S-1 1 d152484ds1.htm S-1 S-1
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As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on July 15, 2021.

Registration No. 333-          

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

ORIGIN MATERIALS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   2860  

87-1388928

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 

(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

930 Riverside Parkway, Suite 10

West Sacramento, CA 95605

(916) 231-9329

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

 

 

John Bissell

Rich Riley

Co-Chief Executive Officers

Origin Materials, Inc.

930 Riverside Parkway, Suite 10

West Sacramento, CA 95605

(916) 231-9329

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

 

 

Copies to:

Joshua C. Lee, Esq.

General Counsel

Origin Materials, Inc.

930 Riverside Parkway, Suite 10

West Sacramento, CA 95605

(916) 231-9329

 

Matthew P. Dubofsky, Esq.

John T. McKenna, Esq.

Peter H. Werner, Esq.

Cooley LLP

3 Embarcadero Center,

20th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94111

(415) 693-2000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:

As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement is declared effective.

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

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


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

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

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

 

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☐

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities To Be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered(1)

 

Proposed

Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price
Per Security

 

Proposed

Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price(3)

  Amount of
Registration Fee

Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share

  88,988,474(2)   $7.74(3)   $688,770,788.76   $75,144.90

Warrants to purchase Common Stock

  11,326,667(4)   —     —     (5)

Total

          $688,770,788.76   $75,144.90

 

 

(1)

In the event of a stock split, stock dividend or other similar transaction involving the registrant’s common stock (“Common Stock”), in order to prevent dilution, the number of shares of Common Stock registered hereby shall be automatically increased to cover the additional shares of Common Stock in accordance with Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act.

(2)

Consists of (i) 88,988,474 shares of Common Stock registered for sale by the selling securityholders named in this registration statement (including the shares referred to in the following clauses (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v)), (ii) 11,326,667 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of 11,326,667 Private Placement Warrants (as defined below), (iii) up to 2,156,784 shares of Common Stock issuable as Earnout Shares (as defined below), (iv) 6,398,350 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options beneficially owned by certain affiliates and stockholders of Registrant (previously registered pursuant to the registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-254012) filed on March 9, 2021 and subsequently being registered for resale on this Registration Statement), and (v) 24,150,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of 24,150,000 Public Warrants (as defined below).

(3)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act. The price per share and aggregate offering price are based on the average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock on July 14, 2021, as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

(4)

Represents the resale of 11,326,667 Private Placement Warrants, which were issued on July 16, 2020 and will become exercisable on July 25, 2021.

(5)

In accordance with Rule 457(i), the entire registration fee for the Private Placement Warrants is allocated to the shares of Common Stock underlying the Private Placement Warrants, and no separate fee is payable for the Private Placement Warrants.

 

 

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

 

 

 


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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion, Dated July 15, 2021

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

 

LOGO

Up to 88,988,474 Shares of Common Stock

(Including up to 35,476,667 Shares of Common Stock Issuable Upon Exercise of Warrants)

Up to 11,326,667 Warrants to Purchase Common Stock

 

 

This prospectus relates to the issuance by us of an aggregate of up to 35,476,667 shares of our common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), which consists of:

 

   

up to 11,326,667 shares of Common Stock that are issuable upon the exercise of 11,326,667 warrants (the “Private Placement Warrants”) originally issued in a private placement to the initial stockholder of Artius Acquisition Inc. (the “Sponsor”) in connection with the initial public offering of Artius Acquisition Inc. (“Artius”), and

 

   

up to 24,150,000 shares of Common Stock that are issuable upon the exercise of 24,150,000 warrants (the “Public Warrants” and, together with the Private Placement Warrants, the “Warrants”) originally issued in the initial public offering of Artius.

We will receive the proceeds from any exercise of any Warrants for cash.

This prospectus also relates to the offer and sale from time to time by the selling securityholders named in this prospectus or their permitted transferees (the “selling securityholders”) of:

 

   

up to 64,838,474 shares of Common Stock consisting of:

 

   

up to 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock issued in a private placement pursuant to subscription agreements (“Subscription Agreements”) entered into on February 16, 2021,

 

   

up to 18,112,500 shares of Common Stock held by the Sponsor following a private placement in connection with the initial public offering of Artius and subsequent share recapitalization (including 4,500,000 shares of Common Stock subject to forfeiture if certain milestone are not achieved, as further described below),

 

   

up to 11,326,667 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants,

 

   

up to 6,398,350 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options,

 

   

up to 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock issued by us pursuant to that certain Backstop Agreement (“Backstop Agreement”) entered into on June 14, 2021,

 

   

up to 1,300,001 shares of Common Stock issued by us pursuant to those certain Additional Subscription Agreements (“Additional Subscription Agreements”), each entered into on June 23, 2021, and

 

   

up to 4,700,956 shares of Common Stock pursuant to that certain Investor Rights Agreement (the “Investor Rights Agreement”), dated June 25, 2021, between us and certain selling securityholders granting such holders registration rights with respect to such shares (including up to 2,156,784 shares of Common Stock issuable as Earnout Shares (as defined below)), and

 

   

up to 11,326,667 Private Placement Warrants.

We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock or Warrants by the selling securityholders pursuant to this prospectus.

The selling securityholders may offer, sell or distribute all or a portion of the securities hereby registered publicly or through private transactions at prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. We will not receive any of the proceeds from such sales of the shares of Common Stock or Warrants, except with respect to amounts received by us upon exercise of the Warrants. We will bear all costs, expenses and fees in connection with the registration of these securities, including with regard to compliance with state securities or “blue sky” laws. The selling securityholders will bear all commissions and discounts, if any, attributable to their sale of shares of Common Stock or Warrants. See the section titled “Plan of Distribution.

The Common Stock and Public Warrants are listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbols “ORGN” and “ORGNW,” respectively. On July 14, 2021, the last reported sales price of Common Stock was $7.42 per share and the last reported sales price of our Warrants was $1.81 per Warrant.

We are an “emerging growth company” and a “smaller reporting company” as defined under U.S. federal securities laws and, as such, have elected to comply with reduced public company reporting requirements. This prospectus complies with the requirements that apply to an issuer that is an emerging growth company and a smaller reporting company. We are incorporated in Delaware.

 

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described in the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 8 of this prospectus, and under similar headings in any amendments or supplements to this prospectus.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities, or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

Prospectus dated                     , 2021


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     1  

RISK FACTORS

     8  

MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA

     32  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     32  

DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE

     32  

MARKET INFORMATION FOR SECURITIES AND DIVIDEND POLICY

     33  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     34  

BUSINESS

     46  

MANAGEMENT

     58  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     67  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     82  

PRINCIPAL SECURITYHOLDERS

     87  

SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS

     89  

DESCRIPTION OF OUR SECURITIES

     101  

MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

     113  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     119  

LEGAL MATTERS

     122  

EXPERTS

     122  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     122  

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     123  

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1  

 

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, any supplement to this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither we nor the selling securityholders have authorized anyone to provide you with additional information or information different from that contained in this prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. The selling securityholders are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, our securities only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of our securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

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

To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus, on the one hand, and the information contained in any document incorporated by reference filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission before the date of this prospectus, on the other hand, you should rely on the information in this prospectus. If any statement in a document incorporated by reference is inconsistent with a statement in another document incorporated by reference having a later date, the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement.

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-1 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) using the “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, the selling securityholders may, from time to time, sell the securities offered by them described in this prospectus. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale by such selling securityholders of the securities offered by them described in this prospectus. This prospectus also relates to the issuance by us of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of any Warrants. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants pursuant to this prospectus, except with respect to amounts received by us upon the exercise of the Warrants for cash.

Neither we nor the selling securityholders have authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectuses prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. Neither we nor the selling securityholders take responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. Neither we nor the selling securityholders will make an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

We may also provide a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to the registration statement to add information to, or update or change information contained in, this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to the registration statement together with the additional information to which we refer you in the sections of this prospectus titled “Where You Can Find More Information.

On June 25, 2021, Legacy Origin, Artius and Merger Sub (as such terms are defined below) consummated the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (as defined below), following the approval at a special meeting of the shareholders of Artius held on June 23, 2021. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, a Business Combination (as defined below) of Legacy Origin and Artius was effected through the merger of Merger Sub with and into Legacy Origin, with Legacy Origin surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Artius. Prior to the Closing Date (as defined below), Artius (i) changed its jurisdiction of incorporation from Cayman Islands to the State of Delaware by deregistering as an exempted company in the Cayman Islands and domesticating and continuing as a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, and (ii) changed its name from Artius Acquisition Inc. to Origin Materials, Inc.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, references in this prospectus to the “Company,” “Origin,” “we,” “us,” “our” and similar terms refer to Origin Materials, Inc. (f/k/a Artius Acquisition Inc.) and its consolidated subsidiaries (including Legacy Origin). References to “Artius” refer to the predecessor company prior to the consummation of the Business Combination.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements contained in this prospectus constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements include statements about our future financial and operating results; benefits of the Business Combination; statements about the plans, strategies and objectives of management for our future operations; statements regarding future performance; and other statements regarding the Business Combination. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of terminology such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words or phrases.

The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus reflect our current views and are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause its actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:

 

   

our ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition and the ability of the combined business to grow and manage growth profitably;

 

   

costs related to the Business Combination;

 

   

our financial and business performance;

 

   

changes in our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans;

 

   

changes in personnel and availability of qualified personnel;

 

   

the effects of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic or other infectious diseases, health epidemics, pandemics and natural disasters on Origin’s business;

 

   

the amount and timing of future sales;

 

   

our ability to secure additional project financing and government incentives;

 

   

our ability to complete construction of its plants in the expected timeframe and in a cost-effective manner;

 

   

our ability to procure necessary capital equipment and to produce its products in large commercial quantities;

 

   

any decline in the value of carbon credits;

 

   

increases or fluctuations in raw material costs;

 

   

our ability to compete in the markets we serve;

 

   

the impact of government laws and regulations and liabilities thereunder;

 

   

the ability to maintain the listing of Common Stock on the Nasdaq; and

 

   

the increasingly competitive environment in which we operate.

In addition, statements that “Origin believes” or “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to Origin as of the date of this prospectus, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such

 

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information may be limited or incomplete, and such statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.

While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. Except to the extent required by applicable law, we are under no obligation (and expressly disclaim any such obligation) to update or revise their forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause our future results, performance or transactions to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, please see the section titled “Risk Factors.” You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to Origin (or to third parties making the forward-looking statements).

 

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FREQUENTLY USED TERMS

Artius” means Artius Acquisition Inc. (which was re-named “Origin Materials, Inc.” in connection with the Domestication).

Artius IPO” means Artius’s initial public offering, consummated on July 16, 2020.

Business Combination” means the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including, among other things, the Merger.

Closing” means the closing of the Business Combination.

Closing Date” means June 25, 2021, the date on which the Closing occurred.

DGCL” means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

Domestication” means the continuation of Artius by way of domestication of Artius into a Delaware corporation with the ordinary shares of Artius becoming shares of common stock of the Delaware corporation under the applicable provisions of the Cayman Islands Companies Act (As Revised) and the DGCL.

Legacy Origin” means Micromidas, Inc., a Delaware corporation doing business as Origin Materials, and, unless the context otherwise requires, its consolidated subsidiaries.

Merger” means the merger of Merger Sub with and into Legacy Origin, with Legacy Origin continuing as the Surviving Corporation.

Merger Agreement” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of February 16, 2021 (as amended by the letter agreement dated March 5, 2021, as it may be further amended from time to time), by and among Artius, Merger Sub and Legacy Origin.

Merger Sub” means Zero Carbon Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Artius.

PIPE” means that certain private placement in the aggregate amount of $200.0 million, consummated immediately prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, pursuant to those certain Subscription Agreements with Artius, pursuant to which the subscribers purchased 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock at a purchase price of $10.00 per share.

PIPE Shares” means an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock issued to the subscribers in the PIPE.

Private Placement Warrants” means the 11,326,667 warrants purchased by the Sponsor in connection with the Artius IPO in a private placement transaction occurring simultaneously with the closing of the Artius IPO.

Public Warrants” means the 24,150,000 warrants included as a component of the Artius units sold in the Artius IPO, each of which is exercisable, at an exercise price of $11.50, for one share of Common Stock, in accordance with its terms.

Sponsor” means the Artius Acquisition Partners LLC.

Sponsor Shares” means the 18,112,500 shares of Common Stock held by the Sponsor following a private placement in connection with the initial public offering of Artius and subsequent share recapitalization. 4,500,000 Sponsor Shares shall be subject to forfeiture in three equal installments unless our Common Stock reaches certain trading price thresholds within certain specified time periods (10 consecutive trading day-closing volume weighted average price targets of $15, $20, and $25 of our Common Stock within 3, 4 and 5 years after the closing of the Business Combination, respectively).

Surviving Corporation” means Legacy Origin following the consummation of the Merger.

Warrants” means the Private Placement Warrants and the Public Warrants.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and does not contain all of the information that you should consider in making your investment decision. Before investing in our securities, you should carefully read this entire prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto and the information set forth in the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Overview

Origin is a carbon negative materials company with a mission to enable the world’s transition to sustainable materials by replacing petroleum-based materials with decarbonized materials in a wide range of end products, such as food and beverage packaging, clothing, textiles, plastics, car parts, carpeting, tires, adhesives, soil amendments and more. We believe that our platform technology can help make the world’s transition to “net zero” possible and support the fulfillment of greenhouse gas reduction pledges made by countries as part of the United Nations Paris Agreement as well as corporations that are committed to reducing emissions in their supply chains.

Our technology converts sustainable feedstocks such as sustainably harvested wood, agricultural waste, wood waste and even corrugated cardboard into materials and products that are currently made from fossil feedstocks such as petroleum and natural gas. These sustainable feedstocks are not used in food production, which differentiates our technology from other sustainable materials companies that use feedstocks such as vegetable oils or high fructose corn syrup and other sugars. While we have has succeeded in producing small amounts of our products in the pilot plant for customer trials and testing purposes, we have has not yet commenced large-scale production.

Since inception, we have has had a history of net losses due to our primary focus on research and development, plant construction, capital expenditures and early-stage commercial activities. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had net losses of $30.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we had a net loss of $53.6 million. As of March 31, 2021, we had an accumulated deficit of $152.5 million. Based on our estimates and projections, which are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, we do not expect to generate revenue until 2023.

Our principal executive offices are located at 930 Riverside Parkway, Suite 10, West Sacramento, California 95605.

Background

We were previously known as Artius Acquisition Inc. On June 25, 2021, Artius consummated the Business Combination with Legacy Origin pursuant to the Merger Agreement. In connection with the closing of the Business Combination, Artius changed its name to Origin Materials, Inc. Legacy Origin was deemed to be the accounting acquirer in the Merger. While Artius was the legal acquirer in the Merger, because Legacy Origin was deemed the accounting acquirer, the historical consolidated financial statements of Legacy Origin became the historical consolidated financial statements of the combined company, upon the consummation of the Merger.

Immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), each share of Legacy Origin preferred stock and common stock that was then issued and outstanding was cancelled and converted into a right to receive the common stock of Artius after the Business Combination (“Combined Company Common Stock”) at the conversion ratios set forth in the Merger Agreement, all vested stock options held by former employees of Legacy Origin were deemed exercised on a net exercise basis, all unvested stock options held by former employees of Legacy Origin were cancelled, all warrants to purchase Legacy Origin capital stock were deemed exercised on a net exercise basis, and stock options held by current employees were assumed and converted into rights to receive the Common Stock, as set forth in the Merger Agreement.


 

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On June 24, 2021, as previously disclosed and as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, Artius filed a notice of deregistration with the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies, together with the necessary accompanying documents, and filed a certificate of incorporation and a certificate of corporate domestication with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, under which Artius was domesticated and continues as a Delaware corporation, changing its name to “Origin Materials, Inc.” (the “Domestication”).

As a result of and upon the effective time of the Domestication, among other things:

 

   

each then issued and outstanding Class A ordinary share, par value $0.0001 per share, of Artius (the “Artius Class A Ordinary Shares”) converted automatically by operation of law, on a one-for-one basis, into a share of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Artius (the “Artius Class A Common Stock”);

 

   

each then issued and outstanding redeemable warrant of Artius automatically became a redeemable warrant to acquire shares of Artius Class A Common Stock (no changes were made to the terms of any issued and outstanding public warrants as a result of the Domestication);

 

   

each then issued and outstanding unit of Artius that had not been previously separated into the underlying Artius Class A Ordinary Share and underlying warrant upon the request of the holder thereof, automatically entitled the holder thereof to one share of Artius Class A Common Stock and one-third of one redeemable warrant to acquire one share of Artius Class A Common Stock;

 

   

each then issued and outstanding Class B ordinary share, par value $0.0001 per share, of Artius converted automatically by operation of law, on a one-for-one basis without giving effect to any rights of adjustment or other anti-dilution protections, into a share of Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of Artius (the “Artius Class B Common Stock”); and

 

   

the issued and outstanding warrants of Artius issued in a private placement automatically became warrants to acquire shares of Artius Class A Common Stock.

Upon the closing of the Business Combination, the outstanding shares of Artius Class A Common Stock and Artius Class B Common Stock became shares of Common Stock of Origin, and the warrants to acquire shares of Artius Class A Common Stock became warrants to acquire Common Stock. In addition, at the Effective Time, each issued and outstanding share of common stock of Merger Sub was converted into and become one validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share of common stock of the Surviving Corporation.

On the Closing Date, a number of purchasers (each, a “Subscriber”) purchased from Origin an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock, for a purchase price of $10.00 per share and an aggregate purchase price of $200.0 million, pursuant to separate subscription agreements (each, a “Subscription Agreement”) entered into effective as of February 16, 2021. Pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, we gave certain registration rights to the Subscribers with respect to the PIPE Shares. The sale of the PIPE Shares was consummated concurrently with the Closing of the Business Combination.

On the Closing Date, certain funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Capital Management, L.P. (collectively, the “Apollo Entities”) purchased 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Backstop Shares”), for a purchase price of $10.00 per share and an aggregate purchase price of $30.0 million, pursuant to a purchase agreement dated June 14, 2021 (the “Backstop Agreement”). Pursuant to the Backstop Agreement, we agreed to provide certain registration rights to the Apollo Entities with respect to the Backstop Shares. In connection with and subject to satisfaction of the conditions contained in the Backstop Agreement, the Apollo Entities were paid a backstop premium of $900,000.

On the Closing Date, certain purchasers (each, an “Additional Subscriber”) purchased from Origin an aggregate of 1,300,001 shares of Common Stock (the “Additional Subscription Shares”), for a purchase price of


 

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$10.00 per share and an aggregate purchase price of $13.0 million, pursuant to separate purchase agreements dated June 23, 2021 (each, an “Additional Subscription Agreement”). Pursuant to the Additional Subscription Agreements, we agreed to provide certain registration rights to the Additional Subscribers with respect to the Additional Subscription Shares.

As additional consideration for the Merger, we will issue to the holders of our Common Stock and vested stock options up to 25,000,000 earnout shares (the “Earnout Shares”) in three equal installments upon the occurrence of certain conditions (10 consecutive trading day-closing volume weighted average price targets of $15, $20, and $25 of our Common Stock) within specified periods of time (3, 4 and 5 years, respectively) after the closing of the Business Combination. An aggregate of 2,156,784 of such Earnout Shares are held by our affiliates and are being registered for resale pursuant to this prospectus.

Our Common Stock and Warrants are currently listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “ORGN” and “ORGNW,” respectively.

The rights of holders of the Common Stock and Warrants are governed by our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our bylaws and the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”), and, in the case of the Warrants, the Warrant Agreement, dated July 13, 2020 (the “Warrant Agreement”), between Artius and the Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as the warrant agent (the “Warrant Agent”). See the sections entitled “Description of Our Securities” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company and a Smaller Reporting Company

We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended “JOBS Act”, and therefore we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various public company reporting requirements, including not being required to have our internal control over financial reporting audited by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this prospectus, our periodic reports and our proxy statements and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which the market value of our Common Stock that is held by non-affiliates equals or exceeds $700 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of $1.07 billion or more during such fiscal year (as indexed for inflation), (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in the prior three-year period or (iv) December 31, 2026.

Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the exemption from complying with new or revised accounting standards provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) as long as we are an emerging growth company. An emerging growth company can therefore delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected not to opt out of such extended transition period and, therefore, we may not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accountant standards used.

Additionally, we qualify as a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Smaller reporting companies may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements. We will remain a smaller reporting


 

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company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (i) the market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $250 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter, or (ii) our annual revenues exceeded $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates equals or exceeds $700 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter. To the extent we take advantage of such reduced disclosure obligations, it may also make comparison of our financial statements with other public companies difficult or impossible.

We will no longer qualify as an emerging growth company or a smaller reporting company for Securities Act or Exchange Act reporting after December 31, 2021.

Summary of Risk Factors

Below is a summary of material factors that make an investment in our securities speculative or risky. Importantly, this summary does not address all of the risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional discussion of the risks and uncertainties summarized in this risk factor summary, as well as other risks and uncertainties that we face, can be found under the section titled “Risk Factors” in this prospectus. The below summary is qualified in its entirety by that more complete discussion of such risks and uncertainties. You should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the section titled “Risk Factors” as part of your evaluation of an investment in our securities:

 

   

We are an early stage company with a history of losses and our future profitability is uncertain, and our financial projections may differ materially from actual results.

 

   

Our business plan assumes we can secure substantial additional project financing and government incentives, which may be unavailable on favorable terms, if at all.

 

   

We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and may identify additional material weaknesses in the future or fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, which may result in material misstatements of our consolidated financial statements or result in failure to meet our periodic reporting obligations.

 

   

Construction of our plants may not be completed in the expected timeframe or in a cost-effective manner. Any delays in the construction of our plants could severely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

   

We plan to rely on our Origin 1 and Origin 2 plants to meet customer demand until 2027.

 

   

We have not produced our products in large commercial quantities and may not manage growth effectively.

 

   

Our offtake agreements with customers include liquidated damages, advance repayment and/or termination provisions that may be triggered if we fail to timely complete plant construction or commence our commercial operations.

 

   

Our industry is highly competitive, and we may lose market share to producers of products that can be substituted for our products, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

   

Increases or fluctuations in the costs of our raw materials may affect our cost structure.

 

   

Compliance with extensive environmental, health and safety laws could require material expenditures, changes in our operations or site remediation.

 

   

Our business relies on proprietary information and other intellectual property, and our failure to protect our intellectual property rights could harm our competitive advantages with respect to the use, manufacturing, sale or other commercialization of our processes, technologies and products, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

   

We may face patent infringement and other intellectual property claims that could be costly to defend, result in injunctions and significant damage awards or other costs (including indemnification of third


 

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parties or costly licensing arrangements, if licenses are available at all) and limit our ability to use certain key technologies in the future or require development of non-infringing products or technologies, which may cause us to incur significant unexpected costs, prevent us from commercializing our products and otherwise harm our business.

 

   

We rely on trade secrets to protect our technology, and our failure to maintain trade secret protection could limit our ability to compete.

 

   

Our management has limited experience in operating a public company.

Corporate Information

Our principal executive offices are located at 930 Riverside Parkway, Suite 10, West Sacramento, California 95605 and our telephone number is (916) 231-9329. Our corporate website address is www.originmaterials.com. Information contained on or accessible through our website is not a part of this prospectus, and the inclusion of our website address in this prospectus is an inactive textual reference only.

Origin and Origin’s subsidiaries own or have rights to trademarks, trade names and service marks that they use in connection with the operation of their business. In addition, their names, logos and website names and addresses are their trademarks or service marks. Other trademarks, trade names and service marks appearing in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, in some cases, the trademarks, trade names and service marks referred to in this prospectus are listed without the applicable ®, and SM symbols, but they will assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights to these trademarks, trade names and service marks.


 

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The Offering

Issuance of Common Stock

 

Shares of Common Stock offered by us

35,476,667 shares of Common Stock, consisting of (i) 11,326,667 shares of Common Stock that are issuable upon the exercise of 11,326,667 Private Placement Warrants and (ii) 24,150,000 shares of Common Stock that are issuable upon the exercise of 24,150,000 Public Warrants.

 

Shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to exercise of all Warrants

141,248,470 shares (as of June 25, 2021).

 

Shares of Common Stock outstanding assuming exercise of all Warrants

176,725,137 shares (based on total shares outstanding as of June 25, 2021).

 

Exercise price of Warrants

$11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as described herein.

 

Use of proceeds

We will receive up to an aggregate of approximately $408.0 million from the exercise of the Warrants, assuming the exercise in full of all of the Warrants for cash. We expect to use the net proceeds from the exercise of the Warrants for general corporate purposes. See the section titled “Use of Proceeds.”

Resale of Common Stock and Warrants

 

Shares of Common Stock offered by the selling securityholders

We are registering the resale by the selling securityholders named in this prospectus, or their permitted transferees, and aggregate of 64,838,474 shares of Common Stock, consisting of:

 

   

up to 20,000,000 PIPE Shares;

 

   

up to 18,112,500 Sponsor Shares (including 4,500,000 shares of Common Stock subject to forfeiture if certain milestone are not achieved);

 

   

up to 11,326,667 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Private Placement Warrants;

 

   

up to 6,398,350 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options;

 

   

up to 3,000,000 shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Backstop Agreement;

 

   

up to 1,300,301 shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Additional Subscription Agreements; and

 

   

up to 4,700,956 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement (including up to 2,156,784 shares of Common Stock issuable as Earnout Shares).


 

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  In addition, we are registering 24,150,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants that were previously registered.

 

Warrants offered by the selling securityholders

Up to 11,326,667 of Private Placement Warrants.

 

Redemption

The Public Warrants are redeemable in certain circumstances. See the section titled “Description of Our SecuritiesWarrants.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

Certain of our securityholders are subject to certain restrictions on transfer until the termination of applicable lock-up periods. See the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsLock-Up Agreements.

 

Terms of the offering

The selling securityholders will determine when and how they will dispose of the securities registered for resale under this prospectus.

 

Use of proceeds

We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock or Warrants by the selling securityholders.

 

Risk factors

Before investing in our securities, you should carefully read and consider the information set forth in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 8.

 

Nasdaq ticker symbols

“ORGN” and “ORGNW”

For additional information concerning the offering, see “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page 118.


 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before you make a decision to buy our securities, in addition to the risks and uncertainties discussed above under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus, including our financial statements and related notes appearing at the end of this prospectus and in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” before deciding to invest in our securities. If any of the events or developments described below were to occur, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition could suffer materially, the trading price of our securities could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business.

Risks Related to Our Business

Risks Related to Our Financial Condition and Status as an Early Stage Company

We are an early stage company with a history of losses and our future profitability is uncertain.

We have had a history of net losses due to our primary focus on research and development, plant construction, capital expenditures and early-stage commercial activities. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had net losses of $30.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we had a net loss of $53.6 million. As of March 31, 2021, we had an accumulated deficit of $152.5 million.

We expect that our net losses will continue for the foreseeable future. Based on our estimates and projections, which are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, we do not expect to generate revenue until 2023 and do not expect to reach commercial scale production until 2025. Even if we are able to commercialize our products and generate revenue from product sales, we may not become profitable for many years, if at all.

Our potential profitability is dependent upon many factors, including our ability to complete construction of current and future plants, maintain an adequate supply chain, anticipate and react to demand for our products, manufacture our products on a commercial scale, secure additional customer commitments, and otherwise execute our growth plan. We expect the rate at which we will incur losses to be significantly higher in future periods as we:

 

   

expand our commercial production capabilities and incur construction costs associated with building our plants;

 

   

increase our expenditures associated with our supply chain, including sourcing primary feedstock for our products;

 

   

increase our spending on research and development for new products;

 

   

begin full scale commercial production of our products;

 

   

increase our sales and marketing activities and develop our distribution infrastructure; and

 

   

increase our general and administrative functions to support our growing operations and to operate as a public company.

Because we will incur the costs and expenses from these efforts before receiving meaningful revenue, our losses in future periods could be significant. We may find that these efforts are more expensive than we currently estimates or that these efforts may not result in revenues, which would further increase our losses.

 

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We may not manage growth effectively.

Our failure to manage growth effectively could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. We anticipate that a period of significant expansion will be required to address potential growth. This expansion will place a significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources. To manage the growth of our operations and personnel, we must establish appropriate and scalable operational and financial systems, procedures and controls and establish and maintain a qualified finance, administrative and operations staff. We may be unable to hire, train, retain and manage the necessary personnel or to identify, manage and exploit potential strategic relationships and market opportunities.

Our business plan assumes we can secure substantial additional project financing and government incentives, which may be unavailable on favorable terms, if at all.

We will need substantial additional project financing and government incentives in order to execute our growth strategy and expand our manufacturing capability. We have not yet secured such project financing and government incentives, and they may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. In particular, our ability to obtain financing for the construction of future plants may depend in part on our ability to first enter into customer agreements sufficient to demonstrate sufficient demand to justify the construction of such plants. If we are unable to obtain such financing and government incentives, or secure sufficient customer agreements, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, we will not be able to execute our growth strategy.

To the extent that we raise additional capital in through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, your ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms of those securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a common stockholder. Debt financing and preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making acquisitions or capital expenditures or declaring dividends. Debt financing could also have significant negative consequences for our business, results of operations and financial condition, including, among others, increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions, limiting our ability to obtain additional financing, requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service our indebtedness, thereby reducing the amount of our cash flow available for other purposes, limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business, and placing us at a possible competitive disadvantage compared to less leveraged competitors or competitors that may have better access to capital resources.

If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or products, or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings or other arrangements when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our commercialization, research and development efforts or grant rights to third parties to market and/or develop products that we would otherwise prefer to market and develop ourself.

If we seek government grants, incentives or subsidies, their terms may be limiting or restrict certain of our planned operations, thereby requiring us to alter our operating plans and materially impacting our financial projections and projected results of operations. Government grants may also be terminated, modified or recovered under certain conditions without our consent.

We have has identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting and may identify additional material weaknesses in the future or fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, which may result in material misstatements of our consolidated financial statements or cause us to fail to meet our periodic reporting obligations.

In connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, and subsequent to the initial filing of the proxy statement/prospectus during the

 

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course of preparing for the Business Combination, we identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting. A material weakness is 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 its annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Specifically, we did not have in place an effective control environment with formal processes and procedures to allow for a detailed review of accounting transactions that would identify errors in a timely manner. In addition, due to our size, we did not have proper segregation of duties and had insufficient accounting and finance personnel with an appropriate level of technical accounting knowledge in the application of GAAP commensurate with our complexity and financial accounting and reporting requirements to design, implement and operate precise business processes and internal control activities over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance of preventing or detecting material misstatements. We restated our financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. For additional information, please see Note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

We have begun implementing and are continuing to implement measures designed to improve our internal control over financial reporting to remediate these material weaknesses, including retention of an accounting consultant to assist in areas of complex accounting and financial reporting, converting and upgrading our accounting system and hiring additional IT personnel. We also plan to hire additional accounting personnel including a staff accountant, a corporate controller and/or a director of SEC reporting.

If we are unable to successfully remediate our existing or any future material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, or if we identify any additional material weaknesses, the accuracy and timing of our financial reporting may be adversely affected, we may be unable to maintain compliance with securities law requirements regarding timely filing of periodic reports in addition to applicable Nasdaq listing requirements, investors may lose confidence in our financial reporting and our stock price may decline as a result. We also could become subject to investigations by Nasdaq, the SEC or other regulatory authorities.

As a public company, we are required, pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting for future annual reports on Form 10-K to be filed with the SEC. This assessment will need to include disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by management in our internal control over financial reporting. Our independent

registered public accounting firm will also be required to audit the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in future annual reports on Form 10-K to be filed with the SEC. We will be required to disclose changes made in our internal control over financial reporting on a quarterly basis. Failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could potentially subject us to sanctions or investigations by the SEC, the applicable stock exchange or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources. We have begun the process of compiling the system and processing documentation necessary to perform the evaluation needed to comply with Section 404 in the future, but we may not be able to complete its evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion.

Changes in tax laws or tax rulings could materially affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

The tax regimes we are subject to or operate under, including income and non-income taxes, are unsettled and may be subject to significant change. Changes in tax laws, regulations, or rulings, or changes in interpretations of existing laws and regulations, could materially affect our financial position and results of operations. For example, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including changes to U.S. federal tax rates, additional limitations on the deductibility of interest, both positive and negative changes to the utilization of future net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, allowing for the expensing of certain capital expenditures, and putting into effect the migration from a “worldwide” system of taxation to a more territorial system. Future guidance from the IRS with respect to the Tax Act may affect us, and certain aspects of the Tax Act could be repealed or modified in future legislation. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief,

 

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and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) has already modified certain provisions of the Tax Act. In addition, it is uncertain if and to what extent various states will conform to the Tax Act, the CARES Act or any newly enacted federal tax legislation. The issuance of additional regulatory or accounting guidance related to the Tax Act could materially affect our tax obligations and effective tax rate in the period issued. In addition, many countries in Europe and a number of other countries and organizations, have recently proposed or recommended changes to existing tax laws or have enacted new laws that could significantly increase our tax obligations in the countries where we do business or require it to change the manner in which we operate our business.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has been working on a Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project, and issued a report in 2015, an interim report in 2018, and is expected to continue to issue guidelines and proposals that may change various aspects of the existing framework under which our tax obligations are determined in many of the countries in which we do business. Similarly, the European Commission and several countries have issued proposals that would change various aspects of the current tax framework under which we are taxed. These proposals include changes to the existing framework to calculate income tax, as well as proposals to change or impose new types of non-income taxes, including taxes based on a percentage of revenue. For example, several countries have proposed or enacted taxes applicable to digital services, which could apply to our business.

As we expand the scale of our international business activities, these types of changes to the taxation of our activities could increase our worldwide effective tax rate, increase the amount of taxes imposed on our business, and harm our financial position. Such changes may also apply retroactively to our historical operations and result in taxes greater than the amounts estimated and recorded in our financial statements.

Unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other tax returns could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

We are subject to taxation in Canada and other jurisdictions around the world with increasingly complex tax laws, the application of which can be uncertain. The amount of taxes we pay in these jurisdictions could increase substantially as a result of changes in the applicable tax principles, including increased tax rates, new tax laws or

revised interpretations of existing tax laws and precedents, which could have an adverse impact on our liquidity and results of operations. In addition, the authorities in several jurisdictions could review our tax returns and impose additional tax, interest and penalties, which could have an impact on us and on our results of operations. We have previously participated in government programs with the Canadian federal government and Canadian provincial governments that provide investment tax credits based upon qualifying research and development expenditures. If Canadian taxation authorities successfully challenge such expenses or the correctness of such income tax credits claimed, our historical operating results could be adversely affected. As a public company, we will no longer be eligible for refundable tax credits under the Canadian federal Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program (“SR&ED”) credits. However, we are still eligible for non-refundable SR&ED credits under this program, which are eligible to reduce future income taxes payable.

Our future effective tax rates in Canada could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors.

Our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:

 

   

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

 

   

expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances;

 

   

tax effects of stock-based compensation;

 

   

costs related to intercompany restructurings;

 

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changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations thereof; or

 

   

future earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where we have has lower statutory tax rates and higher than anticipated earnings in countries where we have has higher statutory tax rates.

We may conduct activities in Canada and other jurisdictions through our subsidiaries pursuant to transfer pricing arrangements and may in the future conduct operations in other jurisdictions pursuant to similar arrangements. If two or more affiliated companies are located in different countries, the tax laws or regulations of each country generally will require that transfer prices be the same as those between unrelated companies dealing at arms’ length. While we intend to operate in compliance with applicable transfer pricing laws, our transfer pricing procedures are not binding on applicable tax authorities. If tax authorities in any of these countries were to successfully challenge our transfer prices as not reflecting arm’s length transactions, they could require us to adjust our transfer prices and thereby reallocate our income to reflect these revised transfer prices, which could result in a higher tax liability to us.

Our ability to use net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes may be limited in connection with the Business Combination or other ownership changes.

