UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
For
the quarterly period ended
OR
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Commission
file number:
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports),
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files). Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |
| ☒ | 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
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As of August 10, 2023 there
were
Table of Contents
i
part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
NYIAX, Inc.
Condensed Balance Sheets
| June 30, 2023 (unaudited) | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $ | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||
| Capitalized software development costs, net | ||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | ||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use asset | ||||||||
| Deferred Offering Costs | ||||||||
| Security deposit | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
| Convertible notes payable, net of deferred debt discounts of $ | ||||||||
| Accrued Payment-In-Kind Interest | ||||||||
| Operating lease obligations, current portion | ||||||||
| Total current liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
| Long-term liabilities | ||||||||
| Operating lease obligations, net of current portion | ||||||||
| Note payable – stockholder | ||||||||
| Total long-term liabilities | ||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity (deficit) | ||||||||
| Common stock $ | ||||||||
| Preferred shares: | ||||||||
| Additional Paid in Capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total shareholders’ (deficit) equity | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ (deficit) equity | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
1
NYIAX, Inc.
Condensed Statements of Operations
For the Period Ended
(unaudited)
| Three Months | Six Months | |||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Revenue, Net | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Cost of Sales | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross Margin | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Technology and development | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | ||||||||||||||||
| Deferred offering cost write-off | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| Other (income) expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | ||||||||||||||||
| Total other (income) expenses | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Loss before provision for income taxes | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
2
NYIAX, Inc.
Condensed Statements of Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity
(unaudited)
| Common Stock | Additional | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shares Outstanding | Amount | Paid in Capital | Retained Deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance - January 1, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock pursuant to restricted stock awards (share-based compensation), net of forfeiture | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of Convertible Notes | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred debt discount on 2023 convertible notes payable | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Balance - March 31, 2023 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred debt discount on 2023 convertible notes payable | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance - June 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
3
NYIAX, Inc.
Condensed Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
(unaudited)
| Common Stock | Additional | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Paid in | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance – January 1, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deemed Dividend from Inducement to Exercise Warrants | - | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock pursuant to exercise of warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance – March 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock pursuant to restricted stock awards (share-based compensation) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of Convertible Note Payable and accrued interest to common shares | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock pursuant to exercise of warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance - June 30, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
4
NYIAX, Inc.
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended
(unaudited)
| June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||
| Net loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use asset | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accrued PIK Interest | ||||||||
| Debt discount amortization | ||||||||
| Share-based compensation | ||||||||
| Bad debt expense | ||||||||
| Change in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| (Increase) decrease in: | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ||||||||
| Prepaid expense | ( | ) | ||||||
| Security deposit | ||||||||
| Increase (decrease) in: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total adjustments | ||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ||||||||
| Acquisition of Fixed Assets | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from convertible notes payable, net of cash discount | ||||||||
| Forgiveness of stockholder payables | ( | ) | ||||||
| Deferred offering cost write-off | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock pursuant to exercise of warrants | ||||||||
| Deferred offering cost | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents - Beginning of period | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents - End of period | ||||||||
| Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | ||||||||
| Supplemental disclosures of non-cash flow investing and financing activities: | ||||||||
| Deferred debt discount on convertible note payable | $ | |||||||
| Conversion of convertible notes payable and accrued interest to common shares | $ | $ | ||||||
| Deemed Dividend from Inducement to Exercise Warrants | $ | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.
5
NYIAX, Inc.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the six months period ended June 30, 2023 (unaudited)
Note 1 — Nature of Operations
Brief Overview:
NYIAX, Inc. (the “Company” or “NYIAX”) was incorporated on July 12, 2012, in the State of Delaware.
NYIAX connects Media Buyers (brands, advertisers or agencies) and Media Sellers (publishers or media) to execute media advertising sales contracts. NYIAX receives a commission or fee upon completion of the media advertising contract. NYIAX does not take ownership or positions of the media at any time during the process.
Going Concern, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company believes it does not have sufficient cash to meet working capital and capital requirements for at least twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements.
Historically, the Company’s liquidity needs have been met by the sale of common shares, the issuance of common shares through the exercise of warrants, and issuance of convertible note payable. Without a new loan or other equity support, the Company would not be able to support the current operating plans through twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements. No assurance can be given at this time, however, as to whether we will be able to raise new equity or loan support.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company’s operations
lost approximately $
As of June 30, 2023, NYIAX had total current assets of approximately
$
Future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including
the Company’s rate of revenue growth and its level of expenditures. Additionally, the Company is planning an initial public offering
of its common stock. To the extent that the offering is not successful, or that existing capital resources, revenue growth and cash flow
from operations are not sufficient to fund future activities, the Company may need to raise additional funds through equity or debt financing
or curtail expenses. On July 27, 2023, NYIAX filed a form S-1 with plans to issue
Management must evaluate whether there are conditions or events considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued.
Due to these factors, substantial doubt exists regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern through twelve months from the issuance date of these financial statements. Management has taken the steps to reduces the losses significantly by curtailing certain aspects of its operations or expansion activities. The financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2023, do not include any adjustment relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
6
Management must evaluate whether there are conditions or events considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued.
Based upon the factors as discussed above, substantial doubt exists regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern through twelve months from the issuance date of these the financial statements. Management has taken certain steps, and is prepared to take additional steps as deemed necessary to reduce its cash burn by curtailing certain aspects of its existing operations or limiting its expansion activities. The financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2023, do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability or classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
NYIAX expects that in order to fully realize its longer term goals, it will need to raise additional debt and equity capital. However, no assurances can be provided that additional funding or alternative financing will be available at terms acceptable to the Company, if at all.
The Company is also subject to certain business risks, including dependence on key employees, competition, market acceptance of the Company’s platform, ability to source demand from buyers of advertising inventory and dependence on growth to achieve its business plan.
The Company has been and could in the future be adversely affected by health epidemics, such as the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the COVID-19 pandemic has generally accelerated a move from traditional media to digital media, many marketers have decreased or paused their advertising spending as a response to the economic uncertainty, decline in business activity, and other COVID-related impacts, which have negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, our revenue and results of operations, the extent and duration of which we may not be able to accurately predict. As a result, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted.
Note 2 — Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements are presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by US GAAP. In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the balances and results for the period presented. Operating results for the period from December 31, 2022 through June 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected through December 31, 2023.
The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed on July 20, 2023.
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 disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates.
On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates, primarily those related to: (1) revenue recognition criteria, including the determination of revenue reporting as net versus gross in the Company’s revenue arrangements, (2) allowances for doubtful accounts, (3) the useful lives of property and equipment and capitalized software development costs, (4) income taxes, (5) the valuation of share-based compensation, (6) assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options and warrants and (7) the recognition and disclosure of contingent liabilities. These estimates are based on historical data and experience, as well as various other factors that management believes to be 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. Estimates relating to the valuation of share-based compensation, options and warrants, require the selection of appropriate valuation methodologies and models, and significant judgment in evaluating ranges of assumptions and financial inputs. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates under different assumptions or circumstances.
Concentrations of Credit risk
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents in the financial statements.
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash, and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash with financial institutions which exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) federally insured limits.
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased, to be cash equivalents. There were no cash equivalents at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash, and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash with financial institutions which exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) federally insured limits.
7
As of June 30, 2023 two Media Buyers represented
As of December 31, 2022, two Media Buyers represented
For the six months ended June 30, 2022 one customer
represented
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Fair value measurements are based on a fair value hierarchy, based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, which are the following:
| Level 1 — | Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. | |
| Level 2 — | Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. |
| Level 3 — | Unobservable inputs. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from independent sources. |
The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Accounts Receivable, Net
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued ASU 2016-13 - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements. The new standard requires that the Company recognize an allowance for losses on accounts receivable in an amount equal to the current expected credit losses. The estimation of the allowance is based on an analysis of historical loss experience, current receivables aging, and management’s assessment of current conditions and reasonable and supportable expectation of future conditions, as well as an assessment of specific identifiable customer accounts considered at risk or uncollectible. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10 – Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates, which amended the effective date for certain companies. The standard is effective for public companies eligible to be smaller reporting companies for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2022. On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, using a modified retrospective approach. The adoption of this standard did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Accounts receivable consists of amounts billed to Media Buyers. Accounts receivable, net are carried at their contractual amounts, less an estimate for uncollectible amounts. Management estimates the allowance for bad debts based on existing economic conditions, historical experience, the financial conditions of the customers, and the amount and age of past due accounts. Receivables are considered past due if full payment is not received by the contractual due date. Past due accounts are generally written off against the allowance for bad debts only after all collection attempts have been exhausted.
The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations
of Media Buyers. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in existing
accounts receivable. The allowance for doubtful accounts is determined based on historical collection experience and the review in each
period of the status of the then-outstanding accounts receivable, while taking into consideration current client information, subsequent
collection history and other relevant data. The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts on a quarterly basis. For the year
ended and December 31, 2022, the Company had no allowance for doubtful accounts and no write-offs of accounts receivable. For
the period ended June 30, 2023, the Company had an allowance for doubtful accounts of $
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net
of accumulated depreciation and amortization, which is recorded commencing at the in-service date using the straight-line method over
the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:
Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred and major improvements are capitalized. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in the Company’s operating results.
8
Capitalized Software Development Costs
The Company capitalizes or expenses costs associated with creating internally developed software related to the Company’s technology infrastructure in accordance with ASC 350 – 40, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal Use Software, that generally relate to software that the Company does not intend to sell or market.
All costs incurred during the preliminary project stages are expensed as incurred. Once the projects have been committed to and it is probable that the projects will meet functional requirements, costs are capitalized in accordance with guidance. Amortization commences when the software is available for its intended use. The estimated useful life of the capitalized software development costs is five years. The Company commenced amortizing the capitalized software development costs related to its platform in January 2020.
Certain long-lived assets including capitalized software development costs are also subject to measurement at fair value on a nonrecurring basis if they are deemed to be impaired as a result of an impairment review. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022, no impairments were recorded on those assets.
Revenue Recognition
NYIAX brings together Media Buyers (brands, advertisers or agencies) and Media Sellers (publishers or media) to execute media sales contracts. NYIAX receives a fee upon completion of the media contract. NYIAX does not take ownership of or positions in the media at any time during the process.
Generally, the Company bills Media Buyers the gross amount of advertising, including the Company’s commissions or fees in a single invoice and pays the Media Seller upon receipt. The Company’s accounts receivable are recorded at the amount of gross billings for the amounts it is responsible to collect, and accounts payable are recorded at the amount payable to Media Seller.
Substantially all of the Company’s revenues are recognized at the point in time that the (i) contract reconciliations are completed, (ii) accepted by the Media Buyer and Media Seller, and (iii) NYIAX’s performance obligations are completed.
The Company maintains agreements with each Media Buyer and Media Seller which set out the terms of the relationship.
Revenue is recognized based on the five-step process outlined in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606:
Step 1 — Identify the Contract with the Customer — A contract exists when (a) the parties to the contract have approved the contract and are committed to perform their respective obligations, (b) the entity can identify each party’s rights regarding the goods or services to be transferred, (c) the entity can identify the payment terms for the goods or services to be transferred, (d) the contract has commercial substance and it is probably that the entity will collect substantially all of the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer.
