION, WITH ALL FAULTS. SELLER MAKES NO WARRANTY OF CONDITION, MERCHANTABILITY, OR SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ALL WARRANTIES.

 

BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT BUYER IS RELYING SOLELY ON BUYER’S EXAMINATION OF THE PROPERTY. BUYER IS NOT RELYING ON ANY INFORMATION OR DISCLOSURES PROVIDED BY SELLER.

 

BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SELLER HAS MADE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE AVAILABILITY, QUALITY OR QUANTITY OF ANY WATER TO SAID PROPERTY.

 

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT C REGARDING THE PROPERTY WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE DEED WITH APPROPRIATE MODIFICATIONS OF TERMS AS THE CONTEXT REQUIRES.

 

Page 22

 

 

Exhibit D

 

Environmental Matters

 

AFTER CLOSING, AS BETWEEN BUYER AND SELLER, THE RISK OF LIABILITY OR EXPENSE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, EVEN IF ARISING FROM EVENTS BEFORE CLOSING, WILL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF BUYER, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS WERE KNOWN OR UNKNOWN AT CLOSING. ONCE CLOSING HAS OCCURRED, BUYER INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS AND RELEASES SELLER FROM LIABILITY FOR ANY LATENT DEFECTS AND FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY, INCLUDING LIABILITY UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA), THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND RECOVERY ACT (RCRA), THE TEXAS SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ACT, OR THE TEXAS WATER CODE. ONCE CLOSING HAS OCCURRED, BUYER INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS AND RELEASES SELLER FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY ARISING AS THE RESULT OF SELLER’S OWN NEGLIGENCE OR THE NEGLIGENCE OF SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVES. ONCE CLOSING HAS OCCURRED, BUYER INDEMNIFIES, HOLDS HARMLESS AND RELEASES SELLER FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY ARISING AS THE RESULT OF THEORIES OF PRODUCTS LIABILITY AND STRICT LIABILITY, OR UNDER NEW LAWS OR CHANGES TO EXISTING LAWS ENACTED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE THAT WOULD OTHERWISE IMPOSE ON SELLERS IN THIS TYPE OF TRANSACTION NEW LIABILITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY.

 

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS EXHIBIT D REGARDING THE PROPERTY WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE DEED WITH APPROPRIATE MODIFICATION OF TERMS AS THE CONTEXT REQUIRES

 

Page 23

 

 

Exhibit E

 

Right to Repurchase

 

Odessa Industrial Development Corporation d/b/a Grow Odessa (“Seller”) shall be entitled to repurchase the property described herein upon the occurrence of any of the following (each a “Triggering Event”): (i) if within six (6) months of the Closing Date, the Property Owner has not filed an application with the City of Odessa for the purpose of creating of an industrial district; (ii) if within nine (9) months of the Closing Date, the Property Owner has failed to enter into a definitive power supply agreement with a customer committing the customer to a material number of payment(s) regardless of power usage (“Power Supply Agreement”); and (iii) within twenty four (24) months after the Closing Date, the laying of a foundation for a permanent structure for operation of a data center has not been completed. As used herein, the term “Property Owner” shall mean TEXAS CRITICAL DATA CENTERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TCDC”), for so long as TCDC owns fee simple title to the Property; provided, however, that if TCDC transfers fee simple title to the Property to any third party, the term Property Owner shall mean such third party successor owner of fee simple title to the Property.

 

The Property Owner shall give GROW written notice once it has filed the application for the creation of an Industrial District, and if, six (6) months after the Closing Date, the Property Owner has not filed such application, then GROW shall be entitled to repurchase the Property, together with any and all improvements thereon, at any point thereafter, by refunding ninety-five percent (95%) of the purchase price of the property, (the purchase price being $[5,075,000.00]).

 

The Property Owner shall give GROW written notice once it has entered into a Power Supply Agreement. If, nine (9) months after the Closing Date, the Property Owner has failed to enter into a Power Supply Agreement, then GROW shall be entitled to repurchase the Property, together with any and all improvements thereon, by refunding eighty percent (80%) of the purchase price of the property, (the purchase price being $[5,075,000.00]).

 

If, twenty-four (24) months after the Closing Date, the laying of a foundation for a permanent structure for operation of a data center has not been completed, then GROW shall be entitled to repurchase the Property together with any and all improvements thereon by refunding sixty-five percent (65%) of the purchase price of the property, (the purchase price being $[5,075,000.00]).

 

Upon the occurrence of any Triggering Event, GROW may notify the Property Owner, by certified letter, mailed to the Property Owner’s last known address, of its repurchase of the Property together with all improvements thereon, and shall simultaneously tender payment to a title company of GROW’s choice to be paid over to the Property Owner upon delivery of the special warranty deed by the Property Owner. The Property Owner shall, within sixty (60) days of the receipt of said notice, consummate said repurchase by delivery of a good and sufficient special warranty deed conveying the Property to GROW. Should the said repurchase not be so consummated at the termination of said sixty (60) day period, title to the above-described Property shall automatically revert to and vest in GROW, its successors and assigns, and GROW shall be entitled to immediate possession of the premises and improvements thereon if any; provided, however, that such reversion shall not affect any mortgage or lien which may be in good faith legally existing upon said premises or upon any improvements thereon.

 

If after the date hereof it is determined that no Triggering Events shall occur and that GROW shall not be entitled to repurchase the Property from Property Owner, then GROW shall promptly thereafter execute and deliver to Property Owner, in recordable form, any and all documentation reasonably requested to provide record notice of the termination and release of GROW’s right to repurchase created herein.