We have has incurred losses during our history. To the extent that we continue to generate taxable losses, unused losses will carry forward to offset future taxable income, if any, until such unused losses expire, if at all. As of December 31, 2020, we had U.S. federal NOL carryforwards of approximately $71.6 million.

Under the Tax Act, as modified by the CARES Act, U.S. federal NOL carryforwards generated in taxable periods beginning after December 31, 2017, may be carried forward indefinitely, but the deductibility of such net operating loss carryforwards in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020, is limited to 80% of taxable income. It is uncertain if and to what extent various states will conform to the Tax Act or the CARES Act.

In addition, our NOL carryforwards are subject to review and possible adjustment by the IRS, and state tax authorities. Under Sections 382 and 383 of the Code, our federal net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes may become subject to an annual limitation in the event of certain cumulative changes in the ownership of our stock. An “ownership change” pursuant to Section 382 of the Code generally occurs if one or more stockholders or groups of stockholders who own at least 5% of a company’s stock increase their ownership (as measured by value) by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest ownership percentage within a rolling three-year period. Our ability to utilize our NOL carryforwards and other tax attributes to offset future taxable income or tax liabilities may be limited as a result of ownership changes, including potential changes in connection with the Business Combination or other transactions. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. We have not yet determined the amount of the cumulative change in our ownership resulting from the Business Combination or other transactions, or any resulting limitations on our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes. If we earn taxable income, such limitations could result in increased future income tax liability to us and our future cash flows could be adversely affected. We have recorded a valuation allowance related to our NOL carryforwards and other deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty of the ultimate realization of the future benefits of those assets.

Our outstanding secured and unsecured indebtedness, ability to incur additional debt and the provisions in the agreements governing our current debt, and certain other agreements, could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

As of March 31, 2021, after giving pro forma effect to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, we had total consolidated debt and similar liabilities of $17.9 million, including $10.8 million of secured liabilities. Our debt service and similar obligations could have important consequences to us for the foreseeable future, including that our ability to obtain additional financing for capital expenditures, working capital or other general corporate purposes may be impaired and we may be or become substantially more leveraged than some of our competitors, which could place us at a relative competitive disadvantage and make us more vulnerable to changes in market conditions and governmental regulations.

 

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We are required to maintain compliance with certain financial and other covenants under our debt and similar agreements. There are and will be operating and financial restrictions and covenants in certain of our debt and similar agreements, including the Nestlé Note and the Danone Note (see the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” for more detail), as well as certain other agreements to which we are or may become a party. These limit, among other things, our ability to incur certain additional debt, create certain liens or other encumbrances and sell assets. These covenants could limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our best long-term interests. Our failure to comply with certain covenants in these agreements could result in an event of default under the various debt and similar agreements, allowing lenders to accelerate the maturity for the debt under these agreements and to foreclose upon any collateral securing the debt. Under such circumstances, we might not have sufficient funds or other resources to satisfy all of our obligations.

Risks Related to Our Operations and Industry

Construction of our plants may not be completed in the expected timeframe or in a cost-effective manner. Any delays in the construction of our plants could severely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Our projected financial performance and results of operations, including our ability to achieve commercial scale production, depend on our ability to construct several commercial scale plants. While we expect the Origin 1 plant to be operational by the end of 2022, we do not expect the Origin 2 plant to be operational until 2025, and our expansion to additional commercial scale plants is not planned to commence until 2027. In particular, we have not selected a site for the Origin 2 plant or any of our other future planned plants, and may have difficulty finding a site with appropriate infrastructure and access to raw materials. With respect to these future plants, we also do not have agreements with engineering, procurement or construction firms.

Consequently, we cannot predict on what terms such firms may agree to design and construct our future plants.

If we are unable to construct these plants within the planned timeframes, in a cost-effective manner or at all due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, a failure to acquire or lease land on which to build our plants, a stoppage of construction as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, unexpected construction problems, permitting and other regulatory issues, severe weather, labor disputes, and issues with subcontractors or vendors, including payment disputes, which we have previously experienced, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be severely impacted.

The construction and commission of any new project is dependent on a number of contingencies some of which are beyond our control. There is a risk that significant unanticipated costs or delays could arise due to, among other things, errors or omissions, unanticipated or concealed project site conditions, including subsurface conditions and changes to such conditions, unforeseen technical issues or increases in plant and equipment costs, insufficiency of water supply and other utility infrastructure, or inadequate contractual arrangements. Should these or other significant unanticipated costs arise, this could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial performance and operations. No assurance can be given that construction will be completed on time or at all, or as to whether we will have sufficient funds available to complete construction.

We plan to rely on our Origin 1 and Origin 2 plants to meet customer demand until 2027.

Our operating plan assumes that we will rely on Origin 1 and Origin 2 to meet customer demand until 2027 and that Origin 2 will supply most of our products from the time Origin 2 is expected to become operational in 2025 until 2027, when Origin 3 is expected to become operational. Adverse changes or developments affecting these facilities, and in particular Origin 2, could impair our ability to produce our products. Any shutdown or period of reduced production at these facilities, and in particular Origin 2, which may be caused by regulatory noncompliance or other issues, as well as other factors beyond our control, such as severe weather conditions, natural disaster, fire, power interruption, work stoppage, disease outbreaks or pandemics (such as COVID-19), equipment failure or delay in supply delivery, would, among other things, significantly disrupt our ability to generate revenue, execute our expansion plans, and meet our contractual obligations and customer demands. In

 

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addition, our plant equipment may be costly to replace or repair, and our equipment supply chains may be disrupted in connection with pandemics (such as COVID-19), trade wars or other factors. If any material amount of our equipment is damaged, we could be unable to predict when, if at all, we could replace or repair such equipment or find suitable alterative equipment, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Performance guarantees may not be sufficient to cover damages or losses, or the guarantors under such guarantees may not have the ability to pay. Any insurance coverage we have may not be sufficient to cover all of our potential losses and may not continue to be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all.

We may be delayed in procuring or unable to procure necessary capital equipment.

While the equipment we use to produce our products is currently widely available, we rely on outside companies to continue to manufacture the equipment necessary to produce our products. If our suppliers of capital equipment are unable or unwilling to provide us with necessary capital equipment to manufacture our products or if we experience significant delays in obtaining the necessary manufacturing equipment, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. In addition, the construction of our plants may require a substantial portion of certain materials and supplies relative to the overall global supply of such materials and supplies. If we are unable to secure an adequate supply of such materials and supplies on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, the construction of our plants may be delayed or terminated.

We have not produced our products in large commercial quantities.

We have no experience in producing large quantities of our products. While we have succeeded in producing small amounts of our products in our pilot plant for customer trials and testing purposes, we have not yet commenced large-scale production. There are significant technological and logistical challenges associated with producing, marketing, selling and distributing products in the specialty chemicals industry, including our products, and we may not be able to resolve all of the difficulties that may arise in a timely or cost-effective manner, or at all. While we believe that we understand the engineering and process characteristics necessary to successfully build and operate our additional planned facilities and to scale up to larger facilities, we may not be able to cost effectively manage production at a scale or quality consistent with customer demand in a timely or economical manner.

Any decline in the value of carbon credits associated with our products could harm our results of operations, cash flow and financial condition.

The value of our products may be dependent on the value of carbon credits, programs relating to low-carbon materials and products standards and other similar regulatory regimes or the implicit value of decarbonized materials. The value of these credits fluctuates based on market and regulatory forces outside of our control. There is a risk that the supply of low-carbon alternative materials and products outstrips demand, resulting in the value of carbon credits declining. Any such declines could mean that the economic benefits from our customers’ efforts to de-carbonize their operations might not be realized. Any decline in the value of carbon credits associated with our products could harm our results of operations, cash flow and financial condition.

We expect to rely on a limited number of customers for a significant portion of our near-term revenue.

We currently have offtake and capacity reservation agreements with a limited number of customers, from which we expect to generate most of our revenues in the near future. The loss of one or more of our significant customers, a substantial reduction in their orders, their failure to exercise customer options, their unwillingness to extend contractual deadlines if we are unable to meet production requirements, their inability to perform under their contracts or a significant deterioration in their financial condition could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. If we fail to perform under the terms of these agreements, the customers could seek to terminate these agreements and/or pursue damages against us, including liquidated damages in certain instances, which could harm our business.

 

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Our offtake agreements with customers include termination, liquidated damages and/or advance repayment provisions that may be triggered if we fail to timely complete plant construction or commence our commercial operations.

Our offtake agreements with our customers allow the customers to terminate the agreements if specified construction and product delivery requirements are not satisfied. For example, under two of these agreements, if Origin 1 has not commenced commercial operation by December 31, 2021 or we have not delivered specified product volume from Origin 1 by September 30, 2022, then, in each case, the customer may terminate the agreement and any outstanding secured promissory notes resulting from advance payments made to us will become due immediately. The outstanding obligations under those promissory notes, together with accrued interest, totaled an aggregate of $10.8 million as of March 31, 2021. These agreements also require us to pay liquidated damages up to an aggregate of $0.9 million if Origin 1 has not commenced commercial operation by December 31, 2020 or we have not delivered specified product volume from Origin 1 by September 30, 2021. In September 2020, the counterparties to these agreements agreed to waive compliance with the milestones and their right to liquidated damages until June 30, 2021, in order to facilitate the negotiation of amendments to the agreements, including the milestone achievement dates. In June 2021, one of the counterparties agreed to further extend this deadline through September 30, 2021. A third offtake agreement is terminable by the customer if commercial operation or delivery of product from Origin 1 has not occurred by December 31, 2022.

Discussions to extend these milestone dates are ongoing but we cannot guarantee that the discussions will result in any extension of the milestone dates. We do not currently expect Origin 1 to be operational until 2022 or to produce product until 2023. Accordingly, if these milestone dates are not extended, we may be required to pay these liquidated damages and repay the amounts outstanding under the foregoing promissory notes and our offtake agreements may be subject to termination by our customers.

If any of our offtake agreements are terminated or we are required to pay liquidated damages or repay advances under our offtake agreements, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be harmed. Please see the section titled “Business Information—Offtake Agreements” for additional information regarding our offtake agreements.

Our products may not achieve market success.

We currently have a small number of binding customer commitments for commercial quantities of our products. Some prospective customers are currently evaluating and testing our products prior to making large-scale purchase decisions. The successful commercialization of our products is dependent on our customers’ ability to commercialize the end-products that utilize our products, which may gain market acceptance slowly, if at all. Furthermore, the technology for our products is new, and the performance and ultimate carbon footprint of these products is uncertain. The market for carbon-negative products is nascent and subject to significant risks and uncertainties.

Market acceptance of our products will depend on numerous factors, many of which are outside of our control, including, among others:

 

   

public acceptance of such products;

 

   

our ability to produce products of consistent quality that offer functionality comparable or superior to existing or new products;

 

   

our ability to produce products fit for their intended purpose;

 

   

our ability to produce new products or customizations of existing products to match changes in public demand;

 

   

our ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for our products;

 

   

the speed at which potential customers qualify our products for use in their products;

 

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the pricing of our products compared to competitive and alternative products, including petroleum-based plastics;

 

   

the strategic reaction of companies that market competitive products;

 

   

our reliance on third parties who support or control distribution channels; and

 

   

general market conditions, including fluctuating demand for our products.

Our industry is highly competitive, and we may lose market share to producers of products that can be substituted for our products, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

The specialty chemicals industry is highly competitive, and we face significant competition from both large established producers of fossil-based materials, recycled fossil-based materials and a variety of current and future producers of low-carbon, biodegradable, or renewable resource-based materials. Many of our current competitors have longer operating histories, greater name recognition, larger customer bases and significantly greater financial, sales and marketing, manufacturing, distribution, technical and other resources than us. Our competitors may be able to adapt more quickly to new or emerging technologies, changes in customer requirements and changes in laws and regulations. In addition, current and potential competitors have established or may establish financial or strategic relationships among themselves or with existing or potential customers or other third parties. Accordingly, new competitors or alliances among competitors could emerge and rapidly acquire significant market share.

Our competitors may also improve their relative competitive position by successfully introducing new products or products that can be substituted for our products, improving their manufacturing processes, or expanding their capacity or manufacturing capabilities. Further, if our competitors are able to compete at advantageous cost positions, this could make it increasingly difficult for us to compete in markets for less-differentiated applications. If we are unable to keep pace with our competitors’ product and manufacturing process innovations or cost position, it could harm our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control.

We are subject to, among other things, the following factors that may negatively affect our operating results:

 

   

the announcement or introduction of new products by our competitors;

 

   

our ability to upgrade and develop our systems and infrastructure to accommodate growth;

 

   

our ability to attract and retain key personnel in a timely and cost-effective manner;

 

   

our ability to attract new customer and retain existing customers;

 

   

technical difficulties;

 

   

the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures relating to the expansion of our business, operations and infrastructure;

 

   

our ability to identify and enter into relationships with appropriate and qualified third-party providers of necessary testing and manufacturing services;

 

   

regulation by federal, state or local governments; and

 

   

general economic conditions, as well as economic conditions specific to the plastics and fuels industries, and other industries related to compostable or biodegradable substitutes for non-biodegradable plastics, as well as changes to commodity prices to which prices in some of our contracts are indexed.

 

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As a result of our limited operating history and the nature of the markets in which we compete, it is difficult for us to forecast our revenues or earnings accurately. We have based our anticipated future expense levels largely on our investment plans and estimates of future events, although certain of our expense levels will, to a large extent, become fixed. As a strategic response to changes in the competitive environment, we may from time to time make certain decisions concerning expenditures, pricing, service or marketing that could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. Due to the foregoing factors, our revenues and operating results are difficult to forecast.

Our commercial success may be influenced by the price of petroleum relative to the price of non-fossil feedstocks.

Our commercial success may be influenced by the cost of our products relative to petroleum-based products. The cost of petroleum-based products is in part based on the price of petroleum, which is subject to historically fluctuating prices. Our production plans assume the use of timber and forest residues as feedstock, which historically have experienced low volatility. If the price of bio-based feedstocks increases and/or the price of petroleum decreases, our products may be less competitive relative to petroleum-based products. A material decrease in the cost of conventional petroleum-based products may require a reduction in the prices of our products for them to remain attractive in the marketplace and may negatively impact our revenues.

Increases or fluctuations in the costs of our raw materials may affect our cost structure.

The price of raw materials may be impacted by external factors, including uncertainties associated with war, terrorist attacks, weather and natural disasters, health epidemics or pandemics (such as COVID-19), civil unrest, the effects of climate change or political instability, plant or production disruptions, strikes or other labor unrest, breakdown or degradation of transportation infrastructure used in the delivery of raw materials or changes in laws or regulations in any of the countries in which we have has significant suppliers.

We currently use and plan to use local timber and forest residues as our primary raw materials. The cost of these raw materials is generally influenced by supply and demand factors, and our operating plans include assumptions that the timber and forest residues we intend to use as feedstock will be available at prices similar to historic levels with low volatility. As we continue to expand our production, we will increase our demand for timber and forest residues which may alter the anticipated stability in the costs of our raw materials and potentially drive an increase in the cost of such raw materials.

Our results of operations will be directly affected by the cost of raw materials. The cost of raw materials comprises a significant amount of our total cost of goods sold and, as a result, movements in the cost of raw materials, and in the cost of other inputs, will impact our profitability. Because a significant portion of our cost of goods sold is represented by these raw materials, our gross profit margins could be adversely affected by changes in the cost of these raw materials if we are unable to pass the increases on to our customers.

If our raw material prices experience volatility, there can be no assurance that we can continue to recover raw material costs or retain customers in the future. As a result of our pricing actions, customers may become more likely to consider competitors’ products, some of which may be available at a lower cost. Significant loss of customers could adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The failure of our raw material suppliers to perform their obligations under supply agreements, or our inability to replace or renew these agreements when they expire, could increase our cost for these materials, interrupt production or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations.

Our manufacturing processes use local timber and forest residues as our primary raw materials. However, we may be unable to secure agreements with local suppliers for the necessary amount of raw materials in certain circumstances. If we are required to obtain alternate sources for raw materials because a supplier is unwilling or

 

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unable to execute or perform under raw material supply agreements, if a supplier terminates its agreements with us, if a supplier is unable to meet increased demand as our commercial scale production expands, if we are unable to renew its contracts or if we are unable to obtain new long-term supply agreements to meet changing demand, we may not be able to obtain these raw materials in sufficient quantities, on economic terms, or in a timely manner, and we may not be able to enter into long-term supply agreements on terms as favorable to us, if at all. A lack of availability of raw materials could limit our production capabilities and prevent us from fulfilling customer orders, and therefore harm our results of operations and financial condition.

Maintenance, expansion and refurbishment of our facilities, the construction of new facilities and the development and implementation of new manufacturing processes involve significant risks.

Our facilities may require regular or periodic maintenance, upgrading, expansion, refurbishment or improvement. Any unexpected operational or mechanical failure, including failure associated with breakdowns and forced outages, could reduce our facilities’ production capacity below expected levels, which would reduce our production capabilities and ultimately our revenues. Unanticipated capital expenditures associated with maintaining, upgrading, expanding, repairing, refurbishing, or improving our facilities may also reduce our profitability. Our facilities may also be subject to unanticipated damage as a result of natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other events.

If we make any major modifications to our facilities, such modifications likely would result in substantial additional capital expenditures and could prolong the time necessary to bring the facility online. We may also choose to refurbish or upgrade our facilities based on our assessment that such activity will provide adequate financial returns. However, such activities require time for development and capital expenditures before commencement of commercial operations, and key assumptions underpinning a decision to make such an investment may prove incorrect, including assumptions regarding construction costs and timing, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The construction of new manufacturing facilities entails a number of risks and assumptions, including the ability to begin production within the cost and timeframe estimated and to attract a sufficient number of skilled workers to meet the needs of the new facility. Additionally, our assessment of the projected benefits associated with the construction of new manufacturing facilities is subject to a number of estimates and assumptions, which in turn are subject to significant economic, competitive and other uncertainties that are beyond our control. If we experience delays or increased costs, our estimates and assumptions are incorrect, or other unforeseen events occur, our business, ability to supply customers, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely impacted.

Finally, we may not be successful or efficient in developing or implementing new production processes. Innovation in production processes involves significant expense and carries inherent risks, including difficulties in designing and developing new process technologies, development and production timing delays, lower than anticipated manufacturing yields, and product defects. Disruptions in the production process can also result from errors, defects in materials, delays in obtaining or revising operating permits and licenses, returns of product from customers, interruption in our supply of materials or resources, and disruptions at our facilities due to accidents, maintenance issues, or unsafe working conditions, all of which could affect the timing of production ramps and yields. Production issues can lead to increased costs and may affect our ability to meet product demand, which could adversely impact our business and results from operations.

We may not be successful in finding future strategic partners for continuing development of additional offtake and feedstock opportunities or tolling and downstream conversion of our products.

We may seek to develop additional strategic partnerships to increase feedstock supply and offtake amounts due to manufacturing constraints or capital costs required to develop our products. We may not be successful in our efforts to establish such strategic partnerships or other alternative arrangements for our products or technology

 

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because our research and development pipeline may be insufficient, our products may be deemed to be at too early of a stage of development for collaborative effort or third parties may not view our products as having the requisite potential to demonstrate commercial success.

If we are unable to reach agreements with suitable collaborators on a timely basis, on acceptable terms, or at all, we may have to curtail the development of our products, delay commercialization, reduce the scope of any sales or marketing activities or increase expenditures and undertake development or commercialization activities at our own expense. If we elect to fund development or commercialization activities on our own, we may need to obtain additional expertise and additional capital, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If we fail to enter into collaborations and do not have sufficient funds or expertise to undertake the necessary development and commercialization activities, we may not be able to develop additional products and our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

We may rely heavily on future collaborative and supply chain partners.

We have has entered into, and may enter into, strategic partnerships to develop and commercialize our current and future research and development programs with other companies to accomplish one or more of the following:

 

   

obtain capital, equipment and facilities;

 

   

obtain funding for research and development programs, product development programs and commercialization activities;

 

   

obtain expertise in relevant markets;

 

   

obtain access to raw materials;

 

   

obtain sales and marketing services or support;

 

   

obtain conversion services and other downstream supply chain support; and/or

 

   

obtain access to intellectual property and ensure freedom to operate.

We may not be successful in establishing or maintaining suitable partnerships, and we may not be able to negotiate collaboration agreements having terms satisfactory to us, or at all. Failure to make or maintain these arrangements or a delay or failure in a collaborative partner’s performance under any such arrangements could harm our business and financial condition.

We may become subject to product liability claims that may not be covered by insurance and could require us to pay substantial sums.

We are subject to an inherent risk of, and adverse publicity associated with, product liability and other liability claims, whether or not such claims are valid. In addition, our customers are subject to product liability claims, and could seek contribution from us. A successful product liability claim or series of claims against us could adversely impact the specialty chemicals industry, our reputation or our financial condition or results of operations. Product liability insurance may not be available to us on commercially acceptable terms, or at all. Even if such insurance is available, product liability or other claims may exceed our insurance coverage limits. A successful product liability claim that exceeds our insurance coverage limits, for which we are not otherwise indemnified, could require us to pay substantial sums and could harm our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Climate change may impact the availability of our facilities and, in addition, we may incur substantial costs to comply with climate change legislation and related regulatory initiatives.

Changing weather patterns and the increase in frequency of severe storms such as hurricanes and tornadoes could cause disruptions or the complete loss of our facilities or delay the construction of future facilities. In addition,

 

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climate change concerns, and changes in the regulation of such concerns, including greenhouse gas emissions, could also subject us to additional costs and restrictions, including increased energy and raw materials costs which could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations. Climate change may also negatively impact the availability of our feedstock. The effects of climate change can not only adversely impact our operations, but also that of its suppliers and customers, and can lead to increased regulations and changes in consumer preferences, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Related to Government Regulation

Compliance with extensive environmental, health and safety laws could require material expenditures, changes in our operations or site remediation.

We use hazardous materials in our production process, and our operations also produce hazardous waste. The manufacture, transportation and sale of our products can present potentially significant health and safety concerns and are also under increased public and governmental scrutiny. Our products are also used in a variety of applications that have specific regulatory requirements such as those relating to products that have contact with food or are used for medical applications.

Accordingly, our operations are subject to environmental, health and safety laws and regulations at the international, national, state and local level in multiple jurisdictions. These laws and regulations govern, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid and hazardous waste management and disposal, occupational health and safety, including dust and noise control, site remediation programs and chemical use and management. Many of these laws and regulations have become more stringent over time and the costs of compliance with these requirements may increase, including costs associated with any necessary capital investments. In addition, our plants will require operating permits that are subject to renewal and, in some circumstances, revocation. The necessary permits may not be issued or continue in effect, and renewals of any issued permits may contain significant new requirements or restrictions. The nature of the specialty chemicals industry exposes us to risks of liability due to the use, production, management, storage, transportation and sale of materials that are heavily regulated or hazardous and can cause contamination or personal injury or damage if released into the environment.

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations generally increases the costs of transportation and storage of raw materials and finished products, as well as the costs of storage and disposal of wastes. We may incur substantial costs, including fines, damages, criminal or civil sanctions and remediation costs, or experience interruptions in our operations for violations arising under environmental laws, regulations or permit requirements.

In addition, the market for bioplastics is heavily influenced by applicable federal, state and local government laws, regulations and policies as well as public perception. Changes in these laws, regulations and policies or how these laws, regulations and policies are implemented and enforced could cause the demand for bioplastics to decline and deter investment in the research and development of bioplastics. Concerns associated with bioplastics, including land usage, national security interests, deforestation, food crop usage and other environmental concerns, continue to receive legislative, industry and public attention. This attention could result in future legislation, regulation and/or administrative action that could adversely affect our business.

Furthermore, various petrochemical products, including plastics, have faced increased public scrutiny due to negative coverage of plastic waste in the environment, which has resulted in local, state, federal and foreign governments proposing and in some cases approving, restrictions or bans on the manufacture, consumption and disposal of certain petrochemical products. Although our products are intended to replace petrochemical products, increased regulation on the use of such products or other products in the specialty chemicals industry, whatever their scope or form, could increase our costs of production, impact overall consumption of our products or result in misdirected negative publicity. Any inability to address these requirements and any regulatory or policy changes could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We are subject to U.S. and foreign anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws and regulations. We could face criminal liability and other serious consequences for violations, which would harm our business.

We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, the U.S. domestic bribery statute contained in 18 U.S.C. § 201, the U.S. Travel Act, the USA PATRIOT Act and possibly other anti-bribery and anti-money laundering laws in countries in which we conduct activities. Anti-corruption laws are interpreted broadly and prohibit companies and their employees, agents, contractors and other collaborators from authorizing, promising, offering or providing, directly or indirectly, improper payments or anything else of value to recipients in the public or private sector. We can also be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of our employees, agents, contractors and other collaborators, even if we do not explicitly authorize or have actual knowledge of such activities. Any violations of the laws and regulations described above may result in substantial civil and criminal fines and penalties, imprisonment, the loss of export or import privileges, debarment, tax reassessments, breach of contract and fraud litigation, reputational harm and other consequences.

Our operating plan may require us to source feedstock and supplies internationally, and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and changes to international trade agreements, tariffs, import and excise duties, taxes or other governmental rules and regulations could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Our expansion model is global and we will need to source feedstock from suppliers around the world. In particular, our manufacturing process uses local timber and forest residues as our primary raw materials, which must be sourced locally. For the Origin 1 plant, this means we will need to source feedstock from Canadian suppliers. The U.S. federal government or other governmental bodies may propose changes to international trade agreements, tariffs, taxes and other government rules and regulations. If foreign currency exchange rates fluctuate or any restrictions or significant increases in costs or tariffs are imposed related to feedstock sourced to our plants as a result of amendments to existing trade agreements or otherwise, this may increase our supply and shipping costs, resulting in potential decreased margins. We may expand our operations to countries with unstable governments that are subject to instability, corruption, changes in rules and regulations and other potential uncertainties that could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The extent to which our margins could decrease in response to any future tariffs is uncertain. We continue to evaluate the impact of trade agreements, as well as foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and other recent changes in foreign trade policy on our supply chain, costs, sales and profitability. In addition, COVID-19 has resulted in increased travel restrictions and the extended shutdown of certain businesses throughout the world. The impact of COVID-19 on our business is uncertain at this time and will depend on future developments; however, prolonged closures in Canada, Europe, Asia and elsewhere may disrupt the operations of certain feedstock suppliers, which could, in turn, negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property

Our business relies on proprietary information and other intellectual property, and our failure to protect our intellectual property rights could harm our competitive advantages with respect to the use, manufacturing, sale or other commercialization of our processes, technologies and products, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We intend to make significant capital investments into the research and development of proprietary information and other intellectual property as we develop, improve and scale our processes, technologies and products, and failure to fund and make these investments, or underperformance of the technology funded by these investments, could severely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

If we fail to adequately protect our intellectual property rights, such failure could result in the reduction or loss of our competitive advantage. We may be unable to prevent third parties from using our proprietary information and other intellectual property without our authorization or from independently developing proprietary information and other intellectual property that is similar to ours, particularly in those countries where the laws do not protect

 

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our proprietary rights to the same degree as in the U.S or those countries where we do not have intellectual property rights protection. The use of our proprietary information and other intellectual property by others could reduce or eliminate competitive advantages that we have developed, potentially causing us to lose sales or actual or potential customers, or otherwise harm our business. If it becomes necessary for us to litigate to protect these rights, any proceedings could be burdensome and costly, could result in counterclaims challenging our intellectual property (including validity or enforceability) or accusing us of infringement, and we may not prevail.

Our patent applications and issued patents may be practiced by third parties without our knowledge. Our competitors may also attempt to design around our patents or copy or otherwise obtain and use our proprietary information and other intellectual property. Moreover, our competitors may already hold or have applied for patents in the U.S. or abroad that, if enforced, could possibly prevail over our patent rights or otherwise limit our ability to manufacture, sell or otherwise commercialize one or more of our products in the U.S. or abroad. With respect to our pending patent applications, we may not be successful in securing issued patents, or the claims of such patents may be narrowed, any of which may limit our ability to protect inventions that these applications were intended to cover, which could harm our ability to prevent others from exploiting our technologies and commercializing products similar to our products. In addition, the expiration of a patent can result in increased competition with consequent erosion of profit margins.

The applicable governmental authorities may not approve our pending service mark and trademark applications. A failure to obtain trademark registrations in the U.S. and in other countries could limit our ability to obtain and retain our trademarks in those jurisdictions. Moreover, third parties may seek to oppose our applications or otherwise challenge the resulting registrations. In the event that our trademarks are not approved or are successfully challenged by third parties, we could be forced to rebrand our products, which could result in loss of brand recognition and could require us to devote significant resources to rebranding and advertising and marketing new brands.

The failure of our patents, trademarks, trade secrets, or confidentiality agreements to protect our proprietary information and other intellectual property, including our processes, apparatuses, technology, trade secrets, trade names and proprietary manufacturing expertise, methods and compounds, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Some of our intellectual property has been or will be discovered, conceived or developed through research funded by the Canadian government and thus may be subject to federal regulations providing for certain rights for the Canadian government or imposing certain obligations on us, such as limitations on exploiting such intellectual property outside of Canada. Compliance with such regulations may limit our exclusive rights and ability to commercialize our products and technology outside of Canada.

We may face patent infringement and other intellectual property claims that could be costly to defend, result in injunctions and significant damage awards or other costs (including indemnification of third parties or costly licensing arrangements, if licenses are available at all) and limit our ability to use certain key technologies in the future or require development of non-infringing products or technologies, which may cause us to incur significant unexpected costs, prevent us from commercializing our products and otherwise harm our business.

The various bioindustrial markets in which we plan to operate are subject to frequent and extensive litigation regarding patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights. Many of our competitors have a substantial amount of intellectual property. We cannot guarantee that our processes and products do not and will not infringe issued patents (whether present or future) or other intellectual property rights belonging to others.

From time to time, we oppose third-party patents that we consider overbroad or otherwise invalid in order to maintain the necessary freedom to operate fully in our various business lines without the risk of being sued for

 

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patent infringement. If, however, the oppositions are unsuccessful, we could be liable for infringement or have to take other remedial or curative actions to continue our manufacturing and sales activities with respect to one or more products.

We may also be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of our business, including claims of alleged infringement or misappropriation of the patents, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights of third parties by us or our licensees in connection with their use of our products. Intellectual property litigation is expensive and time-consuming, regardless of the merits of any claim, and could divert our management’s attention from operating our business.

If we were to discover that our processes, technologies or products infringe or misappropriate the valid intellectual property rights of others, we might need to obtain licenses from these parties or substantially re-engineer our processes, technologies or products in order to avoid infringement. We may not be able to obtain the necessary licenses on acceptable terms, or at all, or be able to re-engineer our processes, technologies or products successfully. Moreover, if we or our licensees are sued for infringement or misappropriation and lose, we could be required to pay substantial damages, indemnify our licensees and/or be enjoined from using or selling the infringing processes, technologies or products. If we incur significant costs to litigate infringement or misappropriation claims or to obtain licenses, or if our inability to obtain required licenses prevents us from using or selling our processes, technologies or products, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We rely on trade secrets to protect our technology, and our failure to maintain trade secret protection could limit our ability to compete.

We rely on trade secrets to protect some of our technology and proprietary information, especially where we believe patent protection is not appropriate or obtainable. However, trade secrets can be difficult to protect. The misappropriation or other compromise of our trade secrets may lead to a reduction or loss of our competitive advantages resulting from such trade secrets. Further, litigating a claim that a third party had misappropriated our trade secrets would be expensive and time consuming, and the outcome would be unpredictable. Moreover, if our competitors independently develop similar knowledge, methods and know-how, it will be difficult for us to enforce our rights and our business could be harmed.

Our confidentiality agreements could be breached or may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets or proprietary manufacturing expertise. Adequate remedies may not be available in the event of an unauthorized use or disclosure of our trade secrets and manufacturing expertise. Violations by others of our confidentiality agreements and the loss of employees who have specialized knowledge and expertise could harm our competitive position resulting from the exclusive nature of such knowledge and expertise and cause our sales and operating results to decline as a result of increased competition. In addition, others may obtain knowledge of our trade secrets through independent development or other access by legal means.

Other Risks Related to Our Business

Our management has limited experience in operating a public company.

Our executive officers have limited experience in the management of a publicly traded company subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under federal securities laws. Our management team may not successfully or effectively manage our transition to a public company following the Business Combination. Their limited experience in dealing with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to public companies could be a significant disadvantage in that it is likely that an increasing amount of their time may be devoted to these activities which will result in less time being devoted to our management and growth. We may not have adequate personnel with the appropriate level of knowledge, experience and training in the accounting policies, practices or internal controls over financial reporting required of public companies in the United States. It is possible that will be required to expand its employee base and hire additional employees to support our operations as a public company, which will increase its operating costs in future periods.

 

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We are dependent on management and key personnel, and our business would suffer if we fail to retain our key personnel and attract additional highly skilled employees.

Our success depends on the specialized skills of our management team and key operating personnel. This may present particular challenges as we operate in a highly specialized industry sector, which may make replacement of our management team and key operating personnel difficult. A loss of our managers or key employees, or their failure to satisfactorily perform their responsibilities, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Our future success will depend on our ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified personnel for all areas of our organization, particularly research and development, recycling technology, operations and sales. Trained and experienced personnel are in high demand and may be in short supply. Many of the companies that we compete with for experienced employees have greater resources than us and may be able to offer more attractive terms of employment. In addition, we invest significant time and expense in training employees, which increases their value to competitors that may seek to recruit them. We may not be able to attract, develop and maintain the skilled workforce necessary to operate our business, and labor expenses may increase as a result of a shortage in the supply of qualified personnel, which will negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

If we experience a significant disruption in our information technology systems, including security breaches, or if we fail to implement new systems and software successfully, our business operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

We depend on information technology systems to, among other functions, control our manufacturing processes, process orders and invoices, collect and make payments, interact with customers and suppliers, manage inventory and otherwise conduct our business. We also depend on these systems to respond to customer inquiries, contribute to our overall internal control processes, maintain records of our property, plant and equipment and record and pay amounts due to vendors and other creditors. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and could result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies and the loss of sales and customers. As we implement planned upgrades or changes to systems, we may also experience interruptions in service, loss of data or reduced functionality and other unforeseen material issues which could adversely impact our ability to provide quotes, take customer orders and otherwise run our business in a timely manner. In addition, if our new systems fail to provide accurate and increased visibility into pricing and cost structures, it may be difficult to improve or maximize our profit margins. As a result, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

In addition, cyber-attacks or security breaches could compromise confidential, business critical information, cause a disruption in our operations or harm our reputation. Our information technology systems are subject to potential disruptions, including significant network or power outages, cyberattacks, computer viruses, other malicious codes and/or unauthorized access attempts, any of which, if successful, could result in data leaks or otherwise compromise our confidential or proprietary information and disrupt our operations. Despite our efforts to protect sensitive information and comply with and implement data security measures, there can be no assurance that any controls and procedures that we have in place will be sufficient to protect us. Further, as cyber threats are continually evolving, our controls and procedures may become inadequate and we may be required to devote additional resources to modify or enhance our systems in the future. We may also be required to expend resources to remediate cyber-related incidents or to enhance and strengthen our cyber security. Any such disruptions to our information technology systems, breaches or compromises of data, and/or misappropriation of information could result in violation of privacy and other laws, litigation, fines, negative publicity, lost sales or business delays, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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Risks Related to Ownership of Our Shares

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides, subject to limited exceptions, that the Delaware Court of Chancery is the sole and exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a chosen judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or stockholders.

Our Certificate of Incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought in the Delaware Court of Chancery or, if that court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another federal or state court situated in the State of Delaware. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation. In addition, our Certificate of Incorporation provides that the federal district courts of the United States shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act.

This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum of its choosing for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our Certificate of Incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Our charter documents and Delaware law could prevent a takeover that stockholders consider favorable and could also reduce the market price of our stock.

Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions that could delay or prevent a change in control of us. These provisions could also make it more difficult for stockholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. These provisions include:

 

   

initially providing for a classified board of directors with staggered, three-year terms;

 

   

authorizing our board of directors to issue Preferred Stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could discourage a takeover attempt or delay changes in control;

 

   

prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;

 

   

providing that vacancies on our board of directors may generally be filled only by a majority of directors then in office, even though less than a quorum;

 

   

prohibiting the adoption, amendment or repeal of the Bylaws or the repeal of the provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation regarding the election and removal of directors without the required approval of at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote at an election of directors;

 

   

prohibiting stockholder action by written consent;

 

   

limiting the persons who may call special meetings of stockholders; and

 

   

requiring advance notification of stockholder nominations and proposals.

These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management. In addition, the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL us. These provisions may prohibit large stockholders, in particular those owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock, from merging or combining with us for a certain period of time without the consent of our board of directors.

 

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These and other provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws under Delaware law could discourage potential takeover attempts, reduce the price investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our Common Stock and result in the market price of our Common Stock being lower than it would be without these provisions. For more information, see the section of this prospectus captioned “Description of Securities—Anti-Takeover Provisions.”

Claims for indemnification by our directors and officers may reduce our available funds to satisfy successful third-party claims against us and may reduce the amount of money available to us.

Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.

In addition, as permitted by Section 145 of the DGCL, the Bylaws and its indemnification agreements that we entered into with our directors and officers provide that:

 

   

we will indemnify our directors and officers for serving us in those capacities or for serving other business enterprises at our request, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides that a corporation may indemnify such person if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the registrant and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person’s conduct was unlawful;

 

   

we may, in our discretion, indemnify employees and agents in those circumstances where indemnification is permitted by applicable law;

 

   

we will be required to advance expenses, as incurred, to our directors and officers in connection with defending a proceeding, except that such directors or officers shall undertake to repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification;

 

   

we will not be obligated pursuant to our Bylaws to indemnify a person with respect to proceedings initiated by that person against us or our other indemnitees, except with respect to proceedings authorized by our board of directors or brought to enforce a right to indemnification;

 

   

the rights conferred in the Bylaws are not exclusive, and we are authorized to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors, officers, employees and agents and to obtain insurance to indemnify such persons; and

 

   

we may not retroactively amend our Bylaw provisions to reduce our indemnification obligations to directors, officers, employees and agents.

We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.

We have has never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock and do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We expect to retain future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of our business. Any future determination to pay dividends on our capital stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors. In addition, our loan agreements contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends.

The market price and trading volume of our Common Stock may be volatile and could decline significantly.

The stock markets, including Nasdaq on which we have to listed the shares of our Common Stock under the symbol “ORGN,” have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. Even if an active, liquid and orderly trading market is sustained for our Common Stock, the market price of our Common Stock may be volatile and could decline significantly. In addition, the trading volume in our Common Stock may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. If the market price of our Common Stock declines significantly, you may be unable to resell your shares at or above the market price of our Common Stock at

 

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which your purchased our Common Stock. We cannot assure you that the market price of Common Stock will not fluctuate widely or decline significantly in the future in response to a number of factors, including, among others, the following:

 

   

the realization of any of the risk factors presented in this prospectus;

 

   

actual or anticipated differences in our estimates, or in the estimates of analysts, for our revenues, results of operations, level of indebtedness, liquidity or financial condition;

 

   

additions and departures of key personnel;

 

   

failure to comply with the requirements of Nasdaq;

 

   

failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act or other laws or regulations;

 

   

future issuances, sales, resales or repurchases or anticipated issuances, sales, resales or repurchases, of our securities;

 

   

publication of research reports about us;

 

   

the performance and market valuations of other similar companies;

 

   

commencement of, or involvement in, litigation involving us;

 

   

broad disruptions in the financial markets, including sudden disruptions in the credit markets;

 

   

speculation in the press or investment community;

 

   

actual, potential or perceived control, accounting or reporting problems;

 

   

changes in accounting principles, policies and guidelines; and

 

   

other events or factors, including those resulting from infectious diseases, health epidemics and pandemics (including the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency), natural disasters, war, acts of terrorism or responses to these events.

In the past, securities class-action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their shares. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly and could fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors due to seasonality and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, resulting in a decline in our stock price.

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly because of several factors, including:

 

   

labor availability and costs for hourly and management personnel;

 

   

profitability of our products;

 

   

changes in interest rates;

 

   

impairment of long-lived assets;

 

   

macroeconomic conditions, both nationally and locally;

 

   

negative publicity relating to products we serve;

 

   

changes in consumer preferences and competitive conditions;

 

   

expansion to new markets; and

 

   

fluctuations in commodity prices.

 

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If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about us, our business, or our market, or if they change their recommendations regarding our Common Stock adversely, then the price and trading volume of our Common Stock could decline.

The trading market for our Common Stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us, our business, our market, or our competitors. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research on us. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of us, our stock price and trading volume would likely be negatively impacted. If any of the analysts who may cover us change their recommendation regarding our Common Stock adversely, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, the price of our Common Stock would likely decline. If any analyst who may cover us were to cease coverage of the us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

Future issuances of debt securities and equity securities may adversely affect us, including the market price of the our Common Stock and may be dilutive to existing stockholders.

In the future, we may incur debt or issue equity-ranking senior to our Common Stock. Those securities will generally have priority upon liquidation. Such securities also may be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting its operating flexibility. Additionally, any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our Common Stock. Because our decision to issue debt or equity in the future will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing, nature or success of our future capital raising efforts. As a result, future capital raising efforts may reduce the market price of our Common Stock and be dilutive to existing stockholders.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the continued listing standards of Nasdaq.

Our Common Stock and Public Warrants are currently listed on Nasdaq. If Nasdaq delists our securities from trading on its exchange for failure to meet the listing standards, we and our stockholders could face significant material adverse consequences including:

 

   

a limited availability of market quotations for our securities;

 

   

reduced liquidity for our securities;

 

   

a determination that our Common Stock is a “penny stock” which will require brokers trading in our Common Stock to adhere to more stringent rules and possibly result in a reduced level of trading activity in the secondary trading market for our securities; or

 

   

a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.

The National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred to as “covered securities.” Because Common Stock and Public Warrants are listed on Nasdaq, they are covered securities. Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of our securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the sale of covered securities in a particular case. While we are not aware of a state, other than the State of Idaho, having used these powers to prohibit or restrict the sale of securities issued by blank check companies, certain state securities regulators view blank check companies unfavorably and might use these powers, or threaten to use these powers, to hinder the sale of securities of blank check companies in their states. Further, if we were no longer listed on Nasdaq, our securities would not be covered securities and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.

 

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Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq could result in a delisting of our securities.

If we fail to satisfy the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq such as the corporate governance requirements or the minimum share price requirement, Nasdaq may take steps to delist our securities. Such a delisting would likely have a negative effect on the price of the securities and would impair your ability to sell or purchase the securities when you wish to do so. In the event of a delisting, we can provide no assurance that any action taken by us to restore compliance with listing requirements would allow our securities to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our securities, prevent our securities from dropping below the Nasdaq minimum share price requirement or prevent future non-compliance with Nasdaq’s listing requirements. Additionally, if our securities are not listed on, or become delisted from, Nasdaq for any reason, and are quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, an inter-dealer automated quotation system for equity securities that is not a national securities exchange, the liquidity and price of our securities may be more limited than if we were quoted or listed on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange. You may be unable to sell your securities unless a market can be established or sustained.

We qualify as an emerging growth company as well as a smaller reporting company within the meaning of the Securities Act, and if we take advantage of certain exemptions from disclosure requirements available to emerging growth companies or smaller reporting companies, this could make our securities less attractive to investors and may make it more difficult to compare our performance with other public companies.

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act, and may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As a result, our stockholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which the market value of our Common Stock that is held by non-affiliates equals or exceeds $700 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of $1.07 billion or more during such fiscal year (as indexed for inflation), (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in the prior three-year period or (iv) December 31, 2026. Investors may find our securities less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result of our reliance on these exemptions, the trading prices of our securities may be lower than they otherwise would be, there may be a less active trading market for our securities and the trading prices of our securities may be more volatile.

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the exemption from complying with new or revised accounting standards provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act as long as we are an emerging growth company. An emerging growth company can therefore delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have has elected not to opt out of such extended transition period and, therefore, we may not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. This may make comparison of our financial statements with another public company which is neither an emerging growth company nor an emerging growth company which has opted out of using the extended transition period difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accountant standards used.

Additionally, we qualify as a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Smaller reporting companies may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements. We will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (i) the market value of our Common Stock held by

 

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non-affiliates exceeds $250 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter, or (ii) our annual revenues exceeded $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates equals or exceeds $700 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter. To the extent we take advantage of such reduced disclosure obligations, it may also make comparison of our financial statements with other public companies difficult or impossible.

We will no longer qualify as an emerging growth company or a smaller reporting company for Securities Act or Exchange Act reporting after December 31, 2021

A significant portion of our total outstanding shares of Common Stock are restricted from immediate resale but may be sold into the market in the near future. This could cause the market price of Common Stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.

Shares of our Common Stock that are currently restricted from immediate resale may be sold into the market in the near future. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of Common Stock. We are unable to predict the effect that sales may have on the prevailing market price of Common Stock and Public Warrants.

To the extent our Warrants are exercised, additional shares of Common Stock will be issued, which will result in dilution to the holders of Common Stock and increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market. Sales, or the potential sales, of substantial numbers of shares in the public market by the selling securityholders, subject to certain restrictions on transfer until the termination of applicable lock-up periods, could increase the volatility of the market price of Common Stock or adversely affect the market price of Common Stock.

There is no guarantee that the Warrants will be in the money at the time they become exercisable, and they may expire worthless.

The exercise price for our Warrants is $11.50 per share of Common Stock. There is no guarantee that the Warrants will be in the money following the time they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, and as such, the Warrants may expire worthless. Our Warrants become exercisable on July 25, 2021.

We may amend the terms of the Warrants in a manner that may be adverse to holders with the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then-outstanding Public Warrants. As a result, the exercise price of your Warrants could be increased, the exercise period could be shortened and the number of shares of our Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of a Warrant could be decreased, all without your approval.

Our Warrants are issued in registered form under the Warrant Agreement between the warrant agent and us. The

Warrant Agreement provides that the terms of the Warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision, but requires the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then-outstanding Public Warrants to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders of Public Warrants. Accordingly, we may amend the terms of the Public Warrants in a manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least 50% of the then-outstanding Public Warrants approve of such amendment. Although our ability to amend the terms of the Public Warrants with the consent of at least 50% of the then-outstanding Public Warrants is unlimited, examples of such amendments could be amendments to, among other things, increase the exercise price of the Warrants, convert the Warrants into cash or stock (at a ratio different than initially provided), shorten the exercise period or decrease the number of shares of our Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of a Warrant.

We may redeem unexpired Warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to warrantholders, thereby making such Warrants worthless.

We have the ability to redeem outstanding Warrants at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.01 per Warrant, provided that the last reported sales price of our Common Stock equals

 

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or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading-day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which we give proper notice of such redemption and provided certain other conditions are met. If and when the Warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws. Redemption of the outstanding Warrants could force you (a) to exercise your Warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so, (b) to sell your Warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish to hold your Warrants or (c) to accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding Warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of your Warrants.

In addition, we may redeem your Warrants after they become exercisable for a number of shares of Common Stock determined based on the redemption date and the fair market value of our Common Stock. Any such redemption may have similar consequences to a cash redemption described above. In addition, such redemption may occur at a time when the Warrants are “out-of-the-money,” in which case, you would lose any potential embedded value from a subsequent increase in the value of our Common Stock had your Warrants remained outstanding.

We may issue additional shares of Common Stock or other equity securities without your approval, which would dilute your ownership interests and may depress the market price of the Common Stock.

We have Warrants outstanding to purchase an aggregate of 35,476,667 shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, we may issue up to 25,000,000 shares of our Common Stock as Earnout Shares. In addition, pursuant to the 2021 Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”), we may issue an aggregate of up to 20,313,819 shares of Common Stock, which amount may be subject to increase from time to time. For additional information about this plan, please see “Executive Compensation—Employee Benefit Plans.” We may also issue additional shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of equal or senior rank in the future in connection with, among other things, future acquisitions or repayment of outstanding indebtedness, without stockholder approval, in a number of circumstances. The issuance of additional shares or other equity securities of equal or senior rank would have the following effects:

 

 

existing stockholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease;

 

 

the amount of cash available per share, including for payment of dividends in the future, may decrease;

 

 

the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding Common Stock may be diminished; and

 

 

the market price of the Common Stock may decline.

 

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MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA

Certain industry data and market data included in this prospectus were obtained from independent third-party surveys, market research, publicly available information, reports of governmental agencies and industry publications and surveys. All of management’s estimates presented herein are based upon management’s review of independent third-party surveys and industry publications prepared by a number of sources and other publicly available information. All of the market data used in this prospectus involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such estimates. We believe that the information from these industry publications and surveys included in this prospectus is reliable. The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in the section titled “Risk Factors.” These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by the independent parties and by us.

USE OF PROCEEDS

All of the shares of Common Stock and Warrants offered by the selling securityholders pursuant to this prospectus will be sold by the selling securityholders for their respective accounts. We will not receive any of the proceeds from these sales.

We will receive up to an aggregate of approximately $408.0 million from the exercise of the Warrants, assuming the exercise in full of all of the Warrants for cash. We expect to use the net proceeds from the exercise of the Warrants for general corporate purposes. We will have broad discretion over the use of proceeds from the exercise of the Warrants. There is no assurance that the holders of the Warrants will elect to exercise any or all of such Warrants. To the extent that the Warrants are exercised on a “cashless basis,” the amount of cash we would receive from the exercise of the Warrants will decrease.

DETERMINATION OF OFFERING PRICE

The offering price of the shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrants offered hereby is determined by reference to the exercise price of the Warrants of $11.50 per share. The Public Warrants are listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “ORGNW.”

We cannot currently determine the price or prices at which shares of Common Stock or Warrants may be sold by the selling securityholders under this prospectus.

 

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MARKET INFORMATION FOR SECURITIES AND DIVIDEND POLICY

Market Information

Our Common Stock and Public Warrants are currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “ORGN” and “ORGNW,” respectively. Prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, Artius’s Class A ordinary shares, units and warrants were listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “AACQ,” “AACQU” and “AACQW,” respectively. As of June 25, 2021, following the completion of the Business Combination, there were 209 holders of record of the Common Stock and two holders of record of our Warrants. We currently do not intend to list the Private Placement Warrants offered hereby on any stock exchange or stock market.

Dividend Policy

We have never declared or paid any dividends on shares of Common Stock. We anticipate that we will retain all of our future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of our business. Any future determination to pay dividends on our capital stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors. In addition, certain of our loan agreements contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this prospectus, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, about our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and prospects based on current expectations, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to those differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this prospectus. Additionally, our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any period in the future.

Overview

We have operations in California and Ontario, Canada. Our mission is to help enable the world’s transition to sustainable materials by replacing petroleum-based materials with decarbonized materials in a wide range of end products, such as food and beverage packaging, clothing, textiles, plastics, car parts, carpeting, tires, adhesives, soil amendments and more. Our technology converts sustainable feedstocks such as sustainably harvested wood, agricultural waste, wood waste and even corrugated cardboard into materials and products that are currently made from fossil feedstocks such as petroleum and natural gas. These sustainable feedstocks do not compete with food production, which differentiates our technology from other sustainable materials companies that use feedstocks, such as vegetable oils or high fructose corn syrup and other sugars.

We believe that products made using our platform technology can compete directly with petroleum-derived products on both performance and price. Due to abundant and renewable wood supplies that have historically stable pricing, our cost of production is expected to be more stable than potential competing platforms that use other types of feedstocks. We believe that end products made using our platform technology will have a significant unit cost advantage over products made from other low carbon feedstocks.

We have developed a proprietary platform technology to convert biomass, or plant-based carbon, into the versatile “building block” chemicals CMF and HTC, as well as other product intermediates. At a commercial scale, our platform technology is expected to produce CMF and HTC with a negative carbon footprint. We believe these chemicals can replace petroleum-based counterparts, lowering the carbon footprint of a wide range of materials without sacrificing performance or cost.

We are currently developing and constructing our first manufacturing plant in Ontario, Canada (Origin 1), which is expected to become operational by the end of 2022. We are also currently in the planning phase for the construction of a significantly larger manufacturing plant (Origin 2), which is expected to become operational in 2025.

Business Combination and Public Company Costs

In February 2021, Legacy Origin entered into the Merger Agreement with Artius and Merger Sub pursuant to which Merger Sub was merged with and into Legacy Origin, with Legacy Origin surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Artius. The transaction provided us with approximately $243.0 million of gross proceeds, including $200.0 million from the PIPE, $30.0 million from the Backstop Shares and $13.0 million from the Additional Subscription Shares. At a special meeting of Artius shareholders held on June 23, 2021, the Merger Agreement was approved and adopted, and the merger and all other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement were approved. On June 24, 2021, Artius redomiciled in Delaware and changed its name to Origin Materials, Inc. and on June 25, 2021, the Business Combination was consummated pursuant to the Merger

 

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Agreement. The Business Combination is accounted for as a reverse recapitalization. Legacy Origin is deemed the accounting predecessor and the combined entity will be the successor SEC registrant, meaning that Legacy Origin’s financial statements for previous periods will be disclosed in the registrant’s future periodic reports filed with the SEC. Under this method of accounting, Artius will be treated as the acquired company for financial statement reporting purposes.

The most significant change in our reported financial position and results is an estimated $464 million net increase in cash and cash equivalents and $337 million net increase in total stockholders’ deficit, in each case as compared to Legacy Origin’s unaudited consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2021. This increase in cash and cash equivalents and stockholders’ deficit results from the receipt of $200 million in gross proceeds from the PIPE, $43 million from the purchase of 4,300,001 shares of Artius Class A Common Stock by certain investors, and $329 million gross cash-in-trust after accounting for the stockholder redemptions from Artius’s shareholders in connection with the Business Combination, less estimated transaction costs of approximately $65 million. Total stockholders’ deficit increased by approximately $84 million due to the conversion of the Stockholder Convertible Note Payable and associated derivate liability and Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants Liability. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information.”

As a consequence of the Business Combination, we became the successor to an SEC-registered and Nasdaq-listed company, which requires us to hire additional personnel and implement procedures and processes to address public company regulatory requirements and customary practices. We expect to incur additional annual expenses as a public company for, among other things, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees and additional internal and external accounting, legal and administrative resources, including increased audit and legal fees.

Our future results of consolidated operations and financial position may not be comparable to historical results as a result of the Business Combination.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

In March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The pandemic has resulted in governments around the world implementing increasingly stringent measures to help control the spread of the virus, including quarantines, “shelter in place” and “stay at home” orders, travel restrictions, business curtailments, school closures and other measures. In addition, governments and central banks in several parts of the world have enacted fiscal and monetary stimulus measures to counteract the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving conditions and circumstances, as well as guidance from international and domestic authorities, including public health authorities, and may need to take additional actions based on their recommendations. There is considerable uncertainty regarding the impact on our business stemming from current measures and potential future measures that could restrict access to our facilities, limit manufacturing and support operations and place restrictions on our workforce and suppliers. The measures implemented by various authorities related to the COVID-19 outbreak have caused us to change its business practices including those related to where employees work, the distance between employees in our facilities, limitations on in-person meetings between employees and with customers, suppliers, service providers and stakeholders, as well as restrictions on business travel to domestic and international locations or to attend trade shows, investor conferences and other events.

The full extent to which the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our financial performance will depend on future developments, many of which are outside of our control, that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including, but not limited to, the duration and spread of the pandemic, its severity, the effectiveness of actions to contain the virus (including the availability and effectiveness of vaccines) or treat its impact, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume. The COVID-19 pandemic could also result in additional governmental restrictions and regulations, which could harm our business and

 

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financial results. In addition, a recession, depression or other sustained adverse market impact resulting from COVID-19 could harm our business and access to needed capital and liquidity. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, we may continue to experience adverse impacts on its business and financial performance as a result of the global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To the extent that the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business, results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, it may also heighten other risks, such as the risk that, if the business impacts of COVID-19 carry on for an extended period, we may be required to recognize impairments for certain long-lived assets including amortizable intangible assets.

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed and enacted into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The CARES Act contains numerous tax provisions, including a correction to the applicable depreciation rates available under the original Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for Qualified Improvement Property. Origin is currently evaluating the impact of this change and will adjust historical income tax filings if deemed beneficial. Additional income tax provisions of the CARES Act are currently being evaluated and not expected to have a material impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition. The CARES Act also contains a provision for deferred payment of 2020 employer payroll taxes to future years. We have elected not to take advantage of this provision.

Key Factors and Trends Affecting Origin’s Operating Results

We are a pre-revenue company. We believe that our performance and future success depend on several factors that present significant opportunities for us but also pose risks and challenges, including those discussed below and under “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business.”

Basis of Presentation

We currently conduct our business through one operating segment. As a pre-revenue company with no commercial operations, our activities to date have been limited, and our historical results are reported under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and in U.S. dollars. Upon commencement of commercial operations, we expect to expand our operations substantially, including in the United States and Canada, and as a result, we expect our future results to be sensitive to foreign currency transaction and translation risks and other financial risks that are not reflected in our historical financial statements. As a result, we expect that the financial results we report for periods after we begin commercial operations will not be comparable to the financial results included in this prospectus.

Components of Results of Operations

We are a pre-revenue company and our historical results may not be indicative of future results for reasons that may be difficult to anticipate. Accordingly, the drivers of our future financial results, as well as the components of such results, may not be comparable to our historical or projected results of operations.

Research and Development Expenses

To date, our research and development expenses have consisted primarily of development of our four key product intermediates (CMF, HTC, levulinic acid and furfural) and the conversion of those intermediates into products familiar to and desired by our customers, such as PX and PET. Our research and development expenses also include investments associated with the expansion of the Origin 1 plant and planning and construction of the Origin 2 plant, including the material and supplies to support product development and process engineering efforts. As we ramp up our engineering operations to complete the development of the Origin 1 and Origin 2 plants, we anticipate that research and development expenses will increase significantly in the foreseeable future, due to the expanded hiring and increased investment in additional plant and equipment for product development and testing.

 

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General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs, including stock-based compensation, professional fees, including, the costs of accounting, audit, legal, regulatory and tax compliance. Additionally, costs related to advertising, trade shows, corporate marketing, as well as an allocated portion of our occupancy costs also comprise general and administrative expenses.

Other (Income) Expense

Our other income (expense) consists of income from governmental grant programs, interest expense for convertible notes and income or expenses related to changes in the fair value of redeemable convertible preferred stock warrants liability and derivative liability.

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Our income tax provision consists of an estimate for U.S. federal and state income taxes based on enacted rates, as adjusted for allowable credits, deductions, uncertain tax positions, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities, and changes in the tax law. We maintain a valuation allowance against the full value of our U.S. and state net deferred tax assets because we believe the recoverability of the tax assets is not more likely than not.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
     Change  
     2020      2019      $      %  
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development

   $ 4,138      $ 6,704      $ (2,566      (38 %) 

General and administrative

     6,563        3,706        2,857        77

Depreciation and amortization

     479        646        (167      (26 %) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     11,180        11,056        124        1
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss from operations

     (11,180      (11,056      (124      1

Other expense, net:

           

Other expense, net

     19,123        (10,577      (29,700      n.m.  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other expense, net

     (19,123      10,577        29,700        n.m.  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (30,303    $ (479    $ (29,824      6,226
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

n.m. = not meaningful

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses decreased $2.6 million, or 38%, from 2019 compared to 2020. This decrease was primarily due to shifting focus to technical expenditures, as well as a reduction in operating expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased $2.9 million, or 77%, from 2019 compared to 2020. This increase was primarily related to increased expenditures supporting construction of Origin 1, including additional

 

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hiring of personnel within executive, accounting, procurement, sales, and supply-chain development, as well as services in support of the Merger.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization decreased $0.2 million, or 26%, from 2019 compared to 2020.

Other Income (Expense)

Other expense was $19.1 million for 2020 compared to other income of $10.6 million for 2019. This change was primarily due to the $28.8 million increase in the fair value of Legacy Origins’s redeemable convertible preferred stock warrants liability in 2020.

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

The following table sets forth our unaudited statements of operations data for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We have prepared the three-month data on a consistent basis with the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 included in this prospectus. In the opinion of our management, the unaudited three-month financial information reflects all necessary adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of this data.

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
     Change  
     2021      2020      $      %  
     (in thousands, except percentages)  

Operating expenses:

        

Research and development

   $ 1,309      $ 1,218      $ 91        7

General and administrative

     3,948        599        3,349        559

Depreciation and amortization

     115        104        11        10
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     5,372        1,921        3,451        180
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Loss from operations

     5,372        1,921        3,451        180

Other expense, net:

           

Other expense, net

     48,199        49        48,150        99,021
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other expense, net

     48,199        49        48,150        99,021
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (53,571    $ (1,970    $ (51,601      2,620
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses increased $3.3 million, or 559%, for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period of 2020. This increase was primarily related to increased stock-based compensation expense from grants in the fourth quarter of 2020 and increased expenditures related to services in support of the Merger.

Other Expense, Net

Other expense, net was $48.2 million for three-month period ended March 31, 2021 as compared to $0.0 million for the same period of 2020. This change was primarily due to the $48.1 million increase in the fair value of the redeemable convertible preferred stock warrants liability in the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources of Liquidity

Since inception, we have financed our operations principally from the sales and issuances of redeemable preferred stock and convertible notes, and governmental grant programs. We had $9.4 million and $1.9 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Our cash equivalents are invested primarily in U.S. Treasury money market funds and Origin’s marketable securities are primarily U.S. Treasury notes and bonds.

As of the date of this prospectus, we have yet to generate any revenue from our business operations. Our ability to successfully develop our products, commence commercial operations and expand our business will depend on many factors, including the ability to meet our working capital needs, the availability of equity or debt financing and, over time, the ability to generate cash flows from operations.

We will require a significant amount of cash for capital expenditures as we invest in the construction of the Origin 1 and Origin 2 plants, and additional research and development. In addition to the cash on hand following the Business Combination, including the proceeds from the PIPE Investment, we will need substantial additional project financing and government incentives in order to execute our growth strategy and expand our manufacturing capability, including to finance the construction of the Origin 1 and Origin 2 plants. Our ability to obtain financing for the construction of future plants may depend in part on the ability to first enter into customer agreements sufficient to demonstrate sufficient demand to justify the construction of such plants. We may also raise additional capital through equity offerings or debt financings, as well as through collaborations, strategic alliances or marketing, distribution or licensing arrangements with third parties. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including actual construction costs of the Origin 1 and Origin 2 plants, changes in the costs in our supply chain, expanded operating activities and our ability to secure customers. If our financial projections are inaccurate, we may need to seek additional equity or debt financing from outside sources, which may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. If we are unable to raise additional capital when required, our business, financial condition and results of operations would be harmed.

We expect to continue to incur operating losses in the near term as operating and capital expenses will increase to support the growth of our business. We expect that our general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses will continue to increase as we increase our sales and marketing activities, develop our distribution infrastructure, support our growing operations and operate as a public company.

Indebtedness

In November 2019, Legacy Origin entered into secured convertible note agreements (the “2019 Notes”) with certain Legacy Origin preferred stockholders, whereby Origin can borrow up to $6.0 million in aggregate from the noteholders. The 2019 Notes bear an annual interest rate of 10% and mature on September 30, 2021. All principal and accrued interest under the 2019 Notes converted into shares of common stock of Legacy Origin immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination.

In April 2020, Legacy Origin received an unsecured loan in the amount of $905,838 under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP Loan”). The Paycheck Protection Program was established under the CARES Act and is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The PPP Loan has a two-year term and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum. All outstanding principal and interest under the PPP Loan was repaid in connection with the closing of the Business Combination.

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had $6.3 million and $6.2 million of indebtedness under a Canadian government program, respectively, of which $2.7 million was received in 2020 and $0.1 million was received during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Additionally, as of March 31, 2021, we had liability

 

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balances consisting of $5.6 million related party liabilities, and a $5.2 million stockholder note. As of December 2020, we had liability balances consisting of a $2.5 million customer prepayment, a $5.5 million stockholder note, and a $5.2 million customer prepayment.

During 2020, Legacy Origin received $550,000 for the admission of an additional member to a consortium agreement with two of its Series B preferred stock investors and a Series C investor to collaborate on development of a process to commercialize bio-based, decarbonizing materials for application on an industrial scale at a competitive price. These funds were recorded as other income, net, in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income and loss.

In February 2021, Legacy Origin issued and sold convertible promissory notes with an aggregate principal amount of $10.0 million and an interest rate of 8.0% per annum (the “2021 Notes”). All principal and accrued interest on the 2021 Notes converted into shares of common stock of Legacy Origin immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination.

In November 2016, Legacy Origin received a $5.0 million prepayment from a stockholder for product from Origin 1 pursuant to an offtake agreement. The prepayment was to be credited against the purchase of products over the term of the agreement. The prepayment was secured by a promissory note to be repaid in cash in the event that the prepayment could not be credited against the purchase of product, for example, if Origin 1 is never constructed. The promissory note was collateralized substantially by Origin 1 and other assets of Origin Material Canada Pioneer Limited. In May 2019, Legacy Origin and the stockholder amended the offtake agreement and promissory note. The amendment added accrued interest of $189,169 to the principal balance of the prepayment and provided for the prepayment amount to be repaid in three annual installments rather than being applied against the purchase of product from Origin 1. The promissory note would bear interest at 3.50% per annum and be repaid in three installments of $2.2 million, $2.1 million and $2.1 million (inclusive of accrued but unpaid interest) on December 20, 2024, December 19, 2025, and December 18, 2026, respectively. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the total aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding was $5.2 million and accrued interest totaled $340,035 and 294,630, respectively.

Prepayments

In November 2016, Legacy Origin received a $5.0 million prepayment from a stockholder for product from Origin 1 pursuant to an Offtake Agreement. The prepayment is to be credited against the purchase of products from Origin 1 over the term of the Offtake Agreement. Specifically, repayment is effected by applying a credit to product purchases each month over the first five years of operation of Origin 1 up to $7.5 million, which is equal to 150% of the prepayment amount. If product purchases are not sufficient to recover the advances, the application of the credit to purchases as payment of the advances will continue until fully repaid. The prepayment is secured by a note to be repaid in cash in the event the prepayment cannot be credited against the purchase of product, for example, if Origin 1 is never constructed. The note is collateralized substantially by Origin 1 and other assets of Origin Material Canada Pioneer Limited. If repaid in cash, the note bears an annual interest rate of the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 0.25% (0.44% at March 31, 2021) and matures five years from the commercial operation date of Origin 1. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 the total note principal outstanding was $5.1 million plus accrued interest of $123,102 and $117,293, respectively.

In September 2019, Legacy Origin entered into a $5,000,000 prepayment agreement for the purchase of products from Origin 2. The prepayment is to be made in two equal installments: the first $2,500,000 was in October 2019 and the remaining $2,500,000 is due within 30 days of the customer confirming that a sample from Origin 1 meets the customer’s specifications. We and the customer agreed to work in good faith to execute an Offtake Agreement, the agreed terms of which are set forth in the prepayment agreement, whereby 100% of the prepayment will be applied against future purchases. The prepayment agreement provides the customer a capacity reservation of up to a specified annual volume of product from Origin 1 for a term of ten years, pursuant to the terms of an Offtake Agreement. At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total amount outstanding on this agreement was $2,500,000.

 

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Cash Flows

Cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

The following table summarizes Origin’s cash flows for the periods indicated:

 

     For the Twelve Months
Ended
December 31,
 
     2020      2019  
     (in thousands)  

Net cash provided by (used in):

     

Operating activities

   $ (5,462    $ (7,328

Investing activities

     (2,054      (7,150

Financing activities

     5,829        4,417  

Cash Flows Used in Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $5.5 million in 2020, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $7.3 million in 2019. The decrease of 24.7% was primarily attributable to a decrease in net loss (after adjusting for non-cash items) and increases in Origin’s accounts payable and accrued expenses, as well a reduction in operating expenditures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, offset by increased expenses in support of the Merger.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

Our cash flows used in investing activities, to date, have been comprised of purchases of property and equipment related to the construction of its Origin 1 and Origin 2 plants. As a result, we expect the cash flows used in investing activities to increase substantially in the near future as it completes construction of the plants.

Net cash used in investing activities for 2020 and 2019 was $2.1 million and $7.2 million, respectively, consisting primarily of purchases of property and equipment and capitalization of interest related to the construction of the Origin 1 and Origin 2 plants. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities in 2020 was due to a reduction in capital expenditures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities

Through December 31, 2020, we have financed our operations primarily through the sale of equity securities, notes payable, and the receipt of government grants.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $5.8 million in 2020 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $4.4 million in 2019. The increase of 31.8% was driven by an increased amount of financing through stockholders convertible notes payable ($2.3 million in 2020 and $0.8 million in 2019) and a PPP Loan ($0.9 million in 2020 and $0 in 2019), partially offset by a decreased amount of financing from government grants ($2.6 million in 2020 and $3.6 million in 2019).

Cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods indicated:

 

     For the Three-Month
Ended
March 31,
 
     2021      2020  
     (in thousands)  

Net cash provided by (used in):

     

Operating activities

   $ (3,359    $ (801

Investing activities

     (793      (401

Financing activities

     11,815        885  

 

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Cash Flows Used in Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 was $3.4 million, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $0.8 million during the same period in 2020. The 319% increase was primarily attributable to an increase in net loss (after adjusting for non-cash items), offset by increases in our accounts payable and accrued expenses, and decrease in other receivables.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

Our cash flows used in investing activities through March 31, 2021, have been comprised of purchases of property and equipment related to the construction of our Origin 1 and Origin 2 plants. As a result, we expect the cash flows used in investing activities to increase substantially in the near future as we complete construction of the plants.

Net cash used in investing activities for the three-month ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, consisting primarily of purchases of property and equipment and capitalization of interest related to the construction of the Origin 1 and Origin 2 plants.

Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities

Through March 31, 2021, we have financed operations primarily through the sale of equity securities, notes payable, and the receipt of government grants.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $11.8 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $0.9 million during the same period in 2020. The increase of 1,211% was driven by the receipt of proceeds from the 2019 notes and the issuance of convertible promissory notes in February 2021 totaling $11.7 million.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

We lease office space and research and development space in Sacramento, California under noncancelable lease agreements that expire in October 2025. Rental expense was $93,508 and $68,492 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $265,671 and $274,547 during the year 2020 and 2019, respectively.

We executed operating and maintenance agreements for certain services commencing in different periods between July 2018 and September 2019, and all generally for five-year periods. The agreements are generally automatically extended for one-year periods thereafter. The agreements include annual fixed payments subject to escalation clauses at the beginning of each calendar year, as defined in the agreement. The minimum fixed aggregate payments under these agreements are $350,000 (in Canadian dollars) per year over the fixed term. Certain of the agreements include quantities that are based on volumes, as defined in the applicable agreements. We are also responsible for applicable taxes under these agreements. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the total amount capitalized into Property, Plant and Equipment, Net under the agreement was $116,855 and $109,354, respectively. During 2020 and 2019, the total amount capitalized into Property, Plant and Equipment, Net under the agreements were $257,910 and $210,577, respectively.

In May 2019, we also concurrently executed a take-or-pay steam supply agreement commencing by October 1, 2019, through December 31, 2022, whereby we will receive up to 25% for the first year and 50% thereafter of the steam generated, up to 140,000 MMbtus per year. The price paid for the steam is based on a fixed amount plus the supplier’s cost of natural gas, as defined in the agreement. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the total amount capitalized into Property, Plant and Equipment, Net under the agreement was $58,851 and $0, respectively.