Step 2 — Identify Performance Obligations in the Contract — Upon execution of a contract, the Company identifies as performance obligations each promise to transfer to the customer either (a) goods or services that are distinct, or (b) a series of distinct goods or services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer to the customer. To the extent a contract includes multiple promised goods or services, the Company must apply judgement to determine whether the goods or services are capable of being distinct within the context of the contract. If these criteria are not met, the goods or services are accounted for as a combined performance obligation.
Step 3 — Determine the Transaction Price — When (or as) a performance obligation is satisfied, the Company shall recognize as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the performance obligation. The contract terms are used to determine the transaction price. Generally, all contracts include fixed consideration. If a contract did include variable consideration, the Company would determine the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price based on expected value method. Variable consideration would be included in the transaction price, if in the Company’s judgement, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract would not occur.
9
Step 4 — Allocate the Transaction Price — After the transaction price has been determined, the next step is to allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation in the contract. If the contract only has one performance obligation, the entire transaction price will be applied to that obligation. If the contract has multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to the performance obligations based on the relative standalone selling price at contract inception.
Step 5 — Satisfaction of the Performance Obligations (and Recognize Revenue) — Revenue is recognized when (or as) goods or services are transferred to a customer. The Company satisfies each of its performance obligations by transferring control of the promised good or service underlying that performance obligation to the customer. Control is the ability to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from an asset. It includes the ability to prevent other entities from directing the use of and obtaining the benefits from an asset. Indicators that control has passed to the customer include: a present obligation to pay; physical possession of the asset; legal title; risks and rewards of ownership; and acceptance of the asset(s). Performance obligations can be satisfied at a point in time or over time.
Substantially all of the Company’s revenues are recognized when the contract reconciliations are completed and accepted by the Media Buyer and Media Seller.
The Company maintains agreements with each Media Buyer and Media Seller which set out the terms of the relationship.
The Company has determined that it is acting as an agent for the Media Seller as (i) NYIAX does not obtain control of the Seller’s media (goods & services) before transferring control to the Buyer. The Seller has control of the media. Specifically, NYIAX does not control the specified media before transferring the media to the Media Buyer, the Company is not primarily responsible for the performance of the Media Seller, nor can the Company redirect those services to fulfill any other contracts. (ii) NYIAX does not have inventory or credit risk for the media, and (iii) the Media Seller establishes the pricing in the Smart-Contracts (self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller standardized, and the Media Buyers and Media Sellers agree the pricing.
Share-Based Compensation
The share-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards which are referred to collectively as options and awards granted under the Company’s employee option plans, is measured and recognized in the financial statements based on the fair value of the awards granted. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We use the Black-Scholes model to calculate the fair value for all options granted, based on the inputs relevant on the date granted, such as the fair value of our shares, prevailing risk-free interest rate, etc. The value of the portion of the award, after considering potential forfeitures, that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense in our statements of operations over the requisite service periods. Awards are subject to forfeiture until vesting conditions have been satisfied under the terms of the award. Determining the fair value of stock options awards requires judgement. The Company’s use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of subjective assumptions.
Deferred Offering Cost Write-off
It Is the Company’s policy to defer the
recognition of deferred offering costs Pursuant to the Codification of Staff Accounting Bulletins, Topic 5: Miscellaneous Accounting A.
Expenses of Offering. As of December 31,2022, $
On February 14, 2023, the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission was declared effective by the SEC.
In March, 2023, the Company’s financial advisor, representative and lead underwriter for the offering, Boustead Securities LLC (“Boustead”), informed the Company of its decision not to proceed with pricing of the Company’s Offering.
In accordance with the Codification of Staff Accounting Bulletins /
Topic 5: Miscellaneous Accounting, the Company has written off these costs, $
10
Income Taxes
The Company records income tax expense in accordance with ASC – 740 Income Taxes, as amended mandating how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented, and disclosed in the financial statements. The standards require the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are more-likely-than-not of being sustained upon examination by the applicable tax authority, based on the technical merits of the tax position, and then recognizing the tax benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the current reporting period. The Company has analyzed its tax positions and has concluded that as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, no uncertain positions are taken or are expected to be taken that would require recognition of a liability (or asset) or disclosure in the financial statements.
The Company’s policy is to record interest expense and penalties pertaining to income taxes in operating expenses. For the periods ended March 31, 20 June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no interest and penalties expenses recorded and no accrued interest and penalties.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets, including net operating loss carryforwards (“NOL’s”), and liabilities, are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Deferred income tax expense represents the change during the period in the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Realization of the deferred income tax asset is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income in future years. The amount of the deferred income tax asset considered realizable, if any, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income are met.
Earnings Per Share
In accordance with ASC – 260 Earnings Per Share, basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing the net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted net income per share per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number vested of common shares, plus the net impact of common shares (computed using the treasury stock method), if dilutive, resulting from the exercise of dilutive securities. In periods when losses are reported, the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding exclude common stock equivalents because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The Company has issued employee incentive options and warrants. These employee incentive options and warrants are excluded from the calculation as the employee incentive options and warrants are anti-dilutive.
As of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022,
| As of June 30, 2023 | As of June 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Equity Incentive Plans | ||||||||
| Selling Agent and Advisor Warrants | ||||||||
| Warrants Issued with Common Stock Offerings | ||||||||
| Warrants Issued with Convertible Notes Offerings | ||||||||
| Common Stock Issuable Upon Conversion of Convertible Notes, including PIK Interest | ||||||||
| Total Common Stock Equivalents | ||||||||
11
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2020, the FASB issued 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. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company evaluated any potential impact from ASU 2021-07 and believes it will have no material impact on our financial results.
In June 2016, the FASB issued Update 2016-13 Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The Company evaluated any potential impact from Update 2016-13 Financial Instruments and believes it will have no material impact on our financial results.
Note 3 — Shareholders’ Equity
On June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 the
authorized capital stock of
On June 21, 2023 the Board of Directors approved
a grant of
For the periods ended June 30, 2023 and 2022,
| Three-Month Period | Six-Month Period | |||||||||||||||
| June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 | June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Shared-Based Compensation: | ||||||||||||||||
| Cost of Sales | ||||||||||||||||
| Technology and development | ||||||||||||||||
| Sales, general and administrative | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||
Note 4 — Convertible Notes Payable
Issuance of 2023A Convertible Note Payable
On January 10, 2023, the Company commenced a Convertible
Notes Offering (“2023A Convertible Note Payable”) pursuant to which it offered up to $
The 2023A Convertible Notes convert at two dollars
($
The warrants did not contain obligations of the
Company to (i) redeem the warrants for cash or other assets, (ii) repurchase the Company’s equity shares by transferring
assets, or (iii) to issue a variable number of equity shares and in accordance with ASC480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity,
the Company is accounting for the conversion feature and the warrants as equity. In accordance with ASC 480 written put options and
warrants to issue redeemable equity securities. The relative value of the beneficial conversion features and the warrants were recorded
as deferred debt discount of $
The outstanding principal balance of the 2023A Convertible Notes and
all accrued interest automatically converted into
2023B Convertible Note Payable
On April 3, 2023, the Company commenced a Convertible
Notes Offering (“2023B Convertible Note Payable”) pursuant to which it will offer up to $
12
The 2023B Convertible Notes convert at two dollars ($2.00) per share
concurrently when shares of common stock are sold to the public in the Financing Event, or in the event the Financing Event is not completed
within eighteen (18) months from the date of the individually issued notes, the Conversion Price shall be the price of two dollars ($2.00)
per share and the conversion amount shall automatically be converted into common stock of the Company at $
$
The warrants did not contain obligations of the Company to (i) redeem the warrants for cash or other assets, (ii) repurchase the Company’s equity shares by transferring assets, or (iii) to issue a variable number of equity shares and in accordance with ASC480 Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, the Company is accounting for the conversion feature and the warrants as equity. In accordance with ASC 480 written put options and warrants to issue redeemable equity securities.
The warrants and beneficial conversion option was recorded as the convertible note payable debt discount. The inputs for the Black-Scholes formula, were as follows:
| ● | Term — 12 months |
| ● | Risk-free Interest Rate — |
| ● | Dividend Rate |
| ● | Volatility |
| 2023 B | ||||
| Convertible | ||||
| Note Payable | ||||
| 2023B Convertible Note Payable at Issuance | ||||
| (Deferred Debt Discount) | ( | ) | ||
| Amortization of debt discount for period ending June 30, 2023 | ||||
| Balance June 30, 2023 | ||||
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the company recorded interest
expense from the amortization of deferred debt discount of $
Note 5 — Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions
The Company’s former CEO is also a shareholder and Director of the Company. The former CEO is a co-founder of a private investment fund, GoldStreet Holdings Limited Partnership (“GoldStreet”).
For the three months period ended March 31, 2022, the Company
recorded $
Note 6 - Threatened Litigation
On March 23, 2021, the Company entered into an engagement letter (the “Engagement Letter”) with Boustead Securities, an advisor to the Company for certain corporate financing transactions. The Engagement Letter provides for Initial Public Offering (“IPO”), Pre-IPO and corporate finance transaction advice and the advisor expressed its intent to enter into an underwriting agreement with the Company to act as the lead underwriter for the proposed IPO on a firm commitment basis.
13
For financing transactions, including
IPO and pre-IPO financings, the advisor would charge the Company (i) seven percent (
The Engagement Letter terminated on the later of (i) eighteen (18) months from the date executed (March 23, 2021) or (ii) twelve months from the completion date of the IPO and the term may be extended pursuant to the engagement letter. Also, the Company agreed that the advisor shall have the right of first refusal (ROFR) for two (2) years from the consummation of a transaction or termination or expiration of the Engagement Letter to act as advisor or as joint financial advisor under at least equal economic terms to the Engagement Letter.
On February 14, 2023, the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) was declared effective by the SEC. The Company’s financial advisor, representative and lead underwriter for the Offering was Boustead Securities LLC (“Boustead”). Boustead informed the Company of its decision not to price and consequently the Company was unable to complete the initial public offering at such time. NYIAX requested the SEC declare the offering effective. Upon the SEC approval NYIAX became a 1934 Securities Act reporting company with all the related responsibilities and costs. The Company has determined to continue to pursue an initial public offering (“IPO”) and NASDAQ listing of its securities. On April 12, 2023, the Company engaged Spartan Capital Securities, LLC, as lead underwriter, deal manager and investment banker for the Company’s IPO. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to complete an IPO in the near future, if at all.
On April 7, 2023, the Company received
a demand letter from Boustead. Boustead claims that the Company owes or will owe Boustead approximately $
There can be no assurance that Boustead will not initiate a lawsuit to recover the amounts it claims are owed and any such litigation could impede our ability to complete an IPO and could negatively affect our financial condition. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company would prevail in any lawsuit it commences against Boustead.