 

Page 24

 

Exhibit 14

 

SharonAI Holdings, Inc.
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

 

December 18, 2025

 

1. Introduction.

 

1.1 The Board of Directors of SharonAI Holdings, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) has adopted this Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the “Code”) in order to:

 

(a) promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest;

 

(b) promote full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Company files with, or submits to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and in other public communications made by the Company;

 

(c) promote compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;

 

(d) promote the protection of Company assets, including corporate opportunities and confidential information;

 

(e) promote fair dealing practices;

 

(f) promote the prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code;

 

(g) deter wrongdoing; and

 

(h) ensure accountability for adherence to the Code.

 

1.2 All directors, officers and employees are required to be familiar with the Code, comply with its provisions and report any suspected violations as described below in Section 10, Reporting and Enforcement.

 

2. Honest and Ethical Conduct.

 

2.1 The Company’s policy is to promote high standards of integrity by conducting its affairs honestly and ethically.

 

2.2 Each director, officer and employee must act with integrity and observe the highest ethical standards of business conduct in his or her dealings with the Company’s customers, suppliers, partners, service providers, competitors, employees and anyone else with whom he or she has contact in the course of performing his or her job.

 

3. Conflicts of Interest.

 

3.1 A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s private interest (or the interest of a member of his or her family) interferes, or even appears to interfere, with the interests of the Company as a whole. A conflict of interest can arise when an employee, officer or director (or a member of his or her family) takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform his or her work for the Company objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest also arise when an employee, officer or director (or a member of his or her family) receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position in the Company.

 

 

  

 

3.2 Loans by the Company to, or guarantees by the Company of obligations of, employees or their family members are of special concern and could constitute improper personal benefits to the recipients of such loans or guarantees, depending on the facts and circumstances. Loans by the Company to, or guarantees by the Company of obligations of, any director or executive officer are expressly prohibited.

 

3.3 Whether or not a conflict of interest exists or will exist can be unclear. Conflicts of interest should be avoided unless specifically authorized as described in Section 3.4.

 

3.4 Persons other than directors and executive officers who have questions about a potential conflict of interest or who become aware of an actual or potential conflict should discuss the matter with, and seek a determination and prior authorization or approval from, their supervisor or the Chief Compliance Officer. A supervisor may not authorize or approve conflict of interest matters or make determinations as to whether a problematic conflict of interest exists without first providing the Chief Compliance Officer with a written description of the activity and seeking the Chief Compliance Officer’s written approval. If the supervisor is involved in the potential or actual conflict, the matter should instead be discussed directly with the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

Directors and executive officers must seek determinations and prior authorizations or approvals of potential conflicts of interest exclusively from the Audit Committee.

 

4. Compliance.

 

4.1 Employees, officers and directors should comply, both in letter and spirit, with all applicable laws, rules and regulations in the cities, states and countries in which the Company operates.

 

4.2 Although not all employees, officers and directors are expected to know the details of all applicable laws, rules and regulations, it is important to know enough to determine when to seek advice from appropriate personnel. Questions about compliance should be addressed to the Legal Department.

 

4.3 No director, officer or employee may purchase or sell any Company securities while in possession of material nonpublic information regarding the Company, nor may any director, officer or employee purchase or sell another company’s securities while in possession of material nonpublic information regarding that company. It is against Company policies and illegal for any director, officer or employee to use material nonpublic information regarding the Company or any other company to:

 

(a) obtain profit for themself; or

 

(b) directly or indirectly “tip” others who might make an investment decision on the basis of that information.

 

-2-

  

 

5. Disclosure.

 

5.1 The Company’s periodic reports and other documents filed with the SEC, including all financial statements and other financial information, must comply with applicable federal securities laws and SEC rules.

 

5.2 Each director, officer and employee who contributes in any way to the preparation or verification of the Company’s financial statements and other financial information must ensure that the Company’s books, records and accounts are accurately maintained. Each director, officer and employee must cooperate fully with the Company’s accounting and internal audit departments, as well as the Company’s independent public accountants and counsel.

 

5.3 Each director, officer and employee who is involved in the Company’s disclosure process must:

 

(a) be familiar with and comply with the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and its internal control over financial reporting; and

 

(b) take all necessary steps to ensure that all filings with the SEC and all other public communications about the financial and business condition of the Company provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure.

 

6. Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets.

 

6.1 All directors, officers and employees should protect the Company’s assets and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Company’s profitability and are prohibited.

 

6.2 All Company assets should be used only for legitimate business purposes, though incidental personal use may be permitted. Any suspected incident of fraud or theft should be reported for investigation immediately.

 

6.3 The obligation to protect Company assets includes the Company’s proprietary information. Proprietary information includes intellectual property such as trade secrets, patents, trademarks, and copyrights, as well as business and marketing plans, engineering and manufacturing ideas, designs, databases, records and any nonpublic financial data or reports. Unauthorized use or distribution of this information is prohibited and could also be illegal and result in civil or criminal penalties.

 

7. Corporate Opportunities. All directors, officers and employees owe a duty to the Company to advance its interests when the opportunity arises. Directors, officers and employees are prohibited from taking for themselves personally (or for the benefit of friends or family members) opportunities that are discovered through the use of Company assets, property, information or position. Directors, officers and employees may not use Company assets, property, information or position for personal gain (including gain of friends or family members). In addition, no director, officer or employee may compete with the Company.

 

8. Confidentiality. Directors, officers and employees should maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by the Company or by its customers, suppliers or partners, except when disclosure is expressly authorized or is required or permitted by law. Confidential information includes all nonpublic information (regardless of its source) that might be of use to the Company’s competitors or harmful to the Company or its customers, suppliers or partners if disclosed.