 

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In May 2018, we entered into a joint development agreement (the “JDA”) with a stockholder to evaluate alternative uses for one of our products. The term of the JDA is the later of (i) three years from the JDA effective date and (ii) the final expected development program completion date as specified in the JDA. There were no expenses under this agreement for the three months ended March 31, 2021 or 2020. During 2020 and 2019, general and administrative expenses under the agreement totaled approximately zero and $2,876, respectively.

We also enter into contracts in the normal course of business with various vendors that generally provide for contract termination following a certain notice period. These contracts do not contain any minimum purchase commitments, and as a result, are not included here. Payments due upon cancellation consist only of payments for services provided, expenses incurred up to the date of cancellation and de minimis termination penalties.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements during the periods presented, as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to a variety of market and other risks, including the effects of changes in interest rates, inflation and foreign currency translation and transaction risks, as well as risks to the availability of funding sources, hazard events and specific asset risks.

Interest Rate Risk

The market interest risk in our financial instruments and financial positions represents the potential loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates. As of March 31, 2021, we had cash and cash equivalents of $9.4 million, consisting of interest-bearing money market accounts and marketable securities for which the fair market value would be affected by changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates. However, due to the short-term maturities and the low-risk profile of our investments, an immediate 10% change in the interest rate would not have a material effect on the fair market value of our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities.

Foreign Currency Risk

Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar, while our subsidiaries’ functional currency is the Canadian dollar. This can expose us to both currency transaction and translation risk. To date, we have not had material exposure to foreign currency fluctuations and have not hedged such exposure, although we may do so in the future.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Management Estimates

Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus that have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported income generated and expenses incurred during the reporting periods. Our estimates are based on its historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions and any such differences may be material. While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 3 to the audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus, we believe that the accounting policies discussed below are critical to understanding our historical and future performance, as these policies relate to the more significant areas involving management’s judgments and estimates.

 

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Stock-Based Compensation

We measure stock options and other stock-based awards granted to employees, directors and other service providers based on their fair value on the date of grant and recognize compensation expenses of those awards over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the respective award. We estimate forfeitures at the grant date based on historical activity of the grantee class and adjust stock-based compensation expenses based on that historical percentage. We apply the straight-line method of expense recognition to all awards with only service-based vesting conditions.

We estimate the fair value of each stock option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which requires the use of highly subjective assumptions including:

 

   

Expected Term—We have opted to use the “simplified method” for estimating the expected term of plain-vanilla options, whereby the expected term equals the arithmetic average of the vesting term and the original contractual term of the option (generally 10 years).

 

   

Risk-Free Interest Rate—The risk-free rate assumption is based on the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon instruments with maturities similar to the expected term of our stock options.

 

   

Expected Dividend—We have not issued any dividends and does not anticipate issuing dividends on our common stock. As a result, we have estimated the dividend yield to be zero.

 

   

Expected Volatility—Due to our limited operating history and a lack of company-specific historical and implied volatility data, we have based our estimate of expected volatility on the historical volatility of a group of similar companies that are publicly traded. The historical volatility data was computed using the daily closing prices for the various companies’ shares during the equivalent period of the calculated expected term of the stock-based awards.

Determination of Fair Value of Common Stock

Prior to the closing of the Business Combination, the grant date fair value of our common stock was determined by our board of directors with the assistance of management and a third-party valuation specialist consistent with ASC 820.

The fair value of each share of Common Stock underlying stock-based awards after the closing of the Business Combination will be based on the closing price of our Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq on the date of grant.

Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock Warrant Liability

Warrants to purchase shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock are classified as a liability on the unaudited consolidated balance sheets at fair value upon issuance because the warrants may conditionally obligate us to transfer assets at some point in the future. The initial liability recorded is adjusted for changes in the fair value at each reporting date and recorded as interest expense in the accompanying statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Following the closing of the Business Combination, the redeemable convertible preferred stock warrants outstanding automatically converted into shares of our Common Stock.

The above listing is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP. There are also areas in which our management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. Please see our financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus, which contain accounting policies and other disclosures required by GAAP, for further information.

 

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Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Standards

See Note 3 to our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for more information.

Emerging Growth Company Status

Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can choose not to take advantage of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies, and any such election to not take advantage of the extended transition period is irrevocable.

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act and have elected to take advantage of the benefits of the extended transition period for new or revised financial accounting standards. We may decide to early adopt such new or revised accounting standards to the extent permitted by such standards and relevant laws and regulations. This may make it difficult or impossible to compare our financial results with the financial results of another public company that is either not an emerging growth company or is an emerging growth company that has chosen not to take advantage of the extended transition period exemptions because of the potential differences in accounting standards used. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the last day of the fiscal year in which the market value of our Common Stock that is held by non-affiliates equals or exceeds $700 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenue of $1.07 billion or more during such fiscal year (as indexed for inflation), (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in the prior three-year period or (iv) December 31, 2026. We will no longer qualify as an emerging growth company for Securities Act or Exchange Act reporting after December 31, 2021.

Implications of being a Smaller Reporting Company

Additionally, we qualify as a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K. Smaller reporting companies may take advantage of certain reduced disclosure obligations, including, among other things, providing only two years of audited financial statements. We will remain a smaller reporting company until the last day of the fiscal year in which (i) the market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $250 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter, or (ii) our annual revenues exceeded $100 million during such completed fiscal year and the market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates equals or exceeds $700 million as of the end of that year’s second fiscal quarter. To the extent we take advantage of such reduced disclosure obligations, it may also make comparison of our financial statements with other public companies difficult or impossible. We will no longer qualify as a smaller reporting company for Securities Act or Exchange Act reporting after December 31, 2021.

 

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BUSINESS

Overview

Origin is a carbon negative materials company with a mission to help enable the world’s transition to sustainable materials by replacing petroleum-based materials with decarbonized materials in a wide range of end products, such as food and beverage packaging, clothing, textiles, plastics, car parts, carpeting, tires, adhesives, soil amendments and more. We believe that our platform technology can help make the world’s transition to “net zero” possible and support the fulfillment of greenhouse gas reduction pledges made by countries as part of the United Nations Paris Agreement as well as corporations that are committed to reducing emissions in their supply chains.

Our technology converts sustainable feedstocks such as sustainably harvested wood, agricultural waste, wood waste and even corrugated cardboard into materials and products that are currently made from fossil feedstocks such as petroleum and natural gas. These sustainable feedstocks are not used in food production, which differentiates our technology from other sustainable materials companies that use feedstocks such as vegetable oils or high fructose corn syrup and other sugars.

We believe that products made using its platform technology can compete directly with petroleum-derived products on both performance and price. Due to abundant and renewable wood supplies that have historically stable pricing, our cost of production is expected to be more stable than potential competing platforms that use other types of feedstocks. We believe that end products made using our platform technology will have a significant unit cost advantage over products made from other low carbon feedstocks.

Our platform technology converts biomass-plant-based carbon into “building block” chemicals that can be converted into both “drop-in” materials and new materials with differentiated functional performance. The “drop-in” products are chemically fungible with those produced from petroleum-based raw materials, and therefore these “drop-in” products can be fed into existing supply chains without modification to the equipment or production processes of our customers.

We believe we are currently the only company that will be able to produce carbon negative materials at scale. This capability is protected by our intellectual property portfolio comprised of 19 patent families as well as trade secrets covering non-discoverable aspects of its critical manufacturing processes.

We have developed strong partnerships with large, brand-name corporations determined to transition to sustainable materials to help meet their emissions reduction goals. For example, in 2017, we founded the “NaturALL Bottle Alliance” with Danone and Nestlé Waters, with PepsiCo joining in 2018, to accelerate the development of innovative packaging solutions made with 100% sustainable and renewable resources. Each member of the NaturALL Bottle Alliance has agreed to assist in establishing a supply chain for the production of the sustainable materials being developed by the NaturALL Bottle Alliance. Each member has also agreed to provide technical equipment, resources, know-how and scientific skills necessary for the performance of the NaturALL Bottle Alliance’s research and development program, and to be responsible for its own expenses. The members’ offtake agreements with us provide additional financial support for the research and development program and the commercialization of sustainable materials under development by the NaturALL Bottle Alliance. In addition to being customers, Danone, Nestlé and PepsiCo are also investors in Origin.

Our vision for the future is the replacement of fossil-based feedstocks and materials with non-food, plant-based feedstocks and materials, while capturing carbon in the process. Our decarbonizing platform technology potentially addresses an estimated $1.0 trillion dollar market opportunity, and we believe it can help revolutionize the production of a wide range of end products.

 

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Our Platform Technology

We have developed a proprietary platform technology to convert biomass, or plant-based carbon, into the versatile “building block” chemicals chloromethylfurfural (“CMF”) and hydrothermal carbon (“HTC”), which we collectively refer to as Furanic Intermediates, as well as other minor products. At commercial scale, our platform technology is expected to produce CMF and HTC with a negative carbon footprint. We believe these chemicals can replace petroleum-based inputs, lowering the carbon footprint of a wide range of materials without sacrificing performance or cost.

CMF. CMF is a chemically flexible intermediate that can be converted into a variety of products, including paraxylene (“PX”), that can “drop in” to current supply chains to produce purified terephthalic acid (“PTA”), and subsequently polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), or polyethylene furanoate (“PEF”). CMF and its derivatives can be used to produce numerous commodity and specialty chemicals. We have developed products made from CMF that can be used in applications such as food and beverage packaging and apparel and carpet fibers, and our product development pipeline includes applications such as adhesives, coatings and plasticizers.

HTC. HTC is a diverse, high-potential carbon-negative material. Current applications of our HTC include a drop-in, energy-dense solid fuel. HTC can also be calcined to produce a carbon-negative activated carbon for food and water treatment and filtration. Our HTC product development pipeline includes carbon black replacement for tires, foams and dyes, paint and coating applications, and agriculture and soil products. Notably, our carbon black has no detectable carcinogenic compounds, known as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, found in carbon black produced from fossil feedstocks.

Our manufacturing process to produce CMF and HTC consists of front end feedstock handling, and subsequent liquid phase reaction with our catalyst mixture, followed by downstream separation processes to separate and purify CMF, HTC and other co-products, as described in the following diagram.

 

LOGO

28 Origin is delivering transformational chemistry through mature, industrystandardequipment, materials, and technical processes Wood yard transport Filtration ~100% of pulp facilities Liquid phase reactors Decantation Distillation Majorityof oil and chemical company processes Ubiquitous in oil and chemical company processes Zero untested mechanical processes required for operations / scale-up1 19 Patent families protect unique CMF and HTC production processes Material recycling and reuse Used in Existing industry Origin IP, chemistry, and production processes 1. Unit operations have been used extensively in industry. Source: Origin Materials.

 

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Market Opportunity

Global Decarbonization Commitments

We believe that increasing consumer awareness and growing governmental initiatives are driving a shift in the global community towards decarbonized materials. The UN Paris Agreement of 2015, joined by 189 countries to date, includes commitments to limit the global average temperature increase by 2100 to well below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels. To achieve this target, the UN estimated in 2019 that annual carbon dioxide (“CO2”) emissions must be 15 gigatons lower than current nationally determined contributions imply.

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, approximately 45% of global CO2 emissions are associated with manufacturing products, including the production of materials and chemicals from which those products are made. Barclays estimates that the chemicals market consumes 10.6 million barrels of oil per day, releasing massive quantities of new carbon into the atmosphere in the process. Our vision for the future is to replace fossil-based feedstocks and materials with sustainably harvested wood and other non-food, sustainable feedstocks. As a tree grows, it consumes existing CO2 from the atmosphere, and when it dies and decays, that CO2 is released back into the atmosphere. However, through our proprietary manufacturing process, we convert the wood into manufacturing and feedstock materials, thereby capturing that CO2.

Many companies have already pledged to achieve net zero carbon targets, with some aiming to achieve that target within the next decade. Despite the progress in the shift to renewable energy generation and electric vehicles, we believe that reducing emissions from energy use alone is insufficient to achieve the goals and commitments established by companies and governments. Consequently, in the near-term, we believe that these companies will need to integrate decarbonized materials into their supply chains.

The graphic below highlights some of the notable companies that have made public commitments to decarbonization and their respective decarbonization targets:

 

 

LOGO

Source: Company websites and press search.

Our Addressable Market

According to the International Energy Agency, the chemical sector is the largest industrial consumer of both oil and gas. Currently, organic chemicals are predominantly derived from fossil sources such as petroleum. These chemicals are used to produce a wide array of materials from paints to plastics, space suits to solar panels, and

 

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medicines to electronics. More than 10 million barrels of oil are consumed daily to create these materials, releasing massive quantities of new carbon into the atmosphere in the process. According to a 2018 report by The Association of Plastic Recyclers, for example, every kilogram of virgin fossil-PET has a life cycle global warming potential of 2.78 kilograms of carbon emissions. Our platform technology enables companies to lower their overall CO2 emissions and meet their emissions reduction commitments by substituting decarbonizing Furanic Intermediates and their derivatives for all or a portion of the fossil-based content of materials like PET in their supply chains.

 

 

LOGO

Source: Our World in Data, 2020

Our platform technology produces carbon-negative and low carbon replacements for chemicals that have many potential applications. Our platform technology is expected to address some of these applications as soon as its initial production capacity is online, and to address other potential applications over time.

$390+ billion near-term market focus. We believe our technology can serve near-term markets representing an aggregate market opportunity that we believe is over $390 billion when Origin 2 and Origin 3 open. These markets include polyesters for textiles, PET resin for packaging, solid fuels, activated carbon and carbon black for tires and polymer fillers. We expect the Origin 1 plant to be operational by the end of 2022 and Origin 2 plant to be operational in mid-2025.

$750+ billion long-term market focus. Our platform technology produces versatile chemical “building blocks” that we anticipate, in the long term, can be converted into products to replace a broad range of chemicals and materials representing an addressable market that we believe is more than $750 billion. These markets include paints, coatings, soil additives, advanced polyesters, epoxies, plasticizers, polyurethanes, elastomers, emulsions and solvents.

Competitive Landscape

We expect our products to compete with traditional, petroleum-based materials currently used in its target markets, as well as compete with alternatives to these materials that both established and new companies seek to produce.

In our near-term markets, we expect to compete with established producers of PET fibers and resins, activated carbon and carbon black. Producers of these materials include global oil and petrochemical companies and large international diversified chemical companies. Several of these producers are seeking to develop materials from renewable sources that could compete with our products. Moreover, a number of established companies and new entrants have announced intentions to develop renewable alternatives for existing chemical products used in our near-term focus markets.

 

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In addition to competition from producers of petroleum-based materials and renewable alternatives, we expect to face competition from recycled materials such as recycled PET (“rPET”) in certain applications in our near-term focus markets. We do not believe that recycled materials will achieve the required scale and penetration to impact the market demand for our products before 2030 because recycling streams are significantly supply-constrained. We believe that improving the supply constraint for recycling will require substantial investments in infrastructure and fundamental changes to the existing entrenched governmental and institutional recycling systems and customer behavior and habits. Additionally, unless there are major changes to current technology and infrastructure, we believe that it will be difficult to implement 100% rPET material sourcing for many applications.

In our long-term focus markets, we expect to face competition from, among others, incumbents that include large chemical companies that continue to rely on petroleum-based feedstocks in their production processes.

Given our leading position in decarbonized materials, we also expect to compete with alternative technologies targeting different sources of emissions. These competitors include electric vehicles, renewable power generation, and food technology. While we do not anticipate competing directly for market share with producers of these technologies, we expect to compete for wallet share from customers looking to reduce overall carbon emissions throughout their supply chain and operations. In the long-term, once adoption of various technologies has increased and customers no longer have to prioritize different methods of reducing overall carbon emission, we expect only to compete against other materials producers.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe that our platform technology can replace petroleum as the foundational feedstock for the materials economy. Our competitive strengths include:

 

   

Flexible platform enables drop-in solutions serving a large addressable market. We believe that our platform technology is well-positioned to address a substantial global market that is just beginning to transition from petroleum-based materials to sustainable materials. Many of our products are drop-in replacements for traditional petrochemicals, enabling our customers to use our products in their existing manufacturing processes to produce chemically and physically identical end products with little to no change in customer behavior.

 

   

Abundant, low-cost and historically price-stable feedstock. Our platform technology can use timber and forest residues such as pine pulpwood, which is currently abundant and renewable, as its base-case feedstock. The feedstock for the pulp industry in North America is plentiful and the cost has historically been relatively low and stable, varying – according to the NC State University Extension Quarterly Price Report – from between $9.29 and $10.11 per ton between Q1 2015 and Q4 2020. The market for these feedstocks tends to be local due to relatively high transport costs, and therefore is insulated from typical commodity price volatility. Furthermore, our pulpwood feedstock does not compete for use as a food source, insulating our products from demand price pressures faced by other agricultural-based renewable feedstocks such as corn and sugarcane.

 

   

Unit Economics. Our proprietary platform technology converts low-cost renewable feedstock into flexible chemical intermediates in a single catalytic reaction.

 

   

Carbon Footprint. We believe our products can help enable prospective customers to achieve their net zero carbon emissions commitments by transitioning away from fossil-based materials towards materials made with our platform technology, which uses sustainable, non-food, plant-based feedstock. We estimate that a single commercial-scale Origin plant producing CMF and HTC can eliminate or avoid more than 1.3 million tons of emitted carbon dioxide annually.

 

   

High Barriers to Entry. Over the course of 12 years, we have generated a robust patent portfolio as well as critical trade secrets. We believe our competitors now significantly lag behind us and will be unable to replicate the efficiency, yield and quality of our process, as we expect to continue to improve our existing technology and processes.

 

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Business Strategy

Our goal is to build a commercially successful business that can scale and meet current and future expected demand for carbon negative materials. We plan to construct plants that can produce materials at a commercial scale and expect to continue to develop new products and applications, together with our platform partners, to maintain and increase its competitive advantage.

Key elements of our strategy include:

Complete construction of Origin 1 and launch construction of Origin 2:

 

   

We are undertaking two significant initial capital projects: “Origin 1” and “Origin 2”. Our strategic intent for Origin 1 is to serve and develop longer term focus markets that require our customers to reformulate existing products and applications. Origin 2 is intended to supply our near-term focus markets at scale.

 

   

Origin 1, our initial plant, is under construction in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. As of March 31, 2021, we completed installation of most foundations for building and process areas at the construction site and completed installation of underground piping and electrical systems at the site. As of March 31, 2021, we had also completed fabrication of the modules that contain all the equipment used for the conversion of biomass feedstock into high value chemicals. Those modules have been delivered to the site. We expect that foundations will be complete, modules will be erected and interconnecting piping will be installed, all electrical work will be complete, and utilities and raw material handling equipment will be installed over the remainder of 2021 and 2022. We expect that construction of Origin 1 will be complete, and the plant operational, before the end of 2022, with commissioning and production at the plant beginning in 2023.

 

   

As of March 31, 2021, Origin 2 is in the project development stage. We expect Origin 2’s project development stage to be completed in the middle of 2022, with the expected completion of certain milestones, such as engineering, procurement and construction contract selection and site selection, by the end of 2021. We expect the engineering, procurement and construction stage of Origin 2 to begin in the middle of 2022 and proceed through 2025, with the front-end engineering design package completed and construction and fabrication started by the middle of 2023. We expect that the construction of Origin 2 will be complete, and the plant operational, in 2025.

Sell-out contracted capacity in future plants years ahead of mechanical completion:

 

   

As of April 2021, we generated more than $1.9 billion in customer demand from customers in a diverse mix of industries, which demand is expected to be fulfilled by production from Origin 1, Origin 2, Origin 3 and Origin 4. These customers include Global Fortune 500 companies with long-term commitments to decarbonizing their supply chain and operations. We expect continued expanding demand from potential new customers and to continue contracting for new high margin products, including PEF. Because we believe that demand for our products will outpace supply for the foreseeable future, we expect that we will need to identify and prioritize sales to customers for applications that command the highest margins. Please see the section titled “—Offtake Agreements” for additional information regarding our offtake agreements.

Expand and develop new partnerships across the value chain:

 

   

Our strategy includes working with upstream partners to identify suitable aging/defunct pulp mills, convert key equipment components, and integrate those components into a refurbished and repurposed chemical plant. We expect this to enable us to partner with the existing forest products supply chains and government entities relating concerned with forest management and potential local labor and economic benefits associated with repurposing the pulp mills. We plan to engage procurement and construction companies and enter into joint ventures for production, which would provide us with best of class capabilities to efficiently implement the construction of our plants. In addition, we expect to collaborate

 

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with partners who have the market knowledge and expertise to design compelling products and penetrate new markets. We believe that helping these partners build profitable new businesses and product lines using our cost-advantaged chemical intermediate platform enhances the value of our platform and promotes long-term committed customer relationships for an expanding and diversifying set of markets. We also intend to continue creating industry collaborations like the NaturALL Bottle Alliance to commercialize decarbonizing solutions with the help of end users and brands. We intend to continue using demand from industry-leading brands to motivate and align the intermediate supply chain to meet carbon reduction commitments.

Continue development of next-gen materials and applications:

 

   

Our strategy is to develop low and negative carbon materials for use in a variety of products, including textiles and fabrics, next generation packaging, paints, coatings, and epoxies, fillers for tires and other rubber products, fuels, and agricultural products.

 

   

Our CMF near-term product focus is on low or negative carbon PET. In the medium term, we will focus on improving PET polyester with the incorporation of furanic content to make “PETF” blended products, and in the longer term (2027+), we expect to focus on producing next generation high-performance polyesters with strong gas barrier and high heat resistance that can be fully recyclable with current technologies.

 

   

Our HTC near-term product focus is on “drop-in” energy-dense solid fuels. In the medium term, we will focus on carbon negative carcinogen-free carbon black replacement for tires and other rubber and polymer filled materials. In the longer term (2027+), we expect to focus on next generation agricultural products such as slow-release fertilizers as well as microbial and biologics delivery.

Develop new revenue streams through technology licensing:

 

   

We have developed technology to convert CMF and HTC into a variety of valuable end products, and expect to continue to develop this technology. We expect, over time, to license this technology to relevant manufacturers of those end products while we supply the CMF and HTC to the licensees.

Our Products

The majority of our product output is comprised of the versatile Furanic Intermediates. Depending on the specific feedstock, we may also produce several minority co-products, including levulinic acid, furfural, and various extractives.

CMF—chloromethylfurfural:

 

   

CMF is an organic compound derived directly from cellulosic biomass through our patented process, consisting of furan substituted at the 2 and 5 positions with a formyl group and chloromethyl group. CMF is easily derivatized into multiple products including those for polyesters, nylons, epoxies, surfactants, and several others. Our process is expected to be able to produce CMF with –1.21 kg CO2 equivalent based on The Life Cycle Assessment of Coproducts according to a life cycle analysis by Deloitte SAS.

HTC—hydrothermal carbon:

 

   

HTC is a carbonaceous composite consisting of furanic resin and lignin fragments. It is derived from ligno-cellulose through our patented process, and is a structured composite resin comprising furanic chemical groups that can be further functionalized or de-functionalized while retaining nano-scale morphology of the HTC. Via functionalization or de-functionalization, HTC may be further derivatized into products such as carbon black, activated carbon, as well as a variety of agricultural products. Our process is expected to be able to produce HTC with –1.67 kg CO2 equivalent based on The Life Cycle Assessment of Coproducts according to a life cycle analysis by Deloitte SAS.

 

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Customers

We believe that our platform technology makes it ideally positioned to address industry demand for carbon-negative and low-carbon materials. As of April 19, 2021, we had approximately $779 million in offtake agreements (including $264 million specified as a customer option, which may not be exercised) and $1,096 million in capacity reservations. These agreements have terms ranging from 5-10 years and encompass production from one or more of Origin 1, Origin 2, Origin 3 and Origin 4. Our customers include fellow NaturALL Bottle Alliance members and Global Fortune 500 companies Danone, Nestlé Waters, and PepsiCo, as well as Mitsubishi Gas Chemical and Packaging Equity Holdings.

Raw Materials Supply

Our platform technology can produce building block chemicals from a variety of abundant, low-cost bio-feedstocks including forest residues and wood processing waste. Our process was designed to take advantage of idled and aging pulp mills. Beginning with the Origin 2 commercial-scale plant, we plan to co-locate its commercial scale plants with such mills to secure access to existing site-specific feedstock supplies and skilled labor while lowering required capital investment. We believe we will be able to contract for the necessary quantity and quality of these or suitable alternative feedstocks needed to manufacture its products. We expected demand for forest residues and wood processing waste in 2030 represents less than 1% of the world’s total supply of these feedstocks and less than 0.5% of the global supply of suitable alternative feedstocks that can be used in our process, such as agricultural wastes, mixed paper waste, and construction wastes.

Offtake Agreements

Nestlé Offtake Agreement

In November 2016, we entered into an offtake agreement with Nestlé. The agreement has a 5-year term to purchase a specified amount of product per year from the Origin 1 facility. The agreement requires us to meet certain construction and product delivery milestones by specified dates and requires us to pay liquidated damages if the milestones are not achieved. For Origin 1, these milestones were commercial operation of Origin 1 (December 31, 2020) and first delivery of product from Origin 1 (September 30, 2021). In September 2020, Nestlé agreed to waive compliance with the milestones and their right to liquidated damages until June 30, 2021 in order to facilitate the negotiation of an amendment to the agreement, including the milestone achievement dates. Because we did not commence commercial operations of Origin 1 by June 30, 2021 or may not deliver product from Origin 1 by September 30, 2021, Nestlé may be entitled to seek liquidated damages that accrue monthly for a maximum of 12 months up to a maximum of $0.6 million. In addition, if the commercial operation milestone is not met by December 31, 2021, or the first delivery of product milestone is not met by September 30, 2022, Nestlé may terminate the agreement.

In addition to the above provisions, Nestlé may terminate the offtake agreement if: (i) we fail to meet agreed upon quality or quantity requirements; (ii) a force majeure continues for an extended period; (iii) any of certain designated parties directly acquires an equity interest in us; (iv) we fail to comply with mutually agreed sustainability principles; (v) either party takes steps to enter into liquidation or is subject to bankruptcy proceedings or enters into a deed of arrangement for the benefit of its creditors; or (vi) a bankruptcy event occurs with respect to a third party manufacturer that is critical to our supply chain, and we are unable to retain a substitute. If Nestlé terminates the offtake agreements, certain outstanding advance payments made to us by Nestlé and evidenced by a secured promissory note, as described below, become immediately due. In addition, upon any material breach of the offtake agreement by us, we have a specified amount of time, subject to modification by agreement with Nestlé, to cure the breach before Nestlé may terminate the agreement.

In November 2016, we received a $5.0 million prepayment from Nestlé for product from Origin 1 pursuant to the offtake agreement. The prepayment will be credited against the purchase of products from Origin 1 over the term of the offtake agreement. Specifically, the prepayment will be repaid by applying a credit to product

 

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purchases each month over the operation of Origin 1 until a total of $7.5 million of credits have been applied. The prepayment is evidenced by a secured note that will be repaid in cash in the event the prepayment cannot be credited against the purchase of product because, for example, Origin 1 is never constructed. If repaid in cash, the note bears an annual interest rate of the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 0.25% (0.44% at March 31, 2021) and matures five years from the commercial operation date of Origin 1. Our outstanding obligation, together with accrued interest, under Nestlé’s promissory note totaled an aggregate of $5.2 million as of March 31, 2021.

Danone Offtake Agreement

In November 2016, we entered into an offtake agreement with Danone. The agreement has a 5-year term to purchase a specified amount of product per year from the Origin 1 facility. The agreement also includes an option exercisable by Danone to enter into an additional offtake agreement to purchase product from Origin 2 for a term of up to 10 years. This option has not yet been exercised. The agreement requires us to meet certain construction and product delivery milestones by specified dates and requires us to pay liquidated damages if the milestones are not achieved. For Origin 1, these milestones were commercial operation of Origin 1 (December 31, 2020) and first delivery of product from Origin 1 (September 30, 2021). In June 2021, Danone agreed to waive compliance with the milestones and their right to liquidated damages until September 30, 2021, in order to facilitate the negotiation of an amendment to the agreement, including the milestone achievement dates. If Origin does not commence commercial operations of Origin 1 or does not deliver product from Origin 1 by September 30, 2021, Danone will be entitled to seek liquidated damages that accrue monthly for a maximum of 12 months up to a maximum of $0.3 million. In addition, if the commercial operation milestone is not met by December 31, 2021, or the first delivery of product milestone is not met by September 30, 2022, Danone may terminate the agreement. As of the date hereof, the negotiation of the amendment to the agreement was still pending.

In addition to the above provisions, Danone may terminate the offtake agreement if: (i) we fail to meet the agreed upon quality or quantity requirements; (ii) a force majeure event continues for an extended period; (iii) any of certain designated parties directly acquires an equity interest in us; (iv) we fail to comply with mutually agreed sustainability principles; (v) the NaturALL Bottle Alliance agreement is terminated; (vi) a material adverse change has occurred prior to the first order placed under the agreement; (vii) either party takes steps to enter into liquidation, becomes subject to bankruptcy proceedings or a bankruptcy event occurs with respect to either party, or a third party manufacturer that is critical to our supply chain, and we are unable to retain a substitute; or (viii) an event of default as defined by in Danone’s promissory note occurs. If Danone terminates the offtake agreement, certain outstanding advance payments made to us by Danone and evidenced by a secured promissory note become due immediately. Our outstanding obligation, together with accrued interest, under Danone’s promissory note totaled an aggregate of $5.5 million as of March 31, 2021. In addition, upon any material breach of the offtake agreement by us, we have a specified amount of time, subject to modification by agreement with Danone, to cure the breach before Danone may terminate the agreement.

Pepsi Offtake Agreement

In August 2018, we entered into an offtake agreement with Pepsi. The agreement has a 5-year term to purchase a specified amount of product per year from the Origin 1 facility, and an additional 5-year term to purchase a specified amount of product per year from Origin 2. Pepsi may terminate the agreement if commercial operation or delivery of product from Origin 1 has not occurred by December 31, 2022. Pepsi also may terminate the agreement if commercial operation of Origin 2 has not occurred by June 30, 2025, or if product from Origin 2 has not been delivered before September 30, 2025.

In addition to the above provisions, Pepsi may terminate the offtake agreement if: (i) we fail to meet agreed upon quality or quantity requirements; (ii) a force majeure event continues for an extended period; or (iii) a bankruptcy event occurs with respect to either party, or a third party manufacturer that is critical to our supply chain, and we are unable to retain a substitute. Also, upon our material breach of the offtake agreement, we have

 

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a specified amount of time, subject to modification by agreement with Pepsi, to cure the breach before Pepsi may terminate the agreement.

Packaging Matters Offtake Agreement

In December 2020, we entered into an offtake agreement with Packaging Matters, LLC (formerly known as Packaging Equity Holdings, LLC) (“Packaging Matters”). This agreement has a 10-year term and provides for the purchase of specified volumes of product per year from each of our first four plants, Origin 1 through Origin 4. Packaging Matters may terminate the agreement if we deliver notice to Packaging Matters that we have determined that it is reasonably likely that we will not fulfill certain conditions precedent to start-up of the Origin 1 facility by January 1, 2025.

In addition to the above provisions, either party may terminate the offtake agreement if a force majeure event continues for an extended period or if a bankruptcy event occurs with respect to the other party. Upon our material breach of the offtake agreement, we have a specified amount of time, subject to modification by agreement with Packaging Matters, to cure the breach before Packaging Matters may terminate the agreement.

Research and Development

Our strategy depends upon both continued improvement of our platform technology and development of new chemical pathways, next-generation materials and product applications, and our research and development efforts are focused on supporting these two objectives. We operate an in-house laboratory and pilot-scale manufacturing facilities in West Sacramento, California and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada to conduct research and development work. In addition, we conduct joint research and development work with third parties including academic institutions, vendors, and other partners such as members of the NaturALL Bottle Alliance.

Intellectual Property

Our patent portfolio is comprised of 19 patent families focused on the conversion of biomass to CMF and HTC. We intend to retain exclusive rights to commercially work its biomass to CMF and HTC pathways.

Patents. Our core technology—biomass to CMF and HTC—is protected with patents, trade secrets, and know-how. We have 22 patents directed to CMF. One U.S. composition of matter patent expiring in 2034 is directed to crystalline forms of CMF. Twelve patents are directed to compositions of and methods for preparing CMF. These include three in the United States, two in Korea, and one each in Brazil, China, India, Mexico and Malaysia, which expire in 2032, as well as two patents in the United States and one in Brazil that expire in 2034. Eight patents are directed to methods and systems for purifying CMF. These include one patent in the United States and one in China, each expiring in 2033, and three patents in the United States and one each in Brazil, China, and Europe that expire in 2034. We have ten pending applications directed to compositions and methods for preparing CMF. These include one in the United States that would expire in 2034, three in Malaysia that would expire in 2034, one in Malaysia that would expire in 2032, two in China that would expire in 2034, one in Europe that would expire in 2034, and two in Korea that would expire in 2034.

We also have eight patents directed to methods for preparing PX and terephthalic acid (PTA when purified). These include two patents in the United States and one each in China and Japan that expire in 2032, as well as three patents in the United States and one in Japan that expire in 2033.

We have five patents directed to dimethylfuran (“DMF”), a derivative of CMF, including three patents in the United States expiring in 2034 directed to methods of producing DMF and two patents in the United States expiring in 2035 directed to compositions of and methods for preparing DMF. We also have two pending patent applications directed to DMF. These include one each in Thailand and Europe that would expire in 2035.

 

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We have two pending patent applications directed to furandicarboxylate-polymer compositions, including PEF, and methods for producing such compositions. These include one pending application in China that would expire 2036 and one pending application in the United States that would expire in 2037.

In addition, we have four patents directed to polyhydroxylalkanoate (“PHA”), a biodegradable plastic. These include one composition of matter patent in the United States and one in Malaysia, each expiring in 2031, that are directed to bacterial strains for producing PHA, and two patents in the United States expiring in 2033 directed to compositions and methods for converting PHA into PHA derivatives. We also have one pending patent application directed to PHA in Malaysia that would expire in 2033.

We have three patents directed to other derivatives of CMF. These include two U.S. patents expiring in 2035 and 2036, respectively, directed to methods of preparing chemical derivatives from CMF and one U.S. patent expiring in 2035 directed to compositions for preparing CMF derivatives.

Finally, we have one pending patent application in the United States that would expire in 2036 and is directed to compositions and resins of activated carbon and methods for producing these.

Trade secrets. We maintain a secure digital vault of its trade secrets with heightened confidentiality protections. Access to this vault is limited to a select group and is granted on a need-to-know basis. Further, the information in the vault is left strategically incomplete and requires corroboration from referenced internal documents to ensure that the entirety of any trade secret is known only by someone who has access to each such document. Our employees are required to participate in invention assignment and non-disclosure protocols to further ensure the protection of our trade secrets.

Know-how. An important aspect of our intellectual property, in addition to its patent portfolio and trade-secrets, is the depth of understanding and proficiency we gained in the behavior of its platform chemical reactions, the handling of feedstocks, and the process-ability of feedstocks given certain conditions. This know-how into our process and materials is carefully captured in many ways, such as by being photographed, videoed, measured, quantified, summarized, compared, and otherwise described. Within this information set, we have identified many key insights without which we believe a would-be competitor could not successfully operate in our industry or replicate its results.

Regulatory

Regulation by government authorities in the United States, Canada and other countries is a significant factor in the production and sale of our products and its ongoing research and development activities. The chemicals and intermediates that we manufacture and use, including CMF and HTC, require (or as the products are further commercialized are anticipated to require) authorization or exemptions under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA), the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) administered by Health Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the European Union’s regulation entitled the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Our production processes are subject to regulations and permit requirements relating to air emissions, wastewater discharges, waste generation and disposal and other environmental matters. Additionally, some applications will involve food contact and will be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA).