14
Note 7 — Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated events that have occurred subsequent to the date of these condensed financial statements and has determined that, other than those listed below, no such reportable subsequent events exist through August 9, 2023. Based upon this review, the Company did not identify any subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the financial statement other than noted above and below:
Purchase of Intellectual Property Portfolio
On July 8, 2023, Company completed the purchase of a portfolio of patents
and trade secrets (the “Portfolio”) from Network Foundation Technologies, LLC (“NIFTY”). The Company issued
The Company has concluded that the purchase of this intellectual property
portfolio is an acquisition of an asset group in accordance with ASC 805-10-55 and the Company will utilize a $
15
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our financial statements and the related notes and the other financial information included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus. Dollars in tabular format are presented in thousands, except per share data, or otherwise indicated.
Revenues
NYIAX’s business model is focused on the creation of a marketplace where the listing of advertising inventory, campaigns and audience can easily be sold through utilization of highly efficient buying and selling technology.
The Company enters into agreements with both the Media Buyers and Media Sellers which set out the terms of the relationship and access to the Company’s platform; the Company considers both the Media Buyers and Media Sellers to be its customers. A media buyer (“Media Buyer”) is typically an advertiser or advertising agency that buys on behalf of an advertiser. Currently, the Media Buyers do not compensate the Company for the use of the platform and other services. A media seller (“Media Seller”) is typically a publisher of content, such as, websites, mobile or desktop applications, podcast, Connected TV (also commonly defined as OTT, over-the-top, and streaming, allowing brands to reach their audience on smart TVs and Internet devices) or other. The Media Sellers compensate the Company for the use of the platform and other services.
NYIAX’s technology platform provides Media Buyers and Media Sellers a marketplace where advertising or audience campaigns are listed, bought, or sold as a durable instrument; thereafter, contract flows directly into the Blockchain for contract management, reconciliation and automation purposes as a count of record. A Blockchain is basically a distributed ledger that tracks transactions among parties, that includes the following fundamental properties applicable to every single transaction: (i) all parties agree that the transaction occurred; (ii) all parties agree on the identities of the individuals participating in the transaction; (iii) all parties agree on the time of the transaction; (iv) the details of the transaction are easy to review and not subject to dispute; and evidence of the transaction persists, unchangeable, over time. The combination of these properties of Blockchain results in a system that, by design, timestamps and records all transactions in a secure and permanent manner, and is easily auditable in the future. Moreover, the ledger is distributed across many participants in the network, and copies are simultaneously updated with every fully participating node in the ecosystem. Due to such distributed nature, the system is highly resilient to downtime. Blockchain allows for immutability, consistency, and continuity of the contracts or advertising contracts from contract formation, execution, and delivery to reconciliation.
NYIAX uses coding through smart contracts (“Smart Contracts”), which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement between buyer and seller being directly written into lines of code. The code and the agreements contained therein exist across a distributed, decentralized Blockchain network, and therefore render transactions traceable, transparent, and irreversible. The use of Smart Contracts allows NYIAX advertising contracts to self-effectuate (reconciling through automation without human intervention), which reduces backend audit and compliance costs for three parties: NYIAX, the Media Buyer and the Media Seller. Finally, all parties to the advertising contracts have the ability to view Blockchain as it populates with the contract formation, execution, and delivery, thereby providing a complete and full audit trail of events and subsequent changes to the contract or advertising contract. To our knowledge, our current implementation of near real time compliance which is displayed to both the advertiser/agency and publisher from contract formation to reconciliation currently does not exist in the advertising industry.
16
NYIAX connects Media Buyers (brands, advertisers or agencies) and Media Sellers (publishers or media) to execute media advertising sales contracts. NYIAX receives a commission or fee from Media Sellers upon completion of the media advertising contract. NYIAX does not take ownership or positions of the media at any time during the process.
The Company acts as an agent for the Media Seller and is not a principal in the purchase and sale of advertising inventory, data and other add-on features.
In 2020 and 2019, to scale the NYIAX platform in a commercial environment with publishers and advertising agencies, NYIAX Media Sellers a substantially reduced transaction fees. In 2019 and 2020 NYIAX had a single Media Buyer and a single Media Seller for a single campaign. The platform was being used by these customers and NYIAX. This campaign concluded on December 31, 2020.
In the first quarter of 2021, NYIAX reviewed its offering and marketing programs, launched a sales process, and hired a sales team.
The sales team was built in 2021 and subsequently reduced in 2022 due to capital concerns.
Factors Affecting Our Performance
Development of the NYIAX platform is substantially complete, although further features and user capabilities are expected to be added. NYIAX is currently monetizing the platform by building a sales infrastructure and attracting Media Buyers, Media Sellers, and business partners. A business partner is an advertising agency that represents one or more Media Buyers in acquiring media for use.
17
Results of Operations For Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022
(unaudited)
| For the | For the | |||||||
| Three-Months | Three-Months | |||||||
| Ended | Ended | |||||||
| June 30 | June 30 | |||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Revenue, net | 88,977 | 339,423 | ||||||
| Cost of Sales | 168,222 | 257,133 | ||||||
| Gross Margin | (79,245 | ) | 82,290 | |||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| Technology and development | 288,811 | 470,043 | ||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 1,583,324 | 1,614,437 | ||||||
| Deferred Costs Write off | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 405 | 535 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 1,872,540 | 2,085,015 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (1,951,785 | ) | (2,002,725 | ) | ||||
| Other (income) expenses | ||||||||
| Interest and debt expense | 339,498 | 475,897 | ||||||
| Total other (income) expenses | 339,498 | 475,897 | ||||||
| Loss before provision for income taxes | (2,291,283 | ) | (2,478,622 | ) | ||||
| Net loss | (2,291,283) | (2,478,622 | ) | |||||
| Net loss per share - basic and diluted | (0.17 | ) | (0.22 | ) | ||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted | 13,561,499 | 11,240,279 | ||||||
18
Net Revenue
For the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022, net revenue decreased to $ 88,977 from $ 339,423, or $250,46. The decrease in revenue is relates primarily to a decreased in the number of new business development headcount.
For the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company was compensated for the completion of 163 Media Contracts with average compensation of $ 546 per Media Contract. For the three months ended June 30, 2022, the Company was compensated for the completion of 249 Media Contracts with average compensation of $1,363 per Media Contract. The decrease in the average compensation relates to the Company pursing more contracts at the lower end of the market.
Obtaining new Media Contracts is dependent on several factors, including on our new business development (sales and representatives) team, which headcount has decreased from eleven at December 31, 2021 to three at June 30, 2023. The following table compares the business development headcount at quarter-end and the Company’s quarterly revenue.
| Business | ||||||||
| Development | ||||||||
| Quarterly | Headcount at | |||||||
| Revenue | Quarter-End | |||||||
| March 31,2021 | - | 1 | ||||||
| June 30, 2021 | 30,084 | 6 | ||||||
| September 30, 2021 | 81,768 | 9 | ||||||
| December 31, 2021 | 482,047 | 11 | ||||||
| March 31, 2022 | 485,065 | 13 | ||||||
| June 30, 2022 | 339,423 | 7 | ||||||
| September 30, 2022 | 124,987 | 3 | ||||||
| December 31, 2022 | 374,830 | 3 | ||||||
| March 31,2023 | 138,037 | 3 | ||||||
| June 30, 2023 | 88,977 | 3 | ||||||
19
Technology and Development
For the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022, technology and Development decreased to $ 288,811 from $470,043, or $181,232. The Company’s technology and development decreased due to expense reductions at the Company, including limited staffing reductions (one FTE) and reduced support from outside vendors.
Technology and development consist of (i) Product development expenses related to the frontend client user interface and backend systems, ongoing maintenance and operation of the platform, integrations with clients and partners applications, including not limited to product and technology team members and outside services. Except to the extent that such costs are associated with software development that qualify for capitalization, which are then recorded as capitalized software development costs; and (ii) Infrastructure costs such as AWS (Amazon Web Services) or other cloud hosting solutions, Software development tools used for the creation and ongoing management and maintenance of the NYIAX platform and service.
Selling General and Administrative
For the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022 selling general and administrative decreased to $ 1,583,324 from $ 1,614,437 or $31,113.
Selling general and administrative consists primarily of personnel costs, including salaries, bonuses, employee benefits costs and the Company’s sales and marketing personnel. Sales and marketing expense also includes costs for market development programs, promotional and other marketing activities, and costs associated with the Company’s executive, finance, legal, human resources, compliance, and other administrative personnel, as well as accounting and legal professional services fees, and rent.
Deferred Offering Cost Write-off
It Is the Company’s policy to defer the recognition of deferred offering costs Pursuant to the Codification of Staff Accounting Bulletins / Topic 5: Miscellaneous Accounting A. Expenses of Offering.
On February 14, 2023, the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission was declared effective by the SEC.
In March, 2023, the Company’s financial advisor, representative and lead underwriter for the Offering, Boustead Securities LLC (“Boustead”), informed the Company of its decision not to proceed with pricing of the Company’s Offering.
As of December 31, 2022, $848,531 of deferred offering costs were recorded on the balance sheet. In accordance with the Codification of Staff Accounting Bulletins / Topic 5: Miscellaneous Accounting, During the three months ended March 31, 2023 the Company has written these costs off.
20
Depreciation and Amortization
For the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022, depreciation and amortization was essentially flat.
Amortization capitalized software costs of approximately $49,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 was classified as cost of sales.
Share-Based Compensation
For the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022 share-based compensation decreased to $ 149,467 from $413,211, or $263,744 due to the full vest of various new awards awarded in the three months ended June 30, 2022, partially offset by the completion of amortizing previous awards.
For the three-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, the Company classified the share-based compensation expenses on the statement of operation as follows:
| Three-Months Ended | ||||||||
| June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Shared-Based Compensation: | ||||||||
| Cost of Sales | 5,288 | 28,577 | ||||||
| Technology and development | 13,386 | 32,962 | ||||||
| Sales, general and administrative | 130,793 | 351,672 | ||||||
| 149,467 | 413,211 | |||||||
The share-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards which are referred to collectively as options and awards granted under the Company’s employee option plans, is measured and recognized in the financial statements based on the fair value of the awards granted. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to calculate the fair value for all options granted, based on the inputs relevant on the date granted, such as the fair value of our shares, prevailing risk-free interest rate, risk-free interest rate, expected term at issuance, volatility, and dividend rate, etc. The value of the portion of the award is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense in the statements of operations on an over the requisite service periods. Awards are subject to forfeiture until vesting conditions have been satisfied under the terms of the award. Determining the fair value of stock options awards requires judgement. The Company’s use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of subjective assumptions.
Interest and Debt Expense, net
For the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022 interest and debt expense, net decreased to $339,498 from $475,897 a decrease of $136,399. The decrease was primarily related to the conversion of the convertible notes payable to common shares partially offset by the issuance of the 2023B Convertible Notes Payable.
Provision for Income Taxes
NYIAX, Inc. is taxed as a “C” Corporation subject to federal, state and local income taxes.
21
The provision for income taxes consists primarily of federal and state income taxes. Actual results may also differ from our estimates based on changes in economic conditions. Such changes could have a substantial impact on the income tax provision. We re-evaluate the judgments surrounding our estimates and make adjustments, as appropriate, each reporting period.