 

-3-

  

 

9. Fair Dealing. Each director, officer and employee must deal fairly with the Company’s customers, suppliers, partners, service providers, competitors, employees and anyone else with whom he or she has contact in the course of performing his or her job. No director, officer or employee may take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of facts or any other unfair dealing practice.

 

10. Reporting and Enforcement.

 

10.1 Reporting and Investigation of Violations.

 

(a) Actions prohibited by this Code involving directors or executive officers must be reported to the Audit Committee.

 

(b) Actions prohibited by this Code involving anyone other than a director or executive officer must be reported to the reporting person’s supervisor or the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

(c) After receiving a report of an alleged prohibited action, the Audit Committee, the relevant supervisor, or the Chief Compliance Officer must promptly take all appropriate actions necessary to investigate.

 

(d) All directors, officers and employees are expected to cooperate in any internal investigation of misconduct.

 

10.2 Enforcement.

 

(a) The Company must ensure prompt and consistent action against violations of this Code.

 

(b) If, after investigating a report of an alleged prohibited action by a director or executive officer, the Audit Committee determines that a violation of this Code has occurred, the Audit Committee will report such determination to the Board of Directors.

 

(c) If, after investigating a report of an alleged prohibited action by any other person, the relevant supervisor or the Chief Compliance Officer determines that a violation of this Code has occurred, the relevant supervisor or Chief Compliance Officer will report such determination to the General Counsel.

 

(d) Upon receipt of a determination that there has been a violation of this Code, the Board of Directors or the General Counsel will take such preventative or disciplinary action as it deems appropriate, including, but not limited to, reassignment, demotion, dismissal and, in the event of criminal conduct or other serious violations of the law, notification of appropriate governmental authorities.

 

10.3 Waivers.

 

(a) Each of the Board of Directors (in the case of a violation by a director or executive officer) and the General Counsel (in the case of a violation by any other person) may, in its discretion, waive any violation of this Code.

 

-4-

  

 

(b) Any waiver for a director or an executive officer shall be disclosed as required by SEC and Nasdaq rules.

 

10.4 Prohibition on Retaliation.

 

The Company does not tolerate acts of retaliation against any director, officer or employee who makes a good faith report of known or suspected acts of misconduct or other violations of this Code.

 

-5-

  

 

Acknowledgment of Receipt and Review

 

Acknowledgment of Receipt and Review

 

To be signed and returned to the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

I, _______________________, acknowledge that I have received and read a copy of the SharonAI Holdings, Inc. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct. I understand the contents of the Code and I agree to comply with the policies and procedures set out in the Code.

 

I understand that I should approach the Chief Compliance Officer if I have any questions about the Code generally or any questions about reporting a suspected conflict of interest or other violation of the Code.

 

   
  NAME
   
   
  PRINTED NAME
   
   
  DATE

 

-6-

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated April 22, 2025, with respect to the financial statements of SharonAI Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as Roth CH Holdings, Inc.) included in this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

 

/s/ Marcum LLP

 

Morristown, NJ

December 22, 2025

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.2

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated March 27, 2025, with respect to the financial statements of Roth CH Acquisition Co. included in this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

 

/s/ Marcum LLP

 

Morristown, NJ

December 22, 2025

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.3

 

 


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the use in this Registration Statement filed on December 18, 2025 on Form S-1 of Roth CH Holdings, Inc. of our report dated April 25, 2025, relating to our audit of the consolidated financial statements of SharonAI Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

 

We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in such Prospectus.

 

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma
December 22, 2025

 

 

 

www.hogantaylor.com

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.4

 

CONSENTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of SharonAI Holdings, Inc., of our reports dated February 26, 2025, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Distributed Storage Solutions Limited, appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

 

We also consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in such Prospectus.

 

 

Wolf & Company,

P.C. Boston,

Massachusetts

December 22, 2025

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

INSIDER TRADING POLICY

 

December 18, 2025

 

This Insider Trading Policy (this “Policy”) provides guidelines to employees, officers, directors, consultants and their respective Family Members and Controlled Entities (as defined herein) (collectively, “Covered Individuals” or “you”) of SharonAI Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“SharonAI” or “we”) regarding transactions in SharonAI’s securities. We have adopted this policy to help prevent insider trading and to assist Covered Individuals in complying with their obligations under the federal securities laws. All Covered Individuals are individually responsible to understand and comply with this Policy.

 

Federal and state securities laws prohibit the purchase or sale of a company’s securities by anyone who is aware of material information about that company that is not generally known or available to the public. These laws also prohibit anyone who is aware of Material Nonpublic Information (as defined below) from disclosing this information to others who may trade in SharonAI securities. Companies and their controlling persons may also be subject to liability if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent insider trading by company personnel.

 

It is important that you understand the breadth of activities that constitute illegal insider trading and the consequences, which can be severe and include possible civil and criminal liability as well as potential disciplinary action by SharonAI which may include termination of employment. You may have to forego a proposed transaction in SharonAI securities even if you planned to make the transaction before learning of the Material Nonpublic Information and even though you believe you may suffer an economic loss or forego anticipated profit by waiting. Covered Individuals who have anticipated needs for liquidity from their SharonAI securities should strongly consider adopting a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan (see below).

 

Cases have been successfully prosecuted against trading by associates through foreign accounts, trading by Family Members and friends, and trading involving only a small number of shares. Both the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority investigate and are very effective at detecting insider trading. Both the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice pursue insider trading violations vigorously.