Chemical control regulations applicable to us, such as TSCA, CEPA or REACH, impose restrictions with respect to the permitted volumes of, or the sites at which, certain chemicals manufactured or used by us may be manufactured, imported, transported and/or released into the environment. For example, in the United States, the manufacture of CMF currently is restricted to a quantity of 15,000 kilograms per year and the volume of a substance that may be used in some subsequent conversions of CMF is subject to import restrictions in Canada. In addition, the import into Canada of a certain polymer associated with the manufacture of CMF and HTC is limited to not more than 1,000 kilograms per

 

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year. Compliance with these regulations is complex and could require significant capital and/or operating expenses, and failure to comply with any of these regulations can have significant consequences. Our regulatory focus has been on seeking the removal or relaxation of certain restrictions to enable scaled up production. We have filed or will be filing notifications under TSCA and CEPA seeking to remove these restrictions, as necessary, and is working to identify alternatives that are not similarly restricted in the location where they are used.

Facilities

Our corporate headquarters, pilot-scale plant and research and development laboratories are located in West Sacramento, California, where we occupy approximately 25,845 square feet of office, plant and laboratory space. Our lease for this facility expires in October 31, 2025. We believe that the facility that it currently leases is adequate for its needs for the immediate future and that, should it be necessary, we can lease additional space to accommodate any future growth.

We also own a production facility in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, Origin 1, that is currently under construction. This production facility is on approximately two acres of land and contains a construction trailer complete with approximately 720 square feet of office space. Construction of this plant began in September 2018. The land is owned and the offices are leased by our wholly owned subsidiary, Origin Materials Canada Pioneer Limited.

Employees and Human Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2021, we had approximately 38 employees located in the United States and three employees in Canada, all of whom were full-time employees. None of our employees is subject to a collective bargaining agreement and we believe we have a good relationship with our employees.

We recognize that our continued ability to attract, retain and motivate exceptional employees is vital to ensuring our long-term competitive advantage. Our human capital resources objectives include, as applicable, identifying, recruiting, retaining, incentivizing and integrating our existing and additional employees. The principal purposes of our equity incentive plans are to attract, retain and motivate selected employees, consultants and directors through the granting of stock-based compensation awards and cash-based performance bonus awards.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we may become involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business. There are currently no claims or actions pending against us the ultimate disposition of which we believes could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Corporate Information

Artius incorporated in the Cayman Islands on January 24, 2020 and formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. On June 25, 2021, Merger Sub, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Artius merged with and into Legacy Origin, with Legacy Origin surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Artius. Legacy Origin was incorporated in 2008 as a Delaware corporation. Our principal executive offices are located at 930 Riverside Parkway, Suite 10, West Sacramento, California 95605. Legacy Origin has the following wholly-owned Canadian subsidiaries:

 

   

Origin Materials Canada Holding Limited;

 

   

Origin Materials Canada Pioneer Limited;

 

   

Origin Materials Canada Polyesters Limited; and

 

   

Origin Materials Canada Research Limited.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

The following sets forth certain information, as of June 30, 2021, concerning the persons who are our directors and executive officers as well as certain of our key employees.

 

Name

   Age     

Position

Executive Officers

     

John Bissell

     36     

Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director

Rich Riley

     47     

Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director

Nate Whaley

     47     

Chief Financial Officer

Stephen Galowitz

     57     

Chief Commercial Officer

Joshua Lee

     44     

General Counsel

Non-Employee Directors

     

Karen Richardson

     58     

Chair of the Board

Benno O. Dorer(1)(3)

     57     

Director

Charles Drucker(2)(3)

     58     

Director

Kathleen B. Fish(2)(3)

     64     

Director

William Harvey(1)(2)

     70     

Director

Boon Sim(1)(3)

     58     

Director

Pia Heidenmark Cook(1)(2)

     49     

Director

Key Employees

     

Ryan Smith

     42     

Chief Technology Officer

Makoto Masuno

     46     

Vice President of R&D

Roman Wolff

     58     

Vice President of Engineering

 

 

(1) Member of the Audit Committee.

(2) Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

(3) Member of the Compensation Committee.

Executive Officers

John Bissell is our Co-Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors since the Business Combination and has previously served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Origin, and a member of the Legacy Origin board of directors, since November 2008. Mr. Bissell received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Davis. We believe that Mr. Bissell’s extensive experience in the materials industry, his experience as an executive, and his leadership of Origin qualify him to serve as our director.

Rich Riley is our Co-Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors since the Business Combination and has previously served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Origin and a member of the Legacy Origin board of directors since October 2020. From April 2013 to January 2019, Mr. Riley was the Chief Executive Officer of Shazam Entertainment Ltd, a private company that develops mobile music recognition applications and was acquired by Apple Inc. in 2018. Since February 2020, Mr. Riley has served as Chairman of the Board of JourneyPure LLC, a private addiction treatment and behavioral health services company. Mr. Riley has served as an Industry Advisor to KKR & Co. L.P., a private equity company, since April 2013. Mr. Riley is also a co-founder and member of the board of HomePoint Maintenance, Inc., a private home maintenance services company he helped found in May 2019. Mr. Riley was previously an Executive Vice President and a member of the executive management team at Yahoo! Inc. through May 2012, having joined Yahoo! when it acquired his company Log-Me-On.com LLC in January 1999. Mr. Riley received a B.S. in Economics with concentrations in finance and entrepreneurial management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. We believe that Mr. Riley’s broad experience as an executive and advisor across industries qualify him to serve as our director.

 

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Nate Whaley joined Legacy Origin in September 2020 as Chief Financial Officer and continues to serve as our Chief Financial Officer after the Business Combination. Prior to joining Legacy Origin, Mr. Whaley was a Principal at Whaley Group, a private provider of CFO, corporate financial and asset management advisory services, whose engagements included serving as Chief Financial Officer and Strategic Advisor to Stikwood, a private wood wall planking manufacturer, and Senior Vice President of Finance and Strategy for Mammoth Resorts during its growth from a large ski and summer resort to a multi-resort portfolio operator. Prior to founding Whaley Group, Mr. Whaley served as Chief Financial Officer and President – Development of Kirkwood Capital Partners, the holding company of the operating businesses, real estate development and sales, and gas and electric utility companies at Kirkwood Mountain Resort in Lake Tahoe, California. Mr. Whaley received a B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Davis and an MBA from the Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Davis.

Stephen Galowitz has served as Chief Commercial Officer of Legacy Origin since May 2014 and continues to serve as our Chief Commercial Officer after the Business Combination. As Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Galowitz oversees the development of strategic relationships for commercialization of sustainable products using Origin Materials’ technology. Mr. Galowitz formerly served as co-founder and Chief Development Officer at Broadrock Renewables, LLC, where he led electricity generating projects. Mr. Galowitz received a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania, a B.S. in Finance from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

Joshua Lee joined Legacy Origin as Corporate Counsel in February 2018 and has served as General Counsel since December 2020 and continues to serve as our General Counsel and Secretary after the Business Combination. Mr. Lee has served as Legacy Origin’s Secretary since February 12, 2020. Prior to joining Legacy Origin, Mr. Lee was an attorney at Miller Barondess, LLP from September 2016 to February 2018, and at Irell & Manella LLP from August 2009 to September 2016. Mr. Lee received a B.A. in Economics and German from the University of Southern California, an M.A. in Economics from the University of Southern California, and a J.D. from Yale Law School.

Non-Employee Directors

Karen Richardson has served on the board of directors of Artius since July 2020 and serves as a member and Chairperson of our board of directors following the Business Combination. Ms. Richardson has a breadth of experience in the technology services industry and currently serves as a non-executive director of BP plc, Exponent, Inc. and Doma. Ms. Richardson served as a director of Worldpay from 2018 until July 2019. Prior to this, Ms. Richardson was an independent non-executive director of Worldpay Group plc. Ms. Richardson also served as a non-executive director at BT Plc from 2011-2018. Prior to her time at Worldpay and BT, Ms. Richardson held a number of senior sales and marketing roles in technology companies, including her tenure as Chief Executive Officer at Epiphany Inc. between 2003 and 2006. Ms. Richardson has also served as an advisor to Silver Lake Partners and has served on a number of private company boards, including i2 Holdings, Ayasdi LLC, Hackerrank, Convercent, Inc., Virtuoz, Proofpoint, Inc. and Hi5 Networks, Inc. We believe that Ms. Richardson is qualified to serve on our board of directors given her leadership experience in technologically complex organizations.

Benno O. Dorer has served as a member of our board of directors since June 2021. From November 2014 until September 2020, Mr. Dorer served as Chief Executive Officer of the Clorox Company and as Chairman of the Clorox Company from August 2016 until February 2021. Prior to his time at the Clorox Company, Mr. Dorer held various marketing and sales roles at The Procter & Gamble Company in Europe and the United States. Mr. Dorer had also previously served the Consumer Brands Association, the trade association for the consumer packaged goods industry, as Board Director and Vice Chairman until 2020. Mr. Dorer is currently a Senior Advisor to KKR & Co. Inc. and a Board Director of VF Corporation and Wella Company. We believe that Mr. Dorer is qualified to serve on our board of directors given his extensive experience in the consumer and professional products industry.

 

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Charles Drucker served as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Artius from June 24, 2020 to June 25, 2021 and is a member of our board of directors following the Business Combination. Mr. Drucker has had a decades-long career in the financial services industry. Mr. Drucker was a member of the board of directors of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (“FIS”) and served as Vice Chairman until March 1, 2020. From January 2019 until its acquisition by FIS, he served as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Worldpay, a leading global payments company, and also served as Worldpay’s Executive Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer from January 2018 to December 2018. From 2009 to 2017, Mr. Drucker was the Chief Executive Officer of Worldpay’s predecessor, Vantiv. Prior to joining Vantiv, Inc., Mr. Drucker served as Executive Vice President of Fifth Third Bancorp from June 2005 to June 2009. Prior to joining Fifth Third Bancorp, Mr. Drucker was with First Data Corporation and Wells Fargo. Mr. Drucker has also served on the board of directors of Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. since 2016. We believe that Mr. Drucker is qualified to serve on our board of directors because of his extensive senior management experience in the payments and technology industries, as well as his experience with deep financial services.

Kathleen B. Fish has served as a member of our board of directors since June 2021. From February 2014 until December 2020, Ms. Fish served as Chief Research, Development and Innovation Officer of Procter & Gamble. Prior to this, Ms. Fish served as vice president of the Global Fabric Care R&D organization at Procter & Gamble from January 2009 to January 2014, and as vice president of the Global Baby Care R&D organization at Procter & Gamble from November 2003 to November 2008. Ms. Fish joined Procter & Gamble in 1979 as part of its Product Development (R&D) organization. Ms. Fish is currently a member of the USA Swimming Board of Directors. Ms. Fish has been selected to serve on our board of directors due to her leadership experience in the consumer goods industry.

William Harvey has served as a member of the Legacy Origin board of directors since June 2017 and continues to serve as a member of our board of directors following the Business Combination. Mr. Harvey served from July 2009 to December 2016 as the President of DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers (P&IP), a global business unit of E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc. Mr. Harvey became a member of the board of directors of Bridgestone Americas, Inc., the North American subsidiary of a Japanese multinational auto and truck parts manufacturer, in June 2017. Since March 2011, Mr. Harvey has served on the board of directors of Kennametal, Inc., a public supplier of tooling and industrial materials. In March 2020, Mr. Harvey joined the Management Board of Huber Engineered Woods LLC, a manufacturer and supplier of wood products and a wholly-owned subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation. Mr. Harvey received an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia and a B.S. in Economics from Virginia Commonwealth University. We believe that Mr. Harvey’s broad experience as an executive and board member in the packaging and materials industries qualify him to serve as our director.

Boon Sim has served as a director of Artius since February 4, 2020 and continues to serve as a member of our board of directors following the Business Combination. Mr. Sim also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Artius since February 4, 2020 and its Chief Financial Officer since June 24, 2020, each until the consummation of the Business Combination. Mr. Sim has been Managing Partner of Artius Capital Partners since September 2017. Prior to that position, Mr. Sim was Advisory Senior Director of Temasek, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, from April 2016 to December 2017, and President, Americas Group, Head of Markets Group and Head of Credit and Life Science Portfolio from June 2012 to April 2016. He was previously the Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Credit Suisse. During his twenty-year career at Credit Suisse and its predecessor, The First Boston Corporation, Mr. Sim held several senior positions of increasing responsibility, including Head of M&A Americas and Co-head of Technology Group. Before joining The First Boston Corporation, Mr. Sim worked as a design engineer at Texas Instruments Inc., focusing on semiconductor design. Mr. Sim has also served on the board of directors of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board since 2020. We believe that Mr. Sim is qualified to serve on our board of directors given his significant financial investment experience.

Pia Heidenmark Cook has served as a member of our board of directors since June 2021. Ms. Cook currently serves as Chief Sustainability Officer at Ingka Group (IKEA). Prior to this position, she served as head of Sustainability in IKEA Retail & Expansion for the IKEA Group from 2011 to 2017 and as head of Communications

 

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for the IKEA Foundation from 2008 to 2011. Prior to joining IKEA in 2008, Ms. Cook served as Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Rezidor Hotel Group from 2001 to 2008. Ms. Cook currently serves on the country boards of IKEA Sweden and IKEA Denmark, and has previously served as co-chair of The Retailers’ Environmental Action Programme and as chairman of the tourism branch of the Prince of Wales Business Leaders Forum. Ms. Cook received a Technical Licentiate degree and a M.Sc. in Environmental Management from the University of Lund, Sweden, and a M.Sc. in International Business Administration and Economics from Uppsala University, Sweden. She is currently undertaking an INSEAD training on non-executive board directorship. Ms. Cook has been selected to serve on the board of directors due to her extensive experience in sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Key Employees

Ryan Smith is the co-founder of Legacy Origin and has served as Chief Technology Officer and a member of the Legacy Origin board of directors since 2008 and continues to serve as our Chief Technology Officer after the Business Combination. Mr. Smith studied Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Davis.

Makoto Masuno, Ph.D. serves as our Head of Research and Development and has previously served as the Head of Research and Development at Legacy Origin from March 2011 to August 2020 and as Vice President of R&D since August 2020. Mr. Masuno is an Assistant Adjunct Professor at Sacramento City College. Mr. Masuno received a B.S. in Chemistry from Westmont College and a Ph.D. in Marine Natural Product Organic Synthetic Chemistry from the University of California, Davis.

Roman Wolff serves as our Vice President of Engineering and has previously has served as the Vice President of Engineering at Legacy Origin since September 2020. Mr. Wolff is also the President of Enhanced Biofuels, LLC, a private technology development and licensing company. From March 2013 to September 2020, Mr. Wolff was an Engineering Manager at TETRA Technologies, Inc., a public energy services company. Mr. Wolff received an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston.

Family Relationships

There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.

Corporate Governance

Composition of the Board of Directors

Our business and affairs are organized under the direction of its board of directors. Karen Richardson serves as Chair of the Board. The primary responsibilities of our board of directors are to provide oversight, strategic guidance, counseling and direction to the management. The board of directors meets on a regular basis and additionally as required.

In accordance with the terms of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, the board of directors shall establish the authorized number of directors from time to time exclusively by resolution. The board of directors currently consists of nine members. In accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation, the board of directors will initially be divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. At each annual meeting of stockholders prior to 2024, the successors to directors whose terms then expire will be elected to serve from the time of election and qualification until the third annual meeting following election. The directors elected at the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders will serve for a two-year term, and the directors elected at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders will serve for a one-year term. Beginning at the 2026 annual meetings of stockholders,

 

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all of our directors will be elected for one-year terms expiring at the following annual meeting of stockholders. Our initial directors are divided among the three classes as follows:

 

   

the Class I directors are William Harvey, Boon Sim and Pia Heidenmark Cook, and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2022;

 

   

the Class II directors are Charles Drucker, Kathleen B. Fish and Rich Riley and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2023; and

 

   

the Class III directors are John Bissell, Benno O. Dorer and Karen Richardson and their terms will expire at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2024.

Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of the directors.

The initial division of the board of directors into three classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change in control.

Director Independence

As a result of our Common Stock being listed on Nasdaq we are required to comply with the applicable rules of such exchange in determining whether a director is independent. After to the consummation of this Business Combination, our board of directors undertook a review of the independence of the individuals named above and has determined that each of Messrs. Sim, Harvey, Drucker and Dorer and Mses. Fish, Richardson and Cook qualifies as “independent” as defined under the applicable Nasdaq rules. Messrs. Bissell and Riley are not deemed independent due to their positions as our Co-Chief Executive Officers.

Role of the Board in Risk Oversight

One of the key functions of the board of directors is informed oversight of our risk management process. The board of directors does not anticipate having a standing risk management committee, but rather anticipates administering this oversight function directly through our board of directors as a whole, as well as through various standing committees of the board of directors that address risks inherent in their respective areas of oversight. In particular, the board of directors is responsible for monitoring and assessing strategic risk exposure and our audit committee will have the responsibility to consider and discuss any major financial risk exposures and the steps our management will take to monitor and control such exposures, including guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken. The audit committee monitors compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The compensation committee assesses and monitors whether our compensation plans, policies and programs comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Committees of the Board of Directors

The board of directors has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. The composition and responsibilities of each of the committees of the board of directors are described below. Members serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by the board of directors. The board of directors may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time.

Audit Committee

The audit committee consists of Benno O. Dorer, Boon Sim, William Harvey and Pia Heidenmark Cook. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the audit committee satisfies the independence requirements under Nasdaq listing standards and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. The chair of the

 

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audit committee is Benno O. Dorer. Our board of directors has determined that Benno O. Dorer is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC regulations. Each member of the audit committee can read and understand fundamental financial statements in accordance with applicable requirements. In arriving at these determinations, our board of directors has examined each audit committee member’s scope of experience and the nature of their employment.

The primary purpose of the audit committee is to discharge the responsibilities of the board of directors with respect to our corporate accounting and financial reporting processes, systems of internal control and financial statement audits, and to oversee our independent registered public accounting firm. Specific responsibilities of the audit committee include:

 

   

helping the board of directors oversee corporate accounting and financial reporting processes;

 

   

managing the selection, engagement, qualifications, independence and performance of a qualified firm to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements;

 

   

discussing the scope and results of the audit with the independent registered public accounting firm, and reviewing, with management and the independent accountants, our interim and year-end operating results;

 

   

developing procedures for employees to submit concerns anonymously about questionable accounting or audit matters;

 

   

reviewing related person transactions;

 

   

obtaining and reviewing a report by the independent registered public accounting firm at least annually that describes our internal quality control procedures, any material issues with such procedures, and any steps taken to deal with such issues when required by applicable law; and

 

   

approving or, as permitted, pre-approving, audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm.

Compensation Committee

Our compensation committee consists of Charles Drucker, Boon Sim, Benno O. Dorer and Kathleen B. Fish. The chair of the compensation committee is Charles Drucker. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the compensation committee is independent under the Nasdaq listing standards and a “non-employee director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

The primary purpose of the compensation committee is to discharge the responsibilities of the board of directors in overseeing the compensation policies, plans and programs and to review and determine the compensation to be paid to executive officers, directors and other senior management, as appropriate. Specific responsibilities of the compensation committee will include:

 

   

reviewing and approving the compensation of the chief executive officers, other executive officers and senior management;

 

   

reviewing and recommending to the board of directors the compensation of directors;

 

   

administering the equity incentive plans and other benefit programs;

 

   

reviewing, adopting, amending and terminating incentive compensation and equity plans, severance agreements, profit sharing plans, bonus plans, change-of-control protections and any other compensatory arrangements for the executive officers and other senior management; and

 

   

reviewing and establishing general policies relating to compensation and benefits of the employees, including the overall compensation philosophy.

 

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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of William Harvey, Charles Drucker, Kathleen B. Fish and Pia Heidenmark Cook. The chair of the nominating and corporate governance committee is William Harvey. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the nominating and corporate governance committee is independent under the Nasdaq listing standards.

Specific responsibilities of the nominating and corporate governance committee include:

 

   

identifying and evaluating candidates, including the nomination of incumbent directors for re-election and nominees recommended by stockholders, to serve on the board of directors;

 

   

considering and making recommendations to the board of directors regarding the composition and chairmanship of the committees of the board of directors;

 

   

developing and making recommendations to the board of directors regarding corporate governance guidelines and matters, including in relation to corporate social responsibility; and

 

   

overseeing periodic evaluations of the performance of the board of directors, including its individual directors and committees.

Code of Ethics

We have a code of ethics that applies to all of our executive officers, directors and employees, including our co-principal executive officers, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing similar functions. The code of ethics is available on our website, http://www.originmaterials.com/investors. In addition, we post on our website all disclosures that are required by law or the listing standards of Nasdaq concerning any amendments to, or waivers from, any provision of the code. The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained at or available through our website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this prospectus.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of the members of the compensation committee has ever been an executive officer or employee of Atrius, Legacy Origin or Merger Sub. None of our executive officers currently serve, or has served during the last completed fiscal year, on the compensation committee or board of directors of any other entity that has one or more executive officers that serves as a member of our board of directors or compensation committee.

Non-Employee Director Compensation

During 2020, other than a stock option to purchase shares of Legacy Origin Common Stock granted to Mr. William Harvey as described below, no director received cash, equity or other non-equity compensation for service on Legacy Origin’s or Artius’ board of directors.

In October 2020, Legacy Origin’s board of directors granted Mr. Harvey a stock option to purchase 150,000 shares of Legacy Origin Common Stock, of which 50,000 shares were fully vested and exercisable upon grant. 25,000 shares underlying this option vest on the one-year anniversary of the date Mr. Harvey accepts (verbally or in writing) the position of Chairman of Legacy Origin’s board of directors and the remaining 75,000 shares underlying this option vest monthly in equal installments over three years, subject to Mr. Harvey’s continued service at each vesting date. In connection with the Business Combination, (i) a total of 75,000 shares underlying this option were deemed to be vested and fully exercisable immediately prior to the closing of such transaction, and (ii) the remaining 75,000 shares underlying this option were automatically forfeited. The initial value of Mr. Harvey’s option award is $1,089,423.80, which does not reflect amounts actually received by Mr. Harvey.

 

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Instead, this amount reflects the grant date fair value of the option award, as computed in accordance with FASB ASC 718. As required by SEC rules, the amount shown excludes the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. The stock option to purchase 75,000 shares of Legacy Origin Common Stock was converted into a stock option to purchase 158,734 shares of our Common Stock following the consummation of the Business Combination.

In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, our board of directors adopted a non-employee director compensation policy, pursuant to which each non-employee director is entitled to a $50,000 annual cash retainer. In addition, the members of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will be entitled to an annual cash retainer of $10,000, $5,000, and $5,000, respectively, with the chair of each such committee being entitled to an annual cash retainer of $20,000, $15,000, and $15,000, respectively. In addition to the cash compensation, each non-employee director will also receive a one-time initial grant of restricted stock units with a grant date value of $150,000, to vest in three equal installments on the first, second and third anniversary of the grant date, and an annual grant of restricted stock units with a grant date value of $130,000, with the chairperson of the board of directors to receive an additional annual grant of restricted stock units with a grant date value of $75,000, which annual awards will vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. Each restricted stock unit award described above is subject to the applicable director continuing to serve on our board of directors through the vesting date. In addition, each member of the board of directors is required to acquire and hold shares of our Common Stock with a fair market value of at least $250,000 by the later of the fifth anniversary of (i) the closing of the Business Combination and (ii) such director’s election to the board of directors.

Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Our Certificate of Incorporation limits a directors’ liability to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL. The DGCL provides that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, except for liability:

 

   

for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit;

 

   

for any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;

 

   

for any unlawful payment of dividends or redemption of shares; or

 

   

for any breach of a director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders.

If the DGCL is amended to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of the directors will be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as so amended.

Delaware law and the Bylaws provide that we will, in certain situations, indemnify our directors and officers and may indemnify other employees and other agents, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Any indemnified person is also entitled, subject to certain limitations, to advancement, direct payment, or reimbursement of reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements) in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding.

In addition, we have entered into separate indemnification agreements with our directors and officers. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify our directors and officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, and settlement amounts incurred by a director or officer in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of our directors or officers or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request.

We intend to maintain a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy pursuant to which our directors and officers are insured against liability for actions taken in their capacities as directors and officers. We believe

 

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these provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and these indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, or control persons, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Artius

Employment Agreements

Prior to the closing of the Business Combination, Artius did not enter into any employment agreements with its executive officers and did not make any agreements to provide benefits upon termination of employment.

Executive Officers and Director Compensation

No Artius executive officers or directors received any cash compensation for services rendered to Artius. Executive officers and directors, or any of their respective affiliates were reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on Artius’ behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations

Origin Materials, Inc.

Upon the closing of the Business Combination, the executive officers of Legacy Origin became executive officers of Origin Materials, Inc.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, Legacy Origin’s named executive officers consisted of its co-principal executive officers and the next two most highly compensated executive officers:

 

   

John Bissell, Origin’s Co-Chief Executive Officer;

 

   

Rich Riley, Origin’s Co-Chief Executive Officer;

 

   

Nate Whaley, Origin’s Chief Financial Officer; and

 

   

Joshua Lee, Origin’s General Counsel and Secretary.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of Legacy Origin’s named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2020:

 

Name and Principal Position

   Salary      Option
Awards(1)
     All Other
Compensation(2)
     Total  

John Bissell

Co-Chief Executive Officer

   $ 190,000      $ 612,000      $ 64      $ 802,064  

Rich Riley(3)

Co-Chief Executive Officer

     56,667        5,988,000        —          6,044,667  

Nate Whaley(4)

Chief Financial Officer

     66,667        1,815,706        22        1,882,395  

Joshua Lee

General Counsel

     211,827        304,920        64        516,811  

 

(1)

Amounts reported in this column do not reflect the amounts actually received by Legacy Origin’s named executive officers. Instead, these amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of each option award granted to the named executive officers during 2020, as computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718. As required by SEC rules, the amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions. Please see Note 3 to Legacy Origin’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 included elsewhere in the prospectus/registration statement.

 

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(2)

Consists of amounts paid for life insurance premiums paid by Legacy Origin on behalf of Mr. Bissell, Mr. Whaley and Mr. Lee.

(3)

Mr. Riley joined Legacy Origin as Co-Chief Executive Officer in October 2020.

(4)

Mr. Whaley joined Legacy Origin as Chief Financial Officer in September 2020.

Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2020

The following table presents information regarding outstanding equity awards held by Legacy Origin’s named executive officers as of December 31, 2020:

 

                   Option Awards  

Name

   Grant Date      Vesting
Commencement
Date
     Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
     Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
    Option
Exercise
Price
     Option
Expiration
Date
 

John Bissell

     6/15/2012        5/25/2012        183,118        —       $ 0.59        6/14/2022  
     8/27/2015        3/25/2012        65,000        —         0.78        8/26/2025  
     10/28/2020        02/16/2021        —          900,000 (1)      0.29        10/27/2030  

Rich Riley

     10/28/2020        10/28/2020        31,250        718,750 (2)      0.29        10/27/2030  
     10/28/2020        N/A        —          450,000 (3)      0.29        10/27/2030  

Nate Whaley

     10/7/2020        9/1/2020        —          250,000 (4)      0.29        10/6/2030  

Joshua Lee

     4/9/2019        2/5/2018        5,666        2,334 (5)      2.56        4/8/2029  
     11/23/2020        11/23/2020        —          42,000 (5)      0.29        11/22/2030  

 

(1)

250,000 shares underlying this option vest in equal monthly amounts over a period of four years on the same day of the month as the vesting commencement date, such that 250,000 shares subject to this option will have vested as of the fourth anniversary of the vesting commencement date, subject to Mr. Bissell’s continued service at each vesting date. 200,000 shares underlying this option vest immediately prior to any fundraising transaction (or series of related transactions) by Legacy Origin in which the aggregate gross proceeds to Legacy Origin equal at least $100,000,000, provided that at least $50,000,000 of said proceeds are attributable to either (1) the sale of Legacy Origin’s preferred stock in a bona fide private financing transaction or series of related transactions, or (2) a business combination of Legacy Origin with a special purpose acquisition company pursuant to which all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Legacy Origin and all or substantially all other securities of Legacy Origin issuable or convertible into such capital stock are converted into cash and/or shares of such special purpose acquisition company, subject to Mr. Bissell’s continued service at the closing date of such transaction. 100,000 shares underlying this option vest when the VWAP (as defined in the Merger Agreement) of a share of common stock of Origin equals or exceeds $15.00 for 10 consecutive trading days during the three year period following the closing of the Business Combination, subject to Mr. Bissell’s continued service at the date such milestone is achieved. 150,000 shares underlying this option vest when the VWAP of a share of common stock of Origin equals or exceeds $25.00 for 10 consecutive trading days during the five year period following the closing of the Business Combination, subject to Mr. Bissell’s continued service at the date such milestone is achieved. 200,000 shares underlying this option vest when the VWAP of a share of common stock of Origin equals or exceeds $50.00 for 10 consecutive trading days during the five year period following the closing of the Business Combination, subject to Mr. Bissell’s continued service at the date such milestone is achieved.

(2)

1/48th of the shares underlying this option vest monthly, subject to Mr. Riley’s continued service at each vesting date. The shares underlying this option are subject to single and double trigger acceleration. 25% of the total shares subject to this option shall be deemed to be vested and fully exercisable immediately prior to the consummation of the Business Combination and 1/36th of the remaining shares subject to this option shall vest each month on the same day of the month as the closing date of the Business Combination (and if

 

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  there is no corresponding day, on the last day of the month), such that all of the shares subject to this option will have vested as of the third anniversary of the closing date of the Business Combination, subject to Mr. Riley’s continued service at each vesting date. If Mr. Riley is terminated for any reason other than cause (as defined in the 2020 Plan), then 12.5% of the total number of shares subject to this option shall immediately vest as of the date of such termination. If there is a change in control (which, as defined in the 2020 Plan, would include the consummation of the Business Combination) and if, during the period of time commencing forty-five (45) days prior to the consummation of such change in control and ending on the first anniversary of the consummation of such change in control, (i) Mr. Riley’s services in all capacities as a service provider of Origin are involuntarily terminated without cause, or (ii) Mr. Riley resigns his service in all capacities as a service provider of Origin for good reason (as defined in the 2020 Plan), and in either case other than as a result of death or disability, and provided such termination constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h), then, effective as of such separation, 100% of the then-unvested shares subject to this option as of such separation will become vested shares subject to this option.
(3)

200,000 shares underlying this option vest immediately prior to any fundraising transaction (or series of related transactions) by Legacy Origin in which the aggregate gross proceeds to Legacy Origin equal at least $100,000,000, provided that at least $50,000,000 of said proceeds are attributable to either (1) the sale of Legacy Origin’s preferred stock in a bona fide private financing transaction or series of related transactions, or (2) a business combination of Legacy Origin with a special purpose acquisition company pursuant to which all or substantially all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Legacy Origin and all or substantially all other securities of Origin issuable or convertible into such capital stock are converted into cash and/or shares of such special purpose acquisition company, subject to Mr. Riley’s continued service at the closing date of such transaction. 100,000 shares underlying this option vest when the VWAP of a share of common stock of Origin equals or exceeds $15.00 for 10 consecutive trading days during the three year period following the closing of the Business Combination, subject to Mr. Riley’s continued service at the date such milestone is achieved. 150,000 shares underlying this option vest when the VWAP of a share of common stock of Origin equals or exceeds $25.00 for 10 consecutive trading days during the five year period following the closing of the Business Combination, subject to Mr. Riley’s continued service at the date such milestone is achieved.

(4)

25% of the shares underlying this option vest on the date that is six months following the vesting commencement date, and the remaining 75% of the shares underlying this option vest in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter, subject to Mr. Whaley’s continued service at each vesting date. The shares underlying this option are subject to double trigger acceleration and shall be deemed to be vested and fully exercisable if Mr. Whaley is terminated as a direct result of a change of control, which, as defined in Mr. Whaley’s grant agreement, would include the consummation of the Business Combination.

(5)

25% of the shares underlying this option vest on the one year anniversary of the vesting commencement date, and the remaining 75% of the shares underlying this option vest in 36 equal monthly installments thereafter, subject to Mr. Lee’s continued service at each vesting date. The shares underlying this option are subject to single trigger acceleration and shall be deemed to be vested and fully exercisable immediately prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, subject to Mr. Lee’s continued service through the consummation of the Business Combination.

Employment Arrangements with Executive Officers

Each of our named executive officers is an at-will employee. Each named executive officer other than John Bissell is currently party to an offer letter setting forth their terms of employment as of the date of the offer letter, including title, salary and severance provisions (if any), as set forth below. Please see the section titled “Outstanding Equity Awards as of December 31, 2020” for additional information regarding the equity awards held by such named executive officers.

 

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Rich Riley

In October 2020, Legacy Origin entered into an offer letter with Rich Riley, its Co-Chief Executive Officer. For 2020, Mr. Riley’s initial annual base salary was $58,240. In February 2021, Legacy Origin issued and sold convertible promissory notes with an aggregate principal amount of $10.0 million and an interest rate of 8% per annum (the “2021 Note Financing”). Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement, upon the closing of the 2021 Note Financing, Mr. Riley is entitled to an annual base salary of $400,000 for 2021, and Mr. Riley is entitled to receive a bonus in an amount equal to the difference between what Mr. Riley would have been paid from his start date through the closing date of the 2021 Note Financing had his annual base salary been $400,000 and what Mr. Riley had been paid over such period.

Nate Whaley

In August 2020, Legacy Origin entered into an offer letter with Nate Whaley, its Chief Financial Officer. For 2020, Mr. Whaley’s annual base salary was $200,000. Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement, upon the closing of the 2021 Note Financing, Mr. Whaley is entitled to an annual base salary of $285,000 for 2021.

Joshua Lee

In January 2018, Legacy Origin entered into an offer letter with Joshua Lee, its General Counsel. During 2021, Mr. Lee will be entitled to receive an annual base salary of $210,000.

Executive Compensation

Our compensation committee oversees the compensation policies, plans and programs and review and determine compensation to be paid to executive officers, directors and other senior management, as appropriate. The compensation policies followed by us are intended to provide for compensation that is sufficient to attract, motivate and retain our executives and potential other individuals and to establish an appropriate relationship between executive compensation and the creation of stockholder value.

Emerging Growth Company Status

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jobs Act. As an emerging growth company we are exempt from certain requirements related to executive compensation, including the requirements to hold a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and to provide information relating to the ratio of total compensation of our chief executive officer to the median of the annual total compensation of all of our employees, each as required by the Investor Protection and Securities Reform Act of 2010, which is part of the Dodd-Frank Act. We no longer expect to qualify as an emerging growth company for Securities Act or Exchange Act filings made after December 31, 2021.

Pension Benefits

Our named executive officers did not participate in, or otherwise receive any benefits under, any pension or retirement plan sponsored by us during 2020.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

Our Origin’s named executive officers did not participate in, or earn any benefits under, any nonqualified deferred compensation plan sponsored by us during 2020.

Employee Benefit Plans

Equity-based compensation has been and will continue to be an important foundation in executive compensation packages as we believe it is important to maintain a strong link between executive incentives and

 

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the creation of stockholder value. We believe that performance and equity-based compensation can be an important component of the total executive compensation package for maximizing stockholder value while, at the same time, attracting, motivating and retaining high-quality executives. The principal features of our equity incentive plans are summarized below. These summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the actual text of the plans, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

2021 Plan

A summary description of the material features of the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”) is set forth below. Following the recommendation of the board of directors, our stockholders approved the 2021 Plan on June 23, 2021.

Eligibility. Any individual who is our employee or an employee of any of our affiliates, or any person who provides services to Origin or its affiliates, including consultants and members of the board of directors, is eligible to receive awards under the 2021 Plan at the discretion of the plan administrator.

Awards. The 2021 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options (“ISOs”), within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code to employees, including employees of any parent or subsidiary, and for the grant of nonstatutory stock options (“NSOs”), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, performance awards and other forms of awards to employees, directors and consultants, including employees and consultants of our affiliates.

Authorized Shares. Initially, the maximum number of shares of our Common Stock that may be issued under the 2021 Plan will not exceed 18,467,109. In addition, the number of shares of our Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2021 Plan will automatically increase on January 1 of each year, starting on January 1, 2022 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2031, in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) five percent (5%) of the fully-diluted shares of our Common Stock on December 31 of the preceding year (the “Evergreen Measurement Date”), (2) a lesser number of shares of our Common Stock determined by the board of directors prior to the date of the increase, or (3) a lesser number of shares of our Common Stock that would not result in the share reserve exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of the fully-diluted shares of our Common Stock as of the Evergreen Measurement Date. The maximum number of shares of our Common Stock that may be issued on the exercise of ISOs under the 2021 Plan shall not exceed 55,401,327.