Our effective tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate due to state taxes, utilizations of any net operating losses, potential technology and development tax credits, non-deductible share-based compensation, and other differences.
For the three months ended June 30, 2023 and the three months ended March 31, 2022, NYIAX did not have any income for tax purposes and therefore, no current tax liability or expense has been recorded in these financial statements.
At December 31, 2022, the Company has available Federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”), of approximately $23.9 million to reduce future taxable income which do not expire but are limited to 80% of taxable income and approximately $23.9 million in multiple states the earliest expiring in 2040.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, management believes that Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure (the “Non-GAAP Measure”), provides investors with additional useful information in evaluating our performance.
We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net loss, adjusted to exclude: (1) interest expense and debt expense, net, (2) depreciation and amortization, (3) share-based compensation expense, and (4) other one-time items.
The Non-GAAP Measures are financial measures that are not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe that the Non-GAAP Measures, when taken together with our financial results presented in accordance with GAAP, provides meaningful supplemental information regarding our operating performance and facilitates internal comparisons of our historical operating performance on a more consistent basis by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our business, results of operations or outlook. In particular, we believe that the use of the Non-GAAP Measures are helpful to our investors as they are measures used by management in assessing the health of our business, determining incentive compensation and evaluating our operating performance, as well as for internal planning and forecasting purposes.
22
The Non-GAAP Measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only, have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. Some of the limitations of the Non-GAAP Measures include that (1) the measures do not properly reflect capital commitments to be paid in the future, (2) although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the underlying assets may need to be replaced and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect these capital expenditures, (3) Adjusted EBITDA do not consider the impact of share-based compensation expense, which is an ongoing expense for our company and (4) Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect other non-operating expenses, including interest and debt expense. In addition, our use of the Non-GAAP Measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies because they may not calculate the Non-GAAP Measures in the same manner, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, when evaluating our performance, you should consider the Non-GAAP Measures alongside other financial measures, including our net income (loss) and other results stated in accordance with GAAP.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss for the three-month period ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, the most directly comparable financial measure stated in accordance with GAAP:
| For the Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2023 | For the Three-Month Period Ended June 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Net Loss | (2,291,283 | ) | (2,478,621 | ) | ||||
| Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA Loss to Net Loss: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 49,551 | 36,545 | ||||||
| Share-based compensation | 149,467 | 413,210 | ||||||
| Forgiveness of stockholders of payables | (510,000 | ) | ||||||
| Interest expense | 339,498 | 475,896 | ||||||
| Total Adjustments of EBITDA Loss to Net Loss | 538,516 | 415,651 | ||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | (1,752,767 | ) | (2,062,970 | ) | ||||
Adjusted EBITDA
For the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2022, the adjusted EBITDA loss decreased to $1,752,767 from $2,062,970 or $310,203. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA loss was attributed to (i) a decrease in sales and marketing staff with related expenses, (ii) administrative costs related to the Company going public, such as an annual audit.
23
Results of Operations For Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022
NYIAX, Inc.
Condensed Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
| For the Six-Months Ended June 30, 2023 | For the Six-Months Ended June 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Revenue, net | 227,014 | 824,488 | ||||||
| Cost of Sales | 390,643 | 545,414 | ||||||
| Gross Margin | (163,629 | ) | 279,074 | |||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| Technology and development | 687,662 | 828,341 | ||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 3,131,155 | 4,545,498 | ||||||
| Deferred Costs Write off | 848,531 | - | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 810 | 1,770 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 4,668,158 | 5,375,609 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (4,831,787 | ) | (5,096,535 | ) | ||||
| Other (income) expenses | ||||||||
| Interest and debt expense | 447,481 | 1,171,730 | ||||||
| Total other (income) expenses | 447,481 | 1,171,730 | ||||||
| Loss before provision for income taxes | (5,279,268 | ) | (6,268,265 | ) | ||||
| Net loss | (5,279,268 | ) | (6,268,265 | ) | ||||
| Net loss per share - basic and diluted | (0.40 | ) | (0.58 | ) | ||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted | 13,359,305 | 10,799,832 | ||||||
Net Revenue
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022, net revenue decreased to $ 227,014 from $ 824,488, or $597,474. The decrease in revenue is related primarily to a decreased in the number of new business development headcount.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company was compensated for the completion of 333 Media Contracts with average compensation of $682 per Media Contract. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company was compensated for the completion of 383Media Contracts with average compensation of $2,153 per Media Contract. The decrease in the average compensation relates to the Company pursing more contracts at the lower end of the market.
24
Obtaining new Media Contracts is dependent on several factors, including on our new business development (sales and representatives) team, which headcount has decreased from eleven at December 31, 2021 to three at June 30, 2023. The following table compares the business development headcount at quarter-end and the Company’s quarterly revenue.
| Quarterly Revenue | Business Development Headcount at Quarter-End | |||||||
| March 31,2021 | - | 1 | ||||||
| June 30, 2021 | 30,084 | 6 | ||||||
| September 30, 2021 | 81,768 | 9 | ||||||
| December 31, 2021 | 482,047 | 11 | ||||||
| March 31, 2022 | 485,065 | 13 | ||||||
| June 30, 2022 | 339,423 | 7 | ||||||
| September 30, 2022 | 124,987 | 3 | ||||||
| December 31, 2022 | 374,830 | 3 | ||||||
| March 31,2023 | 138,037 | 3 | ||||||
| June 30, 2023 | 88,977 | 3 | ||||||
Technology and Development
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022, technology and Development decreased to $ 687,662 from $ 828,341, or $ 140,679. The Company’s technology and development decreased due to expense reductions at the Company, including limited staffing reductions and reduced support from outside vendors.
Technology and development consist of (i) Product development expenses related to the frontend client user interface and backend systems, ongoing maintenance and operation of the platform, integrations with clients and partners applications, including not limited to product and technology team members and outside services. Except to the extent that such costs are associated with software development that qualify for capitalization, which are then recorded as capitalized software development costs; and (ii) Infrastructure costs such as AWS (Amazon Web Services) or other cloud hosting solutions, Software development tools used for the creation and ongoing management and maintenance of the NYIAX platform and service.
Selling General and Administrative
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022, selling general and administrative decreased to $3,131,155 from $4,545,498 or $1,383,229, primarily resulting from a marked decrease in share-based compensation of approximately $1,044,000.
Selling general and administrative consists primarily of personnel costs, including salaries, bonuses, employee benefits costs and the Company’s sales and marketing personnel. Sales and marketing expense also includes costs for market development programs, promotional and other marketing activities, and costs associated with the Company’s executive, finance, legal, human resources, compliance, and other administrative personnel, as well as accounting and legal professional services fees, and rent.
Deferred Offering Cost Write-off
It Is the Company’s policy to defer the recognition of deferred offering costs Pursuant to the Codification of Staff Accounting Bulletins / Topic 5: Miscellaneous Accounting A. Expenses of Offering.
On February 14, 2023, the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission was declared effective by the SEC.
In March, 2023, the Company’s financial advisor, representative and lead underwriter for the Offering, Boustead Securities LLC (“Boustead”), informed the Company of its decision not to proceed with pricing of the Company’s Offering.
As of December 31, 2022, $848,531 of deferred offering costs were recorded on the balance sheet. In accordance with the Codification of Staff Accounting Bulletins / Topic 5: Miscellaneous Accounting, the Company has written these costs off.
25
Depreciation and Amortization
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022 depreciation and amortization decreased to $810 from $1,770 as various computers were fully depreciated.
Amortization capitalized software costs of approximately $49,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 was classified as cost of sales.
Share-Based Compensation
For the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022 share-based compensation decreased to $307,734 from $1,382,721969,511, or $1,074,987 due to fully vested awards for board members, executive management and other new awards awarded in the six months ended June 30 2022, partially offset by the completion of amortizing previous awards.
For the three-month periods ended June 30, 2023 and June 30,2022, the Company classified the share-based compensation expenses on the statement of operation as follows:
| Six-Month Period | ||||||||
| June 30, 2023 | June 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Shared-Based Compensation | ||||||||
| Cost of Sales | 12,167 | 37,102 | ||||||
| Technology and development | 26,772 | 32,962 | ||||||
| Sales, general and administrative | 268,795 | 1,312,657 | ||||||
| 307,734 | 1,382,721 | |||||||
The share-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards which are referred to collectively as options and awards granted under the Company’s employee option plans, is measured and recognized in the financial statements based on the fair value of the awards granted. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to calculate the fair value for all options granted, based on the inputs relevant on the date granted, such as the fair value of our shares, prevailing risk-free interest rate, risk-free interest rate, expected term at issuance, volatility, and dividend rate, etc. The value of the portion of the award is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense in the statements of operations on an over the requisite service periods. Awards are subject to forfeiture until vesting conditions have been satisfied under the terms of the award. Determining the fair value of stock options awards requires judgement. The Company’s use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model requires the input of subjective assumptions.
Interest and Debt Expense, net
For the six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022 interest and debt expense, net decreased to $ 447,481 from $1,171,730, a decrease of $724,249. The decrease was primarily related to the conversion of the convertible notes payable to common shares, partially offset by the 2023B convertible note issuance.
Provision for Income Taxes
NYIAX, Inc. is taxed as a “C” Corporation subject to federal, state and local income taxes.
The provision for income taxes consists primarily of federal and state income taxes. Actual results may also differ from our estimates based on changes in economic conditions. Such changes could have a substantial impact on the income tax provision. We re-evaluate the judgments surrounding our estimates and make adjustments, as appropriate, each reporting period.
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Our effective tax rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate due to state taxes, utilizations of any net operating losses, potential technology and development tax credits, non-deductible share-based compensation, and other differences.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and the six months ended June 30, 2022, NYIAX did not have any income for tax purposes and therefore, no current tax liability or expense has been recorded in these financial statements.
At December 31, 2022, the Company has available Federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”), of approximately $23.9 million to reduce future taxable income which do not expire but are limited to 80% of taxable income and approximately $23.9 million in multiple states the earliest expiring in 2040
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, management believes that Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure (the “Non-GAAP Measure”), provides investors with additional useful information in evaluating our performance.
We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net loss, adjusted to exclude: (1) interest expense and debt expense, net, (2) depreciation and amortization, (3) share-based compensation expense, and (4) other one-time items.
The Non-GAAP Measures are financial measures that are not required by, or presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe that the Non-GAAP Measures, when taken together with our financial results presented in accordance with GAAP, provides meaningful supplemental information regarding our operating performance and facilitates internal comparisons of our historical operating performance on a more consistent basis by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our business, results of operations or outlook. In particular, we believe that the use of the Non-GAAP Measures are helpful to our investors as they are measures used by management in assessing the health of our business, determining incentive compensation and evaluating our operating performance, as well as for internal planning and forecasting purposes.