 

Purpose and Applicability of Policy

 

SharonAI has established this Policy in order to facilitate compliance with laws prohibiting insider trading while in possession of material nonpublic information, and to protect SharonAI from appearances of impropriety, external scrutiny, reputational harm and potential costs of regulatory investigations (including diversion of management resources). In that regard, certain transactions may be of concern not only because of actual illegality, but also because of the potential reactions from investors, regulators and others and the potential costs that may be incurred by the Company addressing such reactions.

 

This Policy applies to all transactions in SharonAI securities, including common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, options and warrants to purchase common stock and any other debt or equity securities SharonAI may issue from time to time, such as bonds, preferred stock and convertible debentures, as well as to derivative securities relating to SharonAI securities, whether or not issued by SharonAI, such as exchange-traded options. It applies to all employees, officers and directors of SharonAI and members of their immediate families who reside with them or anyone else who lives in their household and family members who live elsewhere but whose transactions in SharonAI securities are directed by such employees, officers and directors or subject to their influence and control (collectively referred to as “Family Members”). This Policy also applies to any entities that you influence or control, including any corporations, partnerships or trusts (collectively referred to as “Controlled Entities”), and transactions by these Controlled Entities should be treated for the purposes of this Policy and applicable securities laws as if they were for your own account. This Policy also imposes specific black-out period and pre-clearance procedures on all Covered Individuals and on officers, directors and certain other designated employees who receive or have access to Material Nonpublic Information regarding SharonAI and/or are subject to the reporting provisions and trading restrictions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).

 

 

 

 

Definition of Material Nonpublic Information

 

It is not possible to define all categories of material information. However, information should be regarded as material if there is a substantial likelihood that it would be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision to buy, hold or sell securities. Any information that could be expected to affect the market price of SharonAI’s securities, whether such information is positive or negative, should be considered material. Because scrutinized trades will be evaluated after the fact with the benefit of hindsight, questions as to the materiality of particular information should be resolved in favor of materiality, with trading accordingly avoided.

 

While it may be difficult under this standard to determine whether particular information is material, there are various categories of information that are particularly sensitive and, generally, should always be considered material. Examples of such information may include:

 

Financial results;

 

Projections of future earnings or losses;

 

Proposals, plans or agreements, even if preliminary in nature, involving mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, strategic alliances, licensing arrangements, or purchases or sales of significant assets;

 

Actions of regulatory agencies;

 

News of a pending or proposed acquisition or disposition of a subsidiary;

 

Impending bankruptcy or financial liquidity problems;

 

Gain or loss of a significant customer, contract, program or supplier;

 

Stock splits and stock repurchase programs;

 

Changes in dividends;

 

New equity or debt offerings;

 

Bank borrowings or other financing transactions out of the ordinary course;

 

Patent or other intellectual property milestones;

 

Important product announcements;

 

Major changes in accounting methods or policies;

 

Significant litigation exposure due to actual or threatened litigation;

 

A significant cybersecurity incident, such as a data breach, or any other significant disruption in SharonAI’s operations or loss, potential loss, breach or unauthorized access of its property or assets, whether at its facilities or through its information technology infrastructure; or

 

Changes in senior management or the board of directors.

 

Material information is not limited to historical facts but may also include projections and forecasts. With respect to a future event, such as a merger, acquisition or introduction of a new product, the point at which negotiations or product development are determined to be Material is determined by balancing the probability that the event will occur against the magnitude of the effect the event would have on a company’s operations or stock price should it occur. Thus, information concerning an event that would have a large effect on stock price, such as a merger, may be material even if the possibility that the event will occur is relatively small. When in doubt about whether particular nonpublic information is material, you should presume it is material.

 

-2-

 

 

Information should be considered nonpublic if it has not been disclosed in SharonAI’s reports filed with the SEC, has not been the subject of a widely disseminated press release or has not been widely reported in the media. Once information is widely disseminated and widely reported, it is still necessary to provide the investing public with sufficient time to absorb the information. (See “Specific Policies” below.)

 

In this policy, we refer to information that is both material and which has not yet been fully absorbed by the marketplace as “Material Nonpublic Information.”

 

General Policy

 

It is SharonAI’s policy to oppose the unauthorized disclosure of any nonpublic information acquired in the workplace, the use of Material Nonpublic Information in securities trading and any other violation of applicable securities laws. It is also the policy of the Company that the Company will not engage in transactions in Company securities while aware of material nonpublic information relating to the Company or Company securities.

 

Specific Policies

 

Trading on Material Nonpublic Information. A Covered Individual or a Family Member shall not engage in any transaction involving a purchase or sale of SharonAI’s securities, including any offer to purchase or offer to sell (other than pursuant to a trading plan that complies with Rule 10b5-1 promulgated under the Exchange Act (“Rule 10b5-1”) pre-cleared by SharonAI’s Chief Financial Officer, referred to herein as SharonAI’s “Insider Trading Compliance Officer”), during any period commencing with the date that he or she possesses Material Nonpublic Information concerning SharonAI and ending when such Material Nonpublic Information has been publicly disseminated and absorbed by the marketplace or when such nonpublic information is no longer material. As a general rule, information should not be considered fully absorbed by the marketplace until the second Trading Day after the day on which the information is released. If, for example, SharonAI were to make an announcement on a Monday, you should not trade in SharonAI’s securities until Wednesday. Depending on the particular circumstances, SharonAI may determine that a longer or shorter period should apply to the release of specific material information.

 

As used in this Policy, the term “Trading Day” means a day when national stock exchanges are open for trading.