The unused shares subject to stock awards granted under the 2021 Plan that expire, lapse or are terminated, exchanged for or settled in cash, surrendered, repurchased, canceled without having been fully exercised or forfeited, in any case, in a manner that results in us acquiring shares covered by the stock award at a price not greater than the price (as adjusted pursuant to the 2021 Plan) paid by the participant for such shares or not issuing any shares covered by the stock award, will, as applicable, become or again be available for stock award grants under the 2021 Plan. The following shares of Common Stock will not be added to the shares authorized for grant and will not be available for future grants of stock awards: (i) shares of Common Stock subject to a stock appreciation right that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the stock appreciation right on exercise thereof; and (ii) shares purchased on the open market with the cash proceeds from the exercise of options; and (iii) shares delivered to us by a participant to satisfy the exercise or purchase price of a stock award or to satisfy any applicable tax withholding obligation with respect to a stock award (including shares of Common Stock retained by us from the Award being exercised or purchased and/or creating the tax obligation).

Non-Employee Director Compensation Limit. The aggregate value of all compensation granted (with respect to equity-based awards, measured based on grant date value) or paid (with respect to cash-based awards) to any non-employee director with respect to any calendar year, including awards granted and cash fees paid to such non-employee director, will not exceed (1) $750,000 in total value or (2) if such non-employee director is first appointed or elected to the Board during such calendar year, $1,000,000 in total value, in each case, calculating the value of any equity awards based on the grant date fair value of such equity awards for financial reporting purposes and excluding distributions from a deferred compensation program.

 

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Plan Administration. The board of directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, will administer the 2021 Plan and is referred to as the “plan administrator” herein. The board of directors may also delegate to one or more of our officers the authority to (1) designate employees (other than officers) to receive specified stock awards and (2) determine the number of shares subject to such stock awards. Under the 2021 Plan, the board of directors has the authority to determine award recipients, grant dates, the numbers and types of stock awards to be granted, the applicable fair market value, and the provisions of each stock award, including the period of exercisability and the vesting schedule applicable to a stock award.

Stock Options. ISOs and NSOs are granted under stock option agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the exercise price for stock options, within the terms and conditions of the 2021 Plan, provided that the exercise price of a stock option generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of our Common Stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 2021 Plan vest at the rate specified in the stock option agreement as determined by the plan administrator.

The plan administrator determines the term of stock options granted under the 2021 Plan, up to a maximum of 10 years. Unless the terms of an optionholder’s stock option agreement provide otherwise or as otherwise provided by the plan administrator, if an optionholder’s service relationship with us or any of our affiliates ceases for any reason other than disability, death, or cause, the optionholder may generally exercise any vested options for a period of three months following the cessation of service. This period may be extended in the event that exercise of the option is prohibited by applicable securities laws. Unless the terms of an optionholder’s stock option agreement provide otherwise or as otherwise provided by the plan administrator, if an optionholder’s service relationship with us or any of our affiliates ceases due to death or disability, or an optionholder dies within a certain period following cessation of service, the optionholder or a beneficiary may generally exercise any vested options for a period of 12 months following the date of death or disability. In the event of a termination for cause, options generally terminate upon the termination date. In no event may an option be exercised beyond the expiration of its term.

Acceptable consideration for the purchase of our Common Stock issued upon the exercise of a stock option will be determined by the plan administrator and may include (1) cash, check, bank draft or money order, (2) a broker-assisted cashless exercise, (3) the tender of shares of Common Stock previously owned by the optionholder, (4) a net exercise of the option if it is an NSO or (5) other legal consideration approved by the plan administrator.

Unless the plan administrator provides otherwise, options and stock appreciation rights generally are not transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Subject to approval of the plan administrator or a duly authorized officer, an option may be transferred pursuant to a domestic relations order.

Tax Limitations on ISOs. The aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of grant, of our Common Stock with respect to ISOs that are exercisable for the first time by an award holder during any calendar year under all of our stock plans may not exceed $100,000. Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit will generally be treated as NSOs. No ISO may be granted to any person who, at the time of the grant, owns or is deemed to own stock possessing more than 10% of our total combined voting power or that of any of our parent or subsidiary corporations unless (1) the option exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of grant and (2) the term of the ISO does not exceed five years from the date of grant.

Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted stock unit awards are granted under restricted stock unit award agreements adopted by the plan administrator. Restricted stock unit awards may be granted in consideration for any form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the plan administrator and permissible under applicable law. A restricted stock unit award may be settled by cash, delivery of shares of our Common Stock, a combination of cash and shares of our Common Stock as determined by the plan administrator, or in any other form of consideration set forth in the restricted stock unit award agreement. Additionally, dividend equivalents

 

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may be credited in respect of shares covered by a restricted stock unit award. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement or by the plan administrator, restricted stock unit awards that have not vested will be forfeited once the participant’s continuous service ends for any reason.

Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted stock awards are granted under restricted stock award agreements adopted by the plan administrator. A restricted stock award may be awarded in consideration for cash, check, bank draft or money order, services to us, or any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the plan administrator and permissible under applicable law. The plan administrator determines the terms and conditions of restricted stock awards, including vesting and forfeiture terms. If a participant’s service relationship with us ends for any reason, we may receive any or all of the shares of our Common Stock held by the participant that have not vested as of the date the participant terminates service with us through a forfeiture condition or a repurchase right.

Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock appreciation rights are granted under stock appreciation right agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the strike price for a stock appreciation right, which generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant. A stock appreciation right granted under the 2021 Plan vests at the rate specified in the stock appreciation right agreement as determined by the plan administrator. Stock appreciation rights may be settled in cash or shares of our Common Stock or in any other form of payment, as determined by the plan administrator and specified in the stock appreciation right agreement.

The plan administrator determines the term of stock appreciation rights granted under the 2021 Plan, up to a maximum of 10 years. Unless the terms of a participant’s stock appreciation rights agreement provide otherwise or as otherwise provided by the plan administrator, if a participant’s service relationship with us or any of our affiliates ceases for any reason other than cause, disability, or death, the participant may generally exercise any vested stock appreciation right for a period of three months following the cessation of service. This period may be further extended in the event that exercise of the stock appreciation right following such a termination of service is prohibited by applicable securities laws. Unless the terms of a participant’s stock appreciation rights agreement provide otherwise or as otherwise provided by the plan administrator, if a participant’s service relationship with us or any of our affiliates, ceases due to disability or death, or a participant dies within a certain period following cessation of service, the participant or a beneficiary may generally exercise any vested stock appreciation right for a period of 12 months in the event of disability and 18 months in the event of death. In the event of a termination for cause, stock appreciation rights generally terminate immediately upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to the termination of the individual for cause. In no event may a stock appreciation right be exercised beyond the expiration of its term.

Performance Awards. The 2021 Plan permits the grant of performance awards that may be settled in stock, cash or other property. Performance awards may be structured so that the stock or cash will be issued or paid only following the achievement of certain pre-established performance goals during a designated performance period. Performance awards that are settled in cash or other property are not required to be valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, our Common Stock.

Other Stock Awards. The plan administrator may grant other awards based in whole or in part by reference to our Common Stock. The plan administrator will set the number of shares under the stock award (or cash equivalent) and all other terms and conditions of such awards.

Changes to Capital Structure. In the event there is a specified type of change in our capital structure, such as a stock split, reverse stock split, or recapitalization, appropriate adjustments will be made to (1) the class and maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, (2) the class of shares by which the share reserve may increase automatically each year, (3) the class and maximum number of shares that may be issued on the exercise of ISOs and (4) the class and number of shares and exercise price, strike price, or purchase price, if applicable, of all outstanding stock awards.

 

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Corporate Transactions. The following applies to stock awards under the 2021 Plan in the event of a corporate transaction (as defined in the 2021 Plan), unless otherwise provided in a participant’s stock award agreement or other written agreement with us or one of our affiliates or unless otherwise expressly provided by the plan administrator at the time of grant.

In the event of a corporate transaction, any stock awards outstanding under the 2021 Plan may be assumed, continued or substituted for by any surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company), and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to the stock award may be assigned to our successor (or its parent company). If the surviving or acquiring corporation (or its parent company) does not assume, continue or substitute for such stock awards, then (i) with respect to any such stock awards that are held by participants whose continuous service has not terminated prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction, or current participants, the vesting (and exercisability, if applicable) of such stock awards will be accelerated in full (or, in the case of performance awards with multiple vesting levels depending on the level of performance, vesting will accelerate at 100% of the target level) to a date prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction (contingent upon the effectiveness of the corporate transaction), and such stock awards will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction, and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to such stock awards will lapse (contingent upon the effectiveness of the corporate transaction), and (ii) any such stock awards that are held by persons other than current participants will terminate if not exercised (if applicable) prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction, except that any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us with respect to such stock awards will not terminate and may continue to be exercised notwithstanding the corporate transaction.

In the event a stock award will terminate if not exercised prior to the effective time of a corporate transaction, the plan administrator may provide, in its sole discretion, that the holder of such stock award may not exercise such stock award but instead will receive a payment equal in value to the excess (if any) of (i) the per share amount payable to holders of our Common Stock in connection with the corporate transaction, over (ii) any per share exercise price payable by such holder, if applicable.

Plan Amendment or Termination. The board of directors has the authority to amend, suspend, or terminate the 2021 Plan at any time, provided that such action does not materially impair the existing rights of any participant without such participant’s written consent. Certain material amendments also require approval of our stockholders. No ISOs may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the date when the Artius board of directors adopted the 2021 Plan. No stock awards may be granted under the 2021 Plan while it is suspended or after it is terminated.

Employee Stock Puchase Plan

A summary description of the material features of the employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”) is set forth below. Following the recommendation of the board of directors, our stockholders approved the ESPP on June 23, 2021.

Purpose. The purpose of the ESPP is to provide a means by which our eligible employees and certain designated companies may be given an opportunity to purchase shares of our Common Stock, to assist us in retaining the services of eligible employees, to secure and retain the services of new employees and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for our success. The ESPP includes two components: a 423 Component and a Non-423 Component. We intend that the 423 Component will qualify as options issued under an “employee stock purchase plan” as that term is defined in Section 423(b) of the Code. Except as otherwise provided in the ESPP or determined by the board of directors, the Non-423 Component will operate and be administered in the same manner as the 423 Component.

Share Reserve. Initially, the maximum number of shares of our Common Stock that may be issued under the ESPP after it becomes effective will not exceed 1,846,710. Additionally, the number of shares of our Common

 

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Stock reserved for issuance under the ESPP will automatically increase on January 1st of each year, beginning on January 1, 2022 and continuing through and including January 1, 2031, by the lesser of (1) one percent (1%) of the fully-diluted shares of our Common Stock on December 31st of the preceding calendar year, (2) the number of shares of our Common Stock equal to two hundred percent (200%) of the ESPP’s initial share reserve, or (3) such lesser number of shares as determined by our board of directors. Shares subject to purchase rights granted under the ESPP that terminate without having been exercised in full will not reduce the number of shares available for issuance under the ESPP.

Administration. The board of directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, will administer the ESPP.

Limitations. Our employees and the employees of any of our designated affiliates, as designated by the board of directors, will be eligible to participate in the ESPP, provided they may have to satisfy one or more of the following service requirements before participating in the ESPP, as determined by the administrator: (1) customary employment with us or one of our affiliates for more than 20 hours per week and five or more months per calendar year or (2) continuous employment with us or one of our affiliates for a minimum period of time, not to exceed two years, prior to the first date of an offering. In addition, the board of directors may also exclude from participation in the ESPP or any offering, employees who are “highly compensated employees” (within the meaning of Section 423(b)(4)(D) of the Code) or a subset of such highly compensated employees. All of our employees and employees of our related corporations are currently eligible to participate in the ESPP. An employee may not be granted rights to purchase stock under the ESPP (a) if such employee immediately after the grant would own stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of our stock or (b) to the extent that such rights would accrue at a rate that exceeds $25,000 worth of our stock for each calendar year that the rights remain outstanding.

The ESPP is intended to qualify as an employee stock purchase plan under Section 423 of the Code. The administrator may specify offerings with a duration of not more than 27 months, and may specify one or more shorter purchase periods within each offering. Each offering will have one or more purchase dates on which shares of our Common Stock will be purchased for the employees who are participating in the offering. The administrator, in its discretion, will determine the terms of offerings under the ESPP. The administrator has the discretion to structure an offering so that if the fair market value of a share of our Common Stock on any purchase date during the offering period is less than or equal to the fair market value of a share of our Common Stock on the first day of the offering period, then that offering will terminate immediately, and the participants in such terminated offering will be automatically enrolled in a new offering that begins immediately after such purchase date.

A participant may not transfer purchase rights under the ESPP other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution, or as otherwise provided under the ESPP.

Payroll Deductions. The ESPP permits participants to purchase shares of our Common Stock through payroll deductions. Unless otherwise determined by the administrator, the purchase price of the shares will be 85% of the lower of the fair market value of our Common Stock on the first day of an offering or on the date of purchase. Participants may end their participation at any time during an offering and will be paid their accrued contributions that have not yet been used to purchase shares, without interest. Participation ends automatically upon termination of employment with us and our related corporations.

Withdrawal. Participants may withdraw from an offering by delivering a withdrawal form to us and terminating their contributions. Such withdrawal may be elected at any time prior to the end of an offering, except as otherwise provided by the Plan Administrator. Upon such withdrawal, we will distribute to the employee his or her accumulated but unused contributions without interest, and such employee’s right to participate in that offering will terminate. However, an employee’s withdrawal from an offering does not affect such employee’s eligibility to participate in any other offerings under the ESPP.

 

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Termination of Employment. A participant’s rights under any offering under the ESPP will terminate immediately if the participant either (i) is no longer employed by us or any of our parent or subsidiary companies (subject to any post-employment participation period required by law) or (ii) is otherwise no longer eligible to participate. In such event, we will distribute to the participant his or her accumulated but unused contributions, without interest.

Corporate Transactions. In the event of certain specified significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or change in control, a successor corporation may assume, continue, or substitute each outstanding purchase right. If the successor corporation does not assume, continue, or substitute for the outstanding purchase rights, the offering in progress will be shortened and a new purchase date will be set. The participants’ purchase rights will be exercised on the new purchase date and such purchase rights will terminate immediately thereafter.

Amendment and Termination. The board of directors has the authority to amend, suspend, or terminate the ESPP, at any time and for any reason, provided certain types of amendments will require the approval of our stockholders. Any benefits, privileges, entitlements and obligations under any outstanding purchase rights granted before an amendment, suspension or termination of the ESPP will not be materially impaired by any such amendment, suspension or termination except (i) with the consent of the person to whom such purchase rights were granted, (ii) as necessary to facilitate compliance with any laws, listing requirements, or governmental regulations, or (iii) as necessary to obtain or maintain favorable tax, listing, or regulatory treatment. The ESPP will remain in effect until terminated by the board of directors in accordance with the terms of the ESPP.

2020 Plan

Legacy Origin’s board of directors adopted the 2020 Plan (the “2020 Plan”) in October 2020 and its stockholders approved the 2020 Plan in December 2020. Following the Closing of the Business Combination, no new awards will be granted under the 2020 Plan.

Stock Awards. The 2020 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options (“ISOs”), nonstatutory stock options (“NSOs”), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards and other stock awards, or collectively, stock awards. ISOs may be granted only to Origin’s employees and the employees of Origin’s affiliates. All other awards may be granted to Origin’s employees, non-employee directors and consultants and the employees and consultants of Origin’s affiliates. Legacy Origin has granted stock options and restricted stock awards under the 2020 Plan.

Share Reserve. Subject to certain capitalization adjustments, the aggregate number of shares of Origin’s common stock that may be issued pursuant to stock awards under the 2020 Plan is 4,173,924 shares.

If a stock award granted under the 2020 Plan expires or otherwise terminates without being exercised in full, or is settled in cash, the shares of Origin’s common stock not acquired pursuant to the stock award again will become available for subsequent issuance under the 2020 Plan. In addition, the following types of shares of Origin’s common stock under the 2020 Plan may become available for the grant of new stock awards under the 2020 Plan: (1) shares that are forfeited to or repurchased by us prior to becoming fully vested; (2) shares withheld to satisfy income or employment withholding taxes; or (3) shares used to pay the exercise or purchase price of a stock award.

Administration. Origin’s board of directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, has the authority to administer the 2020 Plan. Origin’s board of directors may also delegate to one or more of Origin’s officers the authority to (1) designate employees (other than other officers) to be recipients of certain stock awards, and (2) determine the number of shares of common stock to be subject to such stock awards. Subject to the terms of the 2020 Plan, the plan administrator determines the award recipients, dates of grant, the numbers and types of stock awards to be granted and the applicable fair market value and the provisions of the stock awards, including the period of their exercisability, the vesting schedule applicable to a stock award and any repurchase rights that may apply.

 

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The plan administrator has the authority to modify outstanding awards, including reducing the exercise, purchase or strike price of any outstanding stock award, canceling any outstanding stock award in exchange for new stock awards, cash or other consideration or taking any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles, with the consent of any adversely affected participant.

Stock Options. ISOs and NSOs are granted pursuant to stock option agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the exercise price for a stock option, provided that the exercise price of a stock option generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of Origin’s common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the 2020 Plan vest at the rate specified by the plan administrator.

The plan administrator determines the term of stock options granted under the 2020 Plan, up to a maximum of ten years. Unless the terms of an optionholder’s stock option agreement provide otherwise, if an optionholder’s service relationship with us, or any of Origin’s affiliates, ceases for any reason other than disability, death or cause, the optionholder may generally exercise any vested options for a period of three months following the cessation of service. The option term may be extended in the event that the exercise of the option following such a termination of service is prohibited by applicable securities laws or Origin’s insider trading policy. If an optionholder’s service relationship with us or any of Origin’s affiliates ceases due to disability or death, or an optionholder dies within a certain period following cessation of service, the optionholder or a beneficiary may generally exercise any vested options for a period of 12 months in the event of disability and 18 months in the event of death. In the event of a termination for cause, options generally terminate immediately upon the termination of the individual for cause. In no event may an option be exercised beyond the expiration of its term.

Acceptable consideration for the purchase of common stock issued upon the exercise of a stock option will be determined by the plan administrator and may include (1) cash, check, bank draft, electronic funds transfer or money order, (2) a broker-assisted cashless exercise, (3) the tender of shares of Origin’s common stock previously owned by the optionholder, (4) a net exercise of the option if it is an NSO, (5) deferred payment or a similar arrangement with the optionholder and (6) other legal consideration approved by the plan administrator.

Tax Limitations on Incentive Stock Options. The aggregate fair market value, determined at the time of grant, of Origin’s common stock with respect to ISOs that are exercisable for the first time by an optionholder during any calendar year under all of Origin’s stock plans may not exceed $100,000. Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit will generally be treated as NSOs. No ISO may be granted to any person who, at the time of the grant, owns or is deemed to own stock possessing more than 10% of Origin’s total combined voting power or that of any of Origin’s affiliates unless (1) the option exercise price is at least 110% of the fair market value of the stock subject to the option on the date of grant and (2) the term of the ISO does not exceed five years from the date of grant.

Incentive Stock Option Limit. The maximum number of shares of Origin’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of ISOs under the 2020 Plan is 12,521,772. 

Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted stock awards are granted pursuant to restricted stock award agreements adopted by the plan administrator. Restricted stock awards may be granted in consideration for (1) cash, check, bank draft or money order, (2) services rendered to us or Origin’s affiliates or (3) any other form of legal consideration. Common stock acquired under a restricted stock award may, but need not, be subject to a share repurchase option in Origin’s favor in accordance with a vesting schedule to be determined by the plan administrator. A restricted stock award may be transferred only upon such terms and conditions as set by the plan administrator. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, restricted stock awards that have not vested may be forfeited or repurchased by us upon the participant’s cessation of continuous service for any reason.

 

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Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted stock unit awards are granted pursuant to restricted stock unit award agreements adopted by the plan administrator. Restricted stock unit awards may be granted in consideration for any form of legal consideration. A restricted stock unit award may be settled by cash, delivery of stock, a combination of cash and stock as deemed appropriate by the plan administrator or in any other form of consideration set forth in the restricted stock unit award agreement. Additionally, dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares covered by a restricted stock unit award. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, restricted stock units that have not vested will be forfeited upon the participant’s cessation of continuous service for any reason.

Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock appreciation rights are granted pursuant to stock appreciation grant agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determines the strike price for a stock appreciation right, which generally cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of Origin’s common stock on the date of grant. Upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right, we will pay the participant an amount equal to the product of (1) the excess of the per share fair market value of Origin’s common stock on the date of exercise over the strike price, multiplied by (2) the number of shares of common stock with respect to which the stock appreciation right is exercised. A stock appreciation right granted under the 2020 Plan vests at the rate specified in the stock appreciation right agreement as determined by the plan administrator.

The plan administrator determines the term of stock appreciation rights granted under the 2020 Plan, up to a maximum of ten years. Unless the terms of a participant’s stock appreciation right agreement provide otherwise, if a participant’s service relationship with us or any of Origin’s affiliates ceases for any reason other than cause, disability or death, the participant may generally exercise any vested stock appreciation right for a period of three months following the cessation of service. The stock appreciation right term may be further extended in the event that exercise of the stock appreciation right following such a termination of service is prohibited by applicable securities laws. If a participant’s service relationship with us, or any of Origin’s affiliates, ceases due to disability or death, or a participant dies within a certain period following cessation of service, the participant or a beneficiary may generally exercise any vested stock appreciation right for a period of 12 months in the event of disability and 18 months in the event of death. In the event of a termination for cause, stock appreciation rights generally terminate immediately upon the occurrence of the event giving rise to the termination of the individual for cause. In no event may a stock appreciation right be exercised beyond the expiration of its term.

Other Stock Awards. The plan administrator may grant other awards based in whole or in part by reference to Origin’s common stock. The plan administrator will set the number of shares under the stock award and all other terms and conditions of such awards.

Changes to Capital Structure. In the event that there is a specified type of change in Origin’s capital structure, such as a stock split or recapitalization, appropriate adjustments will be made to (1) the class and maximum number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2020 Plan, (2) the class and maximum number of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of ISOs and (3) the class and number of shares and price per share of stock subject to outstanding stock awards.

Corporate Transactions. The 2020 Plan provides that in the event of certain specified significant corporate transactions, unless otherwise provided in an award agreement or other written agreement between us and the award holder, the administrator may take one or more of the following actions with respect to such stock awards: (1) arrange for the assumption, continuation or substitution of a stock award by a successor corporation, (2) arrange for the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us to a successor corporation, (3) accelerate the vesting, in whole or in part, of the stock award and provide for its termination prior to the transaction, (4) arrange for the lapse, in whole or in part, of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by us, (5) cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the stock award prior to the transaction in exchange for a cash payment, or no payment, as determined by the board of directors or (6) make a payment, in the form determined by the board of directors, equal to the excess, if any, of the per share amount (or value of property per share) payable to holders of Origin’s common stock in connection with the transaction over the per share exercise price

 

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under the applicable stock award, multiplied by the number of shares subject to the stock award. Any escrow, holdback, earnout or similar provisions in the definitive agreement for the transaction may apply to such payment to the same extent and in the same manner as the provisions apply to holders of Origin’s common stock. The plan administrator is not obligated to treat all stock awards, even those that are of the same type, in the same manner, and the plan administrator may take different actions with respect to the vested and unvested portions of a stock award.

Under the 2020 Plan, a significant corporate transaction is generally the consummation of (1) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of Origin’s consolidated assets, (2) a sale or other disposition of more than 50% of Origin’s outstanding securities, (3) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which we are not the surviving corporation or (4) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which we are the surviving corporation but the shares of Origin’s common stock outstanding immediately prior to such transaction are converted or exchanged into other property by virtue of the transaction.

Change in Control. In the event of a change in control, awards granted under the 2020 Plan will not receive automatic acceleration of vesting and exercisability, although this treatment may be provided for in a stock award agreement. Under the 2020 Plan, a change in control is generally (1) the acquisition by a person or entity of more than 50% of Origin’s combined voting power other than by merger, consolidation or similar transaction; (2) a consummated merger, consolidation or similar transaction immediately after which Origin’s stockholders cease to own more than 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving entity or (3) a consummated sale, lease or exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of Origin’s consolidated assets other than to an entity more than 50% of the combined voting power of which is owned by Origin’s stockholders.

Transferability. A participant generally may not transfer stock awards under the 2020 Plan other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or as otherwise provided under the 2020 Plan.

Amendment and Termination. Origin’s board of directors has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the 2020 Plan, provided that, with certain exceptions, such action does not materially impair the existing rights of any participant without such participant’s written consent. Certain material amendments also require the approval of Origin’s stockholders. No ISOs may be granted after the tenth anniversary of the date Origin’s board of directors adopted the 2020 Plan.

2010 Stock Incentive Plan

Legacy Origin’s board of directors adopted the Micromidas, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”) in March 2010 and Legacy Origin’s stockholders also approved the 2010 Plan in March 2010. The 2010 Plan terminated by its own terms at the conclusion of its ten-year term in March 2020, but awards granted pursuant to the 2010 Plan continue to be governed by its terms.

The 2010 Plan provided for the grant of ISOs, NSOs, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, dividend equivalent rights and other stock awards, or collectively, stock awards. The 2010 Plan provides that ISOs may be granted only to Legacy Origin’s employees and the employees of Legacy Origin’s affiliates. The 2010 provides that all other awards may be granted to Legacy Origin’s employees, non-employee directors and consultants and the employees and consultants of Legacy Origin’s affiliates. Legacy Origin has granted options under the 2010 Plan.

Share Reserve. Subject to certain capitalization adjustments, the aggregate number of shares of Origin’s common stock reserved for issuance under the 2010 Plan is 992,352 shares, which represents the number of shares of Origin’s common stock subject to awards that remain outstanding under the 2010 Plan.

Administration. Origin’s board of directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, has the authority to administer the 2010 Plan. The 2010 Plan authorizes the plan administrator to determine the award recipients,

 

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dates of grant, forms of award agreements, the numbers and types of stock awards granted and the applicable fair market value and the provisions of the stock awards, including the period of their exercisability, the vesting schedule applicable to a stock award, any repurchase rights that may apply and any other additional terms, conditions rules or procedures to accommodate the rules or laws of applicable non-U.S. jurisdictions. The 2010 Plan also authorizes the plan administrator to modify outstanding awards, including reducing the exercise, purchase or strike price of any outstanding stock award, and canceling any outstanding stock award in exchange for new stock awards, with the consent of any adversely affected participant.

Stock Options. ISOs and NSOs were granted under the 2010 Plan pursuant to stock option agreements adopted by the plan administrator. The plan administrator determined the exercise price for a stock option, which was not less than 100% of the fair market value of Legacy Origin’s common stock on the date of grant. The plan administrator determined the term of stock options granted under the 2010 Plan, up to a maximum of ten years. Unless the terms of an optionholder’s stock option agreement provide otherwise, if an optionholder’s service relationship with us, or any of Origin’s affiliates, ceases for any reason other than disability, death or cause, the optionholder may generally exercise any vested options for a period of thirty days following the cessation of service, or such other period specified in the applicable award agreement. The option term may be extended in the event that the exercise of the option following such a termination of service is prohibited by applicable securities laws or Origin’s insider trading policy. If an optionholder’s service relationship with us or any of Origin’s affiliates ceases due to disability or death, or an optionholder dies within a certain period following cessation of service, the optionholder or a beneficiary may generally exercise any vested options for a period of 12 months. In the event of a termination for cause, options generally terminate immediately upon the termination of the individual for cause, subject to the terms of the applicable award agreement. In no event may an option be exercised beyond the expiration of its term. Acceptable consideration for the purchase of common stock issued upon the exercise of a stock option, as determined by the plan administrator, may include (1) cash, (2) check, (3) delivery of a promissory note with such recourse, interest, security and redemptions provisions as the plan administrator determines as appropriate, (4) surrender of shares held for the requisite period, if any, necessary to avoid a charge to our earnings for financial reporting purposes, (5) a broker-assisted cashless exercise, (6) a net exercise of the option if it is an NSO, or (7) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.

Changes to Capital Structure. In the event that there is a specified type of change in Origin’s capital structure, such as a stock split or recapitalization, appropriate adjustments will be made to the number of shares covered by each outstanding award, and the number of shares which have been authorized for issuance under the 2010 Plan but as to which no awards have yet been granted or which have been returned to the 2010 Plan, the exercise or purchase price of each such outstanding award, the maximum number of shares with respect to which awards may be granted to any participant in any calendar year, as well as any other terms that the plan administrator determines require adjustment.

Corporate Transactions. The 2010 Plan provides that in the event of certain specified significant corporate transactions, unless otherwise provided in an award agreement or other written agreement between us and the award holder, all outstanding awards issued under the 2010 Plan shall terminate, except to the extent that they are assumed in connection with the corporate transaction. The plan administrator has the authority, exercisable either in advance of any actual or anticipated corporate transaction or at the time of an actual corporate transaction and exercisable at the time of the grant of an award under the 2010 Plan or any time while an award remains outstanding, to provide for the full or partial automatic vesting and exercisability of one or more outstanding unvested awards under the 2010 Plan and the release from restrictions on transfer and repurchase or forfeiture rights of such awards in connection with a corporate transaction, on such terms and conditions as the plan administrator may specify. The plan administrator also has the authority to condition any such award vesting and exercisability or release from such limitations upon the subsequent termination of the continuous service of the participant within a specified period following the effective date of the corporate transaction. Any ISO accelerated in connection with a corporate transaction remains exercisable as an ISO only to the extent the $100,000 dollar limitation is not exceeded.

 

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Under the 2010 Plan, a significant corporate transaction is generally the consummation of (1) a merger or consolidation in which we are not the surviving entity, except for a transaction the principal purpose of which is to change the state in which we are incorporated, (2) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of Origin’s assets, (3) Origin’s complete liquidation or dissolution, (4) any reverse merger or series of related transactions culminating in a reverse merger (including, but not limited to, a tender offer followed by a reverse merger) in which we are the surviving entity but securities possessing more than 50% of the total combined voting power are transferred to a person or persons different from those who held such securities immediately prior to such merger or transaction, or (5) the acquisition in a single or series of related transactions by any person or related group of persons (other than by us or by a company-sponsored employee benefit plan) of beneficial ownership of securities possessing more than 50% of the total combined voting power of Origin’s outstanding securities.

Transferability. A participant generally may not transfer stock awards under the 2010 Plan other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or to the extent and in the manner authorized by the plan administrator by gift or pursuant to a domestic relations order to members of a participant’s immediate family.

Amendment and Termination. Origin’s board of directors has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the 2010 Plan, provided that, with certain exceptions, such action does not adversely affect the existing rights of any participant without such participant’s written consent. Certain material amendments also require the approval of Origin’s stockholders. The 2010 Plan terminated by its own terms at the conclusion of its ten-year term in March 2020.

Health and Welfare Benefits

Our named executive officers are eligible to participate in our employee benefit plans, including our medical, dental, vision, life, disability and accidental death and dismemberment insurance plans, in each case on the same basis as all of our other employees. We pay the premiums for the basic life, disability and accidental death and dismemberment insurance for all of our employees, including our named executive officers. We generally do not provide perquisites or personal benefits to its named executive officers.

Rule 10b5-1 Sales Plans

Our directors and executive officers may adopt written plans, known as Rule 10b5-1 plans, in which they will contract with a broker to buy or sell shares of common stock on a periodic basis. Under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, a broker executes trades pursuant to parameters established by the director or executive officer when entering into the plan, without further direction from them. The director or executive officer may amend a Rule 10b5-1 plan in some circumstances and may terminate a plan at any time. Our directors and executive officers also may buy or sell additional shares outside of a Rule 10b5-1 plan when they are not in possession of material nonpublic information, subject to compliance with the terms of our insider trading policy and the lock-up agreements such persons have entered into in connection with the Business Combination.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Other than compensation arrangements for our directors and executive officers, which are described under the section titled “Executive Compensation” of this prospectus, below is a description of transactions since January 1, 2018 to which we were a party or will be a party, in which:

 

   

the amounts involved exceeded or will exceed the lesser of (1) $120,000, or (2) 1% of the average of Origin’s total assets at year end for the last two completed fiscal years; and

 

   

any of our directors, executive officers or holders of more than 5% of any class of our capital stock, or any member of the immediate family of, or person sharing the household with, the foregoing persons, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Investor Rights Agreement

In connection with the Closing of the Business Combination, we entered into the Investor Rights Agreement on June 25, 2021, pursuant to which the holders of Registrable Securities (as defined therein) became entitled to, among other things, customary registration rights, including demand, piggy-back and shelf registration rights. Pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement, we agreed that, within 15 business days following the Closing of the Business Combination, we will file with the SEC (at our sole cost and expense) a registration statement registering the resale of such Registrable Securities, and we will use our commercially reasonable efforts to have such registration statement declared effective by the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable after the filing thereof. The Investor Rights Agreement also provides that we will pay certain expenses relating to such registrations and indemnify the registration rights holders against (or make contributions in respect of) certain liabilities which may arise under the Securities Act.

Lock-Up Agreements

In connection with the Closing, certain of our stockholders, including the directors and, officers, agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to, without the prior written consent of our board of directors, transfer (i) any shares of our Common Stock held by such parties immediately after the Merger, (ii) any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our Common Stock, including the Private Placement Warrants, held by such parties immediately after the Merger and (iii) any shares of our Common Stock issued upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any of the securities described in clause (ii). The lock-up period commenced upon the Closing and continues through the earliest to occur of: (i) 365 days after the date of the Closing; (ii) the first day after the date on which the closing price of the our Common Stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the date of the Closing; or (iii) the date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of our stockholders having the right to exchange their Common Stock for cash, securities or other property. The lock-up restrictions contain customary exceptions, including for estate planning transfers, affiliates transfers, and transfers upon death or by will. The holders of 35,765,099 shares of Common Stock are subject to a Lock-Up Agreement.

Artius Related Agreements

Private Placement Warrants

Simultaneously with the closing of the Artius IPO, Artius consummated a private placement of 11,326,667 Private Placement Warrants, at a price of $1.50 per Private Placement Warrant to the Sponsor, with the over-allotment option being exercised in full.

Each whole Private Placement Warrant is exercisable for one whole share of our Common Stock at a price of $11.50 per share. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Private Placement Warrants to the Sponsor was added to the proceeds from the Artius IPO held in a trust account.

 

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Sponsor Letter Agreement

Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, Artius and the Sponsor entered into the Sponsor Letter Agreement, pursuant to which the Sponsor agreed, among other things, to (i) vote in favor of the Artius Stockholder Voting Matters (as defined in the Sponsor Letter Agreement), and (ii) pay any excess of Artius Transaction Expenses (as defined in the Merger Agreement) over the Artius Transaction Expense Cap (as defined in the Sponsor Letter Agreement).

In addition, pursuant to the Sponsor Letter Agreement, the Sponsor agreed to subject the 4.5 million shares of Common Stock held by Sponsor to vesting and forfeiture as follows: (A) one third of such shares will vest when VWAP equals or exceeds $15.00 for ten consecutive trading days during the three year period following the Closing, (B) one third of such shares will vest when VWAP equals or exceeds $20.00 for ten consecutive trading days during the four year period following the Closing, and (C) one third of such shares will vest when VWAP equals or exceeds $25.00 for ten consecutive trading days during the five year period following the Closing. Such shares (including any related dividends or distributions) that do not vest by the first business day following the applicable vesting period in the Sponsor Letter Agreement will be surrendered to us without any consideration. The vesting of the shares will be accelerated in the event of Origin completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of our public shareholders having the right to exchange their Common Stock for cash, securities or other property.