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The Non-GAAP Measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only, have limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. Some of the limitations of the Non-GAAP Measures include that (1) the measures do not properly reflect capital commitments to be paid in the future, (2) although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the underlying assets may need to be replaced and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect these capital expenditures, (3) Adjusted EBITDA do not consider the impact of share-based compensation expense, which is an ongoing expense for our company and (4) Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect other non-operating expenses, including interest and debt expense. In addition, our use of the Non-GAAP Measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies because they may not calculate the Non-GAAP Measures in the same manner, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, when evaluating our performance, you should consider the Non-GAAP Measures alongside other financial measures, including our net income (loss) and other results stated in accordance with GAAP.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss, the most directly comparable financial measure stated in accordance with GAAP:
| For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2023 | For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Net Loss | $ | (5,279,268 | ) | $ | (6,268,265 | ) | ||
| Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA Loss to Net Loss: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 99,102 | 100,059 | ||||||
| Share-based compensation | 359,689 | 870,333 | ||||||
| Forgiveness of stockholders of payables | - | (510,000 | ) | |||||
| Interest expense | 447,481 | 1,171,730 | ||||||
| Total Adjustments of EBITDA Loss to Net Loss | $ | 906,272 | $ | 1,632,122 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA Loss | $ | (4,372,996 | ) | $ | (4,636,143 | ) | ||
Adjusted EBITDA
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the six months ended June 30, 2022, the adjusted EBITDA loss decreased to $4,372,996 from $4,636,143 or $263,147. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA loss was attributed to a decrease in sales and marketing staff with related expenses and technology costs and lower administrative costs related to the Company going public, such as an annual audit.
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Cash Flows, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company believes it does not have sufficient cash to meet working capital and capital requirements for at least twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements.
Historically, the Company’s liquidity needs have been met by the sale of common shares, the issuance of common shares through the exercise of warrants, and issuance of convertible note payable. Without a new loan or other equity support, the Company would not be able to support the current operating plans through twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements. No assurance can be given at this time, however, as to whether we will be able to raise new equity or loan support.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company’s operations lost approximately $5.3 million. The Company generated negative cash flows from operations of approximately $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 of which approximately $887,000 were non-cash expenses, plus approximately $849,000 related to the write-off of deferred offering costs included in net cash used in financing activities.
As of June 30, 2023, NYIAX had total current assets of approximately $1.3 million, of which approximately $1,142,000 was cash and total current liabilities of approximately $6.4 million of which approximately $1.6 million was convertible notes payable and accrued payment in kind interest payable in the Company’s common shares.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and the six months ended June 30, 2022 net cash used in operating activities was $2,668,841 and $3,419,082 respectively.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the net cash used was principally on account of the net loss of $ 5,279,268 less share-based compensation of $307,734, debt discount amortization $321,247, accrued P-I-K interest $126,252 and depreciation, bad debt expense $106,959, and amortization $99,102, decrease in accounts receivable of $ 1,759,028 and an increase in prepaid expenses $87,497, partially offset by decrease in accounts payable of $192,254.
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, the net cash used was principally on account of the net loss of $ 6,268,265 less share-based compensation of $1 382 721, debt discount amortization of $870 333, Accrued PIK Interest of $301,515 increase in accounts receivable of $1 113 787, partially offset by decreases in accounts payable of $678,100 and prepaid expenses of $252,787.
Net cash provided by financing activities six months ended June 30, 2023 and the six months ended March 31, 2022 (restated), were $ 3,018,531 and 533,832, respectively.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the net cash provided by financing activities was from sales of convertible notes payable of $2,170,000 and the deferred offering cost write-off of $848,531.
For the six months ended June 30, 2022 the net cash provided by financing activities was from the proceeds from exercise of stock warrants in the amount of $1,225,810 and partially offset by forgiveness of stockholders of payables of $510,000 and deferred offering costs of $242,000.
Future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the Company’s rate of revenue growth and its level of expenditures. Additionally, the Company is planning an initial public offering of its common stock. To the extent that the offering is not successful, or that existing capital resources, revenue growth and cash flow from operations are not sufficient to fund future activities, the Company may need to raise additional funds through equity or debt financing or curtail expenses. On July 27, 2023, NYIAX filed a form S-1 with plans to issue 1,750,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $4.00 per share. No assurances can be provided that any additional funding or alternative financing will be available at terms acceptable to the Company, if at all.
Management must evaluate whether there are conditions or events considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued.
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Based upon the factors as discussed above, substantial doubt exists regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern through twelve months from the issuance date of these the financial statements. Management has taken certain steps, and is prepared to take additional steps as deemed necessary to reduce its cash burn by curtailing certain aspects of its existing operations or limiting its expansion activities. The financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2023, do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability or classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
The Company is also subject to certain business risks, including dependence on key employees, competition, market acceptance of the Company’s platform, ability to source demand from buyers of advertising inventory and dependence on growth to achieve its business plan.
During the six-month period ended June 30, 2023 the Company sold convertible notes payable:
2023A Convertible Note Payable
On January 10, 2023, the Company commenced a Convertible Notes Offering (“2023A Convertible Note Payable”) pursuant to which it offered up to $500,000 of convertible notes. A total of approximately $200,000 of the 2023A Convertible Notes have been sold.
Under the terms of the 2023A Convertible Notes offered in the convertible notes:
| ● | The notes convert at two dollars ($2.00) per share concurrently when shares of common stock are sold to the public in the Financing Event, or in the event the Financing Event is not completed within eighteen (18) months from the date of the individually issued notes, the Conversion Price shall be the reduced price of two dollars ($2.00) per share and the conversion amount shall automatically be converted into common stock of the Company at $2.00 per share on the Maturity Date. |
| ● | The outstanding principal balance of the 2023A Convertible Notes and all accrued interest automatically converted into common stock of the Company on February 7, 2023, immediately prior to the Company’s receipt of an effective order from the SEC declaring the registration statement of its initial public offering effective. |
| ● | The annual rate of return is twelve percent (12.0%) per annum, which shall be paid as a Payment-in-Kind in the Company’s common stock valued at two dollars ($2.00) per share. |
| ● | Warrants (the “Warrants”) were issued at a rate of one (1) Warrant for every ten dollars ($10) principal amount of notes purchased. Each Warrant shall be exercisable for a period of five (5) years at a price of $5.50 per share. See Subsequent Events footnote for more details relating to the 2023A Convertible Note Payable. |
$200,000 of 2023A Convertible Note Payable were sold.
2023B Convertible Note Payable
On April 3, 2023, the Company commenced a Convertible Notes Offering (“2023B Convertible Note Payable”) pursuant to which it will offer up to $2,000,000 of convertible notes.
Under the terms of the 2023A Convertible Notes offered in the convertible notes:
| ● | The notes convert at two dollars ($2.00) per share concurrently when shares of common stock are sold to the public in the Financing Event, or in the event the Financing Event is not completed within eighteen (18) months from the date of the individually issued notes, the Conversion Price shall be the reduced price of two dollars ($2.00) per share and the conversion amount shall automatically be converted into common stock of the Company at $2.00 per share on the Maturity Date. |
| ● | The annual rate of return is twelve percent (12.0%) per annum, which shall be paid as a Payment-in-Kind in the Company’s common stock valued at two dollars ($2.00) per share |
| ● | Warrants (the “Warrants”) were issued at a rate of one half warrant issued for every $10 of Notes purchased with an exercise price of four dollars ($4.00).and one half warrant issued for every $10 of Notes purchased with an exercise price of two dollars ($2.00) . Each Warrant shall be exercisable for a period of five (5) year. |
$1,970,000 of 2023B Convertible Note Payable were sold.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are a smaller reporting company and are not required to provide the information under this item pursuant to Regulation S-K.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to be effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In designing and evaluating disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute assurance of achieving the desired objectives. Also, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls is based, in part, upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures.
Based on our assessments and those criteria, management determined that our internal controls over financial reporting were not effective as of June 30, 2023, as material weaknesses exist in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and disclosures. These weaknesses are that the Company was unable to provide a timely financial reporting package in connection with the year end audits and quarterly reviews. In addition, the Company identified material weaknesses in the revenue recognition process, expense reimbursement controls as well as errors over financial reporting which required the Company to restate its prior years financial statements. These errors related to material adjustments over the Company’s accounting of deferred offering cost, debt discount, share-based payment awards and related disclosures. This was primarily the results of the Company’s lack of documentation of internal control in place, limited accounting personnel and lack of segregation of duties. Because of continued material weaknesses in our internal control over the completeness of contract recording and accounting personnel that lack experiences in SEC reporting regulation. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2022, there were material weaknesses identified in the Company’s Information Technology General Controls (“ITGCs”). The control deficiencies identified were over the design of internal controls surrounding user access security, and change management for the Company’s internally developed applications and external financial-based software used by the Company. These deficiencies were in regards to user access provisioning, terminations, user access review, change management, segregation of duties of developers and migrators. The Company’s ITGCs were not designed and not operating effectively to ensure (i) appropriate segregation of duties were in place to perform program changes and (ii) activities of individuals with access to modify data and make program changes not being appropriately monitored. These control deficiencies aggregated to a Material Weakness for Information Technology General Controls for absence and limited or no presence of compensating IT Controls that mitigate the risk associated with the IT deficiencies. There is a risk under the current circumstances that intentional or unintentional errors could occur and not be detected.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
During the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, we hired a new controller in January 2023 following the resignation of our former controller in December 2022.
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
None.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1A. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains “forward-looking statements,” which include information relating to future events, future financial performance, financial projections, strategies, expectations, competitive environment and regulation. Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and may not be accurate indications of when such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information we have when those statements are made or management’s good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:
| ● | our current and future capital requirements to support our operations; |
| ● | our ability to maintain or protect the validity of our intellectual property; |
| ● | our ability to attract and retain key executive members; |
| ● | our ability to attract and staff members; |
| ● | our ability to hire and continue to hire qualified personnel; |
| ● | our ability to maintain and continue acceptance within the advertisement and technology industry; |
| ● | our ability to monetize our intellectual property (including patents developed with Nasdaq and purchased from Nifty); |
| ● | competitors and competition; |
| ● | technology development and maintain high standards of technology development; |
| ● | our cash on hand and continued investment; |
| ● | the accuracy of our estimates regarding expenses and capital requirements; |
| ● | our technology relationship with Nasdaq; and |
| ● | regulation. |
Moreover, new risks regularly emerge and it is not possible for our management to predict or articulate all risks we face, nor can we assess the impact of all risks on our business or the extent to which any risk, or combination of risks, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included in this prospectus are based on information available to us on the date of this prospectus. Except to the extent required by applicable laws or rules, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained above and throughout this prospectus.
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Risk Factors
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below and all of the other information contained in this prospectus and in any free writing prospectuses prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you, including our financial statements and the related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” before deciding whether to invest in our securities. If any of the possible events described below actually occur, our business, business prospects, cash flow, results of operations or financial condition could be harmed. In this case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you might lose all or part of your investment.
There can be no is no guarantee that the Company will be successful in its Initial Public Offering.
On February 14, 2023, the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by NYIAX, Inc. (the “Company”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) was declared effective by the SEC. The Company planned to offer 1,850,000 shares of common stock (or 2,127,500 shares of common stock if the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option in full) at a price of $5.00 per share, for an aggregate offering of $9,250,000 (the “Offering”).