 

Tipping. A Covered Individual may not disclose or pass on (“tip”) Material Nonpublic Information to any other person, including a Family Member or friend, nor shall such person make recommendations or express opinions based on Material Nonpublic Information as to trading in SharonAI’s securities.

 

Confidentiality of Nonpublic Information. Nonpublic information relating to SharonAI is SharonAI’s property and the unauthorized disclosure of such information is forbidden.

 

Mandatory Guidelines

 

Trading Blackout Periods. To ensure compliance with this Policy and applicable federal securities laws, and to avoid even the appearance of trading based on inside information, SharonAI requires that all Covered Individuals refrain from buying or selling SharonAI’s securities during the Blackout Periods established below.

 

-3-

 

 

Each of the following periods will constitute a “Blackout Period”:

 

Quarterly Blackout Periods: The period commencing on the fifteenth calendar day of the third fiscal month of each fiscal quarter (i.e. March 15th, June 15th, September 15th and December 15th, as applicable) and, in each case, ending at the close of business on the second Trading Day following the date of public disclosure of the financial results for such fiscal quarter (which is generally 45 to 90 days after the end of such quarter).

 

If public disclosure occurs on a Trading Day before the markets close, then that day is considered the first Trading Day. If public disclosure occurs after the markets close on a Trading Day, then the following day is considered the first Trading Day.

 

Special Blackout Periods: In addition to the quarterly Blackout Periods described above, SharonAI may announce “special” Blackout Periods from time to time. Typically, this will occur when there are nonpublic developments that may be considered material for insider trading law purposes, such as developments relating to regulatory proceedings or a major corporate transaction. Depending on the circumstances, a special Blackout Period may apply to all Covered Individuals or only a specific group of officers, directors and employees. The Insider Trading Compliance Officer will provide written notice to Designated Insiders subject to a special Blackout Period. Any person made aware of the existence of a special Blackout Period should not disclose the existence of the special Blackout Period to any other person. The failure of SharonAI to designate a person as being subject to a special Blackout Period will not relieve that person of the obligation not to trade while aware of Material Nonpublic Information.

 

The purpose behind the Blackout Period is to help establish a diligent effort to avoid any improper transactions. Trading in SharonAI’s securities outside a Blackout Period should not be considered a “safe harbor,” and all Covered Individuals should always use good judgment. Even outside a Blackout Period, any person possessing Material Nonpublic Information concerning SharonAI should not engage in any transactions in SharonAI’s securities until such information has been known publicly for at least two Trading Days after the date of announcement. Although SharonAI may from time to time impose special Blackout Periods, because of developments known to SharonAI and not yet disclosed to the public, each person is always individually responsible for compliance with the prohibitions against insider trading.

 

Pre-clearance of Trades. SharonAI has determined that all executive officers and directors and certain other persons designed by SharonAI’s Insider Trading Compliance Officer from time to time (“Designated Insiders”) and their Family Members must refrain from trading in SharonAI’s securities, without first complying with SharonAI’s “pre-clearance” process. This pre-clearance requirement applies to any transaction or transfer involving SharonAI’s securities, including a stock plan transaction such as an option exercise, or a gift, transfer to a trust or any other transfer.

 

Each executive officer or director should contact SharonAI’s Insider Trading Compliance Officer at least two (2) business days prior to commencing any trade in SharonAI’s securities. Although the Insider Trading Compliance Officer will endeavor to clear transactions as quickly as possible, under certain circumstances the clearance procedure may take more than two (2) business days.

 

The Insider Trading Compliance Officer will complete a pre-clearance checklist in the form attached as Exhibit A to this Policy, and where appropriate will give written permission for the transaction in the form attached as Exhibit B to this Policy. The written permission will expire at the end of the second Trading Day following the date of written permission or the beginning of the next Blackout Period, whichever is earlier. Accordingly, Covered Individuals should not request permission to trade unless there is an intention to execute the trade immediately following receipt of written permission.

 

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The Insider Trading Compliance Officer has sole discretion to decide whether to approve any contemplated transaction. The Insider Trading Compliance Officer should exercise this discretion mindful of the broad purposes of this Policy and with due regard for principles of conservatism (meaning that “close calls” should be resolved in favor of declining approval). The Insider Trading Compliance Officer is under no obligation to approve a transaction submitted for preclearance. None of SharonAI, the Insider Trading Compliance Officer or SharonAI’s other employees will have any liability for any delay in reviewing, or refusal of, a request for preclearance in accordance with this Policy.

 

Preclearance hereunder is not a guarantee against investigation or prosecution by federal and state securities regulators, and preclearance hereunder is not legal advice to any Covered Individual. SharonAI may also find it necessary, from time to time, to require compliance with the pre-clearance process from employees who are not otherwise designated as Designated Insiders.

 

Rule 10b5-1 Exception. Rule 10b5-1 allows a person to trade while aware of Material Nonpublic Information if the trade was executed pursuant to a plan satisfying the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 (a “trading plan”) that was established at a time when the person was not aware of Material Nonpublic information.