Subscription Agreements

On the Closing Date, certain purchasers (each, a “Subscriber”) purchased from Origin an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock (the “PIPE Shares”), for a purchase price of $10.00 per share and an aggregate purchase price of $200.0 million, pursuant to separate subscription agreements dated February 16, 2021 (collectively, the “Subscription Agreements”). Pursuant to the Subscription Agreements, we agreed to provide the Subscribers with certain registration rights with respect to the PIPE Shares. Legacy Origin customers and investors Pepsi, Nestlé and Danone purchased 97,500, 100,000 and 100,000 shares of our Common Stock in the PIPE transaction.

On the Closing Date, certain purchasers (each, an “Additional Subscriber”), including affiliates, purchased from us an aggregate of 1,300,001 shares of Common Stock (the “Additional Subscription Shares”), for a purchase price of $10.00 per share and an aggregate purchase price of $13.0 million, pursuant to separate purchase agreements dated June 23, 2021 (collectively, the “Additional Subscription Agreements”). Pursuant to the Additional Subscription Agreements, we agreed to provide certain registration rights to the Additional Subscribers with respect to the Additional Subscription Shares. Charles Drucker, a member of our board of directors, and Evergreen Acquisition I Corp purchased 650,000 and 130,000 shares, respectively, pursuant to these Additional Subscription Agreements. Lior Amram, a former member of Legacy Origin’s board of directors and a holder of more than 5% of our Common Stock, is the sole manager of Evergreen Acquisition I Corp and may be deemed to hold sole voting and dispositive power over the Common Stock shares held by Evergreen Acquisition I Corp.

Legacy Origin Transactions

Series C Preferred Stock Financing

In August 2018, Legacy Origin issued and sold an aggregate of 1,590,675 shares of its Series C Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $14.7736 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $23.5 million, to PepsiCo, Inc. (together with its affiliates, “Pepsi”). Kevin O’Sullivan, a former member of Origin’s board of directors, is a senior vice president at Pepsi.

 

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2019 Convertible Note Financing

From November 2019 to February 2021, Legacy Origin issued and sold senior secured convertible notes with an aggregate principal amount of $5.0 million (the “2019 Notes”) pursuant to a note purchase agreement, which was amended in February 2020. The 2019 Notes, which were amended in May 2020, January 2021 and February 2021, accrue interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum. All principal and accrued interest thereupon converted into shares of Legacy Origin Common Stock immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination. As of December 31, 2019 and 2020 and March 31, 2021, $1.0 million, $3.4 million and $5.2 million of aggregate principal plus accrued interest was outstanding under the 2019 Notes, respectively.

The participants in the convertible note financing included entities affiliated with members of the Origin and Legacy Origin board of directors and an executive officer of Origin. The following table sets forth the aggregate principal amount of the 2019 Notes issued to such parties and the shares of our Common Stock issued in respect thereof upon the Closing of the Business Combination.

 

Noteholders

   Aggregate
Principal
Amount

of 2019 Notes
     Shares of
Origin

Common Stock
 

PM Operating, LTD(1)

   $ 1,500,000        232,615  

PepsiCo, Inc.(2)

     524,109        85,103  

OM Funding I, LLC(3)

     400,000        61,957  

JLA Asset Management LLC(3)

     322,000        47,762  

Riley Separate Property Trust(4)

     250,000        38,767  

Noteholders affiliated with Alexander Millar(5)

     250,350        38,763  

 

(1)

Anne M. Smalling is the chief executive officer of PM Operating, LTD. Richard Smalling, a former member of Legacy Origin’s board of directors, is Ms. Smalling’s husband.

(2)

Kevin O’Sullivan, a former member of Legacy Origin’s board of directors, is a senior vice president at Pepsi.

(3)

Lior Amram, a former member of Legacy Origin’s board of directors and a holder of more than 5% of our Common Stock, is the manager of OM Funding I, LLC and managing member of JLA Asset Management LLC. All notes held by OM Funding I, LLC were converted into shares of Legacy Origin Common Stock and were distributed to its members prior to Closing of the Business Combination.

(4)

Rich Riley, Origin’s Co-Chief Executive Officer and a member of Origin’s board of directors, is the trustee of the Riley Separate Property Trust.

(5)

2019 Notes are held by (i) Alex & Kristin Millar, (ii) Buff Investment Limited Partnership, (iii) Buff, Amanda Trust Under Deed of Trust Dated January 11, 1997, (iv) Buff, Jonathan David Trust Under Deed of Trust Dated January 11, 1997 and (v) Buff, Jon Charles. Alexander Millar is a former member of Legacy Origin’s board of directors. Mr. Millar’s wife Kristin Millar, father-in-law Jon Charles Buff and sister-in-law Katharine Buff Leraris are co-owners of Buff Investments L.P. Mr. Millar’s father-in-law, Jon Charles Buff, is the settlor of “Buff, Amanda Trust Under Deed of Trust Dated January 11, 1997” and “Buff, Jonathan David Trust Under Deed of Trust Dated January 11, 1997.” Additionally, Mr. Millar’s sister-in-law Amanda Buff is the beneficiary of “Buff, Amanda Trust Under Deed of Trust Dated January 11, 1997,” and Mr. Millar’s brother-in-law Jonathan Buff is the beneficiary of “Buff, Jonathan David Trust Under Deed of Trust Dated January 11, 1997.”

2021 Convertible Note Financing

In February 2021, Legacy Origin issued and sold convertible promissory notes with an aggregate principal amount of $10.0 million and an interest rate of 8.0% per annum (the “2021 Notes”). All principal and accrued interest thereupon converted into shares of Legacy Origin Common Stock immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination. As of March 31, 2021, the aggregate principal amount and interest of the 2021 Notes was $10.1 million.

 

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The participants in the convertible note financing included entities affiliated with members of the Origin and Legacy Origin board of directors. The following table sets forth the aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes issued to such parties and the shares of our Common Stock issued upon the Closing of the Business Combination:

 

Noteholders

   Aggregate
Principal
Amount

of 2021 Notes
     Shares of
Origin

Common Stock
 

Noteholders affiliated with Gavin H. Wolfe(1)

   $ 2,650,000        341,045  

Snipes 2005 Trust(2)

     2,000,000        257,395  

Evergreen Capital, L.P.(3)

     1,450,000        186,612  

AMS DE LLC(4)

     500,000        64,347  

 

(1)

2021 Notes are held by (i) Gavin H. Wolfe, a former member of Legacy Origin’s board of directors, and his spouse, and (ii) trusts established for the benefit of their immediate family members, of which Mr. Wolfe and his spouse are co-trustees.

(2)

Jeff Snipes is the trustee of the Snipes 2005 Trust. Richard Smalling, a former member of Legacy Origin’s board of directors, is Mr. Snipe’s brother-in-law.

(3)

Gavin H. Wolfe, a former member of Legacy Origin’s board of directors, and his spouse are co-trustees of a trust established for the benefit of their children that is a holder of equity interests in Evergreen Capital, L.P.

(4)

Anne M. Smalling is the chief executive officer of AMS DE LLC. Richard Smalling, a former member of Legacy Origin’s board of directors, is Ms. Smalling’s husband.

Omnibus Warrant Amendment

In November 2019, Legacy Origin entered into an omnibus warrant amendment to extend the exercise period of certain warrants by 10 years, including warrants held by entities affiliated with (i) NewGen Plastics, LLC, which is affiliated with one of the holders of 5% of our capital stock, Lior (Lee) Amram and former Legacy Origin director Gavin H. Wolfe, (ii) Millar Midas Investment Holdings, LLC, which is affiliated with former Legacy Origin director Alexander C. Millar, (iii) AMS DE LLC and PM Operating, LTD, which are affiliated with former Legacy Origin director Richard Smalling, and (iv) Rich Riley, a director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Origin.

Nestlé Promissory Note

In November 2016, Legacy Origin received a $5.0 million prepayment from Nestlé Waters Management & Technology (together with its affiliates, “Nestlé”) for product from Origin 1 pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Offtake Supply Agreement between Legacy Origin and Nestlé, dated as of May 23, 2019 (the “Nestlé Offtake Agreement”). The prepayment is to be credited against the purchase of products from Origin 1 over the term of the Nestlé Offtake Agreement. The prepayment is secured by a promissory note (the “Nestlé Promissory Note”) to be repaid in cash in the event the prepayment cannot be credited against the purchase of product, for example, if Origin 1 is never constructed. The Nestlé Promissory Note is collateralized substantially by Origin 1 and other assets of Origin Material Canada Pioneer Limited, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. If repaid in cash, the Nestlé Promissory Note bears an annual interest rate of the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 0.25% (0.44% at March 31, 2021) and matures five years from the commercial operation date of Origin 1. The Nestlé Promissory Note is subordinated to the 2019 Notes. At March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total note principal outstanding was $5,105,055, $5,105,055 and $5,000,000 plus accrued interest of $123,102, $117,293 and $42,462, respectively.

 

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Danone Promissory Note

In November 2016, Legacy Origin received a $5.0 million prepayment from Danone Asia Pte Ltd. (together with its affiliates, “Danone”) for product from Origin 1. The prepayment was secured by a promissory note (the “Danone Promissory Note”). In May 2019, Legacy Origin and Danone amended and restated the Danone Promissory Note. The amendment added accrued interest of $189,169 to the principal balance of the prepayment. The Danone Promissory Note bears interest at 3.50% per annum and is to be repaid in three installments of $2.2 million, $2.1 million, and $2.1 million (inclusive of accrued but unpaid interest) on December 20, 2024, December 19, 2025, and December 18, 2026, respectively, unless the 2019 Notes have not been converted or repaid by December 30, 2021, in which case the Danone Promissory Note maturity date would be December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total debt outstanding was $5,189,169. The Promissory Note is subordinate to the 2019 Notes. At March 31, 2021, December 31, 2020 and 2019 accrued interest totaled $340,035, $294,630 and $113,009, respectively, and is included in other liabilities, long-term, on the consolidated balance sheets.

Indemnification Agreements

Our Certificate of Incorporation contains provisions limiting the liability of executive officers and directors, and the Bylaws provide that we will indemnify each of our executive officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law. The Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws also provide the board of directors with discretion to indemnify certain key employees when determined appropriate by our board.

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers and certain other key employees. The indemnification agreements provide that we will indemnify each of our directors, executive officers, and other key employees against any and all expenses incurred by such director, executive officer, or other key employee because of his or her status as one of our directors, executive officers, or other key employees, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws. In addition, the indemnification agreements provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, we will advance all expenses incurred by our directors, executive officers, and other key employees in connection with a legal proceeding involving his or her status as a director, executive officer, or key employee. For more information regarding these indemnification agreements, see the section entitled “Description of Securities.

Policies and Procedures for Related Party Transactions

We adopted a new written related party transaction policy to be effective upon the consummation of the Business Combination. The policy provides that officers, directors, holders of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, and any member of the immediate family of and any entity affiliated with any of the foregoing persons, will not be permitted to enter into a related-party transaction with us without the prior consent of the audit committee, or other independent members of our board of directors in the event it is inappropriate for the audit committee to review such transaction due to a conflict of interest. Any request for us to enter into a transaction with an executive officer, director, principal stockholder, or any of their immediate family members or affiliates, in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000, must first be presented to the audit committee for review, consideration, and approval. In approving or rejecting the proposed transactions, the audit committee will take into account all of the relevant facts and circumstances available.

All of the transactions described in this section were entered into prior to the adoption of this policy.

 

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PRINCIPAL SECURITYHOLDERS

The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock as of the Closing Date, after giving effect to the closing of the Business Combination, by:

 

   

each person known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of Common Stock;

 

   

each of our executive officers and directors; and

 

   

all of our executive officers and directors as a group.

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options, warrants and restricted stock units that are currently exercisable or vested or that will become exercisable or vest within 60 days. This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal stockholders and Schedules 13G or 13D filed with the SEC. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws where applicable, we believe that all persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by them. The beneficial ownership percentages set forth in the table below are based on 141,248,470 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding as of the Closing Date.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)

   Number of
Shares
     Percentage
of Common
Stock
Outstanding
 

5% or Greater Stockholders:

     

Artius Acquisition Partners LLC (our sponsor)(2)

     18,112,500        12.8

Lior Amram(3)

     10,142,100        7.2  

Named Executive Officers and Directors:

     

John Bissell(4)

     1,649,515        1.1  

Rich Riley(5)

     2,013,190        1.4  

Nate Whaley(6)

     187,395            

Joshua Lee(7)

     105,823            

William Harvey(8)

     158,734            

Karen Richardson

     —       

Boon Sim(2)

     18,112,500        12.8  

Charles D. Drucker(2)(9)

     18,862,500        13.4  

Kathleen B. Fish

     —       

Benno O. Dorer

     —       

Pia Heidenmark Cook

     —       

All current directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons)

     23,937,116        17.0  

 

*

Less than one percent.

(1)

Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each of our directors and executive officers is C/O Origin Materials, Inc., 930 Riverside Parkway, Suite 10, West Sacramento, CA 95606.

(2)

Artius Acquisition Partners LLC is the record holder of the shares reported herein. Mr. Sim and Mr. Drucker are the founding members of Artius Acquisition Partners LLC and together exercise voting and investment power with respect to the Common Stock held by Artius Acquisition Partners LLC. The shares beneficially owned by Artius Acquisition Partners LLC may also be deemed to be beneficially owned by Mr. Sim and Mr. Drucker.

(3)

Consists of (i) 33,843 shares of Common Stock held directly by Mr. Amram; (ii) 9,684,510 shares of Common Stock held by Evergreen InvestCo I, LLC (“Evergreen InvestCo I”); (iii) 59,373 shares of

 

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  Common Stock held by JLA Construction LLC 401k Plan (“JLA Construction”); (iv) 186,612 shares of Common Stock held by Evergreen Capital, L.P. (“Evergreen Capital”); (v) 130,000 shares of Common Stock held by Evergreen Acquisition I Corp (“Evergreen Acquisition”); and (vi) 47,762 shares of Common Stock held by JLA Asset Management LLC (“JLA Asset Management”). Mr. Amram is the sole manager of each of Evergreen InvestCo I, Evergreen Capital, Evergreen Acquisition and JLA Construction, and the managing member of JLA Asset Management, and may be deemed to hold sole voting and dispositive power over the Common Stock shares held by these entities. With respect to the shares of Common Stock held by these entities, Mr. Amram disclaims beneficial ownership other than to the extent he may have a pecuniary interest therein, directly or indirectly. The principal business address for Mr. Amram is c/o Evergreen Capital, L.P. 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2100, New York, New York 10176.
(4)

Consists of (i) 634,943 shares of Common Stock held directly by Mr. Bissell and (ii) 1,014,572 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Bissell pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of June 25, 2021.

(5)

Consists of (i) 886,275 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Riley pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of June 25, 2021; (ii) 189,668 shares of Common Stock held by Riley Family Trust; (iii) 229,415 shares of Common Stock held by Riley Investment Trust I; and (iv) 707,832 shares of Common Stock held by Riley Separate Property Trust. Mr. Riley is co-trustee of the Riley Family Trust and by virtue of his shared control over Riley Family Trust, may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock held by Riley Family Trust. Mr. Riley is sole trustee of each of Riley Investment Trust I and Riley Separate Property Trust and may be deemed to hold sole voting and dispositive power over the Common Stock shares held by Riley Investment Trust I and Riley Separate Property Trust.

(6)

Consists of 187,395 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Whaley pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of June 25, 2021.

(7)

Consists of 105,823 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Lee pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of June 25, 2021.

(8)

Consists of 158,734 shares of Common Stock issuable to Mr. Harvey pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of June 25, 2021.

(9)

Includes 750,000 shares of Common Stock held directly by Mr. Drucker.

 

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SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS

This prospectus relates to the resale by the selling securityholders from time to time of up to 64,838,474 shares of Common Stock (including 11,326,667 shares of Common Stock that may be issued upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants, 6,398,350 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options and up to 2,156,784 shares of Common Stock issuable as Earnout Shares) and up to 11,326,667 Private Placement Warrants. The selling securityholders may from time to time offer and sell any or all of the Common Stock and Private Placement Warrants set forth below pursuant to this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. As used in this prospectus, the term “selling securityholders” includes the persons listed in the table below, together with any additional selling securityholders listed in a subsequent amendment to this prospectus, and their pledgees, donees, transferees, assignees, successors, designees and others who later come to hold any of the selling securityholders’ interests in the Common Stock or Private Placement Warrants other than through a public sale.

Certain of the selling securityholders listed below entered into a Lock-up Agreement with us with respect to certain of the shares of Common Stock that may be sold by it from time to time pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms part. Such restrictions began at Closing and end on the earliest to occur of (i) 365 days after the date of the Closing; (ii) the first day after the date on which the closing price of the Common Stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the date of the Closing; or (iii) the date on which Origin completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of our public shareholders having the right to exchange their Common Stock for cash, securities or other property. See the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Lock-Up Agreements.”

Except as set forth in the footnotes below, the following table sets forth, based on written representations from the selling securityholders, certain information as of June 25, 2021 regarding the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock and Warrants by the selling securityholders and the shares of Common Stock and Warrants being offered by the selling securityholders. The applicable percentage ownership of Common Stock is based on approximately 141,248,470 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of June 25, 2021 (prior to exercise of all Warrants). Information with respect to shares of Common Stock and Private Placement Warrants owned beneficially after the offering assumes the sale of all of the shares of Common Stock or Private Placement Warrants. The selling securityholders may offer and sell some, all or none of their shares of Common Stock or Private Placement Warrants, as applicable.

We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to us, that the selling securityholders have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock and Warrants that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws. Except as otherwise described below, based on the information provided to us by the selling securityholders, no selling securityholder is a broker-dealer or an affiliate of a broker dealer.

Except as set forth in the footnotes below, the following table does not include up to 24,150,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants.

 

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Please see the section titled “Plan of Distribution” for further information regarding the selling securityholder’s method of distributing these shares.

 

    Shares of Common Stock     Warrants to Purchase Common Stock  
Name of Selling
Securityholder
  Number
Beneficially
Owned
Prior to
Offering
    Number
Registered
for Sale
Hereby
    Number
Beneficially
Owned
After
Offering
    Percent
Owned
After
Offering
    Number
Beneficially
Owned
Prior to
Offering
    Number
Registered
for Sale
Hereby
    Number
Beneficially
Owned
After
Offering
    Percent
Owned
After
Offering
 

Apollo Credit Strategies Master Fund Ltd.(1)

    873,481       408,069       465,412       *       —         —         —         —    

Apollo PPF Credit Strategies, LLC(1)

    124,110       58,001       66,109       *       —         —         —         —    

Apollo A-N Credit Fund (Delaware), L.P.(2)

    311,782       311,782       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Apollo Moultrie Credit Fund, L.P.(2)

    312,500       312,500       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Apollo Lincoln Fixed Income Fund, L.P.(2)

    392,578       392,578       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Apollo Tactical Value SPN Investments, L.P.(2)

    1,195,313       1,195,313       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Apollo Atlas Master Fund, LLC(2)

    205,156       205,156       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Apollo Centre Street Partnership, L.P.(2)

    616,601       616,601       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Athanor International Master Fund, LP(3)

    132,230       132,230       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Athanor Master Fund, LP(4)

    567,770       567,770       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Baron Small Cap Fund(5)

    1,000,000       1,000,000       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Baron Innovator Funds LP(6)

    39,900       39,900       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Blackstone Aqua Master Sub-Fund, a sub-fund of Blackstone Global Master Fund ICAV(7)

    200,000       200,000       0       —         100,000       —         100,000       *  

Millais Limited(8)

    1,350,000       200,000       1,150,000       *       133,333       —         133,333       *  

BNP Paribas Asset Management UK Limited on behalf of BNP Paribas Funds Environmental Absolute Return Thematic Equity (EARTH)(9)

    1,423,328       400,000       1,023,328       *       —         —         —         —    

BNP Paribas Asset Management UK Limited on behalf of BNP Paribas Funds Energy Transition(9)

    6,373,118       600,000       5,773,118       4.1     —         —         —         —    

SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc.(10)

    2,500,000       2,500,000       0       *       —         —         —         —    

Citadel Multi-Strategy Equities Master Fund Ltd.(11)

    6,655,000       700,000       5,955,000       4.2     —         —         —         —    

D. E. Shaw Valence Portfolios, L.L.C(12)

    262,500       262,500       0       —         —         —         —         —    

D. E. Shaw Oculus Portfolios, L.L.C(13)

    87,500       87,500       0       —         —         —         —         —    

M.H. Davidson & Co.(14)

    31,269       8,430       22,839       *       3,487       —         3,487       *  

Davidson Kempner Partners(14)

    401,990       52,290       349,700       *       97,346       —         97,346       *  

Davidson Kempner Institutional Partners, L.P.(14)

    841,772       108,150       733,622       *       204,913       —         204,913       *  

Davidson Kempner International, Ltd.(14)

    1,003,600       131,130       872,470       *       242,717       —         242,717       *  

DSAM+ Master Fund(15)

    154,400       154,400       0       —         —         —         —         —    

DSAM Alpha+ Master Fund(15)

    129,300       129,300       0       —         —         —         —         —    

LMA SPC—MAP 112 Segregated Portfolio(15)

    47,800       47,800       0       —         —         —         —         —    

 

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    Shares of Common Stock     Warrants to Purchase Common Stock  
Name of Selling
Securityholder
  Number
Beneficially
Owned
Prior to
Offering
    Number
Registered
for Sale
Hereby
    Number
Beneficially
Owned
After
Offering
    Percent
Owned
After
Offering
    Number
Beneficially
Owned
Prior to
Offering
    Number
Registered
for Sale
Hereby
    Number
Beneficially
Owned
After
Offering
    Percent
Owned
After
Offering
 

Electron Infrastructure Master Fund, L.P.(16)

    291,129       291,129       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Electron Global Master Fund L.P.(17)

    390,711       390,711       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Boothbay Absolute Return Strategies, LP(18)

    11,987       11,987       0       —         —         —         —         —    

AGR Trading SPC-Series EC Segregated Portfolio(19)

    6,173       6,173       0       —         —         —         —         —    

G.K.Goh Strategic Holdings Pte Ltd(20)

    125,000       125,000       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Alpha Securities Private Limited(20)

    125,000       125,000       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Governors Lane Master Fund LP(21)

    200,000       200,000       0       —         —         —         —         —    

The HGC Fund LP(22)

    100,000       100,000       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Jane Street Global Trading, LLC(23)

    397,474       350,000       47,494       *       10,821       —         10,821       *  

Ghisallo Master Fund LP(24)

    700,000       700,000       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Linden Capital L.P.(25)

    1,941,650       350,000       1,591,650       1.1     1,199,745       —         1,199,745       *  

Lion Point Master, LP(26)

    100,000       100,000       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Marshall Wace Investment Strategies(27)

    1,449,823       696,100       753,723       *       334,334       —         334,334       *  

Integrated Core Strategies (US) LLC(28)

    4,169,345       668,500       3,500,845       2.5     207,084       —         207,084       *  

Riverview Group LLC(28)

    1,350,000       100,000       1,250,000       *       612,035       —         612,035       *  

BMO Nesbitt Burns ITF MMCAP International Inc. SPC for and on behalf of MMCAP Master Segregated Portfolio Account: 402-21506-29(29)

    200,000       200,000       0       —           —         —         —    

MMF LT, LLC(30)

    1,100,000       700,000       400,000       *       400,000       —         400,000       *  

Northern Right Capital (QP), LP(31)

    72,500       72,500       —         —         —         —         —         —    

NRC SPAC Capital, LP(32)

    15,000       15,000       —         —         —         —         —         —    

Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation, Inc.(33)

    17,193       12,500       4,693       —         —         —         —         —    

Park West Investors Master Fund, Limited(34)

    730,000       730,000       0       —         454,848       —         454,848       *  

Park West Partners International, Limited(34)

    71,500       71,500       0       —         45,152       —         45,152       *  

Polar Multi-Strategy Master Fund(35)

    317,739       146,373       171,366       *       89,016       —         89,016       *  

Polar Long/Short Master Fund(35)

    457,261       203,627       253,634       *       125,832       —         125,832       *  

Sachem Head Master LP(36)

    336,800       336,800       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Sachem Head LP(36)

    463,200       463,200       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Sylebra Captial Parc Master Fund(37)

    1,311,450       1,311,450       0       —         —         —         —         —    

BEMAP Master Fund Ltd(38)

    188,550       188,550       0       —         —         —         —         —    

IAM Investments ICAV-O’Connor Event Driven UCITS Fund(39)

    1,190       1,190       0       —         2,468       —         2,468       *  

Nineteen77 Global Merger Arbitrage Master Limited(39)

    160,965       160,965       0       —         351,161       —         351,161       *  

Nineteen77 Global Merger Arbitrage Opportunity Fund(39)

    26,880       26,880       0       —         29,854       —         29,854       *  

Nineteen77 Global Multi-Strategy Alpha Master Limited(39)

    160,965       160,965       0       —         247,352       —         247,352       *  

 

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    Shares of Common Stock     Warrants to Purchase Common Stock  
Name of Selling
Securityholder
  Number
Beneficially
Owned
Prior to
Offering
    Number
Registered
for Sale
Hereby
    Number
Beneficially
Owned
After
Offering
    Percent
Owned
After
Offering
    Number
Beneficially
Owned
Prior to
Offering
    Number
Registered
for Sale
Hereby
    Number
Beneficially
Owned
After
Offering
    Percent
Owned
After
Offering
 

Hexner 2020 Descendants Trust(40)

    225,000       100,000       125,000       *       —         —         —         —    

Alyeska Master Fund, L.P.(41)

    1,864,523       800,000       1,064,523       *       538,963       —         538,963       *  

Senator Global Opportunity Master Fund L.P.(42)

    1,500,000       1,000,000       500,000       *       —         —         —         —    

Schonfeld Strategic 460 Fund LLC(43)

    700,000       700,000       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Antara Capital Master Fund LP(44)

    200,000       200,000       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Danone North America Public Benefit Corporation(45)

    2,208,362       100,000       2,108,362       1.5     —         —         —         —    

Nestle Waters S.A.S.(46)

    2,208,362       100,000       2,108,362       1.5     —         —         —         —    

PepsiCo, Inc.(47)

    6,468,970       97,500       6,371,470       4.5     —         —         —         —    

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.(48)

    45,000       45,000       0       —         —         —         —         —    

AECI Limited(49)

    2,097,408       20,000       2,077,408       1.5     —         —         —         —    

Artius Acquisition Partners LLC(50)

    18,112,500       18,112,500       0       —         11,326,667       11,326,667       —         —    

John Bissell(51)

    1,649,515       1,649,515       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Riley Family Trust(52)

    189,668       189,668       0       —               —    

Riley Investment Trust I(53)

    229,415       229,415       0       —               —    

Riley Separate Property Trust(54)

    707,832       707,832       0       —               —    

Rich Riley(55)

    886,275       886,275       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Stephen and Jill Galowitz JTWROS(56)

    391,157       391,157       0       —         —         —         —         —    

The Galowitz Family 2021 Trust dated February 16, 2021 with Lester E. Lipschutz as Trustee(57)

    391,157       391,157       0       —               —    

Stephen Galowitz(58)

    634,942       634,942       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Josh Lee(59)

    105,823       105,823       0       —         —         —         —         —    

Nate Whaley(60)

    187,395       187,395       0       —         —         —         —         —    

William Harvey(61)

    158,734       158,734       0       —         —         —         —         —    

PM Operating, Ltd(62)

    3,663,758       216,667       3,447,091       2.4           —    

Buff Investment Limited Partnership(63)

    363,570       216,667       146,903       *             —    

Charles Drucker(64)

    18,762,500       18,762,500       —         12.8     11,326,667       11,326,667       —         —    

Keith F. Goggin

    2,169,881       86,667       2,083,214       1.5           —    

Evergreen Acquisition I Corp(65)

    130,000       130,000       0       —               —    

 

*

Less than one percent.

(1)

Apollo Credit Strategies Master Fund Ltd. is the sole member of Apollo PPF Credit Strategies, LLC. Apollo ST Fund Management LLC serves as the investment manager for Apollo Credit Strategies Master Fund Ltd.. Apollo ST Operating LP is the sole member of Apollo ST Management Fund Management LLC. The general partner of Apollo ST Operating LP is Apollo ST Capital LLC. ST Management Holdings, LLC is the sole member of Apollo ST Capital LLC. Based on information provided to us by the selling securityholder, the selling securityholder may be deemed to be an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Based on such information, the selling securityholder acquired the shares being registered hereunder in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the acquisition of the shares, the selling securityholder did not have any agreements or understandings with any person to distribute such shares.

(2)

Apollo A-N Credit Management, LLC serves as the investment manager for Apollo A-N Credit Fund (Delaware), L.P. Apollo Moultrie Credit Fund Management, LLC is the investment manager of Apollo Moultrie Credit Fund, L.P. and the investment manager of Apollo Lincoln Fixed Income Fund, L.P. is Apollo Lincoln Fixed Income Management, LLC. The investment Manager of Apollo Tactical Value SPN

 

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  Investments, L.P. is Apollo Tactical Value SPN Management, LLC and Apollo Centre Street Management, LLC serves as the investment manager of Apollo Centre Street Partnership, L.P.. Apollo Atlas Management, LLC serves as the investment manager of Apollo Atlas Master Fund, LLC.

Apollo Capital Management, L.P. serves as the sole member of Apollo A-N Credit Management, LLC, Apollo Moultrie Credit Fund Management, LLC, Apollo Lincoln Fixed Income Management, LLC, Apollo Tactical Value SPN Management, LLC, Apollo Centre Street Management, LLC and Apollo Atlas Management, LLC. Apollo Capital Management GP, LLC serves as the general partner of Apollo Capital Management, L.P. Apollo Management Holdings, L.P. serves as the sole member and manager of Apollo Capital Management GP, LLC and Apollo Management Holdings GP, LLC serves as the general partner of Apollo Management Holdings, L.P. Based on information provided to us by the selling securityholder, the selling securityholder may be deemed to be an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Based on such information, the selling securityholder acquired the shares being registered hereunder in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the acquisition of the shares, the selling securityholder did not have any agreements or understandings with any person to distribute such shares.

 

(3)

Parvinder Thiara owns Athanor International Fund GP, LP, the general partner of Athanor International Master Fund, LP, and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(4)

Parvinder Thiara owns Athanor Capital Partners, LP, the general partner of Athanor Master Fund, LP, and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(5)

Mr. Ronald Baron has voting and/or investment control over the shares held by Baron Small Cap Fund. Mr. Baron disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Baron Small Cap Fund. Based on information provided to us by the selling securityholder, the selling securityholder may be deemed to be an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Based on such information, the selling securityholder acquired the shares being registered hereunder in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the acquisition of the shares, the selling securityholder did not have any agreements or understandings with any person to distribute such shares.

(6)

Mr. Ronald Baron has voting and/or investment control over the shares held by Baron Innovator Funds LP. Mr. Baron disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by Baron Innovator Funds LP. Based on information provided to us by the selling securityholder, the selling securityholder may be deemed to be an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Based on such information, the selling securityholder acquired the shares being registered hereunder in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the acquisition of the shares, the selling securityholder did not have any agreements or understandings with any person to distribute such shares.

(7)

Reflects securities held directly by Blackstone Aqua Master Sub-Fund, a sub-fund of Blackstone Global Master Fund ICAV (the “Aqua Fund”). Blackstone Alternative Solutions L.L.C. is the investment manager of the Aqua Fund. Blackstone Holdings I L.P. is the sole member of Blackstone Alternative Solutions L.L.C. Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C. is the general partner of Blackstone Holdings I L.P. The Blackstone Group Inc. is the sole member of Blackstone Holdings I/II GP L.L.C. Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. is the sole holder of the Series II preferred stock of The Blackstone Group Inc. Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. is wholly owned by its senior managing directors and controlled by its founder, Stephen A. Schwarzman. Each of such Blackstone entities and Mr. Schwarzman may be deemed to beneficially own the securities beneficially owned by the Aqua Fund directly or indirectly controlled by it or him, but each (other than the Aqua Fund to the extent of its direct holdings) disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities. The address of each of the entities listed is c/o The Blackstone Group Inc., 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154. Based on information provided to us by the selling securityholder, the selling securityholder may be deemed to be an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Based on such information, the selling securityholder acquired the shares being registered hereunder in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the acquisition of the shares, the selling securityholder did not have any agreements or understandings with any person to distribute such shares.

(8)

Andrew Dodd and Michael Bell are directors of Millais Limited, and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the Selling Securityholder, but each disclaims beneficial

 

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  ownership of such securities. Millais Limited’s principal place of business is 767 5th Ave., 9th Fl., New York, NY 10153.
(9)

Edward Lees and Ulrik Fugmann, co-Portfolio Managers, on behalf of BNP Paribas Asset Management UK Limited, may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder. Based on information provided to us by the selling securityholder, the selling securityholder may be deemed to be an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Based on such information, the selling securityholder acquired the shares being registered hereunder in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the acquisition of the shares, the selling securityholder did not have any agreements or understandings with any person to distribute such shares.

(10)

Capital Research and Management Company (“CRMC”) is the investment adviser for SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. (“SCWF”). For purposes of the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, CRMC and Capital World Investors (“CWI”) may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of common stock held by SCWF; however, each of CRMC and CWI expressly disclaims that it is, in fact, the beneficial owner of such securities. Brady L. Enright, Julian N. Abdey, Jonathan Knowles, Gregory W. Wendt, Peter Eliot, Bradford F. Freer, Leo Hee, Roz Hongsaranagon, Harold H. La, Dimitrije Mitrinovic, Aidan O’Connell, Samir Parekh, Andraz Razen, Renaud H. Samyn, Dylan Yolles, Michael Beckwith, and Arun Swaminathan, as portfolio managers, have voting and investment powers over the shares held by SCWF. The address for SCWF is c/o Capital Research and Management Company, 333 S. Hope St., 50th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90071. SCWF acquired the securities being registered hereby in the ordinary course of its business.

(11)

Pursuant to a portfolio management agreement, Citadel Advisors LLC, an investment advisors registered under the U.S. Investment Advisors Act of 1940 (“CAL”), holds the voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares held by Citadel Multi-Strategy Equities Master Fund Ltd. Citadel Advisors Holdings LP (“CAH”) is the sole member of CAL. Citadel GP LLC is the general partner of CAH. Kenneth Griffin (“Griffin”) is the President and Chief Executive Officer of and sole member of Citadel GP LLC. Citadel GP LLC and Griffin may be deemed to be the beneficial owners of the stock through their control of CAL and/or certain other affiliated entities.

(12)

D. E. Shaw Valence Portfolios, L.L.C. has the power to vote or to direct the vote of (and the power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the shares directly owned by it (the “Subject Shares”).

D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P. (“DESCO LP”), as the investment adviser of D. E. Shaw Valence Portfolios, L.L.C., may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Subject Shares. D. E. Shaw & Co., L.L.C. (“DESCO LLC”), as the manager of D. E. Shaw Valence Portfolios, L.L.C., may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Subject Shares. Julius Gaudio, Maximilian Stone, and Eric Wepsic, or their designees, exercise voting and investment control over the Subject Shares on DESCO LP’s and DESCO LLC’s behalf.

D. E. Shaw & Co., Inc. (“DESCO Inc.”), as general partner of DESCO LP, may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Subject Shares. D. E. Shaw & Co. II, Inc. (“DESCO II Inc.”), as managing member of DESCO LLC, may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Subject Shares. None of DESCO LP, DESCO LLC, DESCO Inc., or DESCO II Inc. owns any shares directly, and each such entity disclaims beneficial ownership of the Subject Shares.

David E. Shaw does not own any shares directly. By virtue of David E. Shaw’s position as President and sole shareholder of DESCO Inc., which is the general partner of DESCO LP, and by virtue of David E. Shaw’s position as President and sole shareholder of DESCO II Inc., which is the managing member of DESCO LLC, David E. Shaw may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Subject Shares and, therefore, David E. Shaw may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the Subject Shares. David E. Shaw disclaims beneficial ownership of the Subject Shares. Based on information provided to us by the selling securityholder, the selling securityholder may be deemed to be an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Based on such information, the selling securityholder acquired the shares being registered hereunder in the ordinary course of business, and at the

 

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time of the acquisition of the shares, the selling securityholder did not have any agreements or understandings with any person to distribute such shares.