The Company’s financial advisor, representative and lead underwriter for the Offering was Boustead Securities LLC (“Boustead”). Boustead has informed the Company of its decision not to proceed with pricing of the Company’s Offering. In addition, because the Offering was not timely priced, the Company was informed by NASDAQ on March 7, 2023 that it would not be in compliance with NASDAQ listing requirements and therefore the Company could not currently be listed on the NASDAQ. The Company has determined to continue to pursue an initial public offering (“IPO”) and NASDAQ listing of its securities as well as other possible financing alternatives. On April 12, 2023, the Company engaged Spartan Capital Securities, LLC, as lead underwriter, deal manager and investment banker for the Company’s IPO. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to complete an IPO in the near future, if at all.
Boustead may initiate a lawsuit to recover amounts it claims are owed pursuant to its engagement by the Company and the Company may initiate litigation against Boustead.
Boustead claims that the Company owes or will owe Boustead approximately $1 million for commissions on funds privately raised by the Company during its engagement with Boustead and approximately $1,230,000 if the Company completes an IPO with another underwriter. The Company disputes the amounts owed that have been claimed by Boustead and further is of the belief that if any commissions are due to Boustead, they would be significantly less that the amounts claimed by Boustead. There is a high probability that the Company and Boustead will end up in litigation over claims by Boustead and claims by the Company against Boustead. Litigation is expensive and time consuming with uncertain outcomes. There can be no assurance that Boustead will not initiate a lawsuit to recover the amounts it claims are owed and any such litigation could impede our ability to complete an IPO and could negatively affect our financial condition. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company would prevail in any lawsuit it commences against Boustead.
Boustead may not release us from its ROFR under our engagement letter agreement.
Boustead has a right of first refusal (“ROFR”) pursuant to the initial engagement letter agreement entered into by and between the Company and Boustead. There can be no assurance that Boustead will release us from the ROFR or that our ability to complete an IPO will not be impeded as a result.
We have incurred net losses and experienced net cash outflows from operating activities. If we do not effectively manage our cash and other liquid financial assets, execute our plan to increase profitability and obtain additional financing, we may not be able to satisfy repayment requirements on our obligations.
Historically, the Company’s liquidity needs have been met by the sale of common shares, the issuance of common shares through the exercise of warrants, and issuance of convertible notes payable.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company’s operations lost approximately $5.3 million. The Company generated negative cash flows from operations of approximately $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023 of which approximately $887,000 were non-cash expenses, plus approximately $849,000 related to the write-off of deferred offering costs included in net cash used in financing activities.
As of June 30, 2023, NYIAX had total current assets of approximately $1.3 million, of which approximately $1,142,000 was cash and total current liabilities of approximately $6.4 million of which approximately $1.6 million was convertible notes payable and accrued payment in kind interest payable in the Company’s common shares.
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The Company has also been historically reliant on sales of debt or equity securities to fund its working capital obligations. As a result, the Company is of the opinion that it will not have sufficient cash to meet working capital and capital requirements for at least twelve months from the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K unless it is able to raise additional capital. Management has implemented various efforts to improve liquidity and conserve cash, including the sale of convertible notes and reducing staffing levels. Because we are not yet producing sufficient revenue to sustain our operating costs, we are dependent upon raising capital to continue our business. If we are unable to raise additional capital, increase revenue and reduce operating expenses we may not be able to continue as a going concern. See the Going Concern, Liquidity and Capital Resources section of the Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of the of Operations for further discussion of the Company’s liquidity and capital resources.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the resulting global economic uncertainty, and measures taken in response to the pandemic, have had, and could in the future have, an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business and operations have been and could in the future be adversely affected by health epidemics, such as the global COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to control its spread have curtailed the movement of people, goods and services worldwide, including in the regions in which we and our clients and partners operate, and are significantly impacting economic activity and financial markets. While the COVID-19 pandemic has generally accelerated a move from traditional media to digital media, many marketers have decreased or paused their advertising spending as a response to the economic uncertainty, decline in business activity, and other COVID-related impacts, which have negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, our revenue and results of operations, the extent and duration of which we may not be able to accurately predict. As a result, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted.
Our operations are subject to a range of external factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic that are not within our control. We have taken precautionary measures intended to minimize the risk of the spread of the virus to our employees, partners and clients, and the communities in which we operate. A wide range of governmental restrictions have also been imposed on our employees, clients and partners’ physical movement to limit the spread of COVID-19. There can be no assurance that precautionary measures, whether adopted by us or imposed by others, will be effective, and such measures could negatively affect our sales, marketing, and client service efforts, delay and lengthen our sales cycles, decrease our employees’, clients’, or partners’ productivity, or create operational or other challenges, any of which could harm our business and results of operations.
The economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has made and may continue to make it difficult for us to forecast revenue and operating results and to make decisions regarding operational cost structures and investments. We have committed, and we plan to continue to commit, resources to grow our business, including technology development, and such investments may not yield anticipated returns, particularly if worldwide business activity continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The duration and extent of the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic depend on future developments that cannot be accurately predicted at this time, and if we are not able to respond to and manage the impact of such events effectively, our business may be harmed.
A recession, depression, or other sustained adverse market events resulting from the spread of COVID-19 could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as the value of our common stock. Our customers or potential customers, particularly in industries most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic including transportation, travel and hospitality, retail, and energy, may reduce their advertising spending or delay their advertising initiatives, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. We may also experience curtailed customer demand, reduced customer spend or contract duration, delayed collections, lengthened payment terms, and increased competition due to changes in terms and conditions and pricing of our competitors’ products and services.
Our business is subject to the risk of catastrophic events such as pandemics, earthquakes, flooding, fire, and power outages, and to interruption by man-made problems such as terrorism and wars.
Our business is vulnerable to damage or interruption from pandemics, earthquakes, flooding, fire, power outages, telecommunications failures, terrorist attacks, acts of war, human errors, break-ins, and similar events. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic, including the reactions of governments, markets, and the general public, may result in a number of adverse consequences for our business, results of operations, and financial condition, many of which are beyond our control. A significant natural disaster could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, and our insurance coverage may be insufficient to compensate us for losses that may occur.
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Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be negatively affected by economic and other consequences from Russia’s military action against Ukraine and the international sanctions imposed in response to that action.
We employ a U.S. based development company, BWSoft Management LLC, (“BWSoft”) with employees around the world, including Russia. In late February 2022, Russia launched a large-scale military attack on Ukraine. In response to the military action by Russia, various countries, including the United States, issued broad-ranging economic sanctions against Russia. Such sanctions included, among other things, a prohibition on doing business with certain Russian companies. The war in Ukraine and related sanctions imposed on Russia could limit our ability to transact with our developer that has employees located in Russia. Currently, BWSoft is not under sanctions. The Company, along with BWSoft carefully monitors regulation initiatives. In the event of future sanctions, BWSoft and NYIAX will react accordingly to provide consistent and safe development services to NYIAX. We are currently reviewing other options for our external development. If our developer were to terminate the employment of these development team members located in Russia, such termination could disrupt or delay the development of incremental features to our platform, increase our costs, or force us to shift development efforts to resources in other geographies that may not possess the same level of cost efficiencies. Additionally, as of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, there are no import or export control restrictions applicable to our business or our relationship with BWSoft.
Since our formation, we have never been profitable. Our lack of operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects and may increase the risks associated with an investment in our Common Stock.
Since our formation, we have never been profitable. Our lack of operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects and there can be no guarantee that we will ever be profitable. Furthermore, we do not expect positive cash flow from operations in the near term. There is no assurance that actual cash requirements for our business will not exceed our estimates. In particular, additional capital may be required if our operating costs increase beyond our expectations or we encounter greater costs associated with general and administrative expenses or other costs.
We may not be able to execute our business plan or stay in business without additional or adequate funding.
Our ability to successfully develop our business, generate operating revenues and achieve profitability will depend upon our ability to obtain the necessary or adequate financing to implement our business plan. We will require financing through the issuance of additional debt and/or equity to implement our business plan, including identifying, acquiring and distributing consumer products, building inventory, hiring additional personnel as needed and eventually establishing profitable operations. Such financing may not be forthcoming. As has been widely reported, global and domestic financial markets and economic conditions have been, and continue to be, disrupted and volatile due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the cost of raising money in the debt and equity capital markets may increase while the availability of funds from those markets could diminished significantly, even more so for smaller companies like ours. If such conditions and constraints exist, we may not be able to acquire funds either through credit markets or through equity markets and, even if financing is available, it may not be available on terms which we find favorable. Failure to secure funding when needed will have an adverse effect on our ability to meet our obligations and remain in business.
The lack of a Board comprised of a majority of independent directors prior to our initial public offering might have resulted in transactions or the resolution of disputes on terms less favorable as those that might have been negotiated had the Board been comprised of a majority of independent directors.
Prior to the date of this prospectus, our board of directors (the “Board”) was not comprised of a majority of independent directors, as required by Nasdaq Rules for companies with securities listed on NASDAQ. As a result, actual or potential conflicts of interest might have existed in connection with previous transactions or the resolution of disputes involving the Company or the Board, particularly those in which directors of the Company might have had a direct or indirect interest. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that transactions or the resolution of disputes occurring prior to the date of this prospectus were negotiated on terms as favorable as those that might have been negotiated had the Board been comprised of a majority of independent directors.
We will have a Board with new members and an even number of directors.
Following the planned initial public offering, the Company’s Board will consist of up to three (3) new independent members. The new directors have not worked together or with management. The new directors will have different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives from those individuals who have historically served on our Board and may have different views on the direction of our business. The effect of implementation of those views may be difficult to predict and may result in conflict amongst the Board members or with management, at least in the short term, and could result in disruption of the strategic direction of our business. Furthermore, following the appointments of our three (3) independent director nominees to the Board, which will occur upon the first day of trading of the Company stock, we will have an even number of directors on our Board. With an even number of directors, the Board could deadlock on certain issues.
Additionally, the ability of the new directors to quickly expand their knowledge of our business operations will be critical to their ability to make informed decisions about our business and strategies, particularly given the competitive environment in which we operate. There can be no assurance that our new directors will have the ability to gain the requisite knowledge in a timely matter.
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Legislation and regulation of online businesses, including privacy and data protection regulations/restrictions, could create unexpected costs, subject us to enforcement actions for compliance failures, or cause us to change our technology platform or business model, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Government regulation could increase the costs of doing business online. U.S. and foreign governments have enacted or are considering legislation related to online advertising and we expect to see an increase in legislation and regulation related to advertising online, the use of geo-location data to inform advertising, the collection and use of anonymous Internet user data and unique device identifiers, such as IP address or unique mobile device identifiers, and other data protection and privacy regulation. Recent revelations about bulk online data collection by the National Security Agency, and news articles suggesting that the National Security Agency may gather data from cookies placed by Internet advertisers to deliver interest-based advertising, may further interest governments in legislation regulating data collection by commercial entities, such as advertisers and publishers and technology companies that serve the advertising industry. Such legislation could affect the costs of doing business online and could reduce the demand for our solution or otherwise harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, a wide variety of provincial, state, national and international laws and regulations apply to the collection, use, retention, protection, disclosure, transfer and other processing of personal data. Our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or to protect personal data, could result in enforcement action against us, including fines, imprisonment of our officers and public censure, claims for damages by consumers and other affected individuals, damage to our reputation and loss of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even the perception of privacy concerns, whether or not valid, could harm our reputation and inhibit adoption of our solution by current and future advertisers and advertising agencies.