 

Trades in SharonAI securities that are executed under a pre-existing written plan, contract, instruction, or arrangement under Rule 10b5-1 (an “Approved 10b5-1 Plan”) that meet the following requirements are not subject to the trading restrictions set forth herein:

 

(i) it has been reviewed and approved by the Insider Trading Compliance Officer at least five (5) days in advance of being entered into (or, if revised or amended, such proposed revisions or amendments have been reviewed and approved by the Insider Trading Compliance Officer at least five (5) days in advance of being entered into);

 

(ii) it provides that no trades may occur thereunder until expiration of the applicable cooling-off period specified in Rule 10b5-1(c)(ii)(B), and no trades occur until after that time. The appropriate cooling-off period will vary based on the status of the Covered Individual. For directors and officers, the cooling-off period ends on the later of (x) 90 days after adoption or certain modifications of the 10b5-1 plan; or (y) two (2) business days following disclosure of the Company’s financial results in a Form 10-Q or Form 10-K for the quarter in which the 10b5-1 plan was adopted. For all other Covered Individuals, the cooling-off period ends 30 days after adoption or modification of the 10b5-1 plan. This required cooling-off period will apply to the entry into a new 10b5-1 plan and any revision or modification of a 10b5-1 plan;

 

(iii) it is entered into in good faith by the Covered Individual, and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rule 10b5-1, at a time when the Covered Individual is not in possession of Material Nonpublic Information about SharonAI; and, if the Covered Individual is a director or officer, the 10b5-1 plan must include representations by the Covered Individual certifying to that effect;

 

(iv) it gives a third party the discretionary authority to execute such purchases and sales, outside the control of the Covered Individual, so long as such third party does not possess any Material Nonpublic Information about SharonAI; or explicitly specifies the security or securities to be purchased or sold, the number of shares, the prices and/or dates of transactions, or other formula(s) describing such transactions; and

 

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(v) it is the only outstanding Approved 10b5-1 Plan entered into by the Covered Individual (subject to the exceptions set out in Rule 10b5-1(c)(ii)(D)).

 

No Approved 10b5-1 Plan may be adopted during a Blackout Period.

 

A Covered Individual may not enter into any transaction in SharonAI securities while that Covered Individual has a Rule 10b5-1 plan in effect. An exception may be permitted, to the extent not unlawful, for an Approved Rule 10b5-1 Plan that (a) relates solely to SharonAI securities acquired under SharonAI’s equity incentive plans and (b) is designed and actually operated in order to pay or otherwise discharge income or withholding tax obligations that accrue upon the exercise, vesting or settlement of awards under SharonAI’s equity incentive plans.

 

If you are considering entering into, modifying or terminating an Approved 10b5-1 Plan or have any questions regarding Approved Rule 10b5-1 Plans, please contact the Insider Trading Compliance Officer. You should consult your own legal and tax advisors before entering into, or modifying or terminating, an Approved 10b5-1 Plan. A trading plan, contract, instruction or arrangement will not qualify as an Approved 10b5-1 Plan without the prior review and approval of the Insider Trading Compliance Officer as described above. Compliance of an Approved Rule 10b5-1 Plan with the terms of Rule 10b5-1 and the execution of transactions pursuant to the Approved Rule 10b5-1 Plan are the sole responsibility of the person initiating the Approved Rule 10b5-1 Plan, and none of SharonAI, the Insider Trading Compliance Officer, or SharonAI’s other employees assumes any liability for the legality or consequences relating to a person entering into, informing SharonAI of, or trading under, an Approved Rule 10b5-1 Plan. Preclearance of an Approved Rule 10b5-1 Plan is not a guarantee against investigation and prosecution by federal and state securities regulators, and preclearance hereunder is not legal advice to any Covered Individual.

 

The Insider Trading Compliance Officer may circulate from time to time additional criteria for clearance of trading plans. Section 16 Insiders (defined below) must provide prompt notice to the Insider Trading Compliance Officer of all transactions under trading plans to facilitate filings required under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. Such filings are generally due within two (2) business days of a trade.

 

SharonAI reserves the right to bar any transactions in SharonAI securities, even those pursuant to trading plans previously approved, if the Insider Trading Compliance Officer or SharonAI’s Board of Directors, in consultation with the Insider Trading Compliance Officer, determines that such a bar is appropriate under the circumstances.

 

Individual Responsibility. Every Covered Individual has the individual responsibility to comply with this Policy against insider trading, regardless of whether a transaction is executed outside a Blackout Period or is pre-cleared by SharonAI. The restrictions and procedures are intended to help avoid inadvertent instances of improper insider trading, but appropriate judgment should always be exercised by each Covered Individual regarding any trade in SharonAI’s securities. Trading decisions should be informed by principles of conservatism - meaning that “close calls” should be resolved in favor of not trading until the decision is no longer a “close call.”

 

Certain Other Exemptions and Exceptions

 

Vesting of Restricted Stock or Settlement of Performance Stock Units. This Policy does not apply to our automatic deduction of shares from your restricted stock or performance stock unit account to satisfy the minimum statutory tax withholding liability when restricted stock vests or settlement of performance stock units. The prohibition does apply, however, to any open market sale of vested shares.

 

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Stock Options Exercises. For purposes of this Policy, SharonAI considers that the exercise of stock options under SharonAI’s stock option plans (but not the sale of the underlying stock) to be exempt. This Policy does apply, however, to any sale of stock as part of a broker-assisted “cashless” exercise of an option or any market sale for the purpose of generating the cash needed to pay the exercise price of an option.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan. This Policy does not apply to purchases of SharonAI stock in SharonAI’s employee stock purchase plan, if any, resulting from periodic contributions of money to the plan pursuant to the elections made at the time of enrollment in the plan. This Policy also does not apply to purchases of SharonAI stock resulting from lump sum contributions to the plan, provided that the participant elected to participate by lump-sum payment at the beginning of the applicable enrollment period. This Policy does apply to a participant’s election to participate in or increase his or her participation in the plan, and to a participant’s sales of SharonAI stock purchased pursuant to the plan.