 

(13)

D. E. Shaw Oculus Portfolios, L.L.C. has the power to vote or to direct the vote of (and the power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the shares directly owned by it (the “Subject Shares”).

D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P. (“DESCO LP”), as the investment adviser of D. E. Shaw Oculus Portfolios, L.L.C., may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Subject Shares. D. E. Shaw & Co., L.L.C. (“DESCO LLC”), as the manager of D. E. Shaw Oculus Portfolios, L.L.C., may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Subject Shares. Julius Gaudio, Maximilian Stone, and Eric Wepsic, or their designees, exercise voting and investment control over the Subject Shares on DESCO LP’s and DESCO LLC’s behalf.

D. E. Shaw & Co., Inc. (“DESCO Inc.”), as general partner of DESCO LP, may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Subject Shares. D. E. Shaw & Co. II, Inc. (“DESCO II Inc.”), as managing member of DESCO LLC, may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Subject Shares. None of DESCO LP, DESCO LLC, DESCO Inc., or DESCO II Inc. owns any shares directly, and each such entity disclaims beneficial ownership of the Subject Shares.

David E. Shaw does not own any shares directly. By virtue of David E. Shaw’s position as President and sole shareholder of DESCO Inc., which is the general partner of DESCO LP, and by virtue of David E. Shaw’s position as President and sole shareholder of DESCO II Inc., which is the managing member of DESCO LLC, David E. Shaw may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the Subject Shares and, therefore, David E. Shaw may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the Subject Shares. David E. Shaw disclaims beneficial ownership of the Subject Shares. Based on information provided to us by the selling securityholder, the selling securityholder may be deemed to be an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Based on such information, the selling securityholder acquired the shares being registered hereunder in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the acquisition of the shares, the selling securityholder did not have any agreements or understandings with any person to distribute such shares.

 

(14)

Voting and dispositive authority over the PIPE Shares is held by Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP (“DKCM”). Anthony A. Yoseloff, Eric P. Epstein, Conor Bastable, Shulamit Leviant, Morgan P. Blackwell, Patrick W. Dennis, Gabriel T. Schwartz, Zachary Z. Altschuler, Joshua D. Morris and Suzanne K. Gibbons, through DKCM, are responsible for the voting and investment decisions relating to the PIPE Shares. Each of the aforementioned entities and individuals disclaims beneficial ownership of the PIPE Shares held by any other entity or individual named in this footnote except to the extent of such entity or individual’s pecuniary interest therein, if any. The address of each of the entities and individuals in this footnote is c/o Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP, 520 Madison Avenue, 30th Floor, New York, New York 10022.

(15)

DSAM Partners (London) Ltd. (the “Investment Advisor”) is the investment advisor to the Holder and as such may be deemed to have voting and investment power over the securities held by the Holder. The Investment Advisor is ultimately controlled by Mr. Guy Shahar. The Holder and Mr. Shahar disclaim beneficial ownership of the securities listed above.

(16)

Shares held by Electron Infrastructure Master Fund L.P.; The general partner of Electron Infrastructure Master Fund L.P. is Electron Infrastructure GP LLC. James O. Shaver is the managing member of Electron Infrastructure GP LLC. The address of each entity and Mr. Shaver is 10 East 53rd Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

(17)

Shares held by Electron Global Master Fund L.P.; The general partner of Electron Global Master Fund L.P. is Electron GP LLC. James O. Shaver is the managing member of Electron GP LLC. The address of each entity and Mr. Shaver is 10 East 53rd Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

(18)

Voting and investment power over the shares held by Boothbay Absolute Return Strategies, LP resides with Electron Capital Partners, its Sub-Investment Manager. James O. Shaver is the managing member of

 

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  Electron Capital Partners. The address of each entity and Mr. Shaver is 10 East 53rd Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10022.
(19)

Voting and investment power over the shares held by AGR Trading SPC-Series EC Segregated Portfolio resides with Electron Capital Partners, its Sub-Investment Manager. James O. Shaver is the managing member of Electron Capital Partners. The address of each entity and Mr. Shaver is 10 East 53rd Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

(20)

Goh Yew Lin may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(21)

Governors Lane LP serves as the investment advisor to Governors Lane Master Fund LP (the “Fund”). Governors Lane Fund General Partner LLC serves as the general partner of the Fund. Mr. Isaac Corre is the managing member of both Governors Lane Fund General Partner LLC and Governors Lane GP LLC, the general partner of Governors Lane LP. The address for each entity and person described in this paragraph is c/o Governors Lane LP, 510 Madison Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

(22)

Sean Kallir is CEO and PM of HGC Investment Management Inc, the investment manager of The HGC Fund LP, and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power of the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(23)

Jane Street Global Trading, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jane Street Group, LLC. Michael A. Jenkins and Robert. A. Granieri are the members of the Operating Committee of Jane Street Group, LLC. Based on information provided to us by the selling securityholder, the selling securityholder may be deemed to be an affiliate of a broker-dealer. Based on such information, the selling securityholder acquired the shares being registered hereunder in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the acquisition of the shares, the selling securityholder did not have any agreements or understandings with any person to distribute such shares.

(24)

Michael Germino is the Authorized Signatory of the General Partner of Ghisallo Capital Management LLC, the general partner of Ghisallo Master Fund LP, and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(25)

The securities directly held by Linden Capital L.P. are indirectly held by Linden Advisors LP (the investment manager of Linden Capital L.P.), Linden GP LLC (the general partner of Linden Capital L.P.), and Mr. Siu Min (Joe) Wong (the principal owner and the controlling person of Linden Advisors LP and Linden GP LLC). Linden Capital L.P., Linden Advisors LP, Linden GP LLC and Mr. Wong share voting and dispositive power with respect to the securities held by Linden Capital L.P.

(26)

Lion Point Capital, LP is the investment adviser to, and thereby controls the voting and disposition of, securities held by Lion Point Master, LP. Lion Point Holdings GP, LLC is the general partner of Lion Point Capital LP, and Didric Cederholm is the control person of Lion Point Capital, LP. Their address is 250 W 55th Street, 33rd Floor, New York NY 10019.

(27)

Number of shares registered for sale includes (i) 16,825 shares held by Marshall Wace Investment Strategies Systematic Alpha Plus Fund, (ii) 35,734 shares held by Marshall Wace Investment Strategies TOPS Fund, (iii) 58.269 shares held by Marshall Wace Investment Strategies Market Neutral TOPS Fund and (iv) 585,272 shares held by Marshall Wace Investment Strategies Eureka Fund (collectively, the “Marshall Wace Funds”). Marshall Wace, LLP, a limited liability partnership formed in England (the “Investment Manager”), is the investment manager of each of the Marshall Wace Funds. Each of the Marshall Wace Funds are sub-trusts of Marshall Wace Investment Strategies, an umbrella unit trust established in Ireland with limited liability between sub-trusts. The Investment Manager has delegated certain authority for US operations and trading to Marshall Wace North America L.P. Each of the foregoing other than the Investment Manager disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities listed above. The address of the Marshall Wace Funds and the Investment Manager, is 32 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.

(28)

Integrated Core Strategies (US) LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Integrated Core Strategies”), beneficially owned 4,376,429 shares of Common Stock (consisting of: (i) 668,500 shares of Common Stock purchased in a private placement pursuant to a subscription agreement dated February 16, 2021 (the “PIPE”); (ii) an additional 3,500,845 shares of Common Stock acquired separately from the PIPE; and (iii) 207,084 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of certain warrants).

 

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Riverview Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Riverview Group”), beneficially owned 1,962,035 shares of Common Stock (consisting of: (i) 100,000 shares of Common Stock purchased in the PIPE; (ii) an additional 1,250,000 shares of Common Stock acquired separately from the PIPE; and (iii) 612,035 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of certain warrants).

ICS Opportunities, Ltd., an exempted company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (“ICS Opportunities”), beneficially owned 43,334 shares of Common Stock (consisting of 1 share of Common Stock and 43,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of certain warrants). ICS Opportunities is an affiliate of Integrated Core Strategies and Riverview Group.

Millennium International Management LP, a Delaware limited partnership (“Millennium International Management”), is the investment manager to ICS Opportunities and may be deemed to have shared voting control and investment discretion over securities owned by ICS Opportunities.

Millennium Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Millennium Management”), is the general partner of the managing member of Integrated Core Strategies and Riverview Group and may be deemed to have shared voting control and investment discretion over securities owned by Integrated Core Strategies and Riverview Group. Millennium Management is also the general partner of the 100% owner of ICS Opportunities and may also be deemed to have shared voting control and investment discretion over securities owned by ICS Opportunities.

Millennium Group Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Millennium Group Management”), is the managing member of Millennium Management and may also be deemed to have shared voting control and investment discretion over securities owned by Integrated Core Strategies and Riverview Group. Millennium Group Management is also the general partner of Millennium International Management and may also be deemed to have shared voting control and investment discretion over securities owned by ICS Opportunities.

The managing member of Millennium Group Management is a trust of which Israel A. Englander, a United States citizen (“Mr. Englander”), currently serves as the sole voting trustee. Therefore, Mr. Englander may also be deemed to have shared voting control and investment discretion over securities owned by Integrated Core Strategies, Riverview Group and ICS Opportunities.

The foregoing should not be construed in and of itself as an admission by Millennium International Management, Millennium Management, Millennium Group Management or Mr. Englander as to beneficial ownership of the securities owned by Integrated Core Strategies, Riverview Group or ICS Opportunities, as the case may be.

 

(29)

Matthew MacIsaac is the Secretary of MM Asset Management Inc. and investment advisor to MMCAP International Inc. SPC, the registered holder, and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(30)

Moore Capital Management, LP, the investment manager of MMF LT, LLC, has voting and investment control of the shares held by MMF LT, LLC. Mr. Louis M. Bacon controls the general partner of Moore Capital Management, LP and may be deemed the beneficial owner of our shares held by MMF LT, LLC. Mr. Bacon also is the indirect majority owner of MMF LT, LLC. The address of MMF LT, LLC, Moore Capital Management, LP and Mr. Bacon is 11 Times Square, New York, New York 10036.

(31)

Matthew Drapkin is the Managing Member of BC Advisors, LLC, general partner of Northern Right Capital Management, LP, general partner of Northern Right Capital (QP), LP, and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder. Mr. Drapkin disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(32)

Matthew Drapkin is the Managing Member of BC Advisors, LLC, general partner of Northern Right Capital Management, LP, general partner of NRC SPAC Capital, LP, and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder. Mr. Drapkin disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

(33)

Matthew Drapkin is the Managing Member of BC Advisors, LLC, general partner of Northern Right Capital Management, LP, investment advisor with delegated authority to vote and dispose of securities in Anna-

 

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  Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation, Inc. Mr. Drapkin disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(34)

Park West Asset Management LLC is the investment manager to Park West Investors Master Fund, Limited and Park West Partners International, Limited, and Peter S. Park, through one or more affiliated entities, is the controlling manager of Park West Asset Management LLC.

(35)

Polar Long/Short Master Fund and Polar Multi-Strategy Master Fund (“Polar Funds”) are under management by Polar Asset Management Partners Inc. (“PAMPI”). PAMPI serves as investment advisor of the Polar Funds and has control and discretion over the shares held by the Polar Funds. As such, PAMPI may be deemed the beneficial owner of the shares held by the Polar Funds. PAMPI disclaims any beneficial ownership of the reported shares other than to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. The business address of the Polar Funds is c/o Polar Asset Management Partners Inc., 401 Bay Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2Y4.

(36)

Sachem Head LP (“SHLP”) and Sachem Head Master LP (“SH Master” and together with SHLP, the “Sachem Head Funds”) originally subscribed to receive 463,200 PIPE Shares and 336,800 PIPE Shares, respectively, in the transaction. Pursuant to the Assignment and Assumption Agreement by and between SHLP and SH Master dated June 16, 2021, SH Master assigned the right to receive 6,720 PIPE Shares to SHLP, so that SHLP will receive 469,920 PIPE Shares in the transaction and SH Master will receive 330,080 PIPE Shares in the transaction.

Sachem Head Capital Management LP (“SHCM”), as the investment adviser to the Sachem Head Funds, may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the PIPE Shares received by the Sachem Head Funds. As the general partner of SHCM, Uncas GP LLC (“Uncas”) may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the PIPE Shares received by the Sachem Head Funds. As the general partner of each of the Sachem Head Funds, Sachem Head GP LLC (“Sachem Head GP”) may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or to direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the PIPE Shares received by the Sachem Head Funds. By virtue of Scott D. Ferguson’s position as the managing partner of SHCM and the managing member of Uncas and Sachem Head GP, Scott D. Ferguson may be deemed to have the shared power to vote or direct the vote of (and the shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of) the PIPE Shares.

 

(37)

Sylebra Capital Management may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(38)

Sylebra Capital Limited as Sub-Manager of BEMAP Master Fund Ltd. may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(39)

Kevin Russell is the Chief Investment Officer of UBS O’Connor LLC, the investment manager of the selling securityholder, and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(40)

Thomas S. Hexner is trustee of the selling securityholder and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(41)

Alyeska Investment Group, L.P., the investment manager of the selling securityholder, has voting and investment control of the shares held by the selling securityholder. Anand Parekh is the Chief Executive Officer of Alyeska Investment Group, L.P. and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such shares. Mr. Parekh, however, disclaims any beneficial ownership of the shares held by the selling securityholder.

(42)

Senator Investment Group LP (“Senator”) is investment manager of the selling securityholder and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares. The general partner of Senator is Senator Management LLC (the “Senator GP”). Douglas Silverman controls Senator GP, and, accordingly, may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares held by this selling securityholder. Mr. Silverman disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held by the selling securityholder.

(43)

Thomas Wynn is Chief Compliance Officer of Schonfeld Strategic 460 Fund LLC and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

 

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(44)

Antara Capital LP, a Delaware limited partnership serves as the investment manager (the “Investment Manager”) to certain funds it manages and designees and may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power with respect to the ordinary shares held by the Antara Funds (defined below). Antara Capital Fund GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, serves as the general partner of Antara Capital Onshore Fund LP (the “Onshore Fund”) and Antara Capital Master Fund LP (the “Master Fund”). Antara Capital Offshore Fund Ltd (the “Offshore Fund” and together with the Fund and the Master Fund, the “Antara Funds”) is an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Himanshu Gulati is the Managing Member of Investment Manager and, accordingly, may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares held by the Antara Funds. Mr. Gulati disclaims beneficial ownership of the ordinary shares held by the Antara Funds except to the extent of any pecuniary interest. The business address of the foregoing persons is 500 5th Avenue, Suite 2320, New York, New York 10110.

(45)

Danone North America Public Benefit Corporation may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(46)

Massimo Casella, a Nestle manager, was a member of the board of directors of our subsidiary and resigned in connection with the Business Combination.

(47)

PepsiCo, Inc. may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(48)

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. directly holds 45,000 shares of Common Stock.

(49)

AECI Limited may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder.

(50)

Boon Sim and Charles Drucker are the founding members of Artius Acquisition Partners LLC and together exercise voting and investment power with respect to the securities held by Artius Acquisition Partners LLC. The securities beneficially owned by Artius Acquisition Partners LLC may also be deemed to be beneficially owned by Mr. Sim and Mr. Drucker. Mr. Sim and Mr. Drucker are members of our board of directors.

(51)

Mr. Bissell is our Co-Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors. Mr. Bissell’s options, including 1,014,572 options exercisable within 60 days of June 25, 2021 for an equal number of shares of Common Stock, are subject to the following vesting schedule (the “Stock Option”): (i) 423,294 shares of Common Stock subject to the Stock Option vested on June 25, 2021 (the “Vesting Commencement Date”), (ii) 529,119 shares of Common Stock are subject to monthly vesting for 48 months from the Vesting Commencement Date, (iii) 211,647 shares of Common Stock will vest upon achievement of a 10-day $15 trading price during the 3 years following the Vesting Commencement Date, (iv) 317,471 shares of Common Stock will vest upon achievement of a 10-day $25 trading price during the 5 years following the Vesting Commencement Date and (v) 423,295 shares of Common Stock will vest upon achievement of a 10-day $50 trading price during the 5 years following the Vesting Commencement Date. Mr. Bissell is also eligible to receive up to an additional 66,225 shares of Common Stock subject to certain earnout provisions.

(52)

Mr. Riley is co-trustee of Riley Family Trust and by virtue of his shared control over Riley Family Trust, may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of Common Stock held by Riley Family Trust. Riley Family Trust is also eligible to receive up to an additional 66,225 shares of Common Stock subject to certain earnout provisions.

(53)

Mr. Riley is sole trustee of Riley Investment Trust I and may be deemed to hold sole voting and dispositive power over the Common Stock shares held by the selling securityholder. Riley Investment Trust I is also eligible to receive up to an additional 75,210 shares of Common stock subject to certain earnout provisions.

(54)

Mr. Riley is sole trustee of Riley Separate Property Trust and may be deemed to hold sole voting and dispositive power over the Common Stock shares held by the selling securityholder. Riley Separate Property Trust is also eligible to receive up to an additional 258,243 shares of Common stock subject to certain earnout provisions.

(55)

Mr. Riley is our Co-Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors. Mr. Riley’s options, including 886,275 options exercisable within 60 days of June 25, 2021 for an equal number of shares of Common Stock, are subject to the following vesting schedule (the “Stock Option”): (i) 820,134 shares of Common Stock subject to the Stock Option shall vest on June 25, 2021 (the “Vesting Commencement Date”), (ii) 1,190,518 shares of Common Stock are subject to monthly vesting for 36 months from the Vesting Commencement Date, (iii) 211,647 shares of Common Stock will vest upon achievement of a

 

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  10-day $15 trading price during the 3 years following the Vesting Commencement Date and (iv) 317,471 shares of Common Stock will vest upon achievement of a 10-day $25 trading price during the 5 years following the Vesting Commencement Date. Mr. Riley is also eligible to receive up to an additional 344,649 shares of Common Stock subject to certain earnout provisions.
(56)

Stephen and Jill Galowitz may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder. The selling securityholder is also eligible to receive up to an additional 141,039 shares of Common Stock subject to certain earnout provisions.

(57)

Stephen Galowitz may be deemed to have voting and dispositive power over the securities held by the selling securityholder. The selling securityholder is also eligible to receive up to an additional 141,039 shares of Common Stock subject to certain earnout provisions.

(58)

Mr. Galowitz is our Chief Commercial Officer. Mr. Galowitz is also eligible to receive up to 266,562 shares of Common Stock subject to certain earnout provisions.

(59)

Mr. Lee is our General Counsel. Mr. Lee is also eligible to receive up to 43,698 shares of Common Stock subject to certain earnout provisions.

(60)

Mr. Whaley is our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Whaley’s options, including 187,395 options exercisable within 60 days of June 25, 2021 for an equal number of shares of Common Stock, are subject to the following vesting schedule (the “Stock Option”): 25% of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Stock Option shall vest six (6) months after September 1, 2020 (the “Vesting Commencement Date”), and 1/48 of the shares of Common Stock subject to the Stock Option shall vest on each monthly anniversary of the Vesting Commencement Date thereafter. Mr. Whaley is also eligible to receive up to 69,486 shares of Common Stock subject to certain earnout provisions.

(61)

Mr. Harvey is a member of our board of directors. Mr. Harvey is also eligible to receive up to 66,705 shares of Common Stock subject to certain earnout provisions.

(62)

Anne M. Smalling, CEO of PMOP GP LLC, is the sole GP of PM Operating, Ltd. Ms. Smalling is the sole member of AMS GP, LLC, which owns 100% of PMOP GP, LLC.

(63)

Kristin P. Millar, Katharine B. Leraris and Jon C. Buff share investing and voting rights for Buff Investment Limited Partnership.

(64)

Consists of 18,112,500 shares of our Common Stock and 11,326,667 Private Placement Warrants held of record by Artius Acquisition Partners LLC. Mr. Drucker is one of the founding members of Artius Acquisition Partners LLC and shares voting and investment power with respect to the shares and warrants held by Artius Acquisition Partners LLC. The shares and warrants beneficially owned by Artius Acquisition Partners LLC may also be deemed to be beneficially owned by Mr. Drucker. Also consists of 650,000 shares held of record directly by Mr. Drucker. Mr. Drucker is a member of our board of directors.

(65)

Lior Amram is the sole manager of Evergreen Acquisition I Corp and may be deemed to hold sole voting and dispositive power over the Common Stock shares held by this entity. The principal business address for Mr. Amram is c/o Evergreen Capital, L.P. 551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2100, New York, New York 10176.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR SECURITIES

The following is a summary of the rights of our securities. This summary is qualified by reference to the complete text of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

The following description summarizes the most important terms of the our capital stock. This summary is qualified by reference to the complete text of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Authorized and Outstanding Stock

Our authorized capital stock consists of:

 

   

1,000,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share; and

 

   

10,000,000 shares of undesignated Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share.

Upon the Closing of the Business Combination, there were 141,248,470 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.

We are authorized, without stockholder approval except as required by the listing standards of Nasdaq, to issue additional shares of our capital stock.

Voting Rights

Holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.

The Certificate of Incorporation prohibits cumulative voting for the election of directors unless otherwise provided by law.

Dividend Rights

Subject to preferences that may apply to any shares of Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, the holders of our Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends out of funds legally available if our board of directors, in its discretion, determines to issue dividends and then only at the times and in the amounts that our board of directors may determine.

No Preemptive or Similar Rights

Our Common Stock will not be entitled to preemptive rights, and are not subject to conversion, redemption or sinking fund provisions.

Right to Receive Liquidation Distributions

If we become subject to a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the assets legally available for distribution to the stockholders would be distributable ratably among the holders of our Common Stock and any participating Preferred Stock outstanding at that time, subject to prior satisfaction of all outstanding debt and liabilities and the preferential rights of and the payment of liquidation preferences, if any, on any outstanding shares of Preferred Stock.

 

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Fully Paid and Non-Assessable

All of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable.

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors is authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law, to issue Preferred Stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series, and to fix the designation, vesting, powers, preferences, and rights of the shares of each series and any of its qualifications, limitations, or restrictions, in each case without further vote or action by the stockholders. Our board of directors can also increase or decrease the number of shares of any series of Preferred Stock, but not below the number of shares of that series then outstanding, without any further vote or action by the stockholders.

Our board of directors may authorize the issuance of Preferred Stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our Common Stock. The issuance of Preferred Stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control of the Company and may adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of our Common Stock. There are no current plans to issue any shares of Preferred Stock.

Warrants

Public Warrants

Each whole Public Warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one whole share of our Common Stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as discussed below, at any time that is 30 days after the completion of the Business Combination. Pursuant to the Warrant Agreement with Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company dated July 13, 2020 (the “Continental Warrant Agreement”), a warrant holder may exercise its Public Warrants only for a whole number of shares of our Common Stock. The Public Warrants will expire on June 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

We will not be obligated to deliver any shares of our Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of a Public Warrant and will have no obligation to settle such warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of our Common Stock underlying the Public Warrants is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to our satisfying our obligations described below with respect to registration. No Public Warrant will be exercisable and we will not be obligated to issue shares of our Common Stock upon exercise of a Public Warrant unless our Common Stock issuable upon such warrant exercise has been registered, qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the registered holder of the Public Warrants.

We have agreed that as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 15 business days, after the closing of the Business Combination, we will use our best efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement for the registration, under the Securities Act, of the shares of our Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Public Warrants. We will use our best efforts to cause the same to become effective within 60 days of closing, and to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement, and a current prospectus relating thereto, until the expiration or redemption of the Public Warrants in accordance with the provisions of the Continental Warrant Agreement. Notwithstanding the above, if our Common Stock is at the time of any exercise of a Public Warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that it satisfies the definition of a “covered security” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act, we may, at our option, require holders of Public Warrants who exercise their warrants to do so on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act and pursuant to the terms of the Continental Warrant Agreement and, in the event we so elect, we will not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement, but we will be required to use our commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify the shares under applicable blue sky laws to the extent an exemption is not available.

 

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Redemption of warrants when the price per share of our Common Stock equals or exceeds $18.00. Once the Public Warrants become exercisable, we may call the Public Warrants for redemption:

 

   

in whole and not in part;

 

   

at a price of $0.01 per Public Warrant;

 

   

upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption (the “30-day redemption period”) to each warrant holder; and

 

   

if, and only if, the reported last sale price of our Common Stock equals or exceeds $18.00 per share for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which we send the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

If and when the Public Warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws.

We have established the last of the redemption criterion discussed above to prevent a redemption call unless there is at the time of the call a significant premium to the warrant exercise price. If the foregoing conditions are satisfied and we issue a notice of redemption of the Public Warrants, each warrant holder will be entitled to exercise its Public Warrant prior to the scheduled redemption date. However, the price of our Common Stock may fall below the $18.00 redemption trigger price as well as the $11.50 (for whole shares) warrant exercise price after the redemption notice is issued.

Redemption of warrants when the price per share of our Common Stock equals or exceeds $10.00. Once the Public Warrants become exercisable, we may call the Public Warrants for redemption:

 

   

in whole and not in part;

 

   

at $0.10 per warrant upon a minimum of 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption provided that holders will be able to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis prior to redemption and receive that number of shares determined by reference to the table below, based on the redemption date and the “fair market value” (as defined below) of our Common Stock except as otherwise described below; and

 

   

if, and only if, the closing price of our Common Stock equals or exceeds $10.00 per share (as adjusted for adjustments to the number of shares issuable upon exercise or the exercise price of a warrant as described under the heading “—Warrants—Public Warrants—Anti-Dilution Adjustments”) for any 20 trading days within the 30-trading day period ending three trading days before we send the notice of redemption to the warrant holders.

Beginning on the date the notice of redemption is given until the warrants are redeemed or exercised, holders may elect to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis. The numbers in the table below represent the “redemption prices,” or the number of shares of our Common Stock that a warrant holder will receive upon such cashless exercise in connection with a redemption by us pursuant to this redemption feature, based on the “fair market value” of our Common Stock on the corresponding redemption date (assuming holders elect to exercise their warrants and such warrants are not redeemed for $0.10 per warrant), determined based on the volume-weighted average price of our Common Stock during the 10 trading days immediately following the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of Public Warrants, and the number of months that the corresponding redemption date precedes the expiration date of the Public Warrants, each as set forth in the table below.

The share prices set forth in the column headings of the table below will be adjusted as of any date on which the number of shares issuable upon exercise of a warrant is adjusted as set forth in the first three paragraphs under the heading “ —Anti-dilution adjustments” below. The adjusted stock prices in the column headings will equal

 

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the stock prices immediately prior to such adjustment, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares deliverable upon exercise of a Public Warrant immediately prior to such adjustment and the denominator of which is the number of shares deliverable upon exercise of a Public Warrant as so adjusted. The number of shares in the table below shall be adjusted in the same manner and at the same time as the number of shares issuable upon exercise of a Public Warrant.

 

     Fair Market Value of Common Stock  

Redemption Date (period to

expiration of warrants)

   £ $10.00      $11.00      $12.00      $13.00      $14.00      $15.00      $16.00      $17.00      ³ $18.00  

60 months

     0.261        0.281        0.297        0.311        0.324        0.337        0.348        0.358        0.361  

57 months

     0.257        0.277        0.294        0.310        0.324        0.337        0.348        0.358        0.361  

54 months

     0.252        0.272        0.291        0.307        0.322        0.335        0.347        0.357        0.361  

51 months

     0.246        0.268        0.287        0.304        0.320        0.333        0.346        0.357        0.361  

48 months

     0.241        0.263        0.283        0.301        0.317        0.332        0.344        0.356        0.361  

45 months

     0.235        0.258        0.279        0.298        0.315        0.330        0.343        0.356        0.361  

42 months

     0.228        0.252        0.274        0.294        0.312        0.328        0.342        0.355        0.361  

39 months

     0.221        0.246        0.269        0.290        0.309        0.325        0.340        0.354        0.361  

36 months

     0.213        0.239        0.263        0.285        0.305        0.323        0.339        0.353        0.361  

33 months

     0.205        0.232        0.257        0.280        0.301        0.320        0.337        0.352        0.361  

30 months

     0.196        0.224        0.250        0.274        0.297        0.316        0.335        0.351        0.361  

27 months

     0.185        0.214        0.242        0.268        0.291        0.313        0.332        0.350        0.361  

24 months

     0.173        0.204        0.233        0.260        0.285        0.308        0.329        0.348        0.361  

21 months

     0.161        0.193        0.223        0.252        0.279        0.304        0.326        0.347        0.361  

18 months

     0.146        0.179        0.211        0.242        0.271        0.298        0.322        0.345        0.361  

15 months

     0.130        0.164        0.197        0.230        0.262        0.291        0.317        0.342        0.361  

12 months

     0.111        0.146        0.181        0.216        0.250        0.282        0.312        0.339        0.361  

9 months

     0.090        0.125        0.162        0.199        0.237        0.272        0.305        0.336        0.361  

6 months

     0.065        0.099        0.137        0.178        0.219        0.259        0.296        0.331        0.361  

3 months

     0.034        0.065        0.104        0.150        0.197        0.243        0.286        0.326        0.361  

0 months

     —          —          0.042        0.115        0.179        0.233        0.281        0.323        0.361  

The exact fair market value and redemption date may not be set forth in the table above, in which case, if the fair market value is between two values in the table or the redemption date is between two redemption dates in the table, the number of shares of our Common Stock to be issued for each Public Warrant exercised will be determined by a straight-line interpolation between the number of shares set forth for the higher and lower fair market values and the earlier and later redemption dates, as applicable, based on a 365- or 366-day year, as applicable. Finally, as reflected in the table above, we can redeem the Public Warrants for no consideration in the event that the Public Warrants are “out of the money” (i.e., the trading price of our Common Stock is below the exercise price of the Public Warrants) and about to expire.

As stated above, we can redeem the Public Warrants when the shares of our Common Stock are trading at a price starting at $10.00, which is below the exercise price of $11.50, because it will provide certainty with respect to our capital structure and cash position while providing warrant holders with the opportunity to exercise their warrants on a cashless basis for the applicable number of shares. If we choose to redeem the Public Warrants when the our Common Stock is trading at a price below the exercise price of the Public Warrants, this could result in the warrant holders receiving fewer shares of our Common Stock than they would have received if they had chosen to wait to exercise their warrants for our Common Stock if and when such shares of our Common Stock were trading at a price higher than the exercise price of $11.50.

No fractional shares of our Common Stock will be issued upon exercise. If, upon exercise, a holder would be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share, we will round down to the nearest whole number of the number of shares of our Common Stock to be issued to the holder.

 

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A holder of a warrant may notify us in writing in the event it elects to be subject to a requirement that such holder will not have the right to exercise such warrant, to the extent that after giving effect to such exercise, such person (together with such person’s affiliates), to the warrant agent’s actual knowledge, would beneficially own in excess of 9.8% (as specified by the holder) of the our Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise.

Anti-Dilution Adjustments. If the number of outstanding shares of our Common Stock is increased by a stock dividend payable in shares of our Common Stock, or by a split-up of shares of our Common Stock or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such stock dividend, split-up or similar event, the number of shares of our Common Stock issuable on exercise of each Public Warrant will be increased in proportion to such increase in the outstanding shares of our Common Stock. A rights offering to holders of our Common Stock entitling holders to purchase shares of our Common Stock at a price less than the fair market value will be deemed a stock dividend of a number of shares of our Common Stock equal to the product of (a) the number of shares of our Common Stock actually sold in such rights offering (or issuable under any other equity securities sold in such rights offering that are convertible into or exercisable for our Common Stock) multiplied by (b) 1 minus the quotient of (x) the price per share of our Common Stock paid in such rights offering divided by (y) the fair market value. For these purposes (i) if the rights offering is for securities convertible into or exercisable for our Common Stock, in determining the price payable for our Common Stock, there will be taken into account any consideration received for such rights, as well as any additional amount payable upon exercise or conversion and (ii) fair market value means the volume weighted average price of our Common Stock as reported during the 10 trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the first date on which the shares of our Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive such rights.

If the number of outstanding shares of our Common Stock is decreased by a consolidation, combination, reverse stock split or reclassification of shares of our Common Stock or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such consolidation, combination, reverse stock split, reclassification or similar event, the number of shares of our Common Stock issuable on exercise of each Public Warrant will be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding shares of our Common Stock.

Whenever the number of shares of our Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Public Warrants is adjusted, as described above, the warrant exercise price will be adjusted by multiplying the warrant exercise price immediately prior to such adjustment by a fraction (x) the numerator of which will be the number of shares of our Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the Public Warrants immediately prior to such adjustment, and (y) the denominator of which will be the number of shares of our Common Stock so purchasable immediately thereafter.

In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock (other than those described above or that solely affects the par value of such shares of our Common Stock), or in the case of any merger or consolidation of us with or into another corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in which we are the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of our outstanding shares of our Common Stock), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the assets or other property of us as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which we are dissolved, the holders of the Public Warrants will thereafter have the right to purchase and receive, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified in the Public Warrants and in lieu of the shares of our Common Stock immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented thereby, the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, merger or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any such sale or transfer, that the holder of the Public Warrants would have received if such holder had exercised their Public Warrants immediately prior to such event. If less than 70% of the consideration received by the holders of our Common Stock in such a transaction is payable in the form of securities or shares in the successor entity that is listed for trading on a national securities exchange or is quoted in an established over-the-counter market, or is to

 

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be so listed for trading or quoted immediately following such event, and if the registered holder of the Public Warrant properly exercises the Public Warrant within thirty days following public disclosure of such transaction, the warrant exercise price will be reduced as specified in the Continental Warrant Agreement based on the Black-Scholes value (as defined in the Continental Warrant Agreement) of the Public Warrant.

The Public Warrants will be issued in registered form under the Continental Warrant Agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as warrant agent, and us. You should review a copy of the Continental Warrant Agreement, which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, for a complete description of the terms and conditions applicable to the Public Warrants. The Continental Warrant Agreement provides that the terms of the Public Warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision, but requires the approval by the holders of at least 65% of the then outstanding Public Warrants to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders of Public Warrant.

The Public Warrants may be exercised upon surrender of the warrant certificate on or prior to the expiration date at the offices of the warrant agent, with the exercise form on the reverse side of the warrant certificate completed and executed as indicated, accompanied by full payment of the exercise price (or on a cashless basis, if applicable), by certified or official bank check payable to us, for the number of Public Warrants being exercised. The warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of our Common Stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares of our Common Stock. After the issuance of shares of our Common Stock upon exercise of the Public Warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.

No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of the Public Warrants. If, upon exercise of the Public Warrants, a holder would be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share, we will, upon exercise, round down to the nearest whole number of shares of our Common Stock to be issued to the warrant holder.

Private Placement Warrants

The Private Placement Warrants (including the our Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Private Placement Warrants) will not, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by our Sponsor until the earliest to occur of (i) 365 days after the date of the Closing, (ii) the first day after the date on which the closing price of the our Common Stock equals or exceeds $12.00 per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30-trading day period commencing at least 150 days after the date of the Closing, or (iii) the date on which we complete a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transaction that results in all of our public stockholders having the right to exchange their our Common Stock for cash, securities or other property; and they will not be redeemable by us so long as they are held by our Sponsor or its permitted transferees. Otherwise, the Private Placement Warrants have terms and provisions that are identical to those of the Public Warrants, including as to exercise price, exercisability and exercise period. If the Private Placement Warrants are held by holders other than our Sponsor or its permitted transferees, the Private Placement Warrants will be redeemable by us and exercisable by the holders on the same basis as the Public Warrants.

If holders of the Private Placement Warrants elect to exercise them on a cashless basis, they would pay the exercise price by surrendering their warrants for that number of shares of our Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of our Common Stock underlying the warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the warrants and the “fair market value” (defined below) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” shall mean the average reported last sale price of the our Common Stock for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of warrant exercise is sent to the warrant agent. The reason that we agreed that these warrants will be exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held by the Sponsor or its permitted transferees is because it was not known at the time of issuance whether they would be affiliated with us following the Busi