Fee pressure may result in a reduction in the fees we are able to charge on our platform, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Fee pressure would be any pressure from publishers or advertisers to reduce the percentage that NYIAX would receive due to the downturn of the value of instruments or specific instruments including mismatched pricing. Fee pressures also have to do with the cyclicality of the advertising market, which is dependent upon the spend based on the particular time of the year. Any fee pressure could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business and results of operations.
Projecting the market’s acceptance of a new price or structure is imperfect and we may price too high or too low, both of which may carry adverse consequences.
If our estimates related to expenditures are inaccurate, our business may fail.
Our success is dependent in part upon the accuracy of our management’s estimates of expenditures for the next twelve months and beyond. If such estimates are inaccurate, or we encounter unforeseen expenses and delays, we may not be able to carry out our business plan, which could result in the failure of our business.
Because we rely on third-party blockchain technologies, users of our platform could be subject to blockchain protocol risks.
Reliance upon other third-party blockchain technologies to create our platform subjects us and our customers to the risk of ecosystem malfunction, unintended function, unexpected functioning of, or attack on, the providers’ blockchain protocol, which may cause our platform to malfunction or function in an unexpected manner, including, but not limited to, slowdown or complete cessation in functionality of the platform.
We depend on a limited number of customers and the loss of one or more of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As of June 30, 2023 two Media Buyers represented 36% and 25% of accounts receivable. As of June 30, 2023, two Media Sellers represented 80% and 10% of accounts payable. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, two customers represented 50% and 11% of revenue, net.
As of December 31, 2022, two Media Buyer represented for 67% and 20% of accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2022, two Media Sellers represented of 61% and 8% of accounts payable.
For the six months ended June 30, 2022 one customer represented 88% of revenue, net.
Due to the concentration of revenues from a limited number of customers, if we do not receive the payments from or if our relationships become impaired with any of these major customers, our revenue, results of operation and financial condition will be negatively impacted.
In addition, we cannot assure that any of our customers in the future will not cease using our products and services, significantly reduce orders or seek price reductions in the future, and any such event could have a material adverse effect on our revenue, profitability, and results of operations.
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Our revenue and operating results will be highly dependent on the overall demand for advertising and could fluctuate significantly depending upon various factors, such as seasonal fluctuations and market changes. Factors that affect the amount of advertising spending, such as economic downturns, particularly in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, will make it difficult to predict our revenue, and could cause our operating results to fall below investors’ expectations and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Our business depends on the overall demand for advertising and on the economic health of our current and prospective sellers and buyers. If advertisers reduce their overall advertising spending, our revenue and results of operations are directly affected. Many advertisers devote a disproportionate amount of their advertising budgets to the fourth quarter of the calendar year to coincide with increased holiday purchasing, and buyers may spend more in the fourth quarter for budget reasons. As a result, any events that reduce the amount of advertising spending during the fourth quarter or reduce the amount of inventory available to buyers during that period, could have a disproportionate adverse effect on our revenue and operating results for that fiscal year. Economic downturns or instability in political or market conditions generally may cause current or new advertisers to reduce their advertising budgets. Reductions in inventory due to loss of sellers would make our solution less robust and attractive to buyers. Adverse economic conditions and general uncertainty about economic recovery are likely to affect our business prospects. Uncertainty regarding economic conditions in the United States and other countries may cause general business conditions in the United States and elsewhere to deteriorate or become volatile, which could cause buyers to delay, decrease or cancel purchases, exposing us to reduced demand for our solution, and increased credit risk on buyer orders. Moreover, any changes in the favorable tax treatment of advertising expenses and the deductibility thereof would likely cause a reduction in advertising demand. In addition, concerns over the sovereign debt situation in certain countries in the European Union as well as continued geopolitical turmoil in many parts of the world have and may continue to put pressure on global economic conditions, which could lead to reduced spending on advertising.
Our revenue, cash flow from operations, operating results and other key operating and financial measures may vary from quarter to quarter due to the seasonal nature of advertiser spending. For example, many advertisers devote a disproportionate amount of their advertising budgets to the fourth quarter of the calendar year to coincide with increased holiday purchasing. Moreover, advertising inventory in the fourth quarter may be more expensive due to increased demand for advertising inventory.
Our revenue can vary greatly from period to period and it is dependent on several factors, including on our business development team. Our net revenue decreased sequentially quarter on quarter in 2022.
Our business is in the early stage and depends on the overall demand for digital advertising, the economic health of our current and prospective sellers and buyers and the on-boarding of new Media Contracts, which can vary greatly from period to period. We currently have only a limited number of buyers and sellers on our platform and need to increase the number of Media Contracts in order to increase our revenues. Obtaining new Media Contracts is dependent on several factors, including on our new business development (sales and representatives) team, which headcount has decreased from eleven at December 31, 2021 to three at December 31, 2022. (At March 31, 2021, the business development headcount was one and revenue for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 was nil.) In addition, our revenue from quarter to quarter has decreased for the three quarters ended March 31, 2022, June 30, 2022 and September 30, 2022, and increased for the quarter ended December 31, 2022 as follows:
| March 31, 2022 | $ | 485,065 | ||
| June 30, 2022 | 339,423 | |||
| September 30, 2022 | 124,987 | |||
| December 31, 2022 | 374,830 | |||
| March 31, 2023 | 138,037 | |||
| June 30, 2023 | 88,977 |
There can be no assurance that we will be able to increase the number of Media Contracts or our overall revenue. In the event that we are unable to increase the number of Media Contracts on our platform, we will not be able to increase revenues and may be unable to continue in business.
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Our business depends substantially on the continuing efforts of our executive officers and key employees, and our business may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.
Our future success depends substantially on the continued services of our executive officers and key employees. If one or more of our executive officers and key employees are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to replace them readily, if at all. The loss of any of our officers, including the chief executive officer, and key employees could cause our business to be disrupted, and we may incur additional expenses to recruit and retain their replacements. On May 26, 2022, Robert E. Ainbinder resigned as our Chief Executive Officer, while he continues to serve as a Director of the Company. On the same day, Christopher Hogan, our Chief Operating Officer, was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer and President. The Board of Directors will be exploring candidates for the position of Chief Executive Officer.
Our management team has limited experience managing a public company and we will incur significantly increased costs and devote substantial management time as a result of operating as a public company.
Most members of our management team have limited experience managing a publicly traded company, interacting with public company investors, and complying with the increasingly complex laws, rules, and regulations that govern public companies. As a public company, we are subject to significant obligations relating to reporting, procedures and internal controls, and our management team may not successfully or efficiently manage such obligations. These obligations and scrutiny will require significant attention from our management and could divert their attention away from the day-to-day management of our business, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. We expect that compliance with these requirements will increase our compliance costs. We will need to hire additional accounting, financial, and legal staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge and will need to establish an internal audit function. We cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur as a result of becoming a public company or the timing of these costs.
We may be subject to litigation from time to time during the normal course of business, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Although we are not currently subject to any material pending litigation proceedings, from time to time in the normal course of business or otherwise, we may become subject to litigation that may result in liability material to our financial statements as a whole or may negatively affect our operating results if changes to business operation are required. The cost to defend such litigation may be significant and may require a diversion of our resources. There also may be adverse publicity associated with litigation that could negatively affect customer perception of our business, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately found liable. As a result, litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We will be subject to ongoing public reporting requirements that are less rigorous than Exchange Act rules for companies that are not emerging growth companies and our shareholders could receive less information than they might expect to receive from more mature public companies.
Upon the completion of our initial public offering, we will be required to publicly report on an ongoing basis as an “emerging growth company” (as defined in the JOBS Act) under the reporting rules set forth under the Exchange Act. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other Exchange Act reporting companies that are not emerging growth companies, including but not limited to:
| ● | not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; |
| ● | being permitted to comply with reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements; and |
| ● | being exempt from the requirement to hold a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. |
In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period. Our financial statements may therefore not be comparable to those of companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
We expect to take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We would remain an emerging growth company for up to five years, although if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of any June 30 before that time, we would cease to be an emerging growth company as of the following December 31.
Because we will be subject to ongoing public reporting requirements that are less rigorous than Exchange Act rules for companies that are not emerging growth companies, our shareholders could receive less information than they might expect to receive from more mature public companies. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive if we elect to rely on these exemptions, or if taking advantage of these exemptions would result in less active trading or more volatility in the price of our common stock.
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If we fail to establish and maintain effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate financial statements and other disclosures on a timely basis could be impaired.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. We are continuing to develop and refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we will file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers.
We are also continuing to expand our internal controls over financial reporting. In order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, we have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, significant resources, including accounting-related costs, and significant management oversight. If any of these new or improved controls and systems do not perform as expected, we may experience material weaknesses in our controls. Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of changes in conditions in our business. Further, weaknesses in our disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement could harm our results of operations or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our financial statements for prior periods. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting also could adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that we will eventually be required to include in our periodic reports that will be filed with the SEC.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the periods ended September 30, 2021 and 2022, and the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, and may identify additional material weaknesses in the future that may cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations or result in material misstatements of our financial statements. If we fail to remediate our material weakness or if we fail to establish and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results, meet our reporting obligations, or prevent fraud. Failure to comply with requirements to design, implement and maintain effective internal controls or any inability to report and file our financial results accurately and timely could harm our business and adversely impact the trading price of our securities. (see item 9A for further details)
Prior to this offering, we were a private company and had limited accounting and financial reporting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal controls and procedures. In connection with the review of our consolidated financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2021 and the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 included in this prospectus, our management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is defined as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Specifically, we identified certain payments made that were not in accordance with our policies, including reimbursement of expenses more than amounts owed, reimbursement of expenses without adequate documentation, and inadequate reporting of amounts paid to contractors.
The material weaknesses identified by management are related to material errors over our financial reporting which required the restatement of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021. As of the date hereof, these material weaknesses have not been remedied. Specifically, these material weaknesses relate to the following:
| ● | Material out of period adjustments over our accounting of deferred offering cost and debt discount fees related to the Boustead Securities, LLC underwriting and financing fee agreement. The Boustead Securities LLC fees were not recorded in the year ended December 31, 2021 and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021. |
| ● | For the year ended December 31, 2021 and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021, the Company did not properly account for its principal stockholder share-based payment awards. The principal stockholder share-based payment awards required the Company to record the value of the compensation as share-based compensation as performance conditions were met. The share-based compensation expenses were not recorded in the year ended December 31, 2021 and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2021. |
For the year ended December 31, 2022 and as of March 31, 2023, there were material weakness identified in the Company’s Information Technology General Controls (“ITGCs”). The control deficiencies identified were over the design of internal controls surrounding user access security, and change management for the Company’s internally developed applications and external financial-based software used by the Company. These deficiencies were in regards to user access provisioning, terminations, user access review, change management, segregation of duties of developers and migrators. The Company’s ITGCs were not designed and not operating effectively to ensure (i) appropriate segregation of duties were in place to perform program changes and (ii) activities of individuals with access to modify data and make program changes not being appropriately monitored. These control deficiencies aggregated to a Material Weakness for Information Technology General Controls for absence and limited or no presence of compensating IT Controls that mitigate the risk associated with the IT deficiencies. There is a risk under the current circumstances that intentional or unintentional errors could occur and not be detected.