 

Transactions Not Involving a Purchase or Sale. Bona fide gifts are not transactions subject to this Policy, unless (a) the person making the gift has reason to believe that the recipient intends to sell the gifted securities while the officer, employee or director is aware of Material Nonpublic Information, or (b) the person making the gift is subject to the trading restrictions specified above under the heading “Mandatory Guidelines” and the person making the gift has reason to believe that the recipient intends to sell the gifted securities when the person making the gift is not permitted to sell such securities. Further, transactions in mutual funds that are invested in SharonAI securities are not transactions subject to this Policy.

 

Information Known to Both Parties of a Transaction. A transaction otherwise prohibited under this Policy may be permitted with the advance written approval of the Insider Trading Compliance Officer if all material information concerning SharonAI has been publicly disclosed or is known by both parties to the proposed transaction. This type of approval is intended to be used only in unusual circumstances, and a Covered Individual should not assume that such an approval will be granted even if the pre-conditions to such approval are satisfied.

 

Applicability of Policy to Inside Information Regarding Other Companies

 

It is the policy of the Company that no Covered Individual who, in the course of working for the Company, learns of material nonpublic information about a company (1) with which the Company does business, such as the Company’s distributors, vendors, customers and suppliers, or (2) that is involved in a potential transaction or business relationship with Company, may engage in transactions in that company’s securities until the information becomes public or is no longer material. All Covered Individuals should treat SharonAI’s business partners with the same care required with respect to information related directly to SharonAI.

 

Section 16 Liability - Directors and Officers

 

Certain officers and all directors of SharonAI (“Section 16 Insiders”) must also comply with the reporting obligations and limitations on short-swing profit transactions set forth in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. The practical effect of these provisions is that any officer or director who purchases and sells SharonAI’s securities within a six-month period must disgorge all profits to SharonAI whether or not he or she had knowledge of any Material Nonpublic Information. Under these provisions, and so long as certain other criteria are met, neither the receipt of stock or stock options under SharonAI’s stock plans, nor the exercise of options nor the receipt of stock under SharonAI’s employee stock purchase plan, dividend reinvestment plan or SharonAI’s 401(k) retirement plan is deemed a purchase that can be matched against a sale for Section 16(b) short-swing profit disgorgement purposes; however, the sale of any such shares so obtained is a sale for these purposes. The rules on recovery of short-swing profits are absolute and do not depend on whether a person has Material Nonpublic Information.

 

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Other Prohibited Transactions

 

Short Sales. Short sales of SharonAI securities (i.e., the sale of a security that the seller does not own) may evidence an expectation on the part of the seller that the securities will decline in value. These transactions therefore have the potential to signal to the market that the seller lacks confidence in SharonAI’s prospects and to reduce the seller’s incentive to seek to improve SharonAI’s performance. For these reasons, short sales of SharonAI securities are prohibited under this Policy. In addition, Section 16(c) of the Exchange Act prohibits officers and directors from engaging in short sales.

 

Publicly Traded Options. A transaction in options is, in effect, a bet on the short-term movement of SharonAI’s stock and therefore creates the appearance that the Covered Individuals is trading based on inside information. Transactions in options also may focus the trader’s attention on short-term performance at the expense of SharonAI’s long-term objectives. Accordingly, transactions in puts, calls or other derivative securities, on an exchange or in any other organized market, are prohibited. Option positions arising from certain types of hedging transactions are governed by the section below captioned “Hedging or Monetization Transactions.”

 

Hedging or Monetization Transactions. Certain forms of hedging or monetization transactions, such as zero-cost collars and forward sale contracts, allow a Covered Individual to lock in much of the value of his stock holdings, often in exchange for all or part of the potential for upside appreciation in the stock. These transactions would allow a Covered Individual to continue to own the covered securities, but without the full risks and rewards of ownership. When that occurs, their interests and the interests of SharonAI and its shareholders may be misaligned and may signal a message to the trading market that may not be in the best interests of SharonAI and its shareholders at the time it is conveyed. Accordingly, hedging transactions and all other forms of monetization transactions are prohibited.

 

Margin Accounts and Pledges. Securities held in a margin account may be sold by the broker without the customer’s consent if the customer fails to meet a margin call. Similarly, securities pledged (or hypothecated) as collateral for a loan may be sold in foreclosure if the borrower defaults on the loan. A margin sale or foreclosure sale may occur at a time when the pledgor is aware of Material Nonpublic Information or otherwise is not permitted to trade in SharonAI securities pursuant to Blackout Period restrictions. Thus, Covered Individuals are prohibited from pledging SharonAI securities as collateral for a loan or holding shares of SharonAI stock in a margin account.

 

Market Limit Orders. To prevent Covered Individuals from accidentally engaging in a transaction when trading is not allowed, Covered Individuals may not enter into any market limit orders with their brokers for securities of SharonAI other than orders that expire before the commencement of a Blackout Period. Designated Insiders subject to pre-clearance requirements are subject to the additional restriction that they may not enter any market limit order for SharonAI securities except market limit orders that expire within the time allowed for trading after receiving written permission to trade from the Insider Trading Compliance Officer. All other market limit orders by Covered Individuals for SharonAI securities are prohibited. This paragraph does not, however, apply to 10b5-1 trading plans. (See “Rule 10b5-1 Exemption” above.)

 

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Post-Termination Transactions

 

Upon termination of service with SharonAI, a Covered Individual continues to be subject to this Policy, as well as applicable securities laws, for so long as such person is aware of Material Nonpublic Information. Covered Individuals also remain subject to SharonAI’s policies regarding the safeguarding of confidential information.

 

If a Covered Individual’s relationship with SharonAI terminates during a Blackout Period, such Covered Individual will continue to be subject to this Policy, and specifically to the ongoing prohibition against trading, until the end of the Blackout Period, or, if determined to be earlier by the Insider Trading Compliance Officer, in its sole discretion, the commencement of trading on the second trading day following public announcement of the last Material Nonpublic Information of which a Covered Individual is aware. The Insider Trading Compliance Officer may use stop transfer instructions to SharonAI’s transfer agent in order to enforce this provision.

 

Communications with the Public

 

SharonAI is subject to the SEC’s Regulation FD and must avoid selective disclosure of Material Nonpublic Information. SharonAI has established procedures for releasing material information in a manner that is designed to achieve broad public dissemination of the information immediately upon its release, including limitations on who can make such disclosures. Employees who inadvertently disclose any Material Nonpublic Information should immediately advise the Insider Trading Compliance Officer so SharonAI can assess its obligations under Regulation FD and other applicable securities laws.

 

Inquiries

 

Please direct questions as to any of the matters discussed in this Policy to SharonAI’s Insider Trading Compliance Officer at the following address:

 

SharonAI Holdings, Inc.

745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500

New York, NY 10151

Attn: Compliance Officer

 

Certifications

 

All Covered Individuals must certify their understanding of, and intent to comply with, this Policy. Please return the enclosed certification immediately to:

 

SharonAI Holdings, Inc.

745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 500

New York, NY 10151

Attn: Compliance Officer

 

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CERTIFICATION

 

The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of SharonAI’s Insider Trading Policy. The undersigned has read and understands (or has had explained) such Policy and agrees to be governed by such Policy at all times in connection with the purchase and sale of securities and the confidentiality of nonpublic information.

 

       
     

(Signature)

       
       
     

(Please print name)

       
Date:        

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

INSIDER TRADING COMPLIANCE PROGRAM - PRE-CLEARANCE CHECKLIST

 

  Individual Proposing to Trade:    
       
  Insider Trading Compliance Officer Representative:     
       
  Proposed Trade:    
       
  Date:    

 

Trading Window. Confirm that the trade will not be made during a Blackout Period. ☐

 

Section 16 Compliance. Confirm, if the individual is a Section 16 Insider, that the proposed trade will not give rise to any potential liability under Section 16 as a result of matched past (or intended future) transactions. Also, ensure that a Form 4 has been or will be completed and will be filed within two (2) business days of the trade. ☐

 

Prohibited Trades. Confirm that the proposed transaction is not a short sale, put, call, hedge, market limit or other prohibited transaction. ☐

 

Rule 144 Compliance. To the extent applicable confirm that:

 

The current public information requirement has been met. ☐

 

Shares to be sold are not restricted or, if restricted, the holding period has been met. ☐

 

Volume limitations are not exceeded (confirm the individual is not part of an aggregated group). ☐

 

The manner of sale requirements have been met. ☐

 

The Notice on Form 144 has been completed and filed. ☐

 

Rule 10b-5 Concerns. Confirm that:

 

The individual has been reminded that trading is prohibited while aware of Material Nonpublic Information regarding SharonAI. ☐

 

The Insider Trading Compliance Officer has discussed with the individual any information known to the individual or the Insider Trading Compliance Officer that might be considered material, so that the individual and the Insider Trading Compliance Officer can make an informed judgment as to the individual’s awareness of Material Nonpublic Information. ☐

 

HSR Concerns: Confirm that transaction does not require purchaser to make or amend an HSR filing. ☐

 

 

 

Signature of Insider Trading Compliance Officer Representative

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

PERMISSION TO TRADE

 

_______________ is hereby permitted to buy/sell [circle one] shares of the common stock of SharonAI, Inc.

 

[Include the following if sales to be made by affiliates pursuant to Rule 144. The securities must be sold in a broker’s transaction, and you may not solicit or arrange for the solicitation of an order to buy the securities you are selling, or make any payment in connection with the offer and sale to any person other than the broker who executes an order to sell the securities.]

 

The permission to sell will expire on the close of trading on __________, 20__.

 

Very truly yours,
   
   
  Signature of Insider Trading Compliance Officer Representative

 

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0002068385 EX-FILING FEES 0 0002068385 2025-12-22 2025-12-22 0002068385 1 2025-12-22 2025-12-22 iso4217:USD xbrli:shares iso4217:USD xbrli:shares xbrli:pure

 

Exhibit 107

 

Calculation of Filing Fee Table

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

(Form Type)

 

SHARONAI HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant As Specified in its Charter)

 

Table 1: Registration of Securities for Initial Public Offering of Units

 

Security
Type
Securities Class
Title
Fee
Calculation
Rule
Amount
Registered
  Proposed
Maximum
Offering
Price Per
Security
   Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price(1)
   Fee Rate   Amount of
Registration
Fee
 
Equity Class A Ordinary Common Stock, par value $0.0001 Rule 457(a)  75,657,895(2)(3)   $1.90   $143,750,000   $0.0001381   $19,851.88 
                             
                             
Total Offering Amounts         $143,750,000        $19,851.88 
                      
Total Fees Previously Paid                   N/A 
Total Fee Due                  $19,851.88 

 

(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(2) Includes 9,868,422 shares of Class A Ordinary Common Stock Shares, which may be issued upon exercise of a 45-day option granted to the underwriters to cover over-allotments, if any.

(3)

Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, there are also being registered an indeterminable number of additional securities as may be issued to prevent dilution resulting from share splits, share capitalizations or similar transactions.