The restatement matters were primarily the result of our lack of internal controls over completeness of contract recording and accounting personnel that lack experience in SEC reporting regulation.
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As part of our plan to remediate these material weaknesses, we have adopted the following remediation efforts to improve our internal controls:
| ● | Hired incremental financial staff |
| ● | Established separation of duties for cash payments |
| ● | Instituted new policies for: |
| ● | Expense and payment approvals |
| ● | Payment procedures that include segregation of duties |
| ● | Travel and entertainment reimbursement (revisions of previous policies) |
| ● | Ethics |
| ● | Reviewed payments to contractors |
| ● | Reinforced policies regarding board approval of all material contracts |
| ● | Will be retaining experienced accounting personnel that have experience in SEC reporting regulation after the IPO is completed. |
Risks Related to the Advertising Technology Industry, Market and Competition
The digital advertising market is relatively new, dependent on growth in various digital advertising channels, and vulnerable to adverse public perceptions and increased regulatory responses. If this market develops more slowly or differently than we expect, or if issues encountered by other participants or the industry generally are imputed to or affect us, our business, growth prospects and financial condition would be adversely affected. Our technology could become obsolete and increased competition could adversely affect our business.
The digital advertising market is relatively new, and our solution may not achieve or sustain high levels of demand and market acceptance. While display advertising has been used successfully for many years, marketing via new digital advertising channels, such as mobile and social media and digital video advertising, is not as well established. The future growth of our business could be constrained by the level of acceptance and expansion of emerging digital advertising channels, as well as the continued use and growth of existing channels, such as digital display advertising, in which our capabilities are more established.
Further, the digital advertising industry is complex, and evolving, and there are relatively few publicly traded companies operating in the business. Consequently, the digital advertising industry may not be as widely followed or understood in the financial markets as more mature industries. Problems experienced by one industry participant (even private companies) or issues affecting a part of the business have the potential to have adverse effects on other participants in the industry or even the entire industry. Emerging understanding of how the digital advertising industry operates has spurred privacy concerns and misgivings about exploitation of consumer information and prompted regulatory responses that limit operational flexibility and impose compliance costs upon industry participants. As a general matter the digital advertising business is relatively new and digital advertising companies and their specific product and service offerings are not well understood.
Any expansion of the market for digital advertising solutions depends on several factors, including social and regulatory acceptance, the growth of the digital advertising market, the growth of social, mobile and video as advertising channels, and the actual or perceived technological viability, quality, cost, performance and value associated with emerging digital advertising solutions. If demand for digital display advertising and adoption of automation does not continue to grow, or if digital advertising solutions or advertising automation do not achieve widespread adoption, or there is a reduction in demand for digital advertising caused by weakening economic conditions, decreases in corporate spending, quality, viewability, malware issues or other issues associated with buyers, advertising channels or inventory, negative perceptions of digital advertising, additional regulatory requirements, or other factors, or if we fail to develop or acquire capabilities to meet the evolving business and regulatory requirements and needs of buyers and sellers of multi-channel advertising, our competitive position will be weakened and our revenue and results of operations could be harmed.
Our future operating results depend on market adoption by both advertisers and publishers, which could take a long period of time or may not happen at all. Any delay or failure to adopt by either Media Buyers or Media Sellers could delay revenue or recognition of revenue.
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We operate in an intensely competitive market that includes companies that have greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. If we do not effectively compete against current and future competitors, our business, results of operations, and financial condition could be harmed.
There are other competitors which have vast access to resources and could have the ability to replicate a similar business model in time or with a highly scalable and financially rigorous transaction platform. Our ability to compete successfully depends on elements both within and outside of our control. We will face significant competition from major global companies as well as smaller companies focused on specific market niches. In addition, companies not currently in direct competition with us may introduce competing products in the future.
Our inability to compete effectively could materially adversely affect our business and results of operations. Products or technologies developed by competitors that are larger and have more substantial research and development budgets, or that are smaller and more targeted in their development efforts, may render our products or technologies obsolete or noncompetitive. We also may be unable to market and sell our products if they are not competitive on the basis of price, quality, technical performance, execution, features, system compatibility, customized design, innovation, availability, delivery timing and/or reliability. If we fail to compete effectively on developing strategic relationships with customers, our sales and revenue may be materially adversely affected. Competitive pressures may limit our ability to transact business, raise prices, and any inability to maintain revenue or raise prices to offset increases in costs could have a significant adverse effect on our gross margin. Reduced sales and lower gross margins would materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Technology breaches or failures, including those resulting from a malicious cyber-attack on us or our business partners and service providers, could disrupt or otherwise negatively impact our business.
We will rely on information technology systems, including systems of Nasdaq Technology AB (“Nasdaq”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nasdaq, Inc., as part of our agreement with Nasdaq to process, transmit, store and protect the electronic information, financial data and proprietary models that are critical to our business. Furthermore, a significant portion of the communications between our employees and our business, banking and investment partners depends on information technology and electronic information exchange. Like all companies, our information technology systems and Nasdaq’s are vulnerable to data breaches, interruptions or failures due to events that may be beyond our control, including, but not limited to, natural disasters, theft, terrorist attacks, computer viruses, hackers and general technology failures.
Errors or failures in our software and transaction systems with Nasdaq could adversely affect our operating results and growth prospects. Moreover, errors in debugging or breaks in our system could create delay in publisher and advertiser adoption, which would have adverse effect on our business.
We believe that we have established and implemented appropriate security measures, controls and procedures to safeguard our information technology systems and to prevent unauthorized access to such systems and any data processed or stored in such systems and procedures. Despite these safeguards, disruptions to and breaches of our information technology systems are possible and may negatively impact our business. We have not secured insurance coverage designed to specifically protect us from an economic loss resulting from such events.
Our future success is dependent on Internet technology developments and our ability to adapt to these and other technological changes and to meet evolving industry standards.
Our ability to operate our business is dependent on the development and maintenance of Internet technology as well as our ability to adapt our solutions to changes in Internet technology.
We may encounter difficulties responding to these and other technological changes that could delay our introduction of products and services. The software and tech industries are characterized by rapid technological change and obsolescence, frequent product introduction, and evolving industry standards. Our future success will, to a significant extent, depend on our ability to enhance our existing products, develop and introduce new products, satisfy an expanded range of customer needs, and achieve market acceptance. We may not have sufficient resources to make the necessary investments to develop and implement the technological advances required to operate our business or maintain a competitive position.
Our intellectual property is valuable and integral to our success and competitive position. Any misuse of our intellectual property by others could harm our business, reputation and competitive position.
Our patent, copyrights, trade secrets and designs are valuable and integral to our success and competitive position. Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights, we cannot assure you that we will be able to adequately protect our proprietary rights through reliance on a combination of patent, copyrights, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures, contractual provisions and technical measures from outside influences. Protection of trade secrets and other intellectual property rights in the markets in which we operate and compete is highly uncertain and may involve complex legal questions. In addition, the laws of various foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as laws in the United States. We cannot completely prevent the unauthorized use or infringement of our intellectual property rights, as such prevention is inherently difficult.
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We also expect that the more successful we are, the more likely that competitors will try to illegally use our proprietary information and develop products that are like ours, which may infringe on our proprietary rights. In addition, we could potentially lose future trade secret protection for our source code if any unauthorized disclosure of such code occurs. The loss of future trade secret protection could make it easier for third parties to devise and implement competitive products (and services) more easily. Any changes in, or unexpected interpretations of, the trade secret and other intellectual property laws in any country in which we operate may compromise our ability to enforce our trade secret and intellectual property rights. Costly and time-consuming litigation could be necessary to enforce and determine the scope of our confidential information and trade secret protection. If we are unable to protect our proprietary rights or if third parties independently develop or gain access to our or similar technologies, our business, service revenue, reputation and competitive position could be materially adversely affected.
We may be subject to intellectual property rights claims and validity challenges by third parties, which are extremely costly to defend, could require us to pay significant damages and could limit our ability to use certain technologies.
Third parties may assert claims of infringement of intellectual property rights in proprietary technology or initiate invalidity proceedings challenging our patents, against us or against our advertisers for which we may be liable or have an indemnification obligation. Any claim of infringement by a third party, even those without merit, could cause us to incur substantial costs defending against the claim and could distract our management from operating our business. We might not have the necessary capital to defend against any potential claims which could adversely affect our business. There can be no assurance that any patents which we may file will be granted by the USPTO and foreign patent offices in the future.
Although third parties may offer a license to their technology, the terms of any offered license may not be acceptable and the failure to obtain a license or the costs associated with any license could cause our business, financial condition and results of operations to be materially and adversely affected. In addition, some licenses may be non-exclusive, and therefore our competitors may have access to the same technology licensed to us. Alternatively, we may be required to develop non-infringing technology, which could require significant effort and expense and ultimately may not be successful. Furthermore, a successful claimant could secure a judgment, or we may agree to a settlement that prevents us from distributing certain products or performing certain services or that requires us to pay substantial damages, including treble damages if we are found to have willfully infringed such claimant’s patents or copyrights, royalties or other fees. Any of these events could seriously harm our business financial condition and results of operations.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
2023B Convertible Note Payable
On April 3, 2023, the Company commenced a Convertible Notes Offering (“2023B Convertible Note Payable”) pursuant to which it will offer up to $2,000,000 of convertible notes.
The 2023B Convertible Notes convert at two dollars ($2.00) per share concurrently when shares of common stock are sold to the public in the Financing Event, or in the event the Financing Event is not completed within eighteen (18) months from the date of the individually issued notes, the Conversion Price shall be the reduced price of two dollars ($2.00) per share and the conversion amount shall automatically be converted into common stock of the Company at $2.00 per share on the Maturity Date. The annual rate of return is twelve percent (12.0%) per annum, which shall be paid as a Payment-in-Kind in the Company’s common stock valued at two dollars ($2.00) per share. Concurrently with the issuance of the 2023B Convertible Notes Payable, the company issued warrants (the “Warrants”) The Warrants were issued at a rate of one half warrant issued for every $10 of notes purchased with an exercise price of four dollars ($4.00) and one half warrant issued for every $10 of notes purchased with an exercise price of two dollars ($2.00). Each Warrant shall be exercisable for a period of five (5) years.
$1,970,000 of 2023B Convertible Note Payable were sold and the note offering was closed.
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
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Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are included and filed with this report.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on August 14, 2023.
| Person | Capacity | Date | ||
| /s/ Christopher Hogan | Interim Chief Executive Officer, | August 14, 2023 | ||
| Christopher Hogan | President and Chief Operating Officer | |||
| (Principal Executive Officer) | ||||
| /s/ William Feldman | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | August 14, 2023 | ||
| William Feldman | